Southwark life Summer 2014

Southwark

Summer 2014

Your magazine from Southwark Council www.southwark.gov.uk

Life

Summer in Southwark Loads of fun and FREE things to do for families and kids

Meet your newly elected councillors and cabinet. Plus our Fairer Future Promises to you

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www.southwark.gov.ukIntro Summer 2014

Contents

welcome...

Peter John Leader of Southwark Council

Thank you to everyone who took part and voted in May’s elections. I am honoured to have been re-elected as Leader of Southwark Council and that people in the borough have voted to endorse our Fairer Future vision and plan for Southwark.

Now that the dust has settled on the election, the work begins to deliver our commitments to free swimming and gyms, 11,000 new council homes and an education, employment and training guarantee for young people leaving school. Last month, I appointed a new cabinet to help deliver our commitments. This edition of Southwark Life introduces the new cabinet and also Southwark’s new team of councillors – and for the first time, nearly half are new to the council. They come from every part of our community and are there to be your representative and make sure your voice is heard in the council.

This edition of Southwark Life also shows you what else you can do to have your say. I am introducing a new Leader’s Question Time in the autumn and hope that you will be there to put your questions about Southwark directly to me.

Also in this edition we have lots of information about events and activities taking place in Southwark throughout the summer. Read all about our exciting new Southwark Presents programme of events, based on the fascinating history of the Surrey Zoological Gardens, which used to be based in Pasley Park, Walworth, plus a wide variety of events across the borough in our regular events guide. Plus a special four-page pull out from our youth service team with all the activities available to keep young people active and entertained this summer.

Whatever you are doing this summer, there is something for everyone in Southwark.

Focus4 Need to know... Canada Water

Library, Herne Hill Music Festival, the Big London Energy Switch and much more

6 The new council administration Find out more about what your newly elected cabinet will be doing in the next four years

8 A Fairer Future for all... Our vision for Southwark and our promises to you

12 Your newly elected councillors We introduce you to all your new councillors

Life 14 Know your rights How we’re

trying to improve standards in the private rented sector

15 Youth pull out Our four page guide to the summer

19 It doesn’t need to be this way Explore the help available for those in abusive relationships

20 Fostering soul in Southwark We talk to Kwabena Adjepong (aka Kwabs) and learn about his musical journey

Info22 Can you hear the roar?

Southwark Presents a summer to remember

24 Events Nunhead Festival, Mythical Maze, Zonk Disco and much more

26 School’s out! What’s next? Explore the options available to school leavers

27 Love is all around We celebrate the first same sex marriage in Southwark

28 Greener collections for everyone Introducing our new fleet of eco friendly vehicles and an improved collection service

30 How to...have your say Let us know your thoughts, good or bad

The Southwark Life team

Editor Kim Hooper

Assistant editor/Production assistant Kate Walwyn-Jones

Contributors Asha Budhu, Angelica Burrell, Laura Fitzsimmons, Florence Igbokwe, Lucy Lee, Subira Massell, Miriam McGrath, Louise Neilan, Catherine Simonds, Maria Valdivia

Photography Jamie Simonds

Design Whatever Design Ltd

Print Headley Brothers

Printed on 100% recycled paper

Distribution London Letterbox

Contact us

Do you have something to say about Southwark Life? Write to: Your letters, Southwark Life, Communications, Southwark Council, 160 Tooley Street, Second floor, Hub 5, SE1 2QH or email [email protected]

Our cover star is Nyra Allen trying out hand knitting at the Kingswood Draw event.

Keep in touchSouthwark Life is a quarterly magazine with the next issue due out in the autumn. You can contact the magazine at [email protected] For more regular updates on council news and events, follow us on social media at facebook.com/southwarkcouncil and at twitter.com/lb_southwark

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www.southwark.gov.ukFocus Summer 2014

Need to know...For news and events follow us on Facebook and Twitter, find out more at www.southwark.gov.uk/enews

Follow us onTwitter

Southwark Council appoints trustees to a number of local charities that administer funds for schemes like the maintenance of almshouses or holidays for elderly residents.

To be a trustee, you need commitment, common sense and be willing to attend meetings - but you can make a real contribution to your community.

To learn more about being a charity trustee or get an information pack and application form go to www.southwark.gov.uk/charitytrustee or call Everton Roberts on 020 7525 7221.

Create arts Southwark Council adopters

Retail charter gets backing from new borough commander

A charity that uses the power of the creative arts to transform the lives of society’s most disadvantaged and vulnerable people has been working extensively in Southwark.

Create arts organises sensory music workshops bringing together autistic and non-autistic children at Redriff Primary School, dance activities to build relationships between adults at Bede Centre with children from Grange Primary School, songwriting workshops to reduce isolation among vulnerable older people and interactive music events at Henry Wood Hall that enrich the lives of disabled children and their families.

To find out more about the charity and opportunities to get involved visit www.createarts.org.uk

A couple who adopted with Southwark Council featured in a new ITV documentary in May as the council calls for more black adopters.

The couple, Jones and Sandra, featured in Wanted: A Family of My Own, hosted by Nicky Campbell. At any one time the council has around 40 children waiting to be adopted and there is a constant need for adopters, particularly black adopters, to come forward.

If you would like to find out more about adopting with Southwark please fill out an enquiry form at www.southwark.gov.uk/adoption

Southwark's new MET police borough commander, Chief Superintendent Zander Gibson, has put his support behind the council's innovative Rye Lane Retail Charter.

The charter, which was piloted in Rye Lane in 2012 by Southwark Council, the local community and shopkeepers, was launched with the intention of promoting mutual respect between traders and customers.

Cllr Michael Situ, cabinet member for environment, recycling, community safety and volunteering, said: “I have always been proud that Southwark is a place where communities have been able to come together and reach solutions for difficult situations. The Rye Lane Retail Charter was created following a spate of disputes in the area, but businesses and residents worked with us to create the charter to encourage tolerance and understanding. It has proven to be a successful endeavour and I am pleased to see it continues to be supported by our colleagues in the police.”

This month, to follow March’s one millionth visit, staff at Canada Water are running a competition to mark the library’s one millionth issue. The iconic super-library of Southwark has gone from strength to strength since it opened its doors in November 2011 and to celebrate, the member who borrows the millionth issue will win a £100 book token, free tickets to a Culture Space show, a golden library card that allows free DVD and CD loans for a year, tea for two in the café and the library’s top ten issued fiction books. For more details visit www.southwark.gov.uk/libraries

Canada Water reaches another ‘million’ milestone

Trustees

The Herne Hill Music Festival returns from Friday 10 to Sunday 19 October. Highlights include Benjamin Britten’s Noye’s Fludde, performed by local school pupils, the return of jazz star Tim Richards, folk and blues concerts, a children’s concert by Flautonic, and a choral evensong at the restored St Paul’s Herne Hill. Details are available online at www.hernehillfestival.org

Herne Hill Music Festival

The Big London Energy SwitchWe all want to pay less for our energy bills and the Big London Energy Switch is your chance to save big.

Thanks to the power of collective bargaining, the more people that sign up, the cheaper your bill will be.

The autumn auction launches on Tuesday 5 August, when you’ll be able to register for the one day auction taking place in September. Energy companies will try to beat each other on price - and the one that offers the “collective” the best price wins. So if you fancy saving money, visit www.biglondonenergyswitch.org.uk

The Southwark Civic Awards were held in Southwark Cathedral on Saturday 7 June. The awards, which honoured 32 local volunteers, community champions and organisations, are organised by the Southwark Civic Association and supported by Southwark Council. Awards included Letters of Commendation, Lifetime Achievement Awards and Honorary Liberties of

Council honours community volunteers

From Saturday 23 to Sunday 31 August no First Capital Connect or Southern Services will run to or from London Bridge. Southeastern services will run normally, but along with the London Underground and London Overground, lines will be busier.

These changes are to allow London Bridge station to be rebuilt as part of the Thameslink Programme. Alternative routes are available as well as information and advice to help you plan your journey.

