Council waters down Green proposals to improve air quality and address the climate crisis

 

Labour councillors in Lambeth have watered down proposals made by the Green group to clean up Lambeth’s toxic air.

The move came at the full Council meeting on September 22nd, where Green councillors proposed a motion, ‘Clean Air in Lambeth’, which called on Lambeth council to act urgently to improve air quality and address the climate crisis across the borough. This included setting its own targets and adopting Clean Air in London’s (1) proposal to set an ‘Air Pollution Control Area’ (APCA) within the existing Air Quality Management Area across the borough based on the World Health Organisations most recent guidelines (2). 

This would also have given the council the ability to review the APCA every year to decide whether to maintain or lower the emission limit or to require zero emissions which could be linked to the dynamic borough wide Carbon Action Plan.

But Labour councillors amended the Green group’s motion removing the proposals which would have allowed the council to set its own targets to address air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. 

The Greens are now urging the Labour administration to reconsider their rejection of the proposals and adopt them.

Cllr Pete Elliott said, “The Labour group have missed a vital opportunity by removing the ability to set its own targets as bold action on air quality improvement comes with significant co-benefits. Many of the causes of poor air quality are the same things that have contributed to our climate emergency. So, by addressing the causes of poor air quality we will also help ourselves on our urgent journey to net zero carbon emissions in Lambeth by 2030.” 

Cllr Nicole Griffiths said, “This motion identifies, and focuses on, vitally important issues – the good health and wellbeing of our children, and all those who either have, or are vulnerable to, pollution related illness. This is particularly relevant in this time of covid. We need to do everything we possibly can to reduce greenhouse gas emissions of all kinds as air pollution is one of the biggest environmental threats to human health, alongside climate change”.

She added, “Despite some progress, Lambeth is still one of the most polluted boroughs in Europe. Hundreds of people have had their lives cut short every year and all of us in Lambeth are impacted daily by poor air quality. We’re relieved that this was recognised at Wednesday’s meeting, but disappointed that the council has missed a crucial opportunity to set it’s own targets linked to the upcoming borough Carbon Action plan”.

1.  https://cleanair.london/
2. https://www.who.int/news/item/22-09-2021-new-who-global-air-quality-guidelines-aim-to-save-millions-of-lives-from-air-pollution

Have your say on the Oval to Streatham walking and cycling changes

 

TfL have begun a consultation on the recent walking and cycling changes made over the past few months. Please share your views on the experimental scheme by taking part in this survey

https://haveyoursay.tfl.gov.uk/walking-and-cycling-changes-oval-streatham/survey_tools/oval-streatham-walking-cycling-survey

It takes about 10 minutes to complete.

The consultation on the scheme is open for six months. TfL expect views and experiences could change over time so it’s possible to respond more than once if you wish to. 

Sewer Repair Sunnyhill Road SW16 - August 2021

Residents of Sunnyhill Road will be receiving letters from Thames Water this week informing them that their road will be closed in the section close to Streatham High Road, due to urgent sewer replacement works. Please avoid the area if you can.

Dear Resident,

As you may be aware, we have been working collaboratively in Sunnyhill Road to investigate an issue with the Thames Water Sewer system and complete the mains replacement works to minimise disruption. During this investigation we have carried out a repair but have discovered other defects that need to be repaired urgently. This will involve deep excavations and to ensure our workforce can complete this work safely we will need to close the road at the junction of Sunnyhill Road and Streatham High Road. We will need to replace the old pipe under the existing directional closure from Monday 26th July for 2 weeks and then the full road closure will be from 8th August until 31st August. If this changes we will contact, you again.

Your Drinking Water Supply will remain unaffected by our work.

Our contractors will work Mon-Fri & Sat until 2pm.

We apologise for any inconvenience and hope to keep any disruption to a minimum.

Getting in touch.

If you need to contact us to discuss this further, I can be contacted Monday to Friday 8-4 on the details below. Or you can call our customer centre on 0800 316 9800, quoting your address and reference number 0042 81FSLG. This number is open 24/7.

