06 May Norman’s Notes
How the world has changed since I wrote the last Norman’s Notes at the end of February.
Sadly, many people have lost their lives in what has proven to be a significantly more transmissible and virulent virus than scientists first thought and compared to those which often strike at this time of year. There are few, if any, towns or villages untouched by Covid-19 and thousands have sadly lost their lives.
Thankfully there are many more who have recovered and it is in them that perhaps the answers to a treatment lie. The UK government has funded both private and state institutions to learn more about Covid-19, develop treatments and possibly create a vaccine in order that life can return to some degree of normality.
VE Day 75
Due to Covid-19 and subsequent Government guidance it is unfortunate that all public celebrations of VE Day 75 have been cancelled or postponed. However, please do look out for the Spitfire flypast and take part in the Nation’s Toast from the safety of your home to pay tribute to the many millions in the United Kingdom and overseas who sacrificed so much to secure the freedom we have today.
East Grinstead’s 107 Meridian FM will be broadcasting music from the 40s to mark the occasion, so tune in, enjoy the music and raise a glass to celebrate this momentous anniversary. People overcame adversity then and so, in time, will we.
MSDC Business Grants
Mid Sussex District Council has already paid out over £21 million in grants of £10,000 and £25,000 to hundreds of small businesses or those in the retail, leisure and hospitality sectors. However, there are many who are yet to apply for this financial support; it is a grant and does not need to be repaid.
For further information: https://www.midsussex.gov.uk/revsandbens/business-rates/new-grants-for-business-rates/
If you are yet to apply please go to https://www.grantapproval.co.uk/ and enter your contact details.
Registration is free using the link above. Please avoid copycat websites as they will try and charge you for this service.
Latest information on Government Grants
The Government has made a full range of business support measures available to UK businesses and employees.
These include a job retention scheme, statutory sick pay rebates, Corporate Financing Facility for larger companies, VAT and Income Tax deferral, Bounce Back loans and other support.
Follow the link below for information on a large range of different issues: https://www.midsussex.gov.uk/coronavirus-community-support/
Historic England has announced a new scheme offering grants to third sector, voluntary groups, heritage organisations and self-employed contractors impacted by Covid-19. Information can be found using the above link.
Online Learning Platform – The Skills Toolkit
A new free online learning platform has been launched to help boost the nation’s skills while people are at home.
The new platform gives people access to free, high-quality digital and numeracy courses to help build up their skills, progress in work and boost their job prospects.
There are a number of courses available through the link below:
https://theskillstoolkit.campaign.gov.uk/
MSDC Wellbeing Service
You may like to visit the Mid Sussex Wellbeing Facebook page where the Wellbeing Team focus on a different theme each week, with daily posts. This week the focus is on healthy eating.
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