Arts & Entertainment

First anniversary of the murder of George Floyd: join us in a minute’s silence

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kw

Dear resident,

 

Today, 25 May, marks the first anniversary of the dreadful murder of George Floyd in Minneapolis by police officer Derek Chauvin.

In Southwark we will take a moment to remember George, and all the victims of racism through history. Please join us at 12 noon for a minute’s silence as we stand together against racism, discrimination and inequality.

Last year, following the horrific murder, Southwark Council launched a new programme called Southwark Stands Together. By bringing people together from different backgrounds, we sought to hear and better understand experiences of racism, discrimination and inequality in our community. We hosted listening events that were attended by more than 1,500 people and 1,268 people responded to an online survey that the council shared.

We are now working to take action based on what you told us in the listening events and survey. Whilst there is much still to do, we are making good progress on a range of issues including:

  • Working to ensure those with influence in our borough reflect our communities, for example by working to attract more Black professionals onto governing bodies in Southwark schools, and by increasing the number of Black, Asian and ethnic minority colleagues at senior management level in the council.
  • Working with all schools in the borough to reduce exclusions and keep children in school, recognising that exclusions disproportionately affect our children from Black and ethnic minority backgrounds
  • Helping to build trust between the police and the community, and find solutions to deep-rooted concerns around stop and search. As part of this work, a new Youth Independent Advisory Group has been formed with over 25 members aged 14+, to work together with the police and other organisations to influence policy for people living in the borough
  • Identifying statues, street names and any other links with slavery as part of an anti-racist audit, so that our borough can make positive changes to reject these historic links, and instead honour a more diverse range of people for positive reasons

Find out more about our progress in helping to tackle racism and make Southwark an equal borough.

Whilst I am proud of the progress we have made as a community, in this painful but active year, we know that we all need to do much more challenge ourselves to be better, stronger and unequivocally anti-racist in all that we do.

Thank you

Kieron

Vaccine update

Get tested for COVID-19 twice a week

As lockdown restrictions ease 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:

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

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.

Albion Primary school joins in walk to school week

As part of Walk to School week our Road Safety and Sustainable Travel team went to Albion Primary school in Rotherhithe last week. The team joined year three children who practised basic road crossing and how to deal with parked cars, as part of their pedestrian training. Albion Primary does much to promote sustainable travel, they also have a time school street closure outside their school and no less than four bikes sheds in the playground!

Sign up for a free cycling skills course

If you’re new to cycling or want to brush up on your skills then TfL is running an online course. 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.

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.

Get the TfL app to help you travel safely across London

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.

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.

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.

African literature gifted to Peckham Library

We are delighted to accept and share hundreds of books from the AKO Caine Prize for African Writing. The books are copies of previous submissions for the prize and have been gifted to Peckham Library. There is a wealth of glorious, powerful and exciting African literature and we are happy to bring these stories to the people of Peckham and beyond.

New heritage centre and library open in Southwark

The new Southwark Heritage Centre and Walworth Library officially launched last week. Delivered by the council, in partnership with Lendlease, as part of the regeneration of Elephant and Castle, this brand new facility combines a heritage centre for the whole borough with a local library for Walworth. Drop-in to borrow one of 20,000 books, check out the Story of Southwark and Myth Making exhibitions or simply make use of the free wifi and study space. 

A message from Cllr Kieron Williams, Leader of Southwark Council

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Up update on COVID-19, a new heritage centre, free fitness classes and more

kw

Dear resident

Thank you to everyone in Southwark who has played their part in bringing COVID-19 rates down significantly. The national rule changes today mean that we can now meet indoors in groups of six or two households, or outdoors in groups of up to 30.

We all still need to be careful. We are still seeing cases of Covid in Southwark every week. So, please keep following the rules and wearing a face covering when required (unless exempt), so we can all help keep rates low.

Like so many others I had my first vaccine dose recently – it was quick and painless – and I encourage you, if you’re eligible, to book your vaccination now. There is a real risk of rates will go back up again over the coming month and getting your jab is the best way to protect yourself.

Today’s rule changes also mean that pubs, restaurants and other hospitality venues can reopen indoors. We are working hard to support businesses through the pandemic. We’ve distributed nearly £130m of financial support to businesses in Southwark and issued over 250 licenses allowing more pubs, cafés and restaurants to put tables and chairs outside their premises. My thanks go to all businesses in Southwark who have been working hard to make their premises safe for returning customers.

