The Local Authority Challenge returns this November, giving staff the chance to experience 'a day in the life' of running a local authority.

A group of six colleagues will have the opportunity to spend the day as an interim management team of a fictional unitary authority and encounter the many tasks and challenges that a real corporate team would be responding to. The one day event is a great opportunity for staff at all levels to develop their inter-personal, team building and management skills and are ready for a challenging but rewarding day.

The event is due to take place at a location in Cambridge on Thursday 12 November 2020, and will follow government guidance relating to social distancing. A provisional back-up date of Tuesday 9 March 2021 has been agreed if the event is postponed due to changes in guidance, so please ensure you can commit to both dates before applying to take part.

Read our staff notice for full details on who this opportunity is best suited for, how to apply and stories from colleagues who took part in last year's challenge, as pictured above.

Thursday 10 September is World Suicide Prevention Day. With COVID-19 having such a significant impact on people’s lives, it's important to remember that it’s okay to talk and that support is available to help, including:

• Zero Suicide Alliance Training - understand the signs to look out for and the skills required to approach and support someone who is struggling with their mental health
• Essex Partnership University Foundation Trust (EPUT) - including a series of online talks throughout the week exploring the different themes of suicide
• a range of local and national providers including NHS Every Mind Matters, Inclusion Thurrock, Samaritans, Grassroots mobile application and more

The latest government guidance is changing to help reduce the rate of infection in our communities.

Whilst the number of infections have reduced significantly from its peak there is still work to be done. The following simple steps will help to keep ourselves and others safe:

• HANDS - wash your hands regularly and for 20 seconds
• FACE - use a face covering when you’re out of the house in shops, enclosed public spaces, indoor public settings and on public transport
• SPACE - social distance by keeping two metres from others outside of your household where possible, or one metre with extra precautions

New changes coming into effect from Monday 14 September mean that you must not meet with people from other households socially in groups of more than six. This applies to both indoors and outdoors, including in private homes and will be enforceable by law.

For further information on social distancing please read the Coronavirus: meeting with others safely guidance.

Our tastecard+ offer has returned, giving you the chance to access special discounts to help you save money on even more than just dining out! Signing up for a year's membership at £29.99 means you can benefit from:

• 50% off food or 2-for-1 meals at more than 6,000 restaurants
• up to 20% off retail gift cards at thousands of high street shops nationwide
• discounted hotels and cinema tickets
• health and fitness deals and reduced prices on days out

This offer is available through to Friday 25 September. You can also purchase gift memberships for friends and family for up to three years. Even better, when you get your tastecard+ membership you pay nothing until your October salary.