#community cohesion

#community cohesion

The theme of this year's Guardian charity appeal was hope, supporting fantastic projects that foster community, tolerance and empathy. Over the past year our reporting has captured the increased alarm most of us feel over the return of 1970s-style racist abuse, the demonisation of refugees and the resurgence of far-right marches in Britain's streets. I'm delighted that Guardian readers responded with such generosity, warmth and solidarity. Your donations will make a positive difference, sending a clear message about standing up to hate and bringing people together.

I said it then and I'll say it again now: I love this city. I also think we're at a turning point. Change is hardand inevitable. Our bodies age, jobs shift, no two days look the same. Change can be beautiful when we understand it and frightening when we don't. Saratoga itself is proof: This place was once orchards. Generations before us chose to allow homes, and that choice is why most of usmy family, yourscan live here at all.