No symptoms? Book a rapid test now

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 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

Keep following the current COVID-19 rules

The rollout of the vaccine and the impact of the current restrictions has led to a decline in COVID-19 numbers in Southwark. However, it is vital that we continue to follow the current guidance. This means:

• washing our hands regularly,
• keeping our distance from others
• wearing a face covering when required (unless you’re exempt).

From 8 March we can meet one other person for exercise and recreation, but we can’t yet meet in bigger groups.

Advice about schools reopening on 8 March

Schools are reopening to all pupils from Monday 8 March. If you’re a parent please help your child’s school to re-open safely by:

• Making sure your child, if they’re in a secondary school, has a face covering to wear in and around school and on public transport.
• Making sure your child, if they’re in a secondary school, does Covid tests at home when required. After initial tests in schools, secondary pupils need to do two tests a week at home.
• Please wear a face covering yourself at school drop-off and pick-up times and in crowded places. Please follow your school’s social distancing measures.
• Please contact your child’s school if there is anything you are not clear about.

Let’s talk about the vaccine

If you have questions or concerns about the COVID-19 vaccine and you missed our Let’s Talk About The Vaccine Zoom meeting on Monday evening, you can watch our panel of experts answering questions via the Youtube recording now.

>> Watch our panel of experts answer questions about the vaccine

Sign up for a postal vote ahead of 6 May

Elections in London will take place on 6 May. Your local polling station will be safe but you can avoid any queues by signing up to vote by post now.

LGBT+ Adoption & Fostering Week 2021

As part of our support for New Family Social’s LGBT+ Adoption and Fostering Week we would love to hear from you if you’re considering becoming a foster carer. We’re holding our next online information meeting on Thursday 18 March at 12 noon.

Get ready for the Census

Households across Southwark will soon be asked to take part in Census 2021. The census is a once-in-a-decade survey that gives the most accurate estimate of all the people and households in England and Wales. Census day will be 21 March, but households across the country will receive letters with online codes allowing them to take part from early March.

Southwark Council commits £101m to climate-related work

We’ve committed £101m funding to the Climate Emergency and environment sustainability. This investment opens the door to further creative and impactful measures, that will improve air quality and bring the council closer to hitting its target of carbon neutrality by 2030.

Share your views on private rented homes in Southwark

Bakerloo Line extension clears major hurdle

This week the Government issued ‘Safeguarding Directions’ for the Bakerloo Line extension, meaning that land along the planned extension’s route, running from Elephant & Castle down the Old Kent Road to Lewisham, will be protected from future development. Whilst this is a major step forward for this landmark scheme the future of this project is not secured.

Please show your support for the Bakerloo Line extension and spread the word on social media using #BackTheBakerloo

Get checked for cancer – 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 and 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.

Prize draw – get your council tax paid for a year

Enter our prize draw to get your council tax paid for a year. You need to already pay by direct debit, or set one up, and have a MySouthwark account linked to your council tax account by 31 July 2021. Find out how to set up a direct debit or read the full prize draw terms and conditions

International Women’s Day 2021

International Women’s Day is 8 March. Keep an eye on our social media channels where we will be celebrating women in Southwark who have made a real difference to people’s lives through Covid. Thank you to all the women who have supported residents and saved lives’ during the pandemic.

Survey for young people aged 16 to 18

If you are aged 16 to 18 in Year 12 or 13, please complete our post-16 activity survey if you are in education, employment or training. If you are not in education please get in touch. Our Post-16 Service supports young people back into education and provides advice on training and college courses.

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.

A new café-kiosk for Holyrood Street near London Bridge

The council has begun work on a new café-kiosk, set within a lush garden courtyard on Holyrood Street. Flanked by a stunning green wall, the café-kiosk will be run by Malfatti Projects and The Connection, a social enterprise which works with homeless people. The project will enliven this small street, tucked away behind London Bridge station, and will help draw visitors to north Bermondsey and the emerging Low Line.