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"As we near the end of the Summer break, many families across the borough will be starting to prepare for school return. Earlier this month we celebrated the success of Kingston’s students, when thousands received their A-Level and GCSE results. I was immensely proud of them for the patience, resilience and determination they have shown in the most difficult of years.
"I would like to reassure you that we are working closely with our schools to support them in welcoming back pupils as safely as possible.
"Thank you to all of our schools and their incredible staff for all of their hard work in preparing for the new year. Welcome back!"
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Kingston stands ready to support Afghan refugees
Leader of Kingston Council, Cllr Caroline Kerr, said:
"Like many other local authorities, Kingston stands ready to provide sanctuary for those fleeing the terrifying events taking place in Afghanistan."
Read her full statement here.
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There are walk-in vaccination sessions across Kingston this week, including Pfizer vaccines for those aged 16+. No need to book. Find out more.
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Vaccines for those under the age of 16
Eligible children aged 12 to 15 can now get vaccinated against COVID-19 if they are at increased risk from the virus, or if they live with someone who is severely immunosuppressed. Parents and carers of eligible children should now have been contacted by local NHS services. Detailed information.
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The council recently published its new Air Quality Action Plan (AQAP) which sets out the work we will undertake to help improve the borough's air quality over the next five years. It was shaped, in part, by Kingston residents who took part in our Citizens’ Assembly on air quality. Find out more and read the report.
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Making private homes greener
Private homes are a substantial contributor to climate change, emitting between 15-25% of the UK's greenhouse gases. Take a local postgraduate student's survey to contribute towards research investigating home improvement measures that could reduce emissions.
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Kingston Council proudly supports local disability groups to host awareness-raising day in the Market Square
Pop along to the Market Square on Sunday, September 5 to explore a number of stalls from local disability groups, including Mencap, Kingston Centre for Independent Living, and Kingston Association for the Blind.
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Cllr Christine Stuart, Disability Champion at Kingston Council, said: “After such a difficult eighteen months for these communities, we hope to shine a light on some of the issues and experiences faced by many of Kingston’s disabled residents through our Disability Awareness Day celebration."
Read more
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 Kingston Libraries' Short Story Competition is open for entries
First Prize is four tickets to the Rose Theatre’s production of Beauty and The Beast! £50 and £20 prizes will also be awarded to the runners up. All longlisted entries will appear in a short story collection published by Kingston University Press.
Read more and enter on our website.
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Mayor of Kingston Charity Golf Tournament
The Mayor of Kingston, Cllr Sushila Abraham is hosting a charity golf tournament on Sept 10 at Malden Golf Club, in aid of the Mayor's Charitable Trust. Entry is £85 per person, including a three course meal. Find out more.
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Visit Kingston's new Sculpture Trail
Stretching from Canbury Gardens to Kingston marketplace, the trail features seven fantastic public artworks. The sculpture with the most votes will become a permanent feature in the town centre so get voting for your favourite today!
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Mind in Kingston mental health forum
Mind in Kingston is setting up the Empowering Minds Forum - here to listen, to hear, to represent and to take action.
Share your experiences and help us shape the future of mental health services locally by completing this survey.
We are also looking to set up a face-to-face forum, so please email if you are interested in getting involved.
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Dementia friendly communities
Kingston Council is supporting an initiative to create 'dementia friendly communities' - a venture that aims to ensure those affected by dementia are supported, understood and able to access all parts of the community that they would like to.
You can do your part by becoming a 'dementia friend'. In less than an hour you will learn about key myths around dementia, and some simple steps to make a big difference. Contact us if you are interested.
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The NHS is appealing for plasma donors. By donating you could save someone's life. Find out more.
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Come along to a Local Plan event - let’s shape Kingston together
What should our borough look like in 20 years? We’re popping up across the borough to hear your thoughts and ideas for Kingston. Next up, you can find us at the Summer of Fun event (next to Kingston Museum) on Friday 27 August, 10am to 4pm!
Find out more and share your ideas.
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Free employment support for Kingston residents
Has your job been affected by COVID-19? Are you looking for new opportunities or to move into a different sector? Need training or help writing your CV?
Work Match has got you covered! The free service provides local jobseekers with professional support, guidance and training and can connect you with prospective employers.
Kingston is home to hundreds of businesses who value local people. Now is a great time to explore the opportunities on your doorstep, and take the next step in your career! Find out more and register.
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Come along to our Virtual Job Club this September for a whole host of sessions, including about how to set up a business, reinvent your career, and CV writing workshops. Find out more and book your place.
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Protecting Kingston's shops: share your thoughts!
As part of Kingston's continuing support of local businesses, the council is asking for your views to protect shops from being converted into housing. Take part here.
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Update on Social Spaces project
We are working with Kingston First to deliver the new 'Social Spaces' project, a temporary initiative to create more social spaces for our residents. You can give us your feedback on the new planters and seating spaces here.
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Resources for unpaid carers
Carers UK is providing access for carers in Kingston to a wide range of digital tools and essential resources, including: tools to help navigate the benefits and entitlements system; an app to help coordinate activities with the person you care for; and a variety of sources of support to help with caring responsibilities.
The digital tools can be accessed for free via the Carers UK Digital Resources website (the Free Access Code is: DGTL1438).
We want to hear from unpaid carers in Kingston
If you are an unpaid carer in Kingston, we want to hear from you in our short survey here. This survey will shape our Kingston Carers Strategy, and we will use this information to make sure our action plans for the next three years focus on what is most important to carers of all ages in Kingston.
Do share with your networks, colleagues, friends, fellow carers and the carers you support. Thank you.
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Enrolment for Kingston Adult Education courses is still open!
Whether it's brushing up on your maths, learning a new skill or a language, or joining a course to improve your mental health and wellbeing - there's still time to enrol before September! Classes are run all over the borough at community locations. Browse the new prospectus and see what sparks your interest - there's something to suit everyone!
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Hook Music Centre Launch event
Join us for the launch of the new Kingston Music Service centre on 11 September. Simply complete this form to book your place for a free workshop or a tour of the recording studio at the Hook Music Centre. The workshops are open to young people aged 8-13.
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Happy Spaces Public Session
Join us on 15 Sept, 5-6pm at Eagle Brewery Wharf to hear more about our work with Kingston First to create inclusive, happy spaces within the town centre for local residents, visitors and members of our business community to unwind, enjoy and connect with nature. Proposed designs will be shared, along with the next steps for how the spaces will be improved and developed.
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Follow Kingston Council on social media
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Follow us on social media to keep up to date with the latest information on council services, local events and borough news.
You can find us on: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Nextdoor, Linkedin and Youtube.
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Where to find the latest information and guidance
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