New national research shows that 12% of the UK population, more than 1 in 10 adults, have seen or personally experienced anti-Muslim behaviour in public spaces, including retail settings, public transport and sporting events.

Critically, the survey also reveals that 10% of UK adults have actively challenged Islamophobia behaviour, a number the charity behind the research, Better Communities Bradford (BCB), says directly reflects the impact of grassroots education initiatives increasing public awareness and confidence.

Community organisation BCB, which has been delivering Islamophobia education since 2024, says that programmes like Project Unity have played a pivotal role in equipping the public to recognise discrimination and intervene constructively, helping support a growing national culture of everyday allyship, rather than silent witnessing.

Since launching in early 2025, Project Unity has trained thousands of people across workplaces and community settings, with a specific focus on recognising Islamophobia, understanding media distortion, and practising safe, non-escalatory challenge. 

BCB states that this direct investment in public education is helping adults understand and even challenge hate when they see it, an indicator of rising awareness previously unseen at this scale.

Abbas Najib (pictured above), Chief Executive of Better Communities Bradford, commented: “A decade ago, Anti-Muslim Prejudice was confronted mostly by those targeted by it. Today, more than one in ten people across the UK are spotting it and stepping in to challenge it themselves. 

That shift didn’t happen by accident it is the result of education, courage, and sustained awareness-building by community-led initiatives like Project Unity.”

Over the next 12 months, Project Unity will deliver free interactive workshops and interfaith dialogues across England with a focus on Yorkshire, reaching colleges, universities, community venues, public sector organisations, and workplaces. 

Each session is designed to debunk harmful myths, challenge media narratives, and give people the tools to engage thoughtfully and honestly.

Workshops include:

• Myths and Misconceptions driving Anti-Muslim Hate 
• Islam, Extremism, and the Narrative War – Separating mainstream beliefs from extremist ideologies 
• The Truth About ‘Grooming Gangs’ – Challenging racial scapegoating with facts and context 
• Does Islam Oppress Women? – Exploring women’s rights, agency, and misperceptions 
• Islam, Terrorism, and Security – Understanding Islam’s stance on justice and violence 
• Media and Political Narratives – How bias and misinformation shape public opinion 

Workshops are tailored to context, backed by evidence, and led by facilitators with both lived and professional expertise. Project Unity is more than a response to rising prejudice; it’s a proactive call to organisations across the UK to become visible allies in the fight against Anti-Muslim Hate. 

Partnering with Project Unity means demonstrating clear leadership on equity and inclusion, while actively strengthening organisational culture and social cohesion. It offers the opportunity to equip staff, students, or teams with essential cultural and religious literacy, helping to foster a more respectful and informed environment. 

Additionally, such engagement reduces reputational risk and helps address growing societal divisions through proactive, values-led action.