Southwark Life - Spring 2026

Southwark Life

4 Housing repairs – A look at how we’re improving to ensure tenants are getting the best service

6 Safer Southwark – Making sure our young people have a safe space

8 A cleaner and greener borough –A round-up of how we’ve made Southwark cleaner and greener over the last few years

10 Connect to Work – Visit our new Peckham hub and read about how we’re helping hundreds of people into work

12 Cost of Living support – Useful information for anyone finding things difficult

13 You’re invested, so are we – How we are spending your council tax on services around the borough

16 Is foster care for you? – We meet two local foster carers and go though one of their typical days

18 Sights to see in Southwark – Looking at the more unusual features of some of our parks and open spaces

20 Community energy work – We visit a couple of our Community Fund projects that are saving money by becoming more energy efficient

22 Need to know – A round-up of news from across the borough

24 Your vote, your choice – Local elections are on 7 May, 2026. Are you ready to have your say?

26 Standing together throughout history – Our history feature looks at how Southwark communities come together to support each other when disaster strikes

28 What’s on – A look at what our libraries can offer, plus events and activities in the borough

31 Business page – Help and information for local businesses

Hello and welcome to our spring edition of Southwark Life.

The big topic of conversation at this time of year is our budget and Council Tax. Your contributions, along with wider council funding, help fund the everyday services and spaces we all rely on, such as keeping libraries open, maintaining our roads and parks, helping families, people with a disability, or those who need a bit of extra help, and making sure our streets are clean, safe and welcoming.

We are committed to using your money responsibly and investing it back into our borough so that Southwark remains a safe, inclusive and thriving place for everyone - now and for the future.

Alongside funding from government, business rates, capital investment and borrowing, your Council Tax helps us deliver around 800 services that make a real difference to people and places across the borough.

In this edition we take a look at some of these services, but there are many more, including £220,000 in improvements to our youth centres, upgrades to 11,000 streetlights, expanding our mental health support, including our Nest service, which is now available in more than 100 schools and supporting over 1,200 children and young people.

From page 13, you’ll hear directly from residents who are proud to live here and proud to be part of what makes Southwark the great place it is.

You are invested in Southwark. And so are we. Thank you for all you do to make it a great place.

Cllr Sarah King Leader of Southwark Council

Repairs in action

We are caring for our council tenants by fixing things first time where we can

Being a good landlord means giving our tenants the service they expect and deserve. Under our Better Repairs work, we’re fixing things close to home and introducing neighbour repairs teams and easier booking for faster repairs.

Getting out and about

Repairs Action Days take place on estates across Southwark throughout the year, bringing repairs teams, including damp and mould specialists, right to your door.

From plumbing and electrics to carpentry, communal repairs and wider estate issues, teams are on hand and ready to help.

Repairs Action Days also bring together council officers, councillors, local police and fire safety teams, all working together in one place to make things happen.

Residents tell us they love being able to speak to someone face-to-face, get clear advice and, in many cases, have repairs completed then and there. If something needs more work, we’ll book a follow-up visit too.

More than just fixing things, Repairs Action Days are about taking pride in our estates and working together to make them safer, cleaner and better places for everyone to live.

Get help at your next Repairs Action Day and see the difference it makes. Visit www.southwark.gov.uk/repairs-action-days to see when we are coming to your estate.

In 2025, we focused on being more visible, more responsive and closer to residents.

15

Repairs Action Days held on estates across Southwark

4

pop-up repair events organised across the borough

750+

day-to-day and communal repairs raised for our teams

200+

heating repairs tackled to help keep homes warm and safe

Here’s what some residents told us about Repairs Action Days

We were extremely impressed with how organised and professional the Repairs Action Days was. Issues that had been outstanding for a while were resolved in one visit, and the team were friendly and respectful throughout.”

Brian and Claire Fitzpatrick

I attended a pre-meet for the repairs action day on the Scovell estate. Everything was explained to the residents ahead of the day and we were able to report our repairs in advance. This is a great new concept and I’m hoping the repairs team visit the estate more often.”

Paul

My overall experience of the repairs service in the past wasn’t very good however after meeting with the repairs team at the action day and being able to speak to a human to report repairs face-to-face rather than the call centre has really changed my opinion. I hope this continues – well done Southwark Repairs team.”

Linda

Pioneering homes to support homeless people in Bermondsey

Southwark Council has eight new temporary modular homes in Bermondsey to support people who are homeless or sleeping rough.

The SoloHaus homes were gifted to the council by homebuilder The Hill Group, and are the first in Southwark. They are an expansion of the council’s Housing First programme, an internationally recognised approach to ending homelessness through housing support and provision.

Southwark has run a Housing First programme since 2017, supporting 70 residents to secure longer term homes and support.

The Leroy Street project has been developed with funding from the Single Homeless Accommodation Programme, with the Mayor of London providing £224,889 in capital grant funding. This is alongside £960,000 funding for the support of residents across Leroy Street and at two other locations.

The modular homes can be built in eight to 10 weeks and give homeless people a safe, comfortable place to live while the council supports them to find a permanent home.

Hundreds of new council homes following new agreement

Southwark Council has signed contracts with two partners to provide at least 360 new council homes at a range of sites across the borough, building on its current record of delivering more new council homes than any other local authority in England.

Wates Residential will develop four sites; Wickway (Gloucester Grove Estate), Bells Gardens Estate and Lindley Estate in Peckham and Wyndham Road in Camberwell . They will build at least 343 homes across these four sites, which will be 100% affordable, including at least 131 council homes.

Mount Anvil will also develop four sites; Seven Islands Leisure Centre and Red Lion Boys Club in Rotherhithe, 1-36 Priter Road and Beormund School in Bermondsey. They will build at least 786 homes, with at least 50% of these homes being affordable, including at least 229 council homes.

These homes are additional to the more than 3,000 council homes completed or under construction in Southwark. Site by site proposals will be shared with local residents in due course once initial designs are complete and will be subject to the usual planning process.

Keeping young people safe

Sports, youth activities and support across Southwark

Whether it is in our parks, schools, youth clubs and community venues – we’re helping young people build confidence, stay connected and avoid harm.

