SUMMER 2020

Thank you for your overwhelming support during COVID-19

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Advertise with us in Summer 2020Rushcliffe Reports goes out three times a year to 50,000 homes. Advertising with us will get your company noticed – if you’re interested in promoting your business in the next edition, due out in November 2020, contact us at media@rushcliffe.gov.uk or call 0115 914 8555 for our competitive rates.

Let’s be socialSocial media is instant. See what we’re up to and get in touch. Join us on Twitter @rushcliffe or Instagram @rushcliffe_bc Like us on Facebook at facebook.com/rushcliffeborough

Keep up to speed with our business news at linkedin.com/company/rushcliffe-borough-council

ContentsCOUNCIL NEWS Leader's update 3 Thank you for your thank yous! 4 A sea of colour and safe celebration for VE day 5 Coronavirus support still available for you through Community Support Hub 6 Our services remain open! Get in touch! 7 Over £16m of COVID-19 grant payments distributed to Rushcliffe businesses 8 Our meetings are continuing virtually 9

MARKETS Bingham and West Bridgford Farmers’ Market continue safely 10

HEALTHCARE Looking after mental health during COVID-19 11 Reach Rushcliffe fund launched to tackle loneliness and isolation 12-13

COLLECTIONS Bulky waste and Garden waste... 14-15

ENVIRONMENT Warm Homes Hub launched to further improve your energy efficiency 16 Carbon neutral target set... 17

BUSINESS Shop front funding boosting businesses adapting to COVID-19 18

LEISURE Edwalton Golf Course now reopen 19 Find a free running session... 20

COMMUNITY Communities join together safely in light of COVID-19 22 Gain peace of mind with a Home Alarm 23 Support smokefree sidelines at your local football club 24

DEVELOPMENT Development Corporation could deliver thousands of jobs and investment 25

CHARITIES Please support Mayoral charities wherever you can 26

THE DNRC PROGRAMME Next steps – the National Rehabilitation Centre 27

DOMESTIC ABUSE Make sure you look after your mental health and seek support for domestic abuse 28

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Rushcliffe Reports on CDAn audio version of Rushcliffe Reports is available for blind and partially-sighted people. Contact us to get the latest edition by emailing media@rushcliffe.gov.uk or call 0115 914 8555.Cover picture: Paul Ryan and Tristan Millard thank residents across the Borough for their good wishes during COVID-19.

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Leader’s update

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Covid-19 has presented Rushcliffe with one of our most difficult and challenging periods of our history.

Throughout this period, we have given a sharp focus on the welfare and support of our residents and the business community.

I have been incredibly humbled by the community spirit shown right across the Borough, with many volunteer networks set up within weeks of the crisis.

I would like to express my sincere appreciation for all the fantastic work done by individual people and groups who have stepped up in this crisis and made a real difference.

I would like to acknowledge residents and businesses, with few exceptions, for their effort in ensuring they complied and continue to comply with the necessary restrictions put in place.

I would also like to pay tribute to the staff on the Council, who have ensured amongst many other things we have collected the full range of bins every week even though many Councils had to suspend collections.

They have provided over 85% of eligible businesses with funds to assist with their survival, maintained all our parks and public areas to ensure they can be used safely and securely and ensured our Planning Process has been continued so development can still continue.

They have also answered thousands of extra calls from residents about welfare and benefits.

Going forward I would ask residents to ensure we all support local businesses and services, more than ever they will need your support to get back on their feet.

The Covid-19 restrictions have exacerbated loneliness and isolation across the Borough so I am delighted we launched the Reach Rushcliffe project.

This is a fund available to all groups and bodies to finance projects to help address these complex and debilitating conditions. Please see and support this initiative, detailed on page 12.

Finally, as we start to get back on our feet, let’s continue this wonderful community spirit, support each other, stay safe and look forward to better days ahead.

