What Plan B means for you, and how to stay safe as Covid rates rise

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COVID-19 numbers are rising in Southwark and across the country, and rates have increased by 45% in Southwark in the last week. There are also cases of the Omicron variant in Southwark.

To limit the spread of COVID-19, the government has moved to ‘Plan B’ arrangements (details below). These make it a legal requirement to wear face coverings in most places where you mix with other people. They also ask people to work from home if you can.

It’s important we all get vaccinated and get a booster jab when we’re eligible. It’s also important to keep getting tested regularly and to follow current guidance.

Aged 40+? Get your booster vaccine now

If you’re aged 40+ you can now get your booster vaccine if it’s three months since your second dose.

You can pre-book your booster if it’s two months since your second dose (you will be offered an appointment three months after the second dose).

>> Book your booster jab now on the national booking system

Vaccines are the best defence against COVID-19. Over 20 million people have had their booster jab.

If it’s already three months since your second dose you can go to a walk-in clinic for your booster.

>> Go to a local walk-in clinic (if it’s 3 months since your second dose)

Frontline health and social care workers and people aged 16+ with certain health conditions can also get a booster vaccine.

Get your first or second vaccine dose

It is one year since the first people got their vaccine. In the UK over 51 million people have had their first dose and over 46 million have had two doses. The vaccines have been proven to be safe and the best defence against COVID-19.

>> Book your first or second vaccine dose now

>> Find a walk-in clinic for your first or second dose

Second dose COVID-19 vaccinations for 16 and 17-year-olds

If you’re 16 or 17-years-old you can book a second dose, for 12 weeks after your 1st dose. If you’re at higher risk from COVID-19, you can get a 2nd dose at a walk-in vaccination site from eight weeks after your 1st dose.

Walk-in vaccinations for 12 to 15-year-olds

All children aged between 12 and 17 are eligible to receive a COVID-19 vaccine. Most children aged 12 to 15 will we be offered one in school, but if you have missed that opportunity you can go to a local walk-in clinic for your vaccine.

Plan B: a summary of the changes

  • From Friday 10 December, face coverings will be required in more public settings, including theatres and cinemas, unless you are exempt. Face coverings are already required in indoor places such as shops and on public transport.
  • From Monday 13 December, you should work from home where possible.
  • From Wednesday 15 December, the NHS Covid Pass will be needed in some venues, including nightclubs. People will be able to demonstrate proof of two vaccine doses via the app. Proof of a negative lateral flow test will also be accepted.
  • The government will also introduce daily contact tests for contacts of confirmed positive cases instead of the ten-day self-isolation period. However, please check the current self-isolation rules.

Get a PCR test and isolate if you have COVID-19 symptoms

If you have COVID-19 symptoms (a high temperature, a new cough or a change to sense of taste or smell) you should self-isolate and book a PCR COVID-19 test.

You can order a PCR test kit to be sent to your home or book an appointment at a walk-in or drive-through test site.

>> Get a COVID-19 test if you currently have symptoms
Southwark Council · PO BOX 64529 · London SE1P 5LX

35% Campaign update – Elephant traders without new premises one year after shopping centre closes

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Dec 06, 2021 12:00 am

Traders’ deputation seeks fair treatment from developers; urges Southwark Council to act

Independent traders displaced by the closure of the Elephant and Castle shopping centre are to send a deputation to Southwark Council’s Cabinet meeting tomorrow. The deputation will be urging the Council to do more to help them secure new premises, after being left homeless by the shopping centre closure.

This will be the traders second attempt to get a hearing from the Council, after its recent Assembly meeting refused to receive the deputation.

Many of the Elephant’s former traders have shops and cafes in Castle Square, in Elephant Rd and in the Elephant Arcade, after a three year campaign to secure new premises, but many others are still without trading spaces, including two of the Elephant and Castle’s longest standing businesses, Pricebusters DIY and La Bodequita restaurant.

