What’s on for children, young people and families

There’s a host of events and activities for children and families this summer as part of our Summer of Play programme. Check out a few up-coming highlights below.

Wildlife photography competition for children and young people

If you’re aged 8 to 17 you can take part in our summer wildlife photography competition

Try beach volleyball

Free of charge: young people can join in beach volleyball sessions and could even be picked to represent Southwark at the London Youth Games. Sessions continue until 23 August.

Visit Elephant Springs: a new natural play area in SE1

Elephant springs is a new urban oasis in Elephant and Castle with rocks, streams, sand and water fountains. If you’re local, pop along for a unique experience.

Try pond dipping and join a big butterfly count

Head to the free open day at Lavender Pond Nature Reserve on Saturday 24 July, 11am to 4pm. Activities include pond dipping, craft and a Big Butterfly Count at 2pm.

Take up the summer reading challenge!

This year’s summer reading challenge theme is Wild World Heroes and will inspire children to stand up for the future of our planet. Prizes are on offer for children who read six books over the summer holidays. Find out how to take up the summer reading challenge.

>> Check out all our summer listings for children and young people

What’s on for all ages

At part of our Southwark Summer programme there’s also lots on for all ages. Here are some highlights:

Food, drink and rides at the Rotherhithe festival

The Rotherhithe Festival will return to King George’s Fields, SE16 on Saturday 7 August. It’s a great day of free music with food, drink and rides and attractions for children, starting at 11.30am and finishing at 8.30pm.

Latin American festival at Dulwich Park

Celebrate Latin America through independent cinema, dance, music and regional cuisine on 24 and 25 July at Dulwich Park. Tickets start at £25.

Join a local archaeology walk

Join a guided walk around the historic borough of Southwark, exploring Borough and Bankside’s archaeology on 29 or 31 July. Free, but booking required.

>> See all listings

COVID-19 updates

Vaccination walk-in sites in south east London

There are lots of opportunities to still get your vaccine, including walk-in clinics at Guys and St Thomas’ hospitals (every day) and Charlton Athletic football club (24 July) and many other places across Southwark and southeast London. You do not need proof of address, immigration status, ID or an NHS number.

You can also book your appointment via the NHS website.

COVID-19 cases are rising in Southwark. Please self-isolate if you’re asked to for NHS Test and Trace

Self-isolation is when you don’t leave your home because you have or might have COVID-19. This helps stop the virus spreading to other people and is still a legal requirement. People identified as contacts of cases are at least five times more likely to be infected than others. You could be fined £1,000 or more if you don’t self-isolate for the full time period.

Get an NHS COVID Pass to show you’ve been vaccinated, or your PCR test results

You may be asked to show a COVID pass to get into some venues or to travel abroad. If you’re aged 18 or over, you can get an NHS COVID Pass to show your vaccination status or COVID-19 PCR test results.

Get tested for COVID-19 twice a week

There are increasing numbers of COVID-19 cases in Southwark and it’s important we continue to get tested regularly, even if we’ve been vaccinated. If you don’t have symptoms there are different ways to get tested in Southwark:

• Visit a testing site at London Bridge or Bournemouth Road in Peckham
• Order tests to be delivered to your home
• Pick up a test from your local library
• Get a test at a pharmacy

How to book a test if you have symptoms of COVID-19

Other updates…

Peveril Garden Studios opens

A new arts space and public roof garden launched this week at Peveril Garden, Bricklayers Arms. Commissioned by the council, the studios have been created by converting and refurbishing a 1960s building previously used for garages. Peveril Garden Studios will be operated by Forma Arts Media.

The Ultra-Low Emission Zone expands from 25 October 2021. Have you checked your vehicle?

The central London Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) is expanding to create a single, larger zone up to (but not including) the North Circular Road (A406) and South Circular Road (A205). Four out of five cars already meet the ULEZ emissions standards but you can check your vehicle now.  

The Elephant Magazine Summer issue out now

Keep up to date with everything that’s happening in Elephant and Castle. The Elephant Magazine summer issue is out now and includes features on the new Southwark Heritage Centre and Walworth Library; local artist and musician, Natty Bo; and Elephant Springs, the new water feature at Elephant Park. Pick up your copy in Elephant and Castle or read online.

Voting open for Southwark Youth parliament

Southwark Youth Parliament elections are now open. If you’re aged between 11 and 25 make sure you have your say before 25 July on who you want to represent the voices of young people in your community. 

Parent advocacy support at child protection conferences

If a child protection conference is taking place for your child, you can ask to have support from a parent advocate. If you’ve had involvement with children’s services in the past, why not become a parent advocate and use your experience to support other parents.

Share your ideas on how we can redevelop the old PC World + B&M sites on Old Kent Road.

We’ll be hosting workshops and group discussions at 682 Old Kent Road from Thursday 22 to Saturday 31 July. Find out more here: https://pcworldbm.commonplace.is/proposals/ideas-week

Have you thought about fostering a Southwark child?

We need foster carers of all races, ethnicities, genders and religions to support our Southwark children. Why not come and find out about fostering at our next online information session on Wednesday 28 July at 6pm.

Deadline soon: funding to improve our high streets

Do you have a great idea to revitalise our town centres? Apply to the High Street Recovery Fund to have the chance to bring your big idea to life, shape our high streets, support local businesses and bring long term benefits to Southwark. Application deadline is 27 July.

£3k university bursary for young people in Camberwell

If you’re aged 16 to 25 and live in the Camberwell Green ward you could apply for a £3k bursary to study architecture, engineering, design or law at University. The award is being offered by Karakusevic Carson architects who are currently working with the council

Rye Lane reopening for buses and timed deliveries

We are working with TfL to introduce an 18-month trial that will see Peckham Rye Lane reopened to buses and timed deliveries, but not other motor traffic. This move responds to feedback from local businesses and is designed to support them, while working to limit the impact on pedestrians and cyclists.

Quick survey: Let’s talk about life after COVID-19

Help us shape Southwark into an even better place to live, work and enjoy life. Give us your thoughts as we plan what the borough should look and feel like as we work to recover from the last 15 months. Survey closes 30 July.