Cllr SJ Robinson Leader of The Council

Cllr Robinson presented Edwalton resident Hetvi Parekh with a bouquet of flowers for being a fantastic volunteer in her community during COVID-19. Similar volunteers were acknowledged across the Borough.

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A wonderful wall of sentiment adorns a wall of our depot that showcases the hundreds and hundreds of thank yous from families and individuals since March.

Our waste teams have been overwhelmed by the spirit felt towards them as they have safely continued to empty bins across the Borough and collected all of your posters, drawings and good wish cards.

Equally, our Finance and Economic Growth teams have been heartened by how business owners have thanked us as we distributed over £16m of central government grants as quickly as possible.

Our Environmental Health teams have also been among those to receive praise as they have helped food-based businesses adjust their services or looked for new ways to operate as takeaways.

Thank you for your thank yous!Thank you for all your appreciation of our teams during COVID-19.

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So many of our communities celebrated VE Day safely and in style in May as sunny weather saw residents embrace the event with a sea of colour across the Borough.

Our Mayor Cllr Christine Jeffreys sent a message to residents on the day on our social media channels reminding them to celebrate safely and gave her own reflections on the day in 1945 when she was aged 14.

Our round-up video of how some of our communities marked the event can be viewed at shorturl.at/nCNRT

It included Streetwise helping 93-year-old former Bevin Boy Harry Parkes’ with his celebrations.

The team spruced up the area around his home after Cllr Gordon Wheeler put them in touch with him and he then proudly led a sing-a-long with fellow residents on his street in West Bridgford.

A sea of colour and safe celebration for VE day

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Coronavirus supportstill available for you through Community Support HubNottinghamshire County Council continue to coordinate the Community Support Hub that can give you support at home as we continue to adapt to any coronavirus restrictions.

Whether it’s help at home, a friendly call to safely check in or if you need vital supplies delivering if you are self-isolating, they can offer support as they work with us and all District and Borough Councils in the county.

Call 0300 500 8080 for free between 8am to 6pm, Monday to Friday or visit nottinghamshire.gov.uk if you feel you need support.

Our teams have assisted on the ground in Rushcliffe communities to be among those delivering food to those who are clinically vulnerable and also connecting community groups with the Hub such as local homeless charity the Friary.

It saw them also donate food parcels to hundreds of local people in April and May.

The Hub welcomes emails or phone calls from volunteers looking to assist those who need help in our communities too so get in touch if you feel you could help local authority efforts to reach out safely where you live.

Meanwhile the County Council’s Community Fund continues to distribute vital support to many groups who have done so much already to help residents in Rushcliffe and other districts.

Groups can find out more and apply on their website at nottinghamshire.gov.uk

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Our services remain open!

Get in touch!Our services have remained open throughout COVID-19 and remain accessible for any resident, business or member of the public seeking support, guidance or assistance.

From planning applications to pest control, bin collections to business rates, our teams have adapted to ensure we continue to operate safely and can be contacted by email customerservices@rushcliffe.gov.uk online at rushcliffe.gov.uk or at the end of the phone on 0115 981 9911.

In recent weeks, our revenues and benefits team have been hard at work distributing over £16m in business support grants, and our economic growth team are continuing to help over 1,400 businesses with COVID-19 assistance.

Similarly, our Customer Service teams received over three times their usual volume of calls for business rates in March and April, handling over 1,000 enquiries to help provide further support and guidance.

We’ve also awarded in excess of £10m in retail, hospitality and leisure relief and reduced Council Tax by £150 for those on low incomes to help further support residents in these unprecedented times.

We know that many find our online channels helpful too, which is why we’ve been sure to keep over 15,000 followers updated via social media and post regular updates on our Coronavirus advice webpages at rushcliffe.gov.uk/coronavirus

Our waste teams continue to be overwhelmed by the level of support and kindness they’ve witnessed from local residents and send their ongoing thanks to everyone whose considerate actions since the beginning of lockdown have helped them to continue collecting nearly 260,000 bins each month.

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We have paid out over £16m of vital COVID-19 business rate grant support to business across Rushcliffe during the Coronavirus outbreak.

