National Lockdown – Stay at Home

Posted by tgntra

Dear TRA committee member,

As you’ll be aware, we are under a new national lockdown to curb the spread of the new coronavirus variant and relieve the immense pressure that the NHS is experiencing in many parts of the country. For Southwark this means the rules are similar to the Tier 4 restrictions that were already in place across London, with a key message to STAY AT HOME. There are, however, some additional restrictions.

Key messages under the National Restrictions:

Everyone should stay at home to save lives and protect the NHS.
Work from home unless you are unable to do so.
All schools will be open only for vulnerable children and the children of key workers, offering remote learning to other pupils until at least the end of the February half-term.
Hospitality venues such as cafes, restaurants, pubs, bars and social clubs must close; with the exception of providing food and non-alcoholic drinks for takeaway (until 11pm), click-and-collect and drive-through. All food and drink (including alcohol) can continue to be provided by delivery.
You can only meet up outdoors with one other person from outside your household if it is to exercise. However, support bubbles can continue as before.
Previously you could leave the house for unlimited exercise – now it should be limited to once per day, and you should not travel outside your local area.
Outdoor team sports will no longer be permitted – outdoor sports venues including gyms, tennis courts and golf clubs must close. However, playgrounds can remain open.
The government is advising the clinically extremely vulnerable to begin shielding again, and letters will be sent to those affected.

Please refer to the government guidance for full details. These restrictions will continue until at least the end of the February half-term, in the week of February 22.

Please help us to share the following messages with your networks:

We are under a new national lockdown to help tackle the rising number of COVID-19 cases. Please stay at home to protect the NHS and keep your friends, family, and everybody else safe: www.gov.uk/guidance/national-lockdown-stay-at-home
During the new lockdown please let the council know if a vulnerable or elderly resident might need help. Visit www.southwark.gov.uk/coronavirus-gethelp, phone 0207 525 5000 and choose option 3 or email covidsupport@southwark.gov.uk
If you have coronavirus symptoms, self-isolate and request a free test via the NHS website, to help keep your family and friends safe. You are allowed to leave home for a COVID test: https://bit.ly/381KiPv

A poster explaining the latest restrictions is attached to this email, which you may also find useful to share.

As ever, a huge thanks for everything you do to support our residents and communities through this very challenging period.

Regards Resident Participation

COVID19 (Coronavirus)

For the latest NHS guidance, please visit www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19

To read the latest advice and information for Southwark residents, please visit www.southwark.gov.uk/coronavirus

If you have an enquiry about a vulnerable Southwark resident, please email covidsupport@southwark.gov.uk or call 020 7525 5000

England Lockdown Poster
covid

National lockdown: stay at home

Posted by tgntra

Dear resident

England has moved into a new national lockdown. This is essential because the new variant of COVID-19 is spreading very quickly and our local hospitals are days away from being full.

Infections are rapidly increasing in all age groups and all parts of our borough and city, with over 2,000 cases in Southwark in the last week.

Now, more than ever, we all need to stay at home and follow the rules to protect the NHS and to save lives.

Stay at home rules

The new national lockdown means we are all legally required to stay at home, and to only go out for specific reasons, including:

to shop for basic necessities, for you or a vulnerable person
to go to work if you cannot work from home
for exercise once a day in your local area (this can be with the people who live in your household or in your support bubble or with one other person)
to meet people in your support bubble or childcare bubble, but only if you are legally permitted to form one
to get medical help (including getting a COVID-19 test) or avoid injury, illness or risk of harm (including domestic abuse)
to attend education or childcare for those eligible

Read the full details of what you can and cannot do during the new lockdown.

I know this is another incredibly difficult time for many of you, especially those looking after children or with elderly relatives, those who are sick, or shielding, and many more in very difficult circumstances.

We will do all that we can to support you, providing help from the council for local people and businesses. My greatest hope is that if we all play our part now, and with the vaccine already being rolled out in Southwark, things will get easier soon.

Thank you and stay safe,

Kieron

Wear a face covering

Remember it is compulsory (unless you’re exempt) to wear a face covering in shops and on public transport. We also strongly advise you to wear one if you’re outside and close to other people (e.g. queuing outside a shop or walking through a busy street). This is more important than ever because the new variant of the virus spreads much more easily.

What to do if you, or someone you know, needs help

Please look out for elderly or vulnerable residents and let us know if they need help, especially during this cold spell. And if you need help, please do get in touch. Visit: www.southwark.gov.uk/coronavirus-gethelp, phone 0207 525 5000 and choose option 3 or email covidsupport@southwark.gov.uk.

