Vaccines for over-50s, social worker training scheme, council tax prize draw and more

Posted by tgntra

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

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.

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

ww.southwark.gov.uk

SERVES in Communities

Posted by tgntra

Hi,

I hope all is well and looking forward to restrictions being eased in the next few months.

The LTA have developed an offer called SERVES, which aims to get people playing tennis and increasing physical activity. The SERVES Programme is the LTA’s leading sport for development programme, which takes tennis into the heart of local communities to people who may have never picked up a racket or thought tennis was for them.

The council wants to utilise the physical spaces within housing estates such as ball courts and community halls. As part of this programme, we are interested in training local activators to deliver the sessions whilst also providing the equipment to use.

Do you think this style of programme would be useful in your community?

If you have any questions, please get in touch.

Thank You,

Luke Staples – Preston

Sport and Physical Activity Development Coordinator
Environment and Leisure
Parks and Leisure Service

Southwark Council

160 Tooley Street
London, SE1 5LX
Mobile: 07936333035; Phone: 020 7525 2687
Contact me on Linkedin

Tabard Gardens North rooftop extensions – update March 2021

Posted by tgntra

Southwark Council has updated the rooftop extensions programme first mentioned in May 2020, increasing the number of blocks affected from 3 (Betsham, Boughton, Brenley) to 5 (adding Balin and Northfleet), plus a new ‘infill’ block on Tennis Street.

Tabard Garden.pptx

A newsletter to inform residents of these changes has gone out this week , available here:

2021-03-19 – Tabard Gardens – Newsletter vSA

Vaccine update, COVID-19 anniversary service, Census reminder and more

Posted by tgntra

Dear resident

Next Tuesday, 23 March, marks the first anniversary of COVID-19 taking hold in our country, and will be a National Day of Reflection. In Southwark we will mark this day with a service (details below) including the national minute’s silence, when we will remember those tragically lost to COVID-19 in our borough, and the incredible contribution so many of you have made in supporting friends, neighbours, families and communities through this difficult time.

I am very glad to say the COVID-19 case rate in Southwark is now one of the lowest in London, at 20 positive cases per 100,000 people. However the virus is still as easy to catch and pass on so please keep sticking to the rules and remembering hands, face space. The vaccines are safe and effective and continue to offer us all the best hope for moving out of the pandemic, so I encourage everyone who is eligible, to have their jab.

Young people have been hit particularly hard by the pandemic. COVID-19 has meant disruption to their education, reductions in the opportunities available to them as they leave education and an increase in the mental health challenges they face. That’s why we’ve announced our new Southwark Youth Deal that will see us investing additional funding to offer more support and opportunities for young people.

We are investing an extra £1m in local youth services, expanding our free Nest mental health service for all young people into schools and spending £2.5m renewing our adventure playgrounds. This is alongside ensuring young people in our borough have access to paid internships, apprenticeships and scholarships and launching a new Youth Parliament to ensure all of this work is shaped by local young people. We will be announcing more details of some of our new schemes soon. In the meantime, please see below for more information on the support and opportunities available.

I also want to say that like everyone across the country, I was shocked and saddened by the murder of Sarah Everard. My thoughts are with her family, friends and loved ones and with all the women who have been subject to and are survivors of violence. It is good to see misogyny will now finally be treated as a hate crime, something the council has been calling for, for some time. Over the last two years we have developed a detailed plan to tackle violence against women and girls in our borough, and our council-funded Solace Advocacy and Support Services is there for all women experiencing violence. I know there is still much more to do and over the next few weeks we will be setting out further actions we will be taking.

Best wishes,

Kieron

COVID-19 anniversary service

Tuesday 23 March marks the first anniversary of COVID-19 taking hold in the UK. In Southwark, as part of the National Day of Reflection, a short service will be held (and streamed on our YouTube channel), when we will remember those tragically lost in our borough.

Opportunities and support for young people

Apply to the Southwark Scholarship scheme to get an award to cover the cost of University tuition fees (eligibility criteria applies)
Join our mailing list for regular job, work experience opportunities and more for young people
Get free and confidential mental health and wellbeing support via our support service the Nest.

Safety update about the Oxford AstraZeneca vaccine

Following a rigorous scientific review of all available data, the UK regulator (@MHRAgovuk) has said that the public should continue to get their vaccine when invited to do so. They have confirmed that the available evidence does not suggest that blood clots in veins are caused by the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine.

Census day is 21 March

Census Day is 21 March – every household in the borough is expected to take part. Find out more about what the census means for you. If you need any help filling out your Census form you can call 020 7525 5144 and speak to a trained member of staff.

