In recent weeks I have met with the local neighbourhood police commanders who cover Leicester West to discuss local priorities and challenges, as well as the changing patterns seen by policing during lockdown.

This was a fantastic opportunity to get to know the two commanders who both started in their roles in the last few months, and I look forward to working with them closely in the future.

In the last week I have been contacted by several people who are interested in volunteering to help support those in their local area. This is fantastic and shows the real community spirit we have in Leicester.

Leicester City Council are working in partnership with Voluntary Action Leicestershire and food banks to organise a unified response.

Some examples of how you could help are:

• Reaching out to people in the community and providing information and advice
• Dog walking if people are unable to get out themselves
• Providing a friendly phone call service to help people that may be isolated or lonely
• Picking up shopping for those that can’t do it easily themselves
• Posting mail

If you are interested in volunteering to support your local community you can sign up here.

I was very proud to stand alongside so many amazing young people at Leicester’s Climate Strike last week. You can watch my short video about the event here.