There will be further changes to the station, walking routes and to train services over the next four years through to 2018. Please keep checking www.thameslinkprogramme.co.uk for updates or follow us @TLProgramme

London Bridge station disruption

the Old Metropolitan Boroughs of Bermondsey, Camberwell and Old Southwark. The Mayor of Southwark’s Discretionary Award, given to an individual or organisation identified as deserving special recognition throughout the year, was awarded to the Lewisham, Greenwich and Southwark Samaritans. For a full list of award winners, visit the website www.southwark.gov.uk

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

www.facebook.com/southwarkcouncil

@lb_southwark


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Cllr Peter John, Leader of the council, during his Back to the Floor fundraising day

“ I want Southwark Council’s values to reflect those of our residents.”

Council Leader sets out how his cabinet will strive for a better borough for everyone

Following his re election as Leader of the council for a second time, Southwark Life spoke with Cllr Peter John about his plans for

the next four years.

Free swimming and gym use – bucking the trend on health.

“We take the council’s new role in public health seriously with promises that mean something to people. This follows on from our work to provide free, healthy school meals and make walking and cycling in the borough safer and easier. There are huge disparities in life expectancy across the borough and that shouldn’t happen in 21st century London. Every day there’s a story in the news about poor health – we want to buck the trend on this issue.”

How ArE wE mAking SouTHwArk A bETTEr PLACE? We are committed to women’s safety and have pledged to create a Women’s Safety Charter to end violence against women. Our policies will always be inclusive and we value the specific needs of families.

Laying out solid foundations with 11,000 new council homes.

“We’ve said it, and we’re doing it – we are already building 11,000 new council homes and this drive to tackle the housing supply crisis in London and the UK will not lose its momentum. We’ll also be ensuring every council home has a quality bathroom and kitchen and and in the private sector we will be consulting on our proposed landlord licensing scheme to remove rogue landlords”

Childcare and schools – how little ones are a big thing for all of us.

“A question many families ask is how to cope with the financial burden of childcare. We’ve set up a childcare commission with Dame Tessa Jowell MP as chair to make the childcare economy work and help solve an issue so close to many people’s hearts. We will be looking at all aspects of the childcare issue.”

“We’re on top of school places to remove the anxiety experienced by parents trying to get their children into the schools of their choice. This isn’t just about providing places: we’ll examine the quality and standards of schools so that all Southwark’s schools are worthy of a first choice for parents. We want to see 70 per cent of all students leaving school with five A to C GCSE grades, as these will be the people who will help all of us forge a brighter future for Southwark.”

“ i want Southwark Council to have values which are fair, equal to and represent the values of residents – not just to provide services but address the things that really matter to people.”

From the young to the young at heart, Southwark is an age friendly borough and has committed to:

Develop a strategy which considers older people’s needs.

Join a consortium of voluntary organisations including: Age uk, Alzheimer’s Society, blackfriars Settlement, Dulwich Helpline and Southwark Churches Care.

Look at all policies and services that affect older people.

Cllr Sunil Chopra

“ I am honoured to accept the role of Mayor of Southwark and I am looking forward to representing our communities and promoting the amazing work that the people of the borough do. This year I will be fundraising to support my chosen charities The Robes Project and Homes for Heroes. I am also particularly proud to be the first Indian born Mayor of Southwark.”

The new Mayor of Southwark

Cllr Peter John - The Leader of the Council

Cllr ian wingfield - Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Communities, Employment and Business

Cllr richard Livingstone - Cabinet Member for Housing

Cllr Darren merrill - Cabinet Member for Environment, Recycling, Community Safety and Volunteering (Environment and Recycling)*

Cllr michael Situ - Cabinet Member for Environment, Recycling, Community Safety and Volunteering (Community Safety and Volunteering)*

Cllr Fiona Colley - Cabinet Member for Finance, Strategy and Performance

Cllr Dora Dixon-Fyle - Cabinet Member for Adult Care, Arts and Culture

Cllr barrie Hargrove - Cabinet Member for Public Health, Parks and Leisure

Cllr mark williams - Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Planning and Transport

Cllr Victoria mills - Cabinet Member for Children and Schools

[*Cllrs Merrill and Situ will be undertaking a job share in respect of this portfolio]

“ we have optimism, vision and ambition for the future of this amazing part of London. we want to make better lives for those who live and work here.”

Cllr Neil Coyle was appointed Deputy Mayor

Now read on for more details of our Fairer Future vision for Southwark and our promises to you.

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Leader’s reportValue for moneyPromise 1

we will continue to keep Council Tax low by delivering value for money across all our high quality services.

Free swimming and gymsPromise 2we will make it easier to be healthier with free swimming and gyms for all residents and doubling the number of nHS health checks.

Quality affordable homesPromise 3we will improve housing standards and build more homes of every kind including 11,000 new council homes with 1,500 by 2018. we will make all council homes warm, dry and safe and start the roll out of our quality kitchen and bathroom guarantee.

More and better schoolsPromise 4we will meet the demand for primary and secondary school places and drive up standards across our schools so at least 70% of students at every secondary get at least five good gCSEs.

Nurseries and childcarePromise 5we will help parents to balance work and family life including investment in our children’s centres to deliver more quality affordable childcare and open two new community nurseries.

A greener boroughPromise 6we will protect our environment by diverting more than 95% of waste away from landfill, doubling the estates receiving green energy and investing in our parks and open spaces.

Safer communitiesPromise 7we will make Southwark safer with increased CCTV, more estate security doors and a women’s Safety Charter. we will have zero tolerance on noisy neighbours.

Education, employment and trainingPromise 8we will guarantee education, employment or training for every school leaver, support 5,000 more local people into jobs and create 2,000 new apprenticeships.

Revitalised neighbourhoodsPromise 9we will revitalise our neighbourhoods to make them places in which we can all be proud to live and work, transforming Elephant and Castle, the Aylesbury and starting regeneration of the old kent road.

Age friendly boroughPromise 10we want you to get the best out of Southwark whatever your age so we will become an age friendly borough including the delivery of an ethical care charter and an older people’s centre of excellence.

Our Fairer Future Promises


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Four years ago i set out the cabinet and council’s mission to create a fairer future for all in Southwark and i feel an enormous sense of pride in what we have achieved since then. in the last four years, our values have informed the decisions we have made. in the next four years, we will continue to put our values at the heart of everything we do. our policies and our work will be informed by our values and our values will be informed by our residents: the people who use, and often rely on, our services.

Working together with residents, businesses and partners, we have begun to transform public services for the people of Southwark, creating new opportunities for individuals and communities to realise their potential. With the government making deep cuts to local authority budgets, councils up and down the country have struggled to keep going and still balance their books. The cuts have hit Southwark hard too, but we have been determined to find new and better ways of doing things, rather than scaling back our ambition and ceasing provision of cherished front line services.

We all have a role to play in building a fairer future: businesses creating new jobs and paying a living wage; the voluntary and community sector providing essential help and advice; neighbours and family members looking out for one another; individuals striving to gain qualifications and get and hold a job. But I firmly believe that the council bears the greatest responsibility, to lead the continuing transformation of the borough and ensure that every resident has the opportunity to achieve their potential, with nobody left behind.

Our employment programmes and regeneration schemes have provided access to fantastic new jobs for many hundreds of residents, including those who were really struggling to find their way into work. Some of our least affluent but brightest and most public-spirited young people are now studying at university with the financial support of the council as Southwark Scholars. And we are attracting the investment and driving the economic growth that will provide sustainable business and employment opportunities here in Southwark for years to come.

We have delivered on every promise we made to the people of Southwark in 2010: from providing free healthy school meals to every primary pupil to halving the price of meals on wheels for our vulnerable older residents; from cutting violent crime and anti social behaviour to investing in our parks and keeping every library open. We are on track to make every council home warm, dry and safe by 2016 and we are taking forward major programmes of regeneration at the Aylesbury and Elephant and Castle, transforming the landscape and making radical improvements for the benefit of the people who live there now and future generations of residents.

And we have achieved all this while the government cut our budget by more than a quarter, without raising council tax by so much as a penny. Four years ago, I promised that the council would manage its money as carefully as local families look after their own household budgets, and that is what we have done.

For the next four years, our mission remains the same: delivering a fairer

future for all in Southwark. We will do this following the same core principles which we agreed with the public in 2011. By embedding these principles into the council they now shape our plans and objectives. In this edition we have set out our principles and our ten new Fairer Future promises as well as dozens of specific commitments that we are inviting residents to judge us against. Our promises are bold and ambitious, reaffirming our belief that our staff and residents have the creativity, talent and strength of purpose to overcome the challenges we face and make a positive difference for all the amazing and diverse communities that make up this borough.