Both Pricebusters and La Bodequita have been offered new premises on Elephant Park, but have been unable to reach agreement with developers Delancey and Lendlease about who will meet the relocation costs. Southwark Council has legal agreements with both developers covering traders’ relocation requirements and the deputation will be asking Southwark to enforce these agreements.

Traders ‘very disappointed’

The owner of Pricebusters, Rakesh Patel, said ‘We have been trading at the Elephant for 35 years, ever since the shopping centre opened. We were the biggest DIY shop in the area and sold things people cannot get anywhere else. We have had long negotiations with Delancey and Lendlease and have made some progress, but there is still a big gap between us. The costs of setting up new premises are astronomical and the amount we are being offered from the relocation fund set up to help us is simply not enough. Just lately Southwark councillors have joined the negotiations, but we still need much stronger support from the Council’.

The owner of La Bodequita, Diana Sach, said ‘I started La Bodequita in 2001, with my brothers and we worked hard to build up a successful family business. La Bodequita and other cafes and restaurants at the Elephant and Castle helped to introduce Colombian and Latin food to London and people came from all over the city to eat with us. We trusted Southwark Council and Delancey to help us with the relocation, but have been very disappointed. We have spent many thousands of pounds designing new premises and storing equipment, while we have had no premises. It is over a year since we left the shopping centre and we really need to re-open soon, but we just seem to be stuck’.

Successful businesses are being lost

Rakesh and Diana point out that Pricebusters and La Bodequita were both successful businesses, before they were forced to move.

Rakesh says ‘We did not want to move, but the decision was taken out of our hands and I am having to find a very great deal of my own money for the relocation. I was assured by Delancey and Southwark Council that there would be enough money in the relocation fund for us all, but so far this has not been the case’.

Diana says ‘La Bodequita is more than a restaurant. It is part of the Elephant and Castle and part of Latin American life in London. We want to stay here, as part of the new regeneration and are investing a lot to do this, but we need the help we were promised from Delancey and Southwark Council’.

‘No more Elephant as we knew it’

The traders’ deputation will also include Mathew Onuba, of the Look@Me stall. from the shopping centre’s old market. About a dozen displaced market traders have been in discussions with Southwark Council about setting up a small number of new pitches at the Elephant.

Mathew says ‘We have had intentions of opening up a business, but it’s been a struggle. There is no more Elephant and Castle as we knew it, there are no units, there is still no market, even after trying to make plans with the Council. Leaving a previous business and going to a new location is a hard process – it involves careful attention, publicity to attract new customers. None of this has been provided. We kept our goods with the promise that we would receive anew place but it never came. I’ve been paying for storage up until now, with the believe and hope I could continue my business….but I would like the support from the council to continue.’

Elephant Arcade struggles

A representative from the Elephant Arcade will also be on the deputation. They will be telling the Council of the difficulties of trading from their new premises, at the bottom of Perronet House, just opposite the Bakerloo line tube entrance.

Yousaf Dar, of Dar Bags, says ‘We were working at the shopping centre, my dad almost 15 years, me the last 10 years. Business was good. When the shopping centre closed, we asked them not to put us in Elephant Arcade, and still they placed us in there. They told us we would be opposite a Western Union, but when we arrived we were opposite another shop that was the same business as our own. After the pandemic, there were no customers, no business. We were struggling too much, we couldn’t even afford to pay rent, that’s why we decided to leave. Now we have been left at the side of the road, so we are not in a position to start another business, and have no access to relocation support. I don’t want to go on Universal Credit, I want to work at my business, but I may have to.’

Southwark must do more

The traders are being supported by Latin Elephant, which advocates on behalf of all traders, the Southwark Law Centre and the Up the Elephant campaign, which fought against the demolition of the shopping centre.

Natalia Perez of Latin Elephant said ‘A year on since the closure and demolition of the shopping centre in Elephant and Castle, Latin Elephant reiterates the demands for a proper scrutiny of the s106 legal agreements signed by developers, so that every trader that has been displaced is relocated; that the necessary funds are released by developers to cover moving and fit-out costs and not passed on as a burden to independent traders and that the much needed investment in the relocation sites are put in place for the benefit of the traders, as well as the local community’.