Safe places and positive things to do

After school can be a risky time. If a young person has nothing to do, it’s easy to get bored, hang around, and get pulled into the wrong things. That’s why Southwark supports programmes that give young people safe places to go and good things to do.

One key part of this is MyEnds – a programme funded by London’s Violence Reduction Unit (VRU).

It supports local, community-led work to prevent violence before it starts. In Southwark, the MyEnds Network began in 2020 and is now running MyEnds 2.0, focused on three areas: Walworth, Peckham and Old Kent Road.

A lead partner for this work is Active Communities Network (ACN). They run sports and youth sessions, mentoring, and some one-to-one support for young people – including those who have been referred through council services.

Victor, a parent from Old Kent Road, says the weekly football sessions at Burgess Park have helped his son build a routine and stay on track:

“It keeps them busy, safe and focused. The services have helped my son to keep away from trouble… It keeps him physically fit and mentally strong.”

Kapree, a Lead Youth Worker from Peckham, runs community sports and youth sessions and supports young people through one-to-one mentoring. He says real support starts with trust: “Being consistent - and having safe spaces to talk - builds up their confidence in the service.”

Faheed, 16, from Peckham, says the sessions gave him something to look forward to after school: “I’ve improved a lot in football and gained a lot of new friends.”

Pressure, exploitation, threats – getting help early

Not all harm is obvious. Young people can be pressured, tricked or controlled by others. This is called exploitation.

That is why we are doing more to keep young people safe from exploitation, like county lines and “deets and squares” (when someone pressures a young person to use their bank account), by using a joined-up approach through the Community Harm Exploitation Operational Group (CHE-OG) to spot risk early and link young people to wellbeing support, and by taking part in the National Referral Mechanism (NRM) pilot so trained local teams can make some decisions faster and get children help sooner – if you’re worried, start with Family Early Help or Youth Justice and they’ll guide you.

Youth Justice support that helps young people stay safe

Sometimes young people carry a lot; peer pressure, online worries, relationship stress and more. That’s why Southwark’s Youth Justice Service (YJS) supports prevention work that helps young people feel safer, think clearly, and make better decisions — before problems grow.

One example is the Phenomenal Young Women’s Group. It’s a sevensession programme for girls aged 13 to17, providing a calm, supportive space to talk openly, build confidence and learn what healthy, respectful relationships look like. Sessions also cover the consequences of antisocial

behaviour and risky peer influence, plus goal-setting and future planning.

When a young person feels unsafe, it can be tempting to think carrying a weapon will protect them. But it often makes things more dangerous. That’s why YJS also developed TIWAP — the Trauma Informed Weapons Awareness Programme. TIWAP helps young people understand risk, manage emotions, and find safer ways to deal with pressure and conflict.

Young people who took part said: “It helps people understand the dangers and consequences of carrying knives”

“It was very informative, I learnt how to regulate my emotions”.

DID YOU KNOW SINCE 2022 WE HAVE:

Invested £2m into an antisocial task force for targeted action in key hot spots.

Supported our Young Advisors to engage hundreds of young people at risk of serious youth violence.

Delivered 3,000 tasked joint patrols at crime and antisocial behaviour hot spots.

Worried about a young person right now? Here are some useful contacts:

Family Early Help – support for children and families early, before problems grow: earlyhelp@southwark.gov.uk or tel: 020 7525 1922

Youth Justice Service (YJS) –support for young people aged 11 to 17 (and some 18-year-olds) who are in trouble or at risk of offending: youth.offending@southwark.gov.uk or tel: 020 7525 0900

Worried a child is at risk of harm or exploitation? (including county lines and “deets and squares”) (MASH) mash@southwark.gov.uk or tel: 020 7525 1921

In an emergency call 999.

If you want to report a crime (not urgent) call 101.

Report anonymously at Crimestoppers tel: 0800 555 111

Keeping Southwark

We’ve been making sure that Southwark’s streets are clean and our environment is cared for

The council has been working hard to make sure our borough is as clean, green and environmentally friendly as possible with a range of programmes and projects. We take a look at some of the main ones and what has been achieved.

Streets for People

In 2023, we launched Streets for People: our blueprint for moving away from favouring cars, and freeing up space for walking, cycling and public transport.

Since 2023, we have:

Installed 213 new pedestrian crossings.

Given free pedestrian road safety training to over 3,500 school children.

Delivered free cycle training for over 6,000 adults and children.

Run our largest consultation to date – with over 9,000 responses.

Installed over 900 bike hangars across the borough, providing over 5,200 cycle spaces for residents who don’t have space to store cycles at their home.

Become the first council to produce an accessible cycling toolkit, in partnership with Wheels for Wellbeing: helping to break down barriers to cycling for people with disabilities.

Created low-traffic areas like Liverpool Grove, in Walworth, adding more space for pedestrians and greenery on our streets.

In 2026, more School Streets will be created across Southwark, ensuring that children are able to travel safely to and from school on foot or by cycle. We’ve also secured £10 million in Transport for London funding, following a successful bid, which will be used over the next four years to help improve bus performance and reliability.

Protecting nature and wildlife

Over the last few years, we have:

Planted more than 30,000 trees and hedges, becoming the first inner London borough to have over 100,000 trees.

Set up 27 new community gardens and 291 new growing plots on estates.

Awarded £550,000 to 12 community-led nature projects to create new habitats for local wildlife.

Growing the green economy

Opened Southwark’s first Library of Things in Canada Water in 2023, and expanded to two new sites at Elephant and Castle and Dulwich. in 2025. Created over 2000 green jobs since 2022. Trained over 500 residents with green skills since 2023.

clean and green Greener buildings

We’ve reduced emissions from the council’s buildings and vehicles by 18%

in the last three years, with more work underway to improve our leisure centres, schools and council buildings.

We partnered with London Southbank University (LSBU) to open the Energy Advice Centre, where you can get free expert advice on what green changes you can make to your home.

Completed major green upgrades to libraries and other council buildings including heat pumps, solar panels and LED lighting.

Replaced all 17,000 highways streetlights across Southwark with LED lights

We provided over £800,000 of grants to community groups and TRAs for solar panels and other green upgrades (read more on page 20).

Climate action in our communities

More than 1000 of you have come to our yearly climate events to join our clothes swap-shops, repair cafes, skills workshops and more.

