Let’s make sure no-one is left behind

THE year was 1967. That summer there was one song that captured the mood of the nation. It was All You Need Is Love, by The Beatles performed in the first worldwide telecast, Our World.

The song became an anthem for young people across the globe.

Well those days seem a long, long way away.

Here we are in 2020 with huge problems. Not just here in Cheltenham but globally, as conflict, coronavirus and constriction, both social and economic, loom large.

The pandemic affects every community with job losses and increased poverty as a result. And we still await the full impact of Brexit.

But if there’s one thing we have as a community in Cheltenham, it is a wealth of kindness and concern for everyone who lives here.

In recent months hundreds of local residents have done voluntary work ensuring that our most vulnerable residents have what they need. They ask no reward or recognition. It’s ‘All You Need Is Love’ in action.

As Christmas approaches we will need more help for all of our communities.

Cheltenham Borough Council acted as one recently to approach those with whom it does business, to ask for a contribution for our communities.

We will try to ensure that no family, that no child and that no community is left behind this Christmas.

To do that we need your help. It doesn’t have to be a lot. Every little helps!

Whether a local business or resident, you can help by giving a little to the Mayor’s Fund.

The Mayor’s Fund or No Child Left Behind will ensure it gets to organisations working in our communities.

You could have a go on the Cheltenham Lottery where every pound spent gives a chunk of cash to local organisations helping people.

Together we can create something magical, a Christmas for everyone, where no-one goes hungry, or is cold, or has no visit from Father Christmas. And, isn’t that what Christmas is about?

1967 was a long time ago but the belief that we can all make a difference is still alive and kicking today!