Wera Hobhouse: Sense of community will help us through difficult times

I’d like to start off by saying a massive thank you. The B&NES Holiday Hunger Appeal that I launched with 3SG has reached its goal of £50,000.

This money is going directly to local organisations via St John’s foundation to tackle hunger over the coming weeks and months.

It’s sad that it’s necessary, but I’ve been touched by this outpouring of generosity, and it makes me very proud to represent this city.

We now see Covid-19 cases increasing quickly across Bath. I am supportive of the Government’s announcement of a national lockdown, but it should have happened sooner. I encourage everyone to follow the rules.

It has been clear for some time that lockdown was the only way to suppress the numbers and this is the only way to protect our National Health Service.

I know that lockdown will be extremely difficult for many people in our community, both financially and emotionally.

I am confident that we will support each other, and do everything we can to make life easier for those who are worst affected.

Last week I spoke with Doctor Laurence, Public Health Director for BANES. He outlined to me the situation in Bath. It is important to remember that there is no silver bullet.

Even after the 2nd of December we must remember that we are still in a pandemic and act accordingly.

We must break the cycle of boom and bust lockdowns and this means being extra careful when we open back up. We must wear face coverings, engage in socials distancing, and regularly wash our hands. We have all gotten used to risk assessing our actions and this needs to continue beyond December 2nd.

October has been Black History Month. I have been spending time with members of Bath’s black community speaking about history, culture, and what we can do to be more inclusive in our community.

For me, Black History Month is about learning to listen and expand our understanding of the past. I also visited Fairfield House.

It was the residence of the Ethiopian Emperor Haile Selassie while he was in exile for five years before and during the Second World War.

The house serves as a focal point for our local black community in Bath.

It represents a fascinating chapter of black history and should be a source of great pride for us all in the city.