Vocalise Summer Edition 2020 - Issue 15

Sum m er edi tion

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Welcome Hello, It’s good to be back. Sadly, we were unable to print and distribute issue 14 to you back in April but it’s available online via Issuu- or give us an email and we’ll send you a digital copy.

info@vocalisemagazine.org.uk

We hope everyone has been keeping safe and we’re excited to share some stories celebrating the community coming together during this time.

If you want to comment or share any stories our inbox is open.

Happy reading

Hollyanne Schnieden Project Coordinator

Contents 3 4 5 6 7 8-9 10-11 12-13 14-15

Local Photos Carnival Queen Carnival online celebrations Thoughts from an Oldie Student Success & Portland Sq Garden Being Elderly During Covid 19 A week of living and loving in lockdown St Pauls advice Centre Thank You Bristol

Thanks to: Harriet Wood, Corinne Brennigan, Paper Arts, Amicus Foster Care, St Pauls Advice Centre, The Network, Thangham Debonnaire, Cllr Mike Davies, OTR, Melomi Stephenson, Ida Amegby., Lucille Smith, Anna Norris Also A big thanks for all the key workers and community members for staying strong and safe during this time. and to our delivery team who will be getting this magazine to you!

Published by: Vocalise Bristol CIC Backfields House Upper York Street Bristol BS2 8QJ

Co-ordinated and designed by: Hollyanne Schnieden

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Ubuntu Food Hub and Ads Colouring page and kids activity Bristol Protest BLM poem Sisters of the Church OTR & Council contacts Politics The Network: Trust, Joy & Connection

16 17 18-19 20 21 22 23 24-25 26-27

Thanks to Directors and Volunteers: Vandna Mehta (founder) Hilary Finch Tina Brown Lydia Latham MacQueen Lynn Mareno Carlos Casas Anna Ruggiero Judith Davis //Kabbo Ferdinand Dave Holden Emmaus - fitting sentiment info@vocalisemagazine.org.uk vocalisemagazine.org.uk @vocaliseBristol

Vocalise Bristol CIC

@vocaliseBristol This is YOUR community magazine, if you’d like to be involved, get in touch!

Vectors from Vecteezy.com and some photographs from Unsplash

Local Photos

Hilary Finch Anna Ruggiero

Dave Holden

@mike22inks on instagram

A BiG THANK YOU! Our team has worked especially hard on this issue during lockdown - if you want to show your love for Vocalise colour in the rainbow on page 18 and put it in your window.

Send us a photo to put in issue 16!

Some articles talk about Coronavirus- news and advice surrounding lockdown is changing constantly so please refer to NHS and government websites for the most accurate information.

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Cover Story

Carnival Queen A new mural from Hazard0ne Written by Harriet Wood

Harriet infront of her new mural in St Pauls. ‘Carnival Queen’

It was great to get back out and paint in my neighbourhood! A year ago I had completed the Carnival piece on Wilder Street (on the hoardings of one of the new builds) which wound up on the official St.Paul's carnival T-Shirts and as prints (and as Vocalise's front cover!) and a year on, that piece is looking a little tired so I'm in conversations about re-painting that space, but I wanted there to be a symbol of St.Paul's carnival still in the community! We arranged for the new mural to be on the wall opposite the Jamaica Inn/ Inkerman Pub and I put a post out on social media asking for a Bristol Carnival womxn to be the face of the project. I usually use references I find on the internet but why not use a real Bristol Carnival Queen?! I was surprisingly overwhelmed with local people wanting to be the face of the new mural and had a lot to choose from. I added a colourful headdress and flowers to brighten up the space, especially in these dark times! Now there's a new carnival queen in the event's absence this year. I had so much positive feedback from passers-by and a couple of very exciting painting opportunities in the area too as a result - so watch this space!

More from Hazard can be found on her website www.hazardone.co.uk or @hazard0ne

Want to get involved?

If you are interested in contirbuting to Vocalise in our October editon please get in touch to discuss your idea or advert.

info@vocalisemagazine.org.uk

The deadline for submissions is 4th Septemeber 4

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE The Super Six on History being made in Bristol at Black Lives Matter March The Super Six on History being 8made in2020 Bristol at Black Lives Matter March th June 8th June 2020 [BRISTOL, 8TH June 2020] As a collective of Bristol-based Black-led community organisations, June 2020] As a collective of ago Bristol-based organisations, [BRISTOL, “The Super8TH Six” came together two years under theBlack-led auspicescommunity of the Black South West “The Super Six” came together two years ago under the auspices of the Black South West Network (BSWN). We have been set up by and support a wide range of African and AfricanNetwork We have been uptake by and wide range of AfricanCaribbean(BSWN). communities in our cityset and thissupport momenta to comment onAfrican events and in Bristol on Caribbean thcommunities in our city and take this moment to comment on events in Bristol on Sunday, 7 June 2020 at the Black Lives Matter march.

Sunday, 7th June 2020 at the Black Lives Matter march.

We recognise the depth of feeling within and beyond our community in the past 10 days as We the depth of feeling within anddeath beyond our United community in have the past 10 daysThe as the recognise circumstances of George Floyd’s brutal in the States unfolded. the circumstances of George Floyd’s brutal death in the United States have unfolded.

The Black Lives Matter March took place in every major UK city and across the globe, in protest at Black Liveskilling Matter place in every UK cityitsand across the globe, in protest at the police ofMarch Georgetook Floyd – and Bristolmajor has played part in this movement. the police killing of George Floyd – and Bristol has played its part in this movement.

Firstly, with Coronavirus still in circulation, it was not easy or straightforward for our Firstly, withtoCoronavirus still in circulation, notoreasy or home. straightforward our community make a decision about whether ittowas march stay at We want toforthank community to makeat a decision about risk whether to grateful march ortostay at who home.

We want to thank those who marched great personal and are those organised virtual and those who marched at great personal risk and are grateful to those who organised virtual and home-based protests and gave us an additional outlet for our voices to be heard. It should be home-based protests rates and gave us least an additional for our be heard. should be noted that COVID-19 in the affected outlet UK region, thevoices SouthtoWest, haveItbeen rising noted in the least affected UK region, the South West, have been rising prior tothat thisCOVID-19 protest inrates Bristol. prior to this protest in Bristol.

Solidarity with our brothers and sisters in the US, standing against injustice and challenging Solidarity our brothers sisters in the people US, standing against injustice and challenging structural with inequalities facing and black and brown was the expression of essential human structural inequalities facing black and brown people was the expression of essential human rights. rights.

But let’s be clear. This is not new. This is a fight we have been engaged with for generations, But let’s clear. is not new. This is a fight we have been engaged with for generations, across atbe least 400This years. across at least 400 years.

