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A yellow graphic which says 'Stay home, protect the NHS, save lives'

24 March 2021

Changes to national Covid restrictions from 29 March 

Your efforts to stay at home and stick to the rules over the past few weeks and months have made a real impact. Thanks to your actions, and those of people across the country, on Monday 29 March we will move to the next stage of the government’s roadmap out of lockdown. 

From Monday 29 March:

  • You can meet outside in groups of up to six people, or two households, including in private gardens

  • Outdoor sports facilities will reopen and organised outdoor sports for children and adults will resume

  • The official stay at home order will end, but people will be encouraged to stay local

  • You should still work from home where possible
     

To read more visit www.kingston.gov.uk/Covid19-latest  

Thank you for all your efforts to keep Kingston safe, let’s keep going!

Changes to test and trace support payment for parents

Parents and carers of children who have been advised to self-isolate by their education setting or by NHS Test and Trace are now able to apply for a Test and Trace Support Payment or discretionary payment of £500, if they meet the eligibility criteria. To find out more visit www.kingston.gov.uk/self-isolation-payment

It's not too late to have your COVID vaccine -
over 50s can book now!

More than 2.5 million people across London have now been vaccinated by our amazing NHS. It has been fantastic to see so many of our residents taking up this life-saving offer.  

If you’re aged over 50, a carer or have an underlying health condition, go online at nhs.uk/covid-vaccination or call 119 to book your COVID vaccination appointment today. You can also book a vaccine if you work in health and social care, are on the GP Learning Disability Register, as well as any remaining care home staff or residents that have not yet had the vaccine.

The vaccines are safe, effective and will save lives. If you have any concerns about getting the COVID vaccine, speak to your GP or a healthcare professional.

Join the millions of Londoners protected against coronavirus by booking your vaccination appointment now. The sooner we get everyone vaccinated, the sooner we can get Kingston back to normal, and all restart doing the things we love.

Under 50?  Do you want to win £150 worth of Amazon vouchers?

We are all eager to go back to a more normal way of life. That's why we want to hear the thoughts of local people between the ages of 18-50 on the COVID-19 vaccine.

Take part in this short survey by Sunday 28 March for your chance to win a £150 Amazon voucher. 

One year of COVID - share your experiences 

Yesterday we marked the one-year anniversary of the first national Covid lockdown with one minute’s silence as part of a Day of Reflection.

In the last 12 months we have seen Kingston's communities work together like never before to support neighbours, older and more vulnerable residents. To capture the impact of the last year we have launched our #BookOfReflection, giving residents the chance to share their experience of living through a year of Covid; of communities supporting each other, families spending time together, and of those we have lost.

Share your stories.

Guildhall stonework repairs to start

The confirmed start date for works to repair the Portland stonework at the front balcony and entrance of the Guildhall is Monday 29 March. 

This will mean the front entrance of the Guildhall will be closed while the works take place.

Regular updates will be provided to keep the public informed about progress.

Kingfisher site plans - help us transform Kingston 

Kingston Council is starting to work on plans to renew our historic town centre to make it even better for our residents, local businesses, students, and visitors.

As part of this, we are proposing to deliver a brand new, modern community leisure, wellbeing, and cultural destination on the site of the Kingfisher Leisure Centre, which is accessible for all our residents and offers a range of facilities that benefit everyone.

We’re just starting to think about these plans and want to hear what is important to you. Get more information and share your views at
 kingstonletstalk.co.uk/transform-kingston.

Have your say in shaping Kingston's future 

Residents will soon be invited to share their latest thoughts and ideas on how we plan for the future of our borough as part of Kingston's 'Local Plan'.

The unprecedented amount of change that has happened since the previous early engagement in 2019, including the Coronavirus pandemic, means it's important that we get an accurate understanding of the needs of residents, businesses and others so we can create a plan for the future that's right for everyone. 


Full story.



Last chance to help 'adopt' Surbiton Station 

South Western Railway operates a ‘station adoption’ programme that gives communities an opportunity to get involved with their local stations and work together to improve them.

Groups can help to:

  • add planters and art displays
  • introduce book swap schemes
  • help keep stations litter free
  • create community space and much more

If you are interested in getting more involved and being part of a brand new 'Friends of Surbiton Station' group register your interest by next Thursday (1 April). Everyone is welcome!


New edition of Street Talk out now 

In the latest edition of Street Talk we’re taking a closer look at what we are doing across the borough to improve our streets and help you make low carbon transport choices. There’s news about: Low Traffic Neighbourhoods, School Streets, Go Cycle schemes and much more. 


Read Street Talk.
 

18 highways schemes given a green light for this year 

The new raft of schemes were all approved at council committee last week, subject to confirmation from Transport for London.

New schemes include: reviewing the existing traffic arrangements on Clayton Road to address unsuitable use by Heavy Goods Vehicles, converting the zebra crossing on Coombe Road into a signal-controlled crossing, and a review into Lingfield Avenue to address speeding and high traffic volumes in the area.

These new measures are just part of the work we are doing to create roads that are pleasant spaces where we can breathe clean air, walk around safely and feel connected to our community.

Read more.

FUEL - Holiday Activities and Food Programme 

The Easter Feed Ur Everyday Lives (FUEL) Programme takes place over the Easter, summer and Christmas holidays and offers a range of free fun and enjoyable activities from multisports to theatre workshops as well as a healthy lunch to children and young people aged 5 to 16 years who are eligible for Free School Meals (FSM).

Click
here to find the session timetables, booking information and location details for the Easter programme for each activity centre.
 

What do you think of our high streets? Let's Talk Shop! 

Our high streets matter to us all, for shopping and services but also as places at the centre of our communities. That’s why we’re keen to hear your ideas, comments and concerns through our new ‘Let's Talk Shop’ conversation.

Just by posting your comments on Let’s Talk Shop you will help us understand the issues and this will help to shape a range of initiatives to support our high streets.

 

Master In-Demand Professional Soft Skills 

What does every hiring manager look for in an employee? Set yourself apart from the pack by getting the essential soft skills - abilities that help people interact effectively with others - that employers value most, from communication fundamentals and being a team player to advancing your critical thinking skills.


Read more.


Explore the outdoors this spring with Kingston's trails

These trails have been created to show off Kingston at its best, stopping off at historic places, nature spots and famous landmarks. There is so much to see and these local trails will help you to discover it all! 

Culture Club

The latest edition of the Culture team's events magazine for April is now live.

There are many virtual events, workshops and activities for adults, children and families, which you can access from home now until the end of April.

An afternoon stroll in Berrylands, Surbiton.
Thank you Suzanne Seyghal 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.

Where to find the latest information and guidance

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