Yours Sincerely

Trudy Earl

Customer & Stakeholder Liaison South East

Tel: 07747646525

Email: trudy.earl@thameswater.co.uk or thameswater.co uk

Streatham Station to be made Accessible for All

Finally....after years of campaigning, we have a date from Network Rail to make Streatham Station accessible for all. Here's a little clip just after I had received the good news. https://youtu.be/eDoo2t10q0c

The Senior Community Engagement Manager for the South East confirmed that the refurbishment work will commence in January, 2022, subject to the approval of the train operator, GTR and other planning stages. They have also confirmed that there will be lifts from street level to each platform.

This is something the Green Party in Streatham have been campaigning on since 2012. There have been many promises made in the past, with the buck being passed between different levels of government but, our persistence has paid off with patience and careful negotiations with Network Rail and the community.

The Access for All scheme at Streatham station will be aligned with the same delivery timescale at Tooting station.

This is great news for the people of Streatham and means that we will now have a station fit for everyone.

Please share this good news far and wide.

Many thanks.

BLOOMING LAMBETH AWARDS 2021

CALL FOR ENTRIES IN CELEBRATION OF COMMUNITY GARDENING, GROWING AND FOOD ACTIVISM IN LAMBETH

 

After a year of limited access to our community spaces it is time to highlight and celebrate all the amazing growers 
around the borough!

 Incredible Edible Lambeth are excited to open the call for nominations for
2021’s Blooming Lambeth Awards.

 There will be £150 and £75 prizes to recognise these amazing projects

 Nomination details

Full details of the eight categories and how to nominate can be found
on the website

●   All nominations must be received via https://www.incredibleediblelambeth.org/news/blooming-lambeth-awards-2021/

●   You can nominate yourself or another garden but 
please do not ask multiple people to nominate you, as the number of 
times you are nominated doesn’t influence the voting.

●   Nominations must include: the name/description of the project, 
location (including postcode), a contact name and email, 3-5 really good photographs
(or videos, depending on the category) and an explanation of why the garden/project
has been nominated (forms are all online)

 

This is the fifth year that Incredible Edible Lambeth has run this event in its present guise. 
Winners will be announced at the Blooming Lambeth Awards celebration evening 
(virtual or real!) in October.

 

Incredible Edible receives financial support for this event from Lambeth Council

 

Award categories

All information about the eight categories can be found here

 

Prize details

This year there will be First Prizes of £150 and Highly Commended at £75

 

About Incredible Edible Lambeth

Incredible Edible Lambeth (www.incredibleediblelambeth.org) is a network of 
around 120 group members - mostly community gardeners - and 500 individual
members - food growers, food entrepreneurs and food activists
who are all working to improve our communities.
 
IEL exists to re-localise the food system in Lambeth so that it nurtures us and strengthens our communities. We do this by bringing in resources and funding, running programmes and services and advocating for our members and a more localised food system. 

 

A map of IEL member growing projects can be found here

 

Previous Blooming Lambeth Awards winners can be found here

 

Councillors help clampdown on anti-social behaviour - corner of Gleneagle Road/Ambleside Avenue

Residents asked local councillors to intervene after a hit and run incident took place on 16th October 2020. Watchful local residents had been reporting a series of near-miss incidents involving pedestrians crossing at this busy corner, which often has private hire car vehicles illegally parked on the double red lines.

We continued to report incidents of illegal parking to TfL (who are responsible for enforcing red routes across London's main road network); Lambeth Public Protection and Enforcement Teams and the local police. We were assured that Penalty Chare Notices (PCNs) were being issued to drivers who continued to ignore the double red lines.

We requested a permanent CCTV camera on the corner which could automatically issue fines hoping that drivers would soon get put off flouting the rules. However, we were told that such a camera at this location would cost £250,000 and that due to the impact Covid had on TfL's budget, that was unaffordable at this time.