No symptoms? Book a rapid test now

There are now two rapid testing centres in Southwark for people who don’t have symptoms. If you leave home regularly, for essential reasons, we recommend getting tested up to twice a week.

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

Are you worried about domestic or sexual abuse?

Sign up for a postal vote ahead of 6 May

Elections in London will take place on 6 May. Your local polling station will be safe but you can avoid any queues by signing up to vote by post now.

Do you have time to care for others?

Have you been thinking about new opportunities or careers that help others? With our support, you could become a foster carer. Find out more at our next online information meeting on Tuesday 30 March at 6pm.

More time to have your say on the regeneration of Old Kent Road

Is your child finding returning to school/college challenging?

The Nest can provide free mental wellbeing support for young people aged 11 to 25 struggling with low level mental health concerns such as anxiety and low mood. Young people and their families are able to directly refer themselves to The Nest without the need for a professional referral. To find out more please get in touch or call 020 8138 1805 to speak to a member of the team.

Train to be a social worker in just 14 months

Testing for the COVID-19 variant in parts of SE5

The South African COVID-19 variant has been found in the Faraday Ward. Residents in the affected area have been given home testing kits. The variant doesn’t appear to cause any more severe symptoms than the regular COVID-19 strain, nor does it yet appear to be resistant to the vaccines.

Spring adult learning courses

Get checked for cancer – the NHS is open

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

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

Survey for young people aged 16 to 18

If you are aged 16 to 18 in Year 12 or 13, please complete our post-16 activity survey if you are in education, employment or training. If you are not in education please get in touch. Our Post-16 Service supports young people back into education and provides advice on training and college courses.

Sign up for a free cycling skills course

TfL is running an online course if you’re new to cycling or want to brush up on your skills. Sign up to improve your cycling skills and get 15% off Halfords own-brand cycle lights, locks or helmets once you complete the course modules.

The Elephant Magazine Spring 2021

Keep up to date with everything that’s happening in Elephant and Castle. The Elephant Magazine brings you all the latest news on the regeneration of the area alongside features on neighbourhood businesses and the local community. The Spring issue is out now. Pick up your copy in Elephant and Castle or read online.

Share your views on private rented homes in Southwark

Share your experiences and help us improve the quality of private rented housing across the borough by completing our consultation.

ww.southwark.gov.uk

Rapid testing, Bakerloo Line update and more

Posted by tgntra

No symptoms? Book a rapid test now

There are now two rapid testing centres in Southwark for people who don’t have symptoms. If you leave home regularly, for essential reasons, we recommend getting tested up to twice a week.

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

Keep following the current COVID-19 rules

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

washing our hands regularly,
keeping our distance from others
wearing a face covering when required (unless you’re exempt).

From 8 March we can meet one other person for exercise and recreation, but we can’t yet meet in bigger groups.

Advice about schools reopening on 8 March

Schools are reopening to all pupils from Monday 8 March. If you’re a parent please help your child’s school to re-open safely by:

Making sure your child, if they’re in a secondary school, has a face covering to wear in and around school and on public transport.
Making sure your child, if they’re in a secondary school, does Covid tests at home when required. After initial tests in schools, secondary pupils need to do two tests a week at home.
Please wear a face covering yourself at school drop-off and pick-up times and in crowded places. Please follow your school’s social distancing measures.
Please contact your child’s school if there is anything you are not clear about.

Let’s talk about the vaccine

If you have questions or concerns about the COVID-19 vaccine and you missed our Let’s Talk About The Vaccine Zoom meeting on Monday evening, you can watch our panel of experts answering questions via the Youtube recording now.

>> Watch our panel of experts answer questions about the vaccine

Sign up for a postal vote ahead of 6 May

Elections in London will take place on 6 May. Your local polling station will be safe but you can avoid any queues by signing up to vote by post now.

LGBT+ Adoption & Fostering Week 2021

As part of our support for New Family Social’s LGBT+ Adoption and Fostering Week we would love to hear from you if you’re considering becoming a foster carer. We’re holding our next online information meeting on Thursday 18 March at 12 noon.

Get ready for the Census

Households across Southwark will soon be asked to take part in Census 2021. The census is a once-in-a-decade survey that gives the most accurate estimate of all the people and households in England and Wales. Census day will be 21 March, but households across the country will receive letters with online codes allowing them to take part from early March.

Southwark Council commits £101m to climate-related work

We’ve committed £101m funding to the Climate Emergency and environment sustainability. This investment opens the door to further creative and impactful measures, that will improve air quality and bring the council closer to hitting its target of carbon neutrality by 2030.

