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Community spirit is alive and well in Bristol
New research by Power to Change has shown that despite increasingly divisive times, people living in Bristol value their neighbours.
The recently released Community Spirit Index shows that 62 per cent of people in the city know and trust their neighbours and that 39 per cent of people want to learn how to get involved more in their local community.
The report has been released in the build-up to Community Business Weekend, taking place between May 16 and 19. In Bristol, Harbourside stalwart Bristol Ferry Boats are getting involved.
is needed now More than ever
Bristol Ferry Boats are taking part in Community Business Weekend
The recent research also highlights the value that Bristol residents place on local events, with over half of participants thinking that events in the city help to unite people. The report also shows to emphasis people put on supporting local businesses, with 60 per cent of people preferring to support businesses in their local community.
At a time when political ideologies are becoming more polarised, the Community Spirit Index shows that Bristol residents still value each other and local communities.
Power to Change, the organisation who led the research, are holding its annual Community Business Weekend in May. Over the weekend of May 16 to 19, community businesses across England open their doors and showcase their work, inviting people to take a closer look at what they do.
“At this time of huge uncertainty, it’s fantastic to hear that community spirit is still alive and well. People are more determined than ever to pull together for the common good. We know from our work on the ground how important that connection is for successful community business,” says Power to Change chief executive Vidhya Alakeson.
In Bristol, businesses getting involved include Bristol Ferry Boats, with a series of special events.
Events on board the boats include a Somalian street kitchen, the premiere of a new piece of children’s theatre focusing on mental health challenges and an onboard piano recital – it will be a weekend of community spirit on the water.
Find out more about the research and Community Business Weekend at www.communitybusinessweekend.org
Photos courtesy of Power to Change.
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