Westminster reaching new heights!

Fri Sep 24 19:21:31 BST 2021

The latest news from Westminster City Council

https://www.westminster.gov.uk/coronavirus-advice-and-information
View this email in your browser (https://mailchi.mp/westminster.gov.uk/22sep2021?e=7e37558eca)
https://www.westminster.gov.uk/

** Friday 24 September 2021
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** Supporting Westminster’s Recovery
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https://www.westendlive.co.uk/
A successful weekend in Trafalgar Square and a milestone at the Marble Arch Mound highlight just two of the ways we are supporting Westminster’s recovery and welcoming the public back into our City. West End LIVE took place this past weekend (https://www.westendlive.co.uk/) , with packed crowds in Trafalgar Square enjoying the best of the West End’s musicals, including Disney’s Frozen, The Lion King, Six and Hamilton.

Elsewhere, following the opening of the highly praised Lightfield exhibition (https://www.westminster.gov.uk/news/w1-curates-and-anthony-james-exhibition-launches-marble-arch-mound) within the Marble Arch Mound, numbers of visitors to the viewing platform have soared past the 100,000 mark. Cllr Rachel Robathan, Leader of Westminster City Council, commented that: “The Mound is part of our broader strategy to get people back into our City, visiting our shops, restaurants and theatres, supporting our local economies and revitalising our communities – and it’s doing exactly that. The Mound and the lightshow have been drawing people from far and wide who are really liking them.”
https://www.westminster.gov.uk/news/hanover-square-gardens-one-west-ends-most-significant-civic-spaces-reimagined
West End LIVE and the Mound aren’t the only things bringing people back to the City. You can also visit the newly reopened gardens at Hanover Square (https://www.westminster.gov.uk/news/hanover-square-gardens-one-west-ends-most-significant-civic-spaces-reimagined) (pictured above, image courtesy of Publica), available to the public following an extensive redesign, which has seen its original 300-year-old vista recovered to create a green oasis in the heart of the West End. The improvements are bringing a revitalised setting for buildings, businesses, monuments and new public art.
https://www.westminster.gov.uk/event/september-strand
It’s also the last week of activities taking place on the Strand to celebrate the new pedestrian space (https://www.westminster.gov.uk/event/september-strand) . If you’re planning to visit the West End don’t forget to also check out the free and exciting activities taking place in the area, such as the Vans skatepark, al fresco food and drink, exhibitions at Somerset House, and the Visible Skin exhibition (https://renaissanceskin.ac.uk/visibleskin/) at King’s College London.

** Public Health Updates
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https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/coronavirus-vaccination/coronavirus-booster-vaccine/
PROTECT YOURSELF WITH A VACCINE BOOSTER: Dangerous viruses spread quickly when we’re all crowded together inside. That’s why it is more important than ever to get vaccinated as the weather gets colder. The NHS is now providing COVID-19 booster vaccines for certain groups. If you’re eligible, you’ll be notified when it’s your turn. Those who will be eligible include:
* people aged 50 and over
* those aged 16 to 49 with a condition that puts them at a higher risk
* people who live or work in care homes
* health and social care workers
* people who care for or live with someone who is immunosuppressed

