Commenting on a reprieve for Hartcliffe-based charity Hawkspring thanks to a £100,000 donation from the John James Bristol Foundation, which secures its immediate future for a year, Bristol South MP Karin Smyth said:
“Staff and Trustees put their hearts and souls into Hawkspring and the wonderful generosity of the John James Foundation is apt reward for their commitment.
“Most importantly this money will enable Hawkspring to continue its life-saving work, helping many more local people who desperately rely on the crucial services Hawkspring provides.
“Disappointment that our city council did not step in to respond to calls for help will, for now, be overtaken by relief at this welcome reprieve.
“But neither Hawkspring nor Bristol City Council are out of the woods yet. It is essential that the council’s Health and Wellbeing Board now works closely with Hawkspring to properly understand its services, local demand, and how best it can respond to secure a long term future for this most vital of local community organisations.”