The roadmap out of lockdown
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On Monday 21 February, Prime Minister Boris Johnson set out the Government's cautious roadmap for the easing of lockdown restrictions. The 4 step plan will take place gradually over the coming weeks and months, with around 5 weeks between each step.
The roadmap offers us all a path back to normal life, but it relies on us continuing to follow the guidelines, and staying at home for all but essential reasons. If you do need to leave your home, remember to wash your hands, wear a face covering, and keep a distance.
Thank you for helping to Keep Kingston Safe.
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Vaccine roll out continues
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The NHS-led vaccination rollout continues to progress well across the borough, with 89% of those offered the vaccine in Kingston having taken up the offer. All those who are aged 65 and over, as well as people who are Clinically Extremely Vulnerable and all health and social care workers can now book appointments at mass vaccination centres on the NHS website - if you fall into any of these groups you do not need to wait to be contacted.
Last week, another 1.7 million people in England were added to the Shielded Patients List and advised not to leave home. Letters are being sent by the NHS to all those affected and they will be prioritised for the vaccine if they haven’t already received it. We will be supporting those affected in Kingston through the Kingston Stronger Together hub.
Those considered Clinically Vulnerable (at moderate risk from coronavirus), as well as people who are eligible for Carer’s Allowance have also been included in the latest priority vaccination phase.
For more information on Carer’s Allowance, please visit the government website.
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Regulatory Services thanks Kingston businesses and residents
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Senior Environmental Health Officer Theresa Fidge thanks the people and businesses of Kingston for all they have been doing to protect each other, and tells us how her team have been working hard to Keep Kingston Safe.
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Engine idling: Engine Off. Every Stop.
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Idling vehicles produce avoidable pollution that's contributing to London’s air quality health crisis. Poor air quality is the biggest environmental risk to health and has been proven to contribute to asthma, lung disease, heart disease, and restricted lung development in the young. It costs the NHS and the UK economy billions of pounds every year.
It is estimated that every year up to 4,000 Londoners die prematurely from long-term exposure to air pollution.
Kingston Council are taking the following actions to reduce engine idling in the borough:
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Training waste crews about the importance of not keeping engines idling
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Placing ‘No idling’ signs at idling hotspots across the borough
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Investigating complaints of idling
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Promoting anti-engine idling workshops in schools
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Engaging with local businesses and fleet operators
Councillor Hilary Gander, Portfolio Holder, Environment and Sustainable Transport, said:
“Engine idling damages the health of those around you. Switching your engine off is the easiest way to minimise unnecessary pollution and make a positive difference to public health. Please turn your engine off every time you stop.”
Find out how you can make a positive difference to air quality: www.idlingaction.london
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Reading Friends bring people together
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Reading Friends is part of a national scheme being run by Kingston Libraries that tackles loneliness and social isolation by bringing people together to read, share stories, chat and have fun.
A Reading Befriender holds regular one-to-one or small group sessions that begin with the reading of a poem, short story, letter or other piece of text to spark conversation and connect people socially. It is different to a structured book group as there is no reading to do beforehand. Due to the pandemic these sessions are currently taking place over the phone or online using Zoom.
Reading Friends brings people together, using reading to spark conversations and get everyone chatting. You don’t need to be an expert in literature – simply have a love of reading you would like to share to make a difference in your local community.
Read more: bit.ly/readingfriends
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Apply today to join us as a
Communications and Engagement Apprentice
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Apply today to join us as a Communications and Engagement Apprentice! Earn while you learn as part of a busy, friendly team. For more information and to apply
visit our website.
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Kingston Wellbeing Week 8-14 March 2021
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The COVID-19 pandemic has had a huge impact on all of our lives. Many people have noticed a decline in mental, physical and financial health, which means looking after our wellbeing has never been so important.
In response, Kingston First, the town centre's Business Improvement District, has announced their first-ever Wellbeing Week, which runs between 8 and 14 March 2021.
Wellbeing Week offers an exciting programme of virtual events, workshops and support for you to take advantage of from our amazing local businesses.
During the week there will be a range of online sessions, from yoga, pilates & fitness classes, to mental health workshops and money management advice, all in aid of improving the wellbeing of our local community.
There's something for everyone to enjoy, so download the programme or visit their website to check the event listings for details of how to sign up!
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Let's Talk About Vaccines
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On Thursday 4 March we will be discussing Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) residents' concerns about the COVID-19 vaccine as part of a panel discussion with Kingston's communities. Also joining the discussion will be:
- Iona Lidington, Director of Public Health
- Naz Jivani, GP and CCG Lead
- Ruth Pombi, Theatre Manager at Kingston Hospital
We will be asking questions submitted by residents about their concerns about the Covid vaccine and the rollout in Kingston.
If you have a question, share it with us via our Google Form. |
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Let's get creative about climate awareness
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The Think Green Project is a creative environmental project bringing communities together.
Find out how you can get involved by watching this short video.
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Kingston Library is going international!
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Fiona Tarn, Development Manager, and Marion Tessier, Development Officer at Kingston Libraries, will be joining information professionals from across the world to speak at the Computers in Libraries Connect 2021 online conference on 23 March. They will be talking about how Kingston Library has been creating innovative experiences for the community during lockdown.
Fiona said:
“While we can’t yet meet in person this conference will be a great opportunity to learn, share and celebrate the technologies and people that are shaping the future of libraries.”
Find out more about the conference.
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Virtual Job Club March programme is now live
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The Virtual Job Club offers support and advice on employability related topics, including offering CV tips, interview advice, local job and training opportunities, info on how to apply for Universal Credit, as well as business start up support.
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Seeking medical attention for children who are unwell
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There are concerns that parents and carers worried about COVID-19 are delaying seeking medical attention for unwell children. If your child is sick, please call NHS 111 for urgent medical advice.
In an emergency, dial 999.
For more guidance, please visit the NHS website
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Hundreds of letting agents face fines of up to £30,000 in London-wide enforcement operation
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Letting agents that fail to comply with the law on protecting tenants’ and landlords’ money, or other legal requirements, are being issued fines of up to £30,000 by council trading standards officers in a London-wide enforcement operation to crack down on rogue elements within the renting sector.
Renters should ensure their letting agent has a current Client Money Protection certificate displayed on their website or premises.
To report an agent contact Citizens Advice Consumer Service.
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The plan for Kingston's budget will be discussed at a Full Council meeting on Thursday 25 February at 7.30pm.
If you would like to see how decisions are made, you can watch the committee meeting live on YouTube and you can find out more about the meeting via our website.
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Stay ahead of type 2 diabetes
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To find out your risk of type 2 diabetes you’ll need a few spare minutes, scales and a tape measure. Visit the Diabetes UK Know your Risk tool when you’re ready. You may be eligible for a referral to the Healthier You NHS Diabetes Prevention Programme.
If you already have a type 2 diabetes diagnosis, as a Kingston resident, you also have free access to the Diabetes Book and Learn website, where it is possible to search for local diabetes education programmes that are delivered remotely, online.
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A beautiful cormorant spotted in Kingston Town by Aslam R Zameer.
Thank you for sharing with us!
How do you connect with nature on your daily walk?
Tag us on Twitter or Instagram and include #KingstonNature
or share your pictures with us via Let's Talk.
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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 COVID-19.
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Where to find the latest information and guidance
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