Our special pull out section has lots of help for people struggling this winter
Women’s safety
We launch our new campaign to make the borough safer for women
Recycling your food waste
Taking a look at how to make best use of your food waste caddy this Christmas
PLUS How we are working to become a good landlord
Your magazine from Southwark Council
Your Valentine’s Perfect Day ceremony at Camberwell House on 14 February 2026
This Valentine’s Day, why not elevate your wedding with our distinguished Valentine’s Day ceremony package. Designed for couples who appreciate refined romance. This package seamlessly combines timeless sophistication with a contemporary style.
By selecting our Valentine’s Day ceremony, you will enjoy:
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• a luxury confetti moment, providing a visually striking celebration as you take your first steps into the next chapter of your lives
For more information on how to book, scan the QR code
Photo by Guy Milnes Photography
Contents
4 Need to know – all the latest news from around the borough
6 Decent Homes – we want to become a good landlord by listening to our tenants more
8 Safer Southwark – join our campaign to make the borough safer for women
10 Cleaner and greener – top tips to reducing and recycling your food waste this Christmas
12 Know your rights – a look at our new campaign promoting workers’ rights
14 Ageing Well – ways to keep fit and active as part of Southwark being an age-friendly borough
15 Bakerloop – we welcome the new Bakerloop bus service
Cost of living support – our 8-page pull out with help and information for anyone struggling in the cost of living crisis
17 Election ready? – make it your resolution to be ready for the local election in 2026
18 Love your library – taking a look at everything your local library has to offer
20 Hear the roar – we speak to Millwall Lioness team captain Jordan Butler
22 High Street shopping – if you’re out and about Christmas shopping check out your local high street
25 Winter wellness – advice for staying healthy this season
26 Energy efficient – top tips for staying warm, saving money and going green this winter
28 What’s on – a round up of some of the festive fun this Christmas
30 Southwark Park statues – we look at a special restoration project
31 Business page – help and information for local businesses
Welcome...
Hello and welcome to the winter edition of Southwark Life.
Christmas is just around the corner and there is lots going on across the borough to help you celebrate – but we are also aware that for some of our residents Christmas, and winter with the colder weather, brings a new set of challenges.
The cost of living is still an issue for so many of our residents, which is why we are again looking at all the support that is available from the council and our partners with our special 8-page pull out in this edition.
We’ve also got some important news on the launch of our Know Your Rights campaign, which aims to make sure everyone knows what their rights as an employee are – and where to get help if these rights aren’t being met.
You can also find out how to keep your home more energy efficient, and save money, with some top tips from the Energy Saving Hub, and for our older residents, we’re looking at how to age well and stay healthy as part of our commitment to being an age-friendly borough.
We’ve also launched our food waste campaign, plus we’ve got an update on how we are working to become a good landlord, keep our borough safer (especially for women) and some fantastic news about the launch of the Bakerloop bus service!
I wish you all a healthy, happy and safe Christmas and New Year.
Cllr Sarah King Leader of Southwark Council
Need to know...
Southwark is as busy as Santa’s workshop at the moment, and we’ve got all the news from across the borough all wrapped up.
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To get regular news, including cost of living advice, you can sign up to our enewsletter at www.southwark.gov.uk/followus
Got a spare room –and a big heart?
Turn your home into a place of purpose with Shared Lives. Open your door to an adult with additional needs and change two lives - theirs and yours. You’ll be paid, supported, and part of something truly life changing. Full-time or part-time, it’s care that feels good. Find out more about becoming an Ategi Shared Lives carer at ategi.org.uk/ becoming-a-shared-lives-carer
Southwark gets active
Over the past year, we’ve seen incredible participation in a range of events and partnerships designed to keep our community moving, healthy and connected. At the heart of it all was the Canada Water Community Day, celebrating the launch of the new leisure centre. Local groups including Time and Talents, Ballers Academy, Southwark Black Parents Forum, Southwark Park Cricket Club, Let’s Get Active, Black Swim Association and more came together to showcase the many ways residents can stay moving and meet new people. Our teams also supported MSK community events, over 1,500 joined in our Move Games Fun Day and National Fitness Day saw an outdoor Zumba party at Castle Leisure Centre.
Become a school governor and make a difference
The search is on for committed individuals across Southwark to join local school governing bodies. Governors play a vital role in shaping school strategy, supporting leadership, and driving improvement. No prior experience is needed – just enthusiasm and a willingness to learn. Find out more at education.southwark.gov.uk/governance/ who-are-school-governors and express your interest today. Email governor.services@ southwark.gov.uk or apply online.
Check out your Southwark Adult Learning Service
Based in the heart of Peckham, your Southwark Adult Learning Service offers an amazing programme that includes courses in pottery, upholstery, woodwork, sewing, art and craft, and courses in basic and functional skills including maths, English, digital and ESOL. www.southwark.gov.uk/schools-andeducation/adult-learning-0
Appleby Blue wins 2025 Stirling prize
Appleby Blue in Bermondsey has been named Britain’s best new building, winning the 2025 RIBA Stirling Prize. Designed by Wright & Wright Architects and supported by Southwark Council, the almshouse provides spacious homes for residents aged over 65 and is run by United St Saviour’s Charity.
New
life sciences hub
to create new jobs and economic boost
Southwark has approved the planning application for Snowsfields Quarter – a cluster of new buildings for life sciences work near London Bridge as part of the SC1 district project. Snowsfields will see the creation of 890 jobs and generate nine times more economic activity on site, while also playing into the London Growth Plan, which aims to boost productivity by two per cent per year and create 150,000 jobs by 2028.
We’re rolling out more School Streets across Southwark
We’re speeding up our delivery of School Streets to cut congestion and air pollution, making it safer for pupils and families to get to and from school. There are now 31 School Streets. These timed closures benefit not only students but also parents, teachers, and local residents, by creating a more pleasant and safe environment. Find out more here www.southwark.gov.uk/news
Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA) screening
Canada Water Leisure Centre update
The fitness community at Canada Water is growing from strength to strength since opening on 1 September. Unfortunately the main pool is currently closed due to a problem with the air handling unit. The new parts required to fix the issue are coming from Germany, which means a delay to re-opening. We expect to be open by mid-January and we will share a date as soon as we have one. The teaching pool is open as usual and where possible we have moved sessions and swimming lessons across from the main pool. Thank you for your patience and understanding.
EGYM coming soon to Peckham Pulse
EGYM is a gym that remembers you. With EGYM, each piece of equipment automatically adjusts to your personal settings. Using your own EGYM wristband, the machines guide you through a safe and effective workout that’s tailored to your fitness level and goals. The smart technology tracks your progress over time, so you can see your strength, fitness, and health improve with every visit. EGYM will be installed at Peckham Pulse Leisure Centre first, all ready for the new year.
AAA screening checks for swelling in the aorta. This is the main blood vessel that carries blood from the heart to the tummy. It is offered to all men aged 64+. Anyone assigned male at birth aged 64+ can have it. Invitations are by letter. You can also self-refer if you are 65+ and haven’t been screened. Find out more: www.nhs.uk/aaa
New sexual health service for young people
If you’re under 25 there’s a free, confidential sexual health clinic that’s now open every Tuesday (3pm to 6.30pm) at the Tessa Jowell Health Centre (SE22). You can walk in or pre-book on 020 3299 5091. Plus, you can also refer yourself to the Young Southwark Sexual Health (run by Turning Point), open Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm, by emailing youngsouthwark@turning-point.co.uk. Find out about both at www.southwark.gov.uk/under25s-sexual-health
Good news for better buses
Southwark has been awarded up to £10 million funding over the next four years from Transport for London to help improve local bus journeys –including times and reliability.
It’s part of the council’s work to create a cleaner, greener Southwark where it’s easier for people to walk, cycle, and use public transport.
Good bus services are vital in our borough where most households don’t have a car, and we’re excited to be part of the Better Bus Partnership. The council will work closely with local people, Transport for London and neighbours to transform bus journeys in Southwark, as part of its wider Streets for People work to reclaim street space for the benefit of local communities.
