Dear resident,

As we look forward to another bank holiday weekend it’s vital we remember we are still in lockdown and that we should still stay at home as much as possible. If you go out this weekend, please continue to follow the rules and keep your distance from others.

Next week is also the half-term holidays for schools. In these unprecedented times I want to pay tribute to school staff in Southwark who have been continuing to provide outstanding support and education for our children and young people in difficult circumstances and also to parents who have been supporting their children’s learning at home, whilst juggling other commitments.

We are working with our schools to establish whether more children can safely return to schools in Southwark from 1 June in line with government guidance. If a school cannot open safely we will support them to remain closed until they can open safely. Our priority is making sure our children return to school safely at the right time, not rushing to meet a specific deadline.

We want to understand how parents feel about education provision during lockdown, and changes to government guidance. Have your say on plans to reopen schools from 1 June, and how the council and schools can best support families over the coming months.

Thank you for helping to keep Southwark safe.

Cllr Peter John

Suggest ideas to make social distancing easier

We’re committed to quickly rolling out schemes to make travel safer during the COVID-19 crisis. Help us identify locations where we can make changes to help you get about safely.

Celebrating Eid Al-Fitr safely

We offer our warmest wishes to Muslims across Southwark who will celebrate Eid Al-Fitr this weekend. We are disappointed that there won’t be a festival in Burgess Park this year but it is so important we all stay safe and well. The Muslim Council of Britain has shared advice about celebrating Eid Al-Fitr safely.

Routine immunisations are continuing

Routine immunisations for children and expectant mums are continuing as usual. Contact your GP if you think you or your child may be due a routine vaccine. Practices have put measures in place to ensure you can be seen safely (YouTube video).

Southwark Libraries Festival of Words: 26 May to 12 June

This year’s Festival of Words will for the first time be delivered online featuring local writers, storytellers and literary artists showcasing their work to stimulate your imagination and creativity. Audiences of all ages will be engaged and inspired – there is something for everyone to enjoy.

Check out the full programme.

You can also look at all the activities in our stay-at-home library of activities to keep you busy at home.

Submissions closing soon: £6m for your community projects

We’ve received almost 300 proposals for community projects to be funded by the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL). The Sunday 31 May deadline is fast approaching. Visit our CIL website and share your idea for a project in your area that could by supported by this £6m fund.

Reporting antisocial behaviour

Antisocial behaviour can cause distress and fear in the community. As lockdown restrictions ease we should all consider how our behaviour impacts on others. You can report antisocial behaviour to us, seven days week. In an emergency, always call 999.

Donate your old smartphone to help local people

We are supporting Community Calling, a partnership between O2 and environment charity Hubbub, which asks people to donate their old and unused phones so they can be passed on to help other people stay digitally connected. In a trial 800 handsets are being distributed to residents of Southwark who have been identified as someone who would benefit most from a smartphone – from the elderly to people escaping domestic abuse.

We need foster carers

If you have a spare room and could provide a loving and caring home for a child in need we’d be interested to talk to you about fostering. You can find out more and register your interest or register to attend an information session on Zoom.

Are you worried about domestic abuse?

If you or someone you know is suffering from Domestic Abuse, isolation rules do not apply. Police response and support services remain available. Nationally, there is advice and support available but you should call 999 if you are in immediate danger. Locally, the Solace Advocacy and Support Service is also available to women and men in Southwark aged 16 or over in Southwark.

Free oral contraception

All women who live in Southwark are entitled to free oral contraception which they can register for online and have delivered to their home.