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1 September 2020
Hounslow looks forward to a safe return to school
This week sees the borough's schools and further education colleges open their doors to thousands of children after nearly six months of partial closures.
Parents and carers are urged to return their children to school as any further interruptions to their education can lead to long-term harmful impacts on their social, emotional and cognitive development. Parents can feel reassured about their child’s safety as each of the settings has put in place a full range of measures to ensure that children can return to learning and meeting their friends in a safe environment.
Parents are also asked to use the new school year to begin walking or cycling to school instead of driving. Twenty two schools in the borough will be operating School Streets where areas around schools are closed to traffic during peak drop-off and pick-up times, enabling children to walk, cycle or scoot to school safely and to socially distance while doing so. For more information on the return to school in Hounslow visit: https://www.hounslow.gov.uk/Back-to-school
Watch our video from Cllr Tom Bruce, Cabinet Member for Education, Children and Youth Services, about the return to school for pupils in the borough.
Read more about how schools will be returning safety.
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Arch Day celebrated with the Mayor of Hounslow
Residents were invited to visit their local arch businesses to support and celebrate small businesses affected by the Covid-19 pandemic.
The #loveyourlocalarches campaign held a virtual Arch Day celebration on Saturday 29 August across London. Arches are refurbished spaces under elevated railways that are home to thousands of businesses, ranging from bakeries to breweries and from salons to mechanic shops. These spaces are vital for our small businesses and we encourage all residents to visit and support them.
On Friday 31 August, Councillor Tony Louki, Mayor of Hounslow, visited two local arch businesses in TfL-owned arches; Active 360, a paddleboarding centre at Kew Bridge and Wave Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in Stamford Brook, to bring attention to small companies as they recover from the pandemic and its impacts.
You can still participate in the campaign by sharing pictures of yourself at an arch and using the #loveyourlocalarches and #archday2020 hashtag on social media.
Read more about love your local arches.
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Extensive improvement works at borough parks and open spaces
Last week extensive improvement works were completed across the borough's parks and open spaces.
The works range from play park refurbishments at Grosvenor Park, to a new dipping platform at Bridge House Pond, complete with aquatic ledges.
Countryside sites at Donkey Woods and Brazil Mill have also benefited from repairs of historic bridges and extended boardwalks, all designed to improve access to these areas for more visitors to enjoy, whilst protecting habitats and local wildlife.
Cllr Samia Chaudhary, Cabinet Member for Leisure Services, joined ‘friends’ groups and Greenspace 360 staff inspecting the substantial investment and improvements throughout the parks and open spaces. Watch our YouTube video about the visit and the Bridge House pond improvements.
Find out more about the improvements across the borough's parks and do enjoy the parks responsibly.
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Summer bank holiday waste and recycling collections
Got coronavirus symptoms? Get tested now
To control the spread of coronavirus and reduce the risk of a local lockdown, it’s vital people get tested if they think they have symptoms
There are a range of local testing options available to you, including a mobile testing site with a mixture of walk-in and drive-through appointments available on Friday 4 September at the private car park on Hanworth Road, TW3 3TY. Find out more on our website.
NHS Test and Trace is an essential part of the Government’s response to stopping the spread of coronavirus and to save lives. Get tested and do your bit to protect your friends and family.
Virus isolation period extended from seven to 10 days
You must now self-isolate for 10 days if you:
- Have symptoms of COVID-19
- Receive a positive test result
People in your household should continue to self-isolate for 14 days. For more information visit the NHS website.
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New Chiswick Flower Market launches this weekend
A new exciting Flower Market is set to launch on Sunday 6 September, Chiswick High Road, W4 2DR, outside the police station, from 9.30am to 3.00pm. Thereafter it will then be held every first Sunday of each month.
From well-established traders from Columbia Road and other markets, via specialist plant growers, florists, and innovative new businesses, there will be a wide selection of flowers, plants, house plants, bedding, grasses, succulents, speciality offers, bouquets and all aspects of horticultural loveliness.
The market will provide a safe shopping environment by implementing a range of Covid-secure measures including, a one-way system, hand sanitisers and social distancing where possible. All visitors are strongly advised to wear a face covering, unless exempt, while in the market space. Trained volunteers will also be on hand to support customers.
The market is also offering a unique same day, cargo bike delivery service, free of charge within a two-mile radius. So you can leave your car at home, get active and help save the planet.
Find out more about the market and whats on offer.
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Free youth club in Hanworth this September
Starting on the Monday 14 September, Brentford Community Sports Trust will be running a free youth club at Hanworth Youth Centre in Hounslow.
Visit the centre every Monday and Wednesday 7pm-9pm for lots of fun engaging activities such as music, cooking, team games and sports, arts and crafts and drama.