Telephones
The UK’s telephone network is going digital by January 2027. For many people, switching to digital will be simple. If you have loved ones with additional needs such as elderly relatives or someone who uses a telecare device or pendant alarm, BT’s Connected Together initiative encourages you to take a few simple steps to support them through the switch. Find out more at www.bt.com/about/ all-ip/connected-together
Working to become a good landlord
Listening, learning, and taking action for our tenants and leaseholders
We’re working to become a good landlord, delivering the things that people living in our council homes and estates have told us matter most to them – better homes, better estates, better repairs, better customer services, a stronger voice for residents and new council homes.
Here are some of the ways we’ve made it easier to use our services and have your say on the things that matter most to your homes.
Housing support sessions on your estate - come down and see us!
Estate surgeries are now up and running across Southwark, offering tenants a great opportunity to meet their Resident Services Officer (RSO) in person and get quick, practical support.
These monthly drop-in sessions make it easier for tenants to talk about anything affecting life on their estate. By offering regular, in-person contact, we can listen better, act faster and help everyone feel proud of where they live.
Jenny, a resident in Dulwich, shared her thoughts about the surgeries:
“I’d really encourage residents to come along to their estate surgery. It’s a chance to talk about any estate issues that affect us all. A lot of people would feel more comfortable bringing things up here, especially if they don’t always raise them at Tenants and Residents Association meetings or directly with council officers. It’s just a good space to speak openly and feel listened to.”
To find out when surgeries will take place on your estate, please contact your RSO or visit our website at www.southwark.gov.uk/estate-surgeries
Stronger and more supportive communities
Tenant and Resident Associations (TRAs) give residents a stronger voice in how their homes and neighbourhoods are managed. TRA Chair, Jo Hardwick (pictured right), says:
“I am truly honoured and proud to be Chair of the Lant & Bittern Streets Tenants and Residents Association, representing four housing blocks just off Lant Street near Borough Market. Our TRA is one of the most proactive in Southwark, working to make our estate greener, safer and more connected.
“We have secured £70,000 in Community Infrastructure Levy funding for new railings and garden improvements at Lant House and are leading ambitious projects including biodiversity planting, wildlife habitats, regeneration of disused buildings and community events that bring residents together.
Want to get involved? Every Southwark tenant or homeowner can become a member of a TRA – visit our website for more information. www.southwark.gov.uk/housing/get-involved/tenants-and-residents-associations-tras
Here to help
We’re taking action to improve our council homes and estates for everyone living in them.
• To report a problem with damp or mould, use the online form on our website or:
Residents move into new council homes in Camberwell
Residents recently moved into 13 new council homes at Sedgemoor Place in Camberwell. As part of our commitment to becoming a good landlord, we are building thousands of new council homes to tackle the housing crisis locally and provide decent homes.
This new council block is one of many we have built all over the borough. We are one of the largest local authority homebuilders in the country with over 3,000 council homes completed or under construction on site.
Hasib, a new resident at Sedgemoor Place, is delighted to be living in his new council home after waiting many years for a stable, secure home. Hasib said: “I’m so pleased to be living here.
“The home is spacious, quiet, lots of light, it’s really transformed in my life. I’m very grateful to Southwark Council, it’s amazing to be here.”
Creating a
We’re working to make Southwark a safer borough for women and girls
Ten years ago, we began a journey to make the borough safer for women and girls of Southwark. It started with small changes, improving lighting, upgrading more CCTV, and providing better survivor support, but now – ten years on – it has grown into a shared effort powered by local people who refused to accept that fear should be part of daily life.
Listening and acting on what women told us
This time last year, more than1,000 women shared their experiences through the Southwark Women and Girls’ Safety Survey. And from the feedback, we know we need to take further action and invite more men to be our allies, working with us to make change.
The feedback mentioned everyday places where women and girls feel unsafe, and what would make a difference: more visible officers, better lighting, and open conversations with men about allyship.
Their voices are already shaping action, including:
community safety officers being deployed across neighbourhoods
Nighttime wardens
Plans are under way for a dedicated support centre, opening in 2026, offering advice, advocacy and recovery support.
£3m invested in upgrading CCTV across the borough
5,800 streetlight upgrades
76 Southwark businesses signed up to the Women’s Night Safety Charter
758 survivors of domestic abuse supported in 2024/25
Introducing
From the first streetlight upgrades to the upcoming dedicated support centre, Southwark’s message is the same: everyone deserves to feel safe.
Now, men across the borough are being asked to step forward. We want you to listen, to learn, and to Stand With Her.
We’re shifting the focus to men and the everyday choices that they can make which will help build respect and safety.
Launched on White Ribbon Day (25 November) under the national theme We Speak Up, we have launched:
• a limited podcast series featuring four different honest conversations with local men about respect, masculinity and allyship
• a borough-wide pledge encouraging men to commit publicly to standing with women and challenging harmful behaviour
TAKE ACTION
Watch the podcast
Catch every episode of the Stand With Her podcast on Southwark Council’s YouTube channel: youtube.com/@SouthwarkCouncil
Make your pledge
Join men across Southwark in taking the Stand With Her pledge and commit to speaking up, showing respect and being an ally. Visit southwark.gov.uk/standwithher
Working together for a Safer Southwark: a conversation with Chloe Alexis
Over the summer and early autumn, the council’s Community Safety team led a series of Action Days focused on preventing violence against women and girls (VAWG), which brought partners across the borough together to make our streets safer and more welcoming.
We caught up with Chloe Alexis, who coordinates the borough’s environmental improvements to increase women’s safety, to hear more about the impact and what’s next.
Q: Chloe, what are these action days all about?
Chloe: They’re all about teamwork and visibility. Over the summer, we worked with our Community Wardens, Young Advisors, Licensing and Environmental Services teams, and our local Police Safer Neighbourhood Teams. The idea is simple – go where women and girls have told us they feel less safe, show up together, and make visible improvements.
Q: Where have you been focusing your efforts?
Chloe: We’ve held five action days this year in London Bridge, Peckham, Canada Water, Burgess Park, and Elephant and Castle – areas that came up in our data and the Women’s Safety Survey. Each location has its own challenges, but the principle is the same: partnership and presence make a difference.
Q: What kind of activities take place on the day?
Chloe: We talk to local businesses about the Women’s Night Safety Charter, promote spiking awareness, and signpost to Safe Havens.
We’ve handed out 400 personal safety alarms, distributed 76 anti-spiking kits to venues, and set up stalls to connect residents with support services and information about reporting crime.
And because safety isn’t just about people, we also work with colleagues to clean streets, remove graffiti and clear fly-tipping – it’s about improving how spaces look and feel.
Q: What’s been the community response so far?
Chloe: Really positive. Residents appreciate seeing so many teams working together, and businesses have been receptive. The action days also help us spot gaps or new concerns early, so we can respond quickly. It’s about showing that community safety is something we do with people, not to them.
Q: What’s next for the action days?
Chloe: We’ll be back out again this winter –linking up with Stand With Her so that our messages about allyship, safety and community responsibility come through loud and clear. Southwark has made real progress, and these action days keep that momentum going.
RECYCLE FOOD WASTE THIS FESTIVE SEASON
At this time of year, we often come together to share food. The best thing to do with our food is eat it. But some food waste, like turkey bones or orange peel, is inevitable.
Currently about 20% of the waste collected from Southwark’s rubbish bins is food. To comply with the new law and tackle the climate emergency, you must separate your food waste and recycle it using the collection service.
Thank you to the residents who have already helped to recycle 4,316 tonnes of food waste in the past year. Recycling food waste helps to support a greener, more sustainable Southwark.
YOUR CADDY LOVES...
You can recycle all your food waste, including:
& plate scrapings
Coffee grounds & tea bags
Leftovers
and dairy products
MEET AMANDA, A SOUTHWARK RECYCLING CHAMPION
Amanda is a Southwark resident and a Recycling Champion. Southwark Recycling Champions are volunteers who are helping increase recycling and promoting sustainability amongst their local community.
It’s important to me to volunteer my time as a Recycling Champion because I love helping to bridge the gap between the community and the recycling and waste management facilities. I believe that most people want to do the right thing for the Earth, environment, and community. There can often be confusion on the best way to do this, and I am happy to help bring clarity, however I can. Sometimes that’s answering questions about which type of material can go where. Sometimes it’s helping to bring the Mobile Recycling Centres into the local estates. Sometimes it’s literally taking my neighbours’ materials to the right place on their behalf.
