|
Thanks to our amazing schools |
|
|
This week I started working full-time as your council Leader. It’s very exciting and an honour to come into work each day.
Until last Friday I was also working as a primary school teacher just a few miles away in Brixton.
Teaching is a fantastic job and has taught me so much over the years – especially how good schools change lives.
Southwark’s schools are one of our great strengths, with 99% rated Good or Outstanding by Ofsted, and GCSE results above national averages including in English and maths.
Each day children in our classrooms do outstanding work, with support from teachers and staff who go above and beyond, despite families continuing to face very difficult financial pressures and schools supporting increasing numbers of children with more complex needs.
As council leader I will continue champion our schools and all those who study and work in them.
As another busy school year draws to a close, I want to thank our children and young people, their families, school staff and governors for their hard work.
With exams finished and summer holidays nearly here, I hope everyone gets the chance to enjoy a well-earned break.
Councillor James McAsh
Leader of Southwark Council
|
|
 A hot summer day by the water
|
|
Heatwave - help and support
We’re living through another heatwave this week, with an amber heat-health alert in place until 9pm on Sunday. This can mean increased health risks, especially for vulnerable people. You can find help and support including information about free Cool Spaces on our website.
Remember that swimming in any open water Southwark is prohibited, except for supervised sessions. Cold water shock is a real risk and can happen to anyone.
Council home recovered after investigation
Our Housing Investigations Team has successfully taken back a one-bed council flat which was being sublet by a tenant living in Jamaica. We work hard every day to ensure that council homes are going to those who need them in the current housing crisis. In the last two years we have recovered 107 properties.
Venezuela appeal
Last month, Venezuela was devastated by a significant earthquake, affecting millions of people. Southwark residents stand in support with the Venezuelan and wider South American community at this very difficult time.
Residents can directly support people affected by the earthquakes by donating to the Red Cross’ Disaster Fund today. This is a safe and trusted way to get support to people quickly.
No BBQs in our parks
A reminder that no charcoal or disposable barbecues of any kind are allowed in our parks. During this hot and dry period of weather, there is an increased risk of fire, which can easily start from smouldering ash or ember from a BBQ on dry grass. Keep it safe, have a picnic and leave the BBQs at home!
Electric hotplates are available in Burgess Park for anyone to cook on.
|
|
 Adults and children performing at Mint Street Music Festival
|
|
Mint Street Music Festival returns this weekend
Back for its 12th year, this family-friendly festival brings you music, dance, children's entertainment, and a range of delicious food - and admission is free.
Music ranges from Ecuadorian dance to Afrobeat, ska, psychedelic rock and much more. Kids can enjoy Boppin’ Bunnies, dance workshops, puppets and art activities.
- Saturday 11 July
- 11am to 8pm
- Mint Street Park, Marshalsea Road, Borough, SE1 0EY
Let the recycling centre come to you
A mobile recycling centre is coming to the Tabard Estate, Bermondsey! You’ll be able to drop, swap or take items like clothes, books and toys. You can also bring those hard-to-recycle items like batteries and electricals, and they’ll be safely recycled by our waste and recycling partners Veolia UK.
- Saturday 11 July
- 10am to 1pm
- Tabard Estate, next to Tabard Gardens Playground, SE1 4DL
Want to learn how to make simple repairs to your clothes?
Join Sunny Jar Eco Hub this weekend for free sessions on clothes repair and eco crafts. Free refreshments will also be available throughout the event.
- Dene Community Hall, SE15 2TU
- Saturday 11 July
- 12 noon to 4pm
- Drop in and gain new skills! (You'll need to book a time slot for the clothes repair sessions on arrival)
Pride Speech Karaoke
There are still spaces for Pride Speech Karaoke at Arcade this weekend: an open, participatory Pride gathering of queer voices, shared texts and collective expression, hosted by the fabulous Marijke De Roover. It’s an open mic-style evening where speeches, monologues, poems and lyrics take the spotlight. Bring a text that matters to you, or simply come along to listen.
Free to attend but booking is essential as places are limited.
|
|
Supporting children and families |
|
 SEND children blowing bubbles outside
|
|
Have your say on support for children and young people with SEND
Every child and young person in Southwark deserves the support they need to learn and thrive. If you have experience of Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) in Southwark, your feedback can help improve local education, health and care services. Tell us what’s working well, what could be better, and what matters most to you. Please complete the Southwark SEND Annual Survey by Friday 25 September and encourage others with SEND experience to take part.
Change a child's life through fostering - and enrich your own
Fostering gives a local child the stability, care and encouragement they need to thrive, while offering you the chance to make a lasting difference. Alongside the emotional rewards, Southwark foster carers receive generous financial support, specialist training and ongoing guidance every step of the way. Find out more at our friendly Fostering Discovery Hour at Canada Water Library on Wednesday 15 July, 5.30pm.
Helping your child get the best start in life
If you’re expecting a baby or have a child or young person aged 0-19 (or up to 25 with SEND), Best Start in Life Southwark is here to support you every step of the way.
You'll find:
- Trusted NHS health advice
- Information on your child's development
- Guidance on childcare funding
- Details of local family hubs
- Free local support, advice and resources for families
Whatever stage you're at, we're here to help you and your child thrive.
|
|
 A member of staff supporting a resident at Southwark Wellbeing Hub
|
|
Looking after your mental wellbeing in Southwark
Good mental wellbeing helps us cope with life's challenges and feel connected to the people and places around us. If you're struggling, the Southwark Wellbeing Hub provides mental health support if you’re a resident or if you’re worried about the wellbeing of someone close to you.
The Hub welcomes residents aged 18+ offering non-crisis mental health support, including one-to-one sessions, peer groups, advice and guidance.
Based at Southwark Resource Centre, the Hub is open Monday to Friday, 9am–5pm, with more community locations coming soon.
Don’t have broadband? We can lend you a router
If you don't have access to the internet at home, we want to help you get online for essential services. We can lend you an internet router for free.
This is a popular service, so do get in touch if you want to be better connected.
|
|
 With the school summer holidays fast approaching, we did a test run of just a few of Southwark’s many amazing playgrounds. Whether you’ve got an energetic toddler or a teen looking for an adventure, there’s something for everyone across the borough.
|
|
|
|
|
