I?m sure I?m not alone in hoping that we can return to a normal life after living in the shadow of Covid for 18 months. As well as getting vaccinated, one of the ways that we can stop the spread of the virus is to regularly test for Covid-19 ? even if we don?t have symptoms.

Anyone who is returning to work, shop or study in the city will be able to use our new mobile testing unit in Trinity Square. The drop-in service is in a prime location and is open Thursdays, Fridays and Sundays from 10am-4.30pm.

Why not pop along before you go shopping or go to work? It takes two minutes to take a rapid Covid-19 test (lateral flow test) ? a simple and quick swab from the back of your throat and nose. Results take only 30 minutes to show. These 30 minutes could save someone?s life.

For further information on opening times and how to order tests online, please visit https://www.nottinghamcity.gov.uk/coronavirus-covid-19/get-a-covid-19-test/#nosymptoms

Please remember, if you are experiencing symptoms of Covid-19 or have a positive rapid test, you must urgently take a PCR test ? you can simply book a test by visiting www.gov.uk/get-coronavirus-test or by calling 119

It?s good news that the City Council has successfully secured over ?2m of Government funding to help tackle rough sleeping. Sadly rough sleeping is increasing, with 101 individuals identified in the city this May, and Government grants - which are the only funding the council has to deal with the issue ? are absolutely vital.

As the impact of the pandemic filters down, specifically around financial support ending, mental health, unemployment and change in housing circumstances, the issue is sadly only likely to get worse. We will be using this latest funding to prevent rough sleeping, identify rough sleepers, assess needs, deliver support packages and provide shelter and sustained accommodation.

As ever, we are reliant on our local partners, like Framework and Emmanuel House, to source accommodation and extend capacity within their existing services. We thank them for their continued contributions and commitment and would encourage anyone wanting to do something to help to donate to them.

More information here

Local people?of any age?who are?looking for work, a career change, or want to apply for their first full-time job after leaving education,?are invited?to come along to the Nottingham North Jobs & Healthy Living Fair on 16 September. To maintain a safe event for all, a booking system is in place with admission time slots from 9.30am to 2.30pm.

Organised by Nottingham Jobs and partners,?the fair aims to support people who have faced employment challenges as a result of the Coronavirus pandemic?by helping them to?find and apply for jobs,?build their confidence and improve their interview skills. The fair will offer?residents?opportunities to speak to the many employers who are recruiting right now, as well as?free health checks and?advice to help them?live healthier lifestyles.

Visitors can book more than one ticket so are encouraged to book for family or friends who may not have email addresses. Anyone without an email or finding it difficult to complete their booking, can contact Nottingham Jobs on 0115 876 4508 for assistance. You can book place at Eventbrite?

Our two summer festivals Nonsuch on Trent (Victoria Embankment) and Arboretum Sunsets (Nottingham Arboretum) come to an end this weekend with music, and comedy for all ages. There is also a chance to see Shakespeare in the city for free courtesy of the Nottingham Shakespeare Company. Enjoy Twelfth Night this evening from 7 at Highfields Park, or there are shows at Sneinton Market (2pm) and St Mary?s Churchyard in the Lace Markets (7pm) tomorrow. There are more sessions next week ? visit www.whatsonnottingham.com for the latest information.