The situation in Ukraine continues to be devastating as more regions in this sovereign nation are being targeted by Russian troops. Increasing numbers of civilians are being caught up in the invasion and witnessing their home towns and cities being destroyed and lives of loved ones lost.
The UK?s response towards refugees has at times felt frustratingly slow. Locally and nationally, people are asking for more to be done to support the Ukrainian people, including relaxing the UK entry visa rules. My colleague Councillor Neghat Khan wrote to the Home Secretary last week to ensure that she understood the strength of feeling here in Nottingham. I?m glad to see that by the end of this week the Government appears to be making some progress with this issue and we await to hear more next week about how the UK will help.
An emergency fund-raising appeal has been set up to support Ukrainian people and donations can be made here www.dec.org.uk. The UK Government will match pound-for-pound up to ?20 million donated by the public to this appeal.
We have been lighting up the Council House, Wollaton Hall and the Castle to show our solidarity with the Ukrainian people.?
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Like me, you may have come across more and more people recently that have caught Covid-19. Unfortunately, there has been an increase in cases of the virus in the city. As well as following the sensible public health advice, such as washing hands, letting in fresh air and getting vaccinated, it is important everyone takes a Covid-19 test, especially while they are free of charge. We are still running a free community testing service across the city, so if you are out and about this weekend, why not take a supervised test or pick up a box of tests to take home?
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The public consultation on proposed changes to our library service, including the closure of three sites with low use, high costs and nearby alternatives, is currently open. If you?d like to find out more about the library transformation proposals you can ask questions and share your views at our public meeting on Tuesday 29 March, 6.30pm, at the Council House.? Visit www.nottinghamcitylibraries.co.uk/the-next-chapter/ to find out more about the consultation, complete the online survey or register your attendance for the public event.
At this stage I want to emphasise that no decision has yet been made around any closures. Over this consultation we are keen to hear people?s views around our proposals for savings and explore alternative options that people might suggest on ways we could run these services and facilities differently to help us deliver necessary savings but minimise the impact for our residents.
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Working in homecare can be a really rewarding career ? not only because you would be making a real difference to people?s lives, but because it can be flexible around your own life too.
We want to help people to live as independently as possible and we need homecare workers to support them. Could you or someone you know provide this valuable support?
Local homecare providers have positions available now, with full pay, working close to home, flexible hours and training and opportunities for people to progress their career within the sector.
Listen to homecare workers Mediha and Michelle who explain how flexible the role is
To find out more call or text?07929 726 449 or Visit the?Nottingham Jobs website
It was great to see Nottingham Castle?s announcement this week about its latest exhibition featuring two important British female artists which will run from 19 March to 5 June.
Entitled ?A Female Gaze?, the exhibition celebrates the remarkable achievements of Nottingham artist Dame Laura Knight by highlighting more than 80 much-loved and critically lauded paintings and drawings.
Also featured will be the work of critically-acclaimed British contemporary artist Caroline Walker, including recent works based on time spent within the maternity ward where her daughter was born.
I?m really looking forward to seeing this unique, home-grown exhibition which has such strong links to Nottingham. Find out more Laura Knight & Caroline Walker: A Female Gaze - Nottingham Castle
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I was really pleased to attend the annual Force Awards Ceremony for Nottinghamshire police officers, staff and local community groups. Every day, they put themselves in harm?s way to save and protect others, despite the risks involved, and it was great to see these police officers and staff recognised and celebrated for their bravery and dedication.
A documentary Notts Police: Operation 2021?has been produced to showcase Nottinghamshire?s policing heroes. It?s presented by TV and radio host Iain Chambers and will be broadcast on Notts TV at 9pm on Saturday. It will also be shown on Nottinghamshire Police?s YouTube channel.
Please click?here?for some of the answers to questions we?ve been asked about what you should do, and what we are doing, to respond to Coronavirus.
 For all the latest news from Nottingham City Council visit our website: www.mynottinghamnews.co.uk
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