It seems almost redundant to say it but it has been a busy period since the last update. Our efforts to support the Springfield Mill residents at Novotel in Sandiacre are drawing to a close, however, as most of the residents have now left the hotel either to temporary accommodation, to new permanent accommodation or back to their flats. The Red Cross have scaled back their presence so we are left to support just a few residents as they make their plans for the future. We anticipate scaling back our support very soon, but will continue to provide assistance to the residents who require it and we will continue friendships long into the future we hope.

Elsewhere in the community, demand for shopping, prescription collections, welfare calls and visits, and other core activities remains steady and manageable. We have built trust with many of our community and so we continue to provide these activities to those who are elderly, vulnerable, or self-isolating. We plan to introduce some new services to support those who are perhaps making their first steps back into the community after the period of lockdown.

We continue to be overwhelmed by the support we have received, particularly in terms of in-kind donations. Our provisions storage is looking healthier and we are able to provide a good provisions and household items package to those who are in need. The provisions are kitchen and cupboard essentials and go out with the intent of covering circumstances where finance or other lack of resources means that lack of food is a real possibility.

Our distribution of Age UK Derby & Derbyshire "Sowing Hope" seed kits has been successful, with particular attention paid to the local care and residential homes where the impact of some nurture, nature and colour in the form of Pot Marigolds (Calendula) might be the greatest. Treetops Hospice, Risley, Longmoor Lodge Care Home, and Ladycross House Care Home were amongst the key beneficiaries in this regard. We plan, with Age UK's assistance, to do a further distribution of new seed kits in the next couple of weeks.

We have, in other news, instigated a Book Drop and Swap scheme which has at its core a catalogue of approximately 150 books (currently 23/5/20) which can be reserved and "borrowed" in return for a swap with another book which is then added to the catalogue. The collection and delivery is non-contact and done by volunteers. It's a small thing but with libraries and charity shops closed, it seemed a perfect opportunity to meet a need. It may be something that continues into the future if the demand is there for it.

We continue to forge positive partnerships with other local groups and organisations, public sector and private sector., Teamwork is key at a time like this and we are grateful to all those who we work alongside, those who have given us tangible and intangible resources or shared their expertise, energy or time. Many thanks for your support and interest in the work we are doing.and for being very much a part of it. We cannot do it without you.