Southwark Life Housing News (Autumn 2019) - Have a say about your council home or estate

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Southwark Council tenants and homeowners newsletter

Issue: Autumn 2019

Talk housing

Last chance to complete our survey on how we talk to you about housing

We’re making it easier for more people to have a say about their home and estate. It's important residents can tell the council how good it is as a landlord. We call this resident involvement. The current method for resident involvement is over 30 years old. We've been working with residents for two years on new ideas for resident involvement. We want to hear feedback on our proposals from as many people as possible. Complete our resident involvement consultation by Thursday 10 October 2019.

Sumner rd

New council homes

We recently celebrated the formal opening of two new council homes developments, as part of our promise to deliver 11,000 new council homes across Southwark. The opening events, at Danny McCarthy Court in Rotherhithe and Blossom Court in Peckham, brought together families who had recently moved into their new homes.

BHM

Black History Month

During October we celebrate Black History Month in Southwark and the enormous contribution Black Britons have made to our vibrant and diverse society. Our events brochure has activities for everyone across the whole borough.  We have theatre for children and adults, indoor events as well as outdoors street dance, and history walks. If you enjoy poetry, film, storytelling, history, jazz or Hip Hop, then there is something for you.

Funding available for public meetings

Is there an issue in your local area you want to discuss with your neighbours?  If so, you may want to apply for funding to hold a one-off meeting in the community, through the council’s new Democracy Fund. The fund is part of the council’s new Empowering Communities Programme for Southwark, which makes it easier for residents to discuss and get involved with the issues that directly affect them. The funding can be used for things like venue hire, equipment hire, publicity and invitations and refreshments.

A total of £20,000 per year is available to be shared between groups across the borough who want to hold meetings or events on issues specific to their local neighbourhood. During the first year of the fund, there will be two application periods with £10,000 available in each round. Find out more here

Southwark Works

Southwark Works has a new home

Southwark Works is a free employment service that offers help, advice and guidance to Southwark residents. Southwark Works can help with anything from CV writing, finding employment and apprenticeships, to helping you progress in your career. Southwark Works is also celebrating its 15th year anniversary in supporting thousands of residents into work. Pop in and speak to the team to get registered and find out about the new services on offer. The new offices are located at 376 Walworth Road, London, SE17 2NG.

Fireworks

 

Southwark Fireworks Night

We will be holding our annual fireworks extravaganza on Tuesday 5 November at Southwark Park. Tickets remain free for Southwark residents, but must be booked in advance. Gates open at 5pm (last entry to the park is 6.30pm). Food, drink and entertainment will be available until 8pm.

Southwark Homeowner Conference 2019

The conference, organised by homeowners, will give leaseholders and freeholders who live in Southwark Council managed properties a chance to find out about their rights and responsibilities. It will also provide an opportunity to hear from various independent organisations about the services and support that are available to them. The conference will be held on Saturday 5 October between 9am to 4pm at the William Booth College, Champion Park, SE5 8BQ. Register today for a free place.

District heating networks

If you are on a heat network then you will be aware that at times the system breaks down. We are developing a long term investment plan to make sure our heat networks are reliable, affordable and sustainable.  Should you have any concerns please email us.

Cleaner Greener Safer and Neighbourhoods Funds

The Cleaner Greener Safer programme funds ideas from residents and organisations in Southwark which improve the local area. Do you want to create a community garden on your estate? You can find more information on our programme here. Or do you have ideas to promote inclusion, improve skills, combat isolation and help young people in your neighbourhood? If so, visit the Neighbourhoods Fund page for more details. The closing date for applications is Monday 7 October 2019.

Homeowners guide

We have updated our homeowners guide with the help of our homeowners readers' panel who have reviewed the guide to ensure it is easy to understand. The guide provides guidance and advice on a wide range of issues from anti social behaviour through to how to extend your lease.  You can find the updated guide in our homeowners section of the website.

Homeowners readers’ panel

Would you like to join our homeowners readers’ panel and tell us what you think about our communications? All you need to do is be on our readers panel list and have an email address. When we need feedback on something or want to make an update we'll send you the draft to find out your views. If you're interested in joining the panel please email us.

Back the Bakerloo Line extension

The extension of the Bakerloo line, from Elephant and Castle down the Old Kent Road and to New Cross Gate, Lewisham and beyond will dramatically improve transport links. It is estimated that the extension and upgrade of the Bakerloo line would support the delivery 20,000 new homes within the Old Kent Road area, with 35% affordable housing including 5,000 social rented homes. You can show your support and sign up to Back the Bakerloo now.

Southwark Adult Learning weekend courses

We have a number of weekend courses for you to enjoy and learn with us; including creative writing, pottery, photography, painting, sewing classes and yoga.  You can browse the available courses online or call 020 7358 2100 to find out more.

Is your child starting secondary school in September 2020? 

Our website has lots of useful information about the different types of secondary schools in Southwark, as well as tips to help you decide which school is right for your child. Apply for a secondary school place online by 31 October 2019.

Fostering information session

If you’re thinking about fostering you can find out more at our next fostering information session on Tuesday 8 October 2019 at 5.45pm to 7.45pm at Canada Water Library. 

Tumble dryer product recall

Did you know that Whirlpool is recalling some of the tumble dryers sold under its Hotpoint, Indesit, Creda, Swan and Proline brands? If you think you might have a tumble dryer from one of these brands, you can check whether your model needs to be recalled by calling 0800 151 0905 or visiting their website.