Lorna Slater: Leader's Christmas message
For many, the festive period brings mixed emotions. It is both a time to celebrate with loved ones and a time to reflect on the challenges we have faced, as well as to think of those who are no longer with us.
As we come toward the end of the second year of this terrible pandemic there is naturally a mood of frustration, things can often feel overwhelming.
But, I continue to be amazed and inspired by the remarkable community spirit which is so evident.
Neighbourly acts of kindness are not a new phenomenon, but the scale of support people have offered one another throughout the covid crisis has been remarkable. In a world all too often dominated by a focus on economic growth, it can be easy to forget about one another's well being. So let me say thank you to everyone who has demonstrated such kindness.
While the holidays offer many of us the opportunity to take a break, others, including those working in our emergency services, continue to go to work as normal. I want to say a big thank you to everyone who is working at this time of year.
It’s also worth remembering that many of those working through the festive period, particularly in the retail and hospitality sectors, will be on low pay and working long hours. Please be kind to those who are serving you over the holiday period.
Despite the uncertainty we’re all living with at the moment we know that with more and more people getting their booster everyday there are brighter days to come. If you haven’t had yours yet I’d urge you to book an appointment now.
I sincerely hope that as we move into the new year that we make sure 2022 is the year that profit and intellectual property rights are put to one side as we recognise that we’ll only be safe once all of humanity can access the covid vaccines.