We launched Southwark Green Investment – the UK’s most ambitious community green bond. Hundreds of local residents have got involved, helping us to raise £3.5 million in under two years.

Resident opportunities

Ever wondered what happens to your recycling and waste when your boxes and bins are emptied? Come and find out with a free tour of the Southwark Integrated Waste Management Facility. Every year the facility hosts an open day for anyone who wants to visit. If you want to be a part of making our borough greener, our Recycling Champions Network, launched in 2024, has over 80 residents signed up as volunteers.

If you want to find out more about how you can get involved in any of our green initiatives – whether it’s a tour of the Recycling Centre, volunteering to help local nature, or finding out about active travel in Southwark – head to the council website.

Food waste collections

In October 2024, we expanded our food waste collection service in Southwark to include 70,000 communal properties.

Over

4,000 tonnes of food waste were recycled by residents in the first 12 months, which is equivalent to 332 double-decker buses!

Our food waste is recycled to become energy and fertiliser.

Reuse & recycle

Since 2022, over 59,500 tonnes of recycling have been collected from Southwark households, streets and markets. This is equivalent to 11,900 elephants in weight!

The Reuse & Recycling Centre (RRC) has had over 234,700 visitors who have brought in 15,300 tonnes of material

In 2022, we made the RRC bicycle-accessible.

In July 2024, we increased the number of onstreet electrical recycling banks to 10

Residents can use these banks to recycle small household items up to the size of toasters and kettles.

We introduced 13 tech reuse points in the borough at every library and at the Reuse and Recycling Centre, where residents can donate old laptops, tablets and phones to be redistributed by our charity partner Community Tech Aid. In the first year

1,133 items were donated to people who face digital exclusion.

Supporting Southwark into jobs

Work support to help you deal with cost of living challenges

The cost of living is a challenge that affects people everywhere, including many of our residents. That’s why we’re offering support to help with employment; whether that is removing barriers to work, help with employability, or connecting people to well-paid, sustainable jobs.

In January we launched our Southwark Works hub in Peckham. Joining our Walworth Road hub, these are accessible sites, welcoming to everyone, where you can go for expert employment advice and support into real jobs.

Our Southwark Works team has spent over 20 years connecting residents to work, training and apprenticeships. They recently exceeded the target for connecting residents with complex needs to employment – and have helped almost 3,000 residents since April 2022.

The Connect to Work programme also supports people already in employment but struggling to stay in work either due to health, disability, or another barrier. Our teams and resources help them to overcome challenges or to move to different roles.

This isn’t about just money either. Southwark Council’s most recent Annual Public Health Report highlights the close link between poor, or no, work and ill-health, meaning it is vital not just financially, but also for wellbeing, that everyone can access jobs and careers.

We know the cost of living is also hitting businesses and entrepreneurs, and supporting employees with the Living Wage can come at a cost for those running things. Our London Living Wage grant scheme includes grants to help businesses with less than 250 employees to become Living Wage accredited. See page 31 for our support for businesses.

Whether you are looking for a new job, fairly paid work, or support to set up or maintain your own business, Southwark is here to help you not just to cope, but to prosper and be part of a truly collaborative and ambitious local economy.

Did you know since 2022 we have:

Distributed more than £40m to families in need through our Cost of Living Fund and Better Living Fund.

Created over 2,000 new green jobs, over 2,000 apprenticeships and supported 250 young people into paid internships.

Increased the number of Living Wage employers to 450, nearly doubling in just 4 years and benefiting more than 7,100 workers with fairer pay.

Shantal Nassuna, Peckham

“I am really enjoying my time with Connect to Work because they really help and encourage people to get back in to work. Since I met Mohima at my college and I have joined the programme, she has supported me to look for jobs and helped me gain four interviews in the short space of time I have been here, which shows how much they push and encourage me to get a job. She has helped me with my CV, interview skills, and confidence amongst other things. Mohima is a very determined woman, very warm, friendly and professional, very encouraging, a very motivated person and is serious about getting the job done! I am currently waiting to start a new job thanks to Mohima, which I am very pleased about and grateful for the support.

If you are willing to get a job then they are determined to work with you to get you a job also!”

Queen Imafldon, Camberwell

“It was an interesting moment for me. Seeing such opportunity is amazing, the dedication from staff was efficient. Their effort of helping with the job search and training has really helped me personally. My employment officer was welcoming, supportive and this makes you feel expected and want to learn. Overall, it has been positive.”

“My journey has honestly been really positive. I’ve had support with one of the biggest challenges anyone in London faces; having a safe place to live and that’s made a huge difference in my life. I’ve also had help with my job search, including my CV. and cover letters, which has made applying for roles so much easier.

I’ve even been able to attend job fairs with my Employment Specialist, and that has really boosted my confidence when approaching potential employers.”

Start for Life (Southwark)

Find local suppor t in one place - from pregnancy care and infant feeding to parenting help and childcare.

southwark.gov.uk /star t-life-southwark

Healthy Start scheme

If you’re pregnant or have children under four and receive cer tain benefits, you could get a prepaid card to help buy healthy food and milk

Eligible families receive £4.25 a week for healthy food and milk, adding up to over £1,000 per child

healthystar t.nhs.uk

0300 330 7010

Free school meals

All nurser y and primar y pupils in Southwark get free, healthy school meals in term time. Some secondar y pupils can also get free meals. You’ll need to apply through your child ’s secondar y school.

southwark.gov.uk /secondar y-free-meals

Food and fun holiday programme

Enables families to access free, healthy food and activities during the longer school holidays. Children aged 4 to 16 can take par t in spor ts, crafting and cooking. They will also get a healthy meal and snacks each day.

southwark.gov.uk /foodandfun

Rose Vouchers – free fruit and veg

If you’re on a low income and pregnant or have a child under five, you may get weekly vouchers for fresh fruit and vegetables at East Street Market, some stalls in Peckham, and a few other places in Southwark.

1stplace.uk.com/rosevouchers

rosevouchers@1stplace.uk.com

Text “ Rose Vouchers” to 07553 379 067

Free classes from Women's Self-defence UK are helping hundreds of residents feel safer walking around the borough at night, funded by £23,618 from the council to help combat violence against women and girls in Southwark

16p per household, per week goes towards keeping Southwark safe.

