To mark Volunteers’ Week (1-7 June), Bristol is celebrating the invaluable contribution volunteers have made to the city’s response during the COVID-19 pandemic. Since the pandemic began, thousands of people and community organisations have come together to support the most vulnerable residents in the city. Whether it’s organised volunteering through Can Do Bristol, phoning someone who is lonely or shopping for an isolated neighbour, Bristol’s response to COVID-19 has been incredible. Councillor Asher Craig, Deputy Mayor and Cabinet Member for Communities, Equalities and Public Health, said: “This year, more than any other, Bristol volunteers have played a key role in the pandemic response for our city. “During an exceptionally difficult year, people from all walks of life have taken the time to come together as One City and have made a significant difference to so many people’s lives.
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“Regardless of if you were registered as a volunteer or if you just wanted to help a neighbour or a friend, you have played your part. Even those actions which, to you, seemed small will have meant a lot to those you helped. What you have done matters.” Sandra Meadows, CEO at Voscur, the support and development agency for Bristol's Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise (VCSE) sector, commented: “Volunteers are an essential part of the VCSE sector ecosystem. During the pandemic, we rely on the generosity of volunteers more than ever. We thank each and every volunteer for the valuable contribution they have made.” Sado Jirde, Director of the Black South West Network, added: “We recognise that the impact of the pandemic would have been much worse if the local communities and organisations didn’t mobilise with the essential input from local volunteers to provide the solidarity and support to those in need. “We would like to thank all those who offered their time and dedication during this pandemic and volunteered with local services and programmes, as the inspirational volunteers we had the privilege to work with during our Food Hub Consortium project over the past year.”
