Southwark Life Housing News - Winter 2017

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Enewsletter for Southwark Council tenants and homeowners

fire alarm


High rise blocks fire risk assessments

Fire risk assessments have now been carried out for our 173 high rise blocks of flats in Southwark. Fire Risk Assessment (FRA) for high rise blocks (seven plus storeys) are available online for everyone to view.  We have a very large number of council properties and have always been transparent in providing a copy of the FRA for any block on request by applying online.  

Our buildings are designed so that each flat is a compartment and will keep that fire from spreading to a neighbouring flat for at least an hour.  In order to keep you, your family, friends and neighbours safe please follow these simple rules to keep your building safe from fire:  

- Keep common areas clear

- Report any fire safety defects to repairs department on 0800 952 4444

- Keep your internal doors shut at night

- Do not store white goods such as fridges, freezers, washing machines in your hallway

- Ensure that you never leave a burning candle or tea light unattended

- Smokers should extinguish cigarettes properly

- Do not overload electrical sockets

- Test your smoke detectors weekly (call 0800 028 4428 to arrange a visit from the London Fire Brigade for home fire safety advice and to fit a free smoke alarm where necessary)

- Do not leave rubbish in the communal areas or outside the building - don’t dump it, bin it

Remember to test your smoke alarm!

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Join the Southwark Conversation #TalkSouthwark

Southwark is changing. We want this change to work for everyone – to help you and your families enjoy life, be healthy and do well in Southwark.

We want to hear direct from our residents about how the changes are affecting you, how you feel about the future and whether there’s anything you think we can do differently.

We’ve already heard from hundreds of local people and we really want to hear from you too, so please fill in the form online or a copy of the survey is available within the pages of our latest issue of Southwark Life magazine. The closing date is on 24 December 2017 – so don’t delay we want to hear what you have to say or call us on 020 7525 3326.

flu


Have you had your free flu jab yet?

Flu is highly infectious and can affect anyone but certain conditions can make it worse. Vaccination is the best way to protect yourself and your family against flu.

You should have the free flu vaccine if you are over 65, pregnant, or have a long term health condition such as a heart or lung disease, or have a weakened immune system and is also available for all children aged between two and eight years. The flu vaccine is provided free by the NHS – just call your GP for an appointment or visit your local pharmacy. Full details about who should get vaccinated can be found at nhs.uk/staywell

primary


Primary school application deadline coming up

If your child was born between 1 September 2013 and 31 August 2014, your child is due to start primary school in September 2018 and you must submit your application by 15 January 2018.

If you're a Southwark resident, you must apply online for a primary school place. If you live in another borough, you must complete the admission application for the borough in which you live even if you'd like to apply for a school in Southwark. Further information on primary school admissions is available on our website.

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Don't forget to have your say in our Southwark Conversation: Complete the online form by 24 December 2017

cooking


Please keep an eye on your food when it is cooking

There have been two occasions in the last month where the Fire Brigade has had to attend blocks where smoke was reported. In both cases it turned out that the resident had put food on to cook and left the flat leaving the food cooking but unattended, which led to it smoking and causing fire alarms to go off.

The Fire Brigade has asked us to advise all residents not to leave any cooking unattended whilst they are out of their home as it can cause unnecessary concern and disruption for you and your neighbours as well as potentially creating a risk of fire.

If you would like more tips on how you can keep your home safe from the risks of fire, our ‘Southwark Life Fire Safety’ special is available online.

Back the bid


London Borough of Culture - vote today!

We are calling on you, the people of Southwark, to join us in our bid to become London Borough of Culture. In February next year two London councils will be awarded the title of London Borough of Culture; one for 2019 and the other for 2020.

Each winning borough will receive more than £1million from the Mayor of London and will run a huge and exciting programme of cultural events that will feature the talents of both global superstars and local people. It only takes a moment to pledge your support, click here to back our bid by 1 December 2017.

5000


5,000 lives changed for the better

We are delighted that we have achieved our ambitious target of creating 5,000 jobs over four years and helping our residents into work. We were determined to take advantage of all the opportunities on our doorstep, from many sectors and a rich mix of employers, including the many smaller and independent businesses dotted across the borough. Visit Southwark Works to find out how we can help you change your life forever.

adult


Learn something new with our adult learning service

The council’s adult learning service offers a range of day, evening and weekend courses. Our programme includes courses that lead to formal qualifications as well as courses for your own personal development, for example learning to tap dance, improving your creative writing or to gain skills in art, pottery, woodwork and other crafts. Our spring term starts in January 2018 and you can enrol now; click here to see a full list of available courses.  

salt


Collect your free bag of salt

Don’t miss out on your chance to collect your FREE bag of salt, for spreading on your path, drive or walkways, to reduce the chance of dangerous, slippery ice forming. You can collect a free bag of salt on Saturday 9 December. Find out the eight locations you can collect your free salt from on our website

MySouthwark Home Owners Agency

MySouthwark Home Owners Agency is an independent agency which oversees the performance of services that impact Southwark homeowners and works to drive positive change that improves the services we deliver to homeowners.

The agency has an independent advocacy service that carries out independent investigations on behalf of homeowners if they are unable to reach initial resolution on complex issues. We are also one of the few social landlords to offer a free binding arbitration service. We have two arbitration panels dealing with service charges, tenant and leasehold disputes. Click here for more information on these services.