Election hustings!

Posted by tgntra

Hello,

Here are some hustings you may be interested in:

THIS SUNDAY!

https://t.co/1KnkGzpb3f?amp=1

Rescheduled GLA Election Hustings – Southwark & Lambeth

The election hustings on housing and homelessness for the GLA candidates in Southwark and Lambeth has been rescheduled

t.co

Next week:

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/london-mayoral-election-2021-hustings-tickets-151804446185

London Mayoral Election 2021 Hustings Tickets, Tue 27 Apr 2021 at 19:30 | Eventbrite

Eventbrite – Living Bankside presents London Mayoral Election 2021 Hustings – Tuesday, 27 April 2021 – Find event and ticket information.

www.eventbrite.co.uk

https://www.bloomberg.com/professional/blog/webinar/london-mayoral-hustings/

2021 Mayor of London Business Hustings | Bloomberg Professional Services

The London Business Board and Bloomberg invite you to join us for our 2021 Mayor of London Business Hustings with candidates Shaun Bailey AM, Sian Berry AM, Rt Hon Sadiq Khan and Luisa Porritt.

www.bloomberg.com

Submit questions on the topics that matter to you. If you need any support, let me know.

Have a lovely weekend we hope!

Rhiannon Hughes
Campaigns and Research Officer

Southwark Group of Tenants Organisations

Bells Gardens Community Centre,19 Buller Close

London SE15 6UJ

Tel: 020 7639 6718/07932359410

Email: rhiannon@sgto.co.uk

website: www.sgto.org.uk

COVID-19 numbers are rising rapidly: please stay at home

Posted by tgntra

Dear resident

London is now in Tier 4 restrictions. The stronger restrictions are needed because the number of people with COVID-19 is rising rapidly. London has also seen a sharp increase in hospital admissions.

A reminder of the Tier 4 rules

We should all stay at home
The previous Christmas bubble arrangements are no longer allowed
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.

Remember: Hands, Face, Space

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. Please remember Hands, Face, Space.

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

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. 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Donate towards Christmas hampers for older people

The Southwark Community Christmas appeal has exceeded its target, thank you everyone! Donations can still be made and funds raised go to fantastic local charities who are working with elderly and vulnerable people over Christmas. Please make a small donation if you can.

Recycle your Christmas tree

You can recycle your real Christmas tree as part of your garden waste subscription. Or book a free permit to recycle real or plastic trees. Find out more about Christmas tree recycling.

Check when your bin collection day will be over the festive holidays

To find your bin collection day, enter your full postcode, click on the find address button and then select your property from the list.

Looking for things to do over Christmas?

Take a look at our stay-at-home library of things to do, to keep you occupied at home during the tighter restrictions. You’ll find free online theatre performances, free film streaming, virtual courses and more.

http://www.southwark.gov.uk

New Director of Resident Services

Posted by tgntra

Dear TRA committee member,

It is with very great pleasure that I am able to tell you that following Paul Langford’s resignation to take up a new role elsewhere, Cheryl Russel, head of accommodation and support, has been appointed to the post of Director of Resident Services.

Cheryl will start her new job on 11 January, following Paul’s departure on 10 January.

I’m delighted to be able to make this announcement. Cheryl has many years of housing experience, including seven years in Southwark and 25 years in local government.

Cheryl was appointed following a rigorous selection process and senior interview panel which included the chief executive, Eleanor Kelly, two directors and me. It also included an advisory panel of council residents.

In the coming weeks and months Cheryl will be introducing herself to residents and community groups (in her new role – many of you will know Cheryl already).

I also want to take this opportunity to wish Paul well and to thank him for the years of commitment he has given to the residents of Southwark. He leaves resident services in a good place and I know Cheryl will want to build on Paul’s positive legacy.

Best wishes and Happy Christmas.

Michael

Michael Scorer

(he/him)

Strategic director of housing and modernisation

michael.scorer@southwark.gov.uk

www.southwark.gov.uk

covid

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

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.

London is at risk of Tier 3 restrictions

Posted by tgntra

Dear resident,

COVID-19 cases are increasing again in London.

There’s now a real chance London will move into Tier 3 restrictions next week. This would put more limits on who we can meet with. It would also mean some businesses – including pubs, restaurants and cinemas – would close.