No other council has committed to building 11,000 new council homes, to making swimming and gym use free for all residents, to introducing an ethical care charter at the earliest opportunity, and to ensuring that every council tenant has a quality kitchen and bathroom. No other council is more determined to secure the benefits of inward investment and economic growth, including access to new jobs and apprenticeships for local people.

In 2010 we promised to keep council tax rises at or below inflation. By spending wisely, we actually froze it for four years. Despite facing yet more government cuts, our commitment remains the same and our record shows that we can be trusted to deliver. By continuing to spend every penny as if it were coming from our own pockets, the council will make the resources it does have stretch as far as humanly possible. Balancing the budget has been anything but easy over the past four years and it is only going to get tougher. Some

difficult choices will inevitably have to be made and we will collaborate closely with residents, businesses and partners to develop imaginative new models of service delivery and more efficient and cost-effective ways of achieving positive outcomes for the people of Southwark.

But whatever the financial climate, as we have consistently demonstrated, this administration can be relied on to keep getting the basics right. That means keeping the streets clean and clamping down on people who litter or don’t clean up after their dogs. It means continuing to drive up recycling rates and divert rubbish from expensive and wasteful landfill. And it means effective enforcement action against crime and anti social behaviour.

Four years ago I said that we - the council - needed to treat our residents with respect and compassion, just like we would treat a valued member of our own family. By bringing our customer services in house and setting new standards of customer care, we are making that vision a reality. And now we need to go further still, in order to fully reflect the values and aspirations of our residents and fully realise our potential.

We will bring together residents, businesses and partners to re-shape the place where we live and create new opportunities for the people who live here. We will turn the unprecedented growth and investment we have secured for the borough into the quality affordable homes, rewarding jobs and world class civic amenities that our residents need and expect. And we will continue to tackle some of the most intractable issues facing the residents of Southwark and London today: whether as a parent, finding quality, affordable childcare; as a school leaver, securing that first training, apprenticeship or employment opportunity; or as an older person, staying fit, healthy and active for longer.

I am confident that over the next four years we will deliver on our new promises and together create a fairer future for all in Southwark.

Cllr Peter John, Leader of Southwark Council

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How we will deliver a Fairer Future for all...


The Leader's Fairer Future vision report was to be discussed at July Cabinet. Text correct at time of going to print.

Supporting the best start in life• Invest in the borough’s

children’s centres• Work with local parents to open

two new community nurseries• Find new ways to guarantee care

and early education to help parents• Ensure 70 per cent of students

at every secondary get at least five good GCSEs

• Deliver more quality, affordable childcare places

• Guarantee a local primary place for every child

• Open new secondary schools to meet demand including on the Dulwich Hospital site in East Dulwich

• Ensure a top quality children's playground in every local area

• provide free fruit for all primary school children as a healthy morning snack

• Invest more in ‘early support’ for families

• Help more people to foster and adopt by paying their council tax for them

• Double the number of Southwark Scholarships

• Establish a new Childcare Commission, bringing together experts, parents, providers and employers to find new ways to guarantee care and early education

building a strong local economy• make sure young people

are ready for work• Guarantee education, employment

or training for every school leaver• Deliver an hour’s free parking

in our shopping parades• Open a credit union account

with a £10 opening deposit for every 11 year old

• Deliver good money advice for secondary school students

• Establish a Southwark Business Forum• Stop the spread of pawnbrokers,

betting shops, gambling machines and pay day lenders

• Invest in more affordable business space, street markets and encourage pop-up shops to help start up businesses

• Support 5,000 more local people into jobs

• Create 2,000 new apprenticeships• make sure local residents benefit

from new jobs and apprenticeships

our Fairer Future principlesWe will continue to be guided by the principles which we agreed with the public in 2011. By embedding these into the council they will continue to shape our plans and objectives.

• Treating residents as if they were a valued member of our own family

• Being open, honest and accountable• Spending money as if it were

from our own pocket• Working for everyone to

realise their own potential• making Southwark a

place to be proud of

our commitmentsWe will deliver a fairer future for all by:

Creating quality affordable homes• Building more homes of every kind• Building 11,000 new council homes,

with at least 1,500 by 2018• Finishing our programme to make

every home warm, dry and safe by 2016 and then start a programme to deliver a quality kitchen and bathroom for every council tenant

• Introducing licensing in the private rented sector and further crack down on rogue landlords

• Setting up an independent leaseholder and freeholder management company

• Introducing resident housing inspectors

• Further reducing illegal subletting of our council homes

• Having a lettings policy which means that 50 per cent of all new council homes go to people from that area, with the rest going to other Southwark residents

• Keeping council rents low

Supporting healthy and active lives• make swimming and gym

use free for all residents• Improve homecare standards, making

sure our staff are only ever judged by the quality of care they provide to our older and more vulnerable residents

• Deliver a safer cycling network• Extend bike hire across the borough• Implement an ethical care charter

to drive up the quality of homecare, with better paid carers and an end to zero hours contracts

• Establish a commission to enhance the vital work of the voluntary and community sector

• Double the number of free NHS health checks to catch problems like heart disease and diabetes

• Become an ‘age friendly borough’ • Introduce ‘play streets’, where

some streets are closed to traffic during school holidays

getting the basics right• Keep council tax at or below inflation• Deliver value for money

in council services• maintain clean streets• Increase penalties and capture

of people littering • Increase penalties against people

who don’t clean up after their dogs• Increase recycling rates• Divert more than 95 per cent

of waste away from landfill• zero tolerance on noisy neighbours• Increase CCTV coverage• Increase estate security doors• Double capital investment into roads • Deliver a new Women’s Safety Charter • Deliver a domestic violence strategy• Introduce estate deep cleans

Taking pride in our borough

• Revitalise our neighbourhoods to make them places that we can all be proud to live and work in

• Invest in our libraries and keep them open, including Dulwich and Kingswood House

• Increase library access with a free library card to every secondary school child

• Bring ten more parks to green flag standard

• Double the number of estates receiving green energy from SELCHp

• Enhance and expand affordable studio and performance space

• Award scholarships to local young people from low income backgrounds to study art foundation courses

• Introduce a new diversity standard to make sure that people from every community get their voices included when decisions are made

• Campaign for the 300 Southwark police officers and pCSOs cut since 2010

working for all of Southwark• Open a new civic centre in Walworth• Campaign for the Bakerloo Line to

be extended south of the Elephant and Castle to Camberwell

• Invest in Camberwell including a new library

• Bring superfast broadband to Rotherhithe

• Secure the long term future of Greendale

• Campaign for Seeley Drive police base in the south of the borough

• Start work on the regeneration of the Old Kent Road

• Support Business Improvement Districts including around the Blue in Bermondsey

• Campaign against the super sewer in Chambers Wharf

• Invest in peckham town centre to support arts and business

• Deliver a free cashpoint in Nunhead• Improve playgrounds including

in peckham Rye park• Open new pedestrian crossings

outside Borough Station and between Trinity Street and Great Suffolk Street

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Councillors by wardIntroducing your councillors following the May 2014 local elections

VillageSouth bermondseyPeckham

The Lanerotherhithenunhead

Surrey Docksriversidenewington

South CamberwellPeckham ryeLivesey

East DulwichCamberwell green

East walworthCathedrals

FaradayChaucer

grangeCollegebrunswick Park

Anne Kirby (Labour)020 7525 0325 / 07985 114 [email protected]

Catherine Dale (Labour)020 7525 0263 / 07985 114 [email protected]

Barrie Hargrove (Labour) 020 7525 [email protected]

Jasmine Ali (Labour) 020 7525 0322 / 07985 114 [email protected]

Stephanie Cryan (Labour) 020 7525 0247 / 07985 116 [email protected]

Sunil Chopra (Labour) 020 7525 [email protected]

David Hubber (Liberal Democrat) 020 7525 1447 / 07960 255 [email protected]

Anood Al-Samerai (Liberal Democrat) 020 7525 0137 / 07947 671 [email protected]

Maisie Anderson (Labour)020 7525 0238 / 07985 114 [email protected]

Chris Gonde (Labour) 020 7525 0296 / 07985 114 [email protected]

Gavin Edwards (Labour) 020 7525 [email protected]

