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An advice service helping city residents who are concerned about the impact of coronavirus on their daily lives has so far been in contact with more than 4,500 people across Leicester. The C19 Support Service is being run by Leicester City Council to support residents who need information and advice on any matters relating to local disruption from the ongoing coronavirus lockdown. Since its launch at the end of March the service has responded to over 4,500 emails – about 200 per day – giving help to people on topics including food parcels, questions about benefits or finances, medical deliveries and help with businesses. Residents contact the council on a dedicated email address, providing a contact phone number, which an adviser then rings back on to talk them through what help is available. The service is easy to access by emailing staff on: c19support@leicester.gov.uk with the requester’s name and contact phone number. The C19 Support Service is being run by staff from a range of services across the council, including the Customer Service Centre and others who would normally be providing over the counter advice from their base in Granby Street. The council has also created an additional team who have also contacted over 15,000 potentially vulnerable people by identifying from council records residents who are elderly or housing tenants, to ensure they know where to get help. Also, officers from the council’s social care teams for children and adults have been contacting people who are supported o known to them, to check their wellbeing and safety. It is part of a wider package of community help being run by the council, which also includes emergency food deliveries, a phone service to keep in contact with vulnerable or isolated people, and a package of help for businesses. Since the lockdown began, more than 1,000 food parcels have been distributed by the council to those in most need, and emergency fuel support totalling more than £7,300 given to help 79 families experiencing fuel poverty. This is in addition to the valuable, established community foodbanks that serve many communities, run by volunteers and being supported by the council through the Emergency Food Partnership and Action Homeless. Separately, the city council has set up a Virtual Humanitarian Assistance Centre to provide a telephone ‘listening ear’ service to people referred for help from other support services dealing with more complex physical or mental health issues. The service, which is staffed entirely by city council volunteers, street pastors and former Samaritans staff, has received up to 10 referrals a day, and has so far helped 134 people. Leicester assistant city mayor for neighbourhood services, Cllr Kirk Master, said: “We are all sharing an unprecedented experience during the coronavirus lockdown, but for people with more complex needs, or those who need help and information to help them deal with particular issues, this is an especially tough time. “The C19 Support Service has proved to be a very valuable way for people to get in touch with us and source the right information to help with these new, unfamiliar problems they are facing. “The majority of the calls have been to request food parcels, but people are also worried about benefits, their finances or access to medical supplies for example, and our staff are contacting them to discuss their needs and the options available to them. “I’m very pleased with the hard work done by our staff to run these services and to be able to adjust to the demands of what has become the new normal. “It is vitally important that we work together to help each other at this difficult time, and go the extra mile to ensure that information, support and advice is easily available to anyone who needs it.” The C19 Support Service is being managed by customer support officer Megan, and depends on staff from many different roles across the council who are working from home to keep the service running, as well as partners from outside organisations. Megan added: “It’s a massive positive to be able to talk to people. That way we can get a feel for how they are doing. They may have called about one thing, but from the conversation we are able to help them with other things too. “We also can’t do what we are doing without other teams’ support as we are part of the bigger picture. “The driving force for me and the team has been the amazing feedback from the public who have been contacting us to thank them for the help they’ve given. It’s good to know that in some way we have helped alleviate some pressure from the hardship people are encountering.” Anyone in crisis or who needs support can email the C19 Support Service on c19support@leicester.gov.uk giving a name and contact phone number. Details of all coronavirus-related support available from Leicester City Council is available here. Leicester City Council News Release

Our postmen and postwomen are working very hard across the UK in challenging conditions. As we said at the start of the coronavirus crisis, there will be some disruption to services. Relevant factors include high levels of coronavirus-related absences and necessary social distancing measures. We understand the importance of the postal service in keeping the UK connected at this time. We have also listened to our hard-working colleagues who have asked us to ease the additional burden on them if possible. As a result, we are making some temporary changes to postal services. From 2 May we will temporarily no longer deliver letters on a Saturday. We will continue to provide a letter delivery service from Monday to Friday as normal. The majority of parcel services will be delivered on a Saturday including 1st and 2nd Class Parcels, Royal Mail Tracked 24 and 48, Royal Mail Tracked Returns, Special Delivery Guaranteed and International tracked services. Customers should continue to post both letters and parcels as usual on Saturday. We will continue our Saturday collections from businesses, post offices and post boxes as normal.