Over 1,400 businesses have so far benefitted from the funds and we’re continuing to respond and connect with more business owners to work through more complex grant applications and ensure all those who are eligible receive the support they are entitled to.

As part of this process, we have redeployed staff to support this work and alleviate the pressure faced by local businesses.

Over £16m of COVID-19 grant payments distributed to Rushcliffe businesses

Those yet to claim the support should have received a phone call or a letter, but we’re encouraging businesses who believe they are eligible for funding to get in touch on 0115 981 9911.

The payments available are £10,000 grants for properties with a rateable value of £15,000 or less and £25,000 grants for properties with a rateable value of more than £15,000 but less than £51,000 with some exceptions operating in the retail, leisure and hospitality industries.

Our Leader, Cllr Simon Robinson said: “The vast majority of businesses have now received the support and we will contact businesses on any further support central government outline.

“The team continues to focus on more complex cases and some can take more time to resolve.

“We appreciate this is a very challenging time for every business owner and we are committed to ensuring all eligible businesses receive the grant.”

Visit rushcliffe.gov.uk/businesscoronavirus to find out more.

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Members of Cabinet kick-started the virtual committees when they met in May with all meetings currently available to view live or watch back on our YouTube channel at youtube.com/user/RushcliffeBC

The first of our committees to meet digitally, each Councillor used an online teleconferencing platform to address topics to the Borough as residents, business owners and members of the public watched the meeting live on the channel.

The first meeting addressed an update on the Budget, delegated decisions made during the COVID-19 outbreak and queries on a range of our essential services.

Further committees have moved online and feature a similar format.

Leader Cllr Simon Robinson said: “It’s been very important meetings continue whilst considering how we can structure which committees can resume again soon.

“Over time all will return and continue to play their important role in our statutory functions and ensuring services are delivered as effectively as possible.

“It’s been a very positive experience taking the meetings online as an opportunity for even more residents and business owners to view meetings live or watch back as we make our local democracy ever more transparent and open.”

Our meetings are continuing virtuallyOur Council meetings are continuing safely and virtually so we can continue to make decisions and deliver all our services as fully as possible to you.

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Bingham and West Bridgford Farmers’ Market continue safelyOur markets are continuing safely so residents can still access great local food and produce.

Bingham’s Thursday weekly market welcomes customers and traders offering fresh food and essentials with social distancing measures in place.

Following a period of closure in relation to COVID-19 in March, traders have been returning to the Buttercross since the end of April, supported by our market manager who oversees the adoption of the central government guidance.

The traditional market’s new layout means both customers and traders can safely remain two metres apart as fresh, local food and essentials are sold.

You can find an excellent range of fresh meat and vegetables, baked goods and healthy essentials from some of the market’s

regular traders, including Farm to Fork Butchers, Belvoir Bakery, Smiths Veg, Nutty’s Wholefoods and Tony the Egg Man.

We’re looking to welcome further traders to the market in line with our safety protocols, as and when they are ready, to help provide even more options for shoppers in Bingham.

Volunteers have also been working hard to deliver produce and goods to those unable to visit the market. You can discover some of the traders offering online orders on our website: rushcliffe.gov.uk/binghammarket

Meanwhile West Bridgford Farmers’ Market has also relaunched adopting a similar approach to safety to ensure you can still purchase essential food items.

It takes place on every second and fourth Saturday of the month on Central Avenue in the town.

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This commitment included helping to break the silence surrounding mental health in the workplace, which is why we’ve developed a range of new support systems to help our teams during COVID-19.

Coronavirus has demonstrated a complex and unprecedented challenge for us all, one that can often make us feel alone, uncomfortable and worried about many things, including our mental health.

That’s why, since the pandemic began, we’ve introduced regular webinars that address topics such as wellbeing and the potential impact of social media on mental health.

Our weekly staff newsletter has also been updated with regular advice and guidance on how to reduce anxiety and the benefits of fresh air and exercise as frequently as possible.