Secondly, we understand the significance of the action taken in removing a symbol of the Secondly, we past, understand the which significance ofthe thecentre actionoftaken in removing symbol aofslave the city’s colonial the statue stood in the city of EdwardaColston, city’s colonial statue which stoodand in the centre ofinthe city ofWe Edward Colston, a slave trader, whosepast, namethe adorns many streets institutions Bristol. also understand that trader, whose name adorns many streets and institutions in Bristol.

We also understand that this action is dividing opinion in our city. this action is dividing opinion in our city.

It was an historic moment for our city and for the African Caribbean and African communities.

It was anproud historicofmoment for ourway city and for thepeople Africanconducted Caribbean and African communities.

We are the peaceful in which themselves.

Locally, and We are proud of the peaceful way in which people conducted themselves.

Locally, and symbolically, the removal of Edward Colston’s statue has been seismic, gaining the attention symbolically, theinternational removal of Edward statue hasasbeen gaining the change attention of national and media. Colston’s It has shown that, a cityseismic, and a community, is of national and international media.

It has shown that, as a city and a community, change is now not an ask. It is a necessity. now not an ask. It is a necessity.

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REgular Feature

Thoughts from an Oldie Written by Hilary Finch Despite the yeas and nays regarding Colston's statue, I thought the Black Lives Matter demonstration in Bristol went well. I only participated at a distance at Castle Park, but what I saw was thousands of people of all shades coming together peacefully wanting to make a difference.

In the meantime Covid 19 is still an issue day to day with confusing messages coming from the Government. Some people are not taking it all that seriously any more and others are nervous about getting out and about. So far we have been reasonably fortunate in the South West to have a low count, but we should still be careful. No doubt the numbers will fluctuate as shops, offices, schools and beaches open so care must still be taken.

I am fortunate having a lovely garden where I have spent many hours working and have just entertained one of my granddaughters who has been in lockdown for weeks. I watch the birds flitting about among the feeders and watch them all feeding together on the food I throw out on the ground in the mornings. I love to see them bathing in my bird bath, sharing it and having mini disputes over who is next. I have all sorts of visitors, Jays, Blackbirds, Sparrows, Bluetits, Goldfinches, Robins, an old Crow, Turtle Doves, Woodpidgeons and mischievous Magpies all visiting which I think is pretty good for an Inner City garden.

So everyone, take care, keep calm, keep washing those hands and lets all hope the future is a better place.

Been doing some growing?

Why not send us a photo of your garden?

We’d love to see them and share them on facebook.

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Student Success Fairfield student’s art triumph

Local NEWS

Written by Corinne Brennigan Congratulations to talented student, Shanai in Year 9 at Fairfield High School (FHS) for launching her brand new shop on Etsy selling birthday cards and fridge magnets.

FHS first showcased Shanai’s inspirational and creative digital illustrations last year; the BBC plus other media outlets were also hot on her trail, as impressed as we were by how much this young lady had achieved. Each of Shanai’s illustrations require hours and hours of dedication and precision as she creates an impressive 11 layers of graphics.

At the time Shanai explained: “It was Carlos Valdez Cartoon Maker on You Tube which first inspired me to get into this kind of illustration. My technique is very different, however, and I’ve developed my own style using an app called Adobe Draw. I’m really loving what I’m doing and can spend hours and hours at a time, wondering sometimes where the weekend has gone to! At the moment this is a hobby which I hope will develop, and in the future I’d like to become an architect.”

Since then, Shanai has received the exciting news about an Enterprise Hero award from Bristol Young Heroes, in relation to her greeting cards. The ceremony was due to be held in May, so FHS look forward to sharing an update of this in coming months.

Sabrina, Shanai’s mother comments: “We are delighted to share details of Shanai’s new Etsy page! This has been such a fun quarantine project for her and she's also been developing her skills by practicing painting with acrylics and oils which she'll be including in her DofE project too. Shanai is also working on a second online shop selling a range of other products but that's not quite ready as yet. Thank you for your continued support and encouragement for her venture.” https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/ShansCreatives Watch this space for 'ShansCreatives' (the company name that Shanai has derived using her initials) as there’s plenty more in the pipeline!

Well done from all at Team Fairfield.

Portland Gardeners Written by Lydia MacQueen Portland Square is getting a mini-facelift. A group of residents of Portland Square are using this Covid 19 lockdown to donate their time and energies to further beautify Portland Square. They call themselves The Portland Gardeners and they’ve been spending their spare hours cleaning up the weeds and bushes within the borders of the park.Various residents join in every week to help out. Even I’ve thrown my hands in a couple of times to help out. The Peoples Republic of Stokes Croft PRSC has kindly provided all the necessary gardening tools for the job, for which we are so grateful.

Portland Square, one of the oldest and most historic squares in Bristol has provided a perfect city setting for local residents to while away the lockdown days leisurely relaxing, reading, doing yoga, picnicking, sunbathing or just lazily chilling out on the grass.

The Portland Gardeners are hoping to get a donation of shrubs and plants to fill in all around the borders to finish the project, but for now it’s just a nice activity for neighbors to come together and socialize by putting hand to work to improve their environment.

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Three opinions on Lockdown Being Elderly During Covid-19

My neighbour, Anna Norris and I got together in my garden for a chat about our experience with Covid19 and discovered that neither of us has been particularly worried. She is 72 and is type 2 Diabetic so has every reason to be super careful but she told me she puts on a mask and gloves to go shopping so she can choose her own ingredients and that way gets what she wants. I (at 73) do my own shopping too, but having only high blood pressure and cholesterol don't bother with masks or gloves. We both wash our hands lots – as soon as I come in from somewhere outside.

We were much more interested in chatting about all sorts of other things, the first time we had sat down together and not just passing comments as neighbours on our street. We both realise how much more people are talking to each other on the media, on the phone, using all kinds of technical means. She relies on her landline as she has no laptop and doesn't use her mobile phone so doesn't see some of the negativity and fear on social media. She, like me, watches the news once a day to save ourselves from endless repetition and depressing information. She has regular chats with her brother and niece living on the outer edges of the city and others on her phone.

I live on my own but have family four doors away and Anna has the wonderful Spanish lodger, Jose who keeps her company when he is not out working. He changes his clothes as soon as he comes in. He also performs magic on her garden as she is very disabled now. One afternoon Anna spotted a clear plastic bag full of water in her back garden.

When Jose got home she asked him about it. He explained they do this in Spain as the bugs and flies see themselves mirrored and enlarged and fly off in fear! Think I'll try that one in my kitchen when the fruit flies get busy. On another occasion her niece brought round two sunflower seedling, one for each of them and Anna and Jose are having a competition to see who wins the tallest flower competition! The things we do to amuse 8

ourselves during lockdown.

I sometimes have a friend around for a cuppa on warm sunny days in my garden which is a blessing.