We then raised a member enquiry of the Lambeth Public Protection Team to ask what they could do, not only to tackle the issues of illegal parking, but for all of the other anti-social behaviour that local residents had been subjected to for years. We asked for a permanent solution to these ongoing issues.

Here is the reply we received from the Service Improvement Team at Lambeth council:

Illegal parking  

Following your enquiry our Parking Team visited the area and have confirmed they are currently deploying officers to the location daily as requested including the night shift.

They have provided a record of PCNs issued in the area since February 2021(22 PCNs in February and 7 in March.) 

The Signs and lines at the location have been checked they were found to be at an acceptable standard and are enforceable.

It has been advised CCTV enforcement will not be necessary at the junction of Gleneagle Road and Ambleside Road as there are red route lines at the entrance joining to the double yellow lines (DYL) which are enforceable.

Anti-social behaviour/Non-compliance with Covid-Guidelines

The Public Protection Team (PPT) are continuing to tackle the issue by carrying out the following measures

PPT will schedule more visits with covid wardens to ensure covid compliance amongst local businesses.

PPT are currently coordinating regular partnership operations with public protection officers and the police, the first operation is expected to be carried out in May.

PPT advise residents to call 999 immediately to report harassment.

PPT advise residents to call 999 to report large gatherings.

PPT advise residents to complete the Lambeth webform to report  Covid-19 breaches.

Urinating in public spaces

The Highway Enforcement Team have confirmed they will be adding the area to our Hotspot List where frequent visits will be conducted with the view of deterring the street urination as well as to take the relevant enforcement action if anyone is caught urinating on the public highway by issuing fixed penalty notices. 

Littering

Our Waste Management Team have confirmed Gleneagle Road and the surrounding area was placed on their Top Ten Fly Tipping Hotspot list earlier this year, the area has been continually monitored by both the Environment Managers from Veolia and our Environment Enforcement Officers(EEO). Anti-fly tipping signs have been installed as a deterrent. In a recent meeting, it has been noted, the situation in the area has improved. The Team will continue to monitor and take further action against perpetrators where necessary.

Other Measures

We run a playstreetsscheme which allows for a road to be closed for a day or shorter. This is a good opportunity to observe what the impacts of a closure are and demonstrate what the advantages could be of using our streets differently. We encourage interested local people to apply. A street closure and community event can be a good opportunity to discuss potential closures to motor traffic with other residents and see what their views and concerns are.

As your ward councillors, Nicole, Jonathan and I would like to thank the officers and residents for continuing to be vigilant in this area. Together, we can make Streatham safer, fairer, cleaner and greener.

!!URGENT!! Covid-19: All Lambeth residents should now get tested

Everyone over the age of 11 who lives or works in Lambeth is being asked to take a PCR Covid-19 test after new cases of the variant first identified in South Africa were found in the borough.  

The additional testing being introduced will help quickly identify any further cases and help limit any potential spread. Eight additional testing sites have opened across Lambeth from Monday and people are encouraged to get a test as soon as possible, even if they have no symptoms. 

It is important people take a PCR test as these can identify specific variants. Rapid lateral flow device (LFD) tests are also widely available but can only determine positivity for Covid-19, not specific variants. 

Tests are available across the borough, with details of your nearest test centre on the lambeth.gov.uk/enhancedtesting or by calling 119. There are also walk in appointments in Lambeth and home tests available. 

You can book online on someone else’s behalf if they can’t do so themselves. People who are unable to book online, and don’t know someone who can book for them, can call 020 7926 5559  from Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm for help. 

For people who do test positive, Lambeth has a comprehensive Covid-19 self-isolation support service for those who need it. That includes payments of up to £500 for residents on low incomes. To find out more call 0800 054 1215, 9am to 5pm, seven days a week or visit www.lambeth.gov.uk/self-isolate-help. 

If you do have Covid-19 symptoms get tested at one of several symptomatic local test sites. You must book an appointment at www.gov.uk/get-coronavirus-test or call 119. 