Want to get involved and make a difference in your community like Amanda? Please visit southwark.gov.uk/recyclingchampion
TOP TIPS
for a sustainable festive period
Thank you to all of our residents for recycling and helping to keep Southwark clean and green.
You have helped us achieve the highest recycling rate in inner London!
Time for your end-of-year clear out?
Book a bulky waste collection or visit the Southwark Reuse and Recycling Centre.
The Reuse and Recycling Centre is open every day from 8.30am to 4.30pm except Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day when it is closed.
‘Tis the season to tree-cycle
When it is time to say goodbye to your real Christmas tree, book a Christmas tree collection on the council website: southwark.gov.uk/christmastrees
Wrapping paper: to recycle or not
Wrapping paper with foil, glitter, or plastic cannot be recycled. Do the scrunch test, if the wrapping paper stays in a ball when scrunched it most likely can be recycled. If it springs back, pop it in your rubbish bin.
Collection dates
Over the Christmas and New Year your rubbish, recycling and food waste collections are likely to happen on a different day. Please check the council website: southwark.gov.uk/greenchristmas
Crush your cardboard
Frequently, presents and decorations are packaged in cardboard boxes. Please remember to flatten cardboard before putting it in the recycling bin to leave more room for you and your neighbours to recycle more.
Everyone deserves a fair day’s pay for a fair day’s work, and to be treated with respect by the businesses and organisations that employ us
Sadly, we know that too many working people across Southwark aren’t being treated fairly, whether that’s being made to work for less than the National Minimum Wage, in unsafe conditions, without sick pay, or by missing out on other rights.
That’s not only unfair – in many cases, it’s also illegal.
We have lots of excellent employers here in Southwark –businesses who respect their staff. There are more than 450 accredited London Living Wage employers in the borough, which means their staff receive at least £14.80 per hour for workers aged 18 and over, as opposed to the National Minimum Wage of £12.21 per hour for workers aged 21 and over.
Unfortunately, research shows that over 1,000 Southwark residents are in a job that pays below the National Minimum Wage, and more than 4,500 of our working residents don’t receive holiday pay.
We are working with Citizens Advice Southwark and Southwark Law Centre to promote free, confidential and professional advice that’s available in the borough. We want to help you understand what your rights at work are, and what you can do if you feel you’re not being treated fairly.
If you’re having issues, check out the new employment rights pages on our website, contact your trade union if you’re a member, or talk to Citizens Advice Southwark.
Citizens Advice Southwark
Free employment advice in person, by phone or online.
Drop-in service, Monday to Friday, from 10am to 2pm at:
• 97 Peckham High Street, SE15 5RS
• 6 to 8 Westmoreland Road, Walworth, SE17 2AY
• Phone 080 8278 7849 from: 9.30am to 4.30pm on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday | 9.30am to 7pm on Tuesday Recorded information is available outside these times. All calls are free. Visit www.citizensadvicesouthwark.org.uk
Employee trade unions
Employee trade unions can offer guidance and support to members who need it.*
Find out about joining a union at www.tuc.org.uk/join-a-union.
The employees’ view
Jack Sammoutis, academy coach, Ballers Academy
“Being paid the London Living Wage for me means that I can go about my daily business without having to stress or worry and it also allows me to be able to do things that I love.
“I’m very lucky to work in a good company because I get paid a decent wage that allows me to survive and then I can also concentrate on helping kids, so I get the best of both worlds.”
“When you’re spending more of your time in work than you are at home or any other place, having a safe space to come into work, having those relationships with colleagues and having the support from senior members of staff is really critical.”
The finance professional’s view
The bosses’ view
Richard White, community director, Ballers Academy
“Our staff are the heartbeat of Ballers Academy and every day they’re out inspiring young people and supporting vulnerable groups. By paying the London Living Wage it’s fair to them, but it also allows us to keep and attract talented people.
“I can only speak on behalf of Ballers Academy, but it’s the right thing to do and it’s also enhanced our quality as a service because we’re attracting good people.”
Lidia Ghisoni, head of finance, Theatre Peckham
“I grew up in Southwark, literally around the corner from here.
“As a struggling charity, the fact that I pull out all the stops to ensure that we can, at the very minimum, give people the London Living Wage, makes me feel proud. But it also makes me a little bit mad when I see bigger organisations with a lot more money to spend, and we’re clapping them and praising them because they’ve put it up by 2 or 3p, but not even close to London Living Wage.
“With the rents and general cost of living in the area, without organisations paying the London Living Wage, I don’t know how a lot of people survive.”
Suzann McLean MBE, artistic director / CEO, Theatre Peckham
“Fair pay is a fundamental part of dignity at work. I’d say that paying people fairly has a domino effect for our employees and our freelancers.
“It takes away some of the financial stresses so that they can show up at work as their best selves.
“When you’re investing in people you’re also investing in your business, in its resilience, in its longevity and its sustainability. So I would say, just do it.”
Connection and community
Discover how you can stay active and connected in Southwark
Community spaces, gyms, and libraries help you stay active, connected, and supported, ensuring no one needs to feel isolated or alone. From warm spaces and wellbeing groups to befriending and exercise sessions, there’s something for everyone. So step inside, get involved, and be part of Southwark’s growing age-friendly community.
Activity and connection
Befriending is a great way to meet new people and can really make a difference to the life of an older person feeling lonely or isolated. Find out more about befriending and many other services at www.ageingwellsouthwark.org or call 0207 358 4069
Warm Spaces are free, warm and welcoming spaces across Southwark. Some also offer cost of living advice: and free hot drinks and food. Visit www.southwark.gov.uk/warm-spaces
Our libraries and heritage centre are free and open to everyone; with books and films to borrow and much more including knitting circles, film clubs and writing sessions. You can join and hire e-books and e-audiobooks. Explore what’s on near you by visiting your local library or visit southwark.gov.uk/libraries and find events at southwark.gov.uk/southwark-presents
Southwark residents can use swimming and gym facilities, free of charge, at all council leisure centres at certain times. Over 60s can also join our free silver sessions. Pop into your local council leisure centre or visit southwarkleisure.co.uk/ memberships-offers
Support and guidance
The Healthy Ageing Directory lists services and organisations that support older residents. It has information on community activities, health and wellbeing, independent living and housing support, help with money, food and digital skills.
It’s available to download and copies are can be found in community spaces. Visit www. southwark.gov.uk/healthy-ageing-directory
Digital skills
You can find out where there is free support to get online and build confidence with digital tools. Visit www.southwark.gov.uk/digital-skills
We hold an Age-friendly Forum twice a year where older residents and their carers can share their experiences, discuss local issues, and hear about the work we’re doing to make Southwark a great place to grow older. Find out more about the next forum by emailing community.engagement@southwark.gov.uk
The Southwark Pensioners’ Centre is a welcoming place to find companionship and social activities. Find out more at southwarkpensioners.org.uk or call 020 7708 4556
“The Southwark Pensioners’ Centre (SPC) has helped me tremendously to cope with my loneliness since the loss of my husband. I enjoy the day trips. Staff are very supportive and friendly. Overall, the centre has given me a sense of belonging with the community they serve. SPC is like a true lifeline in Southwark.”
ALL ABOARD!
The new Bakerloop bus is now available
Abrand new bus service was launched in September to provide fast journey times and mirror the route of the proposed Bakerloo Line extension through Southwark.
The Bakerloop BL1 Express bus was introduced after it gained strong support from Londoners and was given over £5 million of funding from Southwark Councilthrough Section 106 contributions from developers who have built in the borough.
The bus operates between Waterloo, Elephant & Castle and Lewisham via Burgess Park, Old Kent Road, New Cross Gate, Lewisham station and Lewisham town centre.
The BL1 vehicles are fully electric and offer some little extras for passengers, like USB chargers at seats. The route runs every 12 minutes during Monday to Saturday daytimes and every 15 minutes during Sundays, evenings and early mornings, increasing capacity along the whole route.
