From the editor: "Community and conversation work together all year round"

One of the first things you must understand as a journalist is to listen well. You always get a better story from a chat over a cup of tea than you can via any kind of conversation by email, text or even phone. There is simply no replacement for human contact and a caring ear. That also isn’t just true for reporters. It is accurate for friends, family, colleagues and neighbours. It is one of the things we missed the most during lockdown and, even during the days of summer when restrictions weren’t quite so tight, we were a long way from having it back in any form that we recognise. As you will know, we have been asking you, our readers, for your opinions on a wide range of subjects as part of our Big Conversation. One of the reasons we do this is so we can accurately reflect the city rather than just those who shout the loudest.

We wanted to hear you all.

If you listen to the people who make the most noise these days all you ever hear is negative. People just love to be mean to others even when it is clear that their words will bring misery. That is completely unecessary and never gives an accurate reflection of our city.

You’ll have read some of the findings of our latest survey on Pages 8 and 9. What really struck me is that desire for community and hope that those bonds have been made stronger by this awful virus.

Much was said during lockdown about good things which we wanted to keep hold of, only for them to disappear as soon as things started to look at bit normal. But community is one of the most vital and I am so pleased many of you believe it is better now than before.

It is a feeling that you are an important part of your neighbourhood, having neighbours who are also friends and being secure in the knowledge that there are people nearby who will help if you need it.

They are such simple things but it is what makes humans different from all other species. Caring is priceless and such a wonderful bonus to come out of such a difficult situation.

With challenging months ahead, it is more critical than ever that we look after each other and that begins in our own houses and on our own streets.