 Warmest wishes to Muslims across Southwark and around the globe who are celebrating Eid ul-Fitr this weekend.
UK national alert test this Sunday
The government’s new Emergency Alerts system will be tested on Sunday 23 April at 3pm. The system has been created to warn people, via mobile phones or tablets, when their lives are in danger. An emergency alert is a loud, siren-like sound with a message on your screen.
>> Read more about the national alert test on Sunday
Get up to £25,000 to help Southwark’s high streets
The Thriving High Street Fund supports projects that attract more people to Southwark’s high streets and town centres. Businesses and voluntary sector groups can apply for grants from £1,000 up to £25,000.
Apply for funding for your Windrush Day celebrations
Planning a Windrush Day event? We’ve launched The Windrush 75 Commemoration Fund for community events celebrating the contributions of the Windrush generation and all the Commonwealth communities who emigrated to the borough during the post-war period.
What's on
Go boating in Southwark!
Our boating lakes in Southwark Park and Dulwich Park have reopened. They're open during weekends and school holidays.
Visit Europe’s oldest operating theatre
The Old Operating Theatre Museum, near London Bridge, reopens to the public from 21 April. Its new exhibition features 20 original artworks from local artists. Open Thursdays to Sundays, 10.30am to 5.00pm. £7.50 for adults (concessions available.)
Book now for an aquatic-themed puppetry and animation show for children
Head to the Blue Elephant Theatre in Camberwell on 23 April for a fantastical show for primary school-aged children. The show uses puppetry, animation and storytelling to explore the importance of protecting our coast and oceans. (£3 to £5).
New adult learning courses: enrol now
Our summer adult learning courses are open for enrolment. We have courses in fashion, art, woodwork, textiles, pottery, fitness, childcare, computing and more. Most courses are at the Thomas Calton Centre, SE15. Fees apply, but concessions are available.
Get cost of living help
Help with bills if you have a pre-payment meter
If you have a pre-payment meter, don't forget to redeem your energy support scheme vouchers, at your usual top-up point, within 90 days. All vouchers must be redeemed by 30 June. Don't miss out on help with your energy bills.
Help with phone and internet costs
If you get Universal Credit, Pension Credit or some other benefits you may be able to get cheaper broadband and phone packages through a social tariff. Some providers call them ‘essential’ or ‘basic’ broadband.
Get Pension Credit: join 7,000+ Southwark residents
Pension Credit is extra money for older people who get a State Retirement Pension. If you apply and you're eligible, some of the support you could get includes:
• A £900 Cost of Living Payment
• £150 Warm Home Discount
• An extra £150 or £300 Winter Fuel Payment
• Free NHS prescriptions, dental treatment and sight tests
Help if you’re struggling with debt
During these difficult times if you're worried about debts or have missed payments, there is free, confidential and independent debt advice available. Money Helper can direct you to a debt adviser straight away.
Free fruit and veg vouchers if you live in SE1, SE5, SE15 and SE17
If you're pregnant or have children aged under the age of five (until 31 August), you’re eligible for vouchers if you:
• Already get Healthy Start scheme payments for healthy food
• Have a household income of less than £16,200 per year
• Are a refugee, asylum seeker or have no recourse to public funds.
Our news updates
21 new council homes built near to the Old Kent Road
We’ve just completed 21 brand new council homes and a new community centre in our latest development near the Old Kent Road. We look forward to welcoming local people to their fantastic new homes and community space.
We've appointed Theatre Peckham to run Canada Water Theatre
We’re delighted to have appointed Theatre Peckham to manage Canada Water Theatre. If you’re creative and on the hunt for rehearsal space in Southwark, there will be lots on offer to help you!
We've won an award for leading the way to stop food poverty
We are one of only four London councils to win an award for leadership across two themes: 1) tackling the root causes of food poverty, and 2) helping residents to buy and eat healthy food they can afford.
Young carers: apply for £50 to £500 grants
We recently launched our new grants scheme helps young carers achieve their ambitions, whatever they might be. If you’re a young carer, you can apply to up to £500 from the council to go towards training, an activity or item.
Your health updates
Help with your mental health
If you're struggling with your mental health you can get advice to improve your mental wellbeing and find details of organisations that can help you.
If you, or someone you know, is in a mental health crisis, contact the local NHS 24-hour health support line on 0800 731 2864 (option 1).
Bowel cancer: get to know the facts
Bowel cancer is the 4th most common cancer in the UK. It can be detected early with screening when it's easier to treat. If you're 56 to 74 and registered with a Southwark GP you'll get a bowel screening kit, which you can do in your own home.
Get your spring COVID-19 booster if you’re eligible
COVID-19 is still making thousands of people ill every week. Protection against it (either from catching the virus or from a vaccination) fades over time. This spring, the NHS is offering a further vaccination to those at highest risk of severe illness.
Don't miss out: COVID-19 vaccines for all end soon
At the moment, everyone aged five or over can get a first and second dose of COVID-19 vaccination. After the 30 June 2023, this offer will end. Book now if you’ve still not had your first or second dose and don’t want to miss out.
Get help to lose weight: free Weight Watchers support
If you're 18 or over you may be eligible for 12 weeks’ free weight loss support. This includes virtual coaching and discounted gym membership. You'll need to be a resident or be registered with a Southwark GP. Places are limited, apply today!
More updates
Try our electric cargo bike hire scheme
If you’re a resident or business based in Southwark you can hire one of our electric cargo (delivery) bikes for as little as £3 per hour. They’re a great way of locally transporting your children, deliveries or pet dog without using a car!
Free: reusuable nappy pack trial
8m nappies are thrown away every day in the UK. Switching to reusable nappies can lower your waste and save you up to £500 per child! We're offering a free reusable nappy trial pack to all residents with children aged three and under.
Quick online home fire safety checker
London Fire Brigade has created questions to help you work out the level of risk in your home, or the home of someone you care for. It only takes a few minutes to check your home and get tailored advice for you family.
Get your voter ID sorted now
From May 2023 you will need to show photo ID to vote in a polling station. Elections are not scheduled in Southwark until May 2024 but they could be called at any time. If you don't have photo ID you can apply for a free voter ID document.
Order the free contraceptive pill online
If you want to get the pill quickly and easily, you can now order it, or the emergency pill online. It's free and discreet and you can get deliveries to your home, or collect from a pharmacy.
Free green skills training courses
Retrofit Revolution at London Southbank University offers fully-funded training courses, with expert advice, guidance and career help for unemployed Southwark residents.
Get your university tuition fees paid
If you're aged under 25, and meet other criteria, you can apply to our Southwark Scholarship scheme. The scholarship award covers the full cost of tuition fees for your undergraduate university course.
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