We need to do everything we can to stop the spread of the virus. Following the rules means we’re protecting ourselves and our friends and family. It also means we’re helping struggling businesses have the best chance of staying open at a vital time of year.

Please follow the key rules including

Don’t mix with other households inside (unless as part of a support bubble)
Wash your hands regularly, for at least 20 seconds
If you’re going out this weekend, remember your face mask and keep your distance from others. If you go somewhere and it’s crowded, don’t join the crowds.

Check all the current Tier 2 rules and make sure you follow them.

It’s been such a difficult year for so many people. The vaccine means there is hope that things can return to normal at some point next year. But for now, the virus is still out there, and numbers are increasing. Please be careful and please follow the rules

Thank you.

P.S. We also want to thank everyone has already donated to our charity fundraiser. Donations go towards hampers, gifts, lunches and more for elderly and vulnerable people in Southwark. The council is matching donations up to £20,000 and there is still time to make a donation.

From Southwark Council.

www.southwark.gov.uk

Southwark Creates newsletter

Posted by tgntra

VAWG (violence against women and girls Consultation

Posted by tgntra

The Safer Communities Team is seeking the views and experiences of service users/survivors of all forms of VAWG (violence against women and girls). This will help them shape future services from April 2022.

As part of this process, an online survey is now live on the consultation hub via the following link:

https://consultations.southwark.gov.uk/environment-leisure/violence-against-women-and-girls-services

I ask that you complete if you can. The closing date is Monday 5 October, 20.

Judy Wills

Empowering Communities Programme Officer

North West Area (Borough & Bankside, Chaucer, London Bridge & West Bermondsey and St George’s)

Communities Division| Environment & Leisure Department

160 Tooley Street, London, SE1 2QH

COVID-19: cases are rising in Southwark

Posted by tgntra

Cllr Peter John OBE

Dear resident

We monitor the COVID-19 infection rates on a daily basis. Whilst numbers are still low, there have been 49 new cases in Southwark in the last seven days. The number of new cases has nearly doubled in Southwark in the last week and numbers are rising across London.

A high proportion of new cases are for people aged 18–34. We also know that most transmission is still amongst family and friends.

Help prevent the spread of the virus and another lockdown

As we look forward to the bank holiday weekend please be careful. If you’re visiting family or going out with friends you must:

keep your distance from other people at all times
wear a face covering in shops and on public transport
wash your hands regularly.

Get tested if you have symptoms

Get a test as soon as possible if you have coronavirus symptoms (a high temperature, a new persistent cough or a loss or change to your sense of smell or taste). You must also must self-isolate, as should members of your household and anyone in your support bubble.

Thank you for helping to keep Southwark safe.

Cllr Peter John

Learn how to make your own face covering

Face coverings are now compulsory on all public transport and in shops. Remember some people are exempt from wearing face coverings for health reasons, but if you can wear one, please don’t leave home without it. Find out how to make a face covering.

Please don’t attend unlicensed events

We are working with the police to shut down illegal street parties and unlicensed music events in our parks and open spaces. Such events cause great distress to many of those who live close by. They are also a risk to all involved, when social distancing is not observed. If you think someone is acting illegally, call the police on 101 – or in an emergency 999 – and help keep everyone safe.

Get funding for your Black History Month event

Funding is now available for Black History Month 2020. Things are a little different this year, but if you have a great idea for an online event or one with social distancing you can apply for funding now.

Have you seen the giant mural on Old Kent Road?

Proposition Studios at Surrey Wharf is transforming a corner of Old Kent Road with an amazing, temporary work of art, ahead of redevelopment.

Could you foster a child?

If you have a spare room and have a flexible job, and if you’re energetic and a good listener, you could consider becoming a foster carer. You can also register for a virtual information evening on 16 September at 6pm by emailing fostering@southwark.gov.uk.

Information about schools reopening

We’ll be welcoming all children across the borough back to school in September. When the doors reopen please follow guidance from teachers and be assured that our schools have worked extremely hard to make the learning environment as safe as possible.

Give your views on the new Burgess Skate Park design

We aim to build a skate bowl with an urban games area in Burgess Park next year. It will be free to use and will have space for skateboarding, BMXing, climbing, scooting and parkour. Tell us what you think of the design before 4 October.