Eyres Monsell Primary School has joined forces with TAP (Thank And Praise), a unique social thanking platform, enabling parents to thank school staff. TAP was borne out of sheer frustration. Founders, Phillip and Sandie Curtis, have received outstanding service from the education sector for their special needs’ son over the past 18 years, but have always found it difficult to relay their appreciation to the right individuals. “TAP, a unique social thanking platform, was created in early 2019 as we believed there was a genuine human need for a new way to say thanks. The current COVID-19 crisis has confirmed this as we have received hundreds of messages of thanks on our specially created Digital Thanking Walls. However, we want to ensure that this national gratitude for essential workers doesn’t fade away when the crisis is over, which is why I’m delighted to welcome Eyres Monsell Primary School onto our TAP platform”, said Matt Findel-Hawkins, CEO of TAP. The TAP platform is a private and free-to-use service for parents to acknowledge any member of school staff. Those who receive messages of thanks are also awarded TAP Points which can be redeemed with a range of retail partners. Headteacher of Eyres Monsell Primary School, Kerry Hill sees the benefits of TAP to her school: “I’m pleased that the nation’s school staff are not being overlooked during this current crisis, however I want to make sure that my colleagues continue to be appreciated on an ongoing basis. As a headteacher, I’m excited by the opportunities TAP provides to support staff well-being and as a firm believer in the power of thanks, I know that it will create an environment of positivity.” TAP has an underlying mission to make the world a better place by improving the well-being and mental health of all those working in education, by encouraging people to show appreciation to them. TAP is delighted to have Eyres Monsell Primary School as its first school in Leicestershire. TAP is rolling out in schools across the country following a successful launch in Berkshire earlier this year and interest following its support for school staff during the COVID-19 crisis. We can all make a difference by saying ‘thanks’, so if you have a child in school please: Message us on 07871 064296 on WhatsApp to register with us Tell us who you would like to thank and where they work, so that we can pass this on, and brighten someone's day! For more information, please contact or follow us on: Website - www.thankandpraise.com Facebook page - www.facebook.com/TAPThankAndPraise Twitter - www.twitter.com/TAPunsungheroes

Residents parking permit holders are being reassured that they won’t be penalised if their passes expire during the coronavirus lockdown. Leicester City Council, which administers nine residents' parking schemes in communities across the city, is reassuring drivers whose permits are due to run out shortly that they will not face any action. Residents can still apply to the council for new permits, but delays caused by the current situation mean they won’t receive them until after the lockdown has been eased. In the meantime, permit holders will be able to continue parking as normal. Leicester assistant city mayor for neighbourhood services, Cllr Kirk Master, said: “A number of concerned people have contacted us, worried that they will not be able to get new parking permits when their existing ones expire. “Due to the disruption caused by the lockdown conditions at the moment, there is a delay in us being able to send out any new passes. “But we want to reassure residents that we will not be enforcing these parking restrictions, apart from tackling dangerous or inconsiderate parking, in the meantime. “Given the considerable difficulties everyone is experiencing because of coronavirus, we certainly don’t want to add to residents’ concerns.” Residents’ parking schemes have been introduced in a number of communities across the city where requested by local people. Full details of residents’ parking schemes are available here. https://www.leicester.gov.uk/transport-and-streets/parking-in-leicester/get-a-parking-permit/ Published on Tuesday, April 28, 2020 By Leicester City Council News #LeicesterCityCouncil #ParkingPermits

Leicestershire Police is supporting a regional counter terrorism campaign aimed at supporting people away from 'negative influence' during the lockdown and beyond. As schools remain closed and many work from home to reduce the spread of Covid-19, a series of animations are being released to explain Prevent and its work in safeguarding the vulnerable against the risk of radicalisation. The myth-busting clips aim to bring better understanding around Prevent, by clarifying what it is not. Produced by the multi-agency Prevent team in Lincolnshire, which includes the police and local authority, the animations cover five common misconceptions around faith, spying, criminalisation, ideology and the policing of views. The first clip is being released today (Monday 27 April 2020), with a new one shared every week until all five have been circulated. Chief Inspector Bill Knopp, Regional Prevent Coordinator within Counter Terrorism Policing in the East Midlands (CTP EM), said: “As we all self-isolate and socially distance during the pandemic, we are turning to social media platforms more than ever to stay in touch, share thoughts and ideas, and connect with people. It is, therefore, a crucial time to