Southwark Life - Summer 2016

Southwark

Life Summer 2016

The young people edition Building blocks for a bright future

Summer fun in Southwark There’s something for everyone

A loving home Could you share yours?

Your magazine from Southwark Council

Intro

Your letters

Contents Focus

Your magazine, your thoughts Southwark Life magazine has been arriving in your letter box and online for over ten years.

“It is alw import ays to mak ant time fore sport” We meet Baroness Tanni Gre y- Thomp and talk son s to her about our Oly mpic Leg acy and the London Youth Games

Many a famous face has graced our interview page from current affairs legend Sir Trevor MacDonald and paralympian Dame Tanni Grey Thompson to actor James Nesbitt and international superstar Dolly Parton – all of whom agreed to tell us about their Southwark for free.

Life

It is designed with you in mind to let you know about all the superb things that happen in your borough, as well as the vital services you need to access in order to live life to the full. We talk to real people – your neighbours and friends about how they feel about living and working in Southwark.

Spring 2014

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TANNI’S SOUTHW AR

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Your letters Tell us how you feel

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All the news What you need to know in Southwark

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BMX track The best place to have

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Wise up Get your career on track

NEED to Dolly kindly agreed

by Southwark Life this spring, TObe KNinterviewed OW following the launch of her Imagination Library in Southwark this year. We asked her a few questions about her love of reading, the story behind the Imagination Library, and how it feels to be such an inspiration to people of every generation.

Dolly Parton, international singing superstar, needs no introduction.

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with our helpful guide your heart and home to foster?

Life 12

Performance All the world’s a

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Interview Joanna Baawa tells us

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stage – meet the stars of the future how to make ambition work for you

16 What’s happening Events from across the borough for summer

18 Regeneration The new Old Kent Road: how will it look in years to come?

Imagination Library

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a wheelie good time

10 Fostering Do you have space in

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you choo wark se Southwark as your London Southwark base? is city, it has a vibrant part community has a very diver of the great transp se ; do you has a nice enough ort links think it to feel to the and everyone? provide access does spent a Borough year lookin area, and I to sport market, for It’s not easy g know! It favourite definitely was also so I should place my I think with to provide acces great to experience s to all but the numb facilities The atmo 2012 in Southwark.

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I wasn’t swimming.

You got that great on the tube was in it were chatti at the outdo Plus track trainin ng and to peopl each g or scene real buzz. ry and fresh provided love. We So I think other, there was e also will alway the fact a when I was didn’t have pool air that I that peopl s great legacyremember it positi e hoists back people now growing up, so vely is a . it’s excitin who want swim. It to just turn g for gives them What woul up and that helpin d you say looking g hand. to youn Life Spring 2016 In Sout to g people hwark sports in get into comp we are encourag etitive London? trying to Games e is a great The London Yout especially healthy lifest yles for think it platform among h all, peop goes far child but do Fairer future logo le - what ren and For more enou young gh to supp you young do you peop your daug about our encourag ort fund and Realistically le? hter, for £2m Olym e be the proje exam not healt pic legac everyone ple, to visit sout hy? sport. The cts wants do to Well it’s hwark.gov we have suppo y London not easy Youth Game to do positive rted .uk/olymp for anyon and usefu life but I s is Now icnew a e think with l opportunity we shoul it is even s a hectic long attitud aiming to influe d make easie to start but you and sure for those nce your famil r to find activities The reality e to health and fitnes a lifewho want there are next steps with the y is, to do more. launch of to do this holid for have great many girls in partic s is best.

London ay the new experiences ular don’t webs Get Activ a mother in schoo visit www ite. For more e it’s information .sout behind you about putting thosels, so as getactive How did the Imagination Library hwarreading.

Obviously my love of reading k.gov.uk/ How important is it for parents to things child if you and doing activit come about and what’s your was always inside me so if ies with read with their children at home? your make time can. It is alwaysdream For project? more inform important vision for the I would have had something like If there is but one thing a family can for to always need sport and it defini London Libraryation the for the Imagination Imagination Library I am sure do to help their child be ready for Youth Game abou t about tely doesn to be comp My dream the www ’t s etitive visit .lond keeps and growing.

Atonyo first it I would have jumped on the reading school, it’s to simply read to them as , butgrowing fun uthgames was to havetoo. the town next door adopt bandwagon often as possible. .org much sooner. the program and then we thought wouldn’t it be great if every kid in What is your favourite book You recently celebrated a Tennessee had the opportunity to and why? milestone birthday, and continue participate. Now, we are in 5 countries My favorite children’s book is The to challenge stereotypes about and soon we will have 1 million Little Engine that Could. It’s a book what later life should look like. children a month receiving the books. that was written What message do you have for 17 decades ago and I know the books are just one part of at least here in the USA, every Southwark’s older people? the puzzle but it’s the part I can help generation knows and loves the If you are blessed with good health with the most. There’s plenty of room book. In fact, I love it so much I made then all I know to do is just to keep for others to do what they can do to sure that is was the very first book a working and to keep dreaming. make sure every child in the world has child receives when he or she joins at least the opportunity to succeed. the Imagination Library in the USA What is your favourite thing and Canada. about London?

I have often joked that what I want I love London and the UK. The people to say about me 100 years I love it because of its simple and fans there have always been so from now is “dang, she looks good powerful message. The little engine kind to me and the reception is for her age!” And while I still hope keeps saying “I Think I Can”, “I Think always so warm. they say that, I also hope that maybe I Can” and sure enough, she reaches the world will be a little better her destination. Everybody faces I love the buildings and the history because we have done what we can those moments when you have to and our musical roots that stretch do to give our kids the wings to make rely on your faith, your grit and your from the UK to the mountains of east their dreams come true. determination to make your dream Tennessee…and I also really love the come true and I can’t think of a better clotted cream!

