Dear resident

From midnight tonight Southwark, and all of London, will move into Tier 2 COVID-19 restrictions.

There are a number of vital Tier 2 rules that we will all need to follow. Importantly you can’t meet indoors with people you don’t live with, whether at home or in a public place, unless they are part of your support bubble. Outside, including in gardens and parks, groups of up to six people can meet.

Read the full detail about the restrictions.

However, please be careful because the virus hasn’t gone away. Make sure you protect yourself, your family and your friends, at all times in the run-up to Christmas.

Please support your local shops

Also from tomorrow, all shops can open again. It’s been such a tough time for many businesses in Southwark, so we’re asking residents to do their best to do their Christmas shopping locally. This means, where possible, seeking out local shops online, or safely returning to your local high street. If you do visit local shops please remember your face covering, keep your distance from others and don’t go somewhere that’s too crowded.

If you have a favourite shop in Southwark please share on social media with the hashtag #ShopLocalSouthwark

Please donate to our community fundraiser

Christmas will be a difficult time for many in our community, including some of our older and vulnerable residents. I’m proud of the many brilliant local charities and organisations who provide vital support to residents, all year-round, and who will make sure older and vulnerable people feel cared for and connected over Christmas.

We’re supporting, and contributing to, a Crowdfunder for these amazing local charities. Please consider making a small donation, if you can. Funds raised will go towards Christmas hampers, lunches and visits for vulnerable people, and much more.

Donate to the Southwark Community fundraiser now

Thank you and stay safe,

Kieron

Volunteer to help share crucial information about COVID-19

Self-isolate and get tested if you have symptoms

If you have coronavirus symptoms you must self-isolate and get a free test. There are two testing sites locally in Southwark, with spare capacity, and it’s easy to book a free test.

If you’ve been told by the NHS to self-isolate, either because you’ve tested positive for COVID-19 or you’ve been in contact with someone who has tested positive, you may be able to get some financial help while self-isolating.

Stream films free of charge

Did you know you can borrow ebooks and stream films, free of charge, via our elibrary service?

Want to learn English as a second language?

Interested in learning English as a Second Language (ESOL) or developing your skills in English, maths or computing? We offer many free distance-learning and face-to-face courses to help you get a new or a better job, study at a higher level at college or go to university. Plus new courses start from January in maths Level 2 and English Level 2 Functional Skills (equivalent to a GCSE).

Cancer screening reminder

Should you or your loved one be getting screened for breast, bowel or cervical cancer? Read our information about screening and learn about safety measures in place.

Get your free flu jab

If you’re eligible, make sure you get your free flu vaccination to protect yourself and those around you from the flu virus. It’s more important than ever this year. Ask your pharmacist or GP today.

Aged 16 to 18? Complete our post-16 survey

If you’re aged 16 to 18 please complete our Post-16 survey to tell us if you are in education, employment or training. Please also please get in touch if you’re not in education. The Post-16 service supports young people back into education and provides advice on training and college courses.

Voting safely at next year’s elections

Join our lunchtime online fostering information session

Find out what is needed to become a foster carer by registering for our online fostering information session on Monday 7 December at 12 noon by emailing fostering@southwark.gov.uk.

Looking for work or a new home?

Beam is a service that supports Southwark residents affected by homelessness and housing issues. Beam can help you start work and move into a stable home. It can provide funding towards the cost of training, childcare, travel and rental deposit. Register with Beam for job and housing support.

Job support for 16–25-year-olds

We will shortly be launching a new campaign which will help link young people with jobs, training and other opportunities. Sign up now to get jobs, training, volunteering and work experience opportunities and more by email.

Donate to a crowdfunder for local charities in Southwark

We’re supporting, and contributing to, a crowdfunding campaign to support local charities who’ll be working with older and vulnerable people, to make sure they are cared for and connected over the coming months. Please make a small donation if you can