Dear resident

In Southwark we’re determined to make sure every child can continue to learn during this lockdown. As most are learning from home, we need to ensure they can all get online so they can take part in the remote teaching our schools are providing. That’s why we are backing Laptops for Learning, and I hope those of you who can, will support the Crowdfunder too.

Over 2,000 disadvantaged Southwark pupils don’t have access to a laptop or internet connection, meaning they risk falling behind. To change that, the council has joined forces with the Teaching School Alliance to get every child who needs one, a laptop or tablet.

The council has committed up to £250,000 to match donations from local people, schools and business. We’ve seen an incredible response already with over £45,000 donated to the appeal in just the first few days.

Please support this crucial campaign if you can. Funds raised will provide children with the digital tools they need, not just during lockdown, but for their long-term education.  

>> Donate to the Laptops for Learning Crowdfunder now

Additionally, I’m delighted to say the council has secured an agreement with internet providers Hyperoptic and Community Fibre to offer free broadband to eligible families so their children can learn at home. This is available where these providers have coverage, including most of our council estates. Families currently without a broadband connection should contact their children’s school who are currently working to identify eligible households. We will continue to work to persuade other internet providers to do the same.

In this newsletter you can also read about progress on the vaccine rollout in Southwark, find out how to get your free rapid Covid test, and learn more about support for residents during the lockdown.

I’m glad to say the Covid infection rate in our borough is now coming down quickly, thanks to everyone who is staying at home and maintaining social distance when you do have to go out. However rates are still very high so please do continue to stick to the rules so we can all save lives together.

Thank you and stay safe,

Kieron

No Covid symptoms? Book a free, rapid test

If you don’t have symptoms and you need to leave home for essential reasons, you can get a regular free test (up to twice a week). Results are usually available within an hour.

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

Why you should get tested

• 1 in 3 people with COVID-19 have no symptoms. Check you’re not carrying the virus and spreading it to others.
• Covid numbers are very high. Rapid tests help find more cases and help control the virus.
• Rapid tests are painless and results are usually available in less than an hour.

Vaccine update

The COVID vaccine is our best hope of combatting this virus. The council is working with local health partners to roll out the vaccine to all priority groups, including residents aged 70 plus, by mid-February. Our local hospitals were among the first in the country to provide vaccines and all residents in our older people care homes have now been offered their first vaccination.

The coronavirus vaccine is safe and effective. Those most at risk of becoming seriously ill are being offered the vaccine first, so the NHS will get in touch with you when it’s your turn. Remember the vaccine is free and only available on the NHS to priority groups. The NHS will never ask for your bank details and anyone offering a paid-for vaccine is committing a crime.

Have you considered becoming a foster carer?

To find out more join our online fostering information session on Monday 22 February at 12 noon by emailing fostering@southwark.gov.uk

Get ready for the Census

Households across Southwark will soon be asked to take part in the nationwide survey of housing and the population. It has been carried out every decade since 1801, with the exception of 1941.

Information from the digital-first census will help decide how services are planned and funded in your local area. This could mean things like doctors’ surgeries, housing or new bus routes.

Households will receive a letter with a unique access code in the post, allowing them to complete their questionnaire online. Paper questionnaires will be available on request. Census day is March 21.

Job and career support for 16 to 25 year olds

We are linking young people in the borough with local opportunities geared towards helping them achieve a bright future, in response to the disruption to education and youth unemployment crisis caused by the pandemic. Sign up to get jobs, training, career support and more by email.

Tell us if you’ve felt lonely during lockdown

COVID-19 changed the way we socialise with friends and family. If it has made you lonely, we want to hear about the challenges you have faced. Or about new things you have tried to help you stay connected to others.

Old Kent Road Area Action Plan consultation

We’re consulting on the latest version of the Area Action Plan for the regeneration of Old Kent Road.

The plans include 20,000 new homes, 10,000 new jobs, new schools and new parks. This latest version of the plan incorporates significant changes in response to all the feedback received since the last plan was published in 2017. Have your say on the plans for Old Kent Road

COVID-19 related resources for parents and carers

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

Another 29 projects get share of £6m Local CIL fund

Yesterday, the council’s Cabinet approved funding for another 29 local community projects proposed by members of the public. These are the second batch of projects to be approved in the latest round of funding from the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL).

The projects, selected from more than 1,000 ideas suggested by the local community, include improvements to several open spaces, such as Alexis Street park and Walworth Garden, which will help to promote greener and healthier lifestyles in the borough.

Safe sex and contraception

Some of our NHS Sexual Health Services are available online. You can now access STI testing, emergency contraception and ongoing contraception prescriptions without leaving your home. Visit www.southwark.gov.uk/safesex for more information.

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.

Voting safely at this 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.

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.

Book a rapid Covid test if you don’t have symptoms

If you have to regularly leave home, for essential reasons, and you don’t have symptoms you can book regular rapid Covid tests (up to twice a week). Results are usually available within an hour.

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