Rob's Story: "a lot of people were restless to help"

After the racist violence broke out last week, it was easy to get wrapped up in feelings of despair and helplessness.

Seeing constant photos and videos of stones being thrown through people's windows, buses being burnt out and threats towards people's safety on a constant loop for hours online, it would have been so easy to give in to those feelings.

I think a lot of people were restless to help.

So getting involved with Anaka, being able to offer lifts and deliver groceries and overall contribute to helping to keep people safe and seeing all the other people doing the same and much more was really heartening.

It really helped me see how those involved in the racist riots were not in the majority. That, on top of the Unite Against Racism rally on Saturday attended by thousands of people, really put into perspective.

There are thousands of people who will not stand for this racist violence and who want to ensure that everyone who lives in Northern Ireland maintains their rights to safety and peace.