I have a side gate so noone comes into my flat. My grandchildren, and my greatgrandson came over for the Easter Egg Hunt – an annual event – as it was the little one's first time able to walk and run around to find them. I kept my distance and just enjoyed them all having some garden time as they only have a flagstone yard. They are so close I can hear them in their yard as they kick a football around laughing and enjoying themselves.

So Anna and I had no horror stories to share. Our families are well and safe as can be. She now has help from Social Services getting her medication. She told me that there was a point when her downstairs loo light broke and she had quite a time tracking down the appropriate bulb but eventually she found a hardware shop open and managed to stock up on that and various batteries she needed. She misses her swimming and is mildly upset at putting more weight on. I seem to have lost weight. Any of my trousers with zips (not elasticated ones) definitley need taking in.

I am lucky and don't get cake hungry. She likes her cakes and, as she is half Italian – her food generally. We talked about the old telephone system when the girls plugged you in at BT and how they (and she when she worked there) would listen in to naughty conversations! Also, how on the shared lines some of us had we would pick up the phone and tell the other customer already talking on the line it was our turn to make a call. At our age we have both gone through many changes and both wonder what is ahead, but I am sure she will survive without grumbling and without fear. I might grumble a little and certainly rage at the lies coming from the media.

Keep safe and my sympathy to anyone out there who has or is suffering through this lockdown.

Written by Hilary Finch

The government seems to have withdrawn this idea of using age as criteria for determining who should continue be locked down and isolated to slow down the spread of the covid virus after David Blunket, the former Labor Minister, along with other “Baby-Boomers” in the Media quickly protested declaring that “incarcerating people solely on age grounds is an outrage!” I totally agree. Let’s not forget the 21st century Mantra, originating in America that “age ain’t nothing but a number!” The fact is many people today are aging quite differently than those of a generation ago.

The present covid crisis is giving us an opportunity to shine light on this idea of a certain age being the mark of frailty and vulnerability.

I know many people age 60 up to late 80’s who are as vital, fit and healthy as anyone 25 years their junior. I have yet to have someone get up and offer me a seat on the bus…thinking that I was an elderly “pensioner”. I though, have gotten up to give a seat on the bus to people who were younger than me, but suffering with an obvious health issue, which required them to sit. Age is about health and fitness and not about a number. I truly feel my life long routine of staying physically strong and fit has helped me to fend off this Covid virus and thereby “helped” the NHS. I thrive on being able to physically move. For me, movement is a preventive medicine.

Today, many of our older people are actively involved and contribute greatly in society, through paid and valuable volunteer work; and of course providing needed childcare for their adult children. Older people can still create great art, music and ideas, and of course there is their precious wisdom to share, that comes from living so long. If it is decided that people and the NHS should be protected, then it should be based on medical assessment and not an arbitrary age cut off. Let’s rid ourselves of this only remaining lawful discrimination that is Ageism. The government can then isolate the truly vulnerable, giving them the full support and care they need.

Written by Lydia Latham MacQueen

Need more help?

If you are struggling as an elderly person, or know someone who is there is help out there for you.

Age UK Bristol Hub: bab@ageukbristol.org.uk

0117 929 7537 The Network: info@thenetworkbristol.org.uk 0117 955 6971 9

A Week of Living and Loving in Lockdown – an article from a Foster Carer’s Perspective Provided By Amicus Foster Care

Monday – How do I know it is Monday in this current hazy blur of uncertainty? I will tell you how…my quirky little 8yr old foster child’s pants – yes, that is my cue for deciphering the days of the week currently. She is routine obsessed, like lots of kids on the spectrum, but she has an enthusiasm particularly for days, dates and door numbers and her passion for her pants to match the correctly labelled day of the week is quite frankly more helpful than my 2020 planner at present!

So, as a varied family of 5, our lives in this pandemic having been all turned upside down like everyone else’s; we’ve eventually managed to carve out a system that works for us regarding accessing and applying an educational context at home. With 3 children in three different schools prior to this– it has been no mean feat and has really tested my own technical capabilities. It is a blooming stroke of luck that flexibility is a key feature of fostering! It has morphed into a kaleidoscope of resources strewn over what once was a recognisable dining room table for daily ‘lessons’ – a rhythm it has taken us weeks to feel vaguely comfortable with.

It’s been a particularly difficult process for my foster child, already carrying the long-term effects of previous neglect in addition to Autism and learning difficulties – her world has been shattered by an invisible threat (which with even the best specialised resources we can offer) is so hard for her to understand. The virus although not linked, can trigger or reactivate fear or threat for children who have had adverse childhood experiences – forcing their mind and body to respond in ‘fight or flight’ mode causing extreme reactions which requires a constant, calm therapeutic response.

Tuesday – Woken at 2 am by my 10 yr old having had a bad dream about COVID 19.

Cuddled and soothed in our bed, she drifted off to sleep again. Unlike my partner and I, who were jabbed and squirmed by her ‘til the dawn chorus. Several cups of coffee needed 10

to ‘come round’ at 8am. Yawn.

I then absent-mindedly cut my 8yr old’s toast in triangles, not squares……it is always squares. Autism is a rigid and non-forgiving condition, this small hiccup caused a 1hr meltdown. Knock on effect of the dog barking at her screaming and causing ‘home school’ to be an hour late and then I take a mobile call (to which I answer a tad impolitely) to find out it’s my 14 year old’s head of year ringing to say well done to her for her commitment to Google classroom lessons………and breathe (and smile, with a proud little tear in your eye).

As the house mood was ‘wobbly’ at best today – we had a family movie afternoon with blankets and cuddles and popcorn. Who would have thought a 1968 Chitty Chitty Bang Bang classic would mesmerize 8/10/14/45 & 50 year olds! I am still overdue on my monthly recording, behind on changing the bedding and itching to redecorate every room in the house……. but tomorrow is another day.

Wednesday – halfway through the week….. to be fair we could be halfway through the Sahara Desert. Time is so nebulous now without our familiar routines to cling to. I just said good morning to my teenager who promptly bit my head off, but my other 2 children are full of the joys of spring – I wonder by the end of lockdown if we could coordinate to all having a great day on the same day, we shall wait for the planets to align!! Until then we knuckle down to home school, followed by me pulling my shoulder by joining in with Joe Wick’s workout with the kids before lunch. Our saving grace during the Corona crisis, has been our well stocked garden. From dog training to darts, ping pong to the pool and trampolining to tending our sprouting vegetable patch when the weather has been glorious. It is the one place that has consistently improved our collective mental health whilst in confinement. A huge part of fostering is emotional regulation, for yourself…..and the children entrusted in your care. It is vital to understand the impact

of trauma and not take this personally but deal with it empathetically. Just as we put the two younger children to bed, our supervising social worker rang to do our monthly supervision (which we had promptly forgotten). Under normal conditions, this would occur face to face in our home – but for understandable health and safety reasons it is a video call at present. It is a valuable time to reflect on the month’s fostering challenges and achievements, it is a forum for being curious about your child’s behaviour and not being worried to ask for help or advice. The fostering task can be heart-warming and overwhelming and the overseeing supportive guidance of a SSW (supervising social worker) is indispensable.

