Join the Kingston Climate Conversation
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 The effects of climate change are being felt around the world - as the Earth warms and weather patterns change, we are faced with a number of risks and challenges. Food shortages, droughts, loss of wildlife, heatwaves and flooding are becoming more common.
While it may be hard to imagine Kingston being impacted by these things, we are likely to encounter more extremes in weather and an increase in both flooding and water shortages if climate change isn’t tackled.
However, by taking steps to reduce our carbon footprint we can create positive outcomes that are much wider than protecting each other from adverse weather conditions.
A cleaner, greener Kingston is a healthier borough with reduced NHS costs, better housing, better transport, cleaner and quieter streets, and green spaces which are alive with biodiversity.
We have drafted a plan which sets out how we propose changing the way the council operates so that it can become carbon neutral by 2038, and help reduce carbon emissions across the borough.
The plan focuses on seven topic areas, each of which are key in helping reduce Kingston’s carbon footprint; council buildings, homes, travel, waste, green economy, council sustainability and the natural environment.
However, the council only has direct control of roughly 2.2% of carbon emissions in Kingston and can’t tackle climate change alone.
It’s really important that those who live, work or study in the borough give us their feedback on the draft plan and tell us what else they would like to see happen to help reduce the borough’s carbon footprint.
Please take the time to visit kingstonletstalk.co.uk/climate-conversation, read the draft plan and take the surveys for each of the seven themes. By helping shape the plan, you will be helping shape and protect the future of the borough.
Best wishes,
Councillor Stephanie Archer
Portfolio Holder for Environment and Sustainable Transport
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Plans for cutting-edge sustainable and affordable new homes
We are in the early stages of plans to deliver green and affordable new homes on the Cattle Market car park. These potential new homes are one of many environmentally friendly initiatives where the council is leading the way.
Read more on our website.
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Booster vaccines rollout in Kingston is now well underway, and being taken up in good numbers by those eligible and who have had their second dose of the vaccine at least 6 months ago. For full details on all covid vaccine offers, visit our website. The flu vaccination programme is also keeping clinicians busy in pharmacies across the borough.
Covid boosters and flu vaccinations can be received together (if available), and advice remains to receive both as soon as possible, even if they are at separate appointments, but not to delay in getting your full Winter protection.
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Covid testing in school age children
With Covid case rates very high in Kingston’s school age children, it is strongly advised that they are regularly tested, whether they are still in school or on half-term, and whether they have symptoms or not. Identifying cases, and isolating where needed, will prevent the spread to friends and family members who are more vulnerable and at higher risk from serious illness from the virus.
Did you know that if you, your child or any of your contacts have Covid symptoms you can have a local walk-in PCR test?
Find out about this and all the other testing options on our website.
12-15s walk-in vaccination offer on now, and throughout half-term
Full details of the offer available at Hawks Road, Kingston can be found on our website.
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30 Day Drink Less Campaign
Would you like to cut down on your drinking but not sure where to start? The Drink Less 30 day programme will teach you how to cut down and stick to healthier levels, allowing you to stay in control of how much and when you drink. You'll get an email a day, with your expert guide to cutting down and exercises to help you gain control over your drinking.
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Food voucher support for vulnerable children
We are extending our holiday food voucher scheme to ensure vulnerable children and families across the borough can afford to buy food during the October half term.
More information is available on AfC’s website.
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Annual Kingston 16 Days of Activism Conference - 2 December
As part of the global campaign to raise awareness around Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG), Safer Kingston Partnership will be holding their annual 16 days of Activism Conference on 2 December. This year, the focus will be on the impacts of male violence on Black and Minoritised Women and what the partnership can do to remove barriers.
Read more and register.
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Black History Month
Three decades fighting racial inequality in Kingston: Spotlight on John Azah
John Azah has helped to shape modern black history in Kingston, having spent the last three decades working to tackle race inequality in the borough and across the country.
This Black History Month, we caught up with Kingston Race and Equalities Council's Chief Executive about his time in the borough and the history behind Kingston Carnival.
Read the full interview.
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Hate Crime Awareness Week
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Last week was Hate Crime Awareness Week and, as a council, we reaffirmed our commitment to raise awareness of the issue of hate crime in our society.
Over the course of the week, the Mayor of Kingston Cllr Sushila Abraham visited schools across the borough, along with John Azah, to carry out Hate Crime Awareness workshops.
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Fancy winning £25,000?
More than £11,000 has been raised for local good causes as Kingston Community Lottery had its first ever draw on Saturday 9 October. The borough’s new lottery allows local good causes to raise new funds online for free. There’s still time for organisations to sign up!
Play the lottery to be in with a chance of winning the jackpot prize whilst supporting charities that matter to you.
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Make sure your details are correct on the electoral register!
Our team is currently making house visits and phone calls to confirm residents’ details on the electoral register. Please respond to your form now to avoid a door knock or phone call.
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Have your say on our 'Social Spaces' in Kingston Town Centre
We are working in partnership with Kingston First to create more welcoming, social and accessible street environments for customers and visitors to Kingston Town Centre to enjoy and to support our businesses. This includes temporary closures of part of Thames Street, as well as new planting and seating in Thames Street, Fife Road and outside Station Plaza.
To give us your views please complete our short survey.
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Kingston Libraries half term programme of activities
Including Halloween events, interactive workshops, craft workshops, theatre plays, Lego we do, Virtual Job Club...You can book in for Zoom sessions, tune in to video tutorials or finally meet us at the library.
Find out more and book.
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Vote for your favorite sculpture
Kingston Sculpture Trail features seven exciting new public artworks by world-class artists to the town centre. The sculpture with the most votes at the end of the trail will become a permanent addition in the town centre, to be enjoyed for many years to come.
Vote closes 31 October – don’t miss your chance!
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Book your place on the Mayor of Kingston's Quiz Night
In aid of the Mayor's Charitable Trust. This year, the Trust is supporting Anstee Bridge & Milaap Multicultural Day Centre. £15, with food also being supplied.
Book now.
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In case you missed it...
A round-up of all the news since our last newsletter
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Happy Halloween!
Halloween is just around the corner, make sure you have a spooktacular time by staying safe and respecting our community.
You can report anti-social behaviour by calling 111 or reporting it online.
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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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