remind everyone of the unscrupulous few who misuse the internet to negatively influence and spread extreme ideas. “Through Prevent, we work together with our partners to undertake early intervention and the safeguarding of those – spanning all demographics, ideologies and faiths – who show vulnerability to being drawn into or supporting terrorism. “Our intention is to divert people from a path that may involve them causing harm to others and being criminalised. Prevent focusses on bringing about positive outcomes that enable people to thrive and continue to live peacefully in society. “Somewhere along the way I worry that the aim of Prevent has, for some people, become distorted. We hope these clips — which are only seconds long — address some of the misconceptions and, in turn, encourage anyone with concerns to pick up the phone.” Diane Coulson, Prevent Lead Officer at Lincolnshire County Council, said: “We work very closely with the police, other partner agencies and communities in order to safeguard individuals from being drawn towards or supporting terrorism. “As local authorities we want to ensure that our communities understand Prevent and that any myths or misconceptions are tackled head on. “We welcome this latest set of short Prevent communications and hope that members of the public take a few seconds out of their time to view and recognise the realities of what Prevent is about.” Prevent was launched in 2006 as part of the government’s strategy to counter the threat posed by terrorists by helping to build stronger and safer neighbourhoods. It helps to tackle the causes of radicalisation and respond to the ideological challenge of terrorism; safeguard and support those most at risk of grooming, through early intervention and the offer of support. Prevent also enables those who have already engaged in terrorism to disengage and rehabilitate. For a short clip explaining the multi-agency intervention process, Channel, click here. A recent report from Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS) praised the work of police in protecting vulnerable people against radicalisation. You can read the full document here. If you are concerned that someone you know is potentially at risk of radicalisation, tell someone – and help them take a different path. For help and advice about the risks of radicalisation and to refer your concerns, click here.

A new service has been launched to support people in Leicester and Leicestershire who have lost their jobs due to the coronavirus outbreak. The Leicester and Leicestershire Enterprise Partnership (LLEP), the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP), Leicester City Council and Futures (who manage local careers support for the National Careers Service) have teamed up to launch a new COVID-19 Redundancy and Recruitment Service. The service will help match people who are facing redundancy due to the impact of coronavirus with opportunities in sectors that have seen a surge in employment demand. The Government is already offering the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme, which is designed to help businesses retain staff during the outbreak by paying 80% of an employee’s salary while they are furloughed. However, redundancies are still being made, leaving people out of work. At the same time, demand for staff is increasing in sectors vital to the fight against the virus outbreak. These include food production and retail; logistics and distribution; and social care. The new service will work with local employers in these vital sectors to help those facing redundancy make a smooth transition into new work. This programme will also support the DWP, which is dealing with unprecedented demand for new claims for Universal Credit. SERCO, who manage a Skills Support for Redundancy programme for Leicester and Leicestershire through the European Social Fund (ESF), will further enhance the offer. Fiona Baker, Head of Strategy at LLEP, said: “Traditionally, responses to redundancy situations have been coordinated directly by the DWP. However, it is currently experiencing huge demand and is diverting its staffing resources to claims processing and payments. “In response, we will work with partners at Leicester City Council’s Employment Hub and Futures to provide this new, rapid response triage service. It will match redundancy situations to employment opportunities and provide additional support where required. “The fight against coronavirus is an immense team effort and I am proud that we are able to pool our expertise to help those worse affected by the economic impact of this outbreak across our region.” Roger Mathews, Leicestershire DWP Team Leader, said: “Our priorities at the moment are ensuring people get their benefit payments, and continuing to support those who need us the most. We are very pleased to be working with LLEP, Futures and the Leicester Employment Hub colleagues as part of this strong employment-focussed partnership. While these are difficult times, unfortunately leading to job losses in some cases, new jobs and other opportunities are being created. This strong partnership will bring about real benefits in helping to link together people and businesses affected by this situation. ‘’ Peter Brammall, CEO at Futures, said: “These are challenging times for individuals and businesses across Leicester and Leicestershire. Futures has longstanding expertise in helping employers to