Council Tax is one of the most impor tant ways we invest together in Southwark. Your contribution, along with wider council funding, helps fund the ever yday ser vices and spaces we all rely on

Joanna and other Southwark residents tell us why they ’re proud to work together with the council, to make Southwark the great place it is.

Last year, Citizens Advice Southwark and Southwark Law Centre received £1 million+ to provide free information, advice and support to help Southwark residents who were experiencing problems at work, had worries about debt and other legal issues.

61p per household, per week goes towards helping support residents with the cost of living – funded through Council Tax and wider funding.

Graham visits a friendly Warm Space in Bermondsey every day, run in partnership with Age UK. It’s a safe space to meet people and stay active, proudly funded as part of our £52 million cost of living support programme.

61p per household, per week helps to fund cost of living support for our most vulnerable residents – funded through Council Tax and wider council funding.

A specialist housing scheme provides Cecil and his neighbours with a safe home and place to socialise when he wants it, helped made possible by £1.9 million council funding from the adult social care budget.

£9.94 per household, per week helps fund a range of adult social care across Southwark – funded through Council Tax and wider council funding.

Clubs and organisations like Ballers Academy are loved by thousands of residents, young and old, in Southwark. Together they make our community stronger and are proudly supported by over £9.9 million funding of community groups and projects across the borough. We proudly fund many varied voluntary, community and social organisations through a range of grants and funding programmes, including our Positive Futures for Young People Fund.

Omotayo and his colleagues are a familiar sight in neighbourhoods across the borough, working to create safer, cleaner, more enjoyable neighbourhoods for everyone.

£1.50 per household, per week goes towards street cleaning, keeping Southwark clean and green – funded through Council Tax and wider funding.

classes from Women's Self-defence UK are helping hundreds of residents feel safer walking around the borough at night, funded by £23,618 from the council to help combat violence against women and girls in the borough.

16p per household, per week goes towards keeping Southwark safe – funded through Council Tax and wider council funding.

A DAY WOVEN TOGETHER BY CARE

Stella and Emmanuel have been foster carers with Southwark for nearly 26 years

5.30am

Stella

Originally from Ghana, they foster as a family alongside their adult children, some of whom foster too. Their home has welcomed many children over the years, and today it’s shared with two teenage boys. As they take us through a typical day in their home, it’s clear that fostering isn’t something separate from family life. It is family life.

7.00am Emmanuel

I wake up before the rest of the house. Emmanuel is still sleeping, and the boys are quiet. I love this calm moment.

Every weekday morning, I join my church on Zoom for devotion. We pray for our children - the ones who are here now, and the many who have passed through our home over the years. After that, I sit in my corner with my Bible.

That time grounds me. It keeps me calm and ready for the day ahead.

By half past seven, I go upstairs to wake the boys. I never let them leave home without seeing them off - always with a hug and, “love you, have a blessed day!”

I wake up a little later as I usually go to bed very late because I’m reading, and even in retirement I still write reports and stay involved in community work. Books I didn’t understand when I was younger finally make sense to me now.

My morning starts with a cup of tea with milk and honey. Sometimes Stella makes it, sometimes I do.

My focus with the boys is their education. Have they done their homework? Do they need help? Do I need to email a teacher or attend a meeting? I’m very calm by nature, so I like to explain why things matter. If someone is late for school, I talk about responsibility - how respect works both ways. Young people understand more than people think when you take the time.

10.30am

Stella’s coffee morning

On the last Tuesday of each month, I go to the foster carers’ coffee morning in Peckham, which lasts until midday. It’s a space to meet other carers. Social workers are there too, listening and helping. There’s tea, cake, and sometimes even a massage.

We share challenges, wellbeing, and ideas. I can talk about things openly and I leave feeling heard and supported.

DID YOU KNOW:

We have reduced the number of children in care by 20% meaning more children stay with families in a supported network.

We’ve invested over £2.5million to fund 36 youth clubs and provide a wide range of activities through our eight in-house youth centres.

We’ve strengthened our Children and Family Hubs, providing specialist health, wellbeing and parenting support – with 35% of all new births now registering at the Hub.

12.30pm

Couple’s lunchtime reflections

Everyday moments matter and help the boys feel part of normal life.

The two boys living with us now are refugees from Sudan. One arrived already settled and enthusiastic about learning. The younger one had no formal education and had worked as a shepherd. Language was difficult. School was difficult. He had experienced fear and uncertainty.

We empathised deeply. We’re both from Ghana, and we know what it’s like to move countries and start again. We understood their sadness and their fear. We included them in everything - shopping, cooking, family visits. Slowly, their confidence grew. Their English improved. They began going out independently. Seeing their progress is our joy.

MAKING SPACE

Creating a home isn’t about being perfect, it’s about being present.

If you’d like to find out more about fostering and the support available, we can help you explore what it could mean for you and your home.

GET IN TOUCH TODAY

www.southwark.gov.uk/foster

fostering@southwark.gov.uk

020 7525 0700

6.30pm

Family dinner

Dinner is when we come back together. Sometimes it’s at the table and sometimes the boys like to eat while playing games.

It’s noisy, busy, and full of life.

We often watch football together - African Cup matches are serious business here. Emmanuel watches the news or documentaries, and I sit nearby chatting. The boys drift in and out of the room. There’s comfort in just being together.

9.00pm

Stella

By nine o’clock, I’m ready for bed. The house has settled, the boys are home, and I know tomorrow will start early again.

12.00am

Emmanuel

I’m usually the last one awake. I read, watch documentaries, and reflect on the day. When the house is quiet again, I feel grateful and ready to do it all again tomorrow.

Sights to see

Southwark’s

gorgeous green spaces also have

some hidden treasures to check out this spring

Despite being thought of as a densely populated, inner-London borough, Southwark actually boasts over 300 parks and green spaces, including major parks like Burgess and Dulwich. Around 30 of these have the prestigious Green Flag award, highlighting their quality, while the borough also features numerous smaller gardens, squares, and significant nature sites like One Tree Hill and Nunhead Cemetery.