You’ll be offered a booster at least six months after you had your second dose. Please wait to be contacted by the NHS before booking. If you have been contacted, you can book online on the national booking portal. Find out more (https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/coronavirus-vaccination/coronavirus-booster-vaccine/) .
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/vaccinations/flu-influenza-vaccine/
FLU VACCINES: The flu vaccine is offered every year to help protect people at risk of from getting seriously ill. Flu vaccination is especially important this year, as fewer people will have built up natural immunity to it during the COVID-19 pandemic. It’s offered free on the NHS to certain groups, including those who are 50 and over, pregnant, or have certain health conditions. The nasal spray flu vaccine is also offered to children. Find out more on the NHS (https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/vaccinations/flu-influenza-vaccine/) .
VACCINES FOR CHILDREN: This autumn, all children aged 12 to 15 will be offered one dose of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccination. The programme will take place primarily through schools. Children who are unable to receive the vaccination at school will be followed up with an offer via their GP. A consent form and information leaflet will be used to seek parental consent in the first instance. Get more information here (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-vaccination-resources-for-schools/covid-19-vaccination-programme-for-children-and-young-people-guidance-for-schools) .
https://www.westminster.gov.uk/vaccine-bus
FIND A VACCINE CLINIC: If you’re 16 or over and haven’t had your first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, book or walk in to one of the NHS vaccine clinics or pharmacy sites across Westminster (https://www.westminster.gov.uk/walk-vaccination-service-now-available-westminster) or visit the vaccine bus (https://www.westminster.gov.uk/vaccine-bus) making stops throughout the City.
HELP REDUCE TRANSMISSION: When someone with COVID-19 breathes, speaks, coughs or sneezes, they release particles containing the virus. These can be spread through the air – known as airborne transmission. Good ventilation reduces the risk of airborne transmission by up to 70%. To help reduce the risk of infection:
* Let fresh air in if you meet indoors
* Meet outdoors where possible
* Wear a face covering in crowded places, including on public transport

https://www.westminster.gov.uk/walk-vaccination-service-now-available-westminster
LORD MAYOR VISITS CHINATOWN VACCINE CENTRE: The Lord Mayor of Westminster, Cllr Andrew Smith, visited the pop-up vaccination centre at the China Exchange in Gerrard Street last Sunday to thank the staff and volunteers for helping boost the vaccination campaign. The Lord Mayor was joined by Cllr Tim Mitchell, Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care and Public Health, to witness some of the 145 vaccinations delivered during the day, including the first booster jabs for Westminster-based NHS staff. Find your nearest vaccination centre (https://www.westminster.gov.uk/walk-vaccination-service-now-available-westminster) .

** Creating a Greener City
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Ecx93hcky0
GETTING TO GRIPS WITH RECYCLING: Westminster is lucky to have a team of fantastic Recycling Champions helping others in their community to waste less and recycle more. They provide support at events such as community fundays and swap shops, talking to residents about recycling and advising on how to cut their waste.

Parker is one of our dedicated Recycling Champions, who helps others in the community to recycle more and waste less. He stars in the above video (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Ecx93hcky0) , offering advice on what can go in the recycling and what should go in regular bins. You can also visit our website (https://westminster.us1.list-manage.com/track/click?u=a50c8b0dd980669ef713b4cca&id=8a7fb8ab96&e=df04244d0d) for more information on recycling including collection schedules, information on home composting and our food waste recycling trial.
HAVE YOUR SAY

Which of these actions do you think we should all take to help tackle climate change in Westminster?

<a href="https://westminster.us1.list-manage.com/poll/vote?u=a50c8b0dd980669ef713b4cca&c=07535363b9&e=7e37558eca&p=d369de98f4&v=838f8490d2" target="_blank">Improving our recycling habits</a>

<a href="https://westminster.us1.list-manage.com/poll/vote?u=a50c8b0dd980669ef713b4cca&c=07535363b9&e=7e37558eca&p=d369de98f4&v=5b7e6f3de1" target="_blank">Switching to greener forms of transport</a>

<a href="https://westminster.us1.list-manage.com/poll/vote?u=a50c8b0dd980669ef713b4cca&c=07535363b9&e=7e37558eca&p=d369de98f4&v=49e215ac88" target="_blank">Reducing our food waste</a>

Choose the option you favour the most and we’ll bring you the results in next week’s newsletter!
https://www.westminster.gov.uk/flood-information-and-help
FLOODING SCRUTINY MEETING: We are holding an extraordinary scrutiny meeting regarding the flooding that took place in July. The meeting will be held at Porchester Hall, W2 5HS on 30 September, starting at 6.30pm (doors open at 6pm). Seats will be allocated on a first come, first served basis. If you have a question for Thames Water, the London Fire Brigade, or Westminster City Council, please email it before 9am on Monday 27 September (mailto:scrutiny2 at westminster.gov.uk) .

Please note that audience members may not address the Committee directly during the meeting, and notes cannot be passed from the Public Gallery. However, at this extraordinary meeting, one ward councillor from each of the affected wards will be invited to speak on behalf of their residents.