Evelyn Akoto (Labour) 020 7525 0237 / 07985 116 [email protected]

James Barber (Liberal Democrat) 07900 227 [email protected]

Dora Dixon-Fyle MBE (Labour) 020 7525 7227 / 07535 932 [email protected]

Rebecca Lury (Labour) 07415 234 [email protected]

Maria Linforth-Hall (Liberal Democrat) 020 7525 0332 / 07985 116 [email protected]

Paul Fleming (Labour) 020 7525 0222 / 07985 116 [email protected]

Karl Eastham (Labour)020 7525 0202 / 07985 116 [email protected]

Lucas Green (Labour)020 7525 0226 / 07985 116 [email protected]

Jon Hartley (Labour) 020 7525 0208 / 07985 116 [email protected]

Radha Burgess (Labour) 020 7525 0328 / 07985 114 [email protected]

Jane Lyons (Conservative)020 7525 0326 / 07985 114 [email protected]

Sunny Lambe (Labour)020 7525 0264 / 07985 114 [email protected]

Johnson Situ (Labour)020 7525 0243 / 07985 116 [email protected]

Nick Dolezal (Labour)020 7525 [email protected]

Kath Whittam (Labour)020 7525 0251 / 07985 114 [email protected]

Fiona Colley (Labour)020 7525 [email protected]

James Okosun (Liberal Democrat)020 7525 0320 / 07985 114 [email protected]

Eliza Mann (Liberal Democrat) 020 7525 2949 / 07944 117 [email protected]

Neil Coyle (Labour)020 7525 [email protected]

Peter John (Labour)020 7525 [email protected]

Renata Hamvas (Labour)020 7525 [email protected]

Richard Livingstone (Labour)020 7525 7161 / 07941 944 298 [email protected]

Rosie Shimell (Liberal Democrat)020 7525 [email protected]

Tom Flynn (Labour)020 7525 0329 / 07985 114 [email protected]

Darren Merrill (Labour)020 7525 [email protected]

Adele Morris (Liberal Democrat)020 7525 [email protected]

Dan Garfield (Labour)07535 932 [email protected]

Vijay Luthra (Labour)020 7525 0206 / 07985 116 [email protected]

Ben Johnson (Liberal Democrat)020 7525 0229 / 07985 116 [email protected]

Helen Hayes (Labour)020 7525 3288 / 07535 932 [email protected]

Mark Williams (Labour)020 7525 [email protected]

Michael Mitchell (Conservative) 020 7525 [email protected]

Leo Pollak (Labour)020 7525 0290 / 07985 114 [email protected]

Cleo Soanes (Labour)020 7525 [email protected]

Jamille Mohammed (Labour)020 7525 0324 / 07985 114 [email protected]

Bill Williams (Labour)020 7525 0253 / 07985 114 [email protected]

Sandra Rhule (Labour)020 7525 0242 / 07985 114 [email protected]

Lisa Rajan (Liberal Democrat)020 7525 [email protected]

Hamish McCallum (Liberal Democrat)020 7525 0244 / 07985 116 [email protected]

Eleanor Kerslake (Labour)020 7525 0239 / 07985 116 [email protected]

Sarah King (Labour)020 7525 0319 / 07985 114 [email protected]

Victoria Mills (Labour)020 7525 [email protected]

Michael Situ (Labour) 020 7525 3793 / 07789 775 [email protected]

Charlie Smith (Labour) 020 7525 0220 / 07985 116 [email protected]

Kieron Williams (Labour) 020 7525 0330 / 07985 114 [email protected]

Martin Seaton (Labour)020 3289 8572 / 07903 967 [email protected]

David Noakes (Liberal Democrat) 020 7525 [email protected]

Lorraine Lauder MBE (Labour)07539 839 [email protected]

Claire Maugham (Labour)020 7525 0207 / 07985 116 [email protected]

Damian O’Brien (Liberal Democrat) 020 7525 0233 / 07985 116 [email protected]

Andy Simmons (Labour)020 7525 1413 / 07956 624 [email protected]

Ian Wingfield (Labour) 020 7525 [email protected]

Labour 48 cllrs (+13)

Liberal Democrats 13 cllrs (-12)

Conservative 2 cllrs (-1)

www.whtvr.org15

FunWith SuMMER juSt

aRounD thE CoRnER,

What DoES SouthWaRk

havE to oFFER?

Whether indoors or out there’s loads to do in Southwark, so you’ll have no excuse not to have a fantastic summer. Make sure you areregularly checking the Whtvr social media pages to see what eventsand activities are happening near you. Stay safe and stay brilliant.”

Deji Gbakinro, Youth mentor and Y-volunteer

the answer is a lot. With newly refurbished youthcentres around the borough including the Blue YouthCentre and Damilola taylor Centre, there is no shortageof places for you to go to hang out with your friends,go on exciting trips or try new things.

Summer

14

“

SouTHwArk PriVATE rEnTED STAnDArD

For many Londoners, renting in the private sector is the norm. One in four of us in Southwark now live in

a privately rented home, however very little has been done to regulate this sector to ensure that both tenants’ and landlords’ rights are protected.

‘The washing machine has broken down and the landlord has told me it’s coming out of my deposit, is this right?’ or ‘my tenant left without paying rent, now I am stuck with unpaid bills. What can I do?’ For some tenants and

landlords, renting or letting privately can become confusing, frustrating and expensive. Blurred lines regarding who is responsible for what can lead to stressful situations and sometimes legal action taking place. In Southwark, we have developed a Private Rented Standard which clarifies how you should expect a rental property to be managed.

The standard is already improving conditions for some of Southwark’s most vulnerable tenants who need temporary accommodation through our new accreditation scheme.

This summer we want to hear your views on how together we can improve the private housing rented sector

The standard includes useful information regarding services provided to tenants, repairs and maintenance, and the condition of the property. It draws together existing duties and good practice. Read it online at www.southwark.gov.uk/knowyourrights

Have your say on the private rented sector in Southwark

Cllr Richard Livingstone, cabinet member for housing, said: “Everyone living in Southwark deserves to live in a home that is warm, dry and safe. We want to drive standards up across the borough by encouraging landlords to meet a certain standard, and over time we could make this a requirement for landlords operating in Southwark, through a new licensing scheme.

We need your views to see whether this scheme is suitable for Southwark, so come along to the events this summer.”

Focus www.southwark.gov.ukWinter 2011Life www.southwark.gov.ukSummer 2014

17

More things to do this summer

16

FinD Your FuTurE wiTH FuTurEVErSiTY

health hutsHealth huts are back this summer at many more youth centres than last year. Join staff at a safe and confidential space for young people of all ages, where you can get advice and information on a range of health and wellbeing topics including healthy eating, exercise, smoking, drugs, alcohol, sexual health, contraception, feelings, emotions, sexual orientation, relationships, bullying, boy stuff and girl talk. Find out when and where on our website.

CaM (Creative arts and Music)A wide range of arts activities for young people. Join our new peer-led choir, make an animation or film, brush up on your DJing and music production skills or try out a wide range of crafts such as nail art, jewellery making and sewing. For more information please check out CAm on our website www.whtvr.org

Youth busesOur mobile youth buses will be on the move throughout the summer at a number of locations across the borough. Hop on board and our friendly staff will advise you on what activities and trips are available locally. Also look out for us at Bermondsey Carnival, the Elephant and the Nun festival and David Idowu peace Day. See you there.

Fast ForwardActivities for young people with additional needs will be taking place over the summer as well as our existing evening programme. please contact Sharon pryce for more information on 07949 286 304 (referral process applies).

outdoor educationDaytime outdoor activities such as cycling and horseriding will be taking place for the whole of the summer. For more information please check out our website or follow us on social media.

For those young people who are already registered with Duke of Edinburgh, several expeditions are planned. If you would like more information about how to start a Duke of Edinburgh award through the youth service or your school, please visit www.dofe.org

the Mix Bus on tourLook out for our state of the art music and media bus at a youth centre or summer event near you. There are DJ decks, a range of software and music equipment plus lots more. To get all the mix Bus updates and find out where we will be, follow us on Facebook and Twitter.