Similarly, whilst our leisure centres and libraries reopened a while ago, the new rules mean more group activities can now restart. I was delighted to look round the brand new Southwark Heritage Centre and Walworth Library recently. It’s a fantastic facility for the whole community and I thoroughly recommend local residents visit when they get a chance. I know just what a vital role good local libraries play in our communities and that’s why we have and will continue to invest in them. This is the third new library building we’ve opened in the past six years and a fourth is due to open early next year on the Aylesbury Estate.

Finally, I wanted to share that we’re putting together plans for a ‘summer of play’ in Southwark. The pandemic has hit children and schools really hard and we want to see children having a summer of fun, with their friends, doing what they enjoy and improving their physical and mental wellbeing. There will be lots we’re doing to support this and we’ll share more details soon. We also have big plans for the future of our adventure playgrounds too, with £3m of improvements on the way so Southwark’s children can enjoy them for years to come.

Thank you for all you’re doing to keep Southwark safe.

Kieron

Get tested for COVID-19 twice a week

As lockdown restrictions ease it’s important we continue to get tested regularly, even if we’ve been vaccinated. If you don’t have have symptoms there are different ways to get tested in Southwark:

Book your COVID-19 vaccination now

Everyone aged over 38 is now eligible, as well as people with certain health conditions, those who work in health or social care, those with a learning disability and those who care for others.

If you’re eligible book your vaccination now or go to a pop-up vaccination clinic in Southwark this week.

Don’t miss your second dose

The 1st dose of the COVID-19 vaccine should give you good protection from COVID-19 from 3 or 4 weeks after you’ve had it.

But you need to have the 2 doses of the vaccine to give you longer lasting protection.

When you’re called for your second vaccine please do turn up.

Southwark Heritage Centre and Walworth Library opens

The new Southwark Heritage Centre and Walworth Library officially launches this week. Delivered by the council, in partnership with Lendlease, as part of the regeneration of Elephant and Castle, this brand new facility combines a heritage centre for the whole borough with a local library for Walworth. Drop-in to borrow one of 20,000 books, check out the Story of Southwark and Myth Making exhibitions or simply make use of the free wifi and study space.

Find out more about fostering

Read our foster carers’ profiles which show #WhyWeCare about fostering. If you are thinking about fostering you can email us to arrange a 1-2-1 informal chat with our team to find out more.

Support for businesses as they reopen

Get support to reopen your business safely and reassure customers you have minimised COVID-19 risks on your premises. You can also download posters to help keep staff and customers safe from COVID-19.

Shop local as restrictions ease

Please support your local high street as restrictions ease. Many of our favourite local shops, pubs, cafés and restaurants have struggled through the different lockdowns, but from today the hospitality industry is now able to open up inside as well as outside, with the right safety measures in place. Remember that when the weather permits, it’s still safer to choose to be outside.

Please shop local wherever possible, and help our local businesses get back on track after a difficult year.

Schools-led approach to mental health benefits over 30,000 pupils

We approved £2m in funding to support and grow the work of schools to promote the mental health and wellbeing of the borough’s children and young people. Hear from pupils and teachers about initiatives that are building resilience and improving mental health in schools.

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.

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.

Join in your local housing forum

You can now register to attend your next local housing forum meeting. These online meetings are for anyone who lives in a council home, including council-owned temporary accommodation. The next meetings will take place in the first two weeks in June, and the topic of rooftop homes will be on the agenda.

Quick survey: renting in Southwark

We want to change the way we license rented homes in Southwark. We want to do this to improve the quality of rented homes in the borough and create a fairer system with better protection for tenants.

>> Please share your views about renting in our survey

Anyone can take part in the survey and share their views. Your feedback will help us finalise our proposals.

Mayor of London and London Assembly elections on 6 May

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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.

Next Steps Newsletter – April edition – Opportunities for Young People

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Dear colleagues,

You’ll be aware that the Next Steps newsletter was launched earlier this year to inform young people of local opportunities for learning, work, career experiences and volunteering.

The April newsletter is packed full of opportunities that may benefit the young people you or your partners work with – please do circulate the link, and encourage young people to subscribe to future newsletters, and visit our sign posting pages.

If you/partners have opportunities you’d like to include in future newsletters, please email me.

Thank you

Nazmin

Nazmin Yeahia

Principal Strategy Officer, Local Economy Team

Chief Executive’s Department

Southwark Council, 160 Tooley Street, SE1 2QH

T: 020 7525 1837

E: nazmin.yeahia@southwark.gov.uk

My working days are Monday – Wednesday

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

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ckw

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

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?

