Church, Compassion & the Coronavirus: Bristol Churches response to COVID-19
We are all very aware of the emerging situation with regards to Coronavirus (COVID-19), which is of course changing on a daily, if not hourly basis. This is a time for us as a church community, along with others across the city, to show a spirit of generosity and kindness.
There is also work underway at a city level to shape up strategic, collaborative approach to responding to need at this time.
With the likelihood of schools, Children’s Centres and community centres / organisations closing in the coming days there will be significant numbers of people that are at risk of becoming isolated and increasingly vulnerable.
Feeding Bristol, FareShare, the network of Foodbanks, Bristol Noise and others are working closely with the Council and other agencies to better understand the likely extent of the need. Measures are being put in place to secure supplies of food for the work of Foodbanks, FareShare and others to ensure they are able to sustain support to the vulnerable.
Offers of volunteers are increasing, which is wonderful. As you can imagine, there are lots of moving parts in all of this, not least of which is the whole issue of storing, handling and then delivering food to those that need it across the city
All agencies involved would value your prayers for wisdom and for energy as plans are shaped.
On a practical, immediate level
Pray (we’re sure you’ll be doing this anyway)
Be generous in donating food and money to the work of the Foodbanks and FareShare – www.christianactionbristol.org.uk/food-poverty
If you’d like to give toward the work of Feeding Bristol https://www.feedingbristol.org/donate/
Consider volunteering time - www.thenoise.org.uk/bristolchurchresponse
Look out for isolated and vulnerable people in the local community, or in the street where you live, to support where possible
This is a time when we need to come together as a city and as a nation, and the church has a vital role to play in all of this.