Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

Dear resident,

I want to thank everyone in Southwark who is doing so much to help slow the spread of COVID-19. During these extremely difficult times the response of the Southwark community has been extraordinary.

We’ve been in lockdown since 24 March and yesterday the government announced that the end is not yet in sight and lockdown will continue for at least three more weeks. Whilst this doesn’t come as a huge surprise, given the tragic news we are hearing about hundreds of deaths each day, I know how difficult this is for everyone. We are all feeling the impact of spending most of our time at home, but there are signs that lockdown is working by slowing the spread of the disease and so it’s really important that we all keep following the rules by staying at home, protecting the NHS and saving lives.

Sadly, not everyone is safe in their own home, and it’s really important we make sure that anyone who experiences abuse at home knows there is support available, and that they do not have to stay at home with an abuser. There is information below for anyone experiencing, or concerned about, domestic abuse.

Supporting our local charities

I want to pay tribute to the many fantastic local charities in Southwark who are doing so much to support the local response in Southwark. Their work – in extremely challenging circumstances – to support vulnerable residents in our borough, has been absolutely vital in the borough-wide response.

We are working with United St Saviours to raise additional funds for local charities to help them to continue to respond to the COVID-19 crisis. This will, alongside the additional community grants that the council is offering, help to fund the extra work our wonderful charities are doing to support our communities.

If you’re able to, please donate to the Crowdfunder now.

Do you know a vulnerable resident who needs help?

If you know of a vulnerable Southwark resident who can’t leave the house due to coronavirus (COVID-19), and who may not have friends, family or neighbours who can help with the delivery of essential supplies, please tell us straight away so we can help them.

Are you worried about domestic abuse?

If you or someone you know is suffering from Domestic Abuse, isolation rules do not apply. Police response and support services remain available. Nationally, there is advice and support available but you should call 999 if you are in immediate danger. Locally, the Solace Advocacy and Support Service is also available to women and men in Southwark aged 16 or over in Southwark.

Primary school applications

If you applied for a primary school place for your child, to start in September 2020, you should have received an email yesterday with an offer of a place. Currently, we don’t know when schools will be able to re-open, but we will continue to follow the national advice regarding this.

Business hardship fund

Businesses that are in hardship as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak, and are not entitled to support from government-backed schemes, may be eligible to a grant from the council’s new Business Hardship Fund. Grants of up to £2,500, £5,000 or £10,000 are available to eligible businesses, depending on the size of the business and level of need. You can also read about the other support available for businesses and if you’re self-employed.

Citizens Advice online resources

Citizens Advice has published a range of guidance and advice that may be helpful including:

• Advice if you’ve been told by your employer not to work
• Advice if you can't afford to top up your pre-payment meter  
• Advice if you’re struggling to pay rent, mortgage or bills because of coronavirus 

Citizens Advice Southwark’s services remain open and can be accessed via telephone and email.

Financial support for residents

We know that COVID-19 has increased financial pressure and concerns for many residents. Our dedicated webpage details financial support that is available and currently includes:

• information on claiming universal credit
• how to get help if you’re struggling with rent payments
• how to get help if you’re struggling with a payment owed to the council, including council tax
• help if you’re struggling with your household’s urgent, basic needs
• confirmation that all our debt collection activities have been paused
• help if you you’re a council homeowner and struggling to pay a leaseholder payment.

Read more about the financial support available.