Harpreet Aujla of Southwark Law Centre said ‘Southwark Council have a big part to play in resolving the problems traders face moving from their old premises. They have legal agreements with both Delancey and Lendlease to make sure that the traders get the money that they need to relocate. So far, though, Southwark has just been happy to go along with whatever Delancey and Lendlease have offered. This is not good enough. Southwark must make that clear to Delancey and Lendlease, other these businesses will be lost to the Elephant’.

Jerry Flynn, of the Up the Elephant said ‘Traders are not looking for hand-outs or charity. They are looking for Southwark and the big developers to fulfill the promises that were made before the shopping centre was demolished. Southwark Council said that no-one would be left behind in the Elephant’s regeneration – now is the time to prove it’.
35% Campaign

Latest news on Elephant traders’ deputation this evening.

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Dear Friend

Yesterday we were notified by Southwark Council that it is ‘unlikely’ that the Elephant traders’ deputation will be heard the Council Assembly meeting this evening. Southwark has suggested as an alternative that the deputation attends the Cabinet meeting on 7 Dec.

We are naturally very disappointed with this news, particularly as it comes so late in the day. We have asked Southwark and the councillors to reconsider, but as yet we cannot say what the final response will be and may not know until this evening.

The Yes to Fair Redevelopment demonstration is still going ahead and will rally outside outside Council Assembly at 6.30pm. The march will begin at the Vauban Car Park, Alscot Rd, opposite Spa Gardens, SE1 3GG (Bus 1 and 78) at 6.00pm.

Many thanks for your continuing support and please CLICK HERE for a trailer of an upcoming film on the traders plight (thanks to Emile Burgoyne).

Regards
Jerry

Copyright © 2021 Elephant Amenity Network, All rights reserved.
Our mailing address is:

Elephant Amenity Network

18 Market Place
Blue Anchor Lane

London

Southwark SE16 3UQ

United Kingdom

Elephant traders’ deputation this Wednesday, 24th November

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Dear Friend

Traders’ deputation to the Southwark Assembly

Many Elephant shopping centre traders still have no new premises a year after the centre closed, despite Southwark Council’s promises that ‘no-one would be left’ behind in the Elephant and Castle’s regeneration.

The traders are sending a deputation to Southwark Council’s Assembly,160 Tooley St, SE1 2QH this Weds 24 Nov. 7pm.

The deputation will be demanding that Southwark Council does more to help the traders. Southwark has legal agreements with developers Delancey and Lendlease for the traders’ relocation – these agreements must be enforced.

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The deputation will include representatives from Pricebusters DIY shop and La Bodequita restaurant, two of the Elephant’s longest-standing businesses, as well as from the Elephant Arcade, one of the relocation sites. There will also be a representative of the market stall holders, who are still negotiating with Southwark Council for new market stall pitches at the Elephant and Castle.

The Assembly meeting is open to the public – please join us and give your support!

Yes to Fair Redevelopment demonstration.

You can also join the ‘Yes to Fair Redevelopment demonstration’, in the run-up to the Assembly meeting.

The demo is marching to Tooley St for a rally outside Council Assembly at 6.30pm. The march will assemble at the Vauban Car Park, Alscot Rd, opposite Spa Gardens SE1 3GG (Bus 1 and 78) at 6.00pm.

The demo is to let the Council know that unfair development of council estates will not be accepted. You can read more here and here.

Regards

Jerry

Copyright © 2021 Elephant Amenity Network, All rights reserved.
Our mailing address is:

Elephant Amenity Network

18 Market Place
Blue Anchor Lane

London, Southwark SE16 3UQ

United Kingdom

Meet Olympians, discover local walks and flu vaccine reminder

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Try out Southwark’s newest sports facility and meet Olympians on Saturday 6 November

Come along to the opening of the Southwark Park Sports and Athletics Centre on Saturday 6 November. Book for free tasters sessions including tag rugby, introductions to long jump and sprint running and disability sports sessions. Join Olympic Champion, Christine Ohuruogu; Peckham-born Tokyo Olympic medallist, Imani-Lara Lansiquot; Team GB athlete, Conrad Williams; and professional freestyle footballer Steve Gray, who will be trying out the new facility.

