Help us shape the future of Kingston
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We recently published a report that shows how we support Kingston residents, and sets out our plans for the future. We have to make big choices about how we can best build a strong, sustainable future for Kingston, and we want to hear from residents, businesses and community groups to help make the right choices for all of us.
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Message from Kingston's Borough Commander
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Borough Commander Elisabeth Chapple on why it is so important to stay at home and follow the rules.
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Coronavirus vaccine - are you registered with a GP?
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The NHS has started rolling out the coronavirus vaccine, starting with the people most at risk of getting seriously ill from COVID-19.
You will be contacted by the NHS when it is your turn to get the vaccine. Please don’t contact the NHS about vaccination before then.
To receive the vaccine you need to be registered with a GP. If you or somebody you know has not registered with a GP, it is important you do so straight away. Find your local GP surgery and how to register.
Find out more about the coronavirus vaccine.
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Volunteer to help with the vaccine roll out
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To help roll out the vaccine more quickly we need your help. Sign up to volunteer to help with our COVID-19 response and join our fantastic team working on the New Malden and Worcester Park primary care network vaccination programme.
No medical background is necessary, you just need to have experience volunteering or working with the public.
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Beware of COVID-19 text message scams
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Cybercriminals are preying on fears of the coronavirus and sending ‘phishing’ text messages that try to trick people into clicking a link that takes them to a fake webpage which asks for bank details. Messages are short and simple and often claim to be from a known organisation such as the NHS, the Government or financial institution.
Also, watch out for bogus text messages from scammers posing as the NHS, claiming to offer coronavirus vaccines.
Please remember that your GP surgery or the NHS will administer your COVID-19 vaccine free of charge. Do not give out your bank details to pay for a vaccine or to confirm your address.
For genuine COVID-19 related advice, including vaccination information, visit the GOV.UK website and the NHS website.
For more details about scams, including examples, a leaflet is available to download.
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Parks, playgrounds and outdoor gyms
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We must continue to stay at home as much as possible to Keep Kingston Safe.
You can leave your home to exercise once a day in a public outdoor place close to your home, including in your local park:
Around 1 in 3 people with COVID-19 have no symptoms but can still pass it on, so if you are visiting one of our parks please act as if you and the people around you have the virus to help protect each other.
In line with government guidelines the use of outdoor gyms and sports courts is not permitted. Notices are on display at all sites advising people of this.
Children’s playgrounds remain open. Due to the shared nature of the equipment and the potential for close contact it is critical that everyone follows the guidance in place, including social distancing and practicing good hand hygiene at all times.
Please take some time to familiarise yourself with the new rules and follow the guidance on how to keep safe by reading the posters on-site or visiting our parks webpage.
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Following the start of the third national lockdown, the Government has announced that further grants will be made available to many businesses in the retail, hospitality and leisure sectors. We’re awaiting more detail on these grants and will provide more information on our grants webpage as soon as possible.
Also, our new Business Restrictions Hardship Grant, supporting some of those businesses not covered by other grants, will be open for applications shortly on the same page.
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New year, new job new skills?
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In response to the challenges faced in 2020, last year Microsoft launched their global skills initiative aimed at bringing meaningful digital skills to 25 million people worldwide, and as part of this made access to their collection of learning resources free of charge until 31 March 2021.
If you’re looking for a new job and don’t know where to start, take a look at the modules offered by Microsoft designed to help you find a job during challenging economic times. Once you’ve found your dream job there are also resources available to assist with your interview preparation. Covering useful tips for a virtual interview, common Q&A’s, and interactive tools for interview practice, all designed to build your confidence.
If you want to develop new skills, Microsoft’s resources cover a wide range of learning, from building skills in the top 10 most in demand jobs, to professional soft skills, and interactive hands-on training to develop in-demand technical skills and much more... there is something for everyone!
All modules and resources are delivered online and can be accessed when it's convenient for you.
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You can download previous copies of the Thumbs Up It’s Thursday activity packs created by the team and volunteers at Kingston Heritage Service.
This winter Kingston Heritage Service has collaborated with volunteers from Kingston Grammar School to create fun activity packs that enable families to learn about Kingston’s heritage together.
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Winter support fund applications extended
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Applications for the Coronavirus Winter Support Fund, which supports voluntary projects in Kingston, can now be submitted until 17 January.
The Fund is aimed at meeting immediate need amongst individuals and families who are struggling to afford food, utilities and other essentials over the winter months. Read more.
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There’s still time to let us know what you think about the draft Air Quality Action Plan which sets out how we will work with communities to collectively improve Kingston’s air quality.
The plan was, in part, shaped by Kingston residents.
Take a look and let us know what you think by 17 January.
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From aerobics exercise to strength and resistance training, online home workouts have been created by fitness experts and range from 10 to 45 minutes long!
Suitable for all fitness levels, there's something to help everyone keep active during lockdown.
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Stop smoking for 28 days and you're 5 times more likely to give it up for good.
Sign up to Kick-It and receive six weeks of 1-1 support from a specialist stop smoking advisor who will tailor their support to each individual, as they recognise that everyone is different.
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Christmas tree collections
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If you want your Christmas tree to be recycled, please place it out on Monday 18 January and leave it out until it is collected. It should be gone within two weeks.
Remember to remove all decorations, tree pots, etc., and place your tree as close to the front boundary of your property as possible, making sure that it is visible from the road without blocking access or the pavement.
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Are you interested in becoming ‘Mental Health Aware’? If so, our Public Health team and Mental Health First Aid England are providing half day online training courses for anyone that lives, works or studies in the borough.
Gain confidence to support someone in distress or who may be experiencing a mental health issue and learn about:
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What mental health is and how to challenge stigma
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Common mental health issues
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Looking after your own mental health and maintaining wellbeing
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The census is a unique survey that happens every 10 years and gives us a snapshot of all the people in England and Wales. It tells us what our needs are, helping inform decisions about services like healthcare, education and transport.
Find out more at www.census.gov.uk
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If you’re an EU, EEA or Swiss citizen, you and your family can apply to the EU Settlement Scheme to continue living in the UK after 30 June 2021.
You can also apply if you’re the family member of an eligible person of Northern Ireland.
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Kingston Parent Carer Forum
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Kingston Parent Carer Forum (KPCF) is part of a national network of forums aiming to give a voice to all families who have children with a special educational need or disability (SEND).
They are made up of local parents who are passionate about improving the local facilities and activities for all our children.
Join them on Facebook and read more about the role of parent carer forums online.
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A winter's day in Fishponds Park captured by James Wallis, from Surbiton. Thank you very much for sharing this picture with us.
How do you connect with nature on your daily walk?
Tag us on Twitter or Instagram and include #KingstonNature.
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With so many cases of people across our borough having the virus without any symptoms we are urging all residents to act as if YOU have coronavirus.
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Where to find the latest information and guidance
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