Our parks and open spaces also offer sporting facilities, an abundance of wildlife and plenty of play equipment for children and their families. However, some of them offer historic landmarks, protected viewpoints or stunning artwork that will also make your visit worthwhile.

We take a look at a few of the highlights across the borough:

100,000th Tree –Geraldine Mary Harmsworth Park (SE1 2HZ)

In 2024, Southwark Council celebrated the planting of the borough’s 100,000th tree. The tree is marked with a plaque, unveiled by the Mayor of Southwark. Since then the council has planted around 8,500 more trees across the borough.

Cornerstone sculpture – Tanner Street Park (SE1 3GS)

This community sculpture was made from over 100 stone carvings created by public participants at free and open sculpture workshops held nearby. The project was conceived by local stonemason artist Austin Emery in answer to the need for more resident-led engagement initiatives. cornerstonesculpture.org.uk

Mural – Nursery Row Park (SE17 2DX)

At the entrance to this lovely park is a 30m long mural that took artist Tara Schwarze-Chintapatla over 100 hours to paint. Tara spent the time handpainting the mural, working with the public, community centres, schools, friends of the park and mediators.

in Southwark

Stave Hill bluebells, wood anemone and views – Stave Hill Ecological Park (SE16 6AX)

Stave Hill is an artificial mound used as a viewing platform. It has fantastic views over the Docklands and Russia Dock Woodland. Stave Hill Ecological Park is adjacent to the site and is managed by The Conservation Volunteers (TCV). This time of year the woods are alive with wild flowers like English Bluebells.

19th Century Nathaniel Montefiore drinking fountain - St James’ Churchyard, Bermondsey (SE16 4AA)

This fountain honours Nathaniel Montefiore, a surgeon and philanthropist, and stands in the centre of the churchyard of St James in Bermondsey. It was added to the churchyard when the land was transferred from the church to public use. heritageoflondon.org/projects/nathaniel-montefioredrinking-fountain.

Historic Oak and viewpoint – One Tree Hill (SE23 3LE)

Honor Oak viewpoint offers panaoramic views of the London skyline at the top of One Tree Hill. The area has an interesting history as well, Queen Elizabeth I was said to have rested and picnicked under the oak in 1602. The tree you’ll see today is the third successive one from that oak and was planted in 1905.

Community POWER

Youth clubs, canal boatowners and many more have won green grants – and you could too

Cutting energy bills and carbon emissions

Westminster House is a youth club based in Nunhead that has been running since 1888. Thanks to funding from SCEF, they have been able to upgrade their heating system and replace their gas boilers. Now, they are adding battery technology to store the power from solar panels.

Katie Worthington, Westminster House Youth Club Director said:

“The main difference the upgrades have made is financial, which isn’t insignificant for a voluntary organisation. SCEF supported us to make the move from gas heating to electric to maximise the benefits of our existing solar panels. This phase saw our annual bills drop from £11,000 to £2,000.

“Everybody has become much more conscious about energy usage and waste. If you try to charge a laptop at the club now you need to double check as you can almost guarantee someone will have already turned the plug switch off! It means our young people are educated, aware and part of the change.”

Launched in late 2023, Southwark’s community energy programme has become a leading light in the council’s work to tackle climate change.

The Southwark Community Energy Fund (SCEF) has helped residents, community groups, schools and TRAs to take control of their energy bills and cut carbon emissions. In total, the fund has granted over £800,000 to 46 community projects through two rounds.

This has included solar panels, batteries, low-carbon heating, building upgrades, feasibility studies, and energy efficiency training.

We caught up with a few of the successful grant applicants to hear about their projects.

Repowering London for renewable energy

Repowering London was awarded funding from SCEF to build borough-wide capacity for community energy. We caught up with Programme Manager, Rachel Krengel to explain more: “Repowering London supports communities across London to create locally rooted, community-owned renewable energy projects that put people at the heart of the energy system.

“The SCEF funding is allowing us to set up a new borough-wide solar energy co-operative in Southwark, giving residents a chance to invest their time or money in solar energy projects that will bring real benefits to their community.

“We would love to hear from anyone interested in getting involved or learning more. Just email julz.jones@repowering.org.uk”

DIY solar panels for boatowners

South East London Community Energy’s (SELCE) ‘Green Your Boat’ project allowed them to support South Dock and Greenland Dock boat dwellers on a journey to low impact boat living.

Repowering London uses creative events such as its recent Creative Energy Exhibition to help people better understand the energy system

Apply for the next round of community energy

You can now apply for round 3 of SCEF. The application window will close on Friday 24 April 2026, and advice is available from council officers including at open surgeries to get feedback on ideas. Head to www.southwark.gov.uk/ community-energy to read more, book a one-toone slot or make your application.

The are four streams available for applicants, which cover a range of different stages in project development. Applicants should consider which stream best fits a project or idea before applying. If you are unsure, we are available to help advise.

Stream A – Pre-feasibility development

Stream B – Feasibility studies for new projects and business case development

Stream C – Capital funding for project implementation and delivery

Stream D – Capacity building, training, events and engagement

Giovanna Speciale, South East London Community Energy Chief Executive Officer, said: “The course allowed us to bring experts together and enable boat dwellers to start reducing their costs and carbon emissions whilst increasing wellbeing and comfort. A dedicated cohort of 23 berth holders undertook the course over the 3 full day training days. Following the course we supported 13 boaters to install solar panels on their boats.

“Boat owners have implemented a range of measures that include small things such as insulating their windows with bubble wrap to big things such as installing solar panels. The solar panels are projected to save boat owners over £4,000 annually and reduce carbon emissions by 50 tonnes over the lifetime of the panels.”

Russell, boat owner, added: “The solar boaters project has been great as it has allowed us to enter the renewable energy space in an affordable way, which we otherwise wouldn’t have been able to do.”

Got an innovative green energy idea that doesn’t fit into this application?

We’re also requesting ideas for innovative energy projects that don’t fit into the funding criteria. There is no funding available for this, but it will help to inform future funding rounds and support offered by the council.

Need to know...

We look at the top stories across the borough, from new police teams and illegal tobacco crackdowns to transport updates and pension credits. Read on to find out what is happening in Southwark this spring.

