Mayor of London and London Assembly elections on 6 May

It is just under a week to the Mayor of London and London Assembly Elections on Thursday 6 May. Have you made your plan to vote?

• Send in your completed postal votes now if you have one.
• If you are voting on the day our polling stations will be safe to use. Social distancing measures will be in places so there may be queues. Please remember your mask (unless exempt) and bring you own pen or pencil.
• Only vote at a polling station if you are feeling well.

Find out information about the candidates for the election on Thursday 6 May

Remembering a hero

The heroic actions of Folajimi Olubunmi-Adewole last weekend, which so tragically led to his death, have touched us all. The Mayor of Southwark, Leader of the Council, and Cabinet Member for Public Health and Community Safety, have privately visited the site of the tragedy to leave flowers, and the council is considering ways that the borough can remember Jimi’s tremendous bravery and celebrate his life, in line with the wishes of his family.

Cllr Kieron Williams said: “Real heroes share two things: the compassion to care and the bravery to act. Folajimi Adewole had both in abundance. My thoughts are with this family and friends and all who loved him.”

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

If you’re aged 40 or over, or will be by 1 July 2021, or you’re in another eligible category, you can book your vaccination now.

More than 100,000 Southwark residents vaccinated against COVID-19

Last week we celebrated a huge milestone for the borough when NHS figures confirmed more than 100,000 Southwark residents have received their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. Hear from our leader Councillor Kieron Williams after he took up his offer of the vaccination at the Lister Practice in Peckham.

New COVID-19 testing centre

The COVID-19 testing at the Damilola Taylor Centre in Peckham will close on 4 May. A new test centre will open on 5 May, on Bournemouth Road – also in Peckham. The testing centre at London Bridge remains open.

Book a test now if you don’t have symptoms or order tests to be delivered to your home

Please keep following the rules

The rollout of the vaccine and the impact of the recent restrictions has led to a decline in COVID-19 numbers. However, it is vital that we continue to follow the current guidance. This means:

• washing our hands regularly,
• keeping our distance from others (only mixing outside in groups of up to six or two households)
• wearing a face covering when required (unless you’re exempt).

Check all the current rules

Tell us where you’d like bike hangars or storage in Southwark

We have an ongoing programme to roll out new rentable bike hangars. We want to know how many people would like access to a bike hangar in their area, and where the most-requested locations are.

Learn how to do home repairs

Did you know that we have a series of fix it at home online videos to help you complete simple repairs around your home? This includes changing a light bulb, checking your smoke alarm and unblocking your toilet.

Paid interns needed for Old Kent Road

Applications are invited for two, short-term, paid internships working on the regeneration of Old Kent Road. This is a great opportunity for two young people, aged 16 to 24, who are interested in community engagement, regeneration, architecture and planning. Training and mentoring will be provided and you don’t need any previous experience.

Free online family fun fitness classes

Work on your fitness and create a balanced lifestyle for your family. Join in online yoga, dance and fitness classes, suitable for families with young children. Join new classes each week at 10am on Tuesdays, Thursdays or Saturdays, or on catch up

Advice on staying at a healthy weight or getting active again

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 to catch it early

If you’re due for bowel, cervical or breast cancer screening, you’ll get an invitation. But don’t wait to be invited if you’re worried about changes to your body – contact your GP straight away.

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.

Join our online residents’ panel

Tenants, leaseholders and freeholders living in council properties can all join our online residents’ panel. The panel gives you the opportunity to get involved in decisions that affect you and where you live, even if you can’t attend meetings.