Feedback from the Bakerloop consultation showed there was strong support for the proposed route with 82 per cent of respondents saying the new express bus service would be more convenient and 79 per cent of Londoners stating it would result in faster bus journey times.
The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said: “A Bakerloo line extension will take years to build, and I don’t want to wait any longer to improve transport connections for Londoners. That’s why I’ve introduced the Bakerloop now – a faster, greener service that delivers the links people need immediately, while showcasing just how transformative the Bakerloo line extension could be for our city and economy.”
Cllr Helen Dennis, Cabinet Member for New Homes and Sustainable Development at Southwark Council, said: “I’m proud of the role we’ve played in helping to deliver this new service through developer contributions but our attention will not divert from the ultimate goal of seeing the Bakerloo Line Upgrade and Extension project become a reality.”
It’s a match made in the kitchen! Recycle food waste in your caddy. southwark.gov.uk/foodwaste
We know that winter can be a difficult time. We’re here to help with heating, food, jobs, wellbeing, and staying connected – so you feel supported every step of the way.
We know that the rising cost of living is causing many of you considerable concern. That’s why we want to make sure everyone in Southwark has the support they need.
If you’re struggling with heating, food, finding work, your wellbeing, or staying connected – we’re here to help, particularly as we move into winter.
Since the cost of living crisis began, we’ve given more than £52 million in support to over 100,000 people in Southwark. Help with the cost of living is one of our top priorities and over the past year this includes:
• £2.5 million in Holiday Free School Meals for nursery, primary and secondary school children
• £26 million saved on council tax via our local Council Tax Reduction Scheme
• £900,000 of support delivered via the Southwark Emergency Support Scheme and Southwark Hardship Fund
• £1.2 million of extra help for our most vulnerable and low-income households including the elderly, disabled, and those living in energyinefficient homes
• £544,000 for residents moving to Universal Credit, for support during their five-week wait for their first payment
• £40,000 additional help for young people who have been in care
• £10,250 for School Uniform Grants
In April the Government provided £4.8 million extra to help Southwark’s residents.
This winter, we will use this money to support our most vulnerable residents through the Southwark Better Living Fund in the following ways:
• £1.1 million on Holiday Free School Meals for children of low-income families at Christmas and the autumn and winter half-term holidays
• £80,000 to help prevent food insecurity among our most vulnerable residents
• £80,000 to create a new Positive Opportunities Fund to provide vital support for families at risk
• £80,000 to support those who are at risk of becoming homeless within the borough
• £160,000 for residents moving to Universal Credit, to give vital support during the fiveweek wait for their first payment
• £55,000 to help low-income and vulnerable households to pay council tax bills
This booklet contains practical information to help you through the colder months including where to find financial support, jobs, local food banks and warm spaces, tips to reduce energy costs, and guidance on accessing mental health services if you or someone you know needs it.
We’re here for you this winter.
Cllr Sarah King Leader of Southwark Council
Want to stay up to date on a weekly basis?
Sign up to our e-newsletter, telling you what’s on, new information and service updates and community stories. bit.ly/Southwarknewsletters
Supporting one another matters more than ever.
We’re working hard to help you through the challenging colder months and we want you to know that help is available.
This year, we’re investing over £20,000 in local groups to support our warm hubs programme. Warm spaces in Southwark are free, welcoming places such as libraries, leisure centres, and community hubs. Many offer cost of living advice, free hot drinks, and food to support residents.
We encourage everyone to look out for those around them – friends, family, neighbours, or anyone who may be struggling. Not everyone can easily access support, so please share this information with anyone who might benefit. Looking out for one another makes a real difference and helps us get through challenging times together.
A huge thank you to our incredible communities across Southwark. From warm spaces and local charities to mental health organisations and volunteers, your work is vital in reaching those who need it most. The strength of our voluntary and community groups and organisations is truly inspiring and we know we’ll need to keep working together in the months ahead.
Cllr Stephanie Cryan Cabinet Member for Equalities, Democracy and Finance
To get more information, visit southwark.gov.uk/cost-of-living
Do you need this information translated?
Visit our website, where you can translate our cost of living pages into your preferred language. When you get to the homepage, scroll down to the bottom of the website, select your language, and click ‘go’. Visit southwark.gov.uk/cost-of-living
Le preocupan sus finanzas este invierno?
Aquí estamos para ayudarle. Acceda a nuestro sitio Web, en el que podrá traducir la información relacionada con el costo de vida al idioma de su preferencia. En la página de inicio, vaya a la parte de abajo, elija su idioma y pulse ‘go’.
Financial support
Are you struggling financially?
Citizens Advice Southwark
Free, confidential, independent and impartial advice to help you resolve problems with money, housing, employment, legal issues, and more.
Call: 080 8278 7849
Website: citizensadvicesouthwark.org.uk
Peckham drop-in service
97 Peckham High Street, SE15 5RS
Opening times: Monday to Friday, 10am to 2pm
Walworth drop-in service
6-8 Westmoreland Road, Walworth, SE17 2AY
Opening times: Monday to Friday, 10am to 2pm
Unpaid carers support
You could be an unpaid carer if you regularly support someone with everyday tasks. Many people don’t realise they’re carers – but help is available. You might be entitled to financial support.
Can help you find the right support in Southwark as well as providing essential support such as emergency food parcels and links to trusted food banks.
Website: southwark.gov.uk/community-help-form
Email: communitysupportalliance@southwark. gov.uk
Call: 020 7525 5000 (select option 3, then option 1)
Are you entitled to Pension Credit?
Pension Credit gives you extra money to help with your living costs if you’re over State Pension age and on a low income. Older people in Southwark could get over £3,000 a year with Pension Credit.
Scan the QR code or visit gov.uk/pension-credit/how-to-claim
Call: 0800 99 1234
Food support
Support for families
Our Start for Life offer provides information in one place that you can use to find local support and services, including pregnancy care, infant feeding, through to parenting support and childcare.
Website: southwark.gov.uk/start-life-southwark
Help to buy healthy food and milk
Healthy Start is a national government scheme which provides a pre-paid payment card for pregnant women and families with children aged under four who are in receipt of certain benefits to buy healthy foods. Eligible women and families receive at least £4.25 per week which can be used to buy fruit, vegetables, pulses, cow’s milk, and infant formula. Families could receive over £1,000 per child to cover the cost of healthy food and milk.
Website: healthystart.nhs.uk
Call: 0300 330 7010
Free healthy school meals
Southwark Council was the first to provide free healthy school meals to all primary school children. We now offer all nursery and primary pupils free and healthy school meals during term time. Secondary school pupils who are entitled to government benefits also get free school meals. These are for pupils from families who receive Universal Credit and who are not currently eligible for government benefits-related free school meals (FSM). You’ll need to apply through your child’s secondary school.
Website: southwark.gov.uk/secondary-free-meals
Southwark’s Food and Fun holiday programme
Our Food and Fun holiday programme supports families during the longer school holidays to access free, healthy food and fun activities. It is for children aged between four and 16 years old that receive benefits-related free school meals and those with no access to public funds (NRPF). Children can take part in a wide range of holiday activities including sports, arts and crafts and healthy cooking. They also get a healthy meal and snacks each day.
Website: southwark.gov.uk/foodandfun
Rose Vouchers: free fruit and vegetables
If you live in Southwark and are on a low income, or have no income, you may be able to get Rose Vouchers. You must have a child who is under five years old and not started reception or be at least 10 weeks pregnant.
You will get at least four vouchers every week (equivalent to £4) for each eligible child. The vouchers can be used to buy fresh fruit and vegetables in East Street Market, some stalls in Peckham, and a few other places in Southwark.
Website: 1stplace.uk.com/rosevouchers
Email: rosevouchers@1stplace.uk.com
Text: your name and ‘Rose Vouchers’ to 07553 379 067
Energy support
Reducing your household spend
Help with water bills
We’re working with Thames Water to cut water bills in half for thousands of low-income households. Support could be worth up to £400 per household. If you’re struggling with water bills, check if you qualify for Thames Water’s social tariff. You may be enrolled automatically, but you can also apply directly.
Library of Things can help you save money and reduce waste by affordably renting out useful things like drills, sound systems and sewing machines at low cost. There are three sites in Southwark: Canada Water Library, Castle Leisure Centre and Dulwich Leisure Centre.
