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Canada Water officially opens |
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Last Friday, I had the pleasure of spending the day at the brand-new Canada Water Leisure Centre, experiencing its state-of-the-art facilities for the first time alongside hundreds of local residents. The centre has now officially opened its doors, a proud milestone for us and a moment of real significance for the community.
I’m incredibly proud that, in partnership with British Land, we’ve delivered a facility our residents can truly be proud of. With a 25-metre, 8-lane swimming pool, a learner pool with a moveable floor, and three specialist studios for holistic, high energy and indoor cycling classes, this centre caters to people of all ages, abilities, and fitness levels.
Every detail reflects our commitment to inclusive, high-quality services built around the needs of our residents. Our £35 million investment into this centre is a flagship part of the wider Canada Water masterplan - helping to improve lives and strengthen communities across this part of Southwark.
It was wonderful to speak with so many people, many of whom have transferred their membership from the much-loved Seven Islands Leisure Centre, which has now closed its doors for the final time. Seeing their faces light up as they walked through the new centre and hearing what it means to them was a real privilege. For many, it’s about more than just fitness - it’s about having a welcoming, accessible space to move more, feel better, and connect with others.
And we’re investing in our leisure programme across every area of our borough. We recently completed a £2 million upgrade of all our leisure centres and also partnered with the UK’s largest sports charity, the Football Foundation, to redevelop Burgess Park Sports Centre - encouraging more people of all ages and backgrounds to get active.
So, whether you love a swim like I do, enjoy the buzz of group cycling classes, or just want to meet friends for a game of five-a-side or a walk in your local park - there’s something for everyone to stay well and move more, right here in Southwark.
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What you need to know this week |
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 Young people considering their Post-16 options
If you're in Year 12 or 13, aged 16-18 and thinking about college or sixth form, check out our new Post 16–18 Prospectus or get in touch with our team for free advice and guidance. We’re here to help you explore your options and take the next step towards education, training, or employment. Let us know your current situation by completing our Post 16 survey. It only takes a few minutes and helps us tailor our support if your circumstances change.
You can rent top quality cleaning products from any of our three Library of Things sites. This includes carpet cleaners, wet and dry vacuums, pressure washers and steamers. There are also DIY tools and gardening tools. Reserve online and pick up at one of our sites (Canada Water, East Dulwich, Elephant and Castle).
460,000 Londoners have done the training. In 30 minutes you can learn how to support someone struggling. Let's break the stigma and save lives.
Have you ever WONDERed what happens to your recycling? Join Veolia on 13 September from 10am at the Reuse and Recycling Centre. Enjoy a site tour, see vehicle displays and enjoy free family activities and stalls.
On Sunday 7 September at 3pm your mobile or tablet will make a loud siren-like sound for about 10 seconds, even on silent. If you have a concealed mobile for reasons such as domestic abuse you can opt out.
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What's going on in Southwark |
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 Image of an illustration of Southwark
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Come and try a swim, bike and run challenge at 10am on Saturday 27 September at Surrey Docks Fitness and Watersports Centre, hosted by community partners The Black Tri Tribe. Take your time, pick your distance and conquer it all! It’s beginner-friendly and open to all abilities.
The Black Swim Association are hosting a free 45 minute watersports session on 28 September at Surrey Docks Fitness and Watersports Centre between 9:30am to 3pm. Each adult can team up with a child to tackle new challenges, have fun and gain confidence on the water.
Waterloo and South Bank are holding a free community gathering on Sunday 21 September to celebrate local action. Through activities for both kids and adults, stalls, workshops, live performance, the event will highlight the positive work happening across the neighbourhood and offer a chance to connect, learn, and take action in your local community.
Join Women’s Self-Defense UK for free practical, supportive and empowering self-defence training for women here in Southwark. Open to all women aged 18-plus and living in the borough.
Led by a female professional martial artist and security expert, the workshops focus on techniques that are easy to learn and effective, regardless of experience or physical strength.
Urban Elephant returns to Elephant and Castle on Saturday 20 September for a free festival of diverse art, music and dance. There will be a range of activities available for all the family, as well as a chance to try out Our Bike’s e-cargo bikes.
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Staying well in Southwark |
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 Images of our community day at Canada Water
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Join with no joining fee using code MOVE1876 to enjoy unlimited gym, swim and classes across Move Southwark leisure centres. Choose any All Access membership to benefit from use of the brand new Canada Water Leisure Centre. Offer ends 30 September.
Enrol your child onto our Southwark Splash Swim School programme this September. They will learn and develop swimming technique and essential water safety skills for life. Join with code MOVE1876 for No Joining Fee
Parents can sign up for a webinar (2pm to 2.45pm) to find out about the:
- importance of vaccinating your child
- difference between the nasal and injectable flu vaccine
- how to complete the e-consent form
South East London Mind’s Queer Minds peer support service welcomes Southwark residents. The drop-in groups are in Brixton, 5.30pm to 8.30pm (registration needed). Upcoming dates:
- 10 September
- 1 October (and on the first Wednesday of the month after that)
5 million people in the UK don't know they have high blood pressure. It has no symptoms but it’s the leading preventable cause of death in the UK.
You can get a blood pressure check at:
- some community pharmacies, GPs, and or libraries and leisure centres that have health kiosk
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your NHS Health Check (for people aged 40+ )
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Don't forget to have your say |
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 People enjoying a high street in Southwark
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Don't miss your chance to have your say on your local neighbourhood. Whether it’s safer streets with more lighting, greener spaces with more planting or stronger community connections, this is your chance to help shape the places you live, work and love. The survey will only take a couple of minutes, so please do have your say.
>> Join us at Nursery Row Park to talk about safety
Join us on Tuesday, 16 September, 2 to 6pm at Nursery Row Park for a Community Safety Engagement Day.
We are aware that the park has faced challenges with antisocial behaviour and crime. That’s why we’re working with partners to take action and hear your views.
Come and speak to:
- Police Safer Neighbourhood Team
- Community Wardens & Park Liaison Officers
- Enforcement teams
- New Night-Time Uniformed Presence Service (NTUPS)
- CGL (support services)
This event is part of our North Walworth area-based plan to tackle local issues and make our borough safer for everyone.
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If your kids have ever used the slide in St James’ churchyard in Bermondsey, they’ve been taking part in a slice of Southwark history. Check out our video to find out how the ‘joy slide’ came to be, and how this story goes back over a hundred years.
And don't forget, we have plenty of channels where you can follow us and stay up to date:
TikTok
Instagram
Whatsapp
Facebook
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