manage their workforce requirements through our National Careers Service programmes, advising and guiding people through redeployment into new jobs. “We’re pleased to be part of a strong rapid response partnership which will pay dividends over the coming weeks in helping to provide assistance and maximise opportunities for local people and employers.” City Mayor Peter Soulsby said: “It is important that support is available for those people who may be facing redundancy as a result of the coronavirus outbreak. “I am pleased that the city council has been able to work so rapidly with our partners to set up this new service. It will help people back into employment and address the growing demand for staff in areas of work that are vital to our response in these challenging times. “This is another example of how Leicester is pulling together to get through the coronavirus crisis by keeping essential services running and ensuring that people get the support that they need.” The Leicester Employment Hub, which is managed by the city council, is already working closely with local social care providers to promote vacancies in residential care, home care or supported living and link potential staff with employers. Aslam Iqbal, recruitment manager at Adaptus Cares Ltd, said: “We are very happy to be working in collaboration with the Leicester Employment Hub. They have been very proactive by forwarding candidates’ CVS across to us. They are always there if we need any assistance and have any employment requirements.” Employers who want to access the COVID-19 Redundancy and Recruitment Service should go to bizgateway.org.uk/our-services/support/coronavirus-covid-19 Individuals looking for work should visit www.leicesteremploymenthub.co.uk or email employmenthub@leicester.gov.uk Local people looking for free careers advice can email leicestershire@futuresforyou.com The LLEP Business Gateway Growth Hub, bizgateway.org.uk has a dedicated area for official guidance and support for businesses and the impact of COVID-19. Leicester City Council News Release Published on Tuesday, April 21, 2020

Businesses across Leicester are being urged to come forward to get financial help from an £85million Government fund designed to help them during the coronavirus pandemic. Leicester City Council has so far processed for payment more than 4,000 applications from businesses across the city, totalling more than £47million of financial assistance. In total more than 6,000 businesses in the city are potentially eligible for the help, and the city council is calling on those who haven’t yet submitted a claim to do so. In addition to processing the incoming claims, officers from the council’s revenues and benefits team are actively contacting other businesses who have not yet made a claim, as well as identifying charities which may also be eligible for a grant. The money is part of the Government’s Small Business Grant funding, and Retail, Hospitality and Leisure grant funding, which was announced just before Easter. Smaller businesses who get business rate relief can expect to apply for £10,000, while larger businesses could get up to £25,000. The grants do not have to be paid back. So far about 85 per cent of claims paid were for £10,000, with the remaining 11 per cent being for £25,000. The £85m funding for Leicester is the largest amount in the East Midlands and one of the 10 highest city allocations in the UK. Leicester City Mayor Peter Soulsby said: “It is fantastic that so many businesses in the city have already been able to claim for financial assistance in what is a very uncertain time for everyone. “We’ve processed claims for more than 60% of the city’s eligible businesses, but many are still missing out on the help to which they are entitled. “Our staff are continuing to try to make contact with businesses who haven’t yet claimed, to ensure they can get it. In many cases this money will provide a vital lifeline and we want to make sure everyone who is eligible to claim does so.” The Government funding is part of a wider package of help and support being made available to businesses across Leicester and Leicestershire which are concerned about their future. The website of the Business Gateway Growth Hub – a support network for businesses in the city, run by the Leicester and Leicestershire Enterprise Partnership (LLEP) – is being updated daily to give employers details of how to apply for financial help, business support, help for self-employed people and accessing benefits. The pages bring together the most relevant national Government information with the guidance and advice of various teams working across the city centre and beyond, focusing on retail, hospitality, tourism, manufacturing, service and other sectors. Leicester City Council is working with the LLEP to coordinate a citywide information service and has a steadily-growing team of advisers already liaising with businesses, who can all be accessed via the Business Gateway Growth Hub. The LLEP has made a wide range of help and advice available online, and has been working with small local businesses concerned about their future. Up-to-date information on help for businesses is available at: www.bizgateway.org.uk To find out more, or to apply for a Small Business Grant or a Retail, Hospitality and Leisure Grant, visit: www.leicester.gov.uk/coronavirus Published on Monday, April 27, 2020 - Leicester City Council News Release.

