Charity stories can shine a light of hope amidst the hate
Charities have powerful stories of hope, progress and impact to tell, and sharing them more confidently can help counter fear, cynicism and hate.
Reading Hope Not Hate’s new report on the state of hate in the UK, it is hard not to feel worried. The far right feels increasingly visible and aggressive. Yet for all the report’s warnings, it was the final line that stayed with me:
“Hope itself is an action, not just a blind belief.”
I love that, because it reframes hope as something active. Hope is not just waiting for things to get better; it is choosing to do something that helps make them better. And by that definition, charities might be some of the most hopeful forces we have. We need to get better at telling those hopeful stories.
Across the sector, charities are not just wishing for change; they are creating it. Every campaign, every service and every act of support contributes to something better, whether that is in a local community or on a global scale.
We need to remember that. In a climate where fear and cynicism travel quickly, especially on social media, stories of positive progress are not just nice to have. They’re part of how we build confidence, solidarity and momentum.
The difficulty is that charities are often too busy doing the work to pause and reflect on what they have achieved. We move from one challenge to the next, rarely stopping to look at the difference being made. As our CEO, Debra Allcock Tyler, often says: “when you’re shovelling sh*t, you have got to stop to look around at the horses”.
Maybe we should not just look around at the horses. Maybe it is time we showed them off: took them to the horse show, put them in the parade and reminded people what all that hard work makes possible.
What makes a charity story truly impactful?
Here’s a practical checklist:
- What makes it hopeful? Show what the story proves is possible, especially in the face of difficult circumstances.
- What changed? Be specific about the difference your work made. Avoid general claims and focus on a clear outcome, shift or moment of progress.
- Who benefited? Put people or communities at the centre of the story, while making sure you have consent and are telling the story with dignity.
- Why does it matter now? Link the story to a timely issue, wider trend or current challenge so readers understand why it is relevant.
- What evidence do you have? Include useful detail such as numbers, quotes, observations, evaluation findings or before-and-after examples.
- Is it easy to retell? Make the core message simple enough for a journalist, creator, supporter or colleague to explain in one sentence.
- What can others learn or do? Give the reader something to take away, whether that is a lesson, an idea, a reason to support you or a call to action.
Where to share those stories
There are plenty of outlets, creators and platforms actively looking for stories about progress, solutions and people making a difference. So where should charities take these stories? There are more places than you might think.
The media
BBC Breakfast – Rise and Shine
Rise and Shine is an uplifting, weekly segment on BBC Breakfast that celebrates positive community stories, everyday heroes, and acts of kindness across the UK. The feature focuses on grassroots positivity to counterbalance heavier news, so get in touch and show off the positive things your charity is up to!
BBC World Service – People Changing the World
A programme dedicated to showcasing people and organisations tackling some of the world’s biggest challenges. If your charity is delivering innovative solutions or creating significant impact, this could be a good place to start.
A publication focused entirely on reporting progress, solutions and social impact. If your charity has evidence of meaningful change, Positive News is always worth considering.
An Instagram-based platform that shares stories of innovation, progress and positive change from around the world.
Social media creators
- Sam Bentley – Shares stories of environmental and social progress with a large and engaged audience
- A Positive Take – Highlights uplifting stories and examples of people making a difference
- Smiley News – Focuses on positive and inspiring news stories from around the world
- Bethan McGinley – Creates content centred on positive news, community action and social impact
Local and community media
Don’t overlook local newspapers, community newsletters, regional radio stations and local Facebook groups. National coverage is great, but local media often has a direct connection to the communities charities serve and can be more receptive to impact stories.
Your own platforms
Charities often think of a story as one output, but remember, that one good story can become a press pitch, blog, LinkedIn post, newsletter item, short video, fundraising appeal and an annual report case study. Additionally, not every story needs to be a national headline. Sometimes the most powerful stories are local, specific and human-sized.
In an age where fear travels quickly, stories of care, solidarity and change matter. They remind people that progress is still possible, and that it is already happening. Hope is not passive. It is something we build, fund, campaign for, deliver and share.
So if your charity is doing work that makes life better for people, don’t hide it away. Tell the story. Show off those horses!
Worried about the rise in hate and it’s impact on your organisation? Check out DSC’s free Charities Against Hate – how to respond to racism resource, which gives practical actions that charities can take to ensure their own safety and continued operation, Download your copy here.