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Southwark Council children’s home rated ‘outstanding’ by Ofsted

A council managed children’s home has been rated outstanding by Ofsted for care, safeguarding and leadership. Inspectors found children are “flourishing”, supported by staff who genuinely care and help them feel safe, valued and at home. The home supports up to five children with social and emotional needs and was created through a £3m investment, helping young people stay close to their families, schools and communities.

Old Kent Road shop shut down over illegal tobacco and vape sales

Following repeated wrongdoing, Koya One Mini Market at Old Kent Road has been ordered to shut down for three months. A recent Southwark Council investigation found that the business had been selling illicit and counterfeit tobacco products including selling counterfeit cigarettes to children. We are committed to working with the police and public health colleagues, to maintain a healthy environment and safer Southwark. Visit www.southwark.gov.uk/news for more details.

New dedicated neighbourhood policing team launches in North Walworth

People in North Walworth will see more police officers on the streets as Southwark Council and the Met Police step up neighbourhood policing in the area. A dedicated Town Centre Team made up of 16 officers is now patrolling Elephant and Castle and the area around Walworth Road. The launch is part of the Met’s continued commitment to drive down neighbourhood crime and precisely target the most harmful criminals by increasing the presence of local officers. Read more at www.southwark.gov.uk/news

New batch of funding for community projects and renovations

In December, Southwark Council approved £3.5m approved the release £35m of development funding for projects to improve neighbourhoods and communities in Southwark. They include work to create a greener Southwark as well as create better recreation spaces and public facilities. To read more go to www.southwark.gov.uk/news

Are you missing out on Pension Credit?

If you or someone you live with is 66 or older, and your weekly income is less than £227.10 a week (single person) or £346.60 a week (couple) you could get Pension Credit worth around £3,000 each year. It’s tax-free and doesn’t affect any of your other pensions or benefits. Almost 8,000 people like you in Southwark already get Pension Credit.

You can apply for Pension Credit online at www.gov.uk/pension-credit or telephone 0800 99 1234 or textphone 0800 169 0133

You can also print an application form at www.gov.uk/pension-credit/how-to-claim.

We are here to help if you need assistance to apply, there are lots of friendly local organisations that can help including Citizens Advice Southwark, Age UK Southwark, Link Age Southwark, Time and Talents, and Southwark Pensioners Centre. Call 020 7525 5000 (select option 3) and someone will refer you to a local organisation.

Listening to you

As part of our new Resident Experience Plan, we’ve launched a study to explore how we can make it easier for residents to get face to face help with council services.

From February to March 2026, a customer service officer will be available once a week at Canada Water Library and Kingswood Library to offer assisted digital support for residents so they can access services online. The study will mirror our successful service at Peckham Library.

Services will be available at:

• Kingswood Library, Tuesdays, 10am to 4pm

• Canda Water Library, Thursdays, 10am to 4pm

Sessions will run by appointment, booked through our website. Search for ‘service point’ on southwark.gov.uk to book yours.

Green signal for major rail upgrades in Southwark

Local people will benefit from two new major transport upgrade projects following announcements in January.

The Bakerloo Line will be receiving much-needed upgrades with a new fleet of trains, while Peckham Rye Station will benefit from a new £5 million investment for improvements to the station.

Bakerloo Line upgrades

The long-awaited Bakerloo Line upgrade, confirmed by Transport for London, will see the old trains replaced with a new fleet, giving the line a more modern feel, better efficiency and improved regularity – with trains increasing from 20 per hour, up to 27 per hour.

This forms an important step towards achieving the Bakerloo Line Extension that Southwark has and will continue to campaign for, joining the Bakerloop bus service brought in last year which will help to demonstrate the importance of the extension route.

The long-term goal for the extension includes supporting 150,000 jobs, unlocking new homes and bringing more opportunities across the capital.

Peckham Rye station

The Department for Transport has committed to almost £4 million in funding towards upgrading Peckham Rye Station, while Southwark Council and the Railway Heritage Trust will contribute just over £1 million more, bringing the total new investment up to £5 million.

The improvements will transform the station, making it easier to use, reducing crowding at busy times and ensuring that the building’s historic character is prioritised too.

There is still work to be done in making accessibility improvements to the station and Southwark will continue to make the case for further investment.

The works will also help create a welcoming gateway to Peckham Rye Station Square, an ongoing development project run by Southwark, part of an ambition to ensure residents have access to the very best version of Peckham.

New land pilot embraces local decision making

Southwark Council has agreed a pioneering new scheme that puts local people at the heart of decision-making around public land and assets. Four sites have been announced as pilots. Neighbourhood panels will bring local people together to identify and respond to neighbourhood needs. To read more go to www.southwark.gov.uk/news

IT’S TIME TO MAKE YOUR CHOICE

Local elections will be held on Thursday 7 May

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. This is YOUR chance to have your say on who is making decisions that affect every aspect of your life – from how tidy your streets are or how many libraries you have access to, to making affordable homes available or tackling climate change.

Voting doesn’t take up much time, but this small action can have a big impact on your community, and not voting doesn’t stop politics happening, it just stops you affecting it.

You can’t vote in elections unless you are registered to vote. Registering takes just a few minutes and is very easy. Simply go to www.gov.uk/register-to-vote

The deadline to register for the local elections is 20 April, 2026. You can register to vote from age 16 but can’t vote until you are 18.

If you can’t make it to your polling station to vote in person on 7 May, you can apply for a postal vote. The deadline to apply for a postal vote for the local elections is 5pm 21 April. You can apply online for a postal vote (or proxy vote) at www.gov.uk/apply-postal-vote

Postal votes can be sent in before election day and are a convenient and easy way to have your say, but it is advisable to apply early so your voting forms can be sent to you as soon as possible and you have plenty of time to return them.

Finally, you need a valid form of ID to vote and you need to remember to take it with you to the polling station. You can check the list of valid IDs online at www.gov.uk/ how-to-vote/photo-id-youll-need

If you do not have one of these IDs you can apply for a free Voter Authority Certificate online at www.gov.uk/ apply-for-photo-id-voter-authority-certificate

The deadline to apply for a VAC for the local elections is 5pm on 28 April, 2026.

Again, it is important you do this as soon as possible, so you have everything in place to vote on the day.

