New Covid testing sites in Southwark

Testing if you don’t have symptoms

There are now two rapid testing centres in Southwark for people who don’t have symptoms. If you leave home regularly, for essential reasons, we recommend getting tested up to twice a week.

Testing site locations

• London Bridge (open from Monday 22 February), St Thomas Street exit, London Bridge Station, SE1 9QU
• Peckham, Damilola Taylor Centre, 1 East Surrey Grove, Peckham, SE15 6DR

You can book a test now – but walk-in tests are usually available.

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

Testing if you have symptoms

There are now three symptomatic testing sites in Southwark: in Peckham, Dulwich and Walworth Square (near Elephant and Castle). For these sites you must book your test in advance.

>> Book a free test now if you have symptoms

Register for our free online event about the Covid vaccine

We want to listen to any concerns you have about the Covid vaccine. Register for our free online event on 1 March from 6pm to 7.30pm and our panel of experts – including Professor Kevin Fenton, Regional Director, PHE London – will listen to your concerns and try to answer your questions.

>> Register now on eventbrite and submit questions to our panel

Have you considered becoming a foster carer?

To find out more join our online fostering information session on Monday 22 February at 12 noon by emailing fostering@southwark.gov.uk

Census 2021 will provide a snapshot of modern society

Households across Southwark will soon be asked to take part in Census 2021. The census is a once-in-a-decade survey that gives us the most accurate estimate of all the people and households in England and Wales. This year’s will be the first run predominantly online, with households receiving a letter with a unique access code, allowing them to complete the questionnaire on their computers, phones or tablets.

Census day will be on March 21, but households across the country will receive letters with online codes allowing them to take part from early March. For more information, visit www.census.gov.uk

Virtual surgeries with your local councillors

Councillors are now running monthly surgeries for residents in their wards via Zoom. Surgeries are an important opportunity for individual residents to talk through a range of issues (e.g. related to housing, social care and the local area) with their local councillor.

Check the days and times of monthly virtual surgeries for your ward.

To book a virtual surgery appointment with your local councillors, please email them in advance of the surgery to request an appointment (email addresses can be found on the council website via the link above). Your councillors will send you the log in details for the Zoom surgery.

Help us improve private rented homes in Southwark

We want everyone – especially private tenants – to get involved as early as possible in our plans for new property licensing schemes. Share your views in our consultation.  

If you are overweight you’re more at risk from Covid

Achieving and maintaining a healthy weight is important for your long-term health and wellbeing. It can also help you cope with and recover from Covid. Get help and support for your family to achieve a healthy weight.

Covid-related resources for parents and carers

If you’re a parent or carer get advice on talking with children about Covid, healthy eating, managing emotions and behaviour, and the benefit of routines for your family during COVID-19.

Update on recent disruption to bin collections

Get checked for cancer to catch it early – the NHS is open

Cancer screening was paused in 2020, but is back up and running. If you are due for bowel, cervical or breast cancer screening, you will receive an invitation. Going for cancer screening is important – measures are in place to keep you safe. If you are worried about changes to your body, don’t wait to be invited – contact your GP straight away.

Give your views on domestic abuse support in Southwark

Voting safely at this 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.

Get help if you’re struggling with low mood, stress or anxiety

Feeling low, stressed and anxious are common feelings. And with the pandemic, you might be finding things harder than usual. Get advice and support to improve your mental health. If you are registered with a Southwark GP you can self-refer for talking therapies to get individual, group, and online psychological support for with anxiety, depression and other common mental health problems.

Sign up for a free cycling skills course

TfL is running an online course if you’re new to cycling or want to brush up on your skills. Sign up to improve your cycling skills and get 15% off Halfords own-brand cycle lights, locks or helmets once you complete the course modules.

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.

Help us get laptops to schoolchildren during lockdown

We’re supporting and match-funding a Crowdfunder to buy laptops for schoolchildren who need them in Southwark during lockdown. Over £100,000 has already been kindly donated and there’s still time to make a donation if you’re able to.

>> Donate to the Crowdfunder for laptops now