Emergency alert system test this weekend
On Sunday, 23 April, there will be a nationwide test of the Government’s new Emergency Alerts system. This system be a vital tool to keep the public safe in life-threatening emergencies.
The test alert, which will take place at 3pm, will see people receive a message on the home screen of their mobile phone, which will make a loud siren sound, even if it is on silent. If you have a secret phone which you do not want to reveal, the charity Refuge, which supports people experiencing domestic violence, has created a video with instructions for how to disable the alert.
Merton hits 85% of first preferences for primary schools
Merton Council has been able to offer 85% of school children a place at their first preference primary school – an increase of 1% on last year and 3% on the year before.
Every Merton family that applied for a primary school place, starting in September 2023, has received an offer of a school place. 94% of Merton children have been offered a place in one of their top three preferred primary schools, with more than 96% receiving a place at one of their six preferences.
Street names consultation
Merton has several streets named after individuals with historical links to the slave trade. We are not proposing to change any of these street names, but we want to know how best to recognise these links - which is why we've launched a consultation.
Tell us what you think by Wednesday, 31 May.
Final push for Beat the Street in Merton
Beat the Street in Merton has reached its final week. Participants have already walked, scooted and cycled over 220,000 miles – so this week’s theme is Go Celebrate!
Beat boxes will be giving out double points, and remember there are prizes for the winners!
Join your local community in the The Big Merton Help Out
Join in The Big Help Out, a national day of volunteering, as part of the King’s Coronation!
We're holding our own Big Merton Help Out and inviting residents to volunteer to help plant wildflower beds and build habitats for local wildlife.
Join us on Monday, 8 May at Three Kings Piece, Mitcham from 10am-3pm.
For a day of free pizza, fun activities & more! This is a family-friendly event & open to all ages.
What's your plan for the future?
Age UK are hosting an event to provide Merton residents aged between 50-65 with information and advice on how to prepare for later life.
They are seeking to help people aged 50+ to consider what their future looks like and plan for their future needs. For example, this could be through making a will or understanding different care options.
This event will take place on: Thursday, 27 April from 5-8pm at the Polka Theatre in Wimbledon.
The event will have a marketplace with stallholders available from different organisations across care, legal, financial, health and voluntary sectors.
Merton Libraries open consultation on how to use Art Council funding
Our libraries and heritage service recently received the excellent news that it will be awarded almost £360,000 of funding from Arts Council England to invest in delivering high quality arts and cultural activities in our libraries over the next three years.
Therefore, Merton Libraries have opened a public consultation to hear from residents and visitors about what you would like to see happen in our libraries. The aim is to find out how we can better involve the east of the borough and develop audiences, communities and local talent participation.
The consultation will close on Friday, 19 May.
Back to school pupil premium check
Over 24% of students are eligible for Free School Meals. With the kids back to school, have you recently checked your family’s eligibility?
Free school meals are available under the ‘pupil premium’ that provides funding of up to £1,320 per eligible student. The school can use this money to support your child, for example, by providing new equipment or possibly additional teaching staff, as well as a nutritious meal.
Are you eligible for a Covid-19 spring booster?
Are you eligible for a Covid-19 spring booster jab? If so, book your appointment now.
As well as being able to get your immunisation at your local pharmacy, Merton Council is also hosting pop-up clinics across the Borough.
Sign up for free digital skills courses
Did you know that the Department of Education has developed digital skills standards that all adults in England are entitled to study for free?
Merton Adult Learning is running Entry Level and Level 1 Digital Skills qualifications at Merton College. Adults taking the courses will be able to learn how to use devices and handle information; create and edit documents; carry out transactions; and be safe and responsible online.
Merton Adult Learning are offering free advice and guidance sessions for these qualifications, so book your place below.
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