Advice & Information

Free swimming lessons, local antiques sale and COVID-19 information

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Things to do in Southwark and key council updates

Southwark Council · PO BOX 64529 · London SE1P 5LX

Extra vaccine clinics this week in Southwark

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DUSK

Extra vaccine clinics this week in Southwark

All the key COVID-19 information

Southwark Council · PO BOX 64529 · London SE1P 5LX

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URGENT update on Covid-19

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Dear TRA Chairs, VCS partners and Community Ambassadors,

I wish that our only focus was on spreading festive cheer in our communities at this time, but unfortunately we remain very much in the grip of a dangerous pandemic. You will have seen that cases are rising incredibly fast in London, and this week in Southwark our rates have risen alarmingly to 1,494 per 100,000 – the third highest rate in the country. This is a really worrying number, and is a much higher rate when we went into Tier 4 restrictions this time last year.

As we await a potential update from the Government on further restrictions, I do need to appeal to all our communities to avoid meeting in groups face to face wherever possible. I believe it’s the only way we are going to slow the speed of the virus spreading, and therefore protect local people and the NHS.

The vaccine does provide protection, and it’s important that residents continue to come forward for their 1st, 2nd or booster dose, but we know that in some parts of the borough, 40% of residents have not had a single vaccine.

I am asking for your help, therefore, in helping get the word out to residents that they should come forward for whichever vaccine they are eligible for now, to help protect them and their families. You can do this by:

  • Sharing the attached 1,2,3 campaign on social media and your local Whatsapp groups
  • Promote local enhanced provision in or close to your wards . These include extended opening hours at Tessa Jowell, the Artesian, and at various approved pharmacies across the borough – you can find the up to date details here
  • Helping to publicise the extended offer in Peckham next week. The attached leaflet gives details of a walk in at the Lister Centre on Monday/Tuesday but we are hopeful that this will extend into Wednesday/Thursday. Please share the attached graphic and this web link which will be updated if the offer is extended: https://www.southwark.gov.uk/news/2021/dec/extra-vaccine-clinics-in-peckham-20-to-24-december

In addition to the vaccine we are promoting cautious behaviours to help reduce the rise in Covid-19 rates locally. We are asking all our community leaders to avoid face to face meetings or gatherings with groups of residents, move events online wherever possible, and to follow the following advice:

  • Take a rapid lateral flow test before meeting with family and friends or going to busy public places
  • Wash hands regularly and wear face coverings in public places including community centres and faith premises
  • Self-isolate if positive. There is financial support available for this.
  • Stay at home if unwell, to reduce the risk of passing on other illnesses onto friends, family, colleagues, and others in your community
  • Meet family and friends in well-ventilated areas where possible, such as outdoors or indoors with windows open. You are at a higher risk if you are in an enclosed or crowded space, or there is limited fresh air.
  • Download the NHS COVID-19 app. Keep your Bluetooth and contact tracing on to stay informed in case you come into contact with a positive case. 

The current rates and restrictions will alarm and concern some our residents, especially those who are more vulnerable and those who were previously shielding. Please do remind them of the support on offer to them, as we all help our residents through another difficult period.

Officers across the council, alongside our NHS colleagues, are working extremely hard to try to keep residents safe and I know you will be too. Thank you for your ongoing support.

Do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions.

Best wishes,

Cllr Evelyn Akoto

Cabinet Member for Health and Wellbeing

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Peckham walk-in times[10139]

Get your booster, first or second vaccine dose

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Southwark Council · PO BOX 64529 · London SE1P 5LX  

What Plan B means for you, and how to stay safe as Covid rates rise

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Southwark Council header
COVID-19 numbers are rising in Southwark and across the country, and rates have increased by 45% in Southwark in the last week. There are also cases of the Omicron variant in Southwark.

To limit the spread of COVID-19, the government has moved to ‘Plan B’ arrangements (details below). These make it a legal requirement to wear face coverings in most places where you mix with other people. They also ask people to work from home if you can.

It’s important we all get vaccinated and get a booster jab when we’re eligible. It’s also important to keep getting tested regularly and to follow current guidance.

Aged 40+? Get your booster vaccine now

If you’re aged 40+ you can now get your booster vaccine if it’s three months since your second dose.

You can pre-book your booster if it’s two months since your second dose (you will be offered an appointment three months after the second dose).

