Community support hub open as usual this Bank Holiday Monday
The Community Support Hub is open as usual on Bank Holiday Monday 25 May (8.30am to 5pm) so if you, or someone you know needs assistance and have no other means of support, please do get in touch.
As of Monday 18th May 2020, our dedicated helpline for residents has taken over 2,100 calls and received over 400 requests for help via our online form. Over 550 emergency food parcels have been delivered to the doorsteps of vulnerable residents and thanks to the help of Saints Foundation 767 prescriptions have been delivered to those who have been unable to leave their homes to get the medications they need.
Many of us may be feeling isolated or disconnected in the current situation, especially those living alone. Did you know that you can call our dedicated helpline if you, or someone you know, would like to have a chat? Our team can put you in touch with people who can help.
Call us on 023 8083 4800
Contact us via webchat
Or fill in the online form
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Waste and Recycling Centre opening hours extended
 Opening times at the Household Waste & Recycling Centre will be extended to 6pm from 23 May. However, with 2 hour entry queues still expected, residents are still advised to only make a visit if it is essential to do so.
If the queue time reaches two hours then vehicles will not be able to join the queue from 4pm onwards, to allow existing traffic to access the site before it closes at 6pm. Traffic is being carefully managed, if the queue reaches back to Millbrook Roundabout then it will be closed, to prevent any impact on the local traffic network in the city. For regular updates, please follow @scchighways on Twitter.
Household and Garden waste only. Chargeable and DIY waste cannot yet be accepted. Vans / commercial vehicles can only deposit small car boot size loads. Vehicles with trailers will not be able to access the site. Visit our website for full details on the restrictions that are currently in place. Thanks for your patience.
Watch local democracy in action
This week we’ve made history by live streaming council meetings over the internet for the first time.
Our Democratic Services team have been working with IT colleagues to make meetings that would normally be held in person possible while adhering to social distancing guidelines.
Cabinet, the Annual General Meeting and the Planning and Rights of Way Panel have all taken place virtually this week, with both councillors and members of the public logging on from the comfort of their own homes. If you missed Cabinet, you can watch it back on our YouTube channel.
Decision making is an important function of any council, but the challenge has been how to do this safely and transparently in Southampton while we’re all staying alert and staying at home. So we’re really pleased the meetings can go ahead as planned and more people have the opportunity to watch local democracy in action.
The virtual meetings continue next week. All meeting details, including agendas, papers and links to the live broadcasts, can be accessed here.
You will need to download the Microsoft Teams app to your PC or mobile device before the meeting starts – we’ve put together some easy-to-follow instructions to help you get set up.
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Homebid lettings service to reopen
Our choice-based lettings service, Homebid, has temporarily been taken offline to minimise unnecessary movement during the COVID-19 crisis.
However we are pleased to say that after consultation with our housing association partners, the service will reopen on Friday 5 June 2020 at 8am. All registered users will be able to use the website in the usual way from this date.
Please be aware that social distancing rules are still in force across the UK, so additional safety measures will be in place when you view a property and sign up for a tenancy. It may take longer than usual for homes to become ready to view as our teams continue to prioritise emergency works.
If you have a query about your application please email Housing Allocations quoting your name, address and application number.
For homelessness advice, please email our team.
In an emergency only, please call our out-of-hours line on 023 8023 3344.
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Smokers encouraged to #QuitforCovid
 We’re encouraging local smokers to use a new national online resource to help them quit smoking, due to growing concerns around coronavirus (COVID-19) and the increased risk of illness that smokers might face.
A survey of Southampton residents during lockdown (April-May) showed that 20% of responders who smoked are keen to quit now. Most concerning, the survey showed that those respondents who were smoking would already be at higher risk of illness from coronavirus due to other factors, or live in a household where others would be, so it’s particularly important that they reduce their further heightened risk by quitting smoking.
If you are a smoker wanting to quit, get information and support from the #QuitforCovid campaign via the Today is the Day website (www.todayistheday.co.uk). For specialist advice on quitting see their QuitCast with #QuitforCovid advisers Maggie and Louise. They also run a Twitter Quit Clinic every evening, 7.30-8.30pm. Tweet your questions using the hashtag #QuitforCovid or email quit@todayistheday.co.uk You can also ask questions of leading experts by tweeting @QuitforCOVID.
Read more about the Quit for Covid campaign.
Living Wall bursts into life
Our Living Wall on Millbrook roundabout has burst into bloom adding a much needed vibrant splash of colour to the area. The wall is designed to be green all-year, with the plant species selected specifically for Southampton. With flowering plants, the wall is providing a habitat for wildlife and supporting the delicate and varied biodiversity residing in the city. The installation of the Living Wall was included our reconstruction plans Highways Partner Balfour Beatty Living Place.
Our Green City Plan sets out how we intends to tackle climate change through five key themes. The vision of becoming a cleaner, greener healthier and more sustainable city can only be achieved through setting ambitious goals. The Plan details the outcomes we wants to achieve in the next 10 years and the activities planned over the first three years. Delivering clean air and the natural environment are two of the main concerns covered in the Plan.
You can visit our website to find out more about our Green City and pledge your support.
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Guidance for celebrating Eid Al-Fitr safely
 The Muslim festival of Ramadan comes to an end this weekend with Eid Al-Fitr, a day typically marked by communal prayers, socialising with family and friends and sharing of gifts. This year, with places of worship still closed and other restrictions still in place, Muslims in the UK and around the world are sadly going to be unable to mark Eid in the same way.
We’d encourage you to use digital technology to connect virtually with family and friends, just as you’ve been doing throughout Ramadan. This is a better way to stay safe and protect others while sharing the special day of Eid with others. Click here for further guidance from the Muslim Council of Britain.
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