Dear resident

From tomorrow London, and a number of others areas, are moving to Tier 3 COVID-19 restrictions. This is because infection rates have been rising quickly. 

This is the right decision to protect lives but we’re also calling on government to make sure that everyone in Tier 3 areas gets the financial support needed to protect livelihoods and businesses.

Tier 3 restrictions: the key new rules

• Different households can’t mix inside or in most outdoor venues (except for support bubbles).
• You can meet with up to six people in parks and some other outdoor public places.
• Hospitality venues, like pubs and restaurants, will close and can only offer take-away, drive-through or delivery services. Entertainment venues like cinemas and theatres will be closed.
• People should avoid travel unless necessary and work from home if they can.

Please check all the current rules at www.gov.uk/guidance/tier-3-very-high-alert.

Help during the new restrictions

I know this new period of restrictions will be difficult for many and we are here to help. If you or anyone you know, will struggle during the restrictions please let us know so we can help. 

Be safe over Christmas

We are at a critical moment in our response to COVID-19. It’s vital we make the right choices to reduce the spread of the virus and save lives.

In addition to the new rules I urge you to think carefully about your Christmas plans.

• Please consider whether forming a ‘Christmas bubble’ with other households between 23 and 27 December is a safe thing for you and your family to do, even if the rules allow it.
• Please stay away from crowded places. If you go out and about over the coming days – including for Christmas shopping – stay away from crowds and consider wearing a face covering at all times, not just in shops and on transport.

Thank you and stay safe,

Kieron

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.

Get up to £5,000 for projects that help prevent COVID-19

We’re offering grants of £1,000 to £5,000 to organisations for projects that help to prevent COVID-19. Apply for a COVID-19 prevention project grant before 11.59pm on 28 December if your organisation supports residents, and has an annual turnover of less than £100k.

New adult learning courses starting in the new year

The Thomas Calton Centre is open with measures in place to make you feel Covid-safe while you learn as well as running a variety of courses online, ideal for those that are self-isolating or prefer distance learning. New courses starting in January include sewing skills, knitting, art, print making, upholstery, sculptural carving, dance and fitness, creative writing.

Support during a mental health crisis

Christmas can put extra strain on you if you have mental health issues – find how to get mental health support in a crisis.

Get free career and employment support

Southwark Works is a free employment support service for anyone living in the borough. It’s for residents of all ages, experiences and backgrounds and offers one to one support to help find a new job or a better job. Sign up today to get employment support.

Read the council’s new plan 

Thank you to everyone who took part in our consultation on the new Borough Plan. The plan sets out our priorities and promises to residents and how we will deliver these during the challenge of the COVID-19 pandemic. You can find out more about our priorities on the council website and read a summary of the plan (opens as a pdf).

£3.5m approved for 35 community projects

The council has approved funding for 35 community projects, proposed by local people and organisations, as part of a drive to invest £6m into neighbourhoods around the borough. The money comes from Local CIL, a levy raised on development schemes, and a second set of projects will be approved for funding in the New Year.

Are you worried about domestic or sexual abuse?

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic abuse, you can leave home to seek help or support. There is national domestic abuse advice and support available but you should call 999 if you are in immediate danger. Locally, the Solace Advocacy and Support Service provides help and advice on domestic abuse for anyone in Southwark aged 16 or over.

Is your child starting primary school in September 2021?

You must apply for your child’s primary school place online by 15 January 2021. We also have lots of useful information about the different types of primary schools in Southwark, as well as tips to help you decide which school is right for your child.

Green light for revised Old Kent Road regeneration plans

We have agreed to further consultation on revised plans for Old Kent Road. The updated Old Kent Road Area Action Plan, which incorporates many changes in response to feedback from the local community, was approved by the council’s Cabinet last week. Local residents and businesses will now be invited to feedback on the revised plan between January and April 2021.

Walworth Town Hall restoration gets the go-ahead

Plans to create a new arts and community hub, café and workspace in Walworth Town Hall and the former Newington Library, next door, were approved by the council last week. When restored, the venue will offer flexible work and studio spaces alongside dedicated community spaces for public events, performances, art classes and community meetings.

Bakerloo line extension update

Donate towards Christmas hampers for older people

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.