In recent weeks, we’ve also been talking with staff to find out how we can best

Looking after mental health during COVID-19Earlier this year, we joined over 1,300 organisations in signing the Time to Change employer pledge, to help further support any of our staff who may wish to improve their mental health and wellbeing.

balance our team’s preferred working arrangements with the needs of our residents and the requirements of our crucial services.

This year’s theme for Mental Health Awareness Week was kindness. It’s a simple, but hugely important message for these challenging times and one that we believe resonates across all the community activities that have been taking place across the Borough.  

Organisations can find out more about how they can benefit their staff from signing the Time to Change pledge at time-to-change.org.uk

If you or anyone you know has been struggling with their mental health, please consider visiting the NHS website for support, guidance and further advice: nhs.uk and there’s more tips and advice on page 28.

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Being connected with other people matters for everyone’s health and COVID-19 has further highlighted how social isolation can be bad for our mental and physical health.

It’s fast becoming one of the greatest social challenges nationally and whilst often associated with older people who live on their own, it can affect anyone of any age and linked to issues such as obesity, smoking and can increase risk of dementia.

Now, town and parish councils, local groups and organisations can access up to £50,000 of funding from the scheme to apply for proposals to create, sustain or expand projects that could help reach out with a friendly face to those in need.

It should aim to take steps to make contact and engage individuals or groups in our communities who may have little or no social contact.

This could be initiatives based around a structured befriending initiative to check on individuals, lunch clubs, or safe regular social meet-up events in line with government advice or other projects.

Funding could also support initiatives similar to Cotgrave Super Kitchen which has reached out to hundreds of local people in its community in the last 16 months, providing low-cost nutritious meals every Thursday lunchtime in a social setting.

Reach Rushcliffe fund launched to tackle

loneliness and isolationWe have launched the Reach Rushcliffe fund, dedicated to supporting projects across the Borough that tackle loneliness and isolation.

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Our Leader Cllr Simon Robinson said: “This fund aims to directly improve the quantity and quality of connections residents have with each other and local groups.

“We’ll be assessing funding applications to help with initiatives and how at the right time around COVID-19 advice, transport and technology can create and sustain stronger relationships for those who may need our support.

“We’re keen to hear from a wide range of groups and recognise that some small groups may need additional support to plan, deliver or evaluate their project, so please get in touch.

“We want to hear from you too about what may help us reach out to more people across our communities who may benefit from Reach Rushcliffe. Email communitydevelopment@rushcliffe.gov.uk for more information.”

Proposals must demonstrate how they will tackle loneliness and make a difference to the health and wellbeing of participants, be community-led and sustainable with more information available at rushcliffe.gov.uk/health/reachrushcliffe

Applications can be made by completing an application form at https://bit.ly/3fmhJ0q and initiatives could also work in conjunction with Rushcliffe’s GP practices and the established Rushcliffe Community Voluntary Service.

It is not anticipated the fund would extend to the running costs of an existing organisation but start-up costs for a new initiative may be considered.

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Our bulky waste collections are now available after being temporarily suspended for a few weeks in April and early May as we readjusted our services around the pandemic.

They have now returned and large items of furniture, mattresses and other large household items can be collected by calling 0115 981 9911 only with online booking available again as soon as possible.

Residents are asked to be patient to book a collection as it is anticipated the service will be popular and will be asked to clarify the items requested to be collected before a booking is confirmed in line with our standard charges.

Large electrical items can be collected by Streetwise Environmental Services by calling 0115 914 8408.

Bulky waste collections now available

Residents should always use a reputable licensed waste carrier for disposal of any waste from their homes and request to see the relevant documentation from the Environment Agency before agreeing to use a service.

