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Help into work in Southwark |
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We know good jobs transform lives, and we want everyone in Southwark to have the help they need to access decent work.
Good employment helps local people tackle the cost of living, and to build stronger communities and local economies across Southwark. We also know there are clear links between poor or no work and ill-health.
That’s why this week we’re delighted to launch our new Southwark Works hub in Peckham Hill Street, behind Peckham Library.
It will welcome all residents who want help finding employment, or better roles, alongside our existing Walworth Road hub.
Our Southwark Works teams specialise in helping residents with health issues or complex needs, helping break down barriers to work and connecting residents to better-paid, sustainable jobs.
Since April 2022 we’ve helped almost 3,000 people with complex needs into work, and our new hub, funded through the Government’s Connect to Work programme, will help us to do even more.
To help local people with the cost of living we’re also still working hard to grow the number of Living Wage Employers in the borough – with now more than 450 accredited employers who provide fairly paid jobs. We’d always like to hear from businesses who’d like to join them.
We will keep working together to help local people get the good employment they need.
Sarah
Cllr Sarah King
Leader of Southwark Council
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 A rendering of the upgrades for Peckham Rye Station Square
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New £5 million investment announced to transform Peckham Rye Station
Peckham Rye Station will be transformed with £5 million of investment, announced this week. The station will become easier to use, with reduced crowding at busy times, and the booking hall restored to its original historic look. Almost £4 million in funding will come from the Department of Transport with just over £1 million more from Southwark Council and the Railway Heritage Trust.
Join the Frost Fair this weekend
From around 1605 to 1814, the surface of the Thames froze over 24 times, bringing all trade on the water to a standstill - so the people of Bankside took to the ice, creating Frost Fairs. This Saturday, 31 January, you can experience the 21st century version of the traditional Frost Fair, with street performances, traditional games, music, art and craft workshops, food and drink and more.
LGBT+ History Month in Southwark Libraries
February is LGBT+ History Month, and we have a range of free events at our libraries. From family crafts to book clubs, authors talks, a play and a film screening - everything is free and open to all, even if you're not a library member.
Coming up first, we have 'coal': in conversation with author Remi Graves, and an in-conversation event with poet, critic and author Roz Kaveney. Places are free but please do book for these events so we can keep an eye on numbers.
Leisure centre joining offer ends midnight on 31 January
Grab the chance to join your local leisure centre for just £1 using code MOVE£1 before midnight on 31 January. Get unlimited gym, swim and classes plus multi-centre access with our monthly membership.
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Opportunities to get involved |
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 One of the OurBike cargo bikes in use
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Cargo bikes for businesses
Are you a small business owner, sole trader, or community organisation in Southwark? Have you ever wondered if a cargo bike could replace short car or van trips for your business?
Peddle My Wheels are holding free webinars for anyone who wants to find out more about using cargo bikes. They'll show you two simple ways to test out a cargo bike - via OurBike and Try Before You Bike - so you can see if they work for you before making a commitment. You'll be able to find out more, get exclusive discounts and ask any questions.
Have a spare room? You could change a young person’s life
If you have a spare room and a heart for helping children and young people, we invite you to join our Fostering Discovery Hour. Right now, children and young people in Southwark are waiting for safe, loving homes – and you could help provide one. You’ll have the opportunity to ask any questions you have about fostering in a no-pressure, relaxed setting.
Join our next session online on Tuesday 17 February at 5.30pm, or see other in-person and online sessions at the link below. We look forward to seeing you there!
Old Kent Road from the air
After a decade of community consultation, the Old Kent Road Area Action Plan is in its final stages of review. The plan will deliver 20,000 new homes, with a focus on affordable housing for local people. It will also see the creation of 10,000 jobs, with new workspaces and transport provisions such as new cycle lanes and the Bakerloop bus service.
Take a look for yourself, with a birds-eye-view look at the work done so far and all that’s still to come - to make Old Kent Road a thriving area for the local community now and in the future.
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 A friendly bench in Camberwell
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Great Mental Health Day
'Everyday Spaces' is the focus of this year’s Great Mental Health Day, which takes place on Friday 30 January. It's a day that aims to get Londoners talking about mental health, highlight the support available, and remove any stigma around asking for help.
While everyday spaces can be anything from a sports pitch to an arts venue, a favourite café or community space – we’re highlighting our libraries and parks as free, inclusive spaces where everyone is welcome and where you are always part of your community. We also have our Warm Spaces, which are everyday spaces open to all.
Local elections: register now!
Southwark Council will be holding local elections on Thursday 7 May, 2026. Elections are a cornerstone of our democracy and are the best opportunity for you to make a difference in your community, by having your say on who makes decisions for you on the local council.
It only takes a few minutes to register to vote. You can find out more about elections, make sure you're registered, and apply for a postal vote via the link below.
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 Southwark is host to one side of the oldest underwater tunnel in the world - the Thames Tunnel.
The men behind behind it? Experienced engineer Marc Isambard Brunel and his young son on his first ever job…Isambard Kingdom Brunel.
The site of the entrance to the Thames Tunnel is now home to the Brunel Museum. Visit the museum to enter the magnificent original entrance to the tunnel and hear the trains going by underneath - a tunnel in daily use 183 years after it opened.
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