A new cycle track has been put in place to help key workers who are biking to work during the coronavirus lockdown. With traffic in the city having fallen to a fraction of its usual levels, highways bosses at Leicester City Council have created a temporary cycle route by coning off one lane of Aylestone Road between its junction with Almond Road and its junction with Welford Road, outside the Tigers rugby ground. The work simply involves putting cones out to mark off one lane of the carriageway to create a safer route, especially for key workers travelling to and from Leicester Royal Infirmary. A temporary cycle route will help link up existing cycling tracks around Freemans Common with the cycle route on Welford Road, and creates a direct route for cyclists living along Saffron Lane in Aylestone to LRI. Using part of Aylestone Road as a temporary cycle track is only possible due to the huge drop in traffic across the city since the lockdown came into effect on March. There are plans for a more permanent cycle route as part of the landscaping works linked to a new hotel and car parking scheme being carried out by Leicester Tigers at the former Granby Halls site. The city council is also looking at potential options to extend the link, for example on Saffron Lane, where similar cycle lanes can be easily introduced over the coming weeks to help in the current situation. Similar schemes have been introduced elsewhere in Europe. Authorities in Germany have temporarily enlarged city cycling and walking routes to allow riders and walkers to observe social distancing more easily while the streets are relatively free of other traffic. Cyclists and pedestrians in Brighton are now also able to use the seafront at Madeira Drive daily from 8am to 8pm. Some routes in Leicester have seen an increase in cycling since the coronavirus lockdown, with some people choosing to avoid public transport. The city council is keen to build on its Connecting Leicester scheme to construct a network of cycleways, to enable those who have used the temporary lanes to continue cycling or walking once the lockdown ends. In addition to the temporary lanes, timings at traffic lights have also been altered to give even greater priority to pedestrians and cyclists to cross normally busy roads. More information on cycling and walking routes is also being added to the Choose How You Move website to help people get around the city. Details are available at www.choosehowyoumove.co.uk Earlier this month the city council also announced Leicester Bike Aid – a new free bike hire scheme for key workers – working in partnership with local cycle shops and organisations to provide quality bikes to people needing them to travel to and from essential jobs. So far around 120 applications have been received mostly from health and care workers, and over 60 cycles have been made ready for use. More than 60 further cycles have been fixed for free thanks to the support of local bike shops, to be provided to those people still waiting. Leicester City Council’s cargo bike fleet is also being used to support food and other essential deliveries in the city. Leicester deputy city mayor for the environment and transportation, Cllr Adam Clarke, said: “We are seeing more people cycling to get to work in key roles at the moment, including our own social care staff, staff at our hospitals, delivery workers and volunteers. We want to do all we can to enable key workers to get to where we all need them to be. “Given the huge reduction in traffic on the roads, the opportunity is there for us to create this route connecting the southern part of the city to Leicester Royal Infirmary. It is work which can be done easily and quickly, in line within the Government’s guidelines. We’re actively looking at extending this to other routes and potential connections to other existing or planned cycle routes. “We’ve had an amazing response to Bike Aid, the free cycle loan and repairs scheme, and anecdotally we are hearing that many of the people taking to bikes are not necessarily experienced cyclists, so providing a safe and protected route like this can only help.” The Leicester Bike Aid scheme is funded by the city council and supported by donations from local bikes shops, businesses, Sustrans, British Cycling and individuals. In addition to providing bikes on indefinite loan, the scheme provides essentials such as locks, lights and bike servicing. Key workers who are interested in the scheme can email cycle-city@leicester.gov.uk and then fill in a registration form. Bikes can be picked up from participating cycle shops a few days after you have successfully registered. The bikes are cleaned and sanitised before being handed over, and social distancing is observed at all times, including during collection. More information about Leicester Bike Aid is available at Choose How You Move, by clicking here Published on Monday, April 27, 2020 - Leicester City Council News Release

