The numbers of people eligible for the Covid-19 vaccination who have taken it locally are encouragingly high ? but we still need to make sure no-one gets left behind.

Residents with learning disabilities who are newly eligible for vaccination are now being contacted to come forward for their appointment and can book as usual for the Clinically Vulnerable or Clinically Extremely Vulnerable, via https://www.swiftqueue.co.uk/nottinghamc19v-clinv.php or by calling 0115 883 4640.? This can of course also be done on their behalf by friends, family or carers.?

People aged over 80, over 75, over 70 or over 65 who haven?t already had their first dose mustn?t feel like they have left it too late ? they can and should still book an appointment. I would urge everyone to do this as soon as possible. My own experience of the vaccination is that the appointment is quick and efficient ? and offers the only protection from this deadly virus.

If you are in any of the eligible categories, there is no need to wait for the NHS invite letter ? you can book using the Swiftqueue booking links.

The City Council?s Customer Hub has been helping to make follow-up calls with those who have been invited for a vaccination but have not yet made an appointment ? as well as reassuring housebound citizens who are waiting for a roving vaccination. Over the last two weeks the team have worked seven days a week and made over 5,000 calls to our citizens, helping to ensure as many as possible of those eligible feel supported in having their vaccinations.

Please watch this special video including some famous Nottingham faces, along with key workers and community leaders, encouraging everyone to get the jab to get back to normal.

Following on from the success of the asymptomatic testing at Djanogly Community Leisure Centre we are opening two more asymptomatic testing centres next week. The centres will be for local people who are not displaying Covid-19 symptoms. The new facilities are at:

• The Portland Centre, on Muskham Street in The Meadows, open from Tuesday 2 March
• Clifton Community Centre, on Southchurch Drive in Clifton, open from Thursday 4 March.

The testing centre at Djanogly Community Leisure Centre also remains open. I?m really pleased that since it opened in January, more than 5,500 tests have been carried out on people without Covid symptoms. Of this figure, 53 people have tested positive. When we think of how quickly the virus can spread, catching people who have the virus early makes a significant difference.?

Citizens living around the sites are of working age and more at risk of catching Covid-19 so it is important everyone protects themselves and those around them, whether family, colleagues or people in support bubbles. There are also good transport links to all sites to encourage residents from neighbouring areas to get tested. We are also looking to extend the offer to other areas in the north of the city soon.

Finding out more about Asymptomatic Testing Centres in the city.

A report into how large cities can bounce back from Covid is encouraging for Nottingham, which has many of the attributes needed for a strong recovery. The Centre for Cities report outlines the need to focus on tackling air pollution, encouraging public transport use once it?s safe, focusing on commercial property and improving local skills. Our carbon neutral ambitions and second-to-none public transport system, along with large-scale developments underway or in the pipeline

and established ways to connect local people with new opportunities in emerging industries, all stand our city in good stead for a prosperous future. Read more here.

The cost of childcare can eat up a large chunk of the family budget but there is help available. As part of the Early Learning Programme (ELP) there are free childcare places available for eligible two-year-olds in Nottingham. These free places are available in participating childcare providers across the city for 15 hours per week and a total of 38 weeks.

In order to be eligible for free childcare for your two-year-old you must either be in receipt of a qualifying benefit or your two-year-old child must fit into certain categories of children who have additional needs. Check if your child is eligible and how to apply here https://www.asklion.co.uk/kb5/nottingham/directory/advice.page?id=1C3qNYA_meE or call the Families Information Service using the free phone number 0800 458 4114

For further information on local childcare, organisations, services and activities for families, children and young people you can visit Ask Lion: Children and families