Southwark has committed to message to share with our kids as early investing in our libraries because in their life as possible. I want every Not sure when I will be back but it we think books should be child to know they are special, they is hard to imagine a tour without available to everyone. Did you should believe in themselves and that coming to the UK…so stay tuned. have a library in your hometown they have in them to be whoever they growing up, and why do you think want to be. access to books is so important?

I always lived pretty far out in the country so just getting into town was always a bit of a chore. So even In a fantastic new scheme for Southwark though we had a library in town, I supported by the Dollywood Foundation really didn’t use it all that much. My and DialAFlight, children living in the only exposure to books were those borough who are born between December we had in school. We didn’t have any 2015 and December 2016, will be eligible books at home other than the Bible for a free book every month from birth or the Sears catalogue. With so many until their fifth birthday. To register your kids and so little money, books were a child for the Imagination Library scheme, luxury Momma and Daddy could please visit not afford. www.southwark.gov.uk/imaginationlibrary I guess you could say I was a late bloomer when it came to reading.

It was only after I moved to Nashville and could afford to get my own books that I became obsessed with

Hello Southwark

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Whether you need information on making an important decision such as fostering a child, want to find out all the things to do for kids or how regeneration might change your local area, we have it covered.

Summer 2016

20 Save your blushes How to talk frankly about sex

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22 Play time The way we were: how children’s play has changed

But how do you feel about these things? We welcome your letters, memories, emails, creative writing and photos (but please don’t send originals that are precious to you).

We would love to publish a selection of your thoughts here – please write to us at southwark.life@southwark. gov.uk or post to Southwark Life, Communications Team, 160 Tooley Street, London SE1 2QH.

Info 24 The Castle Our brand-new leisure centre is open

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All mapped out Your guide to this summer’s events

welcome...

In our last edition we explored the many reasons why Southwark is a great place to grow older, and some of you kindly took the time to tell us how much you enjoyed our celebration of later life. We now turn to our younger generations and find out why Southwark is an equally fun and rewarding place to grow up. Life can feel increasingly complicated for young people these days, with far less certainty about the future than in generations past, but in Southwark we are determined to make sure every young person has the best start in life and the chance to reach their potential.

In this summer edition of Southwark Life we find out more about the wealth of opportunities on offer to make life more interesting and rewarding, whether that’s letting off steam after exams, gaining skills and experience to help get a job, or getting involved with world-class cultural organisations like the Old Vic. We also talk to a junior doctor from Southwark about realising her dreams – a story she has been telling to pupils as part of our Raising Aspirations campaign.

Of course, while many young people will be looking forward to the summer holidays, some are experiencing unhappiness and upheaval in their lives that no-one should have to bear.

We hear from an inspirational foster carer who has offered a warm and loving home to Southwark children for the last 15 years and ask, could you open your door too?

The NSPCC has some helpful advice for parents who need to have difficult conversations with their children.

Most of all though, this edition is a celebration of being young, of summer, and of Southwark with its millions of fabulous things to do. I hope you enjoy it.

Feedback on the Spring edition Our Spring edition considered Southwark as a place to age well. You said: “You know I was so interested to read about older people in Southwark, life does not stop when you retire. Life is a big adventure we need to grab it and run with it.” Stephenie, SE1 “The comments by Peter John recognising the active role that many elderly people have and their contribution to society is to be warmly welcomed.

We hear too much about the burdens imposed by the elderly! Later life, as you say, is a time to be celebrated.” Iilfra, Southwark

Call for entries!

Photo competition

Peter John Leader of Southwark Council

Contact us

The Southwark Life team

If you’re aged between five and 16, you have the chance to win tickets to a show at the Unicorn Theatre and have your picture published here. Please email your favourite (between 2 and 5 MB in size please) picture of the borough to southwark.life@southwark.gov.uk. Terms and conditions are available at southwark.gov.uk/TandCs

Do you have something to say about Southwark Life? Write to: Your letters, Southwark Life, Second Floor, Hub 5, Southwark Council, 160 Tooley Street, SE1 2QH or email southwark.life@southwark.gov.uk

Editor Louise Neilan

To find out more about the new season of shows and events at the Unicorn, visit: unicorntheatre.com/whatson

All information correct at time of going to press.

Our cover star is Beulah Paintsil taking a dip at the new Castle centre

Assistant editor Catherine Simonds Contributors Asha Budhu, Florence Igbokwe, Kim Hooper, Meredith Tucker-Evans, Miriam McGrath, Laura Fitzsimmons, Roushanara Islam, Daniel Thomas Photography Thinkstock, Hannah MauleFfinch, Jamie Simonds, Richard Lakos, John Benton, Rehan Jamil Design Whatever Design Ltd Print Headley Brothers

Keep in touch Southwark Life is a quarterly magazine and the next issue is due out in autumn 2016. You can contact the magazine at southwark.life@southwark.gov.uk but for more regular updates on council news and events, follow us on social media at facebook.com/southwarkcouncil @lb_southwark

Printed on 100% recycled paper

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Distribution London Letterbox

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Focus

Summer 2016

Need to know...

There’s lots to celebrate in Southwark this summer with award winning foster carers and basketball teams, and an amazing offer of £10 to every 11 year old who opens a credit union account, plus lots more news from around the borough.

For news and events follow us on Facebook and Twitter or find out more at southwark.gov.uk/enews

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Congratulations to Southwark foster carers Marion and John Marcroft became Southwark foster carers back in 1975.

Forty years and 68 children later, they’re still fostering. We congratulate them on winning a prestigious Southwark Civic Award in recognition of excellence in active citizenship. Marion said: “We are thrilled to receive the award. I just thought I was doing my normal job but it’s lovely to be recognised.”

If you have the time to care visit southwark.gov.uk/fostering or call freephone 0800 952 0707.

Construction skills centre Great news for anyone wanting a career in the building trade: Southwark’s first construction skills centre will be ready to take students in the next couple of months. It will boost employment, provide invaluable training and be a base for specialists from Southwark Works and other agencies. Schools will be able to bring classes on site to enthuse future generations about building the borough of the future and how they could be working on exciting projects around the world.

