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Living good lives in Southwark

On Monday I joined over 140 community leaders from across our borough to launch our shared plan to improve the lives of everyone in Southwark.

It was an event that reminded me again just how special our borough is.  With so many inspiring people in the room from across our community and faith groups, businesses, schools, universities and public services, determined to make Southwark a place where everyone can live a good life.

It was great to celebrate some of our shared success and to commit to achieving even more together.

Some of those successes really are worth celebrating. 25 years ago Southwark's schools were rated the second worst in the country. Now they are some of the best, with 98% rated good or outstanding. We're building our 3,000th truly affordable council home for local residents, and our collective work by the council and local community groups has got vital cost of living help to over 100,000 people over the last three years.  

The Southwark 2030 strategy that we launched on Monday sets out the things we will do next. Talking to people across our community I know how much more there is to do.  The last 14 years have seen poverty and homelessness rocket across our country, and after years of austerity many of the things we all depend on need to be rebuilt. Our NHS, local policing, our courts and so much more.

Southwark 2030 sets out six big goals for our community to work together on over the next five years. So that come the turn of the decade we can have more success to celebrate.

It has been shaped by thousands of you and is built around what matters to you most. A huge thanks to everyone who took part.

We know working together is essential.  But rightly you will say ‘ok – but what is the council doing?’

That’s why on Tuesday, at our Cabinet meeting, we agreed the council’s delivery plan for Southwark 2030. It includes investing £250 million to make our council homes safer and healthier; tackling crime and anti-social behaviour hotspots; and a host of actions to support thousands of Southwark residents out of poverty and into good jobs and apprenticeships.

Importantly it also includes action to further drive up standards in the council, to make sure the money the council spends achieves even more for you. 

Cllr Kieron Williams

Leader of Southwark Council

Staying well this winter 

Mother and child

>> NHS advice to help your child’s early development

Every interaction is a chance to build your child’s brain. Anytime, anywhere, at home or out and about, it all adds up. Learn more about the impact you can have from the NHS early learning and development advice.

>> Go fizz free for February and cut down on sugar

Drinking fewer fizzy drinks can significantly cut down your sugar intake – a great way to improve your health. Find out how to take part if you're part of a children and family centre or school, or just fancy trying the challenge at home.

>> HIV testing: free, quick easy and for anyone 16+

Early diagnosis and treatment means most people with HIV can live normal, healthy lives. We have the tools to stop HIV: testing, treatment, condoms, and PrEP (a drug that reduces the risk of getting HIV). ‍Be part of the generation that stops HIV and order a home testing kit today.

>> Free health check kiosk to support your employees: book today

The checks can help spot early signs of heart disease and reduce the risk of having a heart attack. Your employees get tailored health and lifestyle advice. Book an installation meeting before 31 March 2025 to find out more.

>> Centre for Black African and Caribbean elders: get involved

You gave your views on a new centre that reflects the cultural, social, and physical needs of Black seniors in Southwark. You can play a vital role in the next steps – sign up before 3 March to join the working group.

Behind the scenes with your recycling 

Southwark recycling facility

>> Want to see what happens to your recycling?

The world of rubbish and recycling is fascinating and now you can find out more by visiting Southwark Integrated Waste Management Facility off the Old Kent Road! Join a community tour to find out what happens to our recycling.

>> Food waste in Southwark

Almost all properties in Southwark now have a food waste recycling collection. If you don’t have a bin yet find out if you’re eligible and order your kitchen caddy.

>> Recycle your electrical items

Did you know you can recycle anything with a plug, battery or cable at your local Waste Electrical Bank? Don't place them in your household bins as they can cause fires! Search ‘recycle your electricals’ to find your nearest recycling point. 

Toot toot, beep beep! 

Bakerloop new bus service

>> Bakerloop bus service launches

We joined the launch of the Bakerloop consultation this week. The proposed Bakerloop bus service, funded by developer contributions in Southwark, will replicate the route of the proposed Bakerloo line extension and upgrade, highlighting the importance of extending the tube network. Join thousands of others who have shown their support by signing our pledge.

>> Join our craft and community market at Camberwell Library

A vibrant market where you can find unique gifts from independent craft businesses. On Saturday 8 February 2025, from 1pm to 4pm. Shop local and support small businesses.

>> National Apprenticeship Week - events from 10 to 14 Feb

We've helped over 1,500 apprentices so far develop their skills and passion. If you're not sure what to do next, it's the perfect time to find out more about becoming (or hiring if you're a business) an apprentice with a range of free workshops and webinars across Southwark and London.

>> Kids half term swim courses

Have fun in the water on our February Southwark Splash swim courses. Move with the flow and learn new things! Spaces running out fast – book today!

>> Have you considered fostering a child in need?

Fostering in Southwark are proudly hosting community sessions delivering information about flexible foster placements, generous financial packages with council tax relief, and essential training with a chance for Q&As. There’s never been a better time to foster.

And last, but not least...

>> Apply for up to £5,000 grant for local initiatives

The Elephant and Castle Town Centre Team and Get Living are opening applications again for the Inspiring Elephant Community Fund. The fund provides a total of £50,000 a year in grants to local groups, organisations and community initiatives. Applicants are also invited to apply to run their initiative from the purpose-built Community Hub space on the second floor of Castle Square, free of charge. Application deadline is 27 March.

>> Join us in shaping the future of Peckham Square

This month have your say on the future of Peckham Square. From 13 to 21 February you can meet the design team and share ideas and feedback on the new designs - exhibition will be held at Peckham Library.

>> Do you have questions about local policing?

The Southwark Policing Oversight Board has been set up to work towards improving trust and confidence between local police and the community. The board is meeting next week, and they want to hear from you.

If you have any questions for the board around trust and confidence in the police, please email policingoversight@southwark.gov.uk by 5pm on Monday 10 February.

>> Protect your mobile phone against phone snatchers

If someone steals your phone, report it to the police by calling 101 (or 999 if someone is in immediate danger) as soon as you can get access to a phone. Even if you can’t get help immediately, it allows local police and our community safety teams to build up a picture of where phone snatching is happening, so we can respond. Watch our video on Instagram to find out more.

>> Applications set to open for Southwark’s second Pride Fund

Southwark’s LGBTQI+ community and organisations are being encouraged to apply for a share of £30,000 towards their Pride events this year as Southwark opens its second Pride Fund. Events must take place in Southwark from Pride Month in June to the end of August and applications close on 4 March. If you have any questions about the Pride fund, email cvssu@southwark.gov.uk

>> On TikTok? Follow us! 

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