With freezing temperatures predicted to continue into early next week, I would ask that we all take care and to look out for each other during the cold snap.
Council teams will be working hard to help everyone stay safe and keep vital services running – my thanks to our gritting crews who have been out and about keeping the roads safe and to our teams supporting rough sleepers into accommodation. If you are worried about someone sleeping rough, report their location on the Streetlink app.
We’re also working with our partners to look after our most vulnerable residents who might struggle during the colder weather. I visited Croydon Samaritans earlier this week and saw first-hand the great work they, and many groups like them, are doing supporting vulnerable people affected by the rising cost of living this winter.
As the temperature drops, at the council we’ve boosted our package of winter support for everyone locally with a directory of heated, safe and friendly warm spaces that anyone can visit for free – visit our website to find your nearest. If you are worried about heating your home, or anything else due to the rising cost of living, there is help and advice on our website hub. We’re also distributing £3m government funding to those most in need, helping to tackle holiday hunger amongst school children and provide vital support for households that may have missed out on other cost of living help – read more.
Earlier this week, Croydon’s London Borough of Culture team announced some exciting opportunities for everyone to be part of this special year-long celebration of our communities and culture. Ahead of the launch of This is Croydon in April 2023, there are a range of ways you can get involved now – from helping to shape a new music heritage trail, to volunteering at the opening event at Fairfield Halls. Our year as London Borough of Culture is a really great example of our local cultural, business, faith and community groups working in partnership with the council, as we harness local talent, skills and experience to bring much-needed investment into our borough and create jobs and opportunities. It’s going to be a really exciting time for Croydon – find out more in our news story here, and also check out the official This is Croydon website at www.culturecroydon.com.
Finally, I was delighted to officially open the new London South Bank University (LSBU) campus at Electric House yesterday. This facility combined with their new Chiropractic Clinic, Business Solutions Centre, and Sustainable Engineering (RISE) Centre will bring new investment into Croydon and offer new courses for local people.
Have a good weekend
Jason Perry
Executive Mayor of Croydon