Beware of scams and rogue traders Thinking of doing some work on the house or garden? Beware of unsolicited leaflets as they could be from rogue traders – those who charge more than they should or who may do shoddy work (or no work at all). If you do need some work done, Southwark Council has a Builders Award list of reputable traders so you can make sure you’re not being scammed. Find out more at southwark.gov.uk/ roguetraders

If you are interested in a career in construction call QTS on 020 7433 6963.

@lb_southwark

Imagine all the books!

Clearing the way The beat goes on Join us for Southwark’s celebration of dance as part of the Big Dance week from 2 to 10 July. Try a new dance style, experience live dance performances, watch the Big Dance short films and attend a dance inspired exhibition. Open to all the family and all ages – there’s something for everyone. For information about all things dance in Southwark, visit southwark.gov.uk/bigdance 4

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Living with a disability can be challenging at the best of times but dealing with things like rubbish bins blocking footpaths or overgrown bushes can make life unnecessarily hard for many in our community. Make sure the footpaths near your home are clear of bulky items or trip hazards and cut back hedges and trees.

Being more aware makes our community a more accessible and welcoming place for all.

Some of the players from the men’s team

Slam, dunk!

Congratulations to new National Basketball Champions, Peckham Pride, whose under 18s teams spectacularly won both the men’s and women’s titles last month. In celebration of their win, Coach Sterling Muschett, spoke at the launch of the council’s new leisure centre The Castle. Players also treated spectators to a friendly match in the centre’s brand new sports hall to showcase the kind of local talent that will benefit from the state of the art facilities.

Have you signed your child up for the new Imagination Library? Thanks to Dolly Parton’s Dollywood Foundation and DialAFlight, children living in Southwark who are born between December 2015 and December 2016 will be eligible for a free book every month from birth until their fifth birthday. To register your child visit southwark.gov.uk/ imaginationlibrary www.southwark.gov.uk

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Summer 2016

Do you want to support your local NHS? Being a member of Guy’s and St Thomas’ is free and a great opportunity to get involved in the life of your local hospitals and community health services.

The involvement of patients and local communities is vital to ensure services meet your needs now and in the future.

To learn more and to join, simply complete the application form on our website at: guysandstthomas.nhs.uk/membership or contact the Membership Office on 020 7188 7346 or email members@gstt.nhs.uk.

Keep track of your dog Flower power at Talfourd Place Young people who use the council’s Talfourd Place building have recently taken part in a project to transform the overgrown garden into a lovely place to hang out. Groups of friends, like Natasha, Anisa and Brandy (l-r above) rolled up their sleeves to plant flowers, paint walls and spruce the place up.

In April this year, the Government announced that all dog owners must have their dog microchipped by eight weeks of age or face a fine of up to £500. By microchipping your dog you will greatly increase the chances of it being returned to you if it goes missing.

Your local vet can fit your dog with a microchip. Several organisations also offer free microchipping services, such as The Dogs Trust and Battersea Dogs and Cats Home. For more info visit southwark.gov.uk/microchipping

Save the smart way Last year, the council launched the first Southwark Smart Savers scheme, and now it’s happening again, giving hundreds of 11 year-olds in the borough the chance to claim their £10 voucher as an incentive to start up their own savings accounts.

Twins Solomon and Rufus from Camberwell, signed up to Smart Savers in 2015 and told Southwark Life that just ten pounds has given them the boost they needed to think about saving in the future, and they now put some pocket money away every month.

Mum Lydia told Southwark Life, “Opening this Young Saver account with my twins has led to lots of useful conversations about managing money and the difference your choices make. It’s great for young people to discover that there are ethical options like credit unions around.”

If your child is currently in year six, get them signed up to this year’s scheme. Just take your ID, Southwark voucher letter, proof of address and child’s birth certificate or passport to any London Mutual Credit branch and they can do it on the spot.

Visit southwark.gov.uk/smartsavers

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Who wants to ride?

A visit to The BMX Track London is a must this summer regardless of your age, gender or ability. The state of the art track isn’t just for professional riders – BMX is a sport we can all enjoy.

Here are five reasons you should try it out…

1) If Peter Andre can do it, so can you That’s right, the mysterious guy himself can do a bike trick or two.

So what’s stopping you? There are weekly coaching sessions available to take you from a novice to an expert in no time.

Did you know? BMX-ing first started in the 1960s in Southern California and was made an official sport in 2008. There are different variations including freestyle and dirt jump.

2) Summer body goals Fed up with the treadmill? Bored of circuit training? Or simply overindulged in one too many sugary treats whilst in revision mode? A new sporting challenge could be exactly what you need.

BMX-ing is a great way to burn fat (a 60 minute ride can burn 600 calories) and is also good for building core strength.

3) Confidence building Learning a new skill is a great way to boost your confidence.

If you’re up for the challenge there’s novice training available complete with bikes and equipment.

4) It’s not just for the boys!

Don’t be put off, thinking that BMX is just for boys. It’s not!

There are a growing number of female riders of various ages and abilities taking the sport by storm.

At The BMX Track London there’s an opportunity to receive female only coaching. It’s for all abilities – and bikes and equipment are available on-site.

5) Like a thrill?

There’s no denying the thrills involved in this sport. But if you’re a beginner you’ll need to perfect the bunny hops before moving up to the more advanced 360s or truckdrivers. There are plenty of training opportunities available at the track to get up to speed with all the techniques that makes the sport so fun.

The BMX Track London (in Burgess Park at the junction of Albany Road and Wells Way) is open for use Monday to Sunday from 9am until 9pm. For more information on the track and booking information please visit: southwark.gov.uk/ bmxtracklondon Keep up to date with the track at facebook.com/bmxtracklondon or follow @bmxtracklondon

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Choose your future

Focus

Summer 2016

If you’re about to leave school and are wondering what to do next, find out about the many opportunities on offer in Southwark

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outhwark has lots of opportunities for young people who are leaving school, whether they want to learn, work or train. With lots of competition for jobs in London there are also many organisations that can help you gain the skills and experience you need to help you compete with the best. Whether it’s an apprenticeship or advice on writing your CV, make sure you take advantage of all the opportunities on your doorstep.