Share your views on private rented homes in Southwark

Share your experiences and help us improve the quality of private rented housing across the borough by completing our consultation. If you want to find out more about the new private rented property licensing proposals please email us to book a place at our next online event on Tuesday 16 March at 12.30pm.

Bakerloo Line extension clears major hurdle

This week the Government issued ‘Safeguarding Directions’ for the Bakerloo Line extension, meaning that land along the planned extension’s route, running from Elephant & Castle down the Old Kent Road to Lewisham, will be protected from future development. Whilst this is a major step forward for this landmark scheme the future of this project is not secured.

Please show your support for the Bakerloo Line extension and spread the word on social media using #BackTheBakerloo

Get checked for cancer – the NHS is open

Prize draw – get your council tax paid for a year

Enter our 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

International Women’s Day 2021

International Women’s Day is 8 March. Keep an eye on our social media channels where we will be celebrating women in Southwark who have made a real difference to people’s lives through Covid. Thank you to all the women who have supported residents and saved lives’ during the pandemic.

Survey for young people aged 16 to 18

Sign up for a free cycling skills course

A new café-kiosk for Holyrood Street near London Bridge

The council has begun work on a new café-kiosk, set within a lush garden courtyard on Holyrood Street. Flanked by a stunning green wall, the café-kiosk will be run by Malfatti Projects and The Connection, a social enterprise which works with homeless people. The project will enliven this small street, tucked away behind London Bridge station, and will help draw visitors to north Bermondsey and the emerging Low Line.

w ww.southwark.gov.uk

Covid vaccine concerns in the Black community – Saturday 27th at 1pm

Posted by tgntra

Topic: “To jab or not to jab?” Time: 1 pm, Saturday 27 February

Join Zoom Meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85703091870 – meeting ID and passcode is on the flyer

This webinar provides an opportunity for Black Londoners to ask questions about the vaccine to a panel including GPs. You can ask questions ahead of the panel by emailing glow@glclondon.church

COVAX Black Community Event_

Register for a free online event about the Covid vaccine – Monday 1st March from 6pm

Posted by tgntra

Register for our free online event about the Covid vaccine

We want to listen to any concerns you have about the Covid vaccine. Register for our free online event on 1 March from 6pm to 7.30pm and our panel of experts – including Professor Kevin Fenton, Regional Director, PHE London – will listen to your concerns and try to answer your questions.

>> Register now on eventbrite and submit questions to our panel

New Covid testing sites in Southwark

Testing if you don’t have symptoms

There are now two rapid testing centres in Southwark for people who don’t have symptoms. If you leave home regularly, for essential reasons, we recommend getting tested up to twice a week.

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

Testing if you have symptoms

There are now three symptomatic testing sites in Southwark: in Peckham, Dulwich and Walworth Square (near Elephant and Castle). For these sites you must book your test in advance.

>> Book a free test now if you have symptoms

ww.southwark.gov.uk

New Covid testing sites in Southwark

Posted by tgntra

New Covid testing sites in Southwark

Testing if you don’t have symptoms

There are now two rapid testing centres in Southwark for people who don’t have symptoms. If you leave home regularly, for essential reasons, we recommend getting tested up to twice a week.

Testing site locations

London Bridge (open from Monday 22 February), 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

Testing if you have symptoms

There are now three symptomatic testing sites in Southwark: in Peckham, Dulwich and Walworth Square (near Elephant and Castle). For these sites you must book your test in advance.

>> Book a free test now if you have symptoms

Register for our free online event about the Covid vaccine

>> Register now on eventbrite and submit questions to our panel

Have you considered becoming a foster carer?

To find out more join our online fostering information session on Monday 22 February at 12 noon by emailing fostering@southwark.gov.uk

Census 2021 will provide a snapshot of modern society

Households across Southwark will soon be asked to take part in Census 2021. The census is a once-in-a-decade survey that gives us the most accurate estimate of all the people and households in England and Wales. This year’s will be the first run predominantly online, with households receiving a letter with a unique access code, allowing them to complete the questionnaire on their computers, phones or tablets.

Census day will be on March 21, but households across the country will receive letters with online codes allowing them to take part from early March. For more information, visit www.census.gov.uk

Virtual surgeries with your local councillors

Councillors are now running monthly surgeries for residents in their wards via Zoom. Surgeries are an important opportunity for individual residents to talk through a range of issues (e.g. related to housing, social care and the local area) with their local councillor.

Check the days and times of monthly virtual surgeries for your ward.

To book a virtual surgery appointment with your local councillors, please email them in advance of the surgery to request an appointment (email addresses can be found on the council website via the link above). Your councillors will send you the log in details for the Zoom surgery.