• Rent a thermal image camera from Library of Things to find and fix draughts in your home
Website: southwark.gov.uk/greensavers
Get energy help with Southwark Energy Savers
You may be eligible to get help with paying your bills if you’re using the service and are at risk of losing your home energy supply, for example, if your energy supply is being disconnected because you cannot afford to pay your energy bills.
Website: citizensadvicesouthwark.org.uk
Help with energy bills
More Southwark households will get the Warm Home Discount this winter with £150 off energy bills. Make sure you’re registered for benefits like Pension Credit. If you use a prepayment meter, check your eligibility and make sure your details are up-to-date to avoid missing out.
Website: gov.uk/the-warm-home-discount-scheme
Jobs and training
Helping you to find work Southwark Works
Southwark Works is a free employment support service. It offers friendly, professional guidance on job searching and training, including help with CVs, applications, and interview skills. The service also connects people to training opportunities across various industries and supports career progression.
Website: southwarkworks.com
Call: 07791 846 285 or 0800 052 0540
Email: info@southwarkworks.org.uk
Connect to Work
Connect to work is a voluntary intensive employment support service for residents of Southwark unemployed or in work but at risk of falling out of employment. It offers rapid job search support with an employment specialist for residents with health conditions and disabilities.
Call: 07860 654332
Email: connecttowork@southwark.gov.uk
Working for Southwark Council
Southwark Council is a great place to work, offering a wide range of job opportunities across different departments. You can browse current vacancies and discover benefits such as flexible working, generous annual leave, and a pension scheme.
Website: jobs.southwark.gov.uk
Got a work worry?
Know your employment rights
We’re making sure every resident understands how they should be protected in employment. From minimum wage to sick pay, your rights aren’t just legal, they’re essential for a fair system.
Website: southwark.gov.uk/employment-rights
One Hub – Empowering Young Southwark
One Hub offers a wide range of training and job opportunities tailored for young people. Young residents can access apprenticeships, internships, volunteering roles and paid work experience across industries like hospitality, construction, music, sport, and media.
Website: onehubsouthwark.co.uk/opportunity
Mental health and wellness
Do you need mental health support?
If you think you or someone you know could use mental health support, go to southwark.gov.uk/mental-health-support
Ways to improve your mental wellbeing
By using the five ways to wellbeing (connect, be active, take notice, keep learning and give) we can all take little steps to improve our mental health and wellbeing.
Website: southwark.gov.uk/5-ways-wellbeing
Mental health support for adults
Southwark Wellbeing Hub can signpost you to services, groups or activities to support your mental health and wellbeing.
Drop-in service: Wednesdays 12pm to 3pm
Call: 0800 368 8433, Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm
Website: together-uk.org/southwarkwellbeing-hub
Visit: The Southwark Resource Centre, 10 Bradenham Close, SE17 2QB
Mental health support for young people
The Nest provides wellbeing support for young adults, children and families. You can contact them directly – without a professional referral.
Drop-in service: Saturdays 10.30am to 2.30pm
Call: 020 8138 1805
Website: thenestsouthwark.org.uk
Visit: Unit 4, Co-Operative House, Rye Lane, SE15 4UP (closest station Peckham Rye)
If you need urgent help with your mental health:
The NHS 111 Mental Health Service is here for you 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Call 111 and select the mental health option.
Samaritans
Samaritans is a free confidential support service for anyone experiencing distress or despair. Call the Samaritans on 116 123.
Spaces
More warm spaces
Check southwark.gov.uk/warm-spaces for additional warm spaces available around the borough.
Where
Food pantries
Food pantries are membership food shops that can make your money go further. Members can get subsidised groceries, including fresh fruit and vegetables and family favourites to stock up the cupboard and fridge.
36 Peckham Pantry Peckham Park Road, 49-53 Peckham Park Road SE15 6TU
Opening hours: Wednesday and Friday 9am to 4pm, Tuesday 10am to 4pm, Thursday 10am to 7pm, Saturday 9am to 3pm
Email: pantry@pecan.org.uk
Call: 020 7277 7075
37 Peckham Pantry St Luke’s Church, Chandler Way SE15 6DT
Opening hours: Wednesdays 10am to 2pm
Email: pantry@pecan.org.uk
Call: 020 7277 7075
38 Love North Southwark
Bermondsey Pantry, 4-5 Slippers Place, Gataker Street SE16 2EN
Opening hours: Monday to Friday 10am to 2pm (by appointment only)
Email: lovenorthsouthwark@outlook.com
Call: 07730 465 160
39 The Borough Food Co-operative St George the Martyr Church, Borough High Street SE1 1JA
Opening hours: Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday 11am to 3pm
Email: food@sgtm.org.uk
Call: 020 7357 7331
40 Paxton Green time bank, Paxton Pantry Unit 32 Seeley Drive, Kingswood Estate SE21 8QR
Opening hours: Tuesdays 12 noon to 4pm
Email: pantry@pgtimebank.org
Food banks
41 Southwark Foodbank
Bermondsey Methodist Church, Bermondsey Street SE1 3UJ
You need a voucher issued by a local agency before arriving at a centre.
Open to all; tea, coffee and hot meal served at 1pm. Social activity including quizzes planned after lunch with tea, coffee and cake.
Opening hours: Tuesdays 1pm to 2.30pm
Email: hello@cityhope.london
Call: 020 7993 3934
46 All Saints Church Café All Saints Church, Blenheim Grove, Peckham SE15 4QS
Open to all; community café providing tea, coffee and cakes. Also other activities and free wifi.
Opening hours: Tuesdays and Thursday 9.30am to 11am
Website: allsaintspeckham.org.uk
Email: hello@allsaintspeckham.org.uk
Call: 020 3637 2701
47 Manna Centre, 12 Melior Street, London Bridge SE1 3QP
Open to all; especially people who are homeless. Provides breakfast and lunch (showers, clothing, housing and welfare advice and medical care also available).
Opening hours: Monday to Sunday 8.30am to 1.30pm
Website: mannasociety.org.uk
Email: mail@mannasociety.org.uk
Call: 020 7357 9363
48 Foodcycle Peckham All Saints Church, Blenheim Grove, Peckham SE15 4QS
Open to all; sit-in community meals including hot vegetarian meals cooked on site.
Opening hours: Wednesdays 5pm to 6pm and Saturdays at 5.30pm to 6.30pm
Website: foodcycle.org.uk
Email: peckham@foodcycle.org.uk
Call: 020 7729 2775
49 The Castle Canteen Crossways Christian Centre, 18 Hampton Street, Walworth SE1 6SN
Open to all; Three-course lunch served in the community canteen on Monday afternoons.
Opening hours: Mondays to Thursdays 10am to 5.30pm
Email: hello@be-enriched.org
Call: 07397 288160
50 Webber Street Day Centre, 6-8 Webber Street Waterloo SE1 8QA For local rough sleepers and homeless people. Provides a sit-down breakfast (Monday to Thursday 8.45am to 11.45am), clothing, toiletries and advice. Women’s Safe Space on Fridays from 9.30am to 12.30pm. Closed first Wednesday of every month.
Website: www.webberstreet.org.uk
Email: wsenquiries@lcm.org.uk
Call: 020 7928 1677
51 Walworth Living Room, All Saints Hall, Surrey Square Road SE17 2JU
Community brunch open to all Thursday 10am to 11.30am. Community lunch open to all Friday 12 noon to 2pm.
Website: walworthlivingroom.org
Email: info@pembrokehouse.org.uk
Call: 020 7703 3803
Make registering your resolution
There will be local elections in May 2026 – are you
ready to vote?
Southwark Council will be holding local elections on Thursday 7 May, 2026 so why not make it your New Year’s resolution to make sure you’re ready to have your say at the polls?
There have been changes to election law over the last few years. Most of you will hopefully now be aware that you need a form of photo ID – or apply for a free Voter Authority Certificate – to vote at your polling station, but there are also changes around postal votes.
Don’t wait until the last minute – make sure you are ready to make your mark on 7 May. Check out our checklist to make sure you are ready.
Register to vote!