Thursday – or “clapping day” as it is known to differentiate it from the rest! My 8 yr old was up from 06.30am overstimulated by the thought of ‘clapping day’. Soothing and regulating a dysregulated child IS a fulltime job.

We manage a successful home school session followed by cosmic kids’ yoga (which was easier on my shoulder than Joe Wicks!) Whilst playing in the garden this afternoon, my 10 yr old was stung by a wasp, her understandable reaction caused my 8yr old to meltdown (for children with adverse childhood experiences, seeing other’s in pain – can trigger a ‘flashback’ of their unresolved pain) Both children required different types of tender loving care.

For my 10 year old- practical first aid, Calpol and a cuddle, for my 8yr old a deep pressure sensory wrap cuddle in a blanket, deep breathing exercises, grounding techniques to ‘bring her back’ to the present and gentle but constant reassurance of her safety. Here is where the void between securely attached non-abused children and children with a disability and adverse life experiences is very stark indeed. Attunement to the needs of all your family members is a critical element of fostering and this grows as you begin to know the child placed in your care. I manage to get all the bedding changed on the beds…woohoo! When did I become so easily pleased?

Late afternoon I facilitate a video call to my 8 yr old’s local authority social worker – another aspect she has had to adjust to. She is used

to regular actual face to face visits from her, and this increases her anxious behaviours.

The evening runs smoothly enough until, just before bed, my 8yr old runs for the pots and pans for NHS appreciation – an important event, but terrible timing and overstimulating on a Thursday night. It then took her 2 hours to settle to bed, not the usual 20 mins.

Friday – Thank Crunchie its Friday! The last session of home school takes place minus any tantrums hurrah! (I even managed to help my 14 yr old with triple science work, blimey!) Today marks the end of term 5, so the Whitsun half term holiday is impending. Sadly, with lockdown easing, but not over – it does not mean the typical weekends away/outings or visiting friends and family that once were ‘normal’…..and this is sad and frustrating (but absolutely necessary) and after ‘pulling it out of the bag’ for 10 weeks it makes it 10 times harder to pull on your own personal regulation to continue to assist your children’s. It is unfathomable how much the world’s goalposts have moved. What was once safe, is no longer – and it is essential we continue to ensure our children’s safety and emotional stability for their survival.

As I sign off & eventually knuckle down to my monthly recording - it’s poignant to recognise our foster children are already survival experts by sad default of their previous harmful experiences; but their ability to relearn trust and allow themselves to be loved and cared for appropriately is a beacon of hope in really uncertain times.

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Struggling because of Covid?

Bristol advice charities are ready to help

Covid-19 has caused complex problems for families and individuals in our community.

More than ever, it’s important to get prompt advice – please don't worry on your own.

Advice centres in Bristol, including St Pauls Advice Centre and Bristol Law Centre, can help you with issues relating to employment, benefits, debt, housing and more. We are still providing FREE professional advice by telephone and email, responding to questions like these.

Q. I’ve got less income due to Covid-19.

Will claiming Universal Credit affect my existing benefits?

In short: yes, it might! It is very important that you get advice suited your own circumstances before you apply.

Many people, including the self-employed, have been encouraged by the Government to apply for Universal Credit (UC) in order to boost their incomes during this period.

People with savings or who are in receipt of any other benefits or allowances need to check that it is the right course of action for them. Once you have applied for UC it cannot be undone and you will lose your existing benefits which could leave you worse off.

Contact St Pauls Advice Centre for welfare benefits advice.

If you are an EU citizen you need to apply to the EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS) by 30 June 2021 to ensure you retain entitlement to benefits, housing and more.

The team at St Paul’s Advice Centre can help you with this.

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Q. My employer wants me to come back to work, without PPE and on reduced hours and pay. What are my rights?

If your employer is asking you to come back and you are not sure you will be safe, or they are changing anything about your work, please contact Bristol Law Centre for free advice.

Q. I’ve lost my job and don’t have enough money for rent and food. I am waiting to get permanent immigration status which means that my family and I have no recourse to public funds (NRPF). What can I do?

If your circumstances have changed and you can’t afford housing or basic living costs you can make an application to the Home Office to request that the NRPF condition is lifted.

However, you must seek advice before making this application as it may result in you being put into a longer route to settlement.

Contact St Pauls Advice Centre to speak to our immigration advisor.

0117 955 2981 enquiry@stpaulsadvice.org.uk www.stpaulsadvice.org.uk

0344 515 1430 Urgent help out of hours: 0808 800 4444 england.shelter.org.uk/ get_help/local_services/bristol

0117 954 3990 mail@talkingmoney.org.uk www.talkingmoney.org.uk

0117 947 9922 disabledpeopleshelpline@wecil.co.uk www.wecil.co.uk

Helping people access justice

0117 922 5353 advice@ageukbristol.org.uk www.ageuk.org.uk/bristol

0117 924 8662 mail@bristollawcentre.org.uk www.bristollawcentre.org.uk

Warmer Homes, Advice & Money 07526 352 353 advice@bristolrefugeerights.org www.bristolrefugeerights.org

0800 082 2234 home.energy@cse.org.uk www.cse.org.uk

Bristol

0117 935 1260 advice@chasbristol.co.uk www.chasbristol.co.uk

General advice: 03444 111 444 Initial Universal Credit claims: 0800 144 8444 www.bristolcab.org.uk

Q. I am unable to pay my rent and worry I will be evicted. Is it true that they can’t evict me at the moment?

In order for a landlord to seek possession, unless you are a lodger, they need to give you 3 months’ notice in a valid formal notice. If you did not move out by the expiry of the notice, your landlord would then have to obtain a court order by issuing possession proceedings in the County Court.

Possession cases are currently on hold until 23.8.20. That means your landlord cannot seek repossession of your home for the time being.

Contact Bristol Law Centre and speak to a housing specialist.

Q. My employer is making me redundant after being furloughed, and I think it is because I have told them I am pregnant – what can I do?

Employers cannot make decisions between employees based on the ‘protected characteristics’ of sex; age; gender reassignment; being married/in a civil partnership; being pregnant or on maternity leave; disability; race; religion/belief or lack of religion/belief; sexual orientation.

Contact Bristol Law Centre and speak to a specialist discrimination adviser.