Join a gym in Southwark for under £25 per month

Get unlimited use of gym, swim and exercise classes at Southwark Park Sports and Athletics Centre, Seven Islands Leisure Centre, Surrey Docks Fitness and Watersports Centre, Camberwell Leisure Centre and Peckham Pulse Leisure Centre. Kick-start your exercise routine and sign up for a gym today.

Free swim and gym in Southwark

Did you know Southwark residents can use swimming pools and gyms at our leisure centres, free of charge, at certain times? Find out more and register for free swim and gym.

Discover local walking routes: follow in the steps of Harry Potter, Bridget Jones and Del Trotter

Discover Southwark with our illustrated walking maps. Pick from 12 routes which include film locations, Dulwich’s unusual architecture, flora and fauna, and myths and legends of the borough.

Ultra Low Emission Zone has expanded: check your vehicle

The Ultra Low Emission Zone expanded up to the North and South Circular Roads on Monday 25 October 2021. Check your vehicle now via the TfL website.

Survey: your views on public art in Southwark

Public art is art that is in public spaces and is for everyone to see. It is often commissioned by councils or other public organisations. We want our pubic spaces to better celebrate our diverse communities. That’s why we want to hear your views about public art in Southwark.

Find out if you’re eligible for a free flu vaccine

The flu virus kills almost 11,000 people and hospitalises tens of thousands more in England in an average year. It’s more important than ever to get your flu jab this year. Find out if you are now eligible to get a free flu vaccine.

Plans approved for 162 new council homes at two developments in Southwark

New Homes image We have permission to build 162 new council homes at two developments in St Giles and Peckham. 

The development in St Giles will see 79 new council homes built at Sceaux Gardens. The development in Peckham will see 83 new council homes built at Bells Gardens Estate.

Get the Transport for London app to help you travel safely across London

If you’re out and about you can plan your journeys across London using the TfL Go app. Get live bus and train times and quieter times to travel, all Tube, London Overground, DLR, TfL Rail and tram lines updates, walking and cycling routes, and accessible routes using the step-free mode.

New service launched to help people get online

We have launched a new digital inclusion service for residents to provide information, help and guidance about how to get online or improve their internet skills. If you, or anyone you know, could benefit from this service please get in touch by calling our helpline 07783 776 066.

How to keep yourself safe during COVID-19

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Dear resident

I’m sure you will have seen the news that COVID-19 infection rates across the country are rising again. I’m writing to ask for your help in keeping rates in Southwark low, so we can all keep each other safe.

From the vaccine, to face coverings, to tests, to keeping rooms well ventilated, there are lots of details on the things you can do to help below.

I want to thank everyone who’s worked so hard to do these things over recent months.

The council has been working hard with other organisations to help keep Southwark safe. Whether it’s been supporting vulnerable residents through our community hub, working with colleagues in the NHS to put on more local vaccine clinics, sending mobile testing vans into our communities or supporting the vaccine roll out for 12–15-year-olds in secondary schools, it’s been fantastic to see.

However, with the number of people catching COVID-19 across the country now high and rising there is a very strong chance rates will rise in Southwark too. We can all help keep them low.  That’s why I encourage you to:

  • wear a face mask on public transport and when in crowded enclosed spaces
  • get vaccinated if you’re eligible
  • get the booster vaccination if you’re eligible
  • get tested regularly even if you don’t have symptoms
  • self-isolate and book a PCR test if you have symptoms
  • keep rooms ventilated if you’re meeting with others inside

If you would like to do even more there are also lots of ways you can volunteer to help in your community.

Please see below for more information on how to keep yourself and others safe.

Thank you

Kieron

Get the recommended number of COVID-19 vaccine doses to protect yourself

If you’re aged 16+, you can get your first or second COVID-19 vaccine dose in different ways:

Get your questions or concerns about the vaccine answered on this NHS website.

