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.

Free summer holiday food and fun activities for 5 to 16 year olds

The Southwark Food and Fun holiday programme runs until 27 August and is for those eligible for benefits-related free school meals. If you’re a parent or carer of children or young people that might benefit from healthy food and fun activities, contact the various providers to sign up.

Get your BMX skills up to an Olympic level in Burgess Park

If you’ve been inspired by Kye Whyte’s silver medal in the BMX racing last week, then book up at the track in Peckham where he trained. BMX Track London offers experienced coaching, equipment hire and bookable sessions for riders of all abilities.

Book for family yoga every Tuesday in Brunswick Park, Camberwell

Enjoy some active family time, improve your movement and fitness in the park every Tuesday from 10am to 10.45am, until 28 September. Book a free family yoga session in Brunswick Park, SE5.

Free family workshops and performances from Blue Elephant Theatre

The theatre is running free, bookable workshops and performances for children aged 2 to 10 years old in Elephant Park. Sessions include caring for the environment, exploring nature and numeracy and literacy skills, with some in Spanish.

*Please enjoy events safely, and remember hands, face and space.*

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

There’s lots on this summer in Southwark! Check out some highlights below:

What’s on

Rooftop visual art, architecture and live music in Peckham

Book tickets for eclectic events in the unique multi-storey car park with open panoramic views of London.

A ‘Fine Day For Seeing’ at Southwark Park Galleries, SE16

The free exhibition celebrating words and images, pairs acclaimed poets and artists and is open 11am to 5pm, Wednesday to Sunday. Workshops and performances run until 29 August.

New play launches at the Golden Goose Theatre in Camberwell on 10 August

‘A Rat, A Rat’ features an all female cast and portrays character Charlie, a teenager being treated in an adult psychiatric unit, and reflects on how we as individuals care for one another. Book tickets from £12 for performances of A Rat, A Rat until 28 August.

>> See all listings

COVID-19 updates

Get an NHS COVID Pass to show you’ve been vaccinated, or results of a COVID-19 test

Vaccination walk-in sites in south east London

There are lots of ways to get a first or second dose, including at daily walk-in vaccine clinics at Guy’s and St Thomas’, and King’s College hospitals, plus other places across south east London. Check the website for full details and to see who offers free Moderna, Pfizer, and AstraZeneca vaccines. You don’t need to book, or provide proof of address, immigration status, ID or an NHS number.

You can also book your vaccine appointment via the NHS website.

Get tested for COVID-19 twice a week for free

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 COVID-19 testing site at London Bridge or Bournemouth Road in Peckham
• Order tests to be delivered to your home
• Pick up a test from a local library
• Get a test at a pharmacy

Talk to us about life after COVID-19

Help us shape Southwark’s future to make it a better place to live, work and enjoy life. Give us your views at our Rotherhithe Festival stall on Saturday 7 August between 10am and 4pm. Or complete our life after COVID-19 survey online.

Host a community event to discuss life after COVID-19

Bring together a group in your community to discuss ideas and gather opinions about life after COVID-19 in Southwark. Apply for up to £500 to host a COVID-19 conversation event with your neighbours, faith group, community group or Tenant and Residents Association etc.

Other updates…

The Blue is back

Bermondsey celebrated the opening of a new and improved marketplace at The Blue last weekend. The centre-piece of the refurbished market is a new clock tower which was officially opened by Cllr Barry Hargrove the Mayor of Southwark. Other initiatives include a package of shop front improvements; a new pedestrianised cut-through to the market (due to complete in September) and plans to transform Thorowgoods furniture shop into an arts centre with a three-screen cinema, workspace and flexible community space.

Join the Southwark Family Council and share your knowledge

If you want to use your experience of children’s services to help improve services for other families in Southwark, contact us about being part of the Family Council.

Peveril Garden Studios opens

A new arts space and public roof garden has launched 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 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.

Have you thought about becoming a foster carer?

Come and talk to us about how you could make an extraordinary difference through fostering. We have a stall at Rotherhithe Festival on Saturday 7 August from 11am to 4pm. Or register for our next online fostering information session on Tuesday 10 August at 2pm.

Could you support a Southwark child with disabilities?

If you could regularly look after children with disabilities then contact Family Link about becoming a carer.