Free swimming lessons, cost of living help, winter health reminders and more

Events, news and information from Southwark Council

SCC2022

Wishing all our residents a very merry Christmas, and a happy and healthy new year.

Cost of living help this winter

1. Help if you can’t afford food or can’t access food

Information on food banks and low-cost food pantries, crisis help, help for pregnant women and young children, and more is on our website.

>> Help if you can’t afford food

2. Warm spaces in Southwark over winter

As the cost of living and heating our homes increases, we’ve opened almost 40 warm spaces across the borough. In these spaces you can keep warm, have a cup of tea or take part in an activity. Some spaces also offer food and cost of living advice too.

>> Drop into your local warm space

3. More cost of living help

>> See all our cost of living support and advice

Free adult swimming lessons: sign up

If you’re aged over 16 and want to learn to swim, you can join our free 12-week course, starting in January. It’s a great way to prevent illness and boost mental wellbeing during the winter. You’ll learn at your own pace at a local leisure centre.

>> Sign up now for your free swimming lessons

Use our gyms and pools free of charge

Southwark residents can use swimming pools and gyms at our leisure centres, free of charge, at certain times as part of our Free Swim and Gym programme.

>> Register for free swim and gym

Stay well for the festive season: get you flu and COVID-19 booster

Our local hospitals are already seeing a large increase in flu and COVID-19 admission rates, and these illnesses may spread even faster as many of us enjoy time with friends and family over the festive season. Don’t let COVID-19 and flu ruin your Christmas or New Year – both cause serious illness. Getting vaccinated, if you’re eligible, is the best way to protect yourself and others.

>> Find out who can get free flu and COVID-19 boosters

Saved: historic pub with links to Sir Paul McCartney

The Old Justice is a Grade II Listed pub in Bermondsey. It had a starring role in Sir Paul McCartney’s film ‘Give My Regards to Broad Street’ and his music video for the hit song ‘No More Lonely Nights’. Following action from the council, the interior has been restored after it was removed without consent.

>> See pictures on Twitter: The Old Justice pub has been restored

Paid internships with us: apply now

Our internship programme is for young residents aged 16 to 24. We’re offering 12-week paid internships and the programme is great first stepping stone into the world of work. We currently have internship vacancies in nine departments.

>> Apply for an internship by 30 December

Free: re-train in green skills

Learn new technical skills in solar, hydrogen and fuel cells and green design, and get support to help you find a job in the green industry. Join London South Bank University free five-week Green Skills Bootcamp, starting on 16 January 2023.

>> Register your interest in the Green Skills Bootcamp

Have your say: improvements to local travel and transport

We want transport to work for everyone in Southwark. We want to encourage the use of zero-pollution vehicles and give people better options so they can leave the car at home. As part of this you can give your views on our sustainable transport strategy.

>> Tell us how we can improve travel around the borough

Donate to help local foodbanks

This Christmas, food banks will be supporting more people than ever before and they need your support. PECAN, who run one of Southwark’s foodbanks, is running a Christmas campaign, but you can support any local foodbank.

>> Donate to local charity PECAN’s Christmas campaign

>> Find another local foodbank to support 

Apply for a primary school place

Is your child starting primary school next year? If your child was born between 1 September 2018 and 31 August 2019, your child is due to start primary school in September 2023.

>> Apply for your child’s primary school place by 15 January 2023

Southwark school wins top design award

Our new school building picked up two prizes at this year’s New London Architecture (NLA) Awards. It is home to our Inclusive Learning Service for some young people who need extra support outside mainstream settings.

>> About the award-winning building for pupils who need extra support outside of mainstream education settings

Your health updates

Strep A and scarlet fever

There has been an increase in cases of scarlet fever being reported to the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA). This is above what we would expect for winter. Scarlet fever is caused by the bacteria Group A streptococcus (Strep A), which on very rare occasions can cause more serious disease if it gets into the bloodstream or lungs.

>>  Find out about Strep A, the symptoms of scarlet fever and what to do if your child has scarlet fever

Flu can be serious for young children: protect them with a vaccine

Because of COVID-19 restrictions many young children won’t have come into contact with flu, so haven’t built up natural immunity. Children aged two and over can get a free NHS nasal spray vaccination through their GP or through the school immunisation service if they’ve started primary school.

>> Find out more about children’s flu vaccines from the NHS

Book your child’s polio booster before Christmas

Polio virus has been found in London sewage. Children aged one to nine in London need to have a polio vaccine booster to get stronger protection. There is no cure for polio. Vaccination is the only protection. Hear from Paralympian and journalist Ade Adepitan about how he got polio as a child which caused him to become paralysed, and the importance of the vaccine.

