Southwark is a Borough of Sanctuary, apply for funding, Frieze week and more!

Southwark Council sent this bulletin at 11-10-2024 04:12 PM BST

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Southwark celebrates being a Borough of Sanctuary

One of the things I love most about Southwark is our proud history as a welcoming, inclusive home for people of all backgrounds, faiths, and cultures.

Last night it was incredible to join Southwark’s celebration of becoming a Borough of Sanctuary - a place of safety for asylum seekers, refugees, and migrants.

At a packed Mountview Academy in Peckham, people shared their stories of escaping terrible conditions and suffering and finding a welcome in our community.

Borough of Sanctuary is about hard work between the council and local partners like the Southwark Day Centre for Asylum Seekers and the Southwark Refugee Communities Forum.

Together, we’ve developed vital support for people who have fled violence, war, or persecution – including support for health needs, and a commitment to treat all refugee, asylum-seeking and migrant-heritage children as children first and foremost. Our libraries are the first in London to earn Libraries of Sanctuary status. We understand how challenging settling into a new community can be so we’ve expanded services to help newcomers access books, free Wi-Fi, IT taster sessions, and Go Citizen Support (practice for the British citizenship test).

I am so proud that we are a community who stand by people in their hour of need. It is our centuries-long tradition of welcoming people to our borough that makes Southwark so special, and our businesses, universities and community so vibrant. Becoming a Borough of Sanctuary is all that is best about Southwark, a place where everyone can find a sense of belonging.

Cllr Kieron Williams

Leader of Southwark Council

What's on in Southwark?

Image of a Frieze canvas being exhibited at the White Cube gallery

>> It's Frieze week at White Cube gallery

As part of Frieze London, White Cube are debuting a major installation of Tracey Emin bronze relief portraits, editions of her acclaimed commission for the National Portrait Gallery, alongside works by Alia Ahmad, Sylvia Snowden, Jeff Wall and much more.

>> Fly More Than You Fall at the Southwark Playhouse

Star of Broadway, West End and The Greatest Showman, Tony-nominated Keala Settle joins the cast of this sensational new musical. This isn’t just a musical, it’s a journey that will break your heart and mend it all in one night.

>> What's on at the Tate? Zanele Muholi.

Zanele Muholi is one of the most acclaimed photographers working today, and their work has been exhibited all over the world. With over 260 photographs, this major exhibition presents the full breadth of their career to date.

Media round-up

Image of hearts coming out of a laptop

>> Watch: Black History Month in Southwark

As part of our Black History Month celebrations this October, we're taking a look at the people and organisations who've helped shape Southwark's history.

>> Watch: Councillor McAsh fixes his bike

Last week, Cllr James McAsh took part in a Fix-a-Bike with Community Cycleworks.

>> Tag a potential foster carer

Do you know anyone who would make a great foster carer?

If so, tag them into our Facebook post and we'll comment on your comment. If you're right and they do end up becoming a foster carer with us, we will send you £100.

Southwark news

>> Southwark's Maternity Commission

Southwark Council has unveiled 10 recommendations to improve maternity outcomes for Black, Asian and minority ethnic women and address racial inequalities.

>> It's Kinship Carers week!

Kinship care means that children whose parents are unable to look after them on a short or long term basis are cared for by other relatives.

Kinship Care Week (7 to 13 of October) celebrates the incredible role that kinship carers play in children’s lives. Keep an eye out for a fun video about to go on Instagram.

>> How can we better help the homeless?

We want to know more about the reasons people become homeless and how we can improve our housing and support services. Anyone can take part in this survey.

>> Get grant funding for projects that help wildlife

You could get a grant of up to £120,000 to improve biodiversity in your local area. To apply you need to be a non-profit organisation. Individuals and private companies can’t apply. The deadline for applications is 24 November.

>> Rent cleaning products from £11 per day

You can rent top quality cleaning products from Library of Things at Canada Water. This includes carpet cleaners, wet and dry vacuums, pressure washers and steamers.

>> Bakerloo line upgrade and extension's "time has come"

Southwark Council was joined by Lewisham and Brent councils to make the strong case for the Bakerloo line upgrade and extension at the London Real Estate Forum.

It would unlock over 107,000 new homes, and 150,000 new jobs nationally and inject a £1.5 billion boost to the UK economy.

>> Have your say on planning policy in Southwark

We’re currently consulting on four supplementary planning documents: householder development, climate and environment, Section 106 and community infrastructure levy and affordable housing. The consultation runs until 27 November.

>> Want to run your own business? Get free support now

We fund the Southwark Pioneers Fund: Launchpad which provides free, practical information, advice and support to aspiring and existing entrepreneurs living and working in Southwark. Apply now to secure your spot on the 2025 programme and the chance to apply for a small business grant.

>> Were you involved in the Children’s Reading Celebration?

Every summer, children are challenged to read six books, and this year all participants were entered into a prize draw to win great prizes for their reading achievements.

Last weekend, Lead Member for Leisure, Parks and Young People, Cllr Portia Mwangangye met the winners, Favour, Dino and Theo! Congratulations to our winners and remember there are lots of free activities going on down at your local library.

Health updates

VIP content of the week (TikTok)

Image of a young woman holding a sandwich in an allotment

Shareen - who features in our Southwark 2030 strategy - shows us how to improve a sandwich using nothing but plants and herbs from Camberwell Triangle Allotments.

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