Booster vaccines for people most at risk from COVID-19

If you’ve had your second dose at least six months ago, you’ll be contacted about your booster jab if you are:

  • Living in a residential care home for older adults
  • Aged 50 or over
  • A frontline health and social care worker
  • Aged 16 to 49 years with underlying health conditions that put you at higher risk of severe COVID-19
  • An adult household contact of an immunosuppressed person/people.

Vaccines for 12–15-year-olds

12–15-year-olds are being offered the COVID-19 vaccine as part of the school-based vaccination programme (parental consent will be sought). Vaccinations for 12–15-year-olds can also be booked online. There are now walk-ins vaccine clinics for 12–15-year-olds too. You are advised to book online to avoid disappointment.

Read more about the vaccine programme for 12–15-year-olds.

Find out about pregnancy, fertility and the COVID-19 vaccine

Watch a 30 minute Q&A about pregnancy and the COVID-19 vaccine. GP Registrar, Dr Juliet Grenham covers the importance of being vaccinated if you’re pregnant or thinking about starting a family.

Get tested for COVID-19 twice a week for free

You should get tested regularly, even if you’ve been vaccinated, and don’t have symptoms. 1 in 3 people with COVID-19 don’t have symptoms. You’re advised to do a rapid lateral flow test twice a week (every 3 or 4 days). If you don’t have symptoms, there are different ways to get COVID-19 tests in Southwark.

Get a collect code to pick up COVID-19 rapid lateral flow tests from a pharmacy

You now need to get a code to pick up tests from your pharmacy by creating an online account or calling 119. You will need a new code for each collection. You can pick up rapid tests for your or another household, but you must get a separate code for each.

Continue to wear a face covering to protect yourself

It’s not mandatory, but still advisable to wear a face covering (unless exempt) in crowded places. Face coverings must still be worn if you are traveling on the Transport for London network. Cloth face coverings and disposable face coverings work best if they are made with multiple layers (at least two) and form a good fit around the face.

Ventilate rooms for indoor visitors, or meet outside

Letting fresh air into indoor spaces can help remove air that contains virus particles and prevent the spread of COVID-19. To reduce the risk of catching COVID-19, or passing it on, minimise the amount of time you spend indoors with people you do not live with. Meet outside if possible.

Advice on potential COVID-19 related scams

Find out how to be aware of potential COVID-19 scams in person and online and how to protect yourself.

Volunteer to share key information about COVID-19 with your community

We’re working with Community Southwark to find volunteers to keep people up-to-date with COVID-19 advice, mental health or financial support, and food security. Ambassadors receive training, resources and networking opportunities. Find out about volunteering and how to sign up.

Financial support if your income has been affected by the pandemic

Get support if you’re under increased financial pressure due to COVID-19. Advice includes applying for Universal Credit, what to do if you can’t pay your rent, Council Tax, or homeowner annual and major works service charges, and COVID-19 self-isolation payments.

Help for vulnerable residents

Our community hub was set up to help residents during the COVID-19 crisis. It can help you if you need:

  • Food, medicine or other items delivered
  • Financial advice
  • Help for someone you know
  • Advice about where you can get support and information on childcare, education and your local mutual aid groups.

Contact the community hub for support.

Invitation to Elephant exhibition this Saturday 25th September

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 Dear Friend

You are cordially invited to a
 Photographic exhibition to mark one year since Elephant and Castle shopping centre closed.

An exhibition of photographs of the Elephant and Castle shopping centre will be taking place this Saturday 25 September 2021 at flat 70 on Sayer St, SE17 1FY at the Elephant and Castle, opening 12 noon, to 8pm.
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The exhibition will emphasise the importance of what was lost when the shopping centre was closed, but also highlights the successes and struggles of the small independent traders since losing their premises and market stalls.

 A relocated traders walking tour will start at 2pm.
There will be speeches from invited guests at 3pm.
Various performances will also happen throughout the day. 