STANDING TOGETHER THROUGHOUT HISTORY

In Southwark, people come together when times get hard.

Southwark is a place where community matters, and everyone lends a hand. We all saw that during the pandemic lockdown. Residents have also opened their homes to refugees fleeing the war in Ukraine. Many of these stories echo the ones you can find in Southwark Archives: our local communities have always pulled together when nature or human actions mean neighbours need support.

During the First World War, many families were left hard up, as fathers and husbands went to war. JH Hart, Bermondsey’s mayor, noted in a 1915 newspaper article that his days were “…one continuous round of recruiting meetings, sales of work, charity concerts and performances, thrift and women’s work committee meetings, the distribution of food to those in need, the housing of refugees – the number and variety seem endless.

Yet it has been a pleasure and an inspiration to see the splendid way in which everyone in the borough is tackling whatever problem comes their way.” Mayor Hart also noted that Bermondsey was home to many highly-paid munition workers. But it was not a well-off area – munition workers were likely the driving force raising hundreds of pounds for various charities over the space of a few months.

Dulwich Baths in the borough of Camberwell became a reception centre for refugees from occupied Belgium – by the second week of September 1914, over 100 people were living there. Dulwich locals later opened their homes to refugee families. Like their neighbours in Bermondsey, they put on concerts to provide their Belgian guests with financial support. By 1918, a building in Kennington had been converted to a Belgian school, to make sure that refugee children in

Brixton, Southwark and Dulwich wouldn’t be disadvantaged when they went home.

The archive’s press cuttings files on the First World War hold one more, unexpected story of neighbours helping in a disaster. A 1916 article in Lloyd’s News mentions that a photograph of Thomas Stevens, a “crippled match-seller” with a pitch near London Bridge, was found on a battlefield in France. In an interview with the paper, Mr Stevens mentioned that, after his match stall – his means of making a living – burned down, porters at London Bridge raised the money to replace it.

After the war, the residents of the metropolitan borough of Southwark adopted the village of Cambrin, near Lille. Walworth’s local Territorial Army unit had fought there, and locals wanted to help the French community rebuild. Southwark, like Bermondsey, was not well off.

Council minutes from 1922 note that the borough was not able “…to do much financially, but it appears to us that it is not so much the amount or the value of the gift or gifts that matters, but rather the spirit in which they are offered. The real point of an adoption is that sympathy is expressed for France…”. That sympathy saw £67 (6,000 francs) and seeds worth £200 donated to help Cambrin get back on its feet. Southwark’s mayor and town clerk delivered the gift in March 1923. During their stay, they visited several battlefields and war cemeteries. The mayor’s report appears in the council minutes in full – perhaps for all local residents who couldn’t pay their respect to lost loved ones in person.

A generation later, during the Second World War, locals stepped up again. Thousands of local residents joined civil defence units or voluntary organisations like the Red Cross and St John Ambulance. Members of these organisations helped protect their neighbours by fighting fires or engaging in search and rescue. Others provided food, shelter, and clothing to bombedout neighbours, or made sure that public bomb shelters were safe and

as comfortable as they could be. Age was no bar -- Scouts and Guides ran messages, engaged in search and rescue, and helped administer shelters. Bermondsey residents also publicly expressed their support and solidarity for occupied communities in mainland Europe. In October 1941, local Scouts and Guides broadcast a message to their compatriots in the Soviet Union – the archives holds a copy. Just under two years later, Bermondsey hosted a memorial service to mark the first anniversary of the Lidice massacre – when the Nazis murdered half the residents of a Czechoslovak village, and then completely destroyed it. The concert, held on the site of the blitzed town hall in Spa Road, featured a speech by Foreign Minister in Exile Jan Masaryk and a performance by a choir of Czechoslovak servicemen.

Local people rose to any hardship, not just war. During the cold snap of January 1987, community groups all over London set up emergency centres to get homeless people off the streets and out of the killing cold. One of these was the community centre in Braganza Street, Walworth. Some residents

of the local council estate even took time off work to make sure it could stay open. After the disastrous floods of 7 January 1928, which destroyed 600 homes in Rotherhithe alone, residents of Bermondsey, Southwark and Camberwell rallied to raise funds for flood relief. Bermondsey Town Hall hosted a charity boxing tournament for flood relief on 10 January – an astonishingly quick response. Five little girls attended, dressed as nurses, to present the mayor with the results of their fundraising (more than £50).

Bermondsey held a charity concert on 30 January. In the weeks after the flood, traders at East Street Market and local cinemas were among those raising money for relief; by the end of February, the metropolitan borough of Southwark had collected £1,700, as well as two tonnes of food.

Events calendar SPRING 2026

Spring Fair at Surrey Docks Farm

The highlight of the Farm’s Spring Fair is watching the sheep receiving their annual haircut! There will also be wool spinning demos and lots of Spring Fair activities for everyone to enjoy.

Saturday 9 May, 11am to 4pm

Free entry (but this is a fundraising event so there will be low costs to take part in activities etc)

Surrey Docks Farm, Rotherhithe Street, London SE16 5ET www.surreydocksfarm.org.uk/events

Ballad Lines

For details of these and more events around the borough visit www. southwark.gov.uk/southwarkpresents

The Dulwich Players present ENRON by Lucy Prebble

It’s 2001: As the millennium rises, a giant falls. Lucy Prebble’s explosive drama dissects the hubris at the heart of the spectacular rise and fall of Texan energy giant ENRON, the largest corporate scandal in history. Were ‘the smartest guys in the room’ tragic heroes, or just common crooks? This Amateur production of Enron is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals.

March 11 to 13 at 7.30pm, March 14 at 2pm and 6.30pm

Adults £17 | Under 18s £10 (Adult themes and language, suitable for ages 14+)

Ballad Lines is a new folk musical following three women across three centuries as they confront what it means to be a mother.

Blending Scottish, Irish and Appalachian influences, Ballad Lines weaves together one family’s hopes and sacrifices across generations in a soaring tale of identity and legacy.