Delivered by experienced and qualified staff, the youth club is available for young people aged 8-19. No need to book – just turn up!
All the youth sessions comply with the government regulations regarding Covid-19.
Find more information online or get in touch by emailing youth@brentfordfccst.com or calling 07956499265.
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Free results advice and careers support
Hounslow 14 to 19 Connexions service is providing advice and support for anyone who has received A-level or GCSE results.
Didn't get the results you were expecting or reconsidering your options? It's not too late to change your mind and Connexions can help you make sense of this difficult time and help you decide your next steps.
The team will be available to provide free impartial advice a range of options available and help with the following:
- Finding relevant college or university courses
- Apprenticeships and which one is right for you
- Full time employment opportunities
- UCAS’ clearing service
Watch our YouTube video to hear from a young person who shares her experience of using the Connexions service or read our blog from a careers adviser to find out more about what help is on offer.
For more information visit www.hounslow.gov.uk/connexions or call 020 8583 5151.
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Thinking Business Consultation webinar
Have you just started your own business? Or are you thinking about starting your own business?
Hounslow Adult & Community Education will run a ‘Thinking Business’ consultation webinar on Thursday 10 September 10.30am to 12noon via Google Meet.
The webinar will address your questions related to starting or managing your own business.
Additionally, you will be presented and informed of the training resources available for you.
Our team is made up of individuals who work with real local businesses. We want to help you with our services and learning programme available, as well as create the right courses for you. The webinar will feature a special guest speaker from HMRC to answer your questions on taxation, as well as offer business support and advice.
Participants must have access to the internet along with a camera and microphone. You will be asked to complete a question form before the webinar, so we can easily address your needs.
Call us on 020 8583 6000 to book your place today.
To find out more about Hounslow Adult & Community Education, visit www.hace.ac.uk.
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Street Tag launching in Hounslow this week
Street Tag is a family friendly initiative that rewards families and individuals for their physical activities such as walking, running and cycling. Street Tag encourages greater participation in outdoor physical activities, by turning our local area into a giant virtual playground, and enhancing outdoor experiences.
A new community game will be launching for Hounslow residents on Tuesday 1 September.
What are the benefits of using Street Tag?
- Fantastic prizes to be won which can enhance your physical fitness and healthy lifestyle
- Opportunity to become fitter and bond with family and friends whilst staying committed to physical fitness
- Opportunity to connect with other members of the community that are using the Street Tag App
- Experience the fun and catch the thrill of physical fitness which you might not get without the app
- Get motivated to engage in physical activity, rediscover nature and get energetic
- Enhance your mental and physical well-being
How does Street Tag work?
- Install the app, create a team and join the local Hounslow leaderboard
- Earn points from physical activities indoor and outdoor- walking, running, cycling to scan virtual tags and convert your steps into Street Tag Points
- Get rewards and win prizes such as vouchers for sports equipment and more.
Get ready to push the boundaries and start your journey to a healthy lifestyle with Street Tag. You can download the app now on ios and android.
Read more information about the launch in Hounslow or visit www.streettag.co.uk
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Virtual healthy minds drop-in
 The 'Virtual Healthy Minds Drop-In' is a service provided by the Adult Locality Mental Health Team, London Borough of Hounslow.
They are a group of social workers and social work assistants, with the compassion and drive to serve anyone concerned about their mental health. The 'virtual drop-in service' replaces face to face drop-in services, which are currently suspended due to Covid-19. This service is now available through video conferencing or over the telephone.
The team can listen to your concerns, offer emotional and practical support to help you make plans. They also can help you talk to other professionals and support you to access the right services, aiming to help you before a crisis occurs.
Should you wish to attend a virtual drop-in session, please complete the online form here and a member of the team will contact you. Alternatively, you can call on 020 8583 3003, and select option one between 9am-5pm Monday to Thursday and Friday 9am-4.45pm.
Read more about the service and whats on offer.
What can you do around Hounslow?
 We've put together a useful pool of resources for some fun activity inspiration.
Events and Days Out
Whats on in Hounslow local activities and events across our borough
Hounslow Urban Farm learn all about farm animals
Syon Park Gardens visit the beautiful historic gardens
Chiswick House Gardens enjoy 65 acres of gardens
Osterley Park & House a Georgian country estate
Gunnersbury Park beautiful parkland and museum
Getting Active
How much should I be doing?
Tips to get started
Activities for all
Couch to 5k App
Explore with Street Tag
Couch to Fitness support
Free Health Walks
Get Active Map
Activities for young people
Nature, Arts & Crafts
Activities from Fields in Trust
Bounce Theatre
Rainbows of Feltham
Summer Art Activities Feltham Arts
DiY radio
Support Wildlife at Home
Education
Online Resources
Latest information and advice
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