 All across South Cambridgeshire community volunteer groups and parish councils have been doing an incredible job helping vulnerable and isolated people in their communities. Things like collecting shopping and prescriptions, walking dogs or just simply speaking with people and checking that they're okay. And we want to keep helping them. That's why they can now apply for small upfront grants. This will enable them to respond rapidly if there is a coronavirus outbreak in their village. The infection levels in South Cambridgeshire have so far been low compared to other places in the country, but we have to maintain our guard and try to keep it that way. We also need to prepare for any situation that arises, including the possibility of a return to a situation of lockdown and shielding. Thankfully, the community volunteers are standing by to help in whatever way they can. And what are we doing? Well, apart from providing coordination and communication with and for the volunteers, we've set aside £50,000 to provide additional funding to make sure that they have what they need to carry out their vital work. These upfront grants will allow them to buy essentials such as hand sanitizer and to meet the cost of printing cards so that every resident knows who they need to call if they are looking for help. Sadly, the indications are that in the coming weeks and months, some people will endure further financial hardship. For example, some people may suddenly need to self-isolate. Some people could lose their job. Long-term help can take a while to be set up and they may need short-term help in the meantime. They may need to pay for a few days of shopping, for example, or to top up an electricity meter. Via the community volunteers, we will be providing this kind of short-term financial help for people who find themselves in this difficult position. Our patch officers will work with the volunteers and assess each case as they arise. The next phase of the pandemic is expected to be different from the first. Although we have all learned a great deal about the virus and how to deal with the challenges it poses, it's likely to be a difficult time for everyone. By working together, parish councils and community volunteers are offering vulnerable and self-isolating residents the help they need and we are proud to support them. Found out more about the upfront grants are available on the new section of our website. Thank you for listening. Stay well. Goodbye.