Y-volunteerY-volunteer is bigger and better this summer with over 70 accredited volunteering placement opportunities available for young people aged 16 to 19. You don’t need any previous skills or experience, just a desire to get involved in your community or work hard to improve your career prospects. Whether you’re looking to get a taste of the career you’ve always dreamed of or make a difference in your community, Y-volunteer’s friendly team can help you. Call Davina on 07949 216 702 or email [email protected] for more information or follow us on Facebook and Twitter for all the latest opportunities.

Youth centresThere’s tons going on in

Southwark’s youth centres

this summer including

abseiling, ice skating,

horseriding, gokarting,

music production,

swimming, cooking and

day trips. Find out what’s

going on near you by

contacting your local

youth centre or follow us

on Facebook and Twitter

for all the latest updates.

wHErE’S mY LoCAL YouTH CEnTrE?BERMonDSEY anD RothERhithE

new venture Youth Centre Success House, 45 Cooper Road, SE1 5zTTel: 020 7237 9312 mobile: 07958 742 573

the Blue Youth Centre190 -192 Southwark park Road, SE16 3RpTel: 020 7232 1415 mobile: 07958 742 573

odessa Youth CentreTrident Street, SE16 2LNTel: 020 7232 0846 mobile: 07985 784 878

BoRough, BankSiDE anD WaLWoRth

Brandon Youth Centre19 maddock Way, Cooks Road, SE17 3NHTel: 020 7735 2506 mobile: 07956 346 707

Walworth Youth hub184 Walworth Road, SE17 1JJ Tel: 07949 286 014

CaMBERWELL

Dog kennel hill Youth CentreDog Kennel Hill, SE22 8AA mobile: 07903 500 625

Camberwell Youth CentreCamberwell Leisure CentreArtichoke place, SE5 8TSmobile: 07507 870 413

DuLWiCh

Belair outdoor activitiesBelair Recreation Rooms Gallery Road, SE21 7ABTel: 020 8693 0412 mobile: 07949 216 077

kingswood Youth CentreKingswood House, Seeley Drive, SE21 8QRTel: 020 7525 6442 mobile: 07949 286 328

PECkhaM anD nunhEaD

Damilola taylor Centre1 East Surrey Grove, SE15 6DRTel: 020 7703 9996 mobile: 07903 500 623

The Film Crew is an exciting new travelling film club that gives 14 to 19 year olds

the opportunity to make short documentary films with an award winning director

and gain accredited qualifications. At the end of the project there will be opportunities for young people to discuss

their next steps as well as work experience on a feature film, a chance to be

shortlisted for the BFI film academy residential and much more.If you’re serious about getting into filmmaking you will not want to miss out on

being part of the crew. You can sign up at your local youth centre or follow Whtvr

on Facebook and Twitter for all the latest updates.

New THE FiLm CrEw

THE SummEr rEADing CHALLEngE

This year, the Summer Reading Challenge is back between 12 July and 7

September with mythical maze for four to 12 year olds. Register at your local

library and find your way around a labyrinth full of fantastical creatures from

the world of legend and mythology, collecting stickers of each character

along the way. Read six books of your choice to be entered into a prize draw

to win an Android mini tablet device. The Teen Reading Challenge, Teen

Character Test, Arts Award and Splats Theatre performances are just some of

the other holiday activities on offer for young people at Southwark’s libraries

this summer – for more information please email southwark.libraries@

southwark.gov.uk

Join Southwark Youth Council

as they host the first 'our Voice

Southwark' conference on

wednesday 16 July for young

people to discuss community

safety with key decision makers.

Full details on www.whtvr.org

bmX CoACHing

Burgess Park BMX track 28 july to 28 august

Quality coached sessions delivered by British Cycling Level 2

BmX coaches for eight to 16 year olds. £12 per child for the day

including bike, helmet and glove hire. Call 020 7708 5464 or

email [email protected] for more details.

Innovative youth charity Futureversity will be coming to Southwark this summer to provide a range of free courses and activities for young people aged 11 to 19 in your local youth centre.

The Find Your Future programme offers unique opportunities for young people to learn valuable new skills and develop their potential, while having fun and making new friends.

Run by industry professionals, the courses will include driving theory, gospel singing and a Level 3 accredited First Aid at Work course, to name but a few. Designed to help young people gain meaningful skills, Futureversity courses provide employment and personal development support as well as volunteering opportunities.

Courses take place during August at different times and venues across Southwark. Full details and the course programme are now available on Futureversity’s website www.futureversity.org

Keep up to date on all of our

summer events, activities and

competitions at

www.whtvr.org.uk

@whtvr_org

facebook.com/whtvrorg

wALworTH YouTH Hub - YouTH

CommuniTY CounCiL (YCC) TAkEoVEr!

Walworth, Borough and Bankside YCC will be running a youth

hub on Walworth Road over the summer. YCC members

will be there to talk to you about

getting involved in a Youth

Community Council. There

will be fun, friendly workshops

ranging from first aid to special

effects makeup, as well as

'Have Your Say' discussion

sessions and health huts for

young people aged 13 to 19.

Come along and get involved.

020 7593 1290 020 7928 2322

contactSouTHwArk ADVoCACY AnD SuPPorT SErViCE (SASS) Southwark’s Advocacy and Support Service (SASS) is run by Solace Women’s Aid to support victims of domestic abuse who are over 16 years old whether male or female. The service offers a wide range of support including legal advice, advocacy, one to one counselling, peer support groups and a sanctuary scheme to help survivors remain safe in their homes. To talk to an advisor in confidence,

please contact 020 7593 1290 or email [email protected]

rEFugE ProViSionThe council works with Refuge to provide accommodation to people dealing with domestic abuse. For more information visit www.southwark.gov.uk or contact SASS. (See left)

PErSonAL SAFETY APP Tap-it, Southwark‘s new personal safety mobile phone app, is an easy way to keep connected to loved ones. For more information visit www.tap-it.com

YuVAYuva works with young people aged 11 to 25 who have used violent or controlling behaviours towards their loved ones i.e. parents/carers or girl/boyfriends. Yuva helps them to stop the abuse and find healthier, safer ways of being with people who are close to them. They can also offer support to the people who are experiencing the abuse. To contact the team please call 020 7928 2322 or email [email protected]

19

www.southwark.gov.ukLife Summer 2014 www.southwark.gov.uk

Mary Smith*

“ Southwark Advocacy and Support Service (SASS) helped me and my family so much over the past 12 months whilst dealing with ongoing harassment by my now ex partner. I found SASS advisors to be very polite, helpful and informative. Now my life has changed for the better and me and my children are much happier. Having SASS is like having a good friend, Yellow Pages and solicitor rolled up in one. Without SASS help there is no way that I would have had quick access to all the services and help that I have received. I would definitely recommend their services.”

* The name has been changed to protect identity

Domestic abuse can be psychological, financial, sexual, emotional or physical. Seeking help against abusive behaviour is never an easy decision but is even harder when someone you have a close relationship with is committing the abuse. If you feel ready to, the council has a number of specialist services available to help you as you want it and when you want it.

From practical and emotional support to help making your home safer, the council offers a number of services for people who suffer abuse. We also offer assistance to change the behaviour of perpetrators, who sometimes do not fully realise the impact of their actions.

Southwark Council has made a major commitment to combat domestic violence and improve women’s safety. Working closely with a range of organisations, Southwark is committed to providing support for men and women experiencing domestic abuse

It doesn’t need to be this way

Cllr Michael Situ, cabinet member for environment, recycling, community safety and volunteering, said: “Nobody should live in fear of being abused by their partners. This is why Southwark Council has pledged to, we believe, become one of the first in the country to create a new domestic violence strategy to bring together all our work to combat domestic violence, as well as creating our own Women’s Safety Charter. Whether it is physical, emotional or otherwise abuse is abuse and as a council we are committed to supporting victims to change their situations. To anyone who is currently in an abusive situation or knows someone that is: there is help available and our trained team is ready to hear from you.”

www.southwark.gov.ukLife Summer 2014

2120

Fostering Soul in SouthwarkSouthwark based singer Kwabena Adjepong (aka Kwabs) is making a name for himself on the music scene with his rich baritone and haunting melodies

FAVouriTE PLACESI love Peckham because it reminds me of the shopping trips I used to take there as a child. Plus it feels a bit like Africa, which in a multicultural city like London is a truly great thing.

Dulwich goes on the list because it's a great place to walk around. It‘s not quite like anywhere else in Southwark - it‘s picturesque in parts. Plus it brings back memories I have from going to school there.