For the latest on Household Waste Recycling Centre services including on Rugby Road in West Bridgford and those closest to Rushcliffe’s borders in Beeston and Newark please visit the County Council’s website nottinghamshire.gov.uk

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Garden waste collections

For under 77p per week we’ll collect your garden waste saving you time, money and hassle:

No need for trips to the recycling centre

No need to mess up your car with bags of garden waste

No cleaning up afterwards

Pay online at rushcliffe.gov.uk/rushcliffegwor over the phone on 0115 981 9911

Thank you if you are an existing customer. Remember to renew your subscription to ensure you get your 2020/21 sticker.

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Warm Homes Hub launched to further improve your energy efficiencyThe Warm Homes Hub has been launched to help further improve the quality of heating and energy efficiency of households across the Borough.

We are working with partners to ensure residents can enjoy warmer, healthier homes through the hub, reduce the amount spent on fuel and improve health and wellbeing for residents.

Support from the Warm Homes fund can offer free first-time installation of a gas central heating system, alongside a gas connection where necessary, and insulation measures for eligible properties.

The hub also provides free advice on energy efficiency, to help residents to take steps that could save money and make their property more environmentally friendly.

Residents can apply for support and find out more at warmhomeshub.com or by calling 0115 985 3000.

Our Deputy Leader Cllr Debbie Mason said: “We’re pleased to be working with the Warm Homes Hub and partners to help ensure our residents enjoy warm, healthy homes.

“Households in Rushcliffe will be able to improve their quality of heating and energy efficiency and receive free advice on reducing their carbon emissions.

“We look forward to seeing more clean, efficient heating and further insulated homes across the Borough as residents gain a better understanding of how to reduce fuel bills and stay warm, whatever the weather.”

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We have hosted and led a Nottinghamshire Environmental Strategy workshop to align delivery with the D2N2 Energy Strategy as we aim as an organisation to be carbon neutral by 2030.

Officers have taken part in webinars and attended climate change events held by the Carbon Trust, Nottingham City Council, Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire Local Authority Energy Partnership, Midlands Energy Hub, private training providers and Western Power Distribution.

An internal officer group, with representatives from 11 different service areas now meets to identify and develop co-ordinated actions across our Carbon Clever project.

Action plan themes include assessing property assets, our fleet and transport, contracts and procurement, policy and regulation, waste and recycling, operational activities, and where we can also influence our wider communities and businesses.

Meanwhile at a meeting of Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire Council leaders facilitated by D2N2 earlier this year, our Leader Cllr Simon Robinson issued a call for councils to work together to lower carbon levels from housing developments across the two counties.

He called for more measures to reduce emissions from vehicles during new developments by working locally, retro-fitting existing housing

Carbon neutral target setwith call for lower carbon construction of homes

stock and further influencing the supply chain to be more carbon neutral with the recycling and sourcing of raw materials involved in construction.

He asked Council leaders to support a proposal to produce supplementary planning documents to assist the councils to work to higher environmental standards than currently provided in the National Planning Policy Framework.

He said: “Rushcliffe is among the councils committed to ensuring future development is as low-carbon as possible and I was delighted with the support shown at the meeting that ties directly with D2N2 strategy for a more sustainable future for our communities.

“Minimising carbon in the construction phase is key to councils overseeing further energy-efficient new homes across our two counties.”

Chair of D2N2 Elizabeth Fagan CBE said: “We’re excited to see Councillor Robinson and Rushcliffe Borough Council embracing our Energy Strategy and helping our region move towards a carbon-free tomorrow.”

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Businesses across the Borough have continued to transform their appearance on the high street and made essential improvements to their shop fronts thanks to our Shop Front Improvement Grant.

Whilst many face tough times in light of COVID-19, their premises saw the benefit of improvements before the pandemic to match contributions, up to the value of £5,000.

Recipients of the grant have included Cut N Curl in East Leake, Ash Accounting in Bingham and Instep Podiatry and Footwear on Melton Road in West Bridgford.

Shop front funding boosting businesses adapting to COVID-19

Meanwhile so many businesses across the Borough have adapted brilliantly to continue to deliver services during COVID-19

It’s included businesses in Ruddington such as Black Cat Café offering food on Saturdays for delivery or to pick up and Rhythm Time, a music class for babies, moving classes online for virtual sessions.