>> Book your booster jab now on the national booking system

Vaccines are the best defence against COVID-19. Over 20 million people have had their booster jab.

If it’s already three months since your second dose you can go to a walk-in clinic for your booster.

>> Go to a local walk-in clinic (if it’s 3 months since your second dose)

Frontline health and social care workers and people aged 16+ with certain health conditions can also get a booster vaccine.

Get your first or second vaccine dose

It is one year since the first people got their vaccine. In the UK over 51 million people have had their first dose and over 46 million have had two doses. The vaccines have been proven to be safe and the best defence against COVID-19.

>> Book your first or second vaccine dose now

>> Find a walk-in clinic for your first or second dose

Second dose COVID-19 vaccinations for 16 and 17-year-olds

If you’re 16 or 17-years-old you can book a second dose, for 12 weeks after your 1st dose. If you’re at higher risk from COVID-19, you can get a 2nd dose at a walk-in vaccination site from eight weeks after your 1st dose.

Walk-in vaccinations for 12 to 15-year-olds

All children aged between 12 and 17 are eligible to receive a COVID-19 vaccine. Most children aged 12 to 15 will we be offered one in school, but if you have missed that opportunity you can go to a local walk-in clinic for your vaccine.

Plan B: a summary of the changes

  • From Friday 10 December, face coverings will be required in more public settings, including theatres and cinemas, unless you are exempt. Face coverings are already required in indoor places such as shops and on public transport.
  • From Monday 13 December, you should work from home where possible.
  • From Wednesday 15 December, the NHS Covid Pass will be needed in some venues, including nightclubs. People will be able to demonstrate proof of two vaccine doses via the app. Proof of a negative lateral flow test will also be accepted.
  • The government will also introduce daily contact tests for contacts of confirmed positive cases instead of the ten-day self-isolation period. However, please check the current self-isolation rules.

Get a PCR test and isolate if you have COVID-19 symptoms

If you have COVID-19 symptoms (a high temperature, a new cough or a change to sense of taste or smell) you should self-isolate and book a PCR COVID-19 test.

You can order a PCR test kit to be sent to your home or book an appointment at a walk-in or drive-through test site.

>> Get a COVID-19 test if you currently have symptoms
Southwark Council · PO BOX 64529 · London SE1P 5LX

Latest news on Elephant traders’ deputation this evening.

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Dear Friend

Yesterday we were notified by Southwark Council that it is ‘unlikely’ that the Elephant traders’ deputation will be heard the Council Assembly meeting this evening. Southwark has suggested as an alternative that the deputation attends the Cabinet meeting on 7 Dec.

We are naturally very disappointed with this news, particularly as it comes so late in the day. We have asked Southwark and the councillors to reconsider, but as yet we cannot say what the final response will be and may not know until this evening.

The Yes to Fair Redevelopment demonstration is still going ahead and will rally outside outside Council Assembly at 6.30pm. The march will begin at the Vauban Car Park, Alscot Rd, opposite Spa Gardens, SE1 3GG (Bus 1 and 78) at 6.00pm.

Many thanks for your continuing support and please CLICK HERE for a trailer of an upcoming film on the traders plight (thanks to Emile Burgoyne).

Regards
Jerry

Copyright © 2021 Elephant Amenity Network, All rights reserved.
Our mailing address is:

Elephant Amenity Network

18 Market Place
Blue Anchor Lane

London

Southwark SE16 3UQ

United Kingdom

Elephant traders’ deputation this Wednesday, 24th November

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Dear Friend

Traders’ deputation to the Southwark Assembly

Many Elephant shopping centre traders still have no new premises a year after the centre closed, despite Southwark Council’s promises that ‘no-one would be left’ behind in the Elephant and Castle’s regeneration.

The traders are sending a deputation to Southwark Council’s Assembly,160 Tooley St, SE1 2QH this Weds 24 Nov. 7pm.

The deputation will be demanding that Southwark Council does more to help the traders. Southwark has legal agreements with developers Delancey and Lendlease for the traders’ relocation – these agreements must be enforced.

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The deputation will include representatives from Pricebusters DIY shop and La Bodequita restaurant, two of the Elephant’s longest-standing businesses, as well as from the Elephant Arcade, one of the relocation sites. There will also be a representative of the market stall holders, who are still negotiating with Southwark Council for new market stall pitches at the Elephant and Castle.