The exhibition has been organised by flat 70 co-founders Anthony Badu and Senam Badu and Latin Elephant, the local charity which campaigns and advocates on behalf of all traders at the Elephant. It will form part of a wider ‘Elephant Carnival’ which aims to celebrate the resilience of the local community.

Hope to see you Saturday!

Regards
Jerry
  
Copyright © 2021 Elephant Amenity Network, All rights reserved.

Our mailing address is:
Elephant Amenity Network18 Market PlaceBlue Anchor LaneLondon, Southwark SE16 3UQUnited Kingdom

35% Campaign update – Lendlease’s final plot for Elephant Park – offices, not homes

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Sep 17, 2021 01:00 am

Southwark to change rules to allow office block on former Heygate estate.Southwark Council is set to change its planning rules to enable developer Lendlease to build an office block on the site of the former Heygate estate. The block would be on the final development plot of Elephant Park, Plot H1, which is earmarked for housing under Lendlease’s current planning consent. Lendlease has now applied to replace this consent with an entirely new one, to build an office block, not housing.Southwark is also ready to change the New Southwark Plan (NSP) to pave Lendlease’s way to a successful approval of the application. The change will allow an increase in the office floorspace on Elephant Park, from the maximum of 5,000 sqm that Lendlease is presently allowed, to the 49,565 sqm it is proposing in its new planning application. Southwark has said ‘an office development on this plot is broadly supported’ in the ‘Conclusion’ of pre-application discussions with Lendlease.Late changes to the New Southwark PlanThe change to the NSP, which governs all development throughout the borough, is part of a ‘main modification’ to the Plan. The modification MM7 would allow 60,000 sqm of ‘employment floorspace’ to be built specifically on Elephant Park; at the moment the local plan envisages a maximum of 30,000 sqm of ‘business floorspace’ for the whole Elephant and Castle Opportunity Area.The NSP, including the main modifications, is in the final stages of approval by government inspectors. Comments on all proposed modifications can be made up to a deadline of 24 September 2021.From open space to office spaceA good part of Plot H1 sits on land that was covenanted for use as open space, in perpetuity, when ownership was devolved to Southwark in 1985, on the abolition of the Greater London Council (GLC). In 2014 Southwark transferred ownership of the Heygate land, including Plot H1, to Lendlease, removing the covenant in the process.In 2019 Lendlease took advantage of a poorly drafted s106 legal agreement with Southwark to increase the maximum number of homes allowed on Elephant Park by 220 units, to 2,689. Lendlease is using ten plots of land for these homes, instead of the eleven available, leaving itself a spare plot. This is the justification for the new planning application – Lendlease claims that they have fulfilled their housing obligations under the current planning consent, so Plot H1 can be used for an office development, which would create jobs.Lendlease does not say in their new planning application how many homes could be built on Plot H1, if it were used for housing as originally intended, but by making a rough comparison with neighbouring plot H7, a capacity for about 340 homes can be calculated.Lendlease on manoeuvresLendlease’s Plot H1 planning application is the latest of a succession of self-advantageous manoeuvres. As well as increasing the number of homes on the estate and squeezing them into fewer plots, Lendlease has also announced that over 900 of the free-market homes would no longer be for sale, but kept under their ownership, and let to private renters, not sold. Before this, they marketed and sold substantial numbers of homes overseas . This all followed the notorious 2010 Heygate regeneration agreement, which reduced the affordable housing to 25%, from 35%, with a meagre 79 social rented units (later inching up to 100 units).Southwark Council is now poised to give up a prime housing site (in the middle of an opportunity area, on former council estate land) at Lendlease’s behest. Southwark is doing this while embroiled in controversies across the borough about infill development on council estate sites, none of which are anywhere near the size of the plot it is about to give up.Object!Lendlease’s argument that offices will good for employment is entirely self-serving. They did not make this proposal for Plot H1 in 2012, when applying for their first planning permission. Instead, they have tricked their way into a position where they have built more homes than originally consented, on a smaller space, and now want to squeeze in an extra office block for good measure.Southwark Council have aided Lendlease’s application by proposing a ten-fold increase in ‘employment space’ on Elephant Park, in the New Southwark Plan – a huge uplift, introduced to boost the chances of an office-space application being approved.There has been much speculation about whether Southwark’s recent change of leadership has resulted in a change of direction for the Council.This is the planning committee’s chance to prove that the Council won’t roll over to Lendlease indefinitely. The committee must stop this cynical attempt to manipulate planning policy to Lendlease’s advantage and reject this planning application.Once this is done, Southwark should start a sensible discussion on what is to be done with this prime site, with the focus on the local community’s real needs, including affordable housing, with all the amenities and open surroundings needed to make life liveable in London.470 comments and objections have been made to this application.If you would like to add your objection, you can do so here.You can use this model objection text or view our full letter of objection here.
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Recent Articles:Former Council leader glides through revolving doors
Legal battle for the Elephant and Castle shopping centre ends
Southwark rips up Aylesbury Area Action Plan
Action on Southwark’s empty homes
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35% Campaign