Now to 21 March, 2.30pm and 7pm

Tickets from £25

Southwark Playhouse Elephant southwarkplayhouse.co.uk/ productions/ballad-lines/

Theatre Peckham, 221 Havil St, London SE5 7SB www.ticketsource.co.uk/ dulwichplayers/e-zkxjpl

Dulwich Food and Drink local history talk

Theatre Peckham

Turns 40 in 2026:

Exciting Events Ahead 2026 marks 40 years of Theatre Peckham giving new voices a stage and celebrating reallife stories. Your stage. Your story. Your Theatre Peckham. The anniversary celebrations begin with the Junior Acting Company’s performance of Cloud Busting by Helen Blakeman (based on Malorie Blackman’s novel) in the National Theatre Connections festival on 28 March. Next, Peckham Fringe launches on Theatre Peckham’s official registration date, 2 May, with an exciting festival of theatre and events running until 5 June. www.theatrepeckham.co.uk

Library Easter Events

During the Easter holidays

Southwark Libraries will be holding Easter events including an EGG-citing arts and craft storytelling and storytime event.

Nunhead library Friday 3 April, 11am to 12 noon

Peckham Library, Tuesday 7 April, 10.30am to 12 noon

Keep an eye on Southwark Presents for more information.

For 200 years many Dulwich residents have been involved in the food and drink industries. Bovril and Dewhurst butchers are wellknown but others were brewers and lemonade manufacturers and traders in sugar, biscuits, and tea. Not forgetting restaurateurs, two of whom funded the England cricket team’s first Australia tour.

Tuesday 7 April, 8pm to 9pm

£5, bursary tickets available Online via Zoom www.bellhouse.co.uk/upcoming-events

Festival of Words

Southwark Libraries will celebrate the Festival of Words with free events for all ages. These include a special appearance by Greg Heffley the main character, from the popular Diary of a Wimpy Kid book series. We’ll also have book talks, poetry, films, exhibitions, underfives storytelling and more. 4, 5 and 6 June

See Southwark Presents for more information.

LOV E FOR OUR LIBR ARIES

Did you know Southwark’s libraries offer more than books? They are also home to a range of social groups for people to come down and enjoy. Here are just a few of the clubs and meetings that are happening in our libraries each month.

VOICES OF LATIN AMERICA

How often: Fourth Friday of every month from 6pm to 7pm

Next up: Friday 27 March

Una Marson Library (SE17 2GN)

Join us at Una Marson Library for Voices of Latin America, a book club dedicated to celebrating the rich and diverse voices of Latin American writers. Each month, we’ll explore a different work by an author from Latin America, discussing themes, stories, and the unique cultural perspectives they bring.

SHORT STORY CLUB

How often: Third Tuesday of the month

Next up: Tuesday 17 March

Canada Water Library (SE16 7AR)

Don’t have time for a traditional book club? Want to explore the short story format?

KNITTING AND

CROCHET CLUB

How often: Every Friday, 1pm to 3pm

Next up: Friday 13 March

Blue Anchor Library (SE16 3UQ)

Passionate about knitting and crochet, drop by on Friday afternoons. Knitting and crochet is the main attraction, but there will also be a good chat about everything and anything. Everyone welcome.

WOMANLY WORDS

WOMANLY WORLDS

How often: Last Friday of the month

Next up: Friday 27 March

Camberwell Library (SE5 7AL)

A free monthly workshop focusing on the intersection between poetry and contemporary visual art.

See all the activities available on our Southwark Presents webpages www.southwark.gov.uk/southwarkpresents - search event type ‘libraries’

IT TASTER SESSIONS

How often: First Friday of every month from 1pm to 2pm

Next up: Friday 3 April

Brandon library (SE17 3NH)

Come down and enjoy free IT Taster session at Brandon library.

THE MUST READ

BEFORE YOU DIE BOOK GROUP

How often: First Tuesday of the month, 2pm to 3pm

Next up: Tuesday 7 April

Dulwich Library (SE22 8NB)

A new book group for adults, based at Dulwich Library and online. Discussing a different book each month from the ‘1001 Books You Must Read Before You Die’ reading list.

Lessons

Free

Learn

Build

Track progress online

Spread the cost monthly by Direct Debit

020 7525 5590

Business Friendly Southwark

Peckham’s New Southwark Works Hub Opens Its Doors

We’ve launched the new Peckham Southwark Works Hub, a dedicated space designed to help residents move closer to work and opportunity.

The hub is the new base for the Southwark Connect to Work programme, offering tailored support for people facing barriers such as health conditions, disabilities, or complex personal challenges. Visit us at Mountview Unit 1, 120 Peckham Hill Street London SE15 5JT. To find out more about the programme, contact connecttowork@southwark.gov.uk

Southwark Delivers 2,000

Apprenticeships

Since 2022 we have supported over 2,000 Southwark residents and employers to access apprenticeships, an amazing milestone for all our residents and businesses who have taken the opportunity to grow their careers and workforce.

If you’re an employer and want to know how apprenticeships can benefit your business: www.workwhile.org.uk/for-employers/

If you live in Southwark and want to find out more about apprenticeships, take a look at our apprenticeship webpage: www.southwark.gov.uk/apprenticeships

To stay up to date with the latest apprenticeship news, events, and success stories, follow us on our social media channels: www.southwark.gov.uk/followus

Southwark Pioneers Fund Hits 1,000 Businesses

A thousand local businesses have been supported through the Southwark Pioneers Fund. The fund was created to back ambition, remove barriers, and help founders turn ideas into impact. Find out more about business support available through the Southwark Pioneers Fund: southwark.gov.uk/business-financial-support

Want to become an accredited Living Wage employer?

Southwark Council offer a grant scheme to help newly accredited employers, with less than 250 employees, with their accreditation fees for the first two years. Find out more: southwark.gov.uk/living-wage-grant-scheme

Sign up directly through the Living Wage Foundation at www.livingwage.org.uk/accredit

If you require more information, please email southwarkbusinessdesk@southwark.gov.uk for more information.

Your town centreshare your views

Share your thoughts on the services you’d like to see in your town centre, or any issues you believe should be prioritised.

Our refreshed town centre action plans set out how we’re making them cleaner, greener and safer.

We want our town centres to be vibrant destinations where people enjoy spending time, where local shops and traders thrive, and where footfall continues to grow and support a strong local economy.

Read the latest action town centre plans: southwark.gov.uk/town-centre-action-plans