The Assembly meeting is open to the public – please join us and give your support!

Yes to Fair Redevelopment demonstration.

You can also join the ‘Yes to Fair Redevelopment demonstration’, in the run-up to the Assembly meeting.

The demo is marching to Tooley St for a rally outside Council Assembly at 6.30pm. The march will assemble at the Vauban Car Park, Alscot Rd, opposite Spa Gardens SE1 3GG (Bus 1 and 78) at 6.00pm.

The demo is to let the Council know that unfair development of council estates will not be accepted. You can read more here and here.

Regards

Jerry

Copyright © 2021 Elephant Amenity Network, All rights reserved.
Our mailing address is:

Elephant Amenity Network

18 Market Place
Blue Anchor Lane

London, Southwark SE16 3UQ

United Kingdom

Meet Olympians, discover local walks and flu vaccine reminder

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Try out Southwark’s newest sports facility and meet Olympians on Saturday 6 November

Come along to the opening of the Southwark Park Sports and Athletics Centre on Saturday 6 November. Book for free tasters sessions including tag rugby, introductions to long jump and sprint running and disability sports sessions. Join Olympic Champion, Christine Ohuruogu; Peckham-born Tokyo Olympic medallist, Imani-Lara Lansiquot; Team GB athlete, Conrad Williams; and professional freestyle footballer Steve Gray, who will be trying out the new facility.

Join a gym in Southwark for under £25 per month

Get unlimited use of gym, swim and exercise classes at Southwark Park Sports and Athletics Centre, Seven Islands Leisure Centre, Surrey Docks Fitness and Watersports Centre, Camberwell Leisure Centre and Peckham Pulse Leisure Centre. Kick-start your exercise routine and sign up for a gym today.

Free swim and gym in Southwark

Did you know Southwark residents can use swimming pools and gyms at our leisure centres, free of charge, at certain times? Find out more and register for free swim and gym.

Discover local walking routes: follow in the steps of Harry Potter, Bridget Jones and Del Trotter

Discover Southwark with our illustrated walking maps. Pick from 12 routes which include film locations, Dulwich’s unusual architecture, flora and fauna, and myths and legends of the borough.

Ultra Low Emission Zone has expanded: check your vehicle

The Ultra Low Emission Zone expanded up to the North and South Circular Roads on Monday 25 October 2021. Check your vehicle now via the TfL website.

Survey: your views on public art in Southwark

Public art is art that is in public spaces and is for everyone to see. It is often commissioned by councils or other public organisations. We want our pubic spaces to better celebrate our diverse communities. That’s why we want to hear your views about public art in Southwark.

Find out if you’re eligible for a free flu vaccine

The flu virus kills almost 11,000 people and hospitalises tens of thousands more in England in an average year. It’s more important than ever to get your flu jab this year. Find out if you are now eligible to get a free flu vaccine.

Plans approved for 162 new council homes at two developments in Southwark

New Homes image We have permission to build 162 new council homes at two developments in St Giles and Peckham. 

The development in St Giles will see 79 new council homes built at Sceaux Gardens. The development in Peckham will see 83 new council homes built at Bells Gardens Estate.

Get the Transport for London app to help you travel safely across London

If you’re out and about you can plan your journeys across London using the TfL Go app. Get live bus and train times and quieter times to travel, all Tube, London Overground, DLR, TfL Rail and tram lines updates, walking and cycling routes, and accessible routes using the step-free mode.

New service launched to help people get online

We have launched a new digital inclusion service for residents to provide information, help and guidance about how to get online or improve their internet skills. If you, or anyone you know, could benefit from this service please get in touch by calling our helpline 07783 776 066.

How to keep yourself safe during COVID-19

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Kieron Williams Header

Dear resident

I’m sure you will have seen the news that COVID-19 infection rates across the country are rising again. I’m writing to ask for your help in keeping rates in Southwark low, so we can all keep each other safe.

From the vaccine, to face coverings, to tests, to keeping rooms well ventilated, there are lots of details on the things you can do to help below.

I want to thank everyone who’s worked so hard to do these things over recent months.