Support for local businesses

A number of financial support schemes are currently open to local businesses affected by the lockdown. We have provided a helpful guide on our website as well as links to the advice our team can provide.

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.

Schools and colleges

Colleges, primary (reception onwards) and secondary schools, and the five council-run nursery schools, are not open to the majority of pupils and have moved to remote learning arrangements. They will only open for vulnerable children and the children of critical workers until further notice. The government has said it does not think it will be possible for all exams in the summer to go ahead as planned and will rapidly consult on alternative arrangements.

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.

Remember: Hands, Face, Space

As well as abiding by the lockdown rules, please continue to wash your hands, wear a face mask (unless exempt), and keep your distance when outside. 1 in 3 people who have coronavirus have no symptoms and will be spreading it without realising it. Please remember Hands, Face, Space.

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.

www.southwark.gov.uk

Happy New Year

Posted by tgntra

See in the New Year safely at home this year

Posted by tgntra

NYE 2020 banner

Dear resident,

The number of people catching COVID-19 in Southwark is still very high and we expect numbers to continue to increase over the next few weeks. The pressure on NHS services is very worrying, and there are now almost as many people in London hospitals with COVID-19, as in the first wave in the spring, with numbers increasing every day.

The Government announced yesterday that London will remain in Tier 4 for at least the next few weeks, which means:

We should all stay at home
You cannot meet people socially indoors, unless you live with them, or they are part of your existing support bubble
Outdoors, you can only meet one person from another household
Non-essential shops are closed
You should work from home if you can
You should not travel outside of London to visit family or friends

Read all the Tier 4 rules.

New Year’s Eve

We are asking all residents to please see in the New Year safely at home this year. It’s so important that we all stay at home, and only mix with the people we live with or who are in our support bubble.

One in three people with COVID-19 have no symptoms, so even if you feel ok, you can still pass it to other people who could become very ill. Please stay at home this New Year’s Eve and do not invite people over, to keep yourself and your friends and families safe.

Remember: Hands, Face, Space

As well as abiding by the Tier 4 rules, please continue to wash your hands, wear a face mask (unless exempt), and keep your distance when outside. 1 in 3 people who have coronavirus have no symptoms and will be spreading it without realising it. Please remember Hands, Face, Space.

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.

Getting medical help

The NHS in London may be busy, but urgent care is available if you need it. You can contact your GP practice for urgent care, or 111 is available day and night. Please remember to only use 999 and A&E for emergencies. If it’s not an emergency, contact your GP or call 111 to get the help you need.

What to do if you, or someone you know, needs help

Please look out for elderly or vulnerable residents and let us know if they need help, especially during this cold spell. And if you need help, please do get in touch. Visit: www.southwark.gov.uk/coronavirus-gethelp, email covidsupport@southwark.gov.uk or phone 0207 525 5000 and choose option 3.

Schools

Yesterday the government announced that the start of the new school term would be delayed for most children in Southwark along with many other London boroughs. Primary schools will now not reopen next week as planned for most children. Secondary schools and colleges will still have a staggered return but with one week’s delay, providing face-to-face education for exam year groups from 11 January and the planned return of all students on 18 January. Schools will be responding to the announcement, preparing to deliver remote learning as soon as they possibly can, whilst also ensuring they remain open for vulnerable children and for children of key workers. Please remember however, even if you are in one of these categories, you and your family must self-isolate and not attend school if any of you receive a positive test. Our schools have worked extremely hard throughout this pandemic to prioritise our children’s education, and the council will support them through this next phase. As ever the council and our schools are grateful for parents’ patience.

Thank you for your ongoing support, and we wish you all a healthy and happy new year.

www.southwark.gov.uk

Stay home, stay safe this New Year’s Eve

Posted by tgntra

Home

Plan a journey

Status updates

London remains in Tier 4 and you must continue to follow the Government Tier 4 coronavirus restrictions, meaning that you must not leave your home and only travel for work (where you cannot work from home) or for other legally permitted reasons.

With no public event to attend or late-night hospitality, our Tube and Rail services will not run all night on New Year’s Eve. Buses will run a Saturday service through the night. Customers who do need to use the transport network should complete their journeys as early as possible and before midnight. You must not travel into central London on New Year’s Eve unless this is for work or other legally permitted reasons.

