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Time for action on maternity and start of Black History Month |
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For nine months we’ve listened to hundreds of women, families and healthcare professionals about their experiences of pregnancy and birth in Southwark.
This week, those 750 voices are heard loudly in the final report of the Southwark Maternity Commission, chaired by Cllr Evelyn Akoto and Dame Professor Donna Kinnair.
Our report reveals significant disparities in the maternity care Black and Brown women receive compared to White women. While these findings are very concerning, we're committed to creating real change for all women.
We've called for action - including clear national policies to tackle racism and inequality in maternity care, and empowering families so they can make the best decisions for their maternity care. We will work with the NHS to ensure change happens.
Also this week is the start of Black History Month, as we honour and celebrate the stories and massive contributions made by Black people in our borough and across the world.
The theme is Reclaiming Narratives – shining a brighter light on history, correcting inaccuracies and making sure unheard stories are told.
Southwark is one of the most diverse places in England and there is lots going on all around us, with many free events from authors, history talks, workshops, poetry, a fashion show and much more, including our A History of Race Relations in Southwark Exhibition.
There is truly something for all of us - together we can make sure the voices of Southwark’s rich culture and history are heard.
Cllr Kieron Williams
Leader of Southwark Council
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Events and activities (including October half term holiday) |
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We run kids swim courses for all abilities across our leisure centres during October half term. Begin your swim journey or improve your swimming skills at Southwark Splash Swim School. Book now.
Book your kids into JAGs' Destination Imagination October half term club, featuring a fantastic mix of activities like arts, sports, and STEM. Each day is designed to be exciting and engaging for the kids.
SAVE 10% by using code IMAGINE10 at checkout. Offer ends 6 October! Book now.
AND...
As part of Black History Month, join Peckham Theatre for their season celebrating young Black brilliance on the stage.
Featuring studio photography that blends Black visual culture, Greek aesthetics, and floral displays, curator Lily Reddie highlights the Windrush generation's rich diversity and migratory stories within British history.
For the full list of Black History Month events for everyone in Southwark Libraries, pick up a booklet at any Southwark library or visit our website.
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Over £120,000 has been invested since our fund opened on 11 September. It’s a time-limited investment opportunity and last time we hit our target five weeks early – so don't miss out! Investments are managed through our new fund, supported by ethical crowdfunding platform Abundance Investment.
Investments are long term and illiquid. Approver: Abundance Investment (Authorised and regulated by the FCA 525432). Approval date: 6 September 2024.
And...
You can rent top quality DIY tools from Library of Things at Canada Water. This includes sanders, drills, staple guns and more.
During September and October, we're delivering small kitchen caddies, and an instruction leaflet, to flats getting the service. We’ll also install a communal food waste recycling bin in a convenient location for each block.
From 21 October, we’ll empty communal food waste bins every week. The food waste will then be sent to a facility where it will be processed to produce renewable energy and fertiliser for farmland.
Celebrate the joy of walking and wheeling to school with our active travel maps showing routes ten and 15 minutes away from local schools to help more children and families walk, cycle and scoot to school.
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Get a free health check up at our next roadshow |
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Come along for a blood pressure check, advice on being a healthy weight, diabetes, cancer screening, alcohol consumption, stop smoking and mental health. Upcoming dates include 7 October in SE5, a women's health event on 8 October in SE15, older person event on 11 October in SE1 and many more dates up to December.
And...
The free Southwark parenting app gives you locally relevant and accurate information during pregnancy and the first year of a baby’s life.
Sign up to stop smoking support through the Southwark BetterPoints app and earn rewards of up to £50 for quitting smoking. Download the app today.
If you're 18 or over you may be eligible for 12 weeks’ free weight loss support. Find out more about this pilot programme now.
If you're aged 40 to 74 you might be invited for a check that now includes questions around your mental wellbeing, and an offer of an HIV test.
It's important to top up your protection, as immunity fades over time and these viruses change each year.
Many people are eligible, including certain children and those who:
• are 65 or older
• are pregnant
• have a long-term health condition
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We want to know more about the reasons people become homeless and how we can improve our housing and support services around those who need them most. Anyone can take part in our homelessness and rough sleeping survey so please share your thoughts.
To help with the increasing cost of living, and to add to the range of support the council offers people who are struggling financially, we are giving 5,000 residents a £50, one-off payment towards their council tax.
The £50 payment will be paid directly to those eligible in their council tax account to reduce their outstanding balance.
You can find out about youth activities near you, events, job vacancies, apprenticeships, internships, volunteering opportunities and career support. Join a local drama group or a free course to help you learn new skills for your next job, find out how to get funding to start a business, mental health support and much more.
Do you use TikTok? We’ve recently launched on this platform and would love for you to give us a follow. We’ll be sharing:
- Behind the scenes of what your council do day to day
- Staff and resident stories
- And a bit of fun too!
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Southwark Council's Tooley Street offices lit up to mark the start of Black History Month 2024
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