Happy Year of the Rabbit!

[MyWestminster Updates]

Celebrating Lunar New Year in the heart of London

View this email in your browser (https://mailchi.mp/westminster.gov.uk/20jan2023?e=7e37558eca)
https://www.westminster.gov.uk/
Friday 20 January 2023
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:
* Celebrating Lunar New Year (#main)
* More from the City (#city)
* Public Health Updates (#health)
* Have Your Say (#say)
* What’s on in Westminster (#whatson)

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zv_meNfVdoI
JOIN IN THE CELEBRATIONS: This Sunday, London’s Chinatown will be celebrating Lunar New Year (https://www.visitlondon.com/things-to-do/event/4733685-chinese-new-year-in-london) with the annual Festival of Spring, marking the ‘Year of the Rabbit’. There will be a parade from 10.15am to 12.30pm, lion dances, zodiac mascots, cultural activities including martial arts, tea ceremonies and calligraphy, dance, delicious food and more!
https://www.westminster.gov.uk/lunar-new-year-information-residents-and-businesses
Earlier this week we hosted three night markets in Chinatown (https://youtu.be/Z6NWzO0KNbU) to kick off the festivities. There were stalls run by the London Chinatown Community Association (LCCA) selling colourful decorations and more delicious food. The market began with a lion dance as well as addresses by the organisers, the Lord Mayor or Westminster and Leader of the Council, Cllr Adam Hug.
https://www.westminster.gov.uk/lunar-new-year-information-residents-and-businesses
LUNAR NEW YEAR INFO: Visit our Lunar New Year webpage (https://www.westminster.gov.uk/lunar-new-year-information-residents-and-businesses)  to find out about changes to parking, road closures and timings for the celebrations.
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https://www.streetlink.london/Streetlink_London_HomePage
COLD WEATHER ADVICE AND SUPPORT: We know, this year more than ever, people are concerned about staying safe and warm during winter. We’ve activated our Severe Weather Emergency Protocol (SWEP) to support people sleeping rough. Our outreach teams work 24 hours a day, seven days a week, helping people sleeping rough get off the streets and into accommodation. If you are concerned about someone sleeping rough, please alert the StreetLink website (https://www.streetlink.london/Streetlink_London_HomePage) .
https://dogsonthestreets.org/

https://dogsonthestreets.org/

CARING FOR OUR FURRY FRIENDS: If the four-legged friend of a rough sleeper we’re helping can’t join them at an emergency placement, our amazing partner, Dogs On The Streets (https://dogsonthestreets.org/) (DOTS), keeps them safe and warm until they can meet again.
COST OF LIVING SUPPORT: Debt can be a serious concern, but if you’re finding it a struggle to cope, there are resources available. Find out about the types of support available, at our online support hub (https://www.westminster.gov.uk/cost-of-living-support) .
https://www.westminster.gov.uk/winter-in-the-city

STAYING WARM THIS JANUARY: We have a variety of free community and cultural activities to enjoy, all taking place in warm locations around the city. Keep an eye on our website (https://www.westminster.gov.uk/winter-in-the-city) as more activities are being added all the time. Would you like your organisation featured on the directory? Get in touch with us (mailto:winterinthecity at westminster.gov.uk) and we’ll help you to help your local community.

