Wishing you and your loved ones a safe, peaceful festive period, and a happy New Year
This year, Bristolians’ spirit has continued to shine through – just as it did throughout the pandemic. Thank you to everyone who has kept working during this national cost of living crisis to support people across our city in what remain tough times.
My annual e-card again highlights an important cause in Bristol. As always, it has been a real challenge to pick just one.
Inflation in general, and the energy crisis in particular, continue to disproportionately affect our most vulnerable residents. We have developed an online cost of living support hub and are continuing to deliver free activities and food for children over the winter school holidays.
We are proud to have worked with city partners across Bristol to develop a network of more than 80 warm, Welcoming Spaces. You can find your nearest one; read about how and why we set them up; volunteer with Can Do Bristol; and, if you would like, donate to support the Welcoming Spaces.
This year, together we have helped others persevere through adversity: showing character, building resilience, and inspiring hope. Working as One City, Bristol can look forward to 2023 with real hope.
With my very best wishes over Hanukkah and Christmas, and for the New Year,
P. S. We were lucky enough to host a carol concert at City Hall by Armonia, an award-winning Romanian choir, earlier this month, organised by the Honorary Consul-General of Romania in the South West of England. I’ve posted a video of them performing Carol of the Bells (Shchedryk, in the original Ukrainian) on social media.