Residents are also being asked to get vaccinated if invited by the NHS for a jab. All residents must continue following national Covid-19 restrictions, which are currently at Step 2 on the roadmap out of lockdown. 

All viruses mutate over time and new variants emerge regularly. Lambeth is one of several boroughs in which small numbers of the variant have been found since the start of this year. All previously identified cases are now self-isolating and robust contact tracing has taken place to trace their contacts and ask them to self-isolate.  

 

There is currently no evidence to suggest this variant is more serious than others, or that the regulated vaccines would not protect against it.  Anyone who tests positive must self-isolate immediately and pass on details of their contacts to NHS Test and Trace when contacted. Positive tests will then be examined in a laboratory to determine whether any of them are the variant first identified in South Africa.   

The Director of Public Health for Lambeth, Ruth Hutt, said: “It is vital that all Lambeth residents take an asymptomatic PCR test so that we can identify all cases in order to stop the spread of this variant of concern.   

“Alongside taking a PCR test we are asking everyone who lives and work in the borough to continue following the guidance in place to stop the spread of Covid-19. That includes limiting your contacts with other people, washing your hands regularly and thoroughly, keeping your distance and covering your face.

“If you test positive for Covid-19 via a PCR test or rapid lateral flow test it is crucial that you self-isolate so you don’t pass on the virus.” 

Anyone who is over-18 and has no symptoms of Covid-19 can also collect up to seven free rapid response lateral flow devices (LFDs) per household when they take their test. These tests do not help track the variant first identified in South Africa, but are still useful in monitoring the spread of the virus, and stopping further infections. 

Lambeth has previously run enhanced testing in two areas in the borough after single cases of the variant first identified in South Africa were discovered. These pieces of work have been completed, and are not related to the new call for everyone in Lambeth to be tested. 

How to get a test

If you do not have Covid-19 symptoms 

You can get tested at a local testing site that is convenient for you, and you do not need to book.
 
There are two ways to get tested. You can either: 

·         take the test at the site, with help from staff if you need it 

·         pick up home PCR tests for you and any people you live with and bring them back once complete. You don’t need to bring tests back to the same site you picked them up from.

 

Sites where you can get tested, pick up home tests and return completed home tests

Location	Address	Opening times
Brixton	Lambeth Town Hall, 1 Brixton Hill, SW2 1RW	8am to 4.30pm every day
Brockwell Park	near Brockwell Park Café (use gate entrance on Brockwell Park Gardens), SE24 9BJ	9am to 4.30pm every day
Streatham	Tate Streatham Library, 63 Streatham High Road, SW16 1PN	8am to 4.30pm every day
Waterloo	St John’s Church, 73 Waterloo Road, SE1 8TY	8am to 3.30pm, Monday to Friday

 

Sites where you can get tested or return completed home tests. You cannot pick up home PCR tests

 

Location	Address	Opening times
Brockwell Park	mobile testing unit near Brockwell Park Café, SE24 9BJ	9am to 3pm every day
Clapham Common	Windmill Drive, near playground, SW4 9DE	9am to 3pm every day
West Norwood	Waylett Place car park, 4 Waylett Place, SE27 9AE	Open from 12 to 3pm on 13 April and then 9am to 3pm from 14 April onwards

 

If you have Covid-19 symptoms 

The main symptoms of Covid-19 are a high temperature, a new continuous cough, or a loss of, or change to, your sense of smell or taste.  

If you have any of these symptoms, you need to stay at home and book a free NHS test. You can get a test delivered to you if you cannot get to a testing site. 

Rates of covid-19 infections in Lambeth

The number of covid-19 cases have dropped significantly in Lambeth to a rate of just 16 per 100,000 people.

Borough	Latest rate per 100,000 of population
Lambeth	16 (down 43%)
Southwark	18 (down 21%)
Bromley	18 (down 21%)
Bexley	45 (down 28%)
Greenwich	26 (down 41%)
Lewisham	16 (down 36%)

Source: Evening Standard, 07-04-21 reporting on data from PHE London.