Elsewhere Moore Osteopathy in West Bridgford have moved to online video consultations and The Fruit Basket and Harringtons Fine Foods have been among those widening their home delivery services.

Our Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Business and Transformation Cllr Andy Edyvean praised businesses’ innovation and resilience to showcase the improvements.

He said: “We are heartened to see so many businesses react so positively to adapt and deliver services differently and whilst we know many continue to need support, our distribution of government grants and signpost to further advice has assisted over 1,400 businesses.

“It was great too that some shop fronts were able to be rejuvenated before this time to help the impression of premises of those who have been able to continue trading and benefit those once they re-open.”

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Edwalton Golf Course now reopenEdwalton Golf Course is safely open for play, subject to central government advice.

The main course, par three course and driving range are now open from 7am to 7pm, seven days a week, in conjunction with course operators Glendale Golf.

The extended opening times are set to maximise the opportunity for local people to enjoy a game.

Tee off times are now available to book at bit.ly/3bway2H and will be restricted to four balls and golfers are requested to not arrive any earlier than 15 minutes before their tee time.

Our Leader Cllr Simon Robinson said: “We’re delighted the facility was able to re-open safely in line with government advice in May and those who enjoy a round of golf can do so again.

“It is essential that we closely observe the requirements for a phased and safe return to golf here. Therefore we ask that all customers follow our safety guidelines when visiting the centre.

“Exercising safely where possible is vital for mental health in light of the pandemic and we hope this gives even more residents an opportunity to enjoy the outdoors whilst observing social distancing.”

Measures to ensure safe play also in line with specific advice on golf equipment around the course from England Golf UK.

Meanwhile we are working closely with our leisure centre operators to open sites across the Borough in line with government advice and as soon as is safe to do so.

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The funding helped volunteers train to become ‘Run Leaders’ who are supporting sessions in Ruddington and West Bridgford based on the Couch to 5k programme, some of which are already fully booked.

Our Deputy Leader Cllr Debbie Mason said: “This is yet another wonderful example of the Healthy Futures Fund supporting local groups to provide further opportunities for people in Rushcliffe, following our work to support the community group Rushcliffe All Ears last year.

“The new sessions have been exceptionally popular, and we hope more women will now find a local running group to help them improve their fitness, socialise and regularly engage with their community.”

The fund helps groups or activities sustain themselves financially, expand their efforts and positively impact the health and wellbeing of residents in Rushcliffe.

For further information visit rushcliffe.gov.uk/health/healthyfuturesfund

Find a free running sessionthanks to our Healthy Futures FundNotts Women Runners are now offering new free beginners’ sessions for those hoping to increase their fitness levels in Rushcliffe.

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A range of volunteers have stepped forward to help their neighbours with everything from shopping deliveries and prescription collections, to dog walking, posting mail and emotional support whilst social distancing.

So many are continuing to work selflessly to ensure their neighbours and fellow residents don’t face unnecessary challenges alone during the pandemic.

Parish Councils and groups have included Bingham Helping Hands who have provided food and assistance to residents in the town and surrounding villages and East Leake Corona Response and Kinoulton Mutual Aid Group.

Cotgrave Super Kitchen has updated its operations to offer warm meals via delivery to members of the community and Ruddington COVID-19 Mutual Aid has offered a range of support services through an impressive system of over 300 volunteers and traders who produced special hampers to celebrate VE Day.

Communities join together safely in light of COVID-19Since the Coronavirus outbreak in late March our communities across the Borough have demonstrated amazing kindness and support for their fellow neighbours.

Members of our teams have also been redeployed to ensure anyone who contacts the Support Hub in need of additional support due to COVID-19 receives the necessary assistance. 

Residents in need of support can find support through the Nottinghamshire Coronavirus Community Support Hub at nottinghamshire.gov.uk or by calling 0300 500 8080 between 8am and 6pm, Monday to Friday.