Give us your views on the climate emergency

Whether you live, work or visit our borough we want your views ideas about how we tackle the climate emergency together.

Give your views on proposed new council homes

We have lots of plans for much-needed new council homes across the borough. You can have your say on the following proposed schemes now:

www.southwark.gov.uk

Support the shopping centre traders!

Posted by tgntra

Dear Friend

Just a quick email saying that tomorrow (Friday 24 July) Latin Elephant are launching a social media campaign around #MyElephantMasks, as they become compulsory.

Latin Elephant have produced 100 of their own masks and will be distributing them at the Shopping Centre, 11am, to send a positive message from a strong united community, fighting Covid and redevelopment.

All are welcome to join us!

Also, please help us and promote using Twitter hashtags; keep your eye out for these hashtags from tomorrow:

#MyElephantMasks
#BuyLocal
#BuyElephant

Regards
Jerry

Complete Southwark Council’s survey about racial inequality and injustice

Posted by tgntra

Dear resident,

Work on our Southwark Stands Together programme, to tackle racial inequality and injustice, is continuing. I want to thank everyone who has already participated in this work, shared powerful stories and offered important ideas about how we address inequalities together.

We are currently focusing on a listening exercise with our communities which will help us to:

understand what needs to change
identify solutions to address entrenched, persistent racism and injustice
understand how Southwark can stand together to deliver a fairer and more equal society

There are a number of ways you can currently take part in the listening exercise:

We will also be consulting in non-digital ways over the coming weeks and will share more details of this soon.

We hope people are starting to enjoy the relaxation of some of the COVID-19 restrictions, and are supporting our many great shops, pubs and restaurants as they reopen. Please remember to follow health and social distancing advice and also be considerate of people living nearby.

Best wishes

Cllr Peter John

Get tested if you have coronavirus symptoms

Get a test as soon as possible if you have coronavirus symptoms (a high temperature, a new persistent cough or a loss or change to your sense of smell or taste). A testing centre will be at Belair Park on 5 and 6 July. If you have symptoms you must also must self-isolate, as should members of your household and anyone in your support bubble.

Make your own face covering

Face coverings are now compulsory on all public transport and will become compulsory in shops later this month. Find out how to make your own face covering at home and remember the key is to cover both the mouth and nose.Click to edit this placeholder text.

Eat Out to Help Out – registration open

Restaurants and other establishments serving food can now register for the Eat Out to Help Out scheme. Businesses participating in the scheme can download promotional material.

Apply to the EU settlement scheme

If you’re an EU, EEA or Swiss citizen, you and your family can apply to the EU Settlement Scheme to continue living in the UK after 30 June 2021.

Food and fun for children this summer!

We’ve joined forces with Lambeth Council and Kitchen Social to host an exciting summer programme of food and activities across our communities for 4–19-year-olds. Get the online brochure, find our more and sign up.

Online activities for children this summer

The Southwark Youth Service is delivering a host of online activities this summer for young people aged 11 to 19 (and up to 25 with SEN) from Monday 27 July to Friday 28 August.

Mental wellbeing advice for young people

Young people aged 13–25 can get free and confidential mental wellbeing advice and support from a new service called The Nest. Support is available online and on the phone.

COVID-19-related resources for parents

If you’re a parent or carer get advice on talking with children about COVID-19, healthy eating, managing emotions, behaviour and conflict, and the benefit of setting routines for your family during COVID-19.

Watch out for rogue traders

Rogue traders are active in Southwark. Don’t be a scam victim – just say no to any doorstep traders who call on you.

Watch Twelfth Night, free of charge

Southwark Playhouse’s new streaming service means you can watch shows and plays, free of charge, until the theatre can open its doors again. Performances currently include Shakespeare’s Twelfth night.

Stream films, free of charge

Library members can stream classic cinema, world cinema, indie film and top documentaries with our new free film streaming service. If you’re not a library member you can become a library member now.

Get involved in decisions about housing and estates

We have made it easier for more people who live in council homes to get involved in decisions about council housing. These changes are part of our commitment to make homes and estates in Southwark great places to live.

Join our online resident panel. This gives you the opportunity to get involved in decisions that affect you and where you live, even if you can’t come to meetings.