Austerity, cost of living pressures and a chronic lack of investment have damaged the physical and social fabric of some UK towns and neighbourhoods far more than others. In places where large numbers of people feel disheartened about living standards and prospects, and disenchanted by democratic politics as a result, a whole range of grievances can take hold. This year’s Guardian charity appeal is all about countering the alarming rise of far-right, anti-migrant and other extremist politics – and the misconceptions that fuel them. We and our partners are convinced that the fraying threads of communities can be woven back together with effort and imagination, supported by your generous donations.

If polarisation is fuelled by digital capitalism’s commodification of attention – as illustrated by the role of social media in inflaming anti-migrant protests – cohesion and cooperation increase when people build bridges in real life. The charities and projects in this year’s appeal in this year’s appeal

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