Negative engagement in the public space is having a “profound effect” on charity campaigners, a new report has warned.

The Sheila McKechnie Foundation’s Annual Campaigner Survey, published today, says a fractious and polarised “public square” is increasingly a barrier and a source of personal risk to people working in the field. 

The report says that six in 10 respondents to its latest survey, carried out at the end of 2024, said negative rhetoric was affecting their work. 

One-third of respondents said civil society felt less confident about campaigning due to factors including fear of online, media or even physical attack, fear of legal retribution for previously acceptable actions such as protest, or a lack of internal support. 

“In Northern Ireland, we’ve seen threats and actual violence, intimidation and racially motivated attacks,” one respondent said. 

“Changes to policing of protest have led to a more cautious approach to non-violent direct action and we know that some of our members have been more hesitant at participating in protests and demonstrations,” said another. 

The survey, which included responses from 68 campaigners, found 66 per cent reported resistance or backlash from politicians and 52 per cent from the media in the past year. 

The report says that despite campaigner wellbeing being under pressure, they are finding ways to maintain momentum and morale. 

When asked how they maintained momentum and morale in the face of difficulties, the report says there was a strong skew towards collective approaches to care and wellbeing. 

The top three most popular responses were staying connected with colleagues and peers, taking time to celebrate successes and staying connected to values, mission and purpose. 

The report also says charity campaigners are adopting a “wait and see” approach to the new government. 

“Overall, campaigners report increased willingness to engage in open dialogue from the new administration,” the report says. 

“Just over half (51 per cent) report greater access to decision-makers under the new government, with 53 per cent saying that the government is more open to campaigners influencing policy and 59 per cent reporting it is more open to meaningful consultation.”

Pete Moorey, chair of the Sheila McKechnie Foundation, said campaigning remains tough. 

“Polarisation, media hostility and restrictive laws are real challenges and we can’t ignore the emotional toll this takes. 

“Campaigners are resilient, but they need more than just encouragement – they need stronger networks, sustained funding and long-term support to keep driving change.”