Jas was an apprentice at Southwark Council “Apprenticeships allow you to get your foot in the door, and then help to shape your career, refine your skills and apply for other roles. The council has many opportunities for those willing to take them. I learnt a lot as an apprentice and I’ve continued that learning now I am in a permanent role at the council.”

Sam, studying physics at Imperial College London, was the recipient of a scholarship from the council’s scholarship scheme “Getting the scholarship has boosted my confidence and I’m proud that Southwark has invested in me and my future. I don’t have any tuition fees and feel more motivated to do well. The scheme is amazing and can really change your life.”

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“ The support I received really helped me to broaden my opportunities” Ahmed was finding it difficult to break into the job market He found an internship opportunity at the Financial Times through the Employer Mentors Project, a programme run by InSpire, which mentors and finds work placement and internship opportunities for young people. Ahmed said: “This internship has been great for me and I know lots of other young people who would benefit from an opportunity like this.”

Drei was unemployed and sought help from Southwark’s participation, education and training team. They helped Drei with application forms, interview techniques and how to best sell and articulate himself to potential employers. Drei who now works for Sainsbury’s said: “The support I received really helped me to broaden my opportunities and improved my skills all round.”

What to do next?

Apprenticeships provide onthe-job training so you earn while you learn. Find out more at southwark.gov.uk/ apprenticeships Southwark’s part time employment project helps young people find part time employment. Email nadia.adam@ stigilestrust.org.uk or call 020 7708 8039.

InSpired to work helps young residents who are finding it difficult to get in to the right jobs. Find out more at in-spire. org.uk/inspired-to-work Southwark’s participation, education and training team offers help and advice to young people who find it difficult to stay in, or make the transition out of, school. Email catherine. verrinder@southwark.gov.uk or call 07960 108 015.

SEEDS connects young people to new jobs with local businesses.

Email sarah@southwarkworks. org.uk, call 020 7740 8203/0778 8288 548 or visit: southwark.gov. uk/sowandgrow Southwark Council Scholarship scheme helps young people who want to go to university, but find finance a barrier, by paying their tuition fees. Look out for the launch of the 2017 scholarship scheme at southwark.gov.uk/ scholarships

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Time to care Do you have the time and space to make a difference to a child’s life? It could be the right time for you to foster

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ostering a child, and watching them flourish, can be one of the most rewarding things you can do in your life.

Children in care, like everyone, have different life experiences. That’s why we need foster carers from a diverse range of backgrounds who can offer support and guidance to children and young people. You don’t need to be married or have a lot of cash in the bank. Some of the greatest qualities of foster carers are patience, understanding, flexibility and open mindedness.

Keeping brothers and sisters together is important so foster carers may need space in their home to do so.

Zisca Zisca has fostered for 15 years and explains some of the challenges and rewards of fostering: “I love looking after children.

It’s amazing to see the change in the young people – but you have to give them time.

“I started out fostering younger children but now enjoy caring for teenagers. They like to be independent but need the security

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of coming back home at the end of the day. Some children will test the boundaries as they adjust to the different rules of each foster home.

You just need to give them time to settle in and feel at home. Then help them grow and develop.

“I decided to look after children short term or for respite breaks at weekends. There’s never a dull moment when I look after brothers and sisters – I like a busy home!

The older ones are often protective of the little ones. It’s important for them to stay together and I let them know it’s my responsibility to take care of them now.

“Support comes from my social worker and my daughters are my back up carers. I’ve built up a support network with other foster carers - it helps knowing we are going through similar situations.

“It’s extremely special when children stay in touch with me after they’ve moved on. I’m always glad to see them and encourage them to get on in life. It feels good to watch the children grow and to know I’ve helped them along the way.”

Fostering recruitment manager, Elaine, says: “We have many incredible experienced foster carers like Zisca. We need more people who can communicate well with young people plus have an interest in caring for a wide range of children.”

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Summer 2016

“ It’s extremely special when children stay in touch with me after they’ve moved on” Have you got a spare bedroom and have time and enthusiasm for fostering?

You can be young or old, any gender, married, single or gay. You can own your home or rent. You do need to be over the age of 21.

Southwark provides: • Excellent 24/7 support.

• An allocated social worker • On-going training.

• Regular support groups.

• Membership of the Fostering Network.

• A generous allowance.

The amount you receive depends on the age of the child.

• 100% council tax relief for Southwark residents.

Find out more here: southwark.gov.uk/fostering or call 0800 952 0707.

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Life

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“ Stage Business allowed me to massively develop my leadership skills through running a workshop with a group of younger students and I have been able to apply the skills I developed in my everyday life.”

Saffron Mustafa

“ Stage Business has increased my confidence and creative skills massively, as well as bringing my class closer together because we worked very closely together during this programme.”

Jack Sands

There’s no business like stage business London has one of the most vibrant and exciting cultural scenes in the world, with internationally renowned theatres, music venues, museums and galleries

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teacher Nikki Rule put them and several of their classmates forward to be part of Stage Business – the Old Vic’s fantastic programme that helps enhance young people’s workplace skills through theatre.

Jack and Saffron are studying drama at St Michael’s secondary school in Bermondsey. Their drama

Starting with a visit to the Old Vic to watch Rob Brydon in Future Conditional, they then took to the stage themselves as part of an Inspiration Day including motivational speakers and workshops, run by professionals on voice, storytelling and staging delivery. Several months into the course Jack and Saffron designed and ran their own workshops back at St Michael’s for younger

oung Londoners should have access to the glitz and glamour on their doorsteps, but too often our theatres can feel like an exclusive club, open only to the well-off and well-connected. Not so in Southwark, however, where a project funded by the council has allowed 36 young people to tread the boards at the Old Vic, and learn invaluable skills that will help them in their future careers, whether they want to be scientists or thespians.

