Supporting you this winter

[MyWestminster Updates]

Free school meals, cold weather support and much more

View this email in your browser (https://mailchi.mp/westminster.gov.uk/16dec2022-152629?e=7e37558eca)
https://www.westminster.gov.uk/
Friday 16 December 2022
Welcome to the MyWestminster newsletter. This is your weekly update from Westminster City Council on what’s going on in your city. In this issue:
* News from around the city (#main)
* Support this winter (#cold)
* Have your say (#say)
* What’s on in Westminster (#whatson)
* Publich health updates (#health)
* Westminster Plus magazine (#mag)

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KNOCK KNOCK... HAMPER DELIVERY! Volunteering during the holidays makes a difference to those who are in need. Every festive season, the Sir Simon Milton Foundation (https://www.sirsimonmiltonfoundation.com/) and Victoria BID (https://www.victoriabid.co.uk/) donate Christmas hampers for us to deliver to our older residents, and those with support and care needs. Earlier this week, volunteers, officers and Cllrs, including Cllr Aicha Less, Leader of Westminster City Council, delivered over 800 hampers to residents.
https://www.westminster.gov.uk/night-safety-team

https://www.westminster.gov.uk/night-safety-team

CHRISTMAS SPIRIT, SAFELY: While out at night, after Christmas parties or festive drinks with friends, anyone can find themselves in a vulnerable situation and needing a helping hand. Night Stars (https://www.westminster.gov.uk/night-safety-team) is a team of volunteers there to help. Whether you need water, directions, or just someone to talk to, our team will be there for you in your time of need to ensure you get home safely.

If you need help, the Night Stars will be wearing distinctive pink reflective vests in and around Soho, Chinatown, Leicester Square and Piccadilly. Read more here (https://www.westminster.gov.uk/night-safety-team) .
https://www.sirsimonmiltonfoundation.com/
DANCING THE NIGHT AWAY: Last weekend our older residents enjoyed an afternoon of food, chatting and dancing at the annual Tea Dance at the Marriott Grosvenor Ballroom, a free event for more than 1,000 elderly and retired residents of Westminster. A huge thank you goes to organisers the Sir Simon Milton Foundation (https://www.sirsimonmiltonfoundation.com/) and Silver Sunday (https://silversunday.org.uk/) and all the volunteers from Barking and Dagenham cadets who gave our residents an afternoon to remember.
https://www.sirsimonmiltonfoundation.com/

https://www.sirsimonmiltonfoundation.com/

Pictured above are two of our oldest residents who attended the Tea Dance, Percy Chafer, a WWII veteran who is a grand age of 103, and Mary Barsh, who lives near Victoria and recently celebrated her 100th birthday. Mary said: “What an amazing event, it made me feel 21 again.” Find more about local, festive news and events (https://www.westminster.gov.uk/christmas-westminster) .
https://www.westminster.gov.uk/news/council-installs-pee-paint-stop-visitors-urinating-soho
DON’T PEE OFF SOHO: Public urination is an offence and you could be fined for doing so. In Westminster, walls have been treated with an ‘anti-pee paint’ (https://www.westminster.gov.uk/news/council-installs-pee-paint-stop-visitors-urinating-soho) that give perpetrators a nasty surprise if they attempt to relieve themselves in public. The paint creates a water-repellent layer so that urine and other liquids bounce back onto those doing the peeing, leaving them soaked – not such a great look for the Christmas party! Don’t get caught short, check our useful map of free public toilets and their opening hours (https://www.westminster.gov.uk/leisure-libraries-and-community/public-toilets) .
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https://www.westminster.gov.uk/cold-weather-support-and-advice
SNOW SNOW GO AWAY: While the snow in Westminster (as seen in Regent’s Park, above) has mostly eased off, it is still cold and icy out there. It’s important to stay safe and look out for one another. We have loads of tips and information on our website (https://www.westminster.gov.uk/cold-weather-support-and-advice) about what we’re doing to help during this cold snap, including helping rough sleepers. If you’re concerned about someone sleeping rough or need advice on supporting your vulnerable neighbours and loved ones, visit our dedicated cold weather support page (https://www.westminster.gov.uk/cold-weather-support-and-advice) .
https://www.westminster.gov.uk/winter-in-the-city

WINTER IN THE CITY: Be sure to check out our directory of events happening at warm and safe locations across Westminster (https://www.westminster.gov.uk/winter-in-the-city) . From local libraries to the Royal Albert Hall, there are places open for everyone to be welcome and stay warm.

MOULD AND CONDENSATION: There are a few things you can do to help avoid condensation, damp and mould in your home such as:
* keeping kitchen and bathroom doors closed when in use, and if possible opening a window
* adequately heating your home can reduce condensation levels as warmer air holds more water vapour
* drying clothes outside if you can
* using saucepan lids when cooking
* spraying or washing down areas affected by mould with bleach or anti-mould cleaner.

https://www.westminster.gov.uk/free-school-lunch-offer

FREE SCHOOL MEALS: We’re supporting our families with Free School Meals for primary aged children in Westminster from January. The new offer will mean that all primary pupils in Years 3 to 6 will now receive a free lunch, as well as students in reception and key stage 1 who are already receiving this offer. Please note: this doesn’t include children attending nursery places. Find out more here. (https://www.westminster.gov.uk/free-school-lunch-offer)