If you are eligible to vote and want to vote in an upcoming election then your name must be on the electoral register. You need to apply to register to vote. Paying Council Tax does not automatically add your details to the register. You normally only need to register once – not for every election. You’ll need to register again if you change your name, address or nationality. It only takes a few minutes to apply online at www.gov.uk/register-to-vote
Do you have the correct ID?
You now need the correct form of ID to vote in person at your local polling station. You can see the list of accepted ID on the government website at www.gov.uk/how-to-vote/photo-id-youll-need
If no ID have you applied for a Voter Registration Certificate (VAC)?
If you don’t have the right photo ID you can apply for a VAC to show at your polling station instead. You can apply for a VAC online at www.gov.uk/apply-for-photo-id-voterauthority-certificate
Do you need a postal vote?
If you can’t vote in person for any reason on election day you can apply for a postal vote. There have also been changes to the rules around postal voting so if you have already applied for a postal vote over three years ago you will need to apply again. You can apply for a postal vote online at www.gov.uk/apply-postal-vote
ESCAPE TO YOUR LIBRARY
Sometimes you need an escape from the ordinary
In a world that never stops scrolling, our libraries invite you to pause –and belong.
Our libraries and heritage centre are welcoming places for you to be whoever you want to be. From students and readers to parents and retirees, everyone finds their own kind of escape here.
See what’s been happening in libraries on our YouTube channel.
BOOKS AND BEYOND
Our libraries are always stocked with the latest books, and there is much more to explore when you step inside. Find the latest gem or old favourites at southwark.gov.uk/libraries
You can also find space to study, work or just chill out, and rooms you can hire. Find more about study or work space at southwark.gov.uk/library-space or to hire a room visit southwark.gov.uk/library-hire
From inspiring author talks and exhibitions to story time, crafts and crochet, discover what’s on at your local library at southwark.gov.uk/library-events
At some libraries you can get a free 5-minute health check using one of our digital health kiosks, borrow a lawnmower or a drill at our Library of Things, borrow a ukelele and teach yourself some music skills or come and print your documents straight from your phone.
If you can’t get to your library, we have eBooks, eAudiobooks, film streaming, online newspapers and magazines to choose from. Browse our selection at southwark.gov.uk/elibrary
TO BE TAKING PART IN SOUTHWARK LIBRARIES
We’re improving and refreshing Dulwich and Brandon libraries to revitalise the spaces. They’re temporarily closed for refurbishment until the spring when we will welcome you back to bright and accessible places for all to enjoy. Nunhead, Grove Vale and Kingswood libraries have extended opening hours during this time.
VISIT FREE SOUTHWARK AT 60 EXHIBITION
We’re celebrating our history and people, from 1965 until now. With artifacts, photography and art – it’s well worth a visit. Visit at Southwark Heritage Centre & Walworth Library.
CELEBRATING OUR LIBRARIES
We opened our doors for a celebration open day at Canada Water Library in the autumn with special guest Bluey! More than 2,000 people came through the door to discover author talks, art and crafts, Book Besties, Library of Things, health checks, digital support and much more that our libraries offer. Look out for more soon.
We stopped by to ask visitors what their local library means to them.
Kahshade – Southwark resident visited with her family
Vianney – Southwark resident visited with her children for the coding and robotics session.
“You should come to the library because there are a lot of treasures like books, activities and robots. Come and have a look – you will find something interesting to do!”
“My children and I have recently moved to the borough. Canada Water Library means everything to us from the exciting activities to the amazing staff who are very attentive!
My son who is about to do GCSEs also makes use of the amazing studying facilities.”
Iain joined the Books Besties session:
“A thoroughly enjoyable event. Inspiring! Several ideas for books to read.”
Sangeeta Pillai, author and award-winning podcaster baddaughter.co.uk:
“I grew up hungry for books as a poor kid in Mumbai. When I first moved to the UK 20 years ago, I remember walking into my local library absolutely astonished that anyone would just walk in and borrow as many books as they wanted for FREE!
“Libraries are the most precious resource for kids and grown-ups who otherwise couldn’t afford to buy books. I always think that free libraries are a sign of a forward-thinking country and community.”
Visit any of our wonderful libraries where you can borrow a book, join an activity, hire a room, or just be together. Join a Southwark library today, it’s free and for all ages. Visit southwark.gov.uk/join-the-library
Welcome to the lioness’s den
We chat with Millwall Lioness Captain Jordan Butler about how football is more than just the beautiful game
Jordan Butler was born in Southwark, in King’s College Hospital, and her parents were born and grew up in Camberwell before moving the family out to Catford when they were younger. She now lives in Kent but commutes into the city for work and, of course, to train with her fellow lionesses at St Paul’s in Rotherhithe.
How did you get into football?
At primary school my dad ran the boys’ team at the school. My brother played and I hung around and loved joining in. Then when I was nine, I went to a summer camp put on by one of the local clubs and there was a Millwall scout there and he invited me down for have a try out. Back then it was recognised as a centre of excellence, which is the equivalent today of the RTC, the pathway we have up through the club. I went to the trial and got in and came up through the academy at Millwall.
One of my first games was actually a football tournament we used to do over at Regent’s Park and there were masses of footballers, and that was the first time I wore my Millwall kit, which was a great honour and privilege.
I went through to the Under 16s and into the first team where our assistant manager was a coach at England and I got my first call up into the England Under 19s and got to travel with them, played against some fantastic teams, got to play with some amazing players and that really epitomised my football career.
I signed for Cheltenham for a bit, then came back to Millwall about 2012/2013 and at that point they were trying to grow the women’s league. I got to play games at the Den, which was phenomenal for us growing up. Then I signed for Crystal Palace, did a couple of years there then I stopped playing to have my little girl.
What brought you back?
I didn’t have any plans to come back to football, I was a busy mum trying to balance work and parenting, but they enticed me back and I couldn’t say no!
Are you a football fan too?
I am! I watch it all the time and some of my friends find it hilarious. Even if I’m just doing housework or something it is always on the telly! I grew up an Arsenal fan because my dad was an Arsenal fan, but I’ve spent so many years at this club it’s really hard not to follow and support them. It’s just such a big community, footballing family and once you are in it is hard to explain to anyone outside it.
“The club has always been a real pioneer of women’s football, but I’ve really noticed a difference over the last few years.”
You know the stereotypical Millwall fans you think exist, it’s not like that at all. I take my little one to the men’s games all the time and we have some great people sitting around us, they always ask how she’s doing and how our careers are. It’s one big family and they do so much to make sure that people with families are looked out for, there is a family section and it’s safe and the kids love it, and my daughter loves it, she sings all the songs now!
The Lionesses is run by the Millwall Community Trust who also do a lot of work with young people in the local community. How does it feel being part of that?
It’s phenomenal what they do, and it gives the kids around in the community a pathway into football or into other sports, whatever that may be. It keeps them away from making bad decisions and helps them make great friends and I think that’s one of the things I’ve got from football, I’ve made some phenomenal friends. Having that community side of it is just great, it’s everywhere around
us and they always have somewhere to go or something to do, it’s a real community hub and that’s what’s great about the club and I love that.
Women’s football has been around for years but seems to have really made it into the mainstream over the last few years, especially with the England team’s wins. Have you noticed a difference on a local level?
The club has always been a real pioneer of women’s football, but I’ve really noticed a difference over the last few years. We have people come down to watch our games and people buying season tickets to support us who have no affiliation to any of the girls on the team, they are just invested in the club and that wouldn’t have happened ten or 15 years ago. We would literally just have had our parents standing on the sideline. The community has really taken us in as the Lionesses, even the kit now is professional even though we’re not a professional outfit, as in this isn’t our full time job, but it really gives the girls something to aspire to be and to be involved in, so it is great.
And what is your favourite part of Southwark?
Have to say here at St Paul’s. After a long day at work the last thing you might want to go out and do is exercise, but when you’ve got the group of girls we have it’s just a draw and everyone buys into that and it’s just a nice way to spend the evening doing something you love.
