I saw a startling statistic from the NHS today: three-quarters of people in critical care with Covid-19 in our local hospitals are unvaccinated. This is very worrying ? and could easily be avoided.

We know that people who are vaccinated against Covid are less likely to have severe symptoms of the virus, especially those who have had two doses and a booster.

Cases of Covid are continuing to rise in our city, so there remains an ongoing risk to those who are unvaccinated. Learning to live with Covid means learning to live with some key behaviours we all have to adopt such as regular testing and getting vaccinated. Living with Covid does not mean doing nothing.

We know that the Omicron variant of Covid-19 is just as serious as previous variants ? but it is clear now that people who are vaccinated, on the whole, have milder effects. Please take action to protect yourself.

You can get the vaccine for free at The Forest Recreation Ground vaccination centre. You can walk-in without appointment every day to get your first, second or booster jab ? it only takes a few minutes and staff are there to answer any questions you have. You can also book a venue/day/time to suit you: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/coronavirus-vaccination/book-coronavirus-vaccination/

Please do everything you can to protect yourself from Covid-19 and stay safe this winter.

I?m sure it comes as little surprise to most local people that Hockley in NG1 has been named as one of the 12 'coolest postcodes to move to in 2022' by The Sunday Times Style Magazine. We have long known it as an area of the city centre with a cool vibe, with its mixture of independent shops, bars, restaurants and music venues.

I?m proud of this and the part the council has played in bolstering the cafe culture feel of the area by making it more pedestrian friendly and investing in Sneinton Market and Square to extend the creative buzz and encourage further footfall.

Removing traffic from certain streets, giving traders the freedom to use the space in front of their business and encouraging street performers has all helped to add an extra buzz. Hockley?s popularity is now stretching beyond the younger crowd to families and older couples, as well as during the day and at night-time. It is a pointer for what we can aim for elsewhere in the city, including in the Broad Marsh area, where public spaces can become animated with street performers and art, independent traders and pop-up outlets.

January is a time of New Year resolutions and many people will be looking to improve their fitness and wellbeing. If you are considering joining a gym, memberships are available at our Active Nottingham Leisure Centres from ?19.99 per month or Pay as You Go sessions from ?5.20 are also available. ?

Our leisure centres are the go-to place for getting fit, staying healthy and most importantly having fun. Whatever your fitness level there are plenty of facilities to choose from.

• Burn off the calories using top-of-the-line gym equipment ?Technogym?
• Relax in one of our seven health suites
• Drop by for a relaxing swim or ramp it up by joining a hydro-spin or aqua-fit class
• Join a group exercise class with group cycling, relaxing yoga or even Zumba ? there is something for everyone, of all abilities, with over 300 classes available
• Don?t fancy leaving the house? Try an ?at-home? workout from our On-Demand Digital fitness sessions.

For membership details and to join Active Nottingham, head over to: www.activenottingham.com/beyourbest/

With the cost of living set to rise significantly over the coming months due to increases in food and energy prices, the withdrawal of the Universal Credit uplift and the rise in National Insurance levels later this year, it is likely to be a financially challenging time for many households.

There is some support available to help with the rising costs of energy bills. Most suppliers have funds available that can help pay off debt and sometimes help with your ongoing bills. They'll want details about your circumstances and finances. If you are struggling to pay your energy bills, check your supplier?s website or give them a call.

Some of the available schemes are linked below -

• Severn Trent - sttf.org.uk
• British Gas - https://britishgasenergytrust.org.uk
• Npower - npowerenergyfund.com
• Eon - eonenergy.com/more-for-your-home/energy-fund.html
• Scottish Power - https://community.scottishpower.co.uk/t5/Extra-Help/Hardship-Fund/ta-p/53
• Bulb (Bulb continue to operate in special administration so you should still contact them if you are struggling) - https://help.bulb.co.uk/hc/en-us/articles/360039912112-Getting-help-if-you-re-struggling-with-your-energy-payments

The next Full Council is this Monday, where as well as other council business, we?ll be discussing the important issue of social care and the need for a properly funded comprehensive national approach that doesn?t ask those who can afford it the least to pay more.

Thirty minutes is allocated at the beginning of each Full Council meeting to receive petitions and respond to questions from citizens.? It is a key part of the City Council?s commitment to openness and accessibility. I always look forward to receiving questions from citizens. If you?d like to submit a question you can find out more here about how to do this. The following full Council will be ?Monday 7 March and I could be answering your questions there.