Congratulations to all the Nottingham people named in the New Year?s Honours list.

Off the back of being named Sports Personality of the Year, Mary Earps?has been awarded an MBE for services to football,?whilst Stuart Broad, who was already an MBE, has been awarded a CBE for services to cricket.

Also honoured this year is our very own Eunice Campbell-Clark, who served as councillor in the city and county for 34 years and was recently made an honorary alderwoman of Nottingham City Council. Eunice has been awarded an OBE for services to local government.

A Nottingham City Council former colleague, Jacquie Blake was also recognised in the New Year Honours list and awarded an OBE for services to education. Jacquie retired in May 2022 after working for the council for?32 years in Education Catering.

Also honoured is University of Nottingham's Professor Matthew Brookes has been awarded an OBE for his pioneering work on brain imaging, helping to create a new kind of wearable brain scanner. Plus, 74-year-old Ethel Gloria Anderson has been awarded an MBE for services to the community in St Ann?s.

Former Nottingham Forest and England footballing legend Peter Shilton has also been awarded at CBE in recognition of his work to prevent harm from gambling. Ellie Downie and Becky Downie, the champion gymnast sisters who both represented Great Britain at the Olympics, have both been given MBEs for services to gymnastics.

Your city needs more foster carers for our looked after children. We are encouraging potential foster carers to come forward so that children and teenagers can experience next Christmas and New Year in a loving family home.

The process of applying to become a foster carer takes around six months, so by this time next year new carers could have a youngster settled in with them.

People from all different walks of life can foster ? the most important thing is they can provide a secure and loving home and are over the age of 21.

Fosters carers simply need to be warm, energetic and have a good sense of humour and have a spare room. They need to listen, be supportive and able to offer advice, at the same time as have some fun.

If you?ve ever considered becoming a foster carer, please get in touch at www.fosteringnottingham.com.

Winter can be a difficult time of year, with colder, shorter days affecting our mental health and ability to fight viruses, plus the added worry for many about money following the festive period.

That?s why it?s important to look after our health and mental wellbeing, by staying warm and well and looking out for vulnerable neighbours, friends, and family. There is help and advice available in Nottingham if you or someone you know needs support.

If you are worried about money, online advice and guidance is available by visiting: www.asklion.co.uk/money

You can also visit www.asklion.co.uk ?for advice and information on mental health support, wellbeing, physical health, feeling lonely and much more.

Mental health services are available If you feel that you need to reach out for help:

• Turning Point is a helpline offering practical and emotional help, as well as online support: turning-point.co.uk
• NottAlone is a website offering mental health advice and help for young people in Nottingham and Nottinghamshire. If you are aged under 25, are a parent or carer, or a professional that supports young people, you can find information, advice and where to get help locally: nottalone.org.uk ?

Winter can also be a very difficult and busy time of year for the NHS, especially A&E departments which can come under extreme pressure. We can all support the NHS by following their advice to only attend A&E if you have a life-threatening illness or injury that cannot be treated elsewhere. If you need urgent medical care but it?s not an emergency, please visit NHS 111 online or call NHS111 for advice on how to get the care you need at any time of day or night.

If you haven?t already, I would encourage you to head to Nottingham?s Theatre Royal to see this year?s Pantomime, Dick Whittington.

Staring TV favourite and panto legend?Shane Richie, TV Doctor?Dr Ranj and panto dame extraordinaire?Iain Stuart Robertson, the show runs until Sunday 15 January.

Get your tickets here.