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Help with your cost of living this winter |
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This week the temperature has dropped and it feels a lot more like winter. We want to make sure you have the support you need in the weeks and months to come.
That’s why Southwark Council has a wide range of ways we can help you with the cost of living, putting more money in your pocket and offering you lots of ways you can stay warm, get help and advice about money or find free things to do, and food, over the holidays. Everyone in Southwark will soon receive a booklet with ways to help to manage the cost of living.
Last year, our warm spaces programme provided over 7,800 meals to 396 people. This year, there will be at least 20 warm spaces available in Southwark where you can expect a friendly welcome, a warm room and sometimes activities, hot drinks or food. We have a map of where you can go to escape the cold.
Older people and children are especially vulnerable when the cost of living is high and the temperatures are low. Older people have until 21 December to claim pension credit so they can keep their Winter Fuel Allowance. Meanwhile, the council continues to run its Food and Fun Programme for children. Children and young people aged 4-16 years can enjoy amazing activities across the borough over the Christmas break where they will also receive free, nutritious and tasty food. Last year, 1,732 children joined in over Christmas. As well as this, Rose Vouchers are currently supporting 1,076 families to buy more fruit and vegetables in the borough.
We hope that our website has plenty of options for you, with tips on how to reduce bills, get free food, help with childcare and even cheaper broadband, but if you need urgent help from us, our Emergency Support Scheme can help you apply for a number of national and Southwark-specific grants, to get you back on your feet when times are hard.
Cllr Kieron Williams
Leader of Southwark Council
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 Get grant funding for projects that help plants and wildlife
You can now get grants of between £15,000 and £120,000 to improve biodiversity in your local area, like creating a new garden or a wildlife pond on your estate. To apply you need to be a non-profit organisation. Individuals and private companies can’t apply. The deadline for applications is 24 November.
Residents can get free advice from the Energy Advice Centre, including how to make green upgrades to your home. They can also advise on changes you can make to save energy around your home.
By following a few of our simple tips, you can reduce the cost of keeping your home warm this winter. These tips also help to reduce your carbon footprint and protect the environment.
You can rent a thermal imaging camera from Library of Things in Canada Water for £15 per day. It will help you find draughts in your home which you can cover or fix to stay warm and save energy.
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 Infant feeding drop-in sessions
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Find safe and comfortable places across Southwark where you can be supported to start and continue breastfeeding (you don’t need a referral).
If your child gets benefits-related free school meals, they can join one of many Food and Fun holiday clubs in Southwark running from 23 December to 3 January (excluding public holidays). The weekday clubs run fun activities and provide healthy and free food.
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 Stay warm and welll this winter
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We’re working with award-winning barber, Tom Chapman to help you talk about mental health with your clients. Book up for the free training at Canada Water Library, SE16 on 26 November 2024 from 10am to 2.30pm. You'll get a £150 gift card for attending.
If you're pregnant and want to give up, check out videos, hints and tips to help you. Plus you can sign up for free daily text messages to motivate you on your quit journey.
If you want discreet, fast and high quality testing for sexually transmitted infections (STI), you can order a free kit online for home delivery or collect from a pharmacy.
Cold weather can affect your health if you’re over 65, have a long term health condition, or live in a cold home. Get advice on heating your home to at least 18C, preventing falls, support with food, vaccinations, how to help people sleeping rough and more.
Download an app that rewards you for making healthy choices including walking/wheeling, cycling and using public transport. Before 7 December you could also win in the daily prize draw, get a free bike check or get 10% off wool/haberdashery.
Save on membership, personal training and swimming lessons. With newly refurbished gyms, it’s a great time to join us!
Sale starts on 22 November. Get your promo code today!
You can get advice from Citizens' Advice and the council on pension credit, winter fuel allowance, energy bills, welfare support, council tax support and much more
Drop in anytime between 10am and 1pm on Thursday 28 November at the Dockland Settlements Rotherhithe, 400 Salter Road, SE16 5AA
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 CGI of the future of the Aylesham Shopping Centre site in Peckham
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Make new friends, gain new skills, boost your CV, and experience the buzz of a unique theatre. Apply before 13 January 2025 for the 2025 summer season. (Age 18+).
The Aylesham Shopping Centre in Rye Lane, Peckham is owned by Berkeley who are planning to redevelop the site. The council is holding three public drop-in sessions to give you the chance to find out more and feedback your comments:
Friday 22 November, 3pm to 6pm, at Peckham Library (SE15 5JR)
Saturday 23 November, 11am to 2pm, at Nunhead Library (SE15 3RW)
Monday 25 November, 3pm to 7pm, at All Saints Church (SE15 4QS)
Applications are open to young people aged 18-30 from Black and ethnic minority backgrounds, living in South London, for the Peckham Digital Accelerator Zone, a free digital skills training programme, running from November 2024 to March 2025.
The council sends a regular e-newsletter with jobs, training, apprenticeship, volunteering, and other career opportunities for young people aged 16 to 25 years.
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 Flooding in Old Oak Lane in 2022
Climate change means that we will be experiencing more intense rainfall more often. Flash flooding can hit any time, but there are simple things that can help you prepare.
If you report flooding to us, even if it is small, it will help us to address the problem for now and in the future.
Did you know each phone has an IMEI number? This number can help track it down and stop it from being used if it’s gets stolen. To find yours, just dial *#06# from your keypad and then write down the number and put it somewhere safe.
Also remember:
- Look up and look out
- Enable passcodes on your phone
- Turn off message previews
Stay Connected!
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