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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

New Covid testing sites in Southwark

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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

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

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Kieron Williams Header

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.

Support Southwark’s community fundraiser, new COVID-19 rules and more

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Kieron Williams Header

Dear resident

From midnight tonight Southwark, and all of London, will move into Tier 2 COVID-19 restrictions.

There are a number of vital Tier 2 rules that we will all need to follow. Importantly you can’t meet indoors with people you don’t live with, whether at home or in a public place, unless they are part of your support bubble. Outside, including in gardens and parks, groups of up to six people can meet.

Read the full detail about the restrictions.

However, please be careful because the virus hasn’t gone away. Make sure you protect yourself, your family and your friends, at all times in the run-up to Christmas.

Please support your local shops

Also from tomorrow, all shops can open again. It’s been such a tough time for many businesses in Southwark, so we’re asking residents to do their best to do their Christmas shopping locally. This means, where possible, seeking out local shops online, or safely returning to your local high street. If you do visit local shops please remember your face covering, keep your distance from others and don’t go somewhere that’s too crowded.

If you have a favourite shop in Southwark please share on social media with the hashtag #ShopLocalSouthwark

Please donate to our community fundraiser

Christmas will be a difficult time for many in our community, including some of our older and vulnerable residents. I’m proud of the many brilliant local charities and organisations who provide vital support to residents, all year-round, and who will make sure older and vulnerable people feel cared for and connected over Christmas.

We’re supporting, and contributing to, a Crowdfunder for these amazing local charities. Please consider making a small donation, if you can. Funds raised will go towards Christmas hampers, lunches and visits for vulnerable people, and much more.

Donate to the Southwark Community fundraiser now

Thank you and stay safe,

Kieron
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COVID-19 and more: latest updates from Southwark Council

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COVID-19 national restrictions still apply until 2 December
Remember to stick to the current national restrictions, to help reduce the spread of the virus, protect your family, friends and neighbours, and to save lives.

Self-isolate and get tested if you have symptoms
If you have coronavirus symptoms you must self-isolate and get a free test. There are two testing sites locally in Southwark, with spare capacity, and it’s easy to book a free test.If you’ve been told by the NHS to self-isolate, either because you’ve tested positive for COVID-19 or you’ve been in contact with someone who has tested positive, you may be able to get some financial help while self-isolating.

Volunteer to help share crucial information about COVID-19
We’re working with Community Southwark to find volunteers to help keep people up-to-date with COVID-19 advice. We’re calling them Community Health Ambassadors. Volunteers will receive specialist training and play an important role in keeping our borough safe.If you’re interested in volunteering please complete an expression of interest form.

Try our elibrary during the new national restrictions
During the national restrictions our libraries are closed. However, you can still borrow ebooks and stream films, free of charge via our elibrary service and our home library service is still operating.

Looking for things to do during the tighter restrictions?
Check out our listings of virtual events, performances and workshops to keep you entertained during the tighter restrictions. 

Get help if you’re struggling with low mood, stress or anxiety
Feeling low, stressed and anxious are common feelings. And with the COVID-19 pandemic, you might be finding things harder than usual. Get advice and support to improve your mental health.

Support for parents during the tighter restrictions
If you’re a parent or carer, get support and advice to help you cope with the new national restrictions, including managing conflict, emotions and behaviour at home, eating healthily and talking to children about COVID-19.

Tips on staying active if you’re feeling low on energy
Have you had COVID-19 and are feeling low on energy? Moving more is an important part of your recovery and can help put a spring in your step and lift your mood. Get tips on staying active and free support in the borough for you and your family.

Get your free flu jab
If you’re eligible, make sure you get your free flu vaccination to protect yourself and those around you from the flu virus. It’s more important than ever this year. Ask your pharmacist or GP today.

Get free career and employment support
Southwark Works is a free employment support service for anyone living in the borough. It’s for residents of all ages, experiences and backgrounds and offers one-to-one support to help find a new job or a better job.

Voting safely at next year’s elections
The Greater London Authority elections are due to take place on Thursday 6 May 2021 and we are already making plans to help you stay safe while casting your vote.

Give your views on our climate strategy
We want to know what you think of our suggested approach to reducing carbon and protecting biodiversity in Southwark.

