“Hope grows when people come together with a shared belief that we can build something better together. In a time when division can often dominate the headlines, last Friday’s event showed the very best of Bristol: kindness, creativity, connection and community spirit in action. It was a powerful reminder of the strength, warmth and generosity that exists across our beautiful city.” Julian Mines
It was a privilege for Bristol Charities to help co-design Hope Café at The Vassall Centre with our friends at Strike Communications Ltd alongside HOPE not hate as part of A Million Acts of Hope week. Seeing more than 100 people – volunteers, residents, charities, faith groups and civic leaders – come together with such positivity and purpose was genuinely uplifting.
West of England mayor Helen Godwin Mayor of the West of England lauded the region’s “community spirit” and shared values of “tolerance, inclusion and compassion” She said: “Today’s event in Fishponds was a timely reminder of the power of kindness and social connection here in the West Country.
“I am proud of the special community spirit that runs throughout our region – which is home to acts of hope every day – and of our shared values of tolerance, inclusion and compassion.”
Bristol Central MP Carla Denyer MP also sent best wishes for the event highlighting a city that “refuses to give in to hostility and division”. She added: “Bristol is a city which refuses to give in to hostility and division.
“Events like Friday’s ‘Hope Cafe’ showcase the best of our city: united in our desire to look out for each other and to create a kinder world. I am very pleased to support this local event as part of A Million Acts of Hope.”
Huge thanks to everyone who contributed and shared messages of support, including Props Bristol, St George’s Bristol Samir Savant Zoe Williams Sophie Jerrold and the many brilliant artists and volunteers who helped create such a welcoming and joyful space. 💜
The Hope Café showed what that can look like: people coming together, sharing stories, and choosing kindness over hate.
We encourage everyone to take action, however small, to stand against hate and to actively knit together the kind of community we all want to live in.
Together, we can build a city defined not by division, but by compassion, dignity, and hope.
Read Milan Perera’s Bristol 24/7 write up here: Pop-up cafe celebrates ‘power of kindness and connection’
Read “Striking Down Hate” by Strike Communications on their Substack here: https://buff.ly/2zKNYkm