Only travel if you must, in line with the current Government restrictions, stay local and reduce the number of journeys you make. If you do need to travel, please walk or cycle where possible. Please also check live service information and check before you travel.

Yours sincerely,

Vernon Everitt
Managing Director
Customers, Communications & Technology

Wishing you a happy and safe Christmas from the Leader of Southwark Council

Posted by tgntra

Dear resident,

I want to wish all of Southwark’s TRA officers a happy, peaceful and safe Christmas.

This has been the most difficult of years but it has also been a year that has shown just how important our TRAs in Southwark are. The support you have provided to the people on your estates has been inspiring to see. So I want to say thank you to you for everything you do for our community.

With COVID rates rapidly rising again, I hope you will have a merry but safe Christmas this year, staying home as much as you can to stop the spread of the virus and save lives. With vaccines now being rolled out in Southwark the end is in sight but we still have some months to go during which we will all need to keep each other safe.

My thanks again to you and I wish a happy 2021 to you, your family and everyone on your estate.

covid Continue reading →

Stay at home, save lives – London is moving into Tier 4 restrictions tonight

Posted by tgntra

Dear resident

From tomorrow, London will be in Tier 4 restrictions, similar to those during the last national lockdown in November. Sadly, this means we cannot continue with Christmas as planned.

These stronger restrictions are needed because the virus is now spreading rapidly. The rates in London are very worrying. The number of people in Southwark with COVID-19 doubled last week, and London has seen a sharp increase in hospital admissions.

The Tier 4 rules will apply from tomorrow, Sunday 20 December. They mean:

We should all stay at home
You cannot meet people socially indoors, unless you live with them, or they are part of your existing support bubble
Outdoors, you can only meet one person from another household
Non-essential shops will be closed
We should all work from home if you can
You should not travel outside of London to visit family or friends
All of these rules apply over Christmas, the previous Christmas bubble arrangements are no longer allowed

You can read the full rules here: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/tier-4-stay-at-home#stay-at-home

I know how upsetting this news is for many people and I am so sorry for all of you who had planned to see relatives or friends over Christmas, but I cannot stress enough how important it is that we follow these rules.

As well as abiding by the new rules, please continue to wash your hands, wear a face mask (unless exempt), and keep your distance when outside. 1 in 3 people who have coronavirus have no symptoms and will be spreading it without realising it. So it is very important that we all remember Hands, Face, Space.

Earlier this year we all worked together to stay at home, support the NHS and save lives. We now need to do that again.

Please look out for elderly or vulnerable residents and let us know if they need help. And if you need help, please do get in touch visit: www.southwark.gov.uk/health-and-wellbeing/coronavirus email covidsupport@southwark.gov.uk or phone 0207 525 5000 and choose option 3.

Thank you for following the rules and helping to keep yourself, your friends and family, and Southwark safe this Christmas.

Yours faithfully,

Cllr Kieron Williams

Leader of Southwark Council

www.southwark.gov.uk

Tier 3 restrictions start tomorrow – find out what they mean for you and your family

Posted by tgntra

Dear resident

From tomorrow London, and a number of others areas, are moving to Tier 3 COVID-19 restrictions. This is because infection rates have been rising quickly.

This is the right decision to protect lives but we’re also calling on government to make sure that everyone in Tier 3 areas gets the financial support needed to protect livelihoods and businesses.

Tier 3 restrictions: the key new rules

Different households can’t mix inside or in most outdoor venues (except for support bubbles).
You can meet with up to six people in parks and some other outdoor public places.
Hospitality venues, like pubs and restaurants, will close and can only offer take-away, drive-through or delivery services. Entertainment venues like cinemas and theatres will be closed.
People should avoid travel unless necessary and work from home if they can.

Please check all the current rules at www.gov.uk/guidance/tier-3-very-high-alert.

Help during the new restrictions

I know this new period of restrictions will be difficult for many and we are here to help. If you or anyone you know, will struggle during the restrictions please let us know so we can help.

Be safe over Christmas

We are at a critical moment in our response to COVID-19. It’s vital we make the right choices to reduce the spread of the virus and save lives.

In addition to the new rules I urge you to think carefully about your Christmas plans.

Please consider whether forming a ‘Christmas bubble’ with other households between 23 and 27 December is a safe thing for you and your family to do, even if the rules allow it.
Please stay away from crowded places. If you go out and about over the coming days – including for Christmas shopping – stay away from crowds and consider wearing a face covering at all times, not just in shops and on transport.

Thank you and stay safe,

Kieron

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.

