Your home, your news
Bankside | July 2026
Celebrating community spirit at Blackfriars Estate
It is always valuable when senior leaders spend time in our neighbourhoods meeting residents and hearing first-hand about their experiences. That was exactly the focus of a visit to Blackfriars Estate by Peabody CEO Ian McDermott on Monday 15 June.
During the visit, Ian met with several residents and took time to learn more about life on the estate. He spoke with residents about their homes, the local community and the improvements that matter most to them. The visit provided an opportunity for open and honest conversations, helping to strengthen the connection between residents and Peabody's leadership team.
Ian also met residents who were busy carrying out gardening activities around the estate. These efforts play an important role in creating a welcoming environment for everyone who lives there.
The feedback shared during the visit was overwhelmingly positive. Residents spoke highly of their experience with Peabody and expressed how happy they are with Peabody as their landlord. Their comments highlighted the strong sense of community on the estate and reflected the positive relationships that have been built between residents and local teams. Thank you to everyone who took the time to meet Ian and share their views.
You said, we acted
Residents have told us that one of the most important things we can do is work together more effectively to improve neighbourhoods.
We’ve listened, and that feedback is helping to shape a new initiative we’re piloting at Blackfriars called Better Neighbourhoods.
Although still in its early stages, the pilot is focused on helping teams work in a more joined-up and accountable way, ensuring everyone is aligned behind the right priorities and delivering visible improvements for residents. This includes clearly defining roles and responsibilities, creating sustainable ways of working together, and tackling the barriers that can sometimes slow down progress across teams.
The aim is simple: better collaboration, better accountability, and better outcomes for residents. We’re excited about the potential of this work and look forward to sharing more updates with you as the Better Neighbourhoods pilot develops.
Staying
safe and cool this summer
As temperatures rise, a few simple steps can help keep you and your household comfortable and safe. During the hottest parts of the day, keep windows and curtains closed to block out heat, then open them early in the morning or later in the evening when temperatures are cooler. If one room in your home stays cooler than the others, make it your goto space during the day.
Remember to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water and take it easy when the heat is at its peak. Cool showers, damp flannels and refreshing foods such as fruit and salads can also help you stay comfortable.
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Heading out? Wear light, loose-fitting clothing, seek shade where possible and plan journeys carefully, as public transport and cars can become very warm. Never leave children or pets in parked vehicles.
Look out for signs of heat exhaustion, including headaches, excessive sweating, feeling sick or extreme thirst. If symptoms occur, move to a cool place, drink water and seek advice from NHS 1 if needed.
ease don’t forget to check on ighbours, friends or relatives who may ed extra support during hot weather.
r more hints and tips about how to pe when the weather is warm, please sit our website.
https://www.peabody.org.uk/yourhome/home-safety/keeping-coolin-hot-weather/
Growing new ideas
We’re pleased to be working with Groundwork London to develop ideas for the refurbished raised beds at Blackfriars Estate.
The beds were cleared last summer, and since then we’ve been speaking with green-fingered residents to understand how the space could be improved and enjoyed by the community. Their suggestions are helping to shape the next stage of the project.
E-bike safety
As e‐bikes and e‐scooters become more popular, fires linked to their lithium batteries are increasing. These batteries can overheat and ignite quickly, so please follow these simple safety tips:
Do:
Charge your e‐bike or e‐scooter indoors where you can keep an eye on it. Use the original charger that meets safety standards. Stop using the battery if it’s swollen, cracked or overheating. Test the smoke alarm in the area where you charge it.
Don’t:
Charge your e-bike or scooter in a communal area - it may be removed. Leave your e‐bike or e‐scooter charging overnight or while you’re out.
You can find more fire‐safety guidance on our website. peabody.org.uk/fire-safety
We’re looking forward to seeing plans take shape and to sharing more updates as real progress gets under way.
See the Dunkirk Little Ships
A fascinating piece of history arrives on our doorstep on 1 August as 16 Dunkirk Little Ships berth at St Katharine Docks, beside the iconic Tower Bridge.
Part of the Dunkirk at the Docks event, these remarkable vessels represent a small number of the boats that took part in Operation Dynamo, the daring 1940 rescue mission that helped evacuate Allied troops from the beaches of northern France during the Second World War.
Whether you're a history enthusiast or simply looking for a unique waterside outing, this is a great opportunity to see these historic boats up close.
The event is on 1 August, and is FREE.
Contact us
Phone 0300 123 3456 Website peabody.org.uk/contact-us Post 45 Westminster Bridge Road, London, SE1 7JB Facebook and Instagram @peabodyLDN