New adult learning courses, activities for children, food, music and more

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There’s lots on this summer in Southwark!

 

Southwark summer

What’s on for children, young people and families

 

Visit Elephant Springs: a new natural play area in SE1

Elephant springs is a new urban oasis in Elephant and Castle with rocks, streams, sand and water fountains. If you’re local, pop along for a unique experience.

Enter a graphic art competition

Our annual summer art competition for ages 7 to 17 is back! Share your art and win prizes for you and your school. Your drawing can be of an existing graphic or comic character, scene from a book or you can create your own.

Time to go adventuring

Enjoy the exciting outdoors at Mint Street, Peckham Rye and Ellen Brown Adventure Playgrounds. The free summer programme runs until Friday 27 August and is open to all children aged 8 to 15 years.

Free: join pan-disability inclusive sport sessions

Join an inclusive summer of sport festival throughout August in celebration of the Paralympics, including a free virtual inclusive sport festival on 24 and 25 August, featuring online sports activities, creative sessions and insight panels. 

Community jam session on the Kingswood estate

Celebrating the expressive and creative voice of young people with dance, music and words. No need to book for this family-friendly event, just drop in with a picnic and enjoy. 21 August 2021, 3pm to 6pm.

Songs and rhymes in the garden

Sing your favourite rhymes in Dulwich Library Garden, while baby listens, sings along and dances to the rhythm. Suitable for children aged 0 to 4 years. 27 August 2021, 11am to 11.30am.

>> Check out all our summer listings for children and young people

What’s on for all ages

 

Music, food, a dog show and more at Dulwich Park fair

Dulwich Park fair on 5 September is a free outdoor, family-friendly event which includes a fun fair, farm, interactive performances and a dog show. There will also be local musicians, brass bands, choirs and dance acts, as well as food, craft, drink and charity stalls.

Art and music with a view

Bold Tendencies’ Visual Arts Programme, ‘Arcadia’, features performances and new works in the site’s unique spaces at Peckham multi-story car park, with panoramic London views. Check out the programme which runs until 18 September 2021.

Yoga, Pilates and artisan market stalls in SE1

Courage Yard in SE1 is hosting a Wellness day on Saturday 21 August featuring yoga, Pilates and stretch classes from local instructors. There will also be artisan market stalls selling kombucha, vegan food, candles, and more!

Elephant Arcade Carnival 

Elephant Arcade celebrates Carnival over the Bank Holiday Weekend. From 27 to 30 August this new shopping arcade in Elephant and Castle will host free events for all the family. Expect music, costumes, a carnival catwalk and face-painting. There will also be special offers and give-aways from the traders throughout the weekend.

*Please enjoy events safely, and remember hands, face and space.*

>> Check out all our summer listings 

COVID-19 updates

Everyone aged 16 or over can now get vaccinated

If you’re 16 or 17, the NHS will contact you when it’s your turn to get the COVID-19 vaccine. You’ll be invited to a local NHS service such as a GP surgery. Some children aged 12 to 15 may also be eligible for a vaccine.