Get up to £5,000 for projects that help prevent COVID-19

We’re offering grants of £1,000 to £5,000 to organisations for projects that help to prevent COVID-19. Apply for a COVID-19 prevention project grant before 11.59pm on 28 December if your organisation supports residents, and has an annual turnover of less than £100k.

New adult learning courses starting in the new year

The Thomas Calton Centre is open with measures in place to make you feel Covid-safe while you learn as well as running a variety of courses online, ideal for those that are self-isolating or prefer distance learning. New courses starting in January include sewing skills, knitting, art, print making, upholstery, sculptural carving, dance and fitness, creative writing.

Support during a mental health crisis

Christmas can put extra strain on you if you have mental health issues – find how to get mental health support in a crisis.

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. Sign up today to get employment support.

Read the council’s new plan

Thank you to everyone who took part in our consultation on the new Borough Plan. The plan sets out our priorities and promises to residents and how we will deliver these during the challenge of the COVID-19 pandemic. You can find out more about our priorities on the council website and read a summary of the plan (opens as a pdf).

£3.5m approved for 35 community projects

The council has approved funding for 35 community projects, proposed by local people and organisations, as part of a drive to invest £6m into neighbourhoods around the borough. The money comes from Local CIL, a levy raised on development schemes, and a second set of projects will be approved for funding in the New Year.

Are you worried about domestic or sexual abuse?

Is your child starting primary school in September 2021?

You must apply for your child’s primary school place online by 15 January 2021. We also have lots of useful information about the different types of primary schools in Southwark, as well as tips to help you decide which school is right for your child.

Green light for revised Old Kent Road regeneration plans

We have agreed to further consultation on revised plans for Old Kent Road. The updated Old Kent Road Area Action Plan, which incorporates many changes in response to feedback from the local community, was approved by the council’s Cabinet last week. Local residents and businesses will now be invited to feedback on the revised plan between January and April 2021.

Walworth Town Hall restoration gets the go-ahead

Plans to create a new arts and community hub, café and workspace in Walworth Town Hall and the former Newington Library, next door, were approved by the council last week. When restored, the venue will offer flexible work and studio spaces alongside dedicated community spaces for public events, performances, art classes and community meetings.

Bakerloo line extension update

Transport for London (TfL) has published the findings of the 2019 public consultation on the proposed Bakerloo line extension. The report confirms that Londoners overwhelmingly back extending the Bakerloo line to Lewisham along the Old Kent Road. With safeguarding of the route proceeding as planned, we now need your help to ensure the extension remains a priority project for London.

Please sign up as a supporter of the Bakerloo line extension and share this link with your networks.

You can also spread this news on social media using #BackTheBakerloo.

Donate towards Christmas hampers for older people

We’re supporting, and contributing to, a crowdfunding campaign to support local charities who’ll be working with older and vulnerable people, to make sure they are cared for and connected over the coming months. Please make a small donation if you can.

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

Posted by tgntra

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

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.

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.

Stream films free of charge

Did you know you can borrow ebooks and stream films, free of charge, via our elibrary service?

Want to learn English as a second language?

Interested in learning English as a Second Language (ESOL) or developing your skills in English, maths or computing? We offer many free distance-learning and face-to-face courses to help you get a new or a better job, study at a higher level at college or go to university. Plus new courses start from January in maths Level 2 and English Level 2 Functional Skills (equivalent to a GCSE).

Cancer screening reminder

Should you or your loved one be getting screened for breast, bowel or cervical cancer? Read our information about screening and learn about safety measures in place.

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.

Aged 16 to 18? Complete our post-16 survey

If you’re aged 16 to 18 please complete our Post-16 survey to tell us if you are in education, employment or training. Please also please get in touch if you’re not in education. The Post-16 service supports young people back into education and provides advice on training and college courses.

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 encouraging voters to apply for a postal vote to help reduce the spread of COVID-19.

Join our lunchtime online fostering information session

Find out what is needed to become a foster carer by registering for our online fostering information session on Monday 7 December at 12 noon by emailing fostering@southwark.gov.uk.

Looking for work or a new home?

Beam is a service that supports Southwark residents affected by homelessness and housing issues. Beam can help you start work and move into a stable home. It can provide funding towards the cost of training, childcare, travel and rental deposit. Register with Beam for job and housing support.

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.

Donate to a crowdfunder for local charities in Southwark

www.southwark.gov.uk

COVID-19 and more: latest updates from Southwark Council

Posted by tgntra

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