I am so proud of the way the council, our partners and most importantly our local residents and businesses have supported each other through this crisis. Thank you. The whole borough has come together in a show of solidarity, community and support during a period that will change the way we live and work forever.
We know the impact of COVID-19 has been felt across the borough, through lives tragically lost, and the disruption to our normal way of life.
As lockdown eases, we want to hear how people are managing – what is working well, and where there are problems. This will help us plan the council’s activities in the next few months.
We also know that the pandemic continues to put a great deal of strain on our communities and there is still help available. Find information about how to get help on our website.
Best wishes
Cllr Peter John
Southwark Stands Together
In response to the killing of George Floyd and the injustice and racism experienced by BAME communities Cllr Johnson Situ, Cabinet Member for Growth and Planning, is leading our work in this area under the name Southwark Stands Together. The work will include:
An anti-racist audit of the borough to identify statues and street names that do not reflect our borough's diversity, especially anything with links to slavery or our country's colonial past, and to identify positive opportunities for the celebration of more diverse figures
A listening exercise with communities across the borough, partner organisations, and our staff, to hear their concerns, and identify solutions to address entrenched and persistent racism and injustice
A call to all businesses and organisations in the borough to work with us to implement these solutions, taking positive action to ensure equality of opportunity
Make your own face covering
Face coverings are now compulsory on all public transport and should be considered in busy shops and enclosed public spaces. Find out how to make your own face covering at home and remember the key is to cover both the mouth and nose.
If you or someone you know is suffering from domestic abuse, you can leave home to seek help or support. 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.