Small businesses across Leicester have begun receiving payments from a financial lifeline designed to help them survive in the face of the coronavirus pandemic. Nearly 2,400 business in the city have been awarded financial help totalling over £28million under the Government’s Small Business Grant funding, and Retail, Hospitality and Leisure grant funding, which were announced just before Easter. The first payments under that scheme were made to businesses this week. In all, 3,400 applications have been received from businesses, and payments processed to 2,363 of them. Further claims are being processed by the city council’s Revenues and Benefits team, who will also get in touch with eligible firms which have not yet been in contact. In all, the city council is expecting to work with over 6,000 businesses across the city to ensure they can access the package of financial help totalling £85million. Smaller businesses who get business rate relief can expect to apply for £10,000, while larger businesses who have been forced to close their doors could get up to £25,000. The £85m funding for Leicester is the largest amount in the East Midlands and one of the 10 highest city allocations in the UK. Charnwood was the next highest in the county at £32.5m which is expected to help around 2,700 businesses. Lesser amounts were also allocated to help the smaller number of businesses in Hinckley and Bosworth (£22m), North West Leicestershire (£20.3m) and Harborough (£19.1m), while Blaby, Rutland, Melton and Oadby each got between £10m and just over £12m. Responsibility was handed to local councils across the UK to organise the distribution of the funding. Leicester City Mayor Peter Soulsby said: “I am very happy to see that this much-needed money is getting to businesses across the city to help them in these extremely uncertain times. “Because we’ve had such a large sum and so many eligible businesses to work with, it has been a much larger job than it would have been in some other council areas. “However, the money is now getting to where it is needed and will hopefully help reassure businesses who were otherwise facing a bleak financial situation. “We still have many more businesses to work with, and will continue doing so to ensure this money gets to them in as straightforward and quick a way as possible.” The Small Business Grant and Retail, Hospitality and Leisure Grant funding are part of a wider package of help and support being made available to businesses across Leicester and Leicestershire who are concerned about their future. The website of the Business Gateway Growth Hub – a support network for businesses in the city, run by the Leicester and Leicestershire Enterprise Partnership (LLEP) – is being updated daily to give employers details of how to apply for financial help, business support, help for self-employed people and accessing benefits. The pages bring together the most relevant national Government information with the guidance and advice of various teams working across the city centre and beyond, focusing on retail, hospitality, tourism, manufacturing, service and other sectors. Leicester City Council is working with the LLEP – an organisation involving the city, county and district councils and local business leaders – to coordinate a citywide information service and has a steadily-growing team of advisers already liaising with businesses, who can all be accessed via the Business Gateway Growth Hub. The LLEP has made a wide range of help and advice available online, and has been working with small local businesses concerned about their future. Information including up to date news on what help packages are being made available both on a national and local level, to businesses struggling with the impact on their trade and staff is being made available. Up-to-date information on help for businesses is available here Find out more, or apply for a Small Business Grant or Retail, Hospitality and Leisure Grant, here

£700,000 will go towards supporting the Hope Project More than £700,000 of funding has been awarded to help support survivors of domestic abuse. We are one of 75 councils across England that has been chosen to receive a share of a £16.6 million Government pot, which aims to strengthen protection for those who have suffered domestic abuse. The funds will go towards supporting the Hope Project, a multi-agency provision that delivers an all-round support service for men and women from all backgrounds with complex needs, together with dedicated specialist services for Black Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) groups who may be at risk from honour-based violence and forced marriage. The funding will go towards services that include refuge provision for women and their children within the city and county, outreach domestic abuse support for men and women across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland, mental health support to suit a variety of needs, substance misuse support and emotional management programmes. Anyone in need of outreach support can call 0800 055 6519 or email hopeproject@wallaction.cjsm.net

Leicestershire’s special constables have contributed a total of more than 2,000 hours to support frontline policing since they were asked to step up during the Covid-19 pandemic. A total of 136 special constables have completed 2,846 hours of deployment and responded to 398 incidents between Friday 27 March and Monday 13 April, as part of Leicestershire Police’s management of the impact of Covid-19. Under Operation Formidable, special constables have been working with regular colleagues to respond to emergency calls, as well as engaging, explaining, encouraging and enforcing the government’s guidelines on social distancing. Assistant Chief Constable Julia Debenham said: “The commitment from our Special Constabulary over the last three weeks has been phenomenal. “We are lucky to have so many individuals in our extended policing family who are willing and able to step forward as front line officers, helping us to protect the public at this time of need. Each and every one of them is delivering an outstanding operational effort which is making