Hope appeal hits £200k before Guardian telethon

Published: 12 December 2025. The English Chronicle Desk. The English Chronicle Online.

The opening week of the Guardian’s Hope appeal has delivered a remarkable early outcome, drawing more than £200,000 from readers moved by a shared desire to support vital grassroots charities working tirelessly across the United Kingdom. The early achievement comes before the annual fundraising telethon, which is scheduled for Saturday and expected to elevate the total further as volunteers prepare for a full day of live calls.

The appeal highlights a diverse group of organisations dedicated to strengthening communities during a period shaped by rising tensions and frequent political polarisation. Each charity brings a unique approach to fostering unity, dignity, and shared purpose, while supporting those most affected by growing social challenges across Britain. Their collective presence within the appeal underscores a national recognition that community resilience remains one of the strongest antidotes to division.

The first week’s donations reflect widespread acknowledgment of the charities’ ongoing work, with contributions continuing to arrive from households determined to help local groups nurture stability. The appeal has drawn attention from longstanding supporters, new donors, and individuals inspired by the stories shared through the Guardian’s coverage. These stories have revealed the transformative effect that community projects can have when they receive sustained support.

The 2025 appeal focuses on five charities that each carry a distinct mission. Citizens UK champions community organising by empowering local residents and training grassroots leaders. The Linking Network creates opportunities for children from different backgrounds to share space, exchange experiences, and learn to respect difference. Locality supports community organisations delivering essential services in neighbourhoods that often feel overlooked. Hope Unlimited engages young people in projects that build confidence and foster constructive dialogue, while Who Is Your Neighbour? works to reduce fear and hostility in communities impacted by misinformation and inequality.

Every organisation involved in the appeal concentrates on strengthening local confidence and building trust among groups experiencing increasingly hostile rhetoric. Their work has become especially vital at a time when divisive narratives often overshadow the calm, patient efforts of grassroots leaders working daily to create more hopeful environments.

The Guardian has already highlighted several key initiatives supported by the appeal. Reporters recently visited a Linking Network programme in Bradford where children from multiple faiths and cultures participate in safe, creative activities designed to build understanding. The atmosphere during the visit reflected the enthusiasm of the young participants and demonstrated how early engagement can help reduce future prejudice.

Another report documented a Locality member project in Sunderland called Back In The Room, where organisers support residents still recovering from the 2024 riots. Those riots grew from complex frustrations but were intensified by far-right narratives that sought to deepen divides. The project offers residents a place to talk, collaborate, and rebuild trust after a period marked by grief and uncertainty.

The appeal has also received enthusiastic support from volunteers preparing for the Saturday telethon, which will run from 10am until 6pm. Dozens of journalists will staff the phone lines, including well-known figures who have participated in previous years. Their involvement brings additional visibility to the appeal and encourages readers to engage directly with the fundraising effort. The phone team includes Polly Toynbee, John Crace, Jonathan Liew, Patrick Wintour, and Simon Hattenstone, each bringing a familiar voice to the day’s efforts.

Citizens UK chief executive Matthew Bolton expressed deep gratitude as the appeal surpassed its first major milestone. His message celebrated the donors and emphasised the practical difference the funds will make in the coming year. He explained that donations will help train new organisers, support placements for young volunteers, and offer leadership programmes for community members determined to bring positive change to their neighbourhoods. Bolton noted that the funds will help challenge polarising rhetoric by equipping local residents with the tools to build unity rather than discord.

Guardian editor-in-chief Katharine Viner introduced the appeal with a message centred on optimism during difficult times. She described the theme of this year’s campaign as “hope,” a word chosen intentionally to reaffirm the possibility of social harmony during an era of intense disagreement. Viner praised the work of the partner charities and highlighted their ability to nurture pride and compassion across communities that often face declining resources and rising pressure. She stated that their projects offer an alternative to the hostility that sometimes dominates public dialogue.

The appeal seeks not only to raise funds but also to inspire deeper understanding of how communities function when residents feel supported. Each charity works to strengthen ties where they may have weakened due to economic strain or unstable cultural debate. Their projects demonstrate how human connection can flourish even during periods of difficulty, offering proof that shared values remain central to British society.

The telethon’s volunteers include several additional journalists who will contribute to the eight-hour fundraising effort. Hugh Muir, Amelia Gentleman, Owen Gibson, Helena Horton, Annie Kelly, and Sirin Kale will join the forty-strong team taking calls from readers inspired by the early success. The event has become a familiar annual moment for Guardian supporters who appreciate the opportunity to engage directly with individuals advocating for positive change.

The success of the campaign’s early days affirms that readers believe in the value of collective action. Many donors have expressed a desire to support smaller charities that rarely receive widespread attention but play essential roles in the lives of vulnerable residents. The appeal’s organisers hope the rising momentum will continue through the weekend, strengthening the capacity of each partner organisation to plan long-term projects that can benefit families for years to come.

The Hope appeal’s progress reflects a broader mood of determination within the United Kingdom, where many communities have experienced sharp pressures but continue striving for dignity and mutual respect. The appeal offers a space for people to express solidarity while contributing to initiatives that quietly transform lives. As donations grow, the message becomes stronger: united action can still push back against the forces that seek to divide people.

Saturday’s telethon marks an important moment in the campaign, as volunteers prepare to receive thousands of calls from individuals motivated by the stories they have followed. The number to call remains 0203 353 4368, and organisers expect steady activity throughout the day. They remain hopeful that the combined goodwill of readers and supporters will drive the appeal toward new heights, reinforcing the national desire for a more cohesive future.

The first week’s milestone is only the beginning of a longer journey for the Hope appeal. Its success depends not only on financial contributions but also on the continued belief that communities deserve investment, attention, and respect. The appeal has already demonstrated that many people share that belief, offering a powerful reminder that compassion remains a defining element of British life.