The council has been working hard with other organisations to help keep Southwark safe. Whether it’s been supporting vulnerable residents through our community hub, working with colleagues in the NHS to put on more local vaccine clinics, sending mobile testing vans into our communities or supporting the vaccine roll out for 12–15-year-olds in secondary schools, it’s been fantastic to see.

However, with the number of people catching COVID-19 across the country now high and rising there is a very strong chance rates will rise in Southwark too. We can all help keep them low.  That’s why I encourage you to:

  • wear a face mask on public transport and when in crowded enclosed spaces
  • get vaccinated if you’re eligible
  • get the booster vaccination if you’re eligible
  • get tested regularly even if you don’t have symptoms
  • self-isolate and book a PCR test if you have symptoms
  • keep rooms ventilated if you’re meeting with others inside

If you would like to do even more there are also lots of ways you can volunteer to help in your community.

Please see below for more information on how to keep yourself and others safe.

Thank you

Kieron

Get the recommended number of COVID-19 vaccine doses to protect yourself

If you’re aged 16+, you can get your first or second COVID-19 vaccine dose in different ways:

Get your questions or concerns about the vaccine answered on this NHS website.

Booster vaccines for people most at risk from COVID-19

If you’ve had your second dose at least six months ago, you’ll be contacted about your booster jab if you are:

  • Living in a residential care home for older adults
  • Aged 50 or over
  • A frontline health and social care worker
  • Aged 16 to 49 years with underlying health conditions that put you at higher risk of severe COVID-19
  • An adult household contact of an immunosuppressed person/people.

Vaccines for 12–15-year-olds

12–15-year-olds are being offered the COVID-19 vaccine as part of the school-based vaccination programme (parental consent will be sought). Vaccinations for 12–15-year-olds can also be booked online. There are now walk-ins vaccine clinics for 12–15-year-olds too. You are advised to book online to avoid disappointment.

Read more about the vaccine programme for 12–15-year-olds.

Find out about pregnancy, fertility and the COVID-19 vaccine

Watch a 30 minute Q&A about pregnancy and the COVID-19 vaccine. GP Registrar, Dr Juliet Grenham covers the importance of being vaccinated if you’re pregnant or thinking about starting a family.

Get tested for COVID-19 twice a week for free

You should get tested regularly, even if you’ve been vaccinated, and don’t have symptoms. 1 in 3 people with COVID-19 don’t have symptoms. You’re advised to do a rapid lateral flow test twice a week (every 3 or 4 days). If you don’t have symptoms, there are different ways to get COVID-19 tests in Southwark.

Get a collect code to pick up COVID-19 rapid lateral flow tests from a pharmacy

You now need to get a code to pick up tests from your pharmacy by creating an online account or calling 119. You will need a new code for each collection. You can pick up rapid tests for your or another household, but you must get a separate code for each.

Continue to wear a face covering to protect yourself

It’s not mandatory, but still advisable to wear a face covering (unless exempt) in crowded places. Face coverings must still be worn if you are traveling on the Transport for London network. Cloth face coverings and disposable face coverings work best if they are made with multiple layers (at least two) and form a good fit around the face.

Ventilate rooms for indoor visitors, or meet outside

Letting fresh air into indoor spaces can help remove air that contains virus particles and prevent the spread of COVID-19. To reduce the risk of catching COVID-19, or passing it on, minimise the amount of time you spend indoors with people you do not live with. Meet outside if possible.

Advice on potential COVID-19 related scams

Find out how to be aware of potential COVID-19 scams in person and online and how to protect yourself.

Volunteer to share key information about COVID-19 with your community

We’re working with Community Southwark to find volunteers to keep people up-to-date with COVID-19 advice, mental health or financial support, and food security. Ambassadors receive training, resources and networking opportunities. Find out about volunteering and how to sign up.

Financial support if your income has been affected by the pandemic

Get support if you’re under increased financial pressure due to COVID-19. Advice includes applying for Universal Credit, what to do if you can’t pay your rent, Council Tax, or homeowner annual and major works service charges, and COVID-19 self-isolation payments.

Help for vulnerable residents

Our community hub was set up to help residents during the COVID-19 crisis. It can help you if you need:

  • Food, medicine or other items delivered
  • Financial advice
  • Help for someone you know
  • Advice about where you can get support and information on childcare, education and your local mutual aid groups.

Contact the community hub for support.