Find out more about the support we’re providing to residents and businesses (https://www.westminster.gov.uk/flood-information-and-help) affected by flooding, as well as further details on the meeting.

** Your Westminster
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https://www.westminster.gov.uk/help-and-support-rising-energy-costs
HELP WITH RISING ENERGY COSTS: With energy prices set to increase across the country, we know that many people will be worried about rising expenses and we want to provide as much support as possible to our residents. We have a range of support and guidance available (https://www.westminster.gov.uk/help-and-support-rising-energy-costs) if you’re struggling with your energy bills, concerned about rising energy prices, or would like further information on how you can cut your energy use at home.
https://www.westminster.gov.uk/activewestminster-awards
THE ACTIVEWESTMINSTER AWARDS ARE BACK: Our ActiveWestminster team (https://active.westminster.gov.uk/) has been promoting health and wellbeing throughout Westminster for more than a decade, including through the annual ActiveWestminster Awards. Do you know an inspirational club, project, school or a dedicated and inclusive project that has kept the community active? Show them your appreciation by nominating them for an award (https://www.westminster.gov.uk/activewestminster-awards) . Those shortlisted will be invited to the ceremony at Porchester Hall, with incredible prizes being donated by our sponsors. Nominations should be submitted by midnight on Sunday 10 October.

https://www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/T80XWW/

SHARE YOUR ASPIRATIONS FOR SEYMOUR: Our investment in Seymour Leisure Centre will provide state-of-the-art facilities for the entire community, including a new home for Marylebone Library. Ahead of the formal pre-planning consultation, we want feedback from the local community. Complete this survey by 11.59pm on 26 September (https://www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/T80XWW/) and you could receive a free day gym or swimming pass!
HELP US HELP YOU: We are always looking into ways our services can improve the experiences of residents. As such, we’d like to conduct interviews with those of you that use our libraries, leisure services and the City Save scheme. We will be conducting interviews via Microsoft Teams or face-to-face depending on your preference and the interviews will last 45 minutes. A £20 Amazon voucher will be provided as a thank you for your time. Spaces are limited, so please get in touch with our user research team to register your interest (mailto:userresearch at westminster.gov.uk) .
https://fisd.westminster.gov.uk/kb5/westminster/fis/advice.page?id=9pzIr_xKvr0
CELEBRATING OUR SUCCESSFUL SEND INTERNS: Here at Westminster City Council, we run a successful Supported Internship programme (https://fisd.westminster.gov.uk/kb5/westminster/fis/advice.page?id=9pzIr_xKvr0) , giving young people with SEND a real chance to lead fulfilling lives. At our recent graduation ceremony, held in partnership with City of Westminster College (https://www.cwc.ac.uk/) and the Westminster Employment SEND Team (https://fisd.westminster.gov.uk/kb5/westminster/fis/advice.page?id=9pzIr_xKvr0) , we celebrated the achievements of 15 young people leaving the programme, seven of whom have successfully gained paid employment.

One of the graduates, Angel (pictured above, centre, with fellow graudates Arthur and Faisa) shared her personal journey. “The internship helped me get an inclusive apprenticeship with the City Lions,” she says, “and through the programme I have gained more confidence, communication and ICT skills. I also made new friends!”
DIGITAL CONNECTIVITY FOCUS GROUPS: We would like to hear from residents and property owners to understand more about what you know on the topic of full-fibre broadband. The findings from these discussions will be used to inform how we can support the development of high-speed internet infrastructure. Focus groups are scheduled to take place until 30 September and will last up to 90 minutes. Attendees will receive a £50 high street voucher. If you’re interested in taking part, please complete this form (https://www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/N4HNMS/) . If you would like any further information, or would like to take part but can’t make the original dates, please contact digitalplace at westminster.gov.uk (mailto:digitalplace at westminster.gov.uk) .
http://eepurl.com/hD8uhn
REGISTER WITH WES FOR A WEEKLY JOBS BULLETIN: The Westminster Employment Service (WES) is our recruitment service for local residents and businesses that partners with Westminster employers. If you would like to receive information on local job vacancies, please register for its new weekly jobs bulletin (http://eepurl.com/hD8uhn) .
HAVE YOUR SAY ON OUR NUISANCE FROM VEHICLES CONSULTATION: We are consulting on creating a Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) to address continued anti-social behaviour, nuisance or danger by motor vehicles to the public and property in both the St James’s and the Knightsbridge & Belgravia wards. It’s your last chance to have your say on the consultation (https://www.westminster.gov.uk/nuisance-vehicles-public-spaces-protection-order-2021) which closes on 29 September.