Summer 2016

year groups, passing on the skills and experience they had gained through Stage Business.

Kate Varah Executive Director, The Old Vic says “I’m very happy that The Old Vic is leading the field with this imaginative and creative programme. Ultimately it will help make the participants more employable but its primary purpose is to help young people develop confidence, resilience and a sense of self-worth. It was exciting to see the first cohort graduate from the programme. They were able to communicate so much more effectively than at the start and they had hugely enjoyed the journey.

There was a real sense that they had been inspired to reach higher. It was genuinely moving to see their progress and everyone at the theatre takes pride in their success.”

Stage Business in Southwark This year 36 students from four Southwark schools (ARK Globe Academy, Kingsdale Foundation, St Michael’s Catholic College and St Saviour’s and St Olave’s) became Stage Business ambassadors and ran workshops for many more students.

The council’s arrangement with the Old Vic means that another group of secondary school students can benefit from this amazing opportunity next year.

Speak to your school to find out whether they will be signing up.

“ It was exciting to see the first cohort graduate from the programme.

They were able to communicate so much more effectively than at the start and they had hugely enjoyed the journey.”

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Life

Prescription for success

Joanna Baawa graduated from Kings College London in July 2015 and is a junior doctor at Darent Valley Hospital. She grew up with her mother and twin sister on the Brandon estate in Southwark and went to Kingsdale School. She recently visited Walworth Academy to talk to pupils about her journey into work, as part of the council’s Raising Aspirations campaign. Here she offers her advice to anyone wondering how to achieve their dream.

When did you first decide that you wanted to be a doctor and why?

I don’t think there was a moment; I was always going to do a job that involved meeting the need of people who are vulnerable or experiencing challenges. During my time at school I wasn’t very good at subjects that involved reading and writing. I found science subjects more interesting, concise and easier to understand.

Being a doctor was the obvious job.

Did you ever feel that medicine was for other people, or that the obstacles to becoming a doctor were too huge?

I did not know many doctors from a similar cultural and societal background to mine, but I thought that my experiences in life would enable me to understand and relate to patients from similar backgrounds.

There were several moments where I lost confidence and became overwhelmed by exams, interviews and the entire process. However I did not dwell on those instances and pushed through my self-doubt.

I believed that the passion I have to care for people would inspire me to work hard.

My chemistry teacher was also an excellent inspiration to me. He would ask students to explain their lack of self-confidence with questions like: “what is the difference between you and students who attend private schools and will get “A” grades?

Do they have two heads?”

Who or what gave you your big break?

There are several moments in my life where different people have made key contributions to my journey.

And finally, my faith as a Christian underpins all of my motivations, passion and drive in the face of obstacles.

• The first and most important thing is to believe that you can achieve your dream. It can be a difficult thing to believe but start by taking time to think about what you like about the job, role or position you are aspiring to. Look for opportunities to interact with people who are currently in that role (work experience, shadowing over the summer holiday, and summer schools at universities), if you don’t know where to start ask your teachers and careers advisor in school.

• The purpose of this is to explore the field and gain more knowledge about that area. Importantly it will allow you to relate to and find similarities with people who do amazing jobs (There were times I thought people who do great things were super-human, but that is just not true. In reality, when average people work hard they achieve extraordinary things).

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The first would be my mother; with a great sense of humour she often made statements like “aim to be the best at whatever you choose to do”, and asked thought-provoking questions that challenged me such as “why can you not be the prime minister of the UK if you want to?”

Did your school encourage you?

I was privileged to attend a school where the majority of the teachers were very dedicated to our learning.

They were willing to support and engage students who showed commitment to their learning.

What advice would you give to a 15 year old, with big dreams like you?

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• Secondly, do not become overwhelmed by the enormity of your ambition. You may not know how to achieve your dream now, that’s okay; just make it your business to be an expert in the requirements for the immediate next steps towards your big dream. If you are in year 9, you need to make it your aim to know which GCSEs will complement your future career.

What grades will you need at GCSE to get into the course you need at college? One step at a time.

• Once you know what you need to achieve to get to the next step, plan and prepare towards it. There aren’t any desirable jobs I know of that don’t involve work, so don’t shy away from hard work. Always give your best effort and always celebrate the small things you achieve, it will keep you motivated to do even more.

• Don’t be embarrassed about the thing you are not good at, always ask for help from people around you especially your teachers.

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Events calendar

Plaza Latina 2016

BERMONDSEY CARNIVAL

London’s best Latin American festival packed with music, food, dance and fun activities. Enjoy dance presentations from an eclectic mix of groups or join a dance workshop.

Saturday 2 July Southwark Park southwark.gov.uk Spend a relaxing afternoon in the beautiful surroundings of Southwark Park and enjoy a day of great live entertainment headlined by 80s music icon Paul Young at Bermondsey Carnival. Join in the SE16 Dance Hall created by local dancers, musicians and entrepreneur Laura Erwin. The BMX Track London, Millwall FC, Dockland Bell Ringers will be promoting a wide range of activities. Sample mouth-watering delicacies, wander around the huge second hand market or have some fun at Reuben Bond’s funfair. Internationally renowned Kinetika Bloco will also be back in a parade for the park created with local young people.

Saturday 23 July Free Nursery Row Park plazalatina.co.uk

The Hamilton Complex The Hamilton Complex explores how our identity is determined and asks questions about growing up, conforming and maintaining your individuality. A physical, visual and philosophical look at the profound moments in life when everything changes.

Through the Mill

Rooftop Film Club

Mona Hatoum

Set primarily during the filming of The Judy Garland Show in 1963, Through the Mill chronicles the production difficulties behind the scenes, intercut with the young Judy Garland’s rise to fame through MGM in the 1930s, and her triumphant sell-out concert engagement at the Palace Theatre in the early 1950s.