I have to mention Camberwell too. Not just because I live there and I‘m biased but it‘s such a vibrant place full of creative people. Plus the food is EXCELLENT!

How did you get into singing and who or what has encouraged or inspired you to perform?

I was always a singer from day one - or at least that’s how it seemed. Singing came as easily to me as talking but I can definitely say that school was really important during my journey. It was my teachers who pushed me to take it seriously... they made sure I realised that my voice was not just meant for the playground and for singing in my room. it must be an exciting time for you with the recording contract and performing around the country. what have been the highlights of your singing career so far and why?

The past year has been so exciting for me. I performed at the Wilton’s Music Hall at the end of last year, I’ve been on the 2014 ‘Ones to Watch list’ for MTV and Radio 1 Xtra. And finally, I had my songs played on Radio 1 for the first time – that was special. There have been few things so far as surreal as hearing your music offered to the world. It’s simultaneously exhilarating and terrifying.

Do you have any heroes you look up to or who you would like to perform with and if so what is it about them that you admire?

I admire anyone who shows real attention to their craft and forges their own musical path. James Blake and Frank Ocean are great examples of artists who do that.

But I wouldn’t say I had a hero as such - though there have been influential people. I‘ve always just been a bit of a magpie - drawing inspiration from all that I’ve heard during my life. I think I've just been making it up as I go along.

Last year you returned to Southwark Council’s CLA awards event after being a looked after child in Southwark yourself. what made you want to come back and perform at the event?

I love the fact that the CLA awards celebrate the achievements of looked after children at a time when they really need them to be. I know that it helped me to have that extra affirmation that I had promise and that I was special. As a looked after child it‘s important to feel like you’re not just a part of the care system, especially because that system forms such a tangible part of your

reality. I knew that if my presence at the CLA event could be at all inspiring to other young people then I needed to be there. what was your experience of being a looked after child in Southwark like and what difference do you think your foster carers have made to your life and your career?

My experience as a looked after child was largely positive. There is no denying it had its struggles but I was fortunate enough to have carers who knew how to prepare me for my future. They helped me understand that my hopes and ambitions were bigger than my situation. Plus once I truly understood that the care system was there to help, I made it work for me. I understood that it was on my side.

what message would you give any young person, particularly those in foster care, who might have a dream like becoming a singer?

Simply put, you get out what you put in, so dream big and work hard. Your circumstances needn‘t get in the way of that. Circumstances can ALWAYS change.

Anyone thinking of becoming a foster carer with Southwark Council can find out more online at www.southwark.gov.uk/fostering

23

www.southwark.gov.ukInfo Summer 2014 www.southwark.gov.uk

23

Bankside, Borough and London Bridge

Bermondsey Canada Water

Elephant and Castle Aylesbury

Camberwell

peckham

Nunhead

East Dulwich

Dulwich

blackfriars Stories July to october

Blackfriars Stories are a series of four different outdoor events taking place between July and October along Blackfriars Road. The first, Trunk Road, will be a procession of a gigantic mechanical elephant on and around Blackfriars Road. Then to mark Shakespeare’s 450th birthday, a very special street theatre performance of Romeo and Juliet will take audiences on its own journey of the area. There will also be a mega treasure hunt with a digital difference and performances of eight short plays against the Blackfriars backdrop.

routes to the river Sunday 13 July

As a part of the Big Dance Weekend 2014, spectators will have a chance to see a trail of performances by professionals, community groups and local schools, led by Siobhan Davies which will start from her studios in St George’s Road at 12pm, and finish over at the Southbank Centre at 6pm. For more information and to get involved in the Routes to the River digital project, visit www.siobhandavies.com/works/routes-river

This year The Elephant and the Nun will come together for one big day-long celebration in Burgess Park on Saturday 16 August. Along with all the usual fun and games, there will also be a cracking main stage of world music from Global Local, stunning performances from the National Theatre, quirky and hilarious cabaret with Pull The Other One, you can also shop at the Africa Live market and enjoy the delicious delights of the food village throughout. With all the action kicking off from 12pm it’s one family festival this summer not to be missed!

The Elephant and the nun Saturday 16 August

kingswood Festival Sunday 10 August

The grounds of Kingswood House will be buzzing with activity on Sunday 10 August, with entertainment and activities for all the family as the Kingswood Festival returns. With live music performances, delicious food, local stalls, rides, face painting and plenty of things to do to keep the children entertained, it will be a great way to spend time with family and friends in one of the most beautiful settings in Dulwich.

22

Can you hear the roar?

nEED To knowFor more information on Southwark’s events programme you can:

• Visit www.southwark.gov.uk/southwarkpresents or visit our what’s on page on the council’s main website

• Follow us on Twitter @southwarkevents or search #southwarkpresents

• Find us on Facebook at facebook/Southwarkevents

national Theatre’s watch This Space July and August

This summer, the Watch This Space Festival from the National Theatre packs its bags and heads out on tour, bringing some of the best free outdoor entertainment right into Southwark. Watch out for pop up performances all over the borough, including at North Cross Road market, the Aylesbury estate and at our very own the Elephant and the Nun festival. Featuring the best of UK street work, incredible international visitors and some extra special surprises – you are definitely in for a treat, so this summer - watch this space.

Cllr Dora Dixon-Fyle

“ Southwark’s events are such an important part of the things we offer in Southwark, for not only our young people and families, but also adults as well. They are a fantastic way for local communities to join together and celebrate local artists, performers, traders and community organisations. The council’s events team work incredibly hard all year round to ensure we can still bring such a great line up of events to our residents. Getting together is also a perfect opportunity for everyone to learn more about where we live and work, and what wonders are on our doorstep.”

Cabinet member for adult care, arts and culture

Southwark Presents a summer to remember

From the annual Elephant and the Nun extravaganza, to an exciting touring series from the National

Theatre’s Watch This Space Festival - brand new for 2014 - this summer Southwark Presents a fantastic free and family friendly events programme which takes the borough right back to its roots...

Did you know?Southwark, a borough at the very heart of London, has always been a mecca for exciting events in the capital. When the Thames Tunnel in Southwark opened in 1843, as the first tunnel underneath a river, it quickly became known as the eighth wonder of the world – 50,000 people flooded through its gates on opening day, with visitor numbers topping

a million in the first three months. Entertainment acts of the day such as fire eaters, sword swallowers and even Ethiopian serenaders filled its archways as people came from all over the world to witness Southwark’s spectacle.

It is also a little known fact that Pasley Gardens in Walworth was home to one of London’s earliest zoos known as the Surrey Zoological Gardens; housing animals such as lions, giraffes and even elephants – the zoo even had its very own erupting volcano. With the addition of its glass dome music hall, it became another of Southwark’s unique attractions, entertaining audiences far and wide. Today Southwark events carry on this tradition of weird and wonderful entertainment that brings everyone together.

25


Summer 2014In the Surface of a BubbleDate: Tuesday 8 to Saturday 12 JulyTime: 8pmAdmission: £7 full, £6 concessions, £5 Southwark residentsVenue: Blue Elephant Theatreweb: www.blueelephanttheatre.co.ukTel: 020 7701 0100info: Inspired by animé and martial arts films, In The Surface Of A Bubble uses puppetry, capoeira, kung fu and live music to tell a tale of how the universe came to be.

Zonk Disco

Date: Friday 18 July Time: 10pm to 5amAdmission: £5Venue: CLF Art Cafe / The Bussey Building, 133 Rye Lane, SE15 4STweb: www.clfartcafe.orgTel: 020 7732 5275info: Our flagship disco night welcomes its most exciting guest to date in the form of New York to Berlin disco tastemaker Daniel Wang.

Bump and Hustle MusicDate: Saturday 12 JulyTime: 10pm to 5am Admission: £10, £7Venue: CLF Art Cafe / The Bussey Building, 133 Rye Lane, SE15 4STweb: www.clfartcafe.orgTel: 020 7732 5275

info: Kiss FM alumni Paul Trouble Anderson hosts this journey into house, soul, disco and eclectic funk alongside special guest and founding father of Detroit’s techno-soul movement, Eddie

"Flashing" Fowlkes.

Nunhead FestivalsDate: September to DecemberAdmission: Various Venue: Venues in Nunhead web: www.lovenunhead.co.uk info: The festival kicks off with the Peckham and Nunhead Free Film Festival on 4 September. See the website for more details.

