Christmas message from council leader Claire Young and co-leader Ian Boulton from South Gloucestershire Council 

On behalf of everyone at South Gloucestershire Council we would like to wish all our residents, voluntary groups and businesses a very Happy Christmas and New Year.   
  
We hope the festive holiday period provides an opportunity to spend time with family and friends.

Our thoughts are with those who have lost loved ones or been separated from them by war and those who are struggling financially. Support and companionship is available to anyone who might appreciate it.   
  
Our network of Community Welcome Spaces offer a warm and friendly welcome and are free to use. They also offer information on local financial help, energy saving tips and cost of living advice. We have also distributed warm packs including hats, gloves, socks and blankets. 
  
If you are struggling to pay for the basics such as food and energy costs, then our Government funded Household Support Fund may be able to help. Visit our website or our One Stop Shops to find out more.  
  
Since we took control of the Council in May this year, we have been working hard on our priorities for South Gloucestershire and we hope you will engage with us as we tackle the issues that matter to all of us.  We encourage everyone to get involved in our Community Conversations.    
  
We want to specifically wish a very Merry Christmas to our Care Leavers who make us so proud of their achievements. 
 
We thank our own staff, as well as staff working in the local NHS, Avon and Somerset Police, Avon Fire Service and all our strategic partners for their hard work and support throughout the year to deliver such important services.  
 
We wish you a Christmas full of love, joy and peace and hope for a better future.