Enjoy our parks, free youth festival tickets, VE day anniversary and more

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Enjoying our parks

It feels like summer has come early this week. Cycling from meeting to meeting around the borough it’s been wonderful to see so many people out enjoying the sun in our parks and nature gardens.

Our parks are some of Southwark’s brightest jewels. We’ve invested significantly in them over the last decade and now have 30 Green Flag parks and open spaces - one of the highest numbers of any council – and a host of nature and community gardens too.

We have many more improvements to our parks on the way too, including the expansion and linking of Dr Harold Moody and Consort Parks, and upgraded playgrounds in Nursery Row Park, Little Dorrit Park, Dulwich Park, and Peckham Rye Adventure Playground.

Our parks teams work very hard with local volunteers and Friends of Parks groups to keep our parks looking good for everyone. As ever, the team are out this week gardening, litter picking and much more.

With so many people out enjoying the sun we really need your help to keep all of our parks looking good for everyone, so please clean up after your picnic and put your litter in the bin or take it home with you.  

I hope you enjoy the good weather, and thank you for helping us keep our parks looking their best.

Cllr Kieron Williams

Leader of Southwark Council

Support and activities for young people

OneHub Youth Festival on 30 May

>> FREE tickets to OneHub Youth Festival - Friday 30 May

The OneHub Youth Festival is the place to be for all young people of Southwark looking to have a blast. Join us for live performances, interactive workshops, and delicious food. Meet new friends, showcase your talents, and make memories that will last a lifetime - grab your tickets today!

>> Applications open for Southwark Scholarship Scheme

Southwark Scholarship Scheme is accepting applications for the academic year 2025-26 to support talented ambitious young people from disadvantaged backgrounds into higher education. You must be a Southwark resident, have a combined household income of less than £28,000 per annum and enter higher education this year for the first time. Please refer to the full list of requirements and start the online application by the submission deadline on 1 June 2025.

>> Win £200 for a youth project with the best photo of Southwark

Are you a young person aged 11 to 19 years with a passion for photography or just enjoy taking photos? Share a compelling photo of Southwark from your perspective for a chance to win a £50 prize for you or £200 towards your youth project, and have your work displayed in Southwark. 

>> Post 16 support for pupils in Year 11

Our new post-16 prospectus will help pupils currently in Year 11 and 12 to decide their next step for Year 12 and 13. So whether you want to go on to A-Levels, do a technical or professional course, start an apprenticeship, or take up a traineeship, there is something in Southwark for you.

>> Are you aged 13 to 18, live in Walworth and fancy getting a £20 voucher?

We’re looking for 10 young people to take part in a creative diary study to share experiences of their neighbourhood and how it can be improved, and as a thank you they will receive a £20 Love 2 Shop voucher. The study will take place at end of May/beginning of June, exact dates will be agreed with participants. Please complete an expression of interest form by Sunday 11 May.

>> Aged 16 to 25? Share your voice on the Walworth Town Hall Community Space Board

The Walworth Town Hall Community Space Board is a unique and diverse collective looking for a young person (aged 16 to 25) from Southwark to represent youth voices and help ensure the space reflects the communities it serves. Apply by 10 June.

Staying well

People walking

>> Smoke free app: take the first step to a new you

Download the app and get the help you need with free Nicotine Replacement Therapy/vape, digital tools and 24/7 support. Search 'Smoke Free' in your app store.

>> Enjoy the Green Link Walk, starting in Peckham

The 15-mile walk links almost 40 green spaces and a number of waterways via mostly quiet streets in London. The signposted walk starts in Peckham, ends in Epping Forest, and passes many historical points.

>> Top tips to reduce your risk of a fall

Get advice on how to build your strength and confidence to reduce your risk of a fall. There's plenty of local support including free strength and balance classes, and advice on how to stay well and keep active.

>> Travel vaccines: check well ahead that you're protected

Planning for your summer holiday, a Hajj or Umrah pilgrimage? It's important to check you and your children are up to date with all routine NHS vaccinations before travelling overseas. You may also need other additional vaccines to visit certain countries and regions.

Have your say

Two adults smiling

>> Centre for Black African and Caribbean elders: survey now closing 30 May

Have your say on what services and activities a new centre should offer. Tell us how you'd like your culture honoured and celebrated: whether that's with food, music, events, prayer facilities or more.

>> Help shape the future of housing for our older residents

We’re working to create an age-friendly borough where our older residents have the choice to live in their own community, as independently as possible for as long as possible. We want to hear from you – whether you're an older resident, family member, or care provider – to help us to understand what is needed now and in the future, to achieve this. Have your say to help build a better future for all. 

Other news and updates

People celebrating VE Day at The Pyrotechnists Arms, Nunhead in 1945

>> VE Day anniversary display at Southwark Archives

Southwark Archives will host a pop-up display on Wednesday 7 May from 11am to 4pm. There will be a collection of memorabilia including photographs, incident registers, bomb damage maps and more. Visit Southwark Archives, 211 Borough High Street, SE1. Free entry, no need to book.

There will be a smaller display for VE Day at John Harvard Library from 8 May. This display will be looking at the themes of Evacuation, Land Army Girls, Rationing, VE Parties and Legacies.

>> All change at Peckham Rye Station Square

Work to transform Peckham Rye Station Square into a vibrant and welcoming space has taken a major step forward with the appointment of a contractor for the work.

>> Rent tools for some bank holiday DIY from as little as £1.50

You can rent top quality DIY tools from any of our three Library of Things sites. This includes sanders, drills, staple guns and more. You can also rent party equipment and carpet cleaners, pressure washers and steamers. East Dulwich and Elephant and Castle opened recently (in addition to Canada Water). Reserve online and pick up at one of our sites.

>> Catch Peckham Fringe, from 1 May to 6 June

Book your tickets now for the inclusive and dynamic performing arts festival that will showcase a line-up of nearly 30 exciting shows and events. All curated by ambassadors from the local community.

>> Get a free reusable nappy trial pack!

This week is reusable nappy week! Did you know Southwark Council offers a free reusable nappy trial pack to all Southwark residents with children aged three and under?

Want to make the switch to reusable? Fill out the form for your free trial pack. 

>> Southwark Policing Oversight Board hosts first meeting in public

Thanks to everyone who came to a packed Walworth Town Hall last night for the first meeting of the Southwark Policing Oversight Board to be held in public.

The theme of the night was engagement and included a presentation from local police discussing what they’re doing - and what they can do better - to support residents.

The board also heard from local groups who engage with both the police and our communities on a range of issues that affect trust and confidence: the Youth Independent Advisory Group, the local Safer Neighbourhood Board and the Independent Advisory Group.

The Policing Oversight Board will be producing recommendations based on what was discussed, which we will share as soon as they’re ready.

Content of the week

Repairs Action Day video on a phone

>> What are Repairs Action Days?

We run regular Repairs Action Days at estates across our borough, where our tenants can get repairs done on the spot – you can find out when there’s one near you.

Find out more about Repairs Action Days in Southwark