Thank you Bristol

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. “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.”

As part of the week, Bristol City Council is recognising volunteers’ contribution in a special film of thanks which shines a spotlight on just some of the people who have worked so tirelessly this year. The film can be seen here: https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=rZZxNDnRomE

Bristol residents are also being invited to recognise and thank their own local volunteering stars. There are special Volunteers’

Week postcards available at community venues for residents to fill out a message of thanks to someone who helped them during the year and hand it to them. They can also contribute to Bristol’s Virtual Wall of Thanks by suggesting a volunteer star for recognition at: https://www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/VolunteerWeekThanks/

Volunteers’ Week takes place 1-7 June every year. It's a chance to recognise the fantastic contribution volunteers make to our communities and say thank you. Volunteers’ Week is supported and celebrated by small grassroots organisations as well as larger, household-name charities, who together run hundreds of activities across the UK. These activities showcase and celebrate volunteers and the contribution volunteering makes in our communities.

Find out more here

MARIO’S BARBER SHOP

10 The Parade, Hengrove, Bristol, BS14 9BZ

Traditional & modern gents Italian hairdresser OAP concessions Monday - Thursday Over 20 years experience No Appointment Necessary Monday - Thursday 9am - 5:30pm Wednesday 9am - 1pm Friday 9am - 6pm Saturday 8:30am - 5pm

TEL: 01179 728 771

Hengrove Community Centre

Fortfield Rd, Hengrove BS14 9NX Tuesday Morning Wednesday Afternoon//Evening

Sarah: 07879 44388 Hengrove Community Centre

Fortfield Rd Hengrove BS14 9NX Tuesday Afternoon//Evening

Vicky: 07710 626746

Christ Church Hall Petherton Road Hengrove BS14 9BP Saturday Morning

Keesa: 07399 597267