Bristol charities working together We will help and support you with FREE expert advice on many areas including debt, immigration, housing, employment, discrimination, benefits and more.

Funded by ACFA, registered charity number 1187070

Q. I asked for and received a three month ‘payment holiday’ from my mortgage provider but have received a letter saying that I’m in arrears.

If you agreed a payment holiday with your lender they will send you a reminder after two months as they are required to do this by law.

Lenders have suggested people can ignore these letters but if you are concerned, you should contact your lender direct.

Taking a payment holiday could affect your future credit rating as it may show as missed payments. If you are struggling to pay your mortgage, the Government has now extended the period you can take the payment holiday up to October 31st. You will need to contact your lender to extend this. You need to be aware that any missed payments will have to be repaid and this can lead to an increase in your monthly repayments after the ‘payment holiday’ period.

Contact St Pauls Advice Centre to speak to a debt and money advisor.

The information and advice given here is correct at the time of publication and is given in good faith. It is vital that you get advice for yourself and your own situation as different outcomes may apply.

Contact St Pauls Advice Centre on 0117 955 2981 or enquiry@stpaulsadvice.org.uk Contact Bristol Law Centre on 0117 924 8662 or mail@bristollawcentre.org.uk

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Thank-you Hi there readers! It feels like so much has happened since the last time I wrote for Vocalise.

It’s great to be back here again and I hope you’ve all managed to find some peace during lockdown.

If you feel you’d benefit from some extra help, we’ve put together a list of useful contacts in this issue that you can call if you need to talk anything through.

Here at Vocalise, we’ve been working hard to make sure you all get your dose of good news.

I’ve been out and about to chat (socially distanced!) to local shops who’ve stayed open during the lockdown.

I had a lovely (socially distanced!) chat with Sarah who owns A Hamid and Sons on Mina Road with her partner Aftaab, to find out exactly how they’ve adapted during lockdown.

Sarah told me: “The first week of lockdown was very stressful as customers were panic buying so we had to tell them they could only buy one essential item at a time.

“This goes against everything you do as a shop keeper so it felt very strange!

“We’ve managed to adapt really well though.”

I also caught up with Better Food who proudly told me: “We’re lucky, as we’ve always supported a large number of small, local suppliers and we have been able to continue good supply of our most important and best-selling lines.

“The most important thing for us was to protect our staff and customers whilst continuing to support our community.

“Very early on we put in place measures, based on government guidance that would allow social distancing in our stores.

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“We’ve been working with local food banks and community groups, such as Base and Roses, to contribute to food parcels that are distributed locally.

“We’re extremely grateful to our customers who have been very understanding and continued to shop responsibly - allowing enough to go round for everyone.”

On one of my daily reflective walks, I came across the wonderful Coffee and Vinyl located in Old Market.

Owned by the energetic and enthusiastic Francis Riley, Coffee and Vinyl has become one of my favourite places to visit for a lovely CBD coffee and a chat with Francis and his customers.

Francis told me: “I opened Coffee and Vinyl in January. Two weeks later, local businesses were having talks about closing down due to Covid-19.

“I like to adapt and I’d rather try and fail than not try at all so I embraced the challenge.”

Not only does Francis sell a great range of hot drinks and homemade treats, he also sells vinyl in the shop, ranging from the 50s to present day. Oh and did I mention he’s been delivering fruit and vegetables during the lockdown too?!

Please show your support to Coffee and Vinyl if you can. Francis is a great guy and has been serving the community effortlessly during lockdown.

I would also like to say another heart felt thank you to Hamid (Syed Ali) at St Werbughs Food and Wine who always greets his customers with a warm and friendly smile.

I think I speak on behalf of all of us in the community when I say to all of you who have continued working; your hard work during this time has not gone unnoticed and we’re very grateful.

Thank you x

Bristol!

Words and pictures by Anna Ruggiero.

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Ubuntu: I am because we are Written by //Kabbo Ferdinand

The Spirit of Ubuntu is an active, yet ancient Southern African form of cultural expression celebrating the practice of respect, sharing and caring for the individual, the environment and the collective alike, no matter the circumstance.

The Ubuntu Education Program is an online, cultural education program based on these cultural principals. It is a tenweek process aimed at 11-16 year old young people and is the brainchild of Sibusiso Tshabalala, director of Cognitive Paths. Developed with the intention of encouraging a sense of identity, cultural awareness, critical skills and thinking within participants. We are facing challenging times and these skills have taken on added significance.

The ‘New Normal’ is an expression that is becoming synonymous with our situation. We are in the midst of a pandemic that is disrupting all our lives. Forcing us to find new avenues for learning, connection, entertainment, fitness and cultural expression. The forced closure of education institutions has made students, teachers and parents more reliant on online learning and teaching resources.

The Ubuntu Education Program is one of these resources. We are currently half way through the pilot, at the time of going to print, with the last class scheduled for the 6th August 2020. Our current course is fully booked, but we do add interested students to a waiting list and invite them in if and when places open. If you are a school or community organization you can book our program by emailing ubuntu@cognitivepaths.co.uk The program is divided into three main sections that consists of Cultural, Social and Spiritual workshops. The content of the sessions is in line with the spiritual, moral, social and cultural (SMSC) framework and supports the personal, social and health education curriculum in schools.Through embracing imaginative and engaging approaches to our lessons we provide pupils with an opportunity to explore and develop their own values and beliefs. Our intention is to instil in them self believe, mutual respect and to develop their own moral compass that will make them wellrounded and grounded global citizens.

Ultimately, Ubuntu translates too ‘I am because we are’. Meaning that I can’t exist in a selfish vacuum and looking out for myself only. I need a community of people to validate and add value to my life and thus have to contribute, respect and add value to my community. We are facing unprecedented situation. Finding a way to come together and share in our common humanity, it is our only hope.

It is this sense of social responsibility that we intend to instil in our young people. Delving into the Spirit of Ubuntu, trusting in its principals as one of the most ancient African spiritual practices that encourages unity and collective cohesion. Knowing it can help us regain an understanding of our role in humanity. I’m sure; we can and will make it through this pandemic stronger, wiser and hopefully more human.

I’ll end of with these famous words; “You may say I’m a dreamer, but I’m not the only one. ... And the world will live as one.” ... (John Lennon) My name means ‘To Dream’ and I am proud to be part of this team of dreamers, dreaming of a better world.

To find out more about the project see - https:// cognitivepaths.co.uk/ubuntu-education-programme/

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c

MXCC FOOD HUB At the beginning of May the Malcolm X Community Centre opened as a 3 month Food Hub catering to the African Caribbean, Asian and other diverse communities in the area, providing culturally appropriate food items to meet the needs resulting from the COVID-19 crisis. As well as Trustees and staff from the centre, the Food Hub is supported by Black South West Network, Bristol City Council, Fare Share and Food Share BRISTOL (part of UK Networks), local businesses and a host of volunteers.

