We’re all adapting to the challenges thrown at us by the Covid-19 pandemic. While it’s a difficult time for all of us, it’s clear a common theme ties us all together: community.
Earlier this year, we revealed that our Bristol power partners were cutting carbon and helping ‘green up’ our city. With shared values of commitment to a cleaner, greener and healthier Bristol, we were proud to highlight some of the organisations in the city doing their bit for the planet. And today, it’s evident the same power partners are doing their bit during this national emergency; supporting residents, helping communities and lifting our spirits.
Bristol Zoo Gardens
We’re proud to supply 100% green electricity and lower carbon gas to one of Bristol’s most popular attractions; Bristol Zoo Gardens, as well as its sister site, Wild Place Project. Last month, both attractions sadly closed to the public in line with Government guidelines.
While their social media feeds continue to keep us all entertained, Bristol Zoo Gardens, which is operated by conservation and education charity Bristol Zoological Society, urgently needs support from the public to ensure they can thrive until re-opening.
Bristol Zoological Society has launched an appeal to ensure they can continue to care for the thousands of animals across the two sites.
Dr Justin Morris, Chief Executive of Bristol Zoological Society, said:
As a charity we rely on the income from our visitors to our two zoos and without them we urgently need to plan to secure alternative sources of revenue. Funds are needed not only to safeguard Bristol Zoo Gardens and Wild Place Project, but to ensure conservation to help save endangered species, including western lowland gorillas, giraffes and lemurs could continue.
The short to medium term is manageable, but we are taking action now for our long-term, which will help safeguard our future. We have the same duty of care to our zoo animals as well as the animals we protect in many countries around the world. This will and must continue.
As a charity, our mission is ‘saving wildlife together’. We have been doing this for 185 years and plan to continue doing so for our future generations.
Watch our video on supporting Bristol Zoo Gardens
Bristol Waste
While we can’t currently visit family or friends, fortunately we continue to see the friendly faces of the key workers at Bristol Waste. Powered by our 100% green electricity and 100% green gas, Bristol Waste continues to carry out an essential service that impacts each and every one of us.
Recycling Operative Craig represented waste crews across the country on ITV’s This Morning recently, when the show celebrated Britain’s unsung heroes. Bristol Waste have also donated ingredients to Bristol University for their production of hand sanitiser for key workers in the city.
Their hard work and community spirit has not gone unnoticed; with Bristol residents displaying colourful posters and letters on their windows and doors (and bins!) as a thank you gesture.
Tony Lawless, Managing Director at Bristol Waste, said:
The dedication and commitment of our crews has ensured our essential services have continued as usual for the people of Bristol. The friendly waves, ‘thank-you’s’ shouted from windows and pictures drawn for us by children make it that much easier.
Residents can continue to show us their support, and help to keep our crews safe, by sorting their recycling and double-bagging and separating coronavirus related waste for 72 hours before putting it out in your black wheelie bin for collection.
We The Curious
Another Bristol favourite that has had to temporarily close its doors due to Covid-19 is charity and educational science centre We The Curious.
The site, powered by Bristol Energy’s green electricity and lower carbon gas, may have had to shut up shop for the time-being, but with its passionate belief in the importance of curiosity, science and collaboration within society, the centre continues to educate, inspire and entertain us all by sharing fun activities and articles on their social channels.
We The Curious is also currently leading a national campaign to change the government’s rules around furlough. The science centre wants the government to allow charity employees, such as those at We The Curious, to continue doing their work while still having 80 per cent of their wages covered by the scheme.
Avon Fire & Rescue Service
The key workers at Avon Fire & Rescue Service (AF&RS) are vital to public health and safety during the current lockdown and many of us have taken to social media to applaud their hard work and perseverance during these difficult times.
Powered by Bristol Energy’s 100% green electricity and 100% green gas, AF&RS continue to be on the frontline, providing additional to assist South Western Ambulance Service during the Covid-19 pandemic, through activities such as the driving of ambulances, trauma care and the delivery of medicine.
Simon Shilton, Assistant Chief Fire Officer for AF&RS, said:
As a service, we are here to ensure our communities are safe. We know that our paramedic colleagues do a fantastic job but are stretched at this unprecedented time. We could not be more willing, and able, to help out in any way we can during these extremely challenging times.
AF&RS is currently appealing for support from local Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) suppliers or businesses that have stock of PPE, such as water repellent surgical face masks and non-latex gloves, as supply chains are under significant pressure. Any businesses that can help with the supply of PPE are asked to e-mail [email protected].
Bristol City Council
Bristol City Council, our shareholder and also one of our Bristol power partners, are currently on supply with 100% green electricity and lower carbon gas. The council is playing a pivotal role in efforts to support local people and businesses throughout the Covid-19 pandemic. The free ‘We Are Bristol’ hotline number 0800 694 0184 has been specially created to support the most vulnerable and isolated citizens through the crisis. The hotline can help with:
• Delivery of food, medication or other essential items
• Someone to talk to (a problem shared is a problem halved so if you’re feeling lonely or scared, please don’t hesitate to call)
• Follow-up support with different organisations
An expert team of Bristolians are ready to take calls and lines are open from 8.30am to 5pm Monday to Friday, and from 10am to 2pm on Saturday, Sunday and also Bank Holidays. The helpline telephone number is there waiting to connect callers with our ever-growing team of volunteers, right now. An incredible 3,180 (and counting) local people in Bristol have recently signed up to volunteer to help others in Bristol in the past five weeks.
We’ve put together a set of questions and answers showing you how Bristol Energy is responding to the Covid-19 outbreak and its impact on our customers and staff.
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