Shopping local
Through our Town Centre Action Plans, we’re making sure our high streets thrive this winter
This festive season, Southwark’s town centres are alive with sparkle, community spirit and quality shops. Whether you’re shopping for gifts, enjoying local food, or simply soaking up the atmosphere, there’s something special happening in every corner of the borough. Discover our markets this Christmas:
The Blue (Southwark Park Road) Saturdays with added events put on by Big Local Works and The Blue Bermondsey BID (the fish and plant stall also trade in the week)
and
but with a variety of regular traders throughout Peckham selling bags,
this Christmas
Incredibowl
East Street Market SE17 is open Tuesday to Sunday and is your go-to destination for gifts at unbeatable prices. From beauty products and stylish clothing to homewares and even your Christmas tree - you’ll find everything you need to make the season special, including fresh produce for your festive feast.
Why not head to North Cross Road Market SE22, held every Saturday, where you’ll find a curated selection of bespoke, artisanal treasures. Explore 50 stalls offering homemade condiments, luxurious candles, vintage finds, handcrafted ceramics, homewares and fresh flowers - perfect for thoughtful gifting and festive flair.
Thriving High Streets Fund
This year, we’ll be funding two exciting Christmas events through our Thriving High Streets Fund. Please do give them a visit!
Elephant Passage
A cultural Christmas beginning from Saturday 22 November, and running each Saturday after until 20 December
This year, Liverpool Grove market is celebrating London’s diverse communities through food, crafts, music, and traditions from around the world. This will include events such as flavours of the world, craft and gift markets, community and culture day – and lots more.
Bermondsey’s Advent Calendar Trail
Beginning 1 December
In Blue Bermondsey, the countdown to Christmas comes with a twist. This year, the area will host a festive advent calendar trail, funded by the Thriving High Streets Fund (THSF). Each day reveals a new local business, showcasing the incredible variety and talent in the neighbourhood. It’s a fun and interactive way to explore Bermondsey, support independents, and discover hidden gems.
Zana, runs his business at Deal Porter Market in Rotherhithe, bringing delicious and healthy food to many customers. He shared how running his business in Southwark is exciting, challenging, rewarding.
What do you love most about running your business incredibowl?
The sense of community, amongst the locals at the market is my favourite part of running Incredibowl. When I first started, I had no idea if my business would take root in the area, as our hero product (açaí bowls) hadn’t been done here before. Word of mouth has been a huge source of marketing for us, and we are so grateful to all of the locals who pop down to support, even if that just means saying hello. In fact, we even had a customer run the 2025 London Marathon in a branded top just to support!
It’s a privilege to work beside so many other business owners and hard workers, who are a constant source of inspiration, and make for great company between the busy periods of service.
How is life trading at Deal Porter Square Market?
Not always easy, but it is always fun. The weather is either your best friend or your worst enemy, but we make do where we can and know when we’ve been beat! The area has always been diverse, but now even more so which makes for great conversations with customers.
You’ve been part of our Start Up and Growth programmes that we offer local businesses, can you tell us how this has been and if you’ve found it helpful?
I’ve learnt a great deal on the job itself, by making mistakes and tweaking my strategy, but I’ve found the sessions to be a great way to fill the holes in my game. If you’re just getting started or simply have an idea, it’s an amazing way to build confidence and set off on your journey with the right foot forward.
Flu causes serious illness for people with long-term health conditions
Protect yourself by getting the flu vaccine this winter
Book an appointment through the NHS App, nhs.uk/bookflu, 119, or your pharmacy or GP. Find participating pharmacies at nhs.uk/flu-pharmacy
Winter wellness
Stay well this season with free vaccines and get help with stop smoking or healthy weight goals
Winter vaccines: book
now
if you’re eligible
Respiratory diseases spread more easily in winter and can make us seriously ill. You can boost your protection and get the free seasonal COVID-19 vaccine until 31 January 2026, and the flu vaccine until 31 March 2026.
Those eligible include:
• children (for flu)
• people aged 65+ (for flu) or 75+ or over (for COVID-19)
• those living with a weakened immune system (flu and COVID-19)
• pregnant people
Quit smoking with free and local help
If you quit for 28 days, you’re five times more likely to quit for good! If you’re 18+, live or work in Southwark, or registered to a Southwark GP, you can get free support today. This includes tailored support through our stop smoking service at five local pharmacies.
We also offer stop smoking or vaping support through a six-hour online or in person seminar. Allen Carr™ have been helping people quit smoking for over 40 years. It normally costs £379, but we’re offering free places: allencarr.com/location/southwark-council
To get a flu or COVID-19 vaccine contact:
• a local participating pharmacy
• your GP surgery
• your midwifery service, if you’re pregnant
• school aged children will be offered their vaccine at school or at a community catch up clinic
You’re eligible for the RSV vaccine (respiratory syncytial virus) if you’re pregnant, or if you’re aged 75 to 79 or turned 80 after 1 September 2024. One vaccine will protect you for several years. You can book an RSV vaccine at any time of the year.
Find the full eligibility list and how to book at nhs.uk/wintervaccinations or call 119
Help to be a healthy weight
Losing weight can be hard. Often it is not as simple as just eating less, eating more healthily and moving more. Things like how much sleep you get can make a difference. Low moods, stress and anxiety can also make it difficult. As we head towards a new year we often think about getting into healthier habits and losing a bit of weight. Help is at hand for both children and adults through our healthy lifestyle hub.
To sign up to one of these programmes, visit our Healthy Lifestyle Hub. Call 0333 005 0159 or go to southwark.everyonehealth.co.uk
Take control of your energy this winter
It can be hard to know where to start with making changes around your home to save energy. From small measures like draught excluders to big investments like heat pumps, it isn’t always straightforward knowing what’s right for you.
Luckily, in Southwark we’ve got a free expert advice centre to help answer these questions for you. So whatever changes you are thinking about making, or if you just want to understand more about your energy bills, the Energy Advice Centre is a good place to begin.
It’s a joint project between the council and London Southbank University (LSBU). Last year they helped over a hundred residents with advice to help them make their homes more efficient and reduce bills.
Head to www.southwark.gov.uk/green-energyadvice or visit them in person on Thursdays between 10am and 1pm at Clarence Centre for Enterprise and Innovation, 126 London Road, Southwark, SE1 0AE.
We spoke to Hadia, one of the energy advisors to hear more about the service.
“I enjoy helping residents make their homes more energy efficient and seeing the real impact of our advice on reducing their energy costs. The most common thing I help people with is making their homes more energy efficient so they can reduce their energy costs.
“ The feedback I often receive is that residents find the advice very helpful — many follow the recommendations, and even if they haven’t implemented them yet, they gain a clear understanding of possible upgrades, the costs involved, and the grants they may be eligible for.”
Hadia’s
top energy-saving tips
When I’m at home I make small but meaningful changes every day by following simple energysaving measures and DIY improvements around my home. My top easy tips are:
1. Unplug chargers when devices are not being charged.
2. Switch off lights during the day and make the most of natural daylight.
3. Use energy-efficient LED bulbs instead of traditional ones.
4. Turn appliances off at the socket rather than leaving them on standby.
Time for DIY action? Rent tools from Library of Things
Did you know that you can rent a top-of-the-range thermal imaging camera from the Library of Things? Buying one new would cost around £400, but you can borrow this for just £15 a day to find draughts in your home, which you can cover or fix.
For a limited time we’re going even further by making the thermal imaging cameras FREE to borrow. All you need to do is make your booking by 31 December 2025 and use the code WINTERREADY15.
You can also rent the tools you need to make some simple changes. Whether that’s a drill or a sewing machine to make some curtains or draught excluders. Maybe you’ll learn a new skill as well?
Head to www.libraryofthings.co.uk/southwark
“We had our house insulated last year and we wanted to see how effective it had been and if there were any additional works we could do to improve the thermal performance of our house. There’s absolutely no way we would have bought a camera – renting one was just so easy!” Kate
Ready to make bigger changes? Get free planning advice too
If you’re ready to make bigger green upgrades to your property, you may need planning permission. To help with this, we can give you free pre-application planning advice for renewable energy, heat and retrofit projects. This is available for:
• homeowners including owners of flats and houses
• ‘not for profit’ community energy organisations Head to www.southwark.gov.uk/pre-application-advice-service
Events calendar
AUTUMN 2025
Festive Flea Christmas Market
Our Vintage and Makers Christmas market has a fantastic selection of carefully curated stalls selling the best original Christmas gifts and festive outfits for the season. You will find the best vintage and handcrafted jewellery, ceramics, art, textiles, accessories, vinyl, antiques, candles, homeware and much more.
