Last working day fo 2020. A thread.

Finally, done. In so many ways. Done.

It's been a horrible year for so many, our family included. Others have suffered much more and thoughts are with all who are struggling with loss and hardship. 1/10

I know I have not been "on it" in my usual way for some time. I hope to come back refreshed and better able to work with my students, my lab, and my colleagues inside and outside Bristol. 2/10

I work with some amazing people - locally, nationally and internationally - I'm really lucky in that regard. Thanks to all of you (you know who you are even if you aren't on Twitter!). 3/10

I'm very lucky that I can shut off and spend time with the family over the next 2 weeks with no real issues. Others cannot and so spare a thought for them. 4/10

Please be kind to each other, remember you have no idea what people may be dealing with. Things will get better but it will take time. The long lasting impacts of this pandemic cannot be underestimated, for some this will only just be starting. 5/10

If you need some suggestions of how to help, try these:

Working to end the need for foodbanks @TrussellTrust

@CHSW provides palliative, respite, end of life and bereavement care for life-limited and terminally ill children and their families from the South West England.
6/10

@otrbristol is a mental health social movement by and for young people aged 11-25 living in Bristol and South Gloucestershire.

@mindcharity is a national charity providing information and support to all with mental health challenges.

7/10

@mencap_charity people with a learning disability as well as their families and carers.

@WildlifeTrusts are a federation of 46 independent wildlife conservation charities covering the whole of the UK.

@worldlandtrust fund ground-breaking habitat protection.

8/10

I have no affiliation to any of these charities other than by donation. They are also unashamedly mainly local or UK based. 2021 is going to be hard. COVID, Brexit, the Climate Crisis are just 3 issues. I simply wish to encourage everyone to think of others before themselves
9/10

Stay safe, keep your distance, wash your hands, wear a mask, open a window. See you soon. 10/10