https://fisd.westminster.gov.uk/kb5/westminster/fis/advice.page?id=ndHU5Eb5H04

DID YOU KNOW YOU CAN ACCESS FREE CHILDCARE PROVISION: This includes 15 hours per week for all children aged 3 and 4. This will increase to 30 hours if your family is on a low income. Through this offer, families can experience the support of a trained and registered childminder, nursery, children’s centre or pre-school. It enables children to receive high quality early education that will help them to be school ready. Find out more here (https://fisd.westminster.gov.uk/kb5/westminster/fis/advice.page?id=ndHU5Eb5H04) .
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=51GUOkz87uc
GETTING VALUE FOR YOUR MONEY: Earlier this week we held our first Budget Task Group to be more transparent about how we are spending your money. Cllr Paul Fisher, Chair of the Budget Task Group, explains what the group does and why it’s so important. You can watch and find details of the group’s meetings on our website (https://westminster.moderngov.co.uk/ieListMeetings.aspx?CommitteeId=322) and you can sign up to attend future meetings by emailing here (mailto:scrutiny2 at westminster.gov.uk) .
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https://thriveldn.co.uk/latest/news-and-blog/all/great-mental-health-day-2023-online-events/
YOUR HEALTH IS YOUR WEALTH: Next Friday (27 January) is Great Mental Health Day. It’s a day to remind ourselves to look after our wellbeing and consider how others may be feeling. Anyone can be affected by mental health issues at any time. Join this Thrive LDN free, online event (https://thriveldn.co.uk/latest/news-and-blog/all/great-mental-health-day-2023-online-events/) next Friday, from 11am to 11.45am to find out how to look out for those around you in tough times. You can also find out more about how to improve your health and wellbeing on our website (https://www.westminster.gov.uk/health-and-social-care/your-health/resources-help-improve-your-health#mental-health-and-wellbeing) .
SUPPORTING YOUR NEIGHBOURS AND LOVED ONES: In the freezing cold, make sure you look out for your friends, neighbours and family. Ask if they need any help, or if they’re feeling unwell. Here are a few simple steps they can take to stay warm:
* Try to heat rooms they use in their home to at least 18°C
* Find ways to keep active when indoors
* Wear several layers of clothing
* Regularly check the weather forecast to identify upcoming cold snaps
* Ensure they have enough to eat and drink, as well as any required medicines

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https://www.westminster.gov.uk/school-streets/feedback-form

SCHOOL STREETS: A School Street is where a CCTV-monitored road is closed to motor vehicles at school drop-off and collection times. The aim is to improve air quality, create a safer environment and encourage more active travel. We want you to help us decide how effective they have been, and whether they should be made permanent. Give us feedback on any School Streets in your area (https://www.westminster.gov.uk/school-streets/feedback-form) .
https://www.westminster.gov.uk/news/consultation-permanent-alfresco-scheme-pimlico-launched

WARWICK WAY CONSULTATION: 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) .

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https://www.westminster.gov.uk/leisure-libraries-and-community/arts-and-culture/inside-out-grant-programme

GET EXCITED FOR SUMMER AS INSIDE OUT IS BACK FOR 2023: Inside Out is a free and inclusive summer festival that brings our city’s world-renowned arts, entertainment and culture into the streets and open spaces of Westminster for all to enjoy. Applications for funding are now open, closing on 10 February. If you represent an organisation delivering cultural activities within Westminster, we welcome your submissions (https://www.westminster.gov.uk/leisure-libraries-and-community/arts-and-culture/inside-out-grant-programme) to apply.
https://www.westendlive.co.uk/
Photography credit: Pamela Raith
THE DATE IS SET FOR WEST END LIVE 2023: Join us for a weekend of performances from top West End musicals, live and free in Trafalgar Square on 17 and 18 June. Find out more here (https://www.westendlive.co.uk/) and enjoy the highlights from West End LIVE 2022 here (https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLGxBE7qhxgFoaUrLQPUt-f0VoHKbbLYra) .
UNDER THE COVERS – JANUARY EDITION: ‘I am forever changed after reading The Black Jacobins.’ Tune into Under the Covers (https://anchor.fm/under-the-covers0) , our libraries podcast and listen to Loy Phillips, leader of our acclaimed Windrush exhibition, dive into books by C.L.R. James.
https://www.westminster.gov.uk/westminster-city-save
ENJOY WESTMINSTER 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 unlimited hot drinks, a bakery item and free wi-fi for £10 at Wesley’s (https://www.westminster.gov.uk/westminster-city-save/work-wesleys) , a bright and airy space to work remotely from at Central Hall Westminster.
* Get 10% off all courses at the How to: Academy (https://www.westminster.gov.uk/westminster-city-save/10-all-courses-how-academy) , from bike building to movie making to starting a business.

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