The items are bulk delivered to 6 smaller community groups who then distribute within their networks via a delivery service provided by each group. These groups are Bristol Black Carers, Bristol Horn Youth Concern, Bristol Somali Resource Centre, Can Do Bristol, Talo and Malcolm X Community Centre. A clear demonstration of the community’s strength, unity and care.

The hub has been well received owing to the personal delivery service which maintains the dignity of recipients and guarantees items that respect their individual faith and culture.

As a result of this temporary Food Hub, the Trustees at Malcolm X Community Centre identified a clear need for this service in the community. The centre intends to carry on with its own independent food delivery service when the Food Hub ends.

WE ARE RECRUITING FOR NEW MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE MEMBERS

St Pauls Adventure Playground is looking to expand and diversify its management committee during this period of new challenges and exciting developments.

We are especially keen to hear from members of the St Pauls community or BAME community who are passionate about the value and role that the playground has within its local area

For more information or to request an application pack please contact info@apeproject.co.uk. Please note this is a voluntary role.

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Vocalise Bristol CIC

Fun Facts about people of colour Benjamin Banneker, the first African American scientist, was a mathmatician and astronomer. His significant accomplishments include the successful prediction of a solar eclipse- that’s when the sun gets covered by the moon!

One in four cowboys was Black! In fact, it's believed that the real “Lone Ranger” was inspired by an African American man named Bass Reeves. Reeves had been born a slave but escaped West during the Civil War, he eventually became a Deputy U.S. Marshal, was a master of disguise, an expert marksman!

The first licensed African American Female pilot was named Bessie Coleman! She was inspired by the WW1 pilots, unable to in America, she learned French, moved to France and in 1921 earned her international pilot's licence.

We’ve hidden sunshines through the magazine!

Can you find them all?

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Local News

We were 10,000 but we felt like one A first hand view of the Bristol Protests Written By Carlos Casas and Ida Amegbey

This Sunday we took the streets to honour the victims of systemic racism and police brutality around the world, with George Floyd being the latest addition on a list that’s way too long and seems to be in constant expansion, like the polarised universe we live in.

I walked to the meeting point at College Green and it was obvious that those around me were heading to the same place. We were pouring into town by the thousands. Amazingly, this protest was organised by five students with no previous experience, as one of them told me. From its birth this was a testimony to the power of a few determined individuals, something that makes you shake your cynicism away and reignites that flame of hope you thought you lost.

For that, we must thank Liza, Clayton, Tiffany, Yvonne, Sam, and those that joined them along the way.

According to the organisers, racism in our country is “just as bad” as in places like the United States, but it manifests in different ways. “Apart from institutionalised racism there’s also a lot of micro-aggressions, which are way harder to fight” said Liza Bilal.

For most of the speakers and the team behind the protest, education is a main area to improve. They demand to be more “outspoken and truthful” when teaching about racism and history, something that has been brought to light by organisations like The Black Curriculum.

Marching on The march began and cut through the city centre like multi-coloured lightning, with chants of “No Justice, No Peace” and “Black Lives Matter”. When I walked past the black-veiled statue of Edward Colston I didn’t realise it will be the last time I’d see it, standing there in all its so-called-glory. As you know by now, it was taken down and thrown into the water by the protesters. It felt like justice came a few hundred years later, but it came at last.

During the afternoon a number of speakers took the mic and shared their stories with us. A young man stood where Colston used to be and told us to keep this energy alive and don’t stop fighting, men and women of all ages gave us a glimpse of what it is to be a person of colour in a racist society, and we all listened to Teanna’s poem, a powerful account of what we’re living today seen through the eyes of a child.

It doesn’t matter how old you are, being part of the global majority seems to be a synonym of fear and anger. This is not what we want and it’s not what we deserve. Change has to come and we must fight for it.

Even though I am a person of colour and I deeply empathise with my black brothers and sisters, I know I won’t have to suffer their pain and I won’t be a victim of anti-blackness. I was reflecting on this with my friend Ida, asking about her opinion of this day, and how she felt as a black woman.

What started as a conversation ended up with me asking Ida to write this with me, because, remembering that quote by Chinua Achebe, “until the lions have their own historians, the history of the hunt will always glorify the hunter”.

Ida speaks After months of trying my best to be a good socially distant civilian, on Sunday I went out to protest the murder of George Floyd and all other victims of racism, discrimination, and the bullshit injustice that inevitably follows in its wake.

People of all creeds, colours and cultures showed up and stood UNITED. I am proud to call Bristol my home.

Honestly, I didn’t want to be there. I would rather have spent the afternoon hiding in my bed, underneath the heavy blanket of emotional exhaustion that recent events has smothered me with. But then again, I also don’t want to live in a world with systems so broken, that those that are entrusted with upholding the law feel that they can publicly murder an unarmed man, who had already been rendered helpless, without any fear of repercussion.

So I felt compelled. For me, there was no option to stay away. And yes, there was very little social distancing; that was impossible with 10,000 people in attendance. But only a literal handful of people went without face coverings, and PPE and hand sanitizer were made readily available by the organisers. Racism is a pandemic too, one that we have been dealing with a whole lot longer than the likes of COVID-19 Honestly, if there is a spike in the infection rate in the UK in a couple of weeks I can guarantee that the Black Lives Matters movement is not responsible. We could instead consider blame the Government’s grossly premature easing of the lockdown, the employers forcing staff back to work in unsafe conditions, the increased mixing of households, even the heaving parks and beaches, or the Dominic Cummings effect.

Do call me selfish if you want, but the irony of black people and those that stand with them being deliberately scapegoated yet again, is not lost on me.

Black lives matter.

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Poetry

BLACK LIVES MATTER

Melomi Stephenson (age 13) Black lives matter a powerful phrase Racism and hate shown everyday Black people are tired of this injustice It’s getting to the point where everyone’s disgusted.

Discrimination towards dark skin Everyone’s patience is wearing thin Killings happening all over the USA No one’s doing anything to keep it at bay.

The police, people we thought would protect us Are the ones who are doing all this stuff The government always on white peoples side We try to speak up, but by then another person’s died.

However much we try, the killings carry on And we mourn for them, each and every one You should not be protected by the colour of your skin To show hate that much, it is a sin.

Some people don’t understand the privileges they’ve got Not having to be scared as you walk back from the shop White supremacy is still alive Whilst black people are fighting to survive.

Long ago white skin meant you were superior It’s still going on, black people are inferior All the people not speaking up and staying silent Don’t realise that soon it’s going to turn violent.

Black people against white police forces Telling them we’re standing up for the right causes Tear gas and objects thrown into the crowds Little children crying out loud.