6, 7 December 13, 14 December 20, 21 December, 11am to 5pm
Free Vinegar Yard, St Thomas Street, SE1 3QX www.flealondon.com
Farm Christmas Fair
Get in the festive spirit here at the farm where there’ll be carol singing, craft stalls and mulled wine, beside our friendly animals. Plus wreath making kits and beautiful quality Christmas trees will be on sale!
Saturday 6 December 11am to 4pm
Free (with paid for activities inside Farm)
Surrey Docks Farm, Rotherhithe Street, London SE16 5ET www.surreydocksfarm.org.uk
Find out more about these and many other
www.southwark.gov.uk/southwarkpresents
Little Miss Christmas
Little Miss Christmas is a campy, heartfelt, multimedia extravaganza – with a guest artist every night from London’s iconic cabaret scene! Be swept away by a madcap beauty pageant (with a festive twist on all the classic categories) as Patti Boo Rae competes for the coveted Candy Cane Crown.
Christmas alive Peckham Christmas tree lights switch on
Friday 5 December 2025 4.45pm to 6.45pm Peckham Square
Pinocchio
Journey to a world of endless possibilities this festive season as Pinocchio comes to life in the iconic Globe Theatre for the premiere of a magical, unmissable new musical for the whole family by Charlie Josephine and Jim Fortune.
29 November to 4 January
From £75 - £10
Shakespeare’s Globe www.shakespearesglobe.com
Ride The Cyclone
The genre-defying musical that took the internet by storm! Ride the Cyclone follows six teenagers who find themselves trapped in limbo after a freak roller coaster accident. This dark, imaginative and heartfelt musical is about big dreams, dark secrets, and the search for what makes a life well-lived.
All Southwark libraries will deliver Christmas and New year activities for families. We have Christmas card making at Blue Anchor Library and Christmas storytelling and rhymes at Peckham Library and lots more.
Check out Southwark Presents for more details: www.southwark. gov.uk/southwark-presents
Cockfosters
Back due to popular demand! Smash-hit comedy Cockfosters returns to Southwark Playhouse Borough. Two strangers meet at Heathrow and take the Piccadilly Line across London on an unforgettable journey. Perfectly capturing our love-hate relationship with the tube, Cockfosters is a brilliantly off-the-rails comedy that will change your commute forever.
An evening of theatre at Bell House, beautifully dressed for Christmas. A Brush with Art features four short plays about famous artists with a Dulwich connection: Barbara Hepworth’s life and loves, the notorious Whistler v Ruskin libel trial, the art-student antics of Dylan Thomas and musings of William Frith.
Friday 5 and Saturday 6 December at 7.30pm, Sunday 7 December at 3pm and 7pm
Saturday night is Gala Night when the audience are invited to wear black tie and formal dress.
£18/adults, £12/under 18’s, including a complimentary refreshment. Book online. Bell House, 27 College Rd, London SE21 7BG www.dulwichplayers.org/current-season
Into the woods
In Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine’s dazzling musical, the Baker, the Baker’s Wife, the Witch, Jack, Little Red Ridinghood, Cinderella and Rapunzel take us beyond happy ever after to discover what really matters.
Thursday 11 December to Saturday 18 April, time vary
See website for tickets price The Bridge Theatre bridgetheatre.co.uk
Alice in Wonderland at Theatre Peckham
This December, step into a world turned upside down. Alice in Wonderland arrives in Peckham with a bold, music-filled reimagining, bursting with colour, original songs and unforgettable characters. As time bends and logic flips, Alice uses her smarts, spark and imagination to find her way home for Christmas and maybe see the world in a brandnew way. Expect dazzling visuals, a joyful company, and a Peckham twist that makes this festive adventure perfect for the whole family. Running time: 2 hours including interval.
5 to 23 December, multiple daily performances
Performance times (selected dates). Book early for best availability.
Tickets - General £17.50, Concessions £12.50, Family Ticket (2 adults + 2 under-16s) £50, Peckham Local £7.50, Groups 10+ £10pp, Schools 30+ £10pp (2 free adults per 30 children)
Have you ever spotted these unusual statues in Southwark Park and wondered why they’re there?
Statues of this kind are known as caryatids, and this pair were originally sculpted by Henry Poole. They’re currently being restored to help ensure their future - but they wouldn’t be here at all if it wasn’t for local resident Gary Magold.
The caryatids were originally a part of Rotherhithe Town Hall, which stood on the corner of Neptune Street and Lower Road. It was in this spot that a young Gary was able to gaze at the statues as he waited for his bus home, outside the Seven Islands Leisure Centre.
“All I knew was that there was a ruined building, and these statues with advertising hoardings outside them. They stuck out like a sore thumb, and I’d just never seen anything like them before.”
The Town Hall had suffered severe bomb damage during the Second World War, and was later demolished. In 1974 the statues were moved to the Heygate Estate, where they stood, back to back, until 2009, when the estate was demolished.
Gary was determined to ensure a safe future for the caryatids, and to return them to Rotherhithe soil. He put in a successful bid to the council’s Cleaner, Greener, Safer fund, presenting the history of the statues to councillors and demonstrating why they should be brought back to Rotherhithe. The statues were finally moved to their spot in Southwark Park in 2011, unveiled by then-Mayor Lorraine Lauder.
As Gary says of his preferred spot: “In Southwark Park, the ground they sit on kind of sweeps upwards, and they’re surrounded by the trees – it looks like they’ve been there forever.”
The restoration work is being carried out by London Stone Conservation, funded by the council and Heritage of London Trust, and will help to preserve the statues for the future. The statues will be cleaned, and missing or damaged features will be modelled in wax before being repaired with new stone sections.
Gary is pleased that the caryatids are being restored and given due respect, after their decades-long trip around Southwark:
“They’re still unusual, and I’m still fascinated by them. When I walk through the park, when I see someone reading about them, I’m just so pleased to see people admiring them.”
Business Friendly Southwark
Connect to Work: Building inclusive workplaces through supported employment
Southwark Council invites forward-thinking employers to join Connect to Work, a supported employment programme designed to help individuals with health conditions, disabilities, or other barriers to employment access meaningful work. By partnering with us, your organisation can play a vital role in fostering inclusive growth while benefiting from a streamlined, cost-free recruitment process.
Connect to work is a free, person-centred employment programme helping Southwark residents find sustainable, meaningful jobs that match their strengths and goals.
To find out more about the programme and if you are eligible, contact connecttowork@southwark.gov.uk
Why should employers’ partner with Connect to Work?
• No recruitment fees
• Dedicated support from employment specialists
• Positive publicity and community recognition
• Access to a large support network
Want to become an accredited Living Wage employer?
If you’re interested in becoming an accredited Living Wage Employer, you can sign up directly through the Living Wage Foundation at www.livingwage.org.uk/accredit
Southwark Council offers 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 at www.southwark.gov.uk/business-and-licences/ employing-people/london-living-wage/our-living-wagegrant-scheme
If you want more information, please email southwarkbusinessdesk@southwark.gov.uk
Free advice and support for Southwark businesses
The Southwark Pioneers Fund (SPF) launchpad programme provides free, practical information, advice and support to aspiring and existing entrepreneurs in Southwark.
Come along to an open day at Canada Water Library SE16 7AR, on Thursday 11 December 2025, 10am to 2pm. www.trampolinecic.org/southwark-pioneers-fund
Town Centre Action Plans
The council has now completed the latest version of town centre action plans for five of our town centres, following extensive engagement with local residents and businesses. Each updated plan builds on previous feedback and highlights the priority areas that communities have identified for improvement. Our town centres remain vital and distinctive hubs within the borough. These refreshed plans reaffirm our commitment to making them cleaner, safer, greener, and more vibrant – places where people enjoy visiting and shopping, and where businesses benefit from reliable and growing footfall.
The action plans continue to be shaped by local voices. We invite you to share your thoughts on the services you’d like to see in your town centre, or any issues you believe should be prioritised, via our updated feedback form.