The huge roof terrace of the Bussey Building in Peckham Rye is one of four venues for the Rooftop Film Club this summer with a series of films that gets underway. The terrace boasts magnificent panoramic views of London, while guests can enjoy zingy Mexican street food and Caribbean BBQ, a fully licensed bar serving cocktails and cold drinks. Film-wise, it’s a mix of recent hits (like ‘Room’ and ‘The Danish Girl’), 80s classics (‘Top Gun’) and golden oldies (‘Casablanca’).

Mona Hatoum creates a challenging vision of our world, exposing its contradictions and complexities.

The exhibition covers 35 years of her work from early radical performances and video pieces, to sculptures and large scale installations.

Wednesday 6 July to Saturday 30 July £20, £16 concessions, £12 previews Southwark Playhouse southwarkplayhouse.co.uk

Graphic Art Competition 2016 Have you got an artistic flair and are aged between 7 to 17? Then send in your graphic art entries for this year’s competition and win great prizes.

June to 31 August Free All Southwark libraries, during library opening hours southwark.gov.uk/ graphicart2016

Prices vary The Bussey Building, 133 Rye Lane, Peckham, SE15 4ST rooftopfilmclub.com/london

The Peckham Festival Peckham is emerging as the heart of London’s creative scene, attracting artists, musicians and performers from all over the city with its unique culture and vibrancy. To celebrate this great place the Peckham Festival will have Open Studios involving over 130 artists, an array of activity, live music, workshops, cinema screening, a food trail and ‘The Great Peckham Sketch-In’.

Thursday 8 September to Sunday 11 September peckhamfestival.org

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Life

Summer

Until 21 August Adult £16.00 – Concessions available, under 12s go free Tate Modern tate.org.uk/modern 020 7887 8888

Daughter of the Forest The tale of Bonbibi, a girl left in the Sundarbans as a child and raised by the creatures of the forest. Trouble looms when the greed of humans threatens nature.

Tuesday 28 June to Sunday 3 July (Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Sundays only) £2.50/£3/£4 Blue Elephant Theatre blueelephanttheatre

BRITISH BMX SERIES 2016 – ROUNDS 7 AND 8 The British BMX series makes a return to The BMX Track London. Come and see some fast and furious racing action featuring the best riders from the UK. Cheer on your favourite local riders as Peckham BMX will be well represented.

Saturday 25 and Sunday 26 June, 12pm to 5pm Free to spectate The BMX track London, Burgess Park, London SE5 (At the junction of Albany Road and Wells Way) southwark.gov.uk/BritishBMXSeries2016

I Am a Rainbow Did you know Dolly Parton wrote a book called I am a Rainbow?

Come and listen to this delightful story and create wonderful rainbow crafts. This event is for children aged under-five, parents and carers.

Thursday 30 June to Saturday 2 July Adults: £12, £18, Under 18s: £8, £12 (concessions £3) Lift and Unicorn Theatre unicorntheatre.com

Camberwell Fair Enjoy a diverse celebration of music, people and culture brought together by contemporary world music promoters Wormfood bringing live music from Nigeria, Jamaica, the Balkans, Congo, Columbia and the UK. Explore the farmers market, participate in games and enjoy the dance workshops.

Saturday 20 August Free Burgess Park (West side) camberwellfair.co.uk

Peckham and Nunhead Free Film Festival Now in its seventh year, this free film festival will host a range of films including silent cinema, pedal powered film screenings and outdoor screenings.

Throughout September Various locations Free freefilmfestivals.org/ filmfestival/peckham-nunhead

Summer 2016

The Big Friendly Read: Summer Reading Challenge 2016 The Summer Reading challenge celebrates the 100th Anniversary of Roald Dahl’s birth. Launch into The Big Friendly Read by making decorative bunting and a big friendly giant. Kick off the reading challenge and borrow a book by Roald Dahl.

Saturday 16 July to Sunday 11 September Free All Southwark Libraries, during library opening hours southwark.gov.uk/BFR2016

Thursday 11 August, 11am to 11.45am Free Canada Water Library, 21 Surrey Quays Road, SE16 7AR southwark.gov.uk/ imaginationlibrary

Rotherhithe Festival Come along to a day of entertainment and fun, meet Southwark charities and community groups. Get creative at the crafts stall and tuck into a delicious range of foods.

Saturday 9 July Free King Georges Fields rotherhithefestival.co.uk

BIG DANCE Big Dance is a biennial festival of people dancing organised by People Dancing and the Big Dance Hubs, a network of leading dance organisations across the UK. May/June/July Various venues bigdance.org.uk

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Life

Your neighbourhood, your future, your say

Summer 2016

Did you know?

Old Kent Road is the only address on the original Monopoly Board that is south of the river!

Regeneration doesn’t happen overnight. When the transformation of the Old Kent Road is complete, Beyoncé might be a grandma, and driverless cars could be cruising around Southwark. Positive change takes time, and we want our young people to get involved now to help shape their neighbourhoods for the future.

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ou will have seen change happening across the borough from the huge transformation of Elephant and Castle to a more grassroots and arty movement in Peckham, and with the Londonwide need for thousands of new homes, many more projects are in the pipeline in places like Canada Water and the Old Kent Road. Change can be scary but the more involved you get, the more say you have in shaping your neighbourhood.

You can influence where you live today to shape it into a place you can see your future self living.

What might your town centre look like when you’re older? If you plan to have children one day, where will they go to school? What’s your number one concern? Safer roads?

Better housing? More parks and places to play? If you speak up and let your voice be heard you could improve your life in years to come.

Old Kent Road – get involved Do you live near Old Kent Road?

With the area around one of

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“ Old Kent Road is a nice area, I grew up here and people are friendly and say hello to each other” London’s most famous roads set for major regeneration, it’s important for young people to have their say right from the start on how the area will look years from now.

Old Kent Road is one of the oldest thoroughfares into London. More recently it has been named as one of London’s opportunity areas, which means it has the potential for around 20,000 much-needed new homes, new shops and workspaces, improved transport networks with safer cycling and pedestrian routes, better and more green spaces – and the promise of the extension of the Bakerloo line.

