No Covid symptoms? Book a rapid test

We are now offering free, rapid COVID-19 tests to people aged 16 and over who don’t have Covid symptoms. Results are usually available within an hour. You can book regular tests, three or four days apart, for greater reliability.

Who can get tested

We are encouraging anyone who can’t work from home to book free rapid tests.

>> Book a test now if you don’t have symptoms

Why you should get tested

• 1 in 3 people with COVID-19 have no symptoms. Check you’re not carrying the virus and spreading it to others.
• Covid numbers are very high. Rapid tests help find more cases and help control the virus.
• Rapid tests are painless and results are usually available in less than an hour.

Where is the testing site?

The testing centre is at the Damilola Taylor Centre, 1e Surrey Grove, Peckham SE15 6DR. More sites will open soon.

>> Book a test now if you don’t have symptoms

When to not book a test 

• do not book a rapid, lateral flow test if you have COVID-19 symptoms. Instead, self-isolate and book a free NHS test on the government website
• do not book a rapid, lateral flow test if you have been in close contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19. Instead, stay at home and self-isolate

Vaccine update

The COVID vaccine is our best hope of combatting this virus. The council is working with local health partners to roll out the vaccine to all priority groups, including residents aged 70 plus, by mid-February. Our local hospitals were among the first in the country to provide vaccines and all residents in our older people care homes have now been offered their first vaccination.

The coronavirus vaccine is safe and effective. Those most at risk of becoming seriously ill are being offered the vaccine first, so the NHS will get in touch with you when it’s your turn. Remember the vaccine is free and only available on the NHS to priority groups. The NHS will never ask for your bank details and anyone offering a paid-for vaccine is committing a crime.

Job and career support for 16 to 25 year olds

We are linking young people in the borough with local opportunities geared towards helping them achieve a bright future, in response to the disruption to education and youth unemployment crisis caused by the pandemic. Sign up to get jobs, training, career support and education opportunities by email.

Tell us if you’ve felt lonely during lockdown

COVID-19 changed the way we socialise with friends and family. If it has made you lonely, we want to hear about the challenges you have faced. Or about new things you have tried to help you stay connected to others. Complete our survey on loneliness by 17 February 2021.

Internship vacancies at Southwark Council

Being an intern is a great way to start your career. We offer paid internships for residents aged 16 to 24 years old. You’ll be joining one of London’s top employers and will be a part of one of the most forward-thinking councils in the country. We are looking for six interns to join the council for 12 weeks. Applications for the roles close at 11.59pm on 31 January 2020.

Old Kent Road Area Action Plan consultation

We are consulting on the latest version of the Area Action Plan for the regeneration of Old Kent Road.

The plans include 20,000 new homes, 10,000 new jobs, new schools and new parks. This latest version of the plan incorporates significant changes in response to all the feedback received since the last plan was published in 2017.

If you smoke you’re more at risk from COVID-19

If you’re a smoker and become infected with COVID-19 you’re more likely to become seriously ill than a non-smoker. Get help to quit smoking now.

Another 29 projects get share of £6m Local CIL fund

Yesterday, the council’s Cabinet approved funding for another 29 local community projects proposed by members of the public. These are the second batch of projects to be approved in the latest round of funding from the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL).

The projects, selected from more than 1,000 ideas suggested by the local community, include improvements to several open spaces, such as Alexis Street park and Walworth Garden, which will help to promote greener and healthier lifestyles in the borough.

Safe sex and contraception

Some of our NHS Sexual Health Services are available online. You can now access STI testing, emergency contraception and ongoing contraception prescriptions without leaving your home. Visit www.southwark.gov.uk/safesex for more information.

Voting safely at next year’s elections

The Greater London Authority elections are due to take place on Thursday 6 May 2021 and we are encouraging voters to apply for a postal vote to help reduce the spread of COVID-19.