CoolTan Arts Largactyl Shuffle: Garden Walk Date: Saturday 19 JulyTime: 11.45am to 4pm Admission: Free/voluntary donationVenue: Start location: Maudsley Hospital, Denmark Hill, SE5 8AZ Finish Location: Myatts Fields, SE5 9LP web: www.cooltanarts.org.uk Tel: Call 07985 658 443 if you cannot find the walking group on the day.info: CoolTan Arts Largactyl Shuffle is a guided, stigma-busting cultural walk designed to encourage mental health and physical wellbeing (accessible to wheelchair users and people with disabilities).

CoolTan Arts Largactyl Shuffle: Black History Walk Date: Saturday 20 SeptemberTime: 11.45am to 4pmAdmission: FreeVenue: Start location: Maudsley Hospital, Denmark Hill, SE5 8AZweb: www.cooltanarts.org.ukTel: Call 07985 658 443 if you cannot find the walking group on the day.info: An early celebration of Black History Month - join us to explore the stories, locations and famous figures of particular relevance to Black History and BME communities in Southwark.

Cuming Cabinet of Curiosity presents: Mythical CreaturesDate: Saturday 26 July, Saturday 2 August, Saturday 9 AugustTime: 2pm to 3.30pmAdmission: FreeVenue: 26 July at Dulwich Library. 2 August at Peckham Library. 9 August at Canada Water Libraryweb: www.southwark.gov.uk/cumingmuseumTel: Petra Cox 020 7525 2096 / 020 7525 2332info: A creative workshop for families. Discover the story of the Japanese kylin, then create your own mythical creatures to take home and bring you good luck.

Performance courses at Theatre Peckham for 3 to 21yearsDate: Monday 15 September Time: Term time – see timetable for individual coursesAdmission: Prices start at £43 per term + annual membershipVenue: Peckham Library and Peckham Harris Academyweb: www.theatrepeckham.co.ukTel: 020 7708 5401info: Theatre Peckham works with all ages from tap-dancing three year olds to older children attending BTEC courses that will support their future chosen careers.

Munch: The Peckham Festival of Food and CultureDate: Saturday 12 and Sunday 13 JulyTime: 11am to 6pm both daysAdmission: FreeVenue: Holly Grove, SE15web: www.pexmas.cominfo: The Peckham Festival of Food and Culture includes a programme of events, talks, workshops and a food market. Supporting Peckham Food bank.

24

Events calendarBuilding A City: Cardboard SouthwarkDate: Wednesday 9 to Friday 11 July Time: 10am to 6pmAdmission: FreeVenue: Hotel Elephant Gallery, Units A and B behind 40-42 Newington Causeway, SE1 6DRweb: www.hotelelephant.co.ukTel: 07528 032 818info: 12 Southwark primary schools have joined together with local artist Reuben Powell to build Southwark from cardboard, glue, paper and paint.

In Lambeth (at Southwark Playhouse)Date: Thursday 10 July to Saturday 2 August Time: Monday to Saturday 7.30pm, Saturday 3pmAdmission: £18, £16 concessions, £10 previewsVenue: Southwark Playhouse, 77-85 Newington Causeway, SE1 6BDweb: www.southwarkplayhouse.co.ukTel: 020 7407 0234info: Pursued through the streets of Lambeth by an anti-republican mob, Thomas Paine seeks sanctuary in the garden of William Blake and adventure ensues.

An evening walk: Stories of the BoroughDate: Tuesday 19 AugustAdmission: FreeVenue: John Harvard Libraryweb: www.southwark.gov.uk/cumingmuseumTel: 020 7525 2332info: Join Dr Patricia Dark on a walk through the neighborhood to discover stories from the borough, encountering unsung heroes and social reformers.

Mythical Maze Summer

Reading Challenge 2014Date: Saturday 12 July to Sunday 7 September Time: Daily during library opening hoursAdmission: FreeVenue: All Southwark librariesweb: www.southwark.gov.uk/summerreadingchallengeTel: 020 7525 3889info: As children read books they find their way around a labyrinth that introduces them to fantastical creatures from legend and mythology, collecting stickers of each character. All you have to do is register your child at your local library. They choose a book to read and then tell us what they think about it and receive an amazing free gift.

Tea Break Theatre 18+Date: Every WednesdayAdmission: Free Address: 5 Elephant Lane, SE16 4JD web: www.londonbubble.org.uk Tel: 020 7237 4434

info: A theatre group for Southwark residents aged 18+. At London Bubble we believe that taking part in creative activities and connecting with others can have a significant, positive impact on wellbeing. This group offers an opportunity for people to come together to make theatre in a gentle and social way.

A Bright Room Called DayDate: Wednesday 23 July to Saturday 16 August Time: Monday to Saturday 8pm, Saturday 3.30pmAdmission: £18, £16 concessions, £10 previewsVenue: Southwark Playhouse, 77-85 Newington Causeway, SE1 6BDweb: www.southwarkplayhouse.co.ukTel: 020 7407 0234

info: New Year’s Eve. Berlin. 1932. A group of artists and communists throw a decadent party to celebrate, blissfully unaware of the political changes to come. As the country succumbs to Nazism they are forced to choose between integrity and survival. From Pulitzer Prize winning playwright Tony Kushner.

Date: Monday to Friday from 4 to 8 and 11 to 15 AugustTime: 10am to 5pm dailyAdmission: Tickets are £300 per week (includes lunch throughout the week and tickets to the final performance). Siblings will receive a 25% discount.Venue: Unicorn Theatreweb: www.unicorntheatre.com/whatson/58/summer-play-in-a-week Tel: 020 7645 0560info: Play in a Week is Unicorn Theatre’s new workshop held during the holiday.

Kirkaldy Testing Museum Date: First Sunday of every month (6 July, 3 August, 7 September)Time: 10am to 4pm with guided tours hourly from 11am to 3pmAdmission: £5 adults, £4 concessionsVenue: Kirkaldy Testing and Experimenting Works, 99 Southwark Street, SE1 0JFweb: www.testingmuseum.org.uk (see website for additional dates)Tel: 07775 678 212info: Come and see engineer David Kirkaldy’s amazing machine in full working order in its original testing works.

Play in a Week for ages 8 to 12

27


Sari and Katariina

“ We had a low key but special day with close friends and family around us, first at the registry office, then a meal near home in East Dulwich, followed by dancing at Duckie at The Royal Vauxhall Tavern. It meant a lot to us to get married on the first day of equal marriage law, and we bombarded the Southwark registry office to get a slot for that date! We felt it was an historic day when an important human right was finally extended to all, and that equal marriage law will help to make the UK more tolerant and equal in the future too.”

26

School’s out! What’s next?

The national Careers service gives

guidance on learning, training and

work opportunities. Call 0800 100 900

and ask for a call back, or visit

www.nationalcareersservice.direct.gov.uk

to email or request a webchat.

Southwark works provide confidential support and career planning for people experiencing challenges or difficulties in finding work, aged between 18 and 24. Call 020 7740 8200 or 0800 052 0540 or email [email protected]

For apprenticeship and scholarship information visit www.apprenticeships.org.uk or www.southwark.gov.uk/apprenticeships and www.southwark.gov.uk/scholarships

The Volunteer Centre Southwark has a variety of opportunities for you to get involved in the community. Go to www.volunteercentres.org.uk or call 020 7703 4205. If you are aged 16 to 19 you can join Y-volunteer by calling 07949 216 702 or go to www.whtvr.org

CraigCraig, 20, works for Anchor in a care home. He said “I love working with the residents and enjoy spending time with older people, ensuring they are looked after. I know I am helping improve their lives. Anchor encourages personal development, and being able to see a career path is important for me.’’

The council’s participation, education and training team offer advice and guidance to 16 to 18 year olds. Located at 18 St Mary’s Road, Peckham. Young people can drop in or call 020 7525 4545.

morE inFormATion

Wedding days are always special, but Saturday 29 March this year was a particularly

momentous day for one local couple, who celebrated Southwark’s first ever same sex wedding.

Sari and Katariina, like many same sex couples around the country, were keen to tie the knot as soon as new legislation gave them the right to marry. They were married at Southwark’s registry office in Camberwell.

