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Celebrating our amazing apprentices |
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“Apprenticeships are a great opportunity to not only study but gain real life, on-the-job experience at the same time. My biggest tip would be that apprenticeships really are for anyone.”
Those are the words of Clare, a customer support officer and former apprentice at Southwark Council – explaining the real difference apprenticeships make to people of all ages.
This National Apprenticeship Week we’re celebrating apprentices like Clare and local businesses who employ them.
Over recent years we’ve consistently been one of the boroughs creating the most apprenticeships in London – over 1,700 in the last three years alone – helping local people build successful careers.
If you’re interested in apprenticeships – or know someone who might be – you can find out more through Southwark Works, our free employment service for people living in Southwark.
We’ve worked hard to make sure there are lots of opportunities in Southwark, including investment from the council to open the Apprenticeship Centre at LSBU, the Southwark Construction Skills Centre, and the recently launched Southwark Hospitality Skills Hub.
If you’re running a local businesses and would like to find out more about taking on an apprentice, we can help with that too. There’s lots of advice on apprenticeships on our website or you can contact the team directly at leconomy@southwark.gov.uk
We’re investing in all these things to make sure everyone in our borough has the opportunity to find a good job and career.
Here's to many more years of helping local people reach their full career potential, through apprenticeships and career support of all kinds.
Cllr Kieron Williams
Leader of Southwark Council
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Children and half term activities |
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 Three girls and three boys with linked arms smiling in the sunshine
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>> Free half term activities at our adventure playgrounds
Our adventure playgrounds are running free activities including clay making, puppet show, keyring making, face painting, dodgeball, table tennis and lots of arts and crafts fun:
Book now for Shakespeare-themed workshops (for ages 5 to 14), storytelling performances of some of his most popular plays like Macbeth (for ages 3+), sword fighting and costume demonstrations. Plus award-winning guided tours, including Shakespeare’s Globe Story and Tour (with free face painting on select days).
Come along on 17 February, 3pm to 4pm for a fun family story session with an exciting craft at the end. Discuss and celebrate different types of family, through the story Grandad’s Camper by Harry Woodgate.
Bring your little ones to a live interactive puppet show ‘The Mousetery in the Gallery’ at Mint Street Adventure Playground, Lant Street, SE1. The show starts at 3pm, suitable for ages 8 to 11 years (free).
Come along and hear about Maya’s Worldly Wonder adventures in this engaging and interactive event with the author. 2pm to 3pm at Canada Water Library, suitable for ages 5 to 11 years.
All explorers are welcome to step aboard and meet the ship's crew. Learn how to load a cannon, stave off an injury or how to sail by the stars. Workshops run 15 to 23 February at 11am and 2pm, for ages 7+. Family of four ticket £18 (excluding fees).
We’re running four and five-day courses in our leisure centres this half term. Have fun and learn new skills in the water. Spaces are running out fast – book today!
Get information to help you and your family, from before a baby is born up to their fifth birthday. This includes pregnancy care, infant feeding, parental mental health support, support for children with special educational needs and disabilities, childcare and more.
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 Young woman asking people to order a free HIV test during national HIV testing week and be part of the generation that stops HIV
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Testing is the only way to know your HIV status. You get the result quickly, which helps you stay in control of your health. Treatment for HIV is very effective and free to everyone in the UK.
Community Axis for Sexual Health (CASH) engage Black communities in HIV awareness, prevention, testing and treatment. They’ll be doing free HIV tests on:
- 15 February, 3pm to 7pm in hairdressers and barber shops on Peckham High Street
- 21 February, 12 noon to 4pm, in Peckham Rye (Holly Grove/Elm Grove)
If you're 16+, of Black heritage and live, work, or study in London, share your thoughts on HIV prevention services. Complete the survey by 28 February 2025 and enter a prize draw for vouchers worth up to £100.
>> FREE online exercise classes
Struggling to find time to get to the gym? Try our free online classes in the comfort of your home. No excuses for missing a class! Search 'Southwark Leisure' in your app store.
Download the app and get the help you need with free Nicotine Replacement Therapy/vaping, digital tools and 24/7 support. The premium version is only available for a limited time. Search ‘Smoke Free’ in your app store.
Apply today for a pre-paid card to buy fruit, veg and milk if you're pregnant, or have children under four and get certain benefits.
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Save money and protect the climate |
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 Man putting up a curtain pole using an electric drill borrowed from a Library of Things
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You can rent top quality DIY tools from the Library of Things at Canada Water. This includes sanders, drills, staple guns and more.
If you’re looking for fun, free activities over half term, why not go for a family bike ride, brush up on your cycling skills or learn to cycle? We offer free cycle skills training for all ages and abilities, including sessions for women, girls and children.
The fund gives grants to local schools, faith groups and community groups for green energy projects. Examples could include solar panels, heat pumps, workshops or training to help tackle fuel poverty. Apply by 11.59pm on 6 April 2025.
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 Tower Bridge on a sunny day
Did you know Southwark residents can visit Tower Bridge for just £1 with a community ticket? Discover the stories behind the architecture, the engineering, and the people that built Tower Bridge, your local landmark.
DIY Art Market champions a diverse community of artists and publishers – providing an affordable platform for them to exhibit and sell their artwork. Come along to Copeland Park & Bussey Building, 11am to 5pm, £1.50 entry and dog friendly!
Our LGBTQI+ communities can apply for a share of the fund to create events from June to the end of August 2025. These must celebrate lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer identity, the culture, histories and rights of these communities.
We want to hear from young people on the types of activities, programmes and resources they would like to see at youth centres. The survey only takes five minutes and closes 9 March.
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.
Their bar and food hall has big screen TVs for watching the rugby and some great food options. They have space for walk-ins, but you can also book ahead to secure your seats.
Planning your wedding just got easier with Perfect Day Southwark. The website highlights venues ranging from elegant civic buildings to hidden gems within local parks. From historic halls to modern spaces, find your dream venue right here in Southwark.
Book your free ticket for the fair at the 19th-century, grade 2 listed Kingswood Arts, 12 noon to 3pm. Discover exceptional wedding and event suppliers, and explore this magnificent venue to help you plan your dream day.
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