A Christmas message from the leader of the council

THE LEADER of Sunderland City Council is sharing a special Christmas message to residents.

In a video recorded at Sunderland Crematorium, Councillor Graeme Miller dedicates his message to those across the city who have lost loved ones in 2021.

The video offers viewers a chance to look back over the last year and reflect as we head into 2022. Cllr Miller said: "As we head towards Christmas and the end of the year, it's a time when people reflect and remember - and for anyone who has lost a loved one, it is a particularly important time.

"For a good part of the year the number of people allowed to attend funeral services and gatherings was restricted in line with government guidelines. This has made what is a very difficult time even more challenging, as people haven't always been able to mark the passing of a loved one in the way they might have chosen."

In the video, which is being shared online across the city council's social media platforms, Cllr Miller also expresses gratitude for NHS and social care staff, as well as the key workers, volunteers, charities, and communities whose hard work has been vital throughout the last year. 

Members of the public are thanked for their own hard work and sacrifices to keep the spread of Covid-19 under control.

Finally, Cllr Miller will read a poem, May Time Soften Your Pain, for those who have lost friends and family over the last year.

He said: "Everyone will grieve and remember in their own way, and whilst no two people's experiences in terms of loss are the same, we hope that today's message will bring you some comfort and an opportunity to reflect and remember. 

"Our thoughts are in remembrance of all who have died this year and with the residents at this time of year."

Cllr Miller's Christmas message will be posted on Facebook at www.facebook.com/SunderlandUKOfficial and YouTube and Twitter at SunderlandUK on Sunday 19 December at 6pm.