The Stroud MP's weekly column.

Stroud District Council are still distributing millions of pounds from central government to our local businesses. The grant payments are a vital part of helping businesses during the crisis.

I am still finding businesses that do not know they are entitled to claim though so we cannot rest until everybody receives the support they are due. See the SDC website or contact me if you need more information.

The Local Resilience forum is leading a charge to focus on supporting mental health alongside the support measures we have put in place. There’s no way of knowing the true impact of Covid-19 on mental health and emotional wellbeing as we have not experienced anything like this before. Concerns over finances, bereavement, social isolation and the pace of change are likely to contribute negatively. Research shows that the inability to work exacerbates mental health conditions.

The Government has provided £5m to the charity Mind plus an extensive funding package for charities and Gloucestershire CC is making funds available to the established services.

We are blessed with many local churches and charities like the Independence Trust, Sunflowers, The Door and The Nelson Trust who work on these issues within our communities all year round. Please reach out to them or put them in touch with people that you believe need help. A campaign will also be encouraging us to do five things: (1) Connect with others; (2) Be active; (3) Take notice of the environment and nature; (4) Keep learning new things; and (5) Give – to help others whenever possible.

Our collective efforts have helped to flatten the peak of the virus and protect the NHS when many thought it would be overwhelmed. Our collective efforts will support each other’s mental health too.