With such incredible change on the horizon, Southwark Council is asking local people how they feel about the Old Kent Road now and what they want to see change, as it prepares a new planning policy to help shape the area.

How to get involved Southwark Council has just started a new series of consultations about the future of Old Kent Road and the draft Area Action Plan that was approved by the council’s Cabinet in June. By commenting on these decisions now you can directly influence how we guide development along the Old Kent Road over the next 20 years. You, you family and your friends can get involved by coming along to one of our consultation events this summer, or filling out our consultation forms online.

For more information about the Old Kent Road or to see times, dates and locations of consultation events, get links to the online consultations or see the draft area action plan, check out the council’s webpage at southwark.gov. uk/OKRplanning. You can also go directly to our consultation webpage at southwark.gov. uk/haveyoursay. Consultation will go on until September.

KIMA: “Old Kent Road is a nice area, I grew up here and people are friendly and say hello to each other. But we need more places for young people to go like parks or gyms where they can hang out and feel safe.”

Walworth Academy pupils Kima (left) Gibrilla (middle) and Rojhelin (right) tell us what they think of Old Kent Road and the possibilities for the area.

GIBRILLA: “I’d like to see new houses that are more spacious so families feel comfortable and safe, and places young people can go to and talk about their issues.”

ROJHELIN: “I think the roads are an issue, especially after school.

They are busy and it can take ages to get home. It’s polluted too. We should be living in and leaving a good world.”

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Life

Summer 2016

“ Talking about healthy relationships can be a way of pointing out the differences between porn interactions and real life sex”

“

Having the sex talk with my parents was the best thing ever for me. Most of my friends are getting pregnant, by guys who don’t support them. So I always remember that sex is something I’m going to prize forever.

if someone shares the photos in anger. Tell them they can come to you if someone asks them to sext and that you won’t be angry.

Many young people don’t know that as well as the personal risks, sending a sexual image of yourself is illegal if you’re under 18, as it counts as distributing an illegal image of a child.

Let’s talk about sex

Let’s talk about sex Issues like porn and sexting probably aren’t things parents and children generally want to talk about together; but those chats can give your child the confidence and knowledge to make safe choices.

There are ways to have simple conversations about staying safe that aren’t scary and won’t leave anyone feeling uncomfortable.

It’s easy to talk to your children about staying safe when it comes to things like crossing the road or talking to strangers. But how do you talk to them about things like sexting, abuse or pornography? Chris Cloke, NSPCC parenting expert, offers some advice

Sexting Sending a sexually explicit text or picture – sexting – is surprisingly common among young people.

They may not want to talk about it because they are afraid of being judged or having their phones taken away. You know your child best, so think about how to start the conversation – perhaps outline

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“

It’s a very intimate, personal topic, and a young person will only feel comfortable opening up to someone who is ready to listen.

your expectations when you give them their first mobile phone or ask them what they think is acceptable to send to someone.

Talk to them about the risks, described in detail on the NSPCC website, and ask how they’d feel if their private photos were shown to the world. Sometimes children think sending images to friends is less of a risk but you can use the example of friends or partners who have had a falling-out and what might happen to the images

Pornography Children and young people are now able to access pornography online very easily. It’s important to help young people understand the impact porn can have on them and their relationships. Reassure them it’s ok to be curious about sex and that they can talk to you about it.

Don’t forget they might have seen something by accident or been pressured into seeing something by another person, so make sure they know it’s wrong to feel pressured into watching it or OK not to want to watch it. Porn can confuse young people’s idea of what a healthy relationship is, so explain that sex in porn is different to how people have sex in real life: people are acting and the lines between consent, pleasure and violence are often blurred.

It’s important for young people to know the difference. Talking about healthy relationships can be a way of pointing out the differences between porn interactions and real life sex.

Ask them what they think makes a healthy relationship and what it is ok to expect from a partner.

Sexual abuse and dangerous relationships Child sexual exploitation (CSE) is a type of sexual abuse in which children are sexually exploited for money, power or status.

Children or young people may be tricked into believing they’re in a loving, consensual relationship.

Try these steps to open the conversation: • Link the conversation to news and TV, e.g. soap stories • Ask what their school is doing to raise awareness of CSE, help young people recognise the warning signs, and ask if they know what to do if they feel they are in too deep • Keep the conversation as natural as possible and try to have a chat reasonably regularly, so it’s not seen as too weird or too much of a big deal • With younger children use the Underwear Rule – the areas covered by their underwear are private, their body belongs to them, and no means no.

With all these subjects, the key is to keep having regular conversations – it shouldn’t be a one-off chat. You can find more in-depth advice on all these topics at nspcc.org.uk.

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Info

Summer 2016

Child’s play: How the children of yesterday lived Tanner Street Recreation Ground 1938

From workhouses to rooftop playgrounds, play has changed for the better

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Children in Southwark today play much like their great-grandparents played 100 years ago and children’s leisure activities have been a barometer for wider social problems over time. Over the past century and more, local government and community organisations strove to improve children’s options for play, both to improve their future health, and to underpin other improvements in living conditions.

Before the Industrial Revolution, much of Southwark was rural or suburban. In the 19th century, however, factories and railways took up space formerly occupied by houses, parks, and gardens.

Landlords divided and subdivided the grand Georgian houses of Walworth, Camberwell, and Bermondsey to pack in ever more people. Cyril Garbett, the bishop of Southwark, noted in his 1932 book

In the heart of South London, that South London’s population had ballooned from about 200,000 in 1801 to nearly two million by 1931.

Housing became hugely overcrowded and dangerously unsanitary – in 1939, 15 million Britons had one room or less for the entire household to live in.

This meant there was no space to play. Combined with a chronic lack of open spaces – in 1932 Borough had just 12 acres of open space per 100,000 people compared to 161 for London as a whole – entire generations had nowhere to play but the streets.