Further information on the rates of Covid-19 infection in Lambeth is available via the council’s data dashboard, here: https://www.lambeth.gov.uk/covid-19-stats.

Despite lower infection rates and the ease in restrictions, Government advice is to maintain social distancing, wear a mask, wash hands and ensure that inside spaces are well ventilated.

Public Health England have issued a new leaflet with information about the Astra Zeneca vaccine, here:

https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/976880/PHE_COVID-19_AZ_vaccination_guide.pdf

Step 2 of the 'road map out of lockdown'

 

Prime Minister Boris Johnson confirmed last week that all the tests had been met to permit the transition to Step 2 of the ‘road-map out of lockdown’, effective from today, Monday 12th April.

The graphic below outlines what is now legal & permissible:

Further information can be found at:

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/covid-19-coronavirus-restrictions-what-you-can-and-cannot-do

Vaccinations available at South London Islamic Centre Saturday 13th March

 

Project Eagle - Enhanced Covid-19 testing in parts of Streatham and West Norwood

 

Following an announcement by the Department of Health and Social Care, yesterday, Lambeth council is asking residents living in specific parts of the south eastern area of the borough (i.e. the area in and around Knight’s Hill ward, but also including  small parts of West Norwood and some streets in Streatham) - outlined in red on the map below, to get a Covid-19 test, whether they have symptoms or not, after the South African strain of the virus was detected in the local area. 

It is important to stress that this is an isolated case – it is not an outbreak.

The case was not linked to travel to South Africa, so the public health team are now working intensively with the Department of Health and Social Care to detect if there are more cases of this variant in the local area, as part of a ‘surge testing’ programme. You may have seen information on the media recently, where similar exercises have been carried out in places in London such as Ealing, Haringey and Merton.

Working in partnership with NHS Test and Trace, every household living in the specific area over the age of 16 will be strongly encouraged to take a PCR Covid-19 test over the next week or two, even if they are not showing symptoms. There will be 2 Mobile Testing Units (MTUs) in the area, which will be deployed to offer PCR testing, with teams working together to deliver thousands of home testing kits to local residents.

There is currently no hard evidence to suggest this variant is more serious than others, or that the existing approved regulated vaccines would not protect against it. In fact, the companies who have developed the three currently approved vaccines are already working to find out how they may need to be adapted to offer very high protection against the emerging variants of Covid-19. Just like the annual flu jab, this would mean tweaks to the vaccine would require an annual injection.

In combination with following the lockdown restrictions and continuing to wash hands, keeping socially distanced from others and wearing face coverings, this local testing of about 10,000 people in the area will help to suppress and control the spread of the virus, while enabling a better understanding of the new variant. 

Anyone living in the area who needs to leave home to attend work, school/childcare or undertake caring responsibilities can still do so in line with the current lockdown rules. This includes attending any healthcare appointments.

Only a very small number of cases of the South African variant have been detected in London. Positive tests will be tracked by Public Health England to identify any further spread of the new variant, enabling a better understanding of the variant itself and identifying if there are any more cases of this particular strand of the virus in the area.

If someone tests positive, they must self-isolate immediately and pass on details of anyone they have been in contact with to NHS Test and Trace when requested.

This is concerning news for all of us– especially if you live in the area, live very nearby or if you have visited recently. The aim of Project Eagle is to urgently detect any cases and help crack down on the new variant.