https://www.westminster.gov.uk/cost-of-living-support
COST OF LIVING SUPPORT: We have found that around a quarter of households in Westminster, more than 31,000, face a serious reduction in living standards due to rising costs, such as fuel, energy bills and food. For more about the types of support available, take a look at our online support hub (https://www.westminster.gov.uk/cost-of-living-support) .
CHRISTMAS SERVICES UPDATE: Never fear residents of Westminster, as there are no current changes planned to our waste collection servcies during the festive period. However, there are a few subtle changes to our libraries opening hours and leisure centres and you can find more information here (https://www.westminster.gov.uk/christmas-westminster/service-updates) .
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https://www.westminster.gov.uk/news/consultation-permanent-alfresco-scheme-pimlico-launched
NEW PROPSALS FOR WARWICK WAY AND PIMLICO: We are looking for feedback from residents and businesses on new al fresco proposals for the Warwick Way and Pimlico areas. These will create a pleasant environment for residents, allow more people to enjoy local hospitality businesses, help grow the local economy and rejuvenate the high street completely. Find out more and have your say (https://www.westminster.gov.uk/news/consultation-permanent-alfresco-scheme-pimlico-launched) .
https://www.westminster.gov.uk/about-council/consultations
HELP US TO SHAPE YOUR CITY: There are lots of ways to get involved with council activity and to have your say in the way we build a Fairer Westminster (https://www.westminster.gov.uk/fairer-westminster) . We have many surveys, consultations, ballots and conversations underway that your thoughts and opinions can help us to develop further. These include:
* Community air quality monitoring – Improving air quality is our priority but we need your help. Where would you like to see a new air quality monitor in Westminster? Find out more and have your say here (https://www.westminster.gov.uk/planning-building-and-environmental-regulations/environmental-policies-regulations-and-guidance/air-quality/community-air-quality-monitoring-suggestions) .
* Regent Street - We welcome your feedback and ideas on plans to improve the area of Regent Street. Have your say. (https://www.westminster.gov.uk/news/locals-have-say-future-regent-street)

There are many more ways to help shape your area for the better, from proposals on tackling street gambling to local licensing applications. Find full details here (https://www.westminster.gov.uk/about-council/consultations) .
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https://www.westminster.gov.uk/christmas-westminster/visit-city
I WISH IT COULD BE CHRISTMAS, EVERYDAY: Westminster is rejoicing in festive activities to suit all budgets, with carols at the Royal Albert Hall, Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park, Christmas light displays and festive markets happening all over the city. See what’s happening near you this Christmas (https://www.westminster.gov.uk/christmas-westminster/visit-city) .

https://twitter.com/WCCLibraries

AVAILABLE NOW, DECEMBER LIBRARY PODCAST: Take a wintery walk around your local space while listening to December’s episode of ‘Under the Covers’, a podcast by Westminster’s Libraries (https://twitter.com/WCCLibraries) . Tune in to listen to Becky Laxton Bass talking about Women Of London (https://womenoflondon.org.uk/) , a walking tour company that explores the marks women have made across the city.
https://bit.ly/HAF-xmas22

KEEP CALM THE SCHOOL HOLIDAYS ARE HERE: We’ve organised activities and food for young people aged 4 to 16 during the winter holidays. Places are free for those on free school meals, and at a discounted rate for all other young people. Activities include sports, arts, and others tailored for those with special educational needs and disabilities. Find out more (https://www.westminster.gov.uk/news/support-young-people-and-families-during-christmas-holidays) .

https://www.westminster.gov.uk/westminster-city-save
SAVE BIG WITH CITY SAVE: Our membership scheme for residents is free to join and brings you discounts and savings that can help you make the most of your city. Current offers include:
* Enjoy 25% off tickets to shows at Christmas in Leicester Square (https://www.westminster.gov.uk/westminster-city-save/christmas-leicester-square-25-shows) . From Baby Loves Disco to Dance Like Gatsby, enjoy great shows for less.
* Get a 50% discount at the Christmas Concert at Grand Junction (https://www.westminster.gov.uk/westminster-city-save/50-christmas-concert-grand-junction) . Enjoy a glass of mulled wine while five artists perform traditional songs and carols.

There are also great, free exhibitions to enjoy at Somerset House, the Royal Geographical Society (with IBG), the Hellenic Centre and Showroom at Church Street. Find out more ways to enjoy your city here (https://www.westminster.gov.uk/westminster-city-save) .
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https://youtu.be/JFTvN2s8Boo
STREP A ADVICE: You may have seen reports about cases of Strep A across the UK. This is usually mild but has tragically led to some children passing away in different parts of the country. In the above video, a school nurse from the Westminster School Health team, Betul, explains what the symptoms are and what to do if you are concerned about your child (https://www.westminster.gov.uk/health-and-social-care/your-health/strep-what-you-need-know) .
https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/explore-mental-health/blogs/you-and-your-mental-health-still-matter-christmas

YOUR MENTAL HEALTH MATTERS: While it may be the merriest time of the year for some, it can be the loneliest and most stressful for so many others. We’re all busy during the festive period, but we’re not too busy to be kind, caring and patient. Here are some top tips that we can all use to get us through when we are feeling lonely or sad over the holidays. (https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/explore-mental-health/blogs/you-and-your-mental-health-still-matter-christmas)

LOCAL PHARMACY SERVICES OVER THE FESTIVE PERIOD: Visiting your nearest pharmacy is a quick and convenient way to get clinical advice on minor health concerns. Find your nearest pharmacy (https://www.nhs.uk/service-search/pharmacy/find-a-pharmacy) and check their opening hours. Some pharmacies who normally open, may be closed or be closing early on Saturday 24 and Saturday 31 December. Check before you go.
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https://issuu.com/westminstercitycouncil/docs/wcc-wplus-5

WESTMINSTER PLUS: In our festive issue, discover what’s happening in and around our city during this magical time of year. We also get to know our older persons champion, Cllr Judith Southern and prepare for the cold months with warm space listings.

If there’s a community figure you’d like to see featured, get in touch as we’d love to hear from you (mailto:westminsterplus at westminster.gov.uk?subject=WestPlus%20Feature) !

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