35% Campaign update – Lendlease’s final plot for Elephant Park – offices, not homes

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Sep 17, 2021 01:00 am

Southwark to change rules to allow office block on former Heygate estate.Southwark Council is set to change its planning rules to enable developer Lendlease to build an office block on the site of the former Heygate estate. The block would be on the final development plot of Elephant Park, Plot H1, which is earmarked for housing under Lendlease’s current planning consent. Lendlease has now applied to replace this consent with an entirely new one, to build an office block, not housing.Southwark is also ready to change the New Southwark Plan (NSP) to pave Lendlease’s way to a successful approval of the application. The change will allow an increase in the office floorspace on Elephant Park, from the maximum of 5,000 sqm that Lendlease is presently allowed, to the 49,565 sqm it is proposing in its new planning application. Southwark has said ‘an office development on this plot is broadly supported’ in the ‘Conclusion’ of pre-application discussions with Lendlease.Late changes to the New Southwark PlanThe change to the NSP, which governs all development throughout the borough, is part of a ‘main modification’ to the Plan. The modification MM7 would allow 60,000 sqm of ‘employment floorspace’ to be built specifically on Elephant Park; at the moment the local plan envisages a maximum of 30,000 sqm of ‘business floorspace’ for the whole Elephant and Castle Opportunity Area.The NSP, including the main modifications, is in the final stages of approval by government inspectors. Comments on all proposed modifications can be made up to a deadline of 24 September 2021.From open space to office spaceA good part of Plot H1 sits on land that was covenanted for use as open space, in perpetuity, when ownership was devolved to Southwark in 1985, on the abolition of the Greater London Council (GLC). In 2014 Southwark transferred ownership of the Heygate land, including Plot H1, to Lendlease, removing the covenant in the process.In 2019 Lendlease took advantage of a poorly drafted s106 legal agreement with Southwark to increase the maximum number of homes allowed on Elephant Park by 220 units, to 2,689. Lendlease is using ten plots of land for these homes, instead of the eleven available, leaving itself a spare plot. This is the justification for the new planning application – Lendlease claims that they have fulfilled their housing obligations under the current planning consent, so Plot H1 can be used for an office development, which would create jobs.Lendlease does not say in their new planning application how many homes could be built on Plot H1, if it were used for housing as originally intended, but by making a rough comparison with neighbouring plot H7, a capacity for about 340 homes can be calculated.Lendlease on manoeuvresLendlease’s Plot H1 planning application is the latest of a succession of self-advantageous manoeuvres. As well as increasing the number of homes on the estate and squeezing them into fewer plots, Lendlease has also announced that over 900 of the free-market homes would no longer be for sale, but kept under their ownership, and let to private renters, not sold. Before this, they marketed and sold substantial numbers of homes overseas . This all followed the notorious 2010 Heygate regeneration agreement, which reduced the affordable housing to 25%, from 35%, with a meagre 79 social rented units (later inching up to 100 units).Southwark Council is now poised to give up a prime housing site (in the middle of an opportunity area, on former council estate land) at Lendlease’s behest. Southwark is doing this while embroiled in controversies across the borough about infill development on council estate sites, none of which are anywhere near the size of the plot it is about to give up.Object!Lendlease’s argument that offices will good for employment is entirely self-serving. They did not make this proposal for Plot H1 in 2012, when applying for their first planning permission. Instead, they have tricked their way into a position where they have built more homes than originally consented, on a smaller space, and now want to squeeze in an extra office block for good measure.Southwark Council have aided Lendlease’s application by proposing a ten-fold increase in ‘employment space’ on Elephant Park, in the New Southwark Plan – a huge uplift, introduced to boost the chances of an office-space application being approved.There has been much speculation about whether Southwark’s recent change of leadership has resulted in a change of direction for the Council.This is the planning committee’s chance to prove that the Council won’t roll over to Lendlease indefinitely. The committee must stop this cynical attempt to manipulate planning policy to Lendlease’s advantage and reject this planning application.Once this is done, Southwark should start a sensible discussion on what is to be done with this prime site, with the focus on the local community’s real needs, including affordable housing, with all the amenities and open surroundings needed to make life liveable in London.470 comments and objections have been made to this application.If you would like to add your objection, you can do so here.You can use this model objection text or view our full letter of objection here.
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