Today is International Nurses Day and our thoughts once again turn to this essential group of key workers. Nurses and other care workers are working day and night to look after our loved ones, often putting themselves in harm?s way and missing their own families. I would like to thank nurses in Nottingham and across the world for all that they are doing to help fight this pandemic. It is also right that we all take a few moments to remember those nurses who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our safety and wellbeing.?

The latest Government advice is that as well as exercise, people can now spend more time outdoors as long as they do not meet up with more than one person from a different household. Please remember that the social distancing guidelines are still very much in place and people should remain two metres away from each other unless they live together.

This global pandemic brings not just stress and worry about our own health and that of our loved ones, but the lockdown will unavoidably lead to increased isolation, money worries and make some of our usual coping mechanisms inaccessible.

We have put together some useful top tips as to how to look after our mental health over this unprecedented time and an extensive list of local support services. Please visit Looking after our mental health during COVID-19 to find out what support is available locally.

The Ask Lion website has put together a page of information to help people manage their finances over the outbreak ? Financial Help and Well-being during COVID-19 and to highlight local organisations that can help people who are experiencing financial diffilcites.

If you are out of work or on reduced hours there is support available for you. Nottingham Jobs can put you in touch with a personal advisor who will help you find and apply for work.

They can even help with job applications, CV writing and interview tips.?Employers are recruiting, especially in food retail and delivery services, and they can help you find work or get the skills you need to be job ready.

How to get help:?Take ten minutes to register with Nottingham Jobs or you can contact them at?[email protected] or 0115 876 4508 (Monday to Friday 9am - 5pm). For further information visit - Nottingham Jobs

Like many of you, we are working creatively to keep essential services going and from this week, we will be holding formal council meetings online so that we can continue to carry out council business.

I?m pleased to say that Full Council will be able to run as scheduled on Monday 18^th May. It?ll look a little different as all participants will be in the safety of our own homes and not in the Council House. Members of the public will still be able to observe as the meeting will be streamed live online. See our Calendar of meetings for more information on how to access this and other meetings.