Mayor of London and London Assembly elections on 6 May

Posted by tgntra

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.

More than 100,000 Southwark residents vaccinated against COVID-19

Last week we celebrated a huge milestone for the borough when NHS figures confirmed more than 100,000 Southwark residents have received their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. Hear from our leader Councillor Kieron Williams after he took up his offer of the vaccination at the Lister Practice in Peckham.

New COVID-19 testing centre

The COVID-19 testing at the Damilola Taylor Centre in Peckham will close on 4 May. A new test centre will open on 5 May, on Bournemouth Road – also in Peckham. The testing centre at London Bridge remains open.

Book a test now if you don’t have symptoms or order tests to be delivered to your home

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

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.

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.

Paid interns needed for Old Kent Road

Applications are invited for two, short-term, paid internships working on the regeneration of Old Kent Road. This is a great opportunity for two young people, aged 16 to 24, who are interested in community engagement, regeneration, architecture and planning. Training and mentoring will be provided and you don’t need any previous experience.

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

Advice on staying at a healthy weight or getting active again

Our health advice can help you find motivation to stay healthy or get active again. If you’re finding it hard, you may be eligible for extra healthy lifestyle help and support, such as free Slimming World or Weight Watchers membership.

Get checked for cancer 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.

Join our online residents’ panel

Tenants, leaseholders and freeholders living in council properties can all join our online residents’ panel. The panel gives you the opportunity to get involved in decisions that affect you and where you live, even if you can’t attend meetings.

Summer Offer – Cricket

Posted by tgntra

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

Southwark Council

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

Next Steps newsletter April 2021

Posted by tgntra

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:

Finance graduate trainee at Camden Council, deadline 2 May
Store assistant at Aldi in Greenwich, rolling deadline
Pharmacy counter assistant at Morrisons in Peckham, deadline 30 April
Procurement and supply chain apprenticeship at Transport for London, rolling deadline
Civil engineering degree apprenticeship at Transport for London, rolling deadline
Building services degree apprenticeship at Transport for London, rolling deadline
Business analysis apprenticeship at Transport for London, rolling deadline

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

Learn how to build an app in five minutes using a range of tools, 28 April.
Budding entrepreneurs – learn about how to stay on top of your business finance, 19 May
London Careers Festival, 28 June to 2 July: sign up for live webinars on a range of career opportunities
Sign up for an online event to connect emerging creative and tech businesses on 19 May
Attend online university taster and open days to find out about choosing the right a course and university, personal statements, interviews and more.

Girls Only Youth netball sessions starting April 28 (14-19 years)

Posted by tgntra

Walk-in vaccination centres – Sunday and Monday in Peckham

Posted by tgntra

Good afternoon everyone,

I hope you’re well.

On Sunday afternoon, there will be a walk-in vaccination pop-up clinic outside Peckham Library from 12pm-3pm and then on Monday afternoon, there will be a walk-in vaccination pop-up clinic at the Albrighton Community Centre on the Dog Kennel Hill Estate in Peckham.

These walk-in pop-up clinics are designed for people in the current eligible cohorts who haven’t yet come forward for their first vaccination.

There is no need to make an appointment and people don’t need to bring their ID.

We hope to be able to share more in the near future.

Best wishes,

George Changua

Tenant & Homeowner Support Officer

Southwark Council || Communities Division || Housing & Modernisation

160 Tooley Street || 5^th 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.

covid

School of Skate

Posted by tgntra

Hi,

I want to alert you the below offer:

School of Skate

The school of skate is a skateboarding school in South London. We started group skateboarding lessons in 2017 when the new skatepark opened in Charlton Park, in London SE7.

We have since expanded, with group lessons now also at Folkestone Gardens skatepark in Deptford, and provide both beginner and progressing skateboarding lessons. We teach boys, girls, and adults from 5 years old upwards with a wide range of abilities. We can provide skateboards & all safety equipment, or you can bring your own. We provide insured & DBS enhanced checked skateboard instructors.

They want to run sessions in Southwark on one of the estates grey spaces.

More details can be found on their website http://schoolofskate.co.uk/

If you are keen in the programme, please contact Stuart Hopper stu@schoolofskate.co.uk

Regards,

Luke Staples – Preston

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

Southwark Council

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

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

Posted by tgntra

If you’re eligible, book your COVID-19 vaccination

If you are aged 50 or over you can book your COVID-19 vaccination now. You can also book now if you are in one of the other categories listed below.

You can get the vaccine if:

You are aged 50 or over
You are at high risk from COVID-19
You are an eligible frontline health or social care worker
You have a condition that puts you at higher risk
You have a learning disability
You are a main carer for someone at high right from COVID-19

>> Book your vaccination now

Three reasons to book your vaccination

The vaccine is safe and it works
The vaccine is how we will get things back to normal
The vaccine will protect you, your friends and your family.

>> Book your vaccination now

Update on COVID-19 restrictions

Although there have been some changes, COVID-19 restrictions are still in place. Current rules include:

Only socialise indoors with people you live with or who are in your support bubble
Up to six people or two households can meet outside
Work from home if you can and only travel when necessary
If you have symptoms get a test and stay at home.

You should continue to wash hands, wear a mask when required and keep your distance. You should also open windows to ventilate our homes every now and then – and especially if someone from outside your household or bubble, like an emergency plumber for example, has been in your home.

No symptoms? Book a rapid test now

If you’re meeting with family and friends (as part of the rule of six or two-households rule), you may want to book a rapid COVID-19 test for reassurance. Rapid tests detect most, but not all infections, so please remember: hands, face and space.