A map and postcode look up of the affected areas along with further details on this urgent programme of work can be found on the council’s main website, here: www.lambeth.gov.uk/enhancedtesting

Can you help? Volunteer opportunities in Lambeth

 

Home Start Lambeth Do you have parenting or childcare experience and skills? Home-Start Lambeth volunteers provide support, friendship and practical help to families with at least one child under five who are experiencing difficulties. They’re reaching out for volunteers who can give about an hour per week for 6 months minimum (times can be flexible to suit both you and the family you are supporting). Volunteers will: offer support tailored to the needs of the families over the phone, via Zoom and/or via socially distanced meet ups build a supportive relationship with the family in which the challenges of family life can be discussed, positive strategies encouraged, and also encourage parents’ strengths and emotional well-being so they can best support their children encourage families to widen their network of relationships and to use the support and services available in the community effectively You’ll need to be able to be reliable, a good listener, and maintain confidentiality while recognising that there may be situations when disclosure is essential to the welfare of a child. Training will be provided online. Your own experiences and skills can help another family more than you could imagine – Home Start would love to hear from you.  Age UK – digital neighbours Age UK Lambeth want you to get involved in their exciting new project 'Digital Neighbours'.   'Digital Neighbours' help Age UK Lambeth clients to get comfortable online to overcome the digital divide, with all the social and life benefits that brings.  This is a community-based volunteering role in which the volunteer becomes something of a local digital hero in their neighbourhood. The role is to provide basic digital support and learning to Age UK clients in your neighbourhood, over the phone or on Zoom. This could be anything from helping people get familiar with facetime, savvy with search engines or brave buying things online, all the way through to helping someone solve a scary error message or even to just ‘turn the bleeding thing on’!  The role is very flexible, so you can fit Digital Neighbour tasks around work and other responsibilities.  Age UK hopes that helping in your local area fits nicely into everyday life – let them know if you’d like to find out more Copes Pharmacy Streatham – Covid vaccine marshals Copes Pharmacy, 570-572 Streatham High Road, is a new covid vaccination site, starting this week. For now, Copes need your help on weekdays, helping to ensure the safe flow of the people being vaccinated from the time they arrive to the time they leave - checking patients are on the appointment list, checking temperatures, reassuring patients and preparing them for the vaccination. The first shifts they need to cover will be 9am-2pm and 2pm-7pm next week. PPE will be provided. Social distancing will be managed. Please note Copes is at the far southern end of Streatham High Road – can you help?

Families SW London magazine available on line

“Families SW London” continue to help local parents in these difficult times — providing useful information and ways to put parents in touch with local businesses.

 The latest issue can be accessed via the link below:

 

Here's the latest issue:

http://bit.ly/FSWJan21Digital

 

You can sign up to future issues here free:

https://bit.ly/subscribetoFSW 

Spires – The Challenges of the Covid 19 Pandemic.

As Councillors in Streatham we are extremely proud and grateful that the Spires is located here, and in awe of the services they provide to some of our most vulnerable residents. 

Those who find themselves without a secure home rely on the company, support, meals, fresh clothes, and a chance to shower that the Spires provide every weekday.

I was in touch with Nigel Carpenter, CEO of Spires, recently to find out how they are coping during the lockdown restrictions and this is what he told me:

"The last few months have been a challenging time for us all, not least for those without a place to call home.

 At Spires, we have seen people in really desperate situations; women suffering domestic violence, families told to leave their accommodation because jobs have been lost and they can’t afford the full rent and, as always, those who live on the streets for whom Spires is a lifeline.

 Throughout the Covid 19 Crisis we have remained open, albeit, with a reduced service. Our “Social” groups had to stop, but we continued to offer a breakfast to rough sleepers every weekday morning and established ourselves as a hub for the Lambeth Streetlink Team. Together, we got 50 people off the streets and into hotel/B&B accommodation. Many were without recourse to public funds and Spires provided food parcels to keep them going during lockdown when they were unable to work.

We maintained contact with many of the vulnerable women who use our services. We provided emotional support to those who were isolated and lonely, and practical support, by way of regular food parcels, for those at the highest risk from a Covid infection.

 We set up a Freephone number (0808 164 5246) to make it easier for those in need to make contact and arranged socially distanced assessment and key work meetings. I am proud of the work the team have done over the last few months; giving up and furloughing staff was not an option we felt able to consider.