>> Get your one to four-year-old vaccinated by contacting your GP

>> Book a polio vaccination for your five to nine-year-old at a local vaccination centre

>> After Christmas, if your child hasn’t had all their routine polio vaccines you can still contact your GP at any point to get them protected

Top tips to reduce your risk of a fall

Get advice on how to build strength and confidence to reduce the risk of a fall. There’s plenty of local support and advice available on how to stay well and keep active.

>> Get advice on preventing falls

Been invited for an NHS lung health check? Book now

If you’re aged 55 to 74 and registered as current or former smoker with your GP you may be invited for a lung health check. Even if you feel fine, you should go. The check can uncover problems early on, when they are more treatable.

>> How to book your lung health check

Join a study about the efficiency of household appliances

The University of Exeter and the Association of Manufacturers of Electrical Appliances are looking for households to take part in a study. If accepted, you will learn how your household appliances affect your energy consumption and get a voucher to replace one of your least efficient appliances.

>> Apply to take part: study about household appliances

Library opening times over Christmas and New Year

Our library opening times will be:

  • Saturday 24 December: all libraries will close at 1pm
  • Sunday 25 to Tuesday 27 December: all libraries will be close
  • Wednesday 28 to Saturday 31 December: normal opening hours
  • Sunday 1 January to Monday 2 January: all libraries will be closed
  • Tuesday 3 January onwards: normal opening hours

Your waste and recycling collections over Christmas and new year

During the week beginning 26 December all waste collections will be one day later. Monday collections will happen on Tuesday, and so on until we catch up with Friday collections on Saturday 31 December.

>> Check your waste and recycling collection day

Free: get your real tree collected after Christmas

Whatever waste you end up with, remember that a lot of it can now be recycled. That includes your real Christmas tree, which we will collect and recycle for free.

>> How to recycle Christmas waste and request a free tree collection

www.southwark.gov.uk

CANCELLATION OF BOROUGH-WIDE FORUM MEETING ON THURDAY THE 27TH OCTOBER 2022

Dear Resident,

You would have received an invitation to attend the borough-wide forum meeting scheduled for Thursday the 27th of October 2022 at 6.30pm at 160 Tooley Street with an option to join the meeting via Microsoft teams.

I am sorry to inform you that due to unforeseen circumstances, we have had to cancel this meeting and apologise for any inconvenience caused. The council remains committed to a meaningful resident involvement that puts the aspiration of all residents at the heart of service  delivery and we want to do this in a meaningful way that suits all residents. We are working to put forward a set of dates for future meetings and we will be in touch soon.

Please accept my apologies again for the need to cancel the meeting on Thursday the 27th of October 2022.

Yours sincerely,

George Changua

Tenant & Homeowner Support Officer

Southwark Council || Communities Division || Housing & Modernisation

160 Tooley Street || 5th Floor || Hub 3 || SE1 2QH

T: 0207 525 3326 || E: george.changua@southwark.gov.uk || Website: www.southwark.gov.uk

www.southwark.gov.uk/mysouthwark For council services at your fingertips, register online.

BHM exhibition – Black representation in British Politics

Dear all,

As part of Black History Month in Southwark, please see the below details of a two-day exhibition taking place on 29th and 30th October 2022. We hope you are able to attend!

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As part of Black History Month in Southwark, The Southwark Black Parents Forum, in association with Parasol Creative Ltd, would like to invite you to ‘A Seat at the Table – Black Representation in British Politics’. This two-day exhibit seeks to highlight the historical and active involvement of African and Caribbean communities in political and civic engagement, pre and post the Windrush era.

With 2022 being the 35th Anniversary of the Labour Party’s 1987 ‘Black Sections’ vote, this exhibition will celebrate the activists and politicians who historically chose (and currently choose) to use the richness of their heritage as a source of inspiration and power in order to bring about balance and positive changes for the communities they serve and represent, despite the cards stacked against them.

This is also Southwark Council’s soft launch of its commitment to develop a Civic Leadership programme.
This programme forms part of our ongoing dedication to the tackling of racism and inequality through activities that support and enable our Black, Asian and minority ethnic communities to play an active role in the civic life of Southwark.

The exhibition is a reminder that diverse communities have historically contributed much to politics in the United Kingdom.

– – –

Location:

231 Old Kent Road, London SE1 5LU

Dates:

Saturday 29th October 2022 (12pm – 5pm)

Sunday 30th October 2022 (12pm – 4pm)

– – –

Light refreshments and food will be provided.

Educational & Cultural Books, Remembrance Pins and Gifts will be on sale (cash only).

Please book your place via Eventbrite: https://bit.ly/asatt22 and share this event among your networks.

