|
Good news for council homes |
|
|
In this job I've had the privilege of meeting thousands of people across our borough. In all of those conversations one topic has come up more than all the others combined - housing.
That's why I've made it the top priority for our council. It's also why I was delighted by the news yesterday that the Government will invest an extra £39 billion in building more affordable homes.
Our share of this money will mean we can go further and faster in building the truly affordable homes our community needs.
Since I became Leader of the Council five years ago we have built more new council homes in Southwark than at any other council in the country, with over 3,000 now completed or under construction.
It's not just council homes that we have been building. Last year more social rent homes - council and housing association homes combined - were built in Southwark than any other London borough.
Yet from all of my conversations I know there is still much more to do. Across London 1 in every 21 children are living in temporary accommodation, more than one in every classroom. That is something that we must never accept.
So as well as making sure we are building locally, I've also worked hard to make the case nationally for more investment in council homes. Last year I launched a report backed by over 100 councils setting out the urgent action needed. Yesterday the Government listened and acted.
The £39 billion announced by the Chancellor yesterday is about much more than bricks and mortar. It's about homes and it will transform the lives of countless families here in Southwark and across our country.
Cllr Kieron Williams
Leader of Southwark Council
|
|
 One Hub Festival relaunch event at Peckham Levels
|
|
|
The new and improved One Hub website is officially live, offering a vibrant, user-friendly platform designed to connect young people, parents, and professionals with local services and opportunities. Visit the new One Hub website to explore the latest activities available for young people in Southwark.
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. Application deadline now extended to 16 June 2025.
|
|
Wellbeing and other health advice |
|
 Connect is one of the 5 ways to wellbeing
|
|
|
This week's five ways to wellbeing theme is 'Connect' and we're focussing on Loneliness Awareness Week. Loneliness is a natural human emotion. We're hardwired to need social connections. The week aims to reduce stigma around loneliness by creating supportive communities where people can have open, honest conversations. There are lots of ways to connect more with others locally including:
>> Youth centres provide a range of activities for children and teenagers
>> Connect with others by joining a local walking group
>> Find a wide range of cultural and community events for all ages in your area
Measles is serious, can spread easily and cause serious problems including meningitis, blindness and hearing loss. Children are at highest risk, but anyone can catch it. Speak to your GP about a free vaccination at any age.
The NHS needs one million regular blood donors to ensure patients get the care they need. Each donation makes an incredible difference: book your appointment today.
If you're a regular cyclist, or keen on trying cycling you could be in with a chance of winning between £5 and £25 worth of points during this week. You need to download the BetterPoints app to take part. We’ve also got you covered with free cycle training and support to help you learn to ride or gain confidence.
Black men have a 1 in 4 chance of getting prostate cancer. It’s 1 in 8 for white men. Black men are encouraged to ask for a PSA test which can help identify if you need to be sent to hospital for further tests for prostate cancer.
You can check your height, weight, body mass index (BMI), blood pressure, heart rate and more at free health check kiosks across the borough. This week we've added two new kiosks at Grove Vale Library in SE22 and Brandon Library in SE17.
|
|
 Repairing household items
|
|
|
There are lots of free events happening between Saturday 21 June and Sunday 29 June in Southwark, including a repair café, bike repairs and skills workshops. This is part of our commitment to do something each year that brings together residents, community groups and businesses to take climate action. Some events need to be booked in advance.
Balancing work and family life can be a challenge—but with wraparound childcare, it doesn’t have to be. Childcare from 8am to 6pm during term time before and after the school day is available through Wraparound Childcare at your child’s school or a local club—giving you the flexibility you need. You could be eligible for up to 85% of your childcare costs through Universal Credit.
With the World Health Organisation’s International Food Safety Day falling this month, it seems as good a time as any to find out more about the work our food safety team does. In 2024/25 our specialist officers completed 1,475 food hygiene inspections, resulting in three successful prosecutions of businesses in the borough, helping to make a safer Southwark for everyone who lives, works, studies or visits here. If you’re worried about food safety in the borough, email the team at food@southwark.gov.uk
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 about how we can create an age-friendly borough. This will help us to understand what is needed now and in the future.
|
|
 Pre-loved clothing
|
|
|
We’re running a clothes swap on Saturday 28 June, as part of a programme of events during London Climate Action Week. You can upgrade your wardrobe by bringing no more than five pre-loved items to swap for new-to-you items. Run by Loanhood.
Do you need help with your energy bills, rent arrears, benefits, council tax or debt advice? Head to a cost of living roadshow on Tuesday 17 June 10am to 1pm at Cherry Garden Hall, 210 Jamaica Road SE16 4RT
Join us from 14 to 21 June for a vibrant celebration of literature and storytelling. Discover the magic of words and connect with fellow book lovers in your community. Amazing talks with renowned authors, engaging workshops for all ages, and captivating storytellers.
From next week, this moving art exhibition at Southwark’s Tooley Street Atrium gives voice to stories of belonging and healing. Giving a testament to lives shaped by adoption through poetry, painting, photography, and more. Don't miss this rare opportunity to witness these heartfelt journeys. Visit for free and be inspired to see adoption through a new perspective.
Save the date Saturday 21 June, from 11am to 4pm, Bellenden Road, Peckham we’re celebrating our High Streets for People where families, communities and businesses come together and attendees of all ages are invited to enjoy a day filled with children's games including a space hopper race, cycling activities and a smoothie bike, music including a live Samba parade plus much more.
From art giveaways to group exhibitions, the festival aims to be an arts free-for-all bringing together local artists, residents and organisations. Supported by the council's Cultural Celebrations Fund.
|
|
Pride flag raising at Tooley Street |
|
 LGBTQ+ Network and cabinet members raise the flag on Tooley Street's roof
|
|
|
|
|
