If you’re eligible, book your COVID-19 vaccination

If you are aged 50 or over you can book your COVID-19 vaccination now. You can also book now if you are in one of the other categories listed below.

You can get the vaccine if:

• You are aged 50 or over
• You are at high risk from COVID-19
• You are an eligible frontline health or social care worker
• You have a condition that puts you at higher risk
• You have a learning disability
• You are a main carer for someone at high right from COVID-19

>> Book your vaccination now

Three reasons to book your vaccination

• The vaccine is safe and it works
• The vaccine is how we will get things back to normal
• The vaccine will protect you, your friends and your family.

>> Book your vaccination now

Update on COVID-19 restrictions

Although there have been some changes, COVID-19 restrictions are still in place. Current rules include:

• Only socialise indoors with people you live with or who are in your support bubble
• Up to six people or two households can meet outside
• Work from home if you can and only travel when necessary
• If you have symptoms get a test and stay at home.

You should continue to wash hands, wear a mask when required and keep your distance. You should also open windows to ventilate our homes every now and then – and especially if someone from outside your household or bubble, like an emergency plumber for example, has been in your home.

No symptoms? Book a rapid test now

If you’re meeting with family and friends (as part of the rule of six or two-households rule), you may want to book a rapid COVID-19 test for reassurance. Rapid tests detect most, but not all infections, so please remember: hands, face and space.

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

Free PPE if you’re an unpaid carer

If you provide personal care for a friend or family member you are now eligible for free PPE (personal protective equipment) including masks, aprons, gloves and a pair of goggles. If you are caring for somebody (particularly if they are not in your household), you might want to consider using PPE to protect yourself and the person you are caring for.

To order your PPE please go to www.careplace.org.uk and fill out the online application form.

Job and career 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.

Train to be a social worker in just 14 months

If you’re thinking about a career in social work, find out if you’re eligible and how you can earn while you learn. We’re looking for people to support children and families in the borough. Apply for the social work training scheme by midday on 7 April 2021.

Paid internships for undergraduates or recent graduates

Sign up for a free online taster event about paid internships today (Wednesday 31 March 4pm to 5pm). Bring along your CV and get it checked at the same time.

Census reminder

Census Day was 21 March, but it’s not too late to take part. You must complete the census by law.

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.

Spring adult learning courses

We are planning new courses to start at the end of April – if you are interested in art, sewing, print making, pottery, dance or fitness courses please email us to enrol or further course details will shortly be available online.

Voting at the upcoming elections

The elections for the Mayor of London take place on 6 May. Have you made your plan to vote? Our polling stations will be COVID safe but there may be queues for social distancing. Find out about alternative ways to vote.

£370k awarded to local community organisations

We approved the latest round of Common Purpose Grants to initiatives in Southwark that build cohesion across communities, tackle social isolation, and promote a greener borough. Learn more about how the voluntary organisations will use their council grant funding.

Help to get active and stay at a healthy weight

Our health advice can help you find motivation to stay healthy or get active again. If you’re finding it hard, you may be eligible for extra healthy lifestyle help and support, such as free Slimming World or Weight Watchers membership.

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.

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

Get support to improve your mental health. If you’re registered with a Southwark GP you can also self-refer for talking therapies to get support for mental health problems, including anxiety and depression.

Have your say on the regeneration of Old Kent Road

The council has extended the consultation period on the Old Kent Road Area Action Plan. You now have until 10 May 2021 to provide your comments on the updated regeneration plans for the area which were published in December.

25 new council homes to be built on the Styles House estate

25 new council homes are set to be built on the Styles House estate after Southwark Council approved the proposals for a new residential development at Planning Committee last month. The proposals comprise a new 14-storey residential tower, at the junction of The Cut and Hatfields, which will provide 25 new homes, all of which will be for social rent.

Get your council tax paid for a year

You could automatically be in our annual 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.

How we allocate council homes – have your say

There are nearly 15,000 households on our housing waiting list and we want to make sure we prioritise applications in the right way, so that council homes are allocated to those who need them most. Southwark Council is currently reviewing its Housing Allocations Policy. Have your say on the proposed changes by 31 May 2021