Education & Training

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.

Summer Offer – Cricket

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Hi,

I have been sent an offer from Southwark Park Cricket Club to passed to your residents.

This year Southwark Park Cricket Club will be running the ECB’s fun introduction to cricket, the All Stars programme for girls and boys 5-8 years old.
They are also running the ECB’s new match play Dynamos programme for 8-11 years olds

Sessions will be held on the cricket pitch every Saturday morning from 22 May until 10 July

The children receive their own kitbag and other goodies. There are Free Places for those who need them

For more information and to register your child, visit their website https://southwarkpark.play-cricket.com/web_pages/kids_cricket

or email southwarkparkcricketkids@gmail.com

Regards,

Luke Staples – Preston

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

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Southwark Council

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

Follow us on Twitter @ActiveSouthwark

Next Steps newsletter April 2021

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Welcome to your regular bulletin detailing jobs, training, work experience and other opportunities for Southwark residents aged 16 to 25.

You can also check our web pages for signposting to jobs, work experience, volunteering, training and more.

Get your university tuition fees paid

If you’re under 25 years old, the Southwark Scholarship Scheme could cover the fees for your undergraduate university course. Applications close on 30 April.

Job vacancies and career support with Southwark Works

Find out about the following paid vacancies:

Visit Southwark Works for more job vacancies or get one-to-one careers and employment support.

Work or training advice and support for 16 to 18 year olds

If you’re aged 16 to 18 and currently not in education or employment, our post 16 service offer advice to support you into work or training. Let us know your career situation and we can help you with your options.

Learn more about software engineering

Register for a free six-week tech talent accelerator programme, where you can build IT and coding skills in preparation for apprenticeship roles in software engineering.

Learn about roles in tech

The Try Tech programme offers an online platform where you can gain knowledge and experience of the tech industry, helping you to move into roles in tech start-ups.

Free online training for in demand jobs

Microsoft is offering free online training courses and tools to build your knowledge and skills to access sought after roles across a range of sectors.

Coaching for young entrepreneurs

Register for free one-to-one career and business coaching for aspiring entrepreneurs aged 16 to 21, available through Business Launchpad. The programme also offers mentoring and health and wellbeing workshops.

Volunteer to make Southwark safer

The Southwark Youth Independent Advisory Group is a new partnership bringing together young people, us, and the Police to make our borough safer for everyone. The group is looking for local volunteers aged 14 to 21 to share their experiences and gain accredited training along the way. For further details contact yiag@southwark.gov.uk.

Artists wanted for murals at Peckham Levels

Peckham Levels is a vibrant, cultural and artistic destination for the community. Artists can submit proposal for murals that celebrate Peckham by 3 May.

Free courses with GCSE level equivalent qualifications

If you’re 19 or older register for free courses that could gain you GCSE equivalent qualifications (Level 1 and 2) in a range of topics including digital skills, mental health, event planning, business administration and many more.

Events

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

Free Online Sewing Class details

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I am writing regarding free sewing classes course online.
This course will benefit a lot of people as we all are in lockdown. They will interact with different people plus learn a new skill. I too attended these classes and feel confident in sewing plus developed new skills. I highly recommend this sewing course.


This course will give people confident in upcycle their clothes, develop your skills in making their own clothes and give them a new hobby, plus save money.


I very much appreciate your help, if you can kindly distribute the information to your community and your contacts. If anyone who does not have a sewing machine, they can hand switch.


The course is free and is on every Wednesday from 10am to 12noon. (Two Hours)
Nuria is the sewing teacher.
She teaches how to make:

Skirt and top making, insert zip, pocket, Hemming and make a draft skirt and Top pattern, take body measurements,   
Nuria is from Camden Working Men’s College
Her contact details: –
Tele:
Email Nurias@wmcollege.ac.uk
I like to take this opportunity to thank you for distributing this information.


As you like inspiring woman hope you will pass this to your group and contacts. It’s time to learn new skills and develop a hobby. 

Please circulate free sewing class online to the group or any of your contacts. 

Hope you can help and it is not too much trouble.  

Take Care and Stay Safe.
  
Kind regards
Yasmin  

_________________________________________________________________ Dear Participants 
The sewing class will continue next term online.. 

Please join me next term for more sewing tips and support with your sewing projects. 

Details of the course:

Course ID: GIL8764Create your Sewing ProjectAt: Zoom and then Maiden Lane Community CentreStart: 21 April 2021End: 26 May 2021Day: WednesdayStart Time: 10:00End time: 12:00Tutor: Nuria Ibrahim Shefa

To enrol on the course please complete the following online enrolment form.

Click here: 

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/16GtafrJWJ-FOYyBYdLh-Do7Fqh4XJb_blJJqDE_crbU/edit

You will need to write the course ID: GIL8764

and the name of the course: Create your Sewing Project

I will send you the link when you have enrolled on Monday 19th April. 

See you on Wednesday April 21st. 

Best wishes 

 Tish Taylor

Community Education Manager

M:  07920 768612   E: tisht@wmcollege.ac.uk

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

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

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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_

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