Further Info: 07731 996 012

Email: info@southwarkblackparentsforum.org

231 Old Kent Road has wheelchair access.

Public Transport Info: tfl.gov.uk/plan-a-journey/

Buses: 21, 53, 63, 168, 172, 363, 415, 453 (East Street)

Tube: Elephant & Castle (Northern Line; Bakerloo Line)

– – –

Proud Partners:

Parasol Creative Ltd (parasolcreative.org)

The Southwark Black Parents Forum.org (southwarkblackparentsforum.org)

Souhtwark Council (southwark.gov.uk)

Proud Supporters:

BlackPoppyRose (blackpoppyrose.org)

Livesey Exchange (liveseyexhange.com)

 

Project Partners:

Kind regards,

George Changua

Tenant & Homeowner Support Officer

Southwark Council || Communities Division || Housing & Modernisation

160 Tooley Street || 5th Floor || Hub 3 || SE1 2QH

T: 0207 525 3326 || E: george.changua@southwark.gov.uk || Website: www.southwark.gov.uk

www.southwark.gov.uk/mysouthwark For council services at your fingertips, register online.

SGTO TENANTS CONFERENCE TOMORROW

Dear all,

We look forward to seeing you at the SGTO Tenants Conference tomorrow. 

It has been a long time since we have all been able to come together as a Tenants Movement and discuss the important issues facing Council Housing residents in Southwark. If you are able to make it, we hope to see you tomorrow. 

We have two important keynote speakers attending: Kwajo Tweneboa, a tireless Social Housing Activist exposing poor housing conditions, and Kate Dodsworth, who (through a specially recorded speech) will be talking about Social Housing reform from the perspective of the Regulator for Social Housing. 

After this, not only will you be able to interact with key Council officers at our panel debates, you will also be able to gain knowledge at our workshops and, in the case of our Energy Support Workshop, feed into Council decision-making regarding energy support. Our Speakers Corner session will also give you the chance to speak out on issues that matter to your community. 

Please see agenda and event information below:

Venue: The City of London Academy (Southwark), 240 Lynton Road, SE1 5LA.

9:30 – 10:00 

Registration and refreshments 

10:00 – 10:10 

Introduction from Cris Claridge, Chair of the SGTO 

10:10 – 10:50 

Keynote speech and Q&A – Kwajo Tweneboa, Social Housing Activist 

10:50 – 11:00 

Keynote speech from Kate Dodsworth, Director of Consumer Regulation, Regulator for Social Housing 

11:00 – 12:00 

Session 1: Resident Involvement 

 

Panel Speakers:  

Nat Stevens, Resident Involvement Manager, London Borough of Southwark  

John McCormack, Tenant and Home Owner Involvement Team Leader, London Borough of Southwark 

12:00 – 12:15 

Morning Tea Break 

12:15 – 13:15 

Session 2: Repairs 

 

Panel Speakers:  

Marc Cook, Customer Journey Lead – Southwark Repairs, London Borough of Southwark 

Ade Aderemi, Head of Customer Services, London Borough of Southwark 

Paul Gathercole, Gas and Water Contract Manager, London Borough of Southwark 

13:15 – 14:15 

Lunch (Please explore our Market Place – full of organisations from across Southwark) 

14:15 – 15:15 

Workshops:  

 

Workshop 1: Supporting your TRA. Speaker: Dario Jade-Blake, Pelican Plus TRA and SGTO. 

 

Workshop 2: Health and Wellbeing. Speaker: Jackie Power, Wellness Advisor to the UK Parliament 

 

Workshop 3: Energy Support. Speaker: Eugene Nixon, Head of Strategy & Compliance, Exchequer Services, London Borough of Southwark 

15:15 – 15:25 

Afternoon Tea Break 

15:25 – 16:10 

Feedback and discussion 

16:10 – 16:50 

Speakers Corner: hear from tenants and residents from across Southwark (sign-up on the day) 

16:50 – 17:00 

Closing Speech from Chris Meregini, Vice Chair of the SGTO 

Kind regards,

Jack

Jack Lewis  ​  

Campaign and Research Officer

Southwark Group of Tenants Organisations

19 Buller Close, Peckham, SE15 6UJ 

0207 639 6718  jack@sgto.co.uk  Website  Twitter  Facebook

STILL GOING AHEAD: SGTO Tenants Conference – this Saturday, 9:30am to 5pm

Dear all,

This is a reminder for the SGTO Tenants Conference, taking place at The City of London Academy (Southwark), 240 Lynton Road, SE1 5LA: this Saturday, 9:30am – 5pm

If you wish to attend, please fill in and email back the attached REGISTRATION FORM – email-phone.

In recognition of the death of Queen Elizabeth II, a book of condolence will be available at the venue, which attendees can sign if they wish (this is entirely up to the individual).

I have attached an aerial map of the venue, along with pictures of the car park entrance (also on Lynton Road, to the immediate left of the school). The school is on bus routes P12 and 381, and the 78 Bus stops nearby. It is also walking distance from the Old Kent Road, South Bermondsey Rail Station, and Bermondsey Tube Station. Be mindful that both Roads and public transport are likely to be busy due to the Queen’s lying in state.