 We don’t know what the next few months will bring, but the last 30 years has shown us that, when things get tough, it is the most vulnerable in our community that suffer the most. We have no doubt that Spires’ services will be in high demand in the months ahead.  We expect unemployment and eviction rates to rise and need to prepare for those who turn to us in need.

 Meeting people’s most basic need for food is essential but Spires can do so much more. Our staff work with individuals on a one-to-one basis, complete a full assessment of their needs and agree a plan that gives them the opportunity to take back control of their lives and regain their security".

 If you would like to donate to The Spires and support their work, please go to:

http://www.spires.org.uk/ 

National lockdown - please stay safe, stay at home

On Monday evening, the Prime Minister announced a new national lockdown in response to the high rise in the cases of Covid-19 across the UK. This means major restrictions on all of our lives, and a switch back to the “stay at home” requirement that was in place last spring. This is an even more challenging time than the first wave of Covid-19, with more cases of the virus and more people in hospital, we are therefore being asked to stay at home.

The new restrictions allow people to leave home only to:

·         Go to work if you absolutely cannot work from home

·         Exercise once a day in your local area

·         Seek medical care or avoid injury, illness or risk of harm (including domestic abuse)

·         Care for vulnerable people or to provide or seek childcare

·         And for a small number of other exemptions listed at https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus

Primary and secondary schools have switched to remote learning apart from for vulnerable children and the children of key workers and this is in place until at least February half-term.

Please continue to follow the public health advice:

Wear a mask, stay at least 2 metres distance from anyone not in your household and wash your hands regularly.

If you have symptoms, please follow the NHS advice and get a test. The council has also now rolled out testing for those without symptoms in sites across Lambeth – you can find out more here.

Stay safe, stay at home and together we will get through the coming months

Useful contacts:

You can access support for yourself or a vulnerable person, whether on mental health, finances, employment or support for young people on the council website: https://beta.lambeth.gov.uk/coronavirus-covid-19

The Lambeth Larder website has an extensive directory of organisations and local community groups which can offer help, support & advice: www.lambethlarder.org

If you need to contact the council regarding services, Lambeth residents can contact the main contact centre on 020 7926 1000. If a face to face appointment is essential it can be arranged via 020 7926 9094, or by emailing lambethcustomerservices@lambeth.gov.uk

If someone you know requires urgent support please see the council’s Coronavirus (Covid-19) get urgent help for you or someone you know webpage.

The NHS is still open. All residents are urged to continue to access the NHS services that they may need including urgent and emergency services. You can access NHS services via the NHS App or www.nhs.uk/health-at-home.

Book a rapid Covid-19 test if you have no symptoms

This article can be found at:  https://beta.lambeth.gov.uk/coronavirus-covid-19/book-rapid-covid-19-test-if-you-have-no-symptoms?medium=email&source=GovDelivery

Around 1 in 3 people with Covid-19 don’t have any symptoms, but they can still pass it on. You can get a quick free test at a local site in Lambeth to check if you have Covid-19, with results usually returned to you within an hour. 

These rapid tests are an important part of reducing the spread of Covid-19 in Lambeth as it will help to identify people who do not have Covid-19 symptoms but who are infectious and could spread the infection to others unknowingly. By getting tested and self-isolating if you have Covid-19, you can save lives and protect the NHS. 

Who can get a rapid Covid-19 test  

You can get a free rapid Covid-19 test if: 

§  You have no Covid-19 symptoms 

§  You live or work in Lambeth 

§  You are over 18 

We are particularly encouraging people who are at higher risk of being exposed to Covid-19 to get tested. This includes people who work in certain sectors, such as construction, education, emergency services, hospitality, leisure, personal care, frontline public sector roles, retail and transport. This list is not exhaustive, and you do not need to prove you work in one of these roles to get a test.  