** What’s on in Westminster
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https://westminsteremploymentservicejobfair.eventbrite.co.uk/
FIND A NEW JOB AT THE WESTMINSTER JOB FAIR: Talk to top local businesses at the Westminster Job Fair at St Albans House in St James’s (https://www.google.com/maps/place/St+Albans+House/@51.6335177,-0.3776335,11z/data=!3m1!5s0x487604d17aa2d7c7:0xb48c1ac53241f3b7!4m9!1m2!2m1!1sSt+Albans+House!3m5!1s0x487604d170891d0d:0x3506483c1e56e637!8m2!3d51.5090205!4d-0.1324229!15sCg9TdCBBbGJhbnMgSG91c2WSARBjb3Jwb3JhdGVfb2ZmaWNl) on Tuesday 28 September, from 10am to 4pm. We have 40+ employers looking for new members to join their teams and our employment team and partners will be offering help and advice to get you job-ready. Read more information and register here (https://westminsteremploymentservicejobfair.eventbrite.co.uk/) .
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/animal-welfare-event-kensington-gardens-tickets-162266839485?aff=ebdsoporgprofile

ANIMAL WELFARE EVENT AT KENSINGTON GARDENS: Our animal welfare team (https://www.westminster.gov.uk/animalwelfare) runs responsible dog ownership events providing free micro chipping, information and welfare advice. On 25 September we will be joined by animal charities, The Mayhew and StreetVet. Come along for a day of doggy delights.

When: Saturday 25 September, 10am to 3pm
Where: Kensington Gardens, W2 2UH
How to attend: Get full details here (https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/animal-welfare-event-kensington-gardens-tickets-162266839485?aff=ebdsoporgprofile)

mailto:sarah.fairbairn at hrp.org.uk

SILVER SUNDAY – ROYAL PALACES: (For Westminster’s older residents) Join artist Alex Hirtzel for a creative session inspired by the palace and gardens. Explore the sights, sounds and smells of autumn and the harvest at Hampton Court Palace during the Tudor period. Sessions are free and include entry to the palace and gardens. Light refreshments provided.
* When: Sunday 3 October, 10.30am to 12.30pm and 2pm to 4pm
* Where: Hampton Court Palace, KT8 9AU
* How to attend: Contact Sarah Fairbairn by email (mailto:sarah.fairbairn at hrp.org.uk) or on 07824 563 508

https://www.discoversouthken.com/itinerary/south-ken-green-trail/

THE SOUTH KEN GREEN TRAIL: South Kensington is coming alive with exciting new art installations, pop-up nature hubs and a green trail. We’ve partnered with Discover South Kensington to showcase inspiring visions for a greener future.
* When: Until mid-October
* Where: Download a map here (https://www.discoversouthken.com/media/itinerary_downloads/south_ken_green_trail_map.pdf)
* What’s on: Get full details here (https://www.discoversouthken.com/itinerary/south-ken-green-trail/)

These are just some of the events taking place around Westminster during the next few weeks. For a full list of things to do, check out the Events pages on our website (https://www.westminster.gov.uk/events) .

** Know someone who should be receiving this newsletter? Forward this link today. (https://westminster.us1.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=a50c8b0dd980669ef713b4cca&id=bd2a0fcc47)
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https://www.westminster.gov.uk/residents/coronavirus-helping-hand-residents

https://www.westminster.gov.uk/businesses/coronavirus-helping-hand-businesses

https://www.westminster.gov.uk/coronavirus-how-you-can-help

https://www.westminster.gov.uk/coronavirus-advice-vulnerable-residents

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