We?re seeing an increase in Covid-19 cases in the city. While our rate remains lower than in other parts of the country, it is still higher than we would like and shows that the virus hasn?t gone away. The best protection is to get vaccinated ? especially as we move towards Christmas, when more people will be mixing together in shops as well as socially, giving Covid more chance to spread.

I know that people will be worried about feeling poorly for a day or so after being vaccinated. Not everyone has this reaction, but if you?re concerned then now would be the time to get the jab before the festive season fully swings into action.

We?re already seeing lots of people book their boosters online ? especially since over-40s are now eligible ? but I want to be clear that it?s not too late to get your first Covid jab. You haven?t missed out; you can still book, or you can go along to the Forest Recreation Ground vaccination centre without an appointment to get your jab.

All of the vaccination centres have staff who can talk to you more about the vaccine, so feel free to ask any questions you might have. We know there?s high demand, so please be advised you might need to wait to be seen. You can find details of the Forest Rec?s opening times here.

If you want to book a slot to avoid the queues, visit Book coronavirus vaccination

This morning, Cllr Barnard and I launched the Big Reading Challenge 2021 at Wollaton Hall, with help from Year 4 children at Middleton Primary and Nursery school? and Titus the T. rex!

We read some dinosaur-themed books to kick off a week of storytelling in 30 locations across Nottingham. Councillors and officers are reading to children all over the city, to raise money for the Imagination Library, which sends free books to local children every month from birth to age five.

We know that reading with children is one of the best ways to set them up for a bright future. By getting books, our children are more likely to be ready to start school and do better throughout their education. Please support us by giving what you can: just ?25 pays for a local child to receive a free book every month for a whole year. Your donations really do make such a difference to our city?s children. You can find more and donate here www.gofundme.com/f/big-reading-challenge-2021

Many people in Nottingham are being affected by the rising costs of bills and food, plus the end of the Universal Credit uplift and rise in income tax. Nottingham City Council?s Welfare Rights team can help you with:

• Your benefits ? making sure you?re claiming all you should be and challenging decisions
• Your debts ? looking at the situation and making a plan
• Emergency support with energy bills

And much more.

They have helped thousands of people with their debts, bills, housing issues and to get the benefits they are entitled to. Don't wait until things get really bad, give them a call weekdays 8.30am?4.50pm?on 0115 915 1355 or contact them at [email protected]

The latest edition of the Nottingham Arrow has a Christmas competition with seven great festive prizes up for grabs. You could win

• A family ticket to Christmas at Wollaton
• A family ticket for Christmas at Newstead
• One of three children's Christmas book bundles
• A festive afternoon tea at Woodthorpe Park
• A family ticket to see Robin Hood the panto at Theatre Royal

Click here to enter!

Competition closes 5 December. One entry per email address. Good luck.