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Dear resident,

Southwark, like the rest of the country, is still in lockdown, despite some changes to government guidance. We must all stay at home as much as possible and keep our distance from others if we need to go out.

Therefore, if you go outside this weekend, please keep 2m away from others. You should only go out with members of your household or meet one person – outside and at a 2m distance – who’s not from your household. We are working on a plan to open more areas for sports (more details below) but will only do this where and when we can do it safely.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, so much important work continues in Southwark. And today, as part of Foster Care Fortnight, I’d like to thank all of our extraordinary foster carers who continue to play such a vital role supporting children and young people in Southwark. If you think you could make a difference and have a spare room we’d love to talk to you about fostering.

Thank you for helping to keep Southwark safe.

Cllr Peter John

Highlights from our stay-at-home library

You can look at all the activities to keep you busy at home or check out our highlights below.

Get involved in the Race to Health, 25 May to 7 June

Looking for new ways to get active? Join in the Southwark Race to Health family challenge! A fun, two-week online exercise challenge where children and adults join a virtual local library team and try to complete 60 minutes of exercise every day to help your library win the race and win virtual medals for yourself.

Camberwell Arts Festival, 13 to 21 June

The festival is back and this time with its very first digital edition and a theme dedicated to the A–Z of Camberwell. Check out the full festival programme here.

Bold Tendencies creative learning workshops, 14 May to 30 June  

Join a new, free, online creative learning workshops suitable for all ages and those with Special Educational Needs.

Watch Macbeth, free of charge.

Watch a Shakespeare’s Globe’s production of Macbeth – available free of charge on YouTube until secondary schools reopen.

Self-employment income support scheme is open

The government’s Self-Employment Income Support Scheme is now open for claims. Self-employed individuals can claim a taxable grant of 80% of average monthly trading profits. You can check if you are eligible and you can make a claim online. 

The recycling centre has opened

In line with government guidelines, we have reopened our recycling centre. However, you must apply for a permit in advance, which will give you an allocated time slot to attend. It is also important that only essential trips are made to the centre. These restrictions are in place to keep people safe and manage traffic.

We need foster carers

If you have a spare room and could provide a loving and caring home for a child in need we’d be interested to talk to you about fostering. You can find out more and register your interest or register to attend an information session on Zoom.

Reopening sports facilities in parks

In line with updated government guidance we are reopening sports facilities in parks when and where it is safe to do so. From tomorrow, Saturday 16 May, we are reopening tennis courts and cricket nets in parks, and fishing facilities in Burgess Park and Rotherhithe Peninsular. You should only use these facilities with members of your household or with one person from outside your household (but keeping a 2m distance). We will consider reopening other sports facilities, in due course, if they can be opened safely.   

Free oral contraception

All women who live in Southwark are entitled to free oral contraception which they can register for online and have delivered to their home.

Reopening construction sites

Where safe to do so, and in line with government guidelines, some construction work is now being allowed to start up again. This gives us the opportunity to re-start essential maintenance and repair work on our current council homes, and get on with our council home building programme to provide much-needed new council housing in our borough.

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.