Thinking of becoming a foster carer?
Find out what is needed to become a foster carer by registering for one of our online fostering information sessions on Tuesday 1 December at 6.30pm or Monday 7 December at 12 noon by emailing fostering@southwark.gov.uk

Register to attend your local housing forum meeting
If you live in a council home, including council-owned temporary accommodation, you can register to attend your next virtual local housing meeting. The next meetings are in December and you can take part in discussions with council officers and councillors including how the council can better spend funding on improving homes and estates or how the council allocates homes.

Job support for 16–25-year-olds
We will shortly be launching a new campaign which will help link young people with jobs, training and other opportunities. Sign up now to get jobs, training, volunteering and work experience opportunities and more by email

Update on housing services during the tighter restrictions

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Dear resident,

Following the recent tightening of COVID-19 restrictions in England here are some key updates about our housing and other services and a reminder of upcoming opportunities to get involved.

Remember, if you have coronavirus symptoms you must self-isolate and get a free test. There are two testing sites locally in Southwark and it’s easy to book a free test.Thank to everyone who is looking out for elderly and vulnerable neighbours during these difficult times. If you know a vulnerable resident who needs help, please tell us so we can support them.

We’re currently only doing essential repairs
To reduce the risk to residents and staff of home visits, we will only be carrying out essential repairs inside people’s homes, focusing on ensuring homes are warm, dry and safe, and prioritising our vulnerable residents.

Resident services
We will continue to contact and support vulnerable residents in all tenures of council accommodation including our supported hostels and residents in temporary accommodation, sheltered and Extra Care housing. We will carry out estate inspections and fire risk assessments, and we will continue to carry out work on voids to support choice based lettings.Meetings with residents and routine home visits will be carried out virtually where possible.

Homelessness services
Our Housing Solutions service continues to provide advice and support to people who need urgent help because they are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless.

Please continue to pay your rent
Please continue to pay your rent if you can because it helps to fund vital council services at this difficult time. If you are struggling with rent payments there is help available.

We’re still building new homes
Construction is permitted to continue under the new restrictions so we will be continuing work as planned on delivering new council homes, while our contractors and construction workers are working in Covid-secure ways. Read more about the council’s new homes programme. 

Register your interest in a growing plot
Early in the new year we will launch a new Allotment Expansion Guarantee to create hundreds of new growing plots on council land. The council’s community gardening coordinators will work with residents to design, build and run their own community allotments. Sign up to receive an alert.

Other changes to council services
Southwark’s parks will remain open
All sports and leisure facilities, including football, tennis and basketball courts, grass and astro-turf pitches, outdoor gyms, cricket nets and fishing areas will be closed.
Schools remain open and children should attend as normal.
Leisure centres will close.
Libraries will close (but digital services and the home library will continue)
Playgrounds will stay open but families should maintain social distance and wash hands/use hand sanitiser before and after use.
Weddings and civil partnership ceremonies can only proceed in exceptional circumstances.
Funerals can still be held, with up to 30 people.

Join in your next local housing forum
The next round of housing forum meetings is taking place in December. Anyone who lives in a council home, including council-owned temporary accommodation can now book their space.

When are the meetings and what will be discussed?The next meetings will take place between 3 and 17 December and topics will include:Feedback on previous meetingHousing service updates for your area.Election of a resident to chair the meetingsElection of representatives to the new Tenants and Homeowners ForumDue to the current pandemic these meetings will be held virtually on Zoom. You can reserve your place on Zoom.>> Register to attend now. 

Which forum meeting you should attend
There are five different housing forums, each covering a different part of the borough. You can check which housing forum you should attend on our website.If you would like more information on these meetings, nominations or the elections (see below) please contact resident.participation@southwark.gov.uk

Nominate yourself to become your local housing forum chair
By having a resident chair this meeting we will ensure that the meetings cover relevant topics and are shaped by residents for residents. You would need to commit to attend four meetings a year. Experience in chairing meetings is not necessary as training and support will be given.>> Complete a self-nomination by 18 November

Nominate yourself to represent your housing forum in the tenants’ or homeowners’ forum.
Nominate yourself to represent your housing forum in the tenants’ or homeowners’ forum. You can now also nominate yourself to represent your local forum at the new tenants’ or homeowners’ forum. This might be for you, if you are able to commit to attend about nine evening meetings a year. You don’t need to have previous experience as we will offer free training and support to help you fulfil this role.  >> Complete a self-nomination by 18 November