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Moving through 2026 together |
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I want to wish all of our residents, businesses and partners a very happy New Year. I’m looking forward to seeing what 2026 brings the people and places of Southwark.
Last year, you showed just how much our community values staying active. We saw over two million visits to our seven leisure centres, with 84,580 leisure members.
A real highlight for me was the opening of Canada Water Leisure Centre, a landmark moment for our community. Also I loved learning Southwark residents' favourite classes from 2026: group cycling, Pilates, and Les Mills Body Pump – all of which I’ve tried myself!
On a personal note, confidence in leisure spaces, particularly the gym, didn’t come naturally to me. I’ve grown into it and found a passion for different kinds of exercise. I started small, choosing activities I enjoyed – a regular cycle session or a game of badminton – and gradually discovered a love for strength training. It’s been a journey, and our leisure centres have made it possible.
As we kick off the new year, we’re excited to offer a free, tailored 12-week programme for anyone who becomes a member before 31 January 2026. It’s designed to deliver guaranteed results – and it’s well worth a try. If you’ve been thinking about joining, now is the perfect time.
Here’s to a healthier, stronger year ahead – let’s keep moving together.
Sarah
Cllr Sarah King
Leader of Southwark Council
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 Photo of the frozen lake in Burgess Park at sunrise
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Freezing weather
We've all had to wrap up warm this week, as temperatures have fallen below freezing on many nights. When this happens, we lay grit on roads and pavements.
The heavy rain we've had at times this week washes away grit, leading to black ice in many places. Our contractors respond to this as soon as possible by hand-spreading salt in affected areas, but please do take extra care when you're out and about.
Remember, if you see someone who is sleeping rough during these freezing temperatures, you can report their location to StreetLink, who will help to connect them to local services. We also have more than 40 Warm Spaces available for anyone to use.
Join free open day activities at our leisure centres
Come to any of our Move Southwark leisure centres this Saturday, 10 January, for free gym passes, workshops, exercise classes, blood pressure checks, kid’s activities, 5k community runs, and more.
Free 12 week programme to kickstart your fitness goals
Want to be healthier, fitter, stronger and more confident in 2026? Join your local leisure centre and secure your free place on a 12-week Success Programme with guaranteed results or your money back (terms apply). The offer ends 31 January 2026.
Reminder: apply for a primary school place by 15 January
If your child was born between 1 September 2021 and 31 August 2022, they are due to start primary school in September 2026.
You must submit your application before the closing date on Thursday 15 January 2026. Our primary school admissions guide has lots of information about the different types of primary schools in Southwark, to help you decide which school is right for your child.
Secure your place for this year's Swim School
Our 2026 Swim School programme for kids is now open. Spaces go fast so book a place online or at your local Move Southwark leisure centre today, for your child to learn how to swim, plus vital water safety skills.
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Opportunities to get involved |
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 Photo of Moreton Gate Nature Garden - a project funded by Southwark Green Investment
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Volunteer at a Burgess Park woodland conservation day
Spending some time outside and helping out at one of our wonderful parks - what's not to like? The London Wildlife Trust are looking for volunteers for a conservation day on Wednesday 14 January at Burgess Park, between 10am and 3pm. Find out more and register via the link below.
Invest and help to fund green projects in Southwark
Southwark Green Investment is once again open for investments. You can invest from just £5 and get a 4.1% annual return. Over £560,000 has already been invested since 1 December 2025!
The money raised goes directly towards funding projects in Southwark - like these solar panels on the roof of Peckham Pulse Leisure Centre.
Southwark Green Investment is managed by ethical crowdfunding platform Abundance Investment.
Investments are long term and may be hard to sell. Approver: Abundance Investment (Authorised and regulated by the FCA 525432). Approval date: 26 November 2025
Nominate a local hero for the Southwark Civic Awards 2026
Do you know someone who has gone above and beyond for the local community this year? Perhaps someone who has made a difference to the lives to others? Tell us about them - nominate them for a Southwark Civic Award.
Nominations for the awards are open now and close on 30 January.
Become a school governor and make a difference
We’re looking for committed people across Southwark to join Southwark school governing bodies.
Governors help shape school strategy, support leadership, and make a real impact. It’s a great way to give back and grow your skills. There's more information about being a governor on our website.
If you're interested, please get in touch via the link below.
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 Photo of a warm space in Southwark provided by Age UK
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Staying warm this winter
We proudly fund over 40 Warm Spaces across Southwark, including in all of our libraries and leisure centres – these are free, warm, and welcoming places where anyone can drop in and spend time for free. Many Warm Spaces are a great way to meet people and also offer hot drinks, food, and cost of living advice.
Mental health support
If you or someone you know needs mental health support this January, there is help available. Whether it’s worries about work, money, relationships, or your family’s health: there is plenty of free and confidential support in Southwark.
Remember, if you need immediate emotional and practical support, call NHS 111 and select the mental health option. If it’s an emergency, call 999.
Kick off the new year with a new job
Southwark Works is a free employment support service. It offers friendly, professional guidance on job searching and training, including help with CVs, applications, and interview skills.
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 Our Environment Enforcement officers are out and about in Southwark in all weathers. We tagged along with Lawrence and Olu, two of our officers whose job is to help combat fly-tipping by investigating fly-tips and issuing fines to offenders.
Remember, if you see items that have been fly-tipped, you can report them on our website, and we'll investigate and clear them up.
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