What’s on for children, young people and families

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.

Enter a graphic art competition

Our annual summer art competition for ages 7 to 17 is back! Share your art and win prizes for you and your school. Your drawing can be of an existing graphic or comic character, scene from a book or you can create your own.

Time to go adventuring

Enjoy the exciting outdoors at Mint Street, Peckham Rye and Ellen Brown Adventure Playgrounds. The free summer programme runs until Friday 27 August and is open to all children aged 8 to 15 years.

Free: join pan-disability inclusive sport sessions

Join an inclusive summer of sport festival throughout August in celebration of the Paralympics, including a free virtual inclusive sport festival on 24 and 25 August, featuring online sports activities, creative sessions and insight panels. 

Community jam session on the Kingswood estate

Celebrating the expressive and creative voice of young people with dance, music and words. No need to book for this family-friendly event, just drop in with a picnic and enjoy. 21 August 2021, 3pm to 6pm.

Songs and rhymes in the garden

Sing your favourite rhymes in Dulwich Library Garden, while baby listens, sings along and dances to the rhythm. Suitable for children aged 0 to 4 years. 27 August 2021, 11am to 11.30am.

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

What’s on for all ages

Music, food, a dog show and more at Dulwich Park fair

Dulwich Park fair on 5 September is a free outdoor, family-friendly event which includes a fun fair, farm, interactive performances and a dog show. There will also be local musicians, brass bands, choirs and dance acts, as well as food, craft, drink and charity stalls.

Art and music with a view

Bold Tendencies’ Visual Arts Programme, ‘Arcadia’, features performances and new works in the site’s unique spaces at Peckham multi-story car park, with panoramic London views. Check out the programme which runs until 18 September 2021.

Yoga, Pilates and artisan market stalls in SE1

Courage Yard in SE1 is hosting a Wellness day on Saturday 21 August featuring yoga, Pilates and stretch classes from local instructors. There will also be artisan market stalls selling kombucha, vegan food, candles, and more!

Elephant Arcade Carnival 

Elephant Arcade celebrates Carnival over the Bank Holiday Weekend. From 27 to 30 August this new shopping arcade in Elephant and Castle will host free events for all the family. Expect music, costumes, a carnival catwalk and face-painting. There will also be special offers and give-aways from the traders throughout the weekend.

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

>> Check out all our summer listings 

COVID-19 updates

Everyone aged 16 or over can now get vaccinated

If you’re 16 or 17, the NHS will contact you when it’s your turn to get the COVID-19 vaccine. You’ll be invited to a local NHS service such as a GP surgery. Some children aged 12 to 15 may also be eligible for a vaccine.

Everyone else can get a COVID-19 vaccine in south east London – no need to book

There are lots of ways to get vaccinated, including at regular walk-in COVID-19 vaccine clinics at Guy’s and St Thomas’, and King’s College hospitals, plus other places across south east London. Check the individual COVID-19 clinics 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, or an NHS number.

Get tested for COVID-19 twice a week, free of charge

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:

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

Changes to self-isolation rules after close contact with someone who has COVID-19

If you’re fully vaccinated, under 18 years and six months, or aren’t able to get vaccinated for medical reasons, self-isolation rules have changed. You should get a PCR test as soon as possible after close contact with someone who has COVID-19. But you don’t need to self-isolate whilst you are waiting for results of the test. You are still required by law to self-isolate if the PCR test confirms you have COVID-19.

Host a community event to discuss life after COVID-19

We have support and funding for you to bring together a group in your community to discuss ideas and gather opinions about life after Covid in Southwark. Host an event with your neighbours, faith group, community group or Tenant and Residents Association.

Other updates…

Enrol now for adult learning classes starting in September

Our autumn term enrolment for adult learning courses is now open. Enhance your wellbeing and rediscover learning with our great range of programmes. Courses are mainly available onsite at the Thomas Calton Centre in Peckham and there are some online options too.

Job, career and education support for 16 to 25 year olds

We’re linking young people with jobs, training, career support and educational opportunities to help them achieve a bright future. Sign up now to get jobs, training and education opportunities by email.

Apply for funding for youth activities

We are distributing over £1 million in grants to fund positive activities for young people as part of our Youth New Deal. Individual grants will be up to £60,000. Interested in applying? Join our Q&A sessions and submit an expression of interest by 17 September.

Kingswood order and collect library is open on Tuesdays and Thursdays

The library is now located at 1 Seeley Drive, SE21 and open 2pm to 6pm. You can search the library catalogue for books, CDs and DVDs and place a free reservations online for collection. Or call 020 7525 4411 Monday to Friday 10am to 6pm or Saturdays 10am to 5pm to place an order.

Parent advocacy support at child protection conferences

If a child protection conference is taking place for your child, you can email us to 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.

Tell us if you’d like run Kingswood House in South Dulwich

We’re looking for organisations interested in running the Grade II listed building. This is a fantastic opportunity to bring to life an iconic building with a vibrant mix of uses, such co-work and events spaces, community uses, or something more creative. The deadline for expressions of interest in running Kingswood House is Friday 27 August.

Come along to your next local housing forum meeting

Everyone who lives in a council home, including council-owned temporary accommodation, can attend their Local Housing Forum taking place online in September. You can take part in discussions with council officers and councillors on a wide range of housing related topics.

Have you been thinking about becoming a foster carer?

Come along to our next online fostering information meeting on Wednesday 25 August at 6pm. Register your interest to learn more about fostering with Southwark.