Council Leader, Cllr Peter John, said: “It’s hard to overstate the importance of this moment for the country, and I’m delighted that one same sex couple took immediate advantage of the opportunity to marry in Southwark. This union represents all that we value in Southwark - diversity, equality, love and respect. We hope to see many more weddings of couples of all sexualities this year, in one of Southwark’s fantastic and unique venues.”

Since that happy day, many more couples have married in Southwark, at one of the borough’s 20 registered venues (see left). Any couple, straight or same-sex, wanting to marry in Southwark, can contact the registrars’ office on 020 7525 7651 to find out about what we can offer on your special day.

nEED To knowRegistered Southwark venues include:

• HMS Belfast• Dulwich College• The OXO Tower• The Golden Hinde• Tower Bridge

For a full list see www.southwark.gov.uk/civilceremonyvenues

Love is all aroundSouthwark offers a host of exciting wedding venues, and since the spring, more local couples can take advantage of what’s on offer as they plan their special day

Now is the time to think about your options, and decide which path you should take

There are so many decisions to make that it can seem overwhelming, but there is a lot of support and advice available.

Many employers, including Southwark Council, now offer apprenticeships so you can gain workplace experience, get qualifications such as NVQs and BTECs, and earn a salary. Southwark Council’s pioneering scholarship scheme might also be able to help with your fees if you are thinking of attending university.

Volunteering is also a great way to build your experience and develop new skills, in a variety of workplaces.

Your chosen path may change over time, but it’s always good to plan how to get where you want to be, and enjoy trying different things along the way.

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www.southwark.gov.ukInfo www.southwark.gov.uk Summer 2014

Patrina Watts

“ My kids and I recycle everything we can, it’s so easy and convenient and it makes us feel good knowing we are helping the environment. It will be great to see the same recycling crew collecting from our estate every week and the new safer collection vehicles.”

A resident in Southwark

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Paul DeleoCollection vehicle driver in Southwark“ I have worked for Southwark for almost nine years and these new vehicles are a sight for sore eyes! They are a pleasure to drive and make us as drivers feel much more secure on busy roads, especially with the high number of people cycling in the borough.”

Your CHAnCE To FinD ouT AbouT THE wonDErFuL worLD oF rECYCLing

Explore one of Europe‘s most advanced recycling facilities as part of this year‘s Wonder Open Day at the Southwark Integrated Waste Management Facility off the Old Kent Road. The event takes place on Saturday 20 September from 10am until 4pm.

See the site for yourself with one of the guided tours taking place throughout the day and learn all about how your black bag waste is turned into heat and electricity on the interactive tour of the Mechanical Biological Treatment Facility.

There will be plenty to enjoy with free refreshments, face painting, a bouncy castle, cycle safety training, a bird of prey display, an interactive vehicle display and lots more. For more information please visit www.southwark.gov.uk/recycling

Greener collections for everyoneThis summer sees the roll out of a brand new fleet of eco friendly collection vehicles and an improved collection service to help keep residents recycling

Have you spotted a new recycling or refuse collection vehicle yet? As part of our partnership with Veolia we have been able to replace our ten year old waste collection fleet with new safer and greener vehicles. Look out for the distinctive skyline of Southwark homes and landmarks that features on all of them.

The new state-of-the-art trucks are better for the environment as they release fewer emissions than the previous fleet and are more fuel efficient.

They are specially equipped with safety measures to improve protection for all road users. Every vehicle is fitted with cameras to increase road visibility, cycle safety

bars, an auto-stop mechanism which is activated if anyone comes too close to the vehicle whilst it is reversing and much more. For a full list of the safety features check out www.southwark.gov.uk/fleet

With the new fleet in place, from mid July we will begin taking an area-based approach to collections, right across the borough. This means that you’ll see the same people collecting each week and will lead to even fewer missed collections and an even more effective service as a result. To help us re-organise the services, we need to change some collection days. If you are affected by this, thank you for embracing the change.

Cllr Darren Merrill

“ Southwark’s recycling rate has increased at a phenomenal rate. Most of this is down to the efforts of our residents, with their help recycling rates are the highest they’ve ever been and are still rising. We very much hope the new collection service will continue this momentum and that the new and improved fleet will not only be more environmentally friendly, but will also aid our road safety measures.”

You can recycle almost all your household waste including paper and cardboard, food cans, tins and jars, glass and plastic bottles and plastic containers and food trays. For more information about recycling and your services visit www.southwark.gov.uk/recycle

Your rECYCLing SErViCE

HELP kEEP Your borougH CLEAr From FLY-TiPPing wiTH SouTHwArk’S FrEE buLkY wASTE CoLLECTionSWe provide free bulky waste collections to all Southwark residents. If you have any large household items such as furniture or white goods, simply contact the customer service team on 020 7525 2000 and arrange for a collection.

Cabinet member for recycling

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Tracey

“ I definitely think it’s good to attend your local community council meetings. I go to the Bermondsey and Rotherhithe meetings all the time and I’m also vice chair of my local area housing forum and TRA. They’re all great ways to make your voice heard.”

How to...

When something goes wrong, you may want to contact us to make a complaint but feel free to also let us know when something goes right. If you’re pleased with something that the council has done, you can log a compliment or leave us some positive feedback. For something bad, we’ll always look at ways to improve and for something good, the officer or team involved may receive personal recognition or an award for excellence in customer service. Visit www.southwark.gov.uk/complaints

Tell us when something goes wrong and tell us when something goes right

www.southwark.gov.ukInfo Summer 2014

No one has more of an idea of what it’s like to live in Southwark than you. So why not tell us what you think?

Cllr Ian Wingfield, cabinet member for communities, employment and business said: “Although the council is doing its best to deliver quality services for residents, we want to hear what you think about the borough you live in. A two way conversation between the council and residents makes sure that we know your concerns and also lets us know whether we are engaging with you in ways that work. It may be a criticism, a compliment or a fresh idea; whatever it is, share it with us. Your views will be listened to and will make a difference to our services. Southwark would not be the same without them.”

Find out how you can share your opinion and make your voice heard by visiting our website.

nEED To knowFind out what’s going on where you live, including your local community council and meeting dates by visiting www.southwark.gov.uk/inmyarea

Make a difference by getting involved in the decisions that affect you. Visit www.southwark.gov.uk/getinvolved to find out more.

The council always wants to hear what you have to say. This is why Southwark Council has announced plans to revamp its council

assembly meetings in a bid to increase involvement of the wider community - including the introduction of a Leader's Question Time, a meeting dedicated to answering questions from the public. It’s easy to get involved, attend your local community council meetings or raise an issue of your own with your ward councillor. You may have seen a service that you think you could run for the council or want to tell the council how you think you can make improvements. Making your voice heard means that you can be sure the council is delivering services that you need and that matter to you.

Attend your local community council meetings

Leader’s Question Time and Council Assembly

Find out about current consultations

Say what you think about where you live

You can help your community in other ways

There are five community councils in the borough: Bermondsey and Rotherhithe; Borough, Bankside and Walworth; Camberwell; Dulwich, and Peckham and Nunhead. Each one holds meetings throughout the year, giving an opportunity for you to discuss current issues with your councillors and have a say on how council services are delivered. For more information, visit www.southwark.gov.uk/communitycouncil

This will allow members of the public to be more involved in the council meeting, giving you an opportunity to put questions directly to the Leader. The meetings will be flexible in terms of order and timings, in order to allow late and urgent items to be considered if needed. Also, to encourage more involvement from the wider community in council assemblies, the council will also appeal for submissions from experts, community groups or local representatives. No time limit will be applied to the new community evidence section of the meeting as the structure for each meeting would be set out in a programme motion. Finally, the topics that can be considered for themed debates will be broadened, formally removing the requirement for meetings to be themed on items concerning the council plan, strategy or policy.

There are many other ways that you can share your ideas and make a positive contribution to your community. Find out more about volunteering at www.southwark.gov.uk/volunteer

Tenant and residents’ associations (TRAs) are great forums to voice the issues that matter to you and your homes, as well as creating a sense of community.

There are many current discussions on which the council would like to get your views so get involved.Keep up to date on current consultations and petitions by checking www.southwark.gov.uk/consultations

www.southwark.gov.uk/southwarkpresents

#southwarkpresents @southwarkevents

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Southwark life Summer 2014