Campaign launched to combat social hostility and division
Stuart McKay · Posted on: February 12th 2026 · read
Civil Society reports that major sector organisations have launched A Million Acts of Hope, a campaign designed to counter growing social hostility and division - and the “chilling effect” they say polarised debate and hostile narratives can have on civil society and charities’ ability to operate freely.
The campaign - developed by organisations including NCVO and Hope Not Hate- aims to highlight and encourage everyday acts of kindness and community support, such as volunteering, community food growing and children’s sports coaching.
More than 30 organisations have already signed up, including Save the Children UK, the Wildlife Trusts and Crisis, and the initiative will culminate in a week of action from 13 to 20 May 2026.
Commenting on the launch, NCVO CEO Kate Lee said that charities’ work is “increasingly under threat” and called for collective action to reaffirm shared values and create space for positive, inclusive civic action.
The article also links the campaign to wider sector concern about safety and operating context. It notes that NCVO research published in December found charity employees, volunteers and beneficiaries were feeling “increasingly unsafe” amid growing social and political division, and that the Charity Commission also issued guidance (in December) on how charities can respond to the current “hostile environment”.
Civil Society further references King’s College London research indicating that 84% of people surveyed in November 2025 felt the UK was divided (up from 79% two years earlier).
For charities, the campaign provides a useful prompt to revisit reputational risk and communications in a more polarised environment, including whether public-facing messaging and supporter engagement remain clear, balanced and aligned to the organisation’s charitable purposes and values. It also suggests taking a fresh look at people-related controls through a safeguarding and wellbeing lens, particularly whether staff and volunteer support, incident reporting routes and escalation processes are fit for purposes where colleagues or beneficiaries may experience hostility or intimidation.
"For organisations where it is relevant, the campaign may also offer a constructive opportunity to showcase community benefit, partnerships and volunteering, helping to reinforce public trust and provide a positive counter-narrative to hostile commentary."
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