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A huge honour to be new Leader |
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It’s an incredible honour to be the new Leader of Southwark Council.
I grew up in south London and Southwark has been my home for many years.
I care deeply about our borough – our communities, history, and future – and it was truly humbling to be elected Leader last week.
Southwark is a place with enormous strength and potential, rich in diversity, energy, and resilience.
But we also face real challenges in housing, education, and in the day-to-day services that people rely on. Too many people here face deep inequality and challenges to living good lives.
My commitment as Leader is to face those challenges head-on, to listen carefully, and to lead with purpose and fairness.
You should feel that your council is on your side and we need to be clearer and more responsive with you, our residents.
Above all, we will put building trust between you and your council at the heart of all we do.
We will listen to you, respond to your needs, and work hard to get you the services you need.
It’s a privilege to serve our borough, and my job is to deliver for you.
Cllr Sarah King
Leader of Southwark Council
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 Harris Academy Peckham pupils hold up silver balloons spelling outstanding.
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For the first time ever, the academy has been rated an outstanding school in every Ofsted category. A fantastic achievement for all students, staff, and families who made this happen. The achievement was marked by a special celebratory event attended by Southwark Mayor, Cllr Sunny Lambe.
We want everyone to have safe, good-quality homes, and we are committed to becoming a good landlord for all our tenants and leaseholders. That’s why we’ve created our commitment and action plan to improve our housing services – read all about it today.
We’re excited to announce that the East Lodge restoration project has officially begun. Thanks to the Friends of Nunhead Cemetery and funding from the National Lottery Heritage Fund. The Grade II listed building is being restored, preserving historic features. We cannot wait to host events celebrating the cemetery’s rich heritage and ecological importance.
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 Southwark residents stand outside by their food waste bin.
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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.
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.
Over £480,000 has been invested since our green fund opened on 2 June 2025. It’s a time-limited investment opportunity and last time we hit our target early – so don't miss out! Southwark Green Investment is managed by ethical crowdfunding platform Abundance Investment.
Investments are long term and illiquid. Approver: Abundance Investment (Authorised and regulated by the FCA 525432). Approval date: 16 July 2025
You can rent helpful equipment like sack trolleys, carpet cleaners and DIY tools for taking apart your furniture at Library of Things. Reserve online and pick up at one of our sites (Canada Water, East Dulwich or Elephant and Castle).
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 A man looking at insects on the leaf of a tree using a magnifying glass.
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Learning is great for your wellbeing. We run free biodiversity workshops that will help you to understand and record plants and wildlife. Book now for the bumblebee identification session on 9 August in SE16.
Measles can spread easily and cause serious problems including meningitis, blindness, hearing loss and even death. Children are at highest risk, but anyone can catch it. Just two doses of the free MMR vaccine will ensure protection for life. Speak to your GP surgery or pharmacy for more information.
Health advice before you get pregnant can make a real difference to your pregnancy, birth and your child's future health. The Charity Tommy's pregnancy planning tool has some great advice on what to focus on.
It's worth checking if you need travel vaccines at least six to eight weeks before you go, and that you’re up to date with routine NHS vaccines. Southwark GPs offer free Hepatitis A, typhoid and tetanus vaccinations (booking required).
Get a blood pressure check, and advice on alcohol, healthy weight, diabetes, cancer screening, stop smoking and mental health. Upcoming dates at our local hubs or roadshows include:
- 19 July (Family fitness day: More Vim More Life) and 22 July in SE15
- 23 and 25 July in SE16
Check the page for dates into 2026 all across Southwark.
Allen Carr’s Easyway™ has helped people quit for over 40 years. If you live, work, or are registered to a GP in Southwark you can attend in person or online.
Support is available if you're struggling:
- contact your GP for advice on how to deal with your symptoms, and treatment
- Southwark’s Wellbeing Hub provides mental health support if you’re a resident or if you’re worried about the wellbeing of someone close to you
If you think life is no longer worth living:
- for urgent help, that’s not an emergency, contact NHS 111 and select the mental health option
- call Samaritans day or night, 365 days a year for free on 116 123
In an emergency, always call 999.
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 A boy and girl look excited about free kids summer activities (Move Games).
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Get the kids moving this summer with our Move Games programme across our leisure centres. It includes swimming, basketball, dance classes, games sessions, tennis, athletics, and much more. All sessions must be pre-booked, spaces are limited, book now!
David James is hosting a special football workshop and there will be free yoga and dance sessions, massage stations and activities for all ages. Come along to Castle Square, SE17 from 10am to 1pm.
Ballers Football Academy offers football and sport opportunities for primary to secondary school age children. Plus dedicated girls’ sessions, holiday camps and sessions for young people with SEND.
Come along on 24 July, 10am to 4pm to find out how to reduce fire-related risk of your home or office. The fire crews will answer your questions and inspect local premises in the market. Just look for their fire-engine!
Share your ideas for the garden at this one-off event, featuring a performance by the Nunhead Community Choir with educational talks, fun activities, and free refreshments. Come along from 10am to 4pm.
If your child gets benefits-related free school meals they can join one of our many Food and Fun holiday clubs (running weekdays 28 July to 29 August). The clubs provide fun activities, plus healthy and free food.
Little Fish Theatre is running the weekday sessions to help children with their move to secondary school. They will include music, dance, drama and art. Sign up for the sessions from 28 July to 8 August at Rye Oak Primary School.
Join us for a fun family event at Southwark Park Sports and Athletics Centre. Expect inflatable fun, penalty shoot outs, long jump, move to music, face painting, family races and more!
Our wardens teamed up with local police to conduct enforcement patrols to reduce antisocial behaviour (ASB) covering North Walworth, Faraday, Aylesbury, and Burgess Park targeting areas identified as ASB hotspots. The operation resulted in three arrests, two ASB warnings, one criminal behaviour order, and the seizure of a knife during the search of a suspect.
If your child attended a Southwark school between September 2021 and July 2024 and has experienced any form of exclusion that disrupted their learning, we want to hear from you. We're running listening conversations in person, this month.
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 A class of people on exercise bikes at the Canada Water Leisure Centre.
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Sign up to our exclusive pre-opening membership offer at the brand new leisure centre, opening 1 September. Membership starts from just £20.25 per month for your first three months with no joining fee. Watch the video to find out about the great facilities. Get ready to take your health and wellbeing to the next level!
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