Tier 4 Update

Posted by tgntra

Sent on behalf of the Community Support Alliance

Dear TRA,

I hope you are well.

As you are aware all of London, the South East and East England have now entered Tier 4 and shielding has been re-introduced for these areas, we have sent out advice letters to all on the Shielded Patient List via email or first class post. We are also making proactive calls to residents.

Currently we seeing low levels of demand, but are monitoring this closely and are ready to respond should this change. Our phone line will remain open daily through the festive period, on bank holidays this will be open 24 hours a day. Our out of hours team have been trained to deal with contact from Clinically Extremely Vulnerable residents.

We wanted to reach out and ask if you are aware of residents in your area who are vulnerable and could be isolated, if you could contact them safely to check in. We are open for referrals if they require food or access to other services.

Ways to contact:

Complete anonline referral form
Emailcovidsupport@southwark.gov.uk
Phone0207 525 5000 and choose option 3

We appreciate this is difficult for many people over the Christmas period, we want to say thank you for your work in helping vulnerable residents in our community.

Yours Sincerely,

Community Support Alliance

Southwark Council

Isabelle Pearce

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, complete a referral form or call 020 7525 5000

covid

Coronavirus Tier 4: Stay At Home

Posted by tgntra

Update to TRAs – Tier 4

Posted by tgntra

Dear committee member,

You will no doubt have seen that London and much of the South East have been placed into a new Tier 4. 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.

This means that the following restrictions are now in force in Southwark:

Stay at home, apart from limited exceptions including work or education
Christmas relaxation of rules no longer apply in London – families cannot form Christmas bubbles and no mixing is allowed between households other than support bubbles
You can meet one person in an outdoor public space
Non-essential retail must close, including gyms and hairdressers
Avoid travelling between tiers and no overnight stays allowed

Tier 4 will be reviewed on 30^th December.

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

Southwark and the rest of London are now in Tier 4.These stronger restrictions are needed because the virus is now spreading rapidly in London. We know it’s going to be hard, but we must keep protecting each other and helping to keep everyone safe https://www.gov.uk/guidance/tier-4-stay-at-home
Please stay home and don’t mix with other households
Please continue to wash your hands, wear a face mask, and keep your distance when outside

A poster explaining the Tier 4 restrictions can be downloaded here which you may also find useful to share.

Thank you for all of your continued support during this difficult time – it is hugely appreciated. We hope you are able to have a safe and enjoyable Christmas despite the circumstances.

Regards Louis

Louis Rotsos – Tenant & Homeowner Involvement Officer

Southwark Council | Communities Division

Housing and Modernisation Department

5th Floor, Hub 3 | PO Box 64529 | London | SE1P 5LX

Tel: 020 7525 1239

Email: louis.rotsos@southwark.gov.uk

www.southwark.gov.uk/mysouthwark

COVID19 (Coronavirus)

For the latest NHS guidance, please visit http://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

covid

How to shop online safely this Christmas

Posted by tgntra

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

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.

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.

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?

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.

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

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