Being called ‘THUGS’ by the president Whilst white people doing the same thing get a compliment Why is this injustice still happening?

Black people again and again petitioning.

We are not threats please remember that So before you come over here and act Like you really care about what’s going on Think about all the loved ones that are gone.

Stop this discrimination, together we can Come together and lets form a plan To end white supremacy once and for all And live happily together without having to brawl.

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Sisters of the Church Loaves and Fishes Project Written By Lynn Mareno I have a friend who, on and off, has spoken about her voluntary work that she does with ‘the Nuns’ as she would lovingly call them, every week across the road from where she lives in Montpelier/St Paul’s. I took it for granted that Vi just did this regularly but, it seemed she had been doing it forever. I took time one day to speak about it with her to find out what it was she actually did that took this time out of her day. What I found out amazed me. The house is a small piece of heaven owned by Bristol Diocese and run by Sister Teresa and Sister Rosina with no paid staff but there are around 60 volunteers on a rota, who come to give food bags to 250-300 people a week. Vi has been a volunteer for over 10 years and in her words, coming from a Christian point of view she felt that the community sister / brotherhood she belongs to is for her, about giving back. Going along one sunny morning to meet Sister Teresa who runs the project along with Sister Rosina and their core group of volunteers, I was amazed and heartened to see that through the COVID-19 crisis (the only time they haven’t been open),this band of Angels who come together from 10.00-12.00 Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays, really do help change lives. In a way that gives hope to people who are sometimes forgotten of every nationality and political status. They reopened recently exercising social distancing on 18th May. You can see almost immediately, there is a personal relationship with people from 25-80 years of age who frequently turn up in all weathers from Fishponds, Brislington and locally as well as further away with some, coming from hostels in and around Bristol to receive tins of Beans, Rice pudding , custard, tinned Tuna, Hot Dogs, dried Cereal, Milk,Tinned fruit,Teabags, Easter Eggs (as extra) Nut bars, water, cereal ,drinks and more.

I spoke to Spoke to Sister Teresa at the start of a busy day: Q: How did this all begin and when?

A: 4 sisters of the church originally with no agenda, saw there was a need . People started coming and asking so while seeing regular people over the years, we are always seeing people that find their way here. The project has been going for 30 years.

Q: Did you visualise the project would still be going this long after you started out with an intention to help those in need?

A: No.I had no idea!

Q: How many take away drinks and take away food bags do you give out in a week?

A: 250-300 and this is a normal week. The Pandemic has given us a sense of seeing how people are in need of help. Today, just opening up after the pandemic, we have seen about 30 people in 2 hours.

Q: How do people find out about the project?

A: We do not advertise, it’s word of mouth.

Q: Sister Teresa, who provides the food?

A: We are members of Fareshare, who provide us with a lot. However, we need other supplies - individual people plus local churches donate goods and often money in order for us to buy in whatever else we need. Sisters of the Church - Loaves and Fishes Project. We do not ask for referral and some people come from other food banks around the city. Deliberately, we are slightly hesitant to advertise.

Q: Finally, where does your intention and those who give their time voluntarily, come from to do such amazing acts of kindness?

A: It is not just about feeding people. We do not try to convert. It comes from a place of prayer. Faith is a huge part of what we do with many lovely supporters in the background.

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Sister Teresa is a member of the Community of the Sisters of the Church and a lay minister.

Local News

Hello from OTR

Nationally, there is an acceptable face to poor mental health in relation to young people. It's deemed to be an individual experience as a result of a hole in their resilience, maybe the stresses of family life or university are piling up, or may it be because of some personal tragedy that a young person has faced. All of this can be true, and sometimes none of this is true.

Overwhelmingly when looking at the Mental Health of young BAME people there is some form of overlapping with societal inequalities and representation.

At project Zazi which is a part of OTR, we hold all of these things as well as cultural nuances and the many other factors that contribute to poor mental health in the forefront of our minds when practising. We are a team of counsellors, well-being practitioners, development and social action workers looking for creative ways to support the BAME young population of Bristol and South Gloucestershire. This can be through 1:1s, group work and bespoke practices. We are here to support and empower.

Local Council Contacts Your local councillors are available to support residents with queries relating to Bristol City Council services such as planning, adult care, children and schools, waste and other community issues. Here’s how you can contact them.

Cllr Jude English (Green Party) Email: cllr.jude. english@bristol.gov.uk Call: 07584 151 099 Correspondence address: Green Party Office City Hall PO Box 3399 Bristol BS3 9FS

Cllr Mike Davies (Labour Party) Email: cllr.mike.davies@ bristol.gov.uk Call: 07584 370 413 Correspondence address: Labour Group Office City Hall PO Box 3399

Bristol

BS3 9FS

Cllr Carole Johnson (Labour Party) Email: cllr.carole. johnson@bristol.gov.uk Call: 07584 370 414 Correspondence address: c/o Labour Group Office City Hall PO Box 3399 Bristol BS3 9FS

If you have queries about welfare benefits or immigration issues, you can contact your MP Thangam Debbonaire’s team: thangam.debbonaire.mp@parliament.uk; 01173 790 980.

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Politics

News from your local Councillors & MP Life in Covid-19 global pandemic and #BlackLivesMatter First of all, I know just how hard the last few months have been on everyone. The Covid-19 pandemic has put us all in really difficult circumstances and I know how many sacrifices everyone has had to make. Lots of you have been in touch for my help and advice. My staff and I have helped more people each month in March, April and May than ever before and we are here for you. We’ve relocated to work from home but we are ready to help. Just email me on thangam.debbonaire.mp@parliament.uk or call on 0117 379 0980.

Hundreds of you have written to me about the recent terrible killing in the USA of George Floyd and about other related concerns about racism and inequality in this country.

Many of us found different ways to mark our support for the #BlackLivesMatter movement. I support this cause. Because of the scientific advice about COVID-19 risks I did not take part in any mass gatherings but like many of you, I shared feelings and views from home, in social media posts.

Over the weekend people in Bristol dramatically pulled down the statue of Edward Colston. This is a man who profited from the enslavement of 84,000 African men, women and children, of whom 19,000 died on their journey.

It is not right that we celebrate someone who profited from slavery, colonialism and exploitation. I called years ago for the statue to be removed and for various streets and buildings named after him and others to be changed. I now want us to have a city-wide debate about how we mark and understand our history and learn from it. We also need to think about a wide range of people to celebrate in public monuments across the city who truly represent our diversity and people who have given to others.

I think that the model of the murals in St Paul’s by Michele Curtis and the Paintsmiths of the 7 Saints of St Paul’s is a fantastic one and I will be working with all of you and the Mayor to try to expand who we celebrate and how.

I strongly support our Mayor Marvin Rees in his leadership on this for our city and applaud what he is doing to bring and keep us all together in a healthy and respectful debate about what happens next.