Please see below agenda and attached list of Market Place organisations attending.

9:30 – 10:00 Registration and refreshments
10:00 – 10:10 Introduction from Cris Claridge, Chair of the SGTO
10:10 – 10:50 Keynote speech and Q&A – Kwajo Tweneboa, Social Housing Activist
10:50 – 11:00 Keynote speech from Kate Dodsworth, Director of Consumer Regulation, Regulator for Social Housing
11:00 – 12:00 Session 1: Resident Involvement

Panel Speakers:

Nat Stevens, Resident Involvement Manager, London Borough of Southwark

John McCormack, Tenant and Home Owner Involvement Team Leader, London Borough of Southwark

12:00 – 12:15  Morning Tea Break 
12:15 – 13:15 Session 2: Repairs

Panel Speakers:

David Hodgson, Director of Asset Management, London Borough of Southwark

Marc Cook, Customer Journey Lead – Southwark Repairs, London Borough of Southwark

Ade Aderemi, Head of Customer Services, London Borough of Southwark

Paul Gathercole, Gas and Water Contract Manager, London Borough of Southwark

13:15 – 14:15  Lunch (Please explore our Market Place – full of organisations from across Southwark) 
14:15 – 15:15 Workshops:  

Workshop 1: Supporting your TRA. Speaker: Dario Jade-Blake, Pelican Plus TRA and SGTO.

Workshop 2: Health and Wellbeing. Speaker: Jackie Power, Wellness Advisor to the UK Parliament

Workshop 3: Energy Support. Speaker: Eugene Nixon, Head of Strategy & Compliance, Exchequer Services, London Borough of Southwark

15:15 – 15:25 Afternoon Tea Break 
15:25 – 16:10 Feedback and discussion
16:10 – 16:50 Speakers Corner: hear from tenants and residents from across Southwark (sign-up on the day)
16:50 – 17:00 Closing Speech from Chris Meregini, Vice Chair of the SGTO

We can’t wait to see you all there! Free lunch and refreshments will be provided.

Very best wishes,

Jack Lewis  ​

Campaign and Research Officer

Southwark Group of Tenants Organisations

19 Buller Close, Peckham, SE15 6UJ

0207 639 6718  jack@sgto.co.uk  Website  Twitter  Facebook

Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II: books of condolence and flower layin

Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II

Southwark remembers

Yesterday, Councillor Kieron Williams, Leader of Southwark Council, said:

“This is a very sad day for our country and for the Royal Family, who are very much in Southwark’s thoughts and prayers. It was a huge honour for our borough when Her Majesty the Queen visited the Shard in 2013; a short but welcome stop on what has been an incredible seventy-year long service to public life and to our country. I would like to extend our borough’s deepest condolences to the royal family at this difficult time.” Read more from yesterday’s reflections.

If you’d like to sign a book of condolence
You can sign a book of condolence in a number of places in Southwark:

Southwark Cathedral, at London Bridge, SE1 9DA. Come on any day between 8am and 10pm. 
Southwark Council offices, 160 Tooley Street, SE1 2QH. Come on any day between 8am and 6pm.
Southwark Council offices, 132 Queen’s Road, SE15 2HP. Come on any day between 8am and 6pm.
Dulwich Library, 368 Lordship Lane, SE22 8NB. Come during the library’s normal opening hours.
Canada Water Library, 21 Surrey Quays Road, SE16 7AR. Come during the library’s normal opening hours.
Walworth Road Library, 147 Walworth Rd, SE17 1RW. Come during the library’s normal opening hours.
Camberwell Library, 48 Camberwell Green, SE5 7AL. Come during the library’s normal opening hours.
You can also sign the national online Book of Condolence.

If you’d like to lay flowers in Southwark
There are three places in Southwark where you can lay flowers:

Southwark Cathedral, London Bridge, SE1 9DA. Floral tributes may be placed outside in the South Churchyard. 
Dulwich Park, College Lodge, near College Road entrance, SE21.
Chumleigh Gardens in Burgess Park, Chumleigh Street, SE5 0RN.

Follow us on social media for regular updates
For regular updates on local arrangements over the national period of mourning, follow us on Twitter or Facebook.

http://www.southwark.gov.uk
Southwark Council · PO BOX 64529 · London SE1P 5LX

What’s on this summer, cost of living help, energy saving tips and more

What’s on this summer, cost of living help, energy saving tips and more
Events, news and information from Southwark Council


Southwark Council · PO BOX 64529 · London SE1P 5LX

Extreme heat advice, money saving tips, free festivals and more


Southwark Council · PO BOX 64529 · London SE1P 5LX