Adults used their ingenuity to create play opportunities, like the rag-and-bone man who offered roundabout rides for a penny.

Otherwise, kids themselves found or made play opportunities. The balustrades of St. James’s church in Bermondsey did double duty as slides in the early 20th century, and fun could be had from things as simple as a rope tied round a lamppost or a shoebox and a handful of cherry stones. Street corners were the site of games of marbles, while teenagers might play cricket (or a variant, cannon, featuring stumps made of firewood against a wall), or football. After the Second World War, young people

Opening Day: Tanner Street Recreation Ground 1929

with time on their hands turned cycle speedway into a national – and international – sport; nearly 70 years later, BMX in Peckham took up the same DIY ethos.

But play was also a focus for reformers – people who worked to improve housing and health. A number of settlements ran clubs and structured play for children – in fact, the social worker Grace Kimmins, pioneered play therapy at the Bermondsey Settlement, through the Guild of Play and the Guild of the Poor Brave Things.

Jimmy Butterworth, a Methodist minister, founded the youth mission Clubland – as well as a rooftop playground, Clubland had a gymnasium, art room, workshops, a theatre, and a hostel; members could participate in a youth parliament or go on camping trips as far afield as France. Anne Lethbridge Shells, who spearheaded

emergency kitchens for Londoners during the Blitz, founded the Bermondsey Children’s Flats after the war – this was literally a flat in a local tenement block, where children could go to play under adult supervision, away from the stifling overcrowding of their homes.

Local government also took a hand in fostering play. After the Surrey county gaol in Horsemonger Lane (now Harper Road) closed in 1878, the parish of St Mary Newington took charge of part of the space for a park; Newington Gardens opened in 1884, but was known locally as “Gaol Park” until the 1960s.

Bermondsey Borough Council had a Beautification Committee – originally led by Councillor Ada Salter – creating playgrounds like the one in St. James’s churchyard, which featured the “Joy Slide”.

Arthur Carr, the chairman of the Peak Frean biscuit company, paid for the splendid tower and slide after watching local kids slide down the front steps of the building; at its 1921 opening, he got the first go.

Perhaps, though, the most poignant playground for Bermondsey’s interwar parents was Tanner Street recreation ground – it was built on the site of the workhouse.

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Your brand new leisure centre is open

Info

Summer 2016

If you fancy a family splash or want to get fit for summer, the good news is your brand new, state-ofthe-art leisure centre is now open at Elephant and Castle.

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n April, Southwark’s newest and most-eagerly awaited leisure centre, The Castle Centre, opened its doors. Based in the heart of Elephant and Castle, the new facility is a major milestone for the area’s regeneration and means local residents and schools have a community swimming pool on their doorstep for the first time in years.

The new building has been designed to provide the highest standards of leisure access possible for all users, with specialist disabled equipment and facilities throughout the centre. The Castle is also already giving disabled residents free swim and gym access seven days a week. This is ahead of the launch of the free scheme for all residents in all Southwark leisure centres all day Friday and on weekend afternoons from 2pm from July.

Local resident Abs Tripp, who works for inclusive cycling charity Wheels for Wellbeing, visited the centre, and said, “I have started swimming on Tuesday mornings and so far have had a lane to myself, heaven!

The staff are great – really friendly, knowledgeable and welcoming, and the coffee was good too.”

The £20m centre, which was fully funded by the council’s local regeneration programme, features

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a 25 metre, six-lane swimming pool, learner pool, sauna and steam rooms, a sports hall, fully equipped gym and spinning studio, two exercise studios, as well as a crèche and café.

Register for a free swim To register for the free swim and gym offer visit southwark.gov.uk

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Info

southwark.gov.uk/summerfun

Summer 2016

SUMMER FUN 2016 T Make friends, learn something new and have fun this summer

here are loads of fun and free activities taking place across Southwark over the summer holidays – whether it’s football coaching, being a clown or a pirate for the day, junk modelling or taking part in the summer reading challenge - it’s all happening in Southwark this summer.

Libraries Take part in this year’s summer reading challenge at your local Southwark library.

Roald Dahl’s ‘Big Friendly Read’ is the theme of this year’s summer reading challenge (16 July – 11 September) celebrating the 100th anniversary of Roald Dahl’s birth. Discover imaginative and exciting stories, collect stickers, gifts and improve and maintain your reading – it’s also great preparation for school in September.

Surrey docks water sports centre

Leisure centres

Splash about with mates, improve your swimming ability or set the pace on the treadmill – if you’re under 18 years old (or over 60) sign up for Southwark’s free swim and gym sessions available at any Southwark leisure centre.

Learn to windsurf or sail, understand your stern from your bow and meet others who enjoy being out on the water at Surrey Docks water sports centre. Great for all including families. Assisted sailing sessions run

by Tideway Sailability are available for those with limited mobility.

Children’s centres Enjoy messy play, get chatty at chattertime or enjoy a sing along at one of the many children’s centres across Southwark. All activities are free or affordable and at a range of times and convenient locations.

Youth clubs Take a fun day trip, spin some tunes, make a movie or take part in a dance class and bust some moves – there are six youth clubs across Southwark offering loads of cool and interesting activities.

Adventure playgrounds Have an outdoor adventure at one of Southwark’s seven adventure playgrounds – have a kick about with mates, fly through trees on tyre swings, climb up boulders or get creative at a craft workshop.

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Parks Find out more about all these fun activities, things to do and much more taking place in Southwark this summer, visit southwark.gov.uk/summerfun

With 130 parks and open green spaces, Southwark is one of the greenest boroughs in London great for a game of cricket, slam dunking a basketball, enjoying a sprint or having a fun picnic with your family and friends.

Rock up and ride at the BMX Track London, Burgess Park.

Special classes for junior riders including getting to grips with pedalling (limited bikes available), practise your start technique or just turn up at the holiday club and get loads of helpful advice at a fun and friendly workshop.

FREE EVENT for spectators British BMX Series Saturday 25 to Sunday 26 June.

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