Harlequin Theatre in Redhill
Rapid community testing offered at Harlequin Theatre, Redhill
 

The targeted community testing initiative, in partnership with the Department of Health and Social Care, was first launched in parts of Surrey on 15 February. Eligible people can now get tested in Redhill, at the Harlequin Theatre & Cinema.

 
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Other Council news
 
 
Winner graphic
Winners of the Sports Awards announced
 

The outstanding achievements of local sports clubs, teams, people and coaches were celebrated at a virtual awards evening on 25 February. The nine inspirational winners were taken from a record 70 entries and you can watch the ceremony here.

 
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Reigate & Banstead Works new website
Local careers website launched
 

A new employment website, R&B Works, developed by Reigate & Banstead Borough Council in collaboration with the borough’s major employers, is now live. Residents who may be looking for a job, a career change or wishing to work closer to home can find information about the local employment landscape and opportunities.

 
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Teen on laptop speaking to a teacher
New initiative to boost youth employment in East Surrey
 

The East Surrey Youth Hub aims to help target the significant increase in unemployment among 18-24 years across East Surrey since the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic.

 
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Graphic showing Community Champions
New Community Champions scheme
 

Now more than ever, it's vital that correct, consistent information about Covid-19 and wider health-related advice is communicated. Our new volunteer community champions receive weekly updates from us, which they then pass on to their families, friends, neighbours, community networks or workplaces.

 
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Graphic illustrating the ways to vote in the elections: in person, by post or by proxy.
Elections
 

Elections take place in May for Surrey’s Police and Crime Commissioner, Surrey County Councillors and Reigate & Banstead Borough Councillors. You must be registered to vote to have your say. Polling stations will be safe places to vote but if you want to vote by post instead, please apply as soon as possible to receive your postal ballot in good time. 

 
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Borough News Spring issue out soon
Borough News out in March
 

Look out for the Spring issue of Borough News dropping through your letterbox from 8 March. This issue highlights the steps we're taking towards making our borough more sustainable, provides an insight into local community organisations and celebrates the beauty of our green spaces. 

 
Accessible versions
 
 
 
Take away your takeaway
Help us look after our green spaces
 

Spring is in the air and many of us will want to enjoy the borough's parks and green spaces. Please remember to take your litter away with you, or put it in the bin if there's room.

 
Covid-19 update
 
 
Stay home, protect the NHS, save lives
Let's keep going
 

The Prime Minister has set out the Government's 4 step plan towards easing lockdown, with students returning to school buildings from 8 March as the first step. It's important that we continue to reduce the spread of the virus by following the hands, face, space and ventilate guidance. It is working and you are making a difference.

 

On 16 February, a further 1.7 million people were classified as clinically extremely vulnerable (CEV) and advised to shield. This was in response to new modelling that can determine a person's risk of severe illness from Covid-19. Anyone affected should have received a letter from the Government and will have faster access to vaccinations.  Shielding guidance can be found below.

 
Current guidance
 
 
 
Surrey Heartlands vaccination programme as of 21/02/21
Vaccination programme
 

As of 21 February, a total of 284,570 people across Surrey Heartlands CCG have received their first dose of a Covid-19 vaccination.That's over 95% of the 70 and over age group and 85% of those aged 65 to 69. 

 

A vaccine is the best way to protect you and your family. The NHS will contact you when it's your turn. In the meantime, Dr Sally Johnson, GP and Clinical Lead for Covid Vaccinations in Surrey has tried to answer as many questions as possible that you might have about the vaccine in this short film.

 
Vaccine questions answered
 
 
 
Do you need help? graphic
You're not alone
 

There is a variety of help, advice and support available locally for people experiencing challenges due to the ongoing pandemic. You can search our website and online directory to find out what's available from the Council, as well as through local voluntary and community organisations and businesses across the borough. 

 
Find help
 
Current consultations
 
 
The borough's three community centres
Tell us what you would like from your local community centre
 

The Council is asking local residents to share their views to make sure that the borough’s three community centres in Banstead, Horley and Woodhatch meet community needs, both now and in the future. The deadline for comments is 22 March. 

 
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Residents' survey
Residents' survey
 

The second round of our residents’ survey, gathering views on a range of topics, is currently taking place. If MEL Research contacts you by phone, letter or email or you receive an email from Reigate & Banstead Borough Council about the survey, please consider taking part as we hope to hear from a representative sample of the borough’s residents. 

 
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From our partners
 
 
The census is coming
The Census: 21 March 2021
 

Census Day is Sunday 21 March. Look out for a letter from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) inviting you to take part online. There's lots of help available to complete your form if you, or someone you know, needs it.

 
Find out more
 
 
 
Young people visit Go Ape
YMCA East Surrey wins Lottery Award to fund Youth Work
 

YMCA East Surrey has been awarded a grant of £435,737 from the National Lottery Community Fund to take the role of lead provider in youth work which will benefit more than 1,000 local young people.

 
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