How to support RNLI in South Yorkshire as volunteers face 'unacceptable abuse'
The organisation’s chief executive says volunteers have faced online and physical abuse since anti-migrant protests
Doncaster might be miles from the sea - but here’s how you can support the RNLI in the wake of volunteers facing ‘unacceptable’ online and physical abuse since anti-migrant protests at the weekend.
On Sunday, police faced off with demonstrators who blocked roads in Portsmouth in an effort to stop 140 people who arrived at the Eastney Landing ferry port area with the RNLI's assistance.
Chief executive Peter Sparkes said the abuse of volunteers was "wholly unacceptable in a civilised society.”
And while South Yorkshire might be some way from the sea, the organisation still has a local branch that people can support with fundraising.
Mr Sparkes said there had been "deliberate misinformation and a misunderstanding" about the charity, and condemned threats by "those who would hide behind a balaclava or a keyboard".
In a statement issued on Tuesday, Mr Sparkes said: "Recent events have generated deliberate misinformation and a misunderstanding about the RNLI – our purpose, our tasking, and particularly our lifesaving work in the Channel.
"Sadly, as a result, some of our volunteers and staff have been the subject of online and, in the worst cases, physical abuse.
"The RNLI's people represent the very best in our society, they selflessly give up their time to keep others safe."
He continued: "We will take whatever steps we can, to care for and protect our people and their families."
Mr Sparkes described illegal migration as a "polarising subject" and urged people to "be mindful of misinformation" and the "impact it has upon others".
He said: "Be reassured that the RNLI and our crews strive only to prevent people like you and me from drowning at sea.
"Stand by them, not against them and their families.
Of the 9,058 RNLI lifeboat launches in 2025, 109 were to those "in distress in the Channel", Sparkes said, which makes up 1.2% of the charity's total rescue work.
"Our mission, and our tasking is to rescue those women, children and men in danger of drowning," he added.
In South Yorkshire, the RNLI has a branch in Barnsley.
A spokesperson said: “Barnsley may be miles from the sea, but the RNLI has a special significance for our branch members who appreciate the valuable work of our volunteers near and far, landlocked or at sea.
“If you live in and around Barnsley and would like to get involved in events we organise to support our lifesaving volunteers, we would love to hear from you.”