a huge difference to our policing capabilities. “I must also acknowledge the brilliant support of the employers who have released their staff to concentrate on their policing duties. Thanks to you there are 136 extra officers out on the streets of Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland. “Finally I’d like to thank the families of our serving specials. Thank you for supporting your loved one to join us on the front line, I hope you feel as proud of them as we do.” Special constables are volunteer police officers who hold the same powers and responsibilities as full-time police officers and manage the role alongside their normal employment. Special Sergeant Bradley Atkins is among those stepping up to support frontline officers. His employer, Lloyds Bank, has supported him to work two shifts per week as an officer. “I’m so pleased to be able to serve the public at this time” he says. “It’s really rewarding to be able to put my uniform on, get out in the community and help to protect people. Lloyds have been hugely supportive towards me and I hope that I can use this time to really make a difference.” All 136 of the special constables working on Operation Formidable have pledged to work a minimum of two shifts per week, helping to manage the impact of Covid-19 in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland. Police Sergeant Fabrizio Smargiassi has experienced first-hand the positive impact of having more special constables on duty. He said: “The officers who are deploying as part of Op Formidable have given us valuable extra assistance in light of the significant increase in demand during recent weeks. There was one evening in particular over the Easter period with exceptionally high demand, and the special constables were a real asset to the force. “Throughout the operation they have done a brilliant job enhancing the reputation of the Special Constabulary and demonstrating just how valuable they are to Leicestershire Police.” For more information and updates on Leicestershire’s Special Constabulary, please visit leics.police.uk/couldyou or follow @LeicsSpecials on twitter.

It is business as usual at Leicestershire Police as far as training for new police officers and staff goes. The force is aiming to recruit hundreds of officers over the next few years and isn’t letting the current situation stop it from achieving those goals. The latest cohort of 34 students started earlier this month and will be out on the streets of Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland by the end of June having undergone an intensive mixture of classroom and distance based training. Following this, they will learn on the job thanks to multiple teams and individuals – trainee assessors and our existing experienced officers. Initial training includes learning a plethora of relevant legislation so that effectively the new officers ‘know the law’. As well as this, they will undergo fitness tests, learn first aid and resuscitation techniques vital to the job, as well as how to actually arrest an individual, interview, and take statements. They will also be given a large number of real-life based scenarios to think their way through – from how to deal with threats of violence and weapon wielding to how to spot the signs of domestic violence or child neglect. “Given that social distancing is having to take place whenever possible, some of the training is now taking place remotely via a host of media platforms,” explained Sarah Taylor from Learning and Development. “We’re adapting wherever possible and we’re pleased that we haven’t had to stop training. Standards remain extremely high.” As well as fulfilling the application criteria, which enables the force to conduct background checks, prospective candidates must undergo rigorous assessment by a panel who scrutinise their decision making under pressure. Sarah added: “It’s not an easy process, but then the job isn’t easy. “Officers need to be able to handle all sorts of pressurised situations and deal with them. A huge part of that is learning how to communicate effectively so that they can diffuse situations as and when they arise. Of course we know that’s not always going to be possible, but I think people would be surprised at just how much it is. “There are so many opportunities available to people who join the police, whether that’s joining the firearms or dogs team or the Criminal Investigation Department (CID). Training never really stops – there’s always something new to learn and it’s something this force invests heavily in.” Chief Constable Simon Cole said: “It’s fantastic to see new recruits coming through and that the team delivering training can still do so. “We are taking every precaution necessary but if anything, this shows just how adaptable this force can be and the determination we have to continue with our day to day business, despite the difficult climate we now find ourselves in. Among the many skills these trainees will learn is to stay calm when those around them may not be. This is no ordinary job but it’s thoroughly rewarding and we welcome applications from people of all backgrounds who believe they have what it takes.” There are several cohorts who are about to or have started their training, including those pictured who took their oath to be sworn into Leicestershire Police this afternoon (15 April). The group were sworn in at Police Headquarters by a magistrate. The force is actively recruiting for officers and PCSOs now. Recruitment of PCSOs closes Sunday 19 April and Monday 11 May for officers.