Help us improve private rented homes in Southwark

We want everyone – especially private tenants – to get involved as early as possible in our plans for new property licensing schemes. Share your views in our consultation.

If you are overweight you’re more at risk from Covid

Achieving and maintaining a healthy weight is important for your long-term health and wellbeing. It can also help you cope with and recover from Covid. Get help and support for your family to achieve a healthy weight.

Covid-related resources for parents and carers

If you’re a parent or carer get advice on talking with children about Covid, healthy eating, managing emotions and behaviour, and the benefit of routines for your family during COVID-19.

Update on recent disruption to bin collections

We apologise for the recent disruption to waste and recycling collections. Unfortunately our teams faced a double challenge last week, with the bad weather compounding the impact of Covid on members of our staff, many of whom are unwell or self-isolating. We are doing all we can to return to a near normal service by the beginning of next week.

Please continue to report any collections that are a day or more late online and we will get to them as soon as we can.

Get checked for cancer to catch it early – 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 – 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.

Give your views on domestic abuse support in Southwark

If you’re aged 18 or over, give your feedback if you’ve used domestic abuse services, or tried to get support in Southwark. The survey is confidential and closes on 25 February. Only complete the survey if it is safe to do so online.

Voting safely at this year’s elections

The Greater London Authority elections are due to take place on Thursday 6 May 2021 and we are encouraging voters to apply for a postal vote to help reduce the spread of COVID-19.

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

Feeling low, stressed and anxious are common feelings. And with the pandemic, you might be finding things harder than usual. Get advice and support to improve your mental health. If you are registered with a Southwark GP you can self-refer for talking therapies to get individual, group, and online psychological support for with anxiety, depression and other common mental health problems.

Sign up for a free cycling skills course

Are you worried about domestic or sexual abuse?

Help us get laptops to schoolchildren during lockdown

We’re supporting and match-funding a Crowdfunder to buy laptops for schoolchildren who need them in Southwark during lockdown. Over £100,000 has already been kindly donated and there’s still time to make a donation if you’re able to.

>> Donate to the Crowdfunder for laptops now

ww.southwark.gov.uk

Support a Crowdfunder for laptops for local schoolchildren, rapid testing and more

Posted by tgntra

Dear resident

In Southwark we’re determined to make sure every child can continue to learn during this lockdown. As most are learning from home, we need to ensure they can all get online so they can take part in the remote teaching our schools are providing. That’s why we are backing Laptops for Learning, and I hope those of you who can, will support the Crowdfunder too.

Over 2,000 disadvantaged Southwark pupils don’t have access to a laptop or internet connection, meaning they risk falling behind. To change that, the council has joined forces with the Teaching School Alliance to get every child who needs one, a laptop or tablet.

The council has committed up to £250,000 to match donations from local people, schools and business. We’ve seen an incredible response already with over £45,000 donated to the appeal in just the first few days.

Please support this crucial campaign if you can. Funds raised will provide children with the digital tools they need, not just during lockdown, but for their long-term education.

>> Donate to the Laptops for Learning Crowdfunder now

Additionally, I’m delighted to say the council has secured an agreement with internet providers Hyperoptic and Community Fibre to offer free broadband to eligible families so their children can learn at home. This is available where these providers have coverage, including most of our council estates. Families currently without a broadband connection should contact their children’s school who are currently working to identify eligible households. We will continue to work to persuade other internet providers to do the same.

In this newsletter you can also read about progress on the vaccine rollout in Southwark, find out how to get your free rapid Covid test, and learn more about support for residents during the lockdown.

I’m glad to say the Covid infection rate in our borough is now coming down quickly, thanks to everyone who is staying at home and maintaining social distance when you do have to go out. However rates are still very high so please do continue to stick to the rules so we can all save lives together.

Thank you and stay safe,

Kieron

No Covid symptoms? Book a free, rapid test

If you don’t have symptoms and you need to leave home for essential reasons, you can get a regular free test (up to twice a week). Results are usually available within an hour.

>> Book a free test now if you don’t have symptoms

Why you should get tested

1 in 3 people with COVID-19 have no symptoms. Check you’re not carrying the virus and spreading it to others.
Covid numbers are very high. Rapid tests help find more cases and help control the virus.
Rapid tests are painless and results are usually available in less than an hour.

Vaccine update

The COVID vaccine is our best hope of combatting this virus. The council is working with local health partners to roll out the vaccine to all priority groups, including residents aged 70 plus, by mid-February. Our local hospitals were among the first in the country to provide vaccines and all residents in our older people care homes have now been offered their first vaccination.