We will also have to do the tough and detailed work necessary to dismantle structural racism and other forms of discrimination in our everyday lives. That could mean changing recruitment practices, or analysing how we spend public money, or supporting our wonderful schools to expand the great work they already do to teach a wide range of histories including black histories. And it will also mean individual changes for us all – but these could and should be exciting, if we do this together.

I know that change is often hard so we will have to do this as a city and share our views, experiences and ideas in respectful and constructive ways and be prepared to listen to different ideas which may be challenging and be willing to change.

I am listening to you about how we can turn this urge for change into actual change and what we need to do to achieve this. All suggestions welcome and I will be setting up consultations on this soon.

Please be sure to stay safe and maintain social distancing and other health measures. We all need to take care of each other – it’s what Bristol does best.

Written by Thangham Debbonaire MP

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Politics I hope you are well in these unprecedented times. I am still working and can be contacted by phone and email (07584370413; cllr.mike.davies@bristol.gov.uk).

During lockdown the Council are conducting official meetings via videoconferencing, and you can watch these live on the Bristol City Council official Youtube channel. To find out when meetings are happening visit http://bristol.gov.uk/ council-meetings.

The Bristol local election – to elect the Mayor, all 70 councillors, and the Avon & Somerset Police & Crime Commissioner – was scheduled to take place on 7 May. I was planning to stand down at that point. However, it has now been postponed one year, meaning all incumbents are carrying on in post. Those elected in May 2021 will then serve a three-year term instead of four.

I was very saddened by the arson attack on St Pauls Adventure Playground in April, but heartened by the generous donations from so many of you: over £35,000 has been raised to go towards the rebuilding costs for this much-loved community resource.

I have been contacted about gatherings of people on and around the Narroways nature reserve in St Werburghs, which is resulting in rubbish and anti-social behaviour. I am working with the Council and authorities to work towards a solution for how best to manage this.

In response to the pandemic and lockdown conditions, Bristol City Council have announced plans to accelerate existing long-term transport ambitions in order to help Bristolians safely navigate the city.

This includes, for example, pedestrianising roads (closing them to cars), introducing new cycle lanes, and widening pavements to facilitate social distancing. I am working with the Council on some specific interventions in Ashley ward, for example regarding cycling space for Mina Road. If you have a suggestion for a transport change you would like to see, you can use the Council’s request form: http://bit. ly/2A9YfN2.

Bristol Waste’s Big Tidy Crew have been working hard to keep our outside spaces clean and tidy at this time, and you may have seen them at work in our area. You can help them by reporting street issues on the Bristol City Council website at www.bristol.gov.uk/report-a-street-issue.

In response to the coronavirus pandemic, Bristol Vehicles for Change and Bristol City Council have set up two new temporary sites for vehicle dwellers in Bristol. The sites in Sea Mills and Hengrove, which are being co-managed by community-led social enterprise Bristol Vehicles for Change and Bristol City Council housing teams, offer people access to a safe living space during the outbreak and access to vital facilities.

Finally, I know this is a difficult time for many people, particularly those who are vulnerable or with health conditions. If you need support, you can contact the Council’s Covid-19 helpline 0800 694 0184 (currently operating 8:30am-5:00pm Mon-Fri and 10:00am-2.00pm Sat-Sun), or email coronavirus@ bristol.gov.uk.

Written by Cllr Mike Davies

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Trust, joy and connection: three ingredients to change our worlds The Network is a community development project supported by The Wellspring Settlement, St Werburgh’s City Farm and The Somali Resource Centre. We work alongside residents in the inner-city wards of Ashley, Easton and Lawrence Hill to empower people to connect with one another and take positive action on shared issues. Our Bristol communities are full of potential: potential connections, potential learning and potential power for local change.

Before the coronavirus outbreak, Bristol residents working with The Network had been taking action together; setting up litter picks, community groups and street parties, among other actions. When we asked some of them about their activities, they all spoke about the importance of trust, joy and connection in creating change. Here they share their top tips for taking successful community action: a recipe for change which we can apply, even during the coronavirus pandemic.

1) Share Your Idea. Maybe closer than you expect there is someone: a group, institution, or neighbour, who can join your idea and contribute with her/his skills, knowledge, and energy to achieve local change. Trust in your community, share your ideas with them and pay attention to those who are already trying to promote their activities.

“I think the main thing is the confidence. You don’t have to try too hard. You don’t have to organise everything.

It’s going to be perfect. In contacting The Network nobody is going to take over but it’s a kind of back up: having that gave me bit more confidence.” Julie Street Party Organiser.

"There are like-minded people among us and we don’t always know it. But when you share your idea someone comes along and says ‘oh yeah, you know, I have the same urge’. Then you’re able to get it materialised, and you think ‘I’m not alone’” Bishop Palmer - Faith Group Leader.

“Bring them together and don’t talk about what happened before. Just carry on. Talk about the children.” Saada. Somali Elders Lunch Club Leader.

“People said it’s nice to feel there’s somebody because people get elderly/older and they're put aside. A person said: ‘when I come, I feel I’m on a vacation’. We just ask them how they have been, because we want to show them that we actually care about them, and we value that they come in” Bishop Palmer - Faith Group Leader.

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2) Bring People Together Connection with others is a human need. Beyond the differences that may exist in our communities, promoting interaction and finding common interests is valuable for many local residents.

3) Enjoy yourself!

If you’re setting up an activity, residents recommended that you enjoy the process and the activity. Along with the outcomes, there are many lovely moments that you can find and share with others while you are setting up the event.

"I just say every time when we finish, people feel happy, because we’re outside, you have a little bit of physical activity, you talk with the other people. It’s nice. For me that makes me feel that I belong here.” Vreni - Litter Picking Group Organiser.

At the moment, community organisers are asking: How do we run community events in a safe way? During the Coronavirus pandemic, taking action in your community will look a little different and present some new challenges. However, we believe the tips from these residents are still relevant as a recipe for success! Share your idea with others on the phone or via messages or letters. Bring people together online or in a socially-distanced group outdoors. Notice and enjoy what is going well and have fun finding new ways to communicate with your neighbours. Be creative, learn from these examples and find your unique local version of social change!

If you’d like some support with your idea you can contact us at The Network on: info@thenetworkbristol.org.uk or by calling 0117 955 6971.

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Want to get involved?

If you are interested in contirbuting to Vocalise in our October editon please get in touch to discuss your idea or advert.

info@vocalisemagazine.org.uk

The deadline for submissions is 4th Septemeber New Website www.vocalisemagazine.org

submissions welcome

for our new web page.

Any news, events or ads email info@vocalisemagazine.org.uk with the subject web submission

We are Always looking for Volunteersemail us for more info!

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