Today was our first Full Council session during lockdown, with all councillors taking part via Zoom. It felt a little different but business was concluded as usual and I am pleased that we could live stream it on YouTube for local people to watch.

In memory of the 163 Covid-19 victims in Nottingham A one-minute silence was held to remember all the people who have sadly died of the coronavirus in Nottingham including two much-loved council employees. Our thoughts are very much with their families at this difficult time.

Giving recognition to council staff I want to pay a special heartfelt thanks to all of our frontline council staff, working hard across the city to keep people well, safe from harm, and to keep vital services going. Their contribution in these unprecedented times cannot and will not go unnoticed.

Giving recognition to our local communities I have been heartened by the amazing community response we?ve seen in Nottingham, a large number of community groups and volunteers have come forward to offer their time and resources to support those in need. From neighbours looking out for one another, to the Robin Hood Fund raising money for those in need so many have contributed so much to Nottingham. As a city, we stand together and I am confident we will continue to do so over the coming weeks and months.

Work to secure Nottingham?s future As much as we appreciate and celebrate the efforts made by Nottingham people to raise money and donate time to look after our vulnerable people, we know that the Government can and should do more to help local authorities deal with this crisis. I will continue to meet with regional and national leaders and lobby ministers in Government for a fair and proportionate amount of funding to meet these challenges. I hope there will also be more recognition of the vital role public services play in the lives of the people we serve and the dedication and commitment of those who carry out this essential work.

Find out more about Nottingham?s response to Covid-19

Full council also agreed the appointment of Mel Barrett as the City Council?s permanent chief executive. Mel is currently Chief Executive of Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council and brings a wealth of experience at other councils and elsewhere and his credentials will undoubtedly help us to realise our enduring ambitions for the city beyond the current coronavirus crisis. Our Interim Chief Executive Katherine Kerswell will continue to help guide the authority through the current Covid-19 crisis, until Mel takes up the permanent role in September. Find out more about the appointment here

Today sees the start of Mental Health Awareness Week 2020, I feel this is a particularly significant issue right now as we are living through a time, which is taking its toll on all of us in different ways. To celebrate the week, in partnership with Wilkos and Nottingham Forest we are giving out teabags and a positive postcard to those who may be feeling alone. I would encourage all of us to pick up the phone this week and have a natter with someone we know over a cup of tea, you will not just make their day but yours too.

Find out more Nottingham brews up in time for mental health awareness week

NHS: Every Mind Matters ? Looking After Your Metal Health

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