Members of our teams have also been redeployed to contact those identified as in need of this extra help, making regular calls or signposting them to the right agency so they can stay in touch and stay safe.

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In a recent survey, to which over 500 people responded, those who use the service across the Borough gave it a satisfaction rate of 100% and it could be an ever more vital service for you or your loved one to stay in touch during COVID-19 and beyond.

The alarm can benefit anyone living alone, young, elderly, or people with disabilities to provide safety and peace of mind for their family.

If callers are within hearing distance of the alarm they are able to talk to the operator and explain what is required.

However, even if the caller is not able to hear or speak to the operator, action will still be taken to ensure that the caller is safe and well.

The current charge for the service is £49 per quarter, with a one-off installation fee of £35.

All installations can be made safely by our teams in line with safe working practices outlined by central government advice.

Gain peace of mind with a Home AlarmOur Home Alarms service provides peace of mind, security, reassurance and independence for hundreds of people across the Borough.

Users wear a pendant on a neck cord or a wrist band with a trigger that can be pressed to call for help in the instance of a medical or other emergency.

To find out more about the service contact the Council’s Housing Support Team on

0115 981 9911 or visit

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When sport resumes across the Borough we’re encouraging more spectators to act as positive role models and not smoke when attending games or training involving both children or adults participating in the sport.

It’s part of our drive to ensure sports clubs are healthy and inclusive places, where the wellbeing of all, but particularly children and young people, is a priority.

Vaping is included in the initiative to help guard against younger age groups being exposed to the activity which still carries a health risk.

The campaign is empowering parents and club officials to report smoking or vaping on the sidelines or in the view of children to a nominated club official who can work with those identified on quitting the habit when spectating.

Prominent local clubs including West Bridgford Colts, Keyworth United, Edwalton Cavaliers, Cotgrave Colts, East Leake Bantams and Radcliffe Olympic have

Support smokefree sidelines at your local football clubSmokers who cheer on family and friends playing football are being encouraged to leave cigarettes and vape pens at home to create Smokefree Sidelines across the Borough.

pledged their support to the scheme installing banners at their respective grounds and players are now wearing campaign bibs during training to spread the message.

Our Deputy Leader Cllr Debbie Mason said: “It’s heartening to see so many clubs commit to this project that will provide even further protection from smoking to young people and all footballers when they take to the field.

“We know the vast majority of family members and spectators who watch local sport are always good healthy role models but this effort is helping even more play their part in being responsible spectators.”

There is a wide range of free support you can access which can help you quit smoking.

The most effective way to quit for good is to use the local stop smoking service, which is normally free of charge. Visit nhs.uk/smokefree or call Smokefree Life Nottinghamshire on 0115 772 2515.

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We have now set up a councillor working group to be regularly consulted on the progress of the project over the next two years.

Central Government previously announced funding of up to £2m to explore the business case for the project that will equally assess options for investment at Toton and Chetwynd Barracks and East Midlands Airport.

Our Leader Cllr Simon Robinson said: “This is a hugely significant project that could deliver up to 20,000 jobs at the power station site alone and enhance and improve the environment, taking into account the

Development Corporation could deliver

thousands of jobs and investmentThe Ratcliffe-on-Soar Power Station site is set to cease operation by the end of 2025 and could deliver thousands of new jobs and investment as part of a wider Development Corporation across the region.

need to reduce emissions and achieve net gains in natural capital.

“We’re delighted Rushcliffe could be at the forefront of driving climate change with a potential National Centre for Integrated Zero Carbon Futures.

“The connectivity between the sites could also have great benefits to our green infrastructure and local public transport, minimising the impact on the environment.

“Our working group will be regularly consulted so we can guide further the huge impact this could have for Rushcliffe and the region.”

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Please support Mayoral charities wherever you can

We understand how difficult a time it is financially for so many residents but we hope many can still look to support local charities wherever possible.