Testing site locations

London Bridge St Thomas Street exit, London Bridge Station, SE1 9QU
Peckham, Damilola Taylor Centre, 1 East Surrey Grove, Peckham, SE15 6DR

You can book a test now – but walk-in tests are usually available.

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

Free PPE if you’re an unpaid carer

If you provide personal care for a friend or family member you are now eligible for free PPE (personal protective equipment) including masks, aprons, gloves and a pair of goggles. If you are caring for somebody (particularly if they are not in your household), you might want to consider using PPE to protect yourself and the person you are caring for.

To order your PPE please go to www.careplace.org.uk and fill out the online application form.

Job and career support for 16 to 25 year olds

Train to be a social worker in just 14 months

If you’re thinking about a career in social work, find out if you’re eligible and how you can earn while you learn. We’re looking for people to support children and families in the borough. Apply for the social work training scheme by midday on 7 April 2021.

Paid internships for undergraduates or recent graduates

Sign up for a free online taster event about paid internships today (Wednesday 31 March 4pm to 5pm). Bring along your CV and get it checked at the same time.

Census reminder

Census Day was 21 March, but it’s not too late to take part. You must complete the census by law.

Are you worried about domestic or sexual abuse?

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic abuse, you can leave home to seek help or support. There is national domestic abuse advice and support available but you should call 999 if you are in immediate danger. Locally, the Solace Advocacy and Support Service provides help and advice on domestic abuse for anyone in Southwark aged 16 or over.

Spring adult learning courses

We are planning new courses to start at the end of April – if you are interested in art, sewing, print making, pottery, dance or fitness courses please email us to enrol or further course details will shortly be available online.

Voting at the upcoming elections

The elections for the Mayor of London take place on 6 May. Have you made your plan to vote? Our polling stations will be COVID safe but there may be queues for social distancing. Find out about alternative ways to vote.

£370k awarded to local community organisations

We approved the latest round of Common Purpose Grants to initiatives in Southwark that build cohesion across communities, tackle social isolation, and promote a greener borough. Learn more about how the voluntary organisations will use their council grant funding.

Help to get active and stay at a healthy weight

Get checked for cancer – the NHS is open

Cancer screening was paused in 2020, but is back up and running. If you are due for bowel, cervical or breast cancer screening, you will receive an invitation. Going for cancer screening is important and measures are in place to keep you safe. If you are worried about changes to your body, don’t wait to be invited – contact your GP straight away.

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

Get support to improve your mental health. If you’re registered with a Southwark GP you can also self-refer for talking therapies to get support for mental health problems, including anxiety and depression.

Have your say on the regeneration of Old Kent Road

The council has extended the consultation period on the Old Kent Road Area Action Plan. You now have until 10 May 2021 to provide your comments on the updated regeneration plans for the area which were published in December.

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

25 new council homes are set to be built on the Styles House estate after Southwark Council approved the proposals for a new residential development at Planning Committee last month. The proposals comprise a new 14-storey residential tower, at the junction of The Cut and Hatfields, which will provide 25 new homes, all of which will be for social rent.

Get your council tax paid for a year

You could automatically be in our annual prize draw to get your council tax paid for a year. You need to already pay by direct debit, or set one up, and have a MySouthwark account linked to your council tax account by 31 July 2021. Find out how to set up a direct debit or read the full prize draw terms and conditions.

How we allocate council homes – have your say

There are nearly 15,000 households on our housing waiting list and we want to make sure we prioritise applications in the right way, so that council homes are allocated to those who need them most. Southwark Council is currently reviewing its Housing Allocations Policy. Have your say on the proposed changes by 31 May 2021

ww.southwark.gov.uk

SERVES in Communities

Posted by tgntra

Hi,

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

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

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

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

If you have any questions, please get in touch.

Thank You,

Luke Staples – Preston

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

Southwark Council

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

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

Posted by tgntra

Dear resident

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

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

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

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

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

Best wishes,

Kieron

COVID-19 anniversary service

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

Opportunities and support for young people

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

Safety update about the Oxford AstraZeneca vaccine

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

Census day is 21 March

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

No symptoms? Book a rapid test now

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

Testing site locations

London Bridge St Thomas Street exit, London Bridge Station, SE1 9QU
Peckham, Damilola Taylor Centre, 1 East Surrey Grove, Peckham, SE15 6DR

You can book a test now – but walk-in tests are usually available.

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

Are you worried about domestic or sexual abuse?

Sign up for a postal vote ahead of 6 May

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

Do you have time to care for others?

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

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

Is your child finding returning to school/college challenging?

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

Train to be a social worker in just 14 months

Testing for the COVID-19 variant in parts of SE5

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

Spring adult learning courses

Get checked for cancer – the NHS is open

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

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

Survey for young people aged 16 to 18

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

Sign up for a free cycling skills course

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

The Elephant Magazine Spring 2021

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

Share your views on private rented homes in Southwark

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

ww.southwark.gov.uk

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

Posted by tgntra

Register for our free online event about the Covid vaccine

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

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

New Covid testing sites in Southwark

Testing if you don’t have symptoms

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

Testing site locations

London Bridge – St Thomas Street exit, London Bridge Station, SE1 9QU
Peckham – Damilola Taylor Centre, 1 East Surrey Grove, Peckham, SE15 6DR

You can book a test now – but walk-in tests are usually available.

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

Testing if you have symptoms

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