Although the latest Government advice is that people can now spend more time outdoors, please remember to stay safe and continue to follow the social distancing guidelines.

We have now contacted all local businesses who have not already applied for one of the Government?s grants, to encourage them to find out about the financial support currently available. These grant schemes have been put in place to help small businesses manage their finances over the lockdown period and to help protect local economies and jobs. You may be eligible. Please don't miss out, apply here.?We have redeployed staff so there are more now working in our Business Support team who are on hand to offer advice, guidance and help to access grants, loans and relief. Email the Business Rates team if you have any issues or queries.

From today, applications will be open for the Government-run Self-Employment Income Support Scheme. If you're self-employed or a member of a partnership and have been adversely affected by coronavirus (COVID-19), you may qualify for financial help. For more information and to check if you qualify, visit - Self-Employment Income Support Scheme

Lots of great organisations and charities across Nottingham have been working really hard and creatively to be able to support their local communities within the restrictions that the lockdown brings. Today the Renewal Trust and partners are distributing activity packs for families and teenagers across Sneinton and St Ann?s. The activity packs will help families with limited access to facilities such broadband and green spaces to stay healthy and happy at home. I?d like to thank all our local community organisations who have really risen to the challenge that this pandemic brings and are finding new and innovative ways to support communities and reduce isolation. Thank you also to all the people of Nottingham who donate to these causes.

Many of these organisations rely on volunteers you can find out more and how to get involved here Volunteering in response to Coronavirus (COVID-19)

You can also donate to the Robin Hood Fund, which is fundraising for local charities who are helping those most impacted coronavirus.

The Government quite rightly issued guidance to councils in March to make arrangements for rough sleepers, who are extremely vulnerable to Covid-19 due to often having underlying health issues, to safely self-isolate. To make this happen the Government committed to much-needed additional funding and locally, partner organisations alongside council services have moved heaven and earth to get rough sleepers off the streets and into suitable accommodation within an extremely short time frame. Many people have been temporarily housed in local hotels and existing services such as providing food and health care have been delivered in new ways. Services are now working with people to ensure they do no return to the streets and can start to rebuild their lives. I would like to thank all those involved in this gargantuan effort, from our dedicated council staff and partner agencies to the many volunteers and community groups, who have stepped up to meet the challenge.

Find out more about the local effort to support rough sleepers through the coronavirus pandemic