The coronavirus vaccine is safe and effective. Those most at risk of becoming seriously ill are being offered the vaccine first, so the NHS will get in touch with you when it’s your turn. Remember the vaccine is free and only available on the NHS to priority groups. The NHS will never ask for your bank details and anyone offering a paid-for vaccine is committing a crime.

Have you considered becoming a foster carer?

To find out more join our online fostering information session on Monday 22 February at 12 noon by emailing fostering@southwark.gov.uk

Get ready for the Census

Households across Southwark will soon be asked to take part in the nationwide survey of housing and the population. It has been carried out every decade since 1801, with the exception of 1941.

Information from the digital-first census will help decide how services are planned and funded in your local area. This could mean things like doctors’ surgeries, housing or new bus routes.

Households will receive a letter with a unique access code in the post, allowing them to complete their questionnaire online. Paper questionnaires will be available on request. Census day is March 21.

Job and career support for 16 to 25 year olds

We are linking young people in the borough with local opportunities geared towards helping them achieve a bright future, in response to the disruption to education and youth unemployment crisis caused by the pandemic. Sign up to get jobs, training, career support and more by email.

Tell us if you’ve felt lonely during lockdown

COVID-19 changed the way we socialise with friends and family. If it has made you lonely, we want to hear about the challenges you have faced. Or about new things you have tried to help you stay connected to others.

Old Kent Road Area Action Plan consultation

We’re consulting on the latest version of the Area Action Plan for the regeneration of Old Kent Road.

The plans include 20,000 new homes, 10,000 new jobs, new schools and new parks. This latest version of the plan incorporates significant changes in response to all the feedback received since the last plan was published in 2017. Have your say on the plans for Old Kent Road

COVID-19 related resources for parents and carers

If you’re a parent or carer get advice on talking with children about COVID-19, healthy eating, managing emotions and behaviour, and the benefit of routines for your family during COVID-19.

Another 29 projects get share of £6m Local CIL fund

Yesterday, the council’s Cabinet approved funding for another 29 local community projects proposed by members of the public. These are the second batch of projects to be approved in the latest round of funding from the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL).

The projects, selected from more than 1,000 ideas suggested by the local community, include improvements to several open spaces, such as Alexis Street park and Walworth Garden, which will help to promote greener and healthier lifestyles in the borough.

Safe sex and contraception

Some of our NHS Sexual Health Services are available online. You can now access STI testing, emergency contraception and ongoing contraception prescriptions without leaving your home. Visit www.southwark.gov.uk/safesex for more information.

Mental wellbeing advice for young people

Young people aged 13–25 can get free and confidential mental wellbeing advice and support from a new service called The Nest. Support is available online and on the phone.

Voting safely at this year’s elections

The Greater London Authority elections are due to take place on Thursday 6 May 2021 and we are encouraging voters to apply for a postal vote to help reduce the spread of COVID-19.

Apply to the EU settlement scheme

If you’re an EU, EEA or Swiss citizen, you and your family can apply to the EU Settlement Scheme to continue living in the UK after 30 June 2021.

Book a rapid Covid test if you don’t have symptoms

If you have to regularly leave home, for essential reasons, and you don’t have symptoms you can book regular rapid Covid tests (up to twice a week). Results are usually available within an hour.

>> Book a test now if you don’t have symptoms

ww.southwark.gov.uk

No Covid symptoms? Book a rapid test to help control the virus

Posted by tgntra

Dear resident

We are now offering free, rapid COVID-19 tests to people aged 16 and over who don’t have Covid symptoms. Results are usually available within an hour.

Who can get tested

Anyone who can’t work from home can get a free test (up to twice a week). This includes school staff, supermarket staff, refuse collectors, childminders, transport workers, security guards, cleaners, construction workers and many other roles.

>> Book a test now if you don’t have symptoms

Why you should get tested

1 in 3 people with COVID-19 have no symptoms. Check you’re not carrying the virus and spreading it to colleagues, customers or those you live with.
Covid numbers are very high. Rapid tests help find more cases and help control the virus.
Rapid tests are painless and results are available in less than an hour.

Where is the testing site?

The testing centre is at the Damilola Taylor Centre, 1e Surrey Grove, Peckham SE15 6DR.

>> Book a test now if you don’t have symptoms

When to not book a test

do not book a rapid, lateral flow test if you have COVID-19 symptoms. Instead, self-isolate and book a free NHS test on the government website
do not book a rapid, lateral flow test if you have been in close contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19. Instead, stay at home and self-isolate

ww.southwark.gov.uk