Who cannot get a rapid Covid-19 test 

You cannot get a rapid Covid-19 test if:  

§  You have Covid-19 symptoms

§  You are under 18

§  You do not live or work in Lambeth 

If you have symptoms you should book a test through GOV.UK or by calling 119. The symptoms are a high temperature (fever), a new continuous cough, and loss or change to your sense of smell or taste. 

When and where to get a test 

Currently, you can get a test at the following locations: 

Lambeth Town Hall, open from 9am to 4.20pm

Brixton Windmill, open from 9am to 3.30pm

Brockwell Park, open from 9am to 3.30pm

You can get tested again after 7 days.

How to book a test 

You must book a test in advance; we do not accept walk-in requests.  

Book a Covid-19 test if you have no symptoms

You must not attend your appointment if you have any symptoms of Covid-19. 

You should attend your appointment on time to allow for safe registration and testing. If you are late, the centre will try to accommodate you, but we might have to rebook a new appointment if the centre is busy. 

What to bring with you to the appointment 

You should bring:  

§  confirmation of your booking - the confirmation email on your mobile device or printed out 

§  a mobile device to scan a QR or bar code on the test. There will be devices available if you don’t have your own 

§  a face covering (unless you are exempt)   

§  you may also want to bring a bottle of water, as we cannot provide water at the test site. 

§  do plan ahead - there are no toilet facilities at the test site 

How the test works 

The test involves taking a swab of the inside of your nose and the back of your throat, using a long cotton bud. You can do the swab yourself, but there will be trained staff available if you need support. You can watch a video for a detailed explanation of the procedure. 

Once you have finished, the swab will be processed and analysed. Once the test is done, the swab is discarded. 

The rapid test is called a ‘lateral flow test’ - it does not need to be sent away to a lab and provides results very quickly, within an hour. More information about how Lateral Flow tests work, their safety and the validation process which they were subject to by Public Health England and scientists from Oxford University before being approved for use across the country, is available on the Public Health England website.

Getting your test results 

§  Results will be sent to you the same day via text message and/or email using the contact details you provided when booking your appointment.

§  The results are usually available within an hour – sometimes as fast as 30 minutes. 

§  You do not need to self-isolate whilst waiting for the test results, unless you develop symptoms of Covid-19.  

If you get a positive result  

You must self-isolate immediately and book another test with the national testing service. This is called a ‘PCR test’ and it will be analysed by a lab to confirm the result of your first, rapid test. 

To book a test, visit GOV.UK or call 119. 

If you are out or at work when you get your result please make your way home. Avoid using public transport if possible. If you are at work please inform your line manager immediately so that they can initiate their organisation's risk management plan – cleaning your work station for example.

Until the results of the second test are known, you and your household should self-isolate. Full guidance on how to self-isolate is available on GOV.UK.  

You might be eligible for support to self-isolate 

Self-isolating is essential to preventing the spread of Covid-19 in the community. The government has made a £500 support package available for eligible people.

If you get a negative result  

You do not need to self-isolate, unless you have developed Covid-19 symptoms, live with someone who has tested positive for Covid-19 or have been asked to self-isolate by NHS test and trace. 

However, a negative result does not fully rule out Covid-19 infection as there can sometimes be false negative lateral flow tests. This means you could still have the infection, but the test didn’t pick it up. This can happen because these tests only turn positive when there is a lot of virus growing in your nose and throat. 

This means that even after a negative test, to protect yourself and others, you must keep following the current restrictions and remember: Hands. Face. Space. 

Hands – wash your hands for 20 seconds with soap and water often, and as soon as you get home - use hand sanitiser gel if soap and water are not available. 

Face – wear a face-covering in indoor settings where social distancing may be difficult, and where you will come into contact with people you do not normally meet. 

Space – stay at least 2 metres away from anyone you do not live with, or who is not in your support bubble. 

You cannot purchase these tests  

The UK Government has been purchasing testing kits for the public to use at approved local sites. The kits are not currently available to purchase on the market.  

The tests we provide at our testing sites are totally free of charge.