Everyone else can get a COVID-19 vaccine in south east London – no need to book

There are lots of ways to get vaccinated, including at regular walk-in COVID-19 vaccine clinics at Guy’s and St Thomas’, and King’s College hospitals, plus other places across south east London. Check the individual COVID-19 clinics for full details and to see who offers free Moderna, Pfizer, and AstraZeneca vaccines. You don’t need to book, or provide proof of address, immigration status, or an NHS number.

Get tested for COVID-19 twice a week, free of charge

It’s important we continue to get tested regularly, even if we’ve been vaccinated. If you don’t have symptoms there are different ways to get tested in Southwark:
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Free adult swim sessions, cage cricket and bitesize festival fun for all

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There’s lots on this summer in Southwark!

Southwark summer

What’s on

Free, adult swim sessions are coming back

We’re excited to restart our free swimming lessons for residents aged over 16 years, this September. Being active is a great way to prevent illness and boost mental wellbeing. Sign up now to secure your place and come and learn to swim in a friendly, supportive environment, at your own pace.

Some Bitesize festival fun is heading to Southwark Park

Come down to Bermondsey Bitesize on Saturday 14 August, 12noon to 6pm to enjoy a traditional funfair, family activities and good food. Live music on the bandstand is headlined by reggae band Indika, led by Bermondsey’s own Phillip Poleon. Free entry via Jamaica Road, all ages welcome.

Let a magical orb take you on an outdoor sonic adventure

Go on a tour of London Bridge, guided by sound alone. £5 per ticket/orb, book for an individual or up to a group of four people per orb. Children are welcome when accompanied by an adult. Friday 13 August to Sunday 15 August 2021, various times.

Get your BMX skills up to an Olympic level in Burgess Park

If you were inspired by Kye Whyte’s silver medal in the BMX racing, then book a session at the track in Peckham where he trained. BMX Track London offers experienced coaching, equipment hire and bookable sessions for riders of all abilities.

*Please enjoy events safely, and remember hands, face and space.*

>> Check out all our summer listings 

What’s on for children, young people and families

Free ‘Create and Play’ session in Burgess Park tomorrow

Children aged six to 16 years are invited to our ‘Summer of Play’ pop up event in Chumleigh Gardens, Burgess Park on Saturday 14 August. Children can try six different fun and creative activities run by artists and a gardener, both in the morning and afternoon.

Time to go adventuring

Enjoy the exciting outdoors at Mint Street, Peckham Rye and Ellen Brown Adventure Playgrounds. The free summer programme runs until Friday 27 August and is open to all children aged 8 to 15 years.

Babies invited to rhyme time

Babies love to listen to the words of rhymes and dance and move to the rhythm. Come along with your baby and enjoy popular nursery rhymes on Thursday 19 August, 11am to 11.30am. For ages 0 to 4. It’s free, but booking is essential.

Six cricketers go into the cage, one will emerge victorious

Cage Cricket is dynamic, visual, high-octane entertainment. Sessions run until 29 August for those aged 12 to 16 years.

>> Check out all our summer listings for children and young people

COVID-19 updates

Everyone aged 16 or over can now get vaccinated

If you’re 16 or 17, the NHS will contact you when it’s your turn to get the COVID-19 vaccine. You’ll be invited to a local NHS service such as a GP surgery.

Everyone else can get a COVID-19 vaccine in south east London – no need to book

There are lots of ways to get vaccinated, including at regular walk-in COVID-19 vaccine clinics at Guy’s and St Thomas’, and King’s College hospitals, plus other places across south east London. Check the individual COVID-19 clinics for full details and to see who offers free Moderna, Pfizer, and AstraZeneca vaccines. You don’t need to book, or provide proof of address, immigration status, or an NHS number.

Get tested for COVID-19 twice a week for free

It’s important we continue to get tested regularly, even if we’ve been vaccinated. If you don’t have symptoms there are different ways to get tested in Southwark:
GovDelivery logo