Mayor elect for 2020/21 is Cllr Sue Mallender and she is set to support Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust, Musicworks and Trent Responders as her chosen charities this year.

You can find out more on their work at nottinghamshirewildlife.org musicworksnet.co.uk and trentcfr.co.uk respectively.

Mayor Cllr Christine Jeffreys meanwhile supported Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire Air Ambulance and Headway, the brain injury association, as her chosen charities for 2019/20, raising vital funds for their causes.

As the ‘first citizen’ of the Borough the Mayor will virtually or safely attend many official engagements during her term of office this year.

Cllr Mallender is set to assume duties in July and attend Lady Bay Virtual Gardens among her first engagements.

If you would like the Mayor to safely or virtually attend your event, please call 0115 914 8481 or email mayor@rushcliffe.gov.uk

Or if you wish to donate to any of the above causes please contact them directly or call or email the above email address or phone number on ways to do so safely.

Pictured left is Mayor elect Cllr Sue Mallender and right Mayor Cllr Christine Jeffreys visiting the charity Headway.

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Momentum is building at the Stanford Hall Rehabilitation Estate near Rempstone for the construction of a specialist NHS facility.

This spring, The Prince of Wales, The Duchess of Cornwall and The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge visited the Stanford Hall Rehabilitation Estate to meet patients and staff at the Defence centre and see the excellent work that the MoD and its clinical team are doing there.

That Defence centre is the first part of a bigger plan to create both a military and an NHS facility side by side.

The idea is that each centre will learn from the other, sharing expertise and some facilities to mutual advantage. The result will be stronger clinical rehabilitation services for all patients, whether military or NHS – the two centres working together will achieve more than the sum of their parts.

Next steps - the National Rehabilitation Centre

Crown copyright

Now, momentum is building for the opportunity to construct the NHS facility – or ‘National Rehabilitation Centre’ – subject to carrying out a formal consultation process and completing a business case assessment during this year.

Experts at Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust – which is home to the East Midlands Major Trauma Network (EMMTN) – are leading the initiative.

Miriam Duffy, NRC Programme Director and Director of Rehabilitation EMMTN, says: “Specialist intensive rehabilitation in the right environment is crucial in getting people back to fitness, work and active living after serious injury and illness.

“The COVID-19 crisis has highlighted this even further. That’s why the plans for the National Rehabilitation Centre are so important and exciting, and why we are working hard to secure the opportunity to make it happen.”

In addition to patient care, the National Rehabilitation Centre would include facilities for innovation and Research & Development (R&D) as well as research, training and education.

Keep in touch with developments and information about the NHS consultation via the DNRC Programme website at thednrc.org.uk

Rushcliffe Reports is the newsletter of Rushcliffe Borough Council. It is distributed to every home in the Borough.

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12For specific tips and advice visit https://www.nhs.uk/oneyou/every-mind-matters/coronavirus-covid-19-staying-at-home-tips

Remember, if you're facing mental health issues, you can talk to your GP or key worker if you have one and continue to access mental health services as usual.

The NHS are also open for new referrals via your GP or online at nhs.uk

Also please remember to never suffer in silence with domestic abuse.

It is not a private issue so in an emergency, residents should call the police on 999.

If anyone should need to call the police silently, using a landline they can dial 999

Make sure you look after your mental health and seek support for domestic abuseHaving good mental health helps us relax more, achieve more and enjoy our lives more.

The Every Mind Matters campaign has expert advice and practical tips to help you look after your mental health and wellbeing, especially in light of COVID-19 and how it affects us all in different ways.

and information about their location is made automatically available to call handlers.

Using a mobile, dial 999, wait until the call is answered then stay silent. The call will then go through to the operator where individuals can press 55. The operator will transfer the call to the relevant police force as an emergency.

Those at risk of injury or harm in their homes are allowed to leave and move between households during COVID-19.

The National Domestic Abuse Helpline on 0808 2000 247 offers free, confidential support 24 hours a day to victims and those who are worried about friends and loved ones.