Coronavirus rates are still rising in Hounslow and the rest of London, it is more important than ever to keep yourself and others safe by following all the guidance. We all worked so hard to ensure our shops, schools and businesses could reopen again in a secure and safe way, we cannot now risk a local lockdown. Please continue to remember the simple ways to keep yourself and others protected from the virus – wear a face covering, wash your hands regularly and keep two metres apart from others where possible. You must not meet up in groups of more than six people, unless they are from your household or social bubble. I know it is hard to be apart from our friends, but the rule is in place to slow the spread of the virus and protect us all from getting sick.

Unfortunately, due to the rise in coronavirus cases across the country, the national testing programme is under significant strain. We ask that if you do not have symptoms or have not been advised to have a test that you don’t book one. At this crucial time, it’s important to not take away a test from someone who may need it. I know many of you have had difficulties booking tests even when you need one, and if you are struggling it is important to self-isolate to prevent the infection spreading. Let’s all continue to work together to stop the spread of the virus and keep everyone in Hounslow safe.

On Monday, over 200 people gathered online for our Borough Recovery Conference, to discuss plans to address the social and economic impact of coronavirus on Hounslow. It was a fantastic opportunity for us to share ideas with our local partners, businesses and community groups. It was also a chance for us to reflect and celebrate the incredible work of individuals and groups across the community that worked so hard to address the challenges of lockdown. You can watch our One Hounslow, Forward Together video, that played at the beginning of the conference which told some of that important story so far. We are now collating all the information discussed at the conference, which will help shape our recovery plans.

This week, we also announced that the Council will be developing our community safety strategy for the next three years, to work with residents to reduce crime and create a stronger, cohesive community. As part of this work to strengthen our community and our commitment to helping the borough recover from coronavirus, we launched the Thriving Community: Hounslow Response Fund to support local groups and charities. This week a new round of funding began, aimed at helping the voluntary and community sector continue to deliver vital projects for residents. Applications for this round of funding can be made until 2 November.

Finally, it is your last chance to have your say on the development of Boston Manor Park’s Arts and Craft Market, set to open in 2021. Your voice and opinions are really valuable to us so please complete the survey before it closes next week (24 September).

Have a great weekend and stay safe.

On Monday, over 200 people from local community groups, businesses, public sector partners and residents attended what is thought to be the first borough-wide recovery conference of any local authority in the UK to help shape a joint vision for Hounslow's recovery through workshops and discussions.

The One Hounslow, Forward Together video played at the beginning of the conference, told some of that important story and acknowledges some of the individuals and groups who went above and beyond to help the local community during lockdown. 

Read more about the virtual Recovery Conference and find out more about the Hounslow Recovery Board programme here.

We have launched the second phase of the Thriving Communities: Hounslow Respond Fund. 

This fund is aimed at helping the voluntary and community sector (VCSE) deliver long term recovery projects for local residents.

The fund enables charities or community groups impacted by coronavirus to apply for grants of up to £50,000. This is the second phase of the three rounds of funding available. Applications for this round can be made until 9am on Monday 2 November 2020.  

Funding is available for projects and services that are delivering support to Hounslow residents most at risk as a result of the outbreak.

Key areas that we are particularly interested in funding are:

• Domestic abuse and violence
• Addressing unemployment or underemployment as a result of coronavirus, including support to find employment, develop skills and retrain
• Projects benefitting London Borough of Hounslow Council tenants and estates
• Support for residents to re-engage with services, activities and everyday life

The fund is open to constituted not-for-profit organisations (e.g. registered charity, company limited by guarantee, unincorporated association or club, community interest company. charitable incorporated organisation).

Read more about the second phase of funding or visit the Thriving Communities: Hounslow Response Fund website.

There is a national issue with testing due to lab capacity to process tests. This means that there is currently a limit on the amount of tests taking place at all testing sites in Hounslow and with home testing as well. We therefore need to prioritise those who need tests, only people with Covid-19 symptoms (fever, new cough, loss or change in taste/smell) should be booking a test.

You should NOT get tested if;

• You have returned from abroad or are about to travel.
• You are returning to the workplace.
• You have been in contact with a confirmed case or if another member of your household has symptoms. You may be advised to isolate if you have been in contact with a confirmed case but you should only get a test if you have symptoms.

We are aware that many people have been unable to get an appointment. If you cannot access a test, please continue to try to book a test online or by calling 119, and continue to isolate in the meantime. This is important to reduce the spread of infection. You will not receive a test without a booking, please do not turn up to a test site without a booking.

Remember, people with Covid-19 symptoms (fever, new cough, loss or change in taste/smell) should be isolating at home and should only leave the house to access testing. They should wear a face covering, and drive or walk to the site and must not use public transport or a taxi.

If you are isolating at home with symptoms or a positive test, there is support available on how to manage symptoms.

Works started this week on a new temporary cycleway along Chiswick High Road following approval by Transport for London (TfL) and Hounslow Council of amended plans to create a safer space for cyclists on this key commuter corridor.

The scheme is part of the Mayor of London, TfL and Hounslow Council’s Streetspace plans to boost walking and cycling and ensure a sustainable recovery from coronavirus. This means that millions more journeys across London could be made by walking and cycling, which is why the Streetspace for London programme is creating the extra space needed for people to walk and cycle safely while distancing.  

The temporary scheme will be reviewed in 2021/22 to determine whether or not to make these changes permanent and feedback is welcomed from users to help inform that decision. 

Read more about the temporary cycleway or to have your say on any of Hounslow’s trial Streetspace schemes please visit haveyoursay.hounslow.gov.uk/traffic-and-transport/streetspace-feedback/

World Car Free Day is being celebrated in cities across the globe and in Hounslow on Tuesday 22 September.

The Mayor and Transport for London are marking the day
as part of their bold plans to tackle London’s toxic air crisis. This year’s campaign will be focused online as part of TfL’s response to the coronavirus pandemic, celebrating Londoners’ stories of walking and cycling

Whether you are scooting to school, cycling to work or walking to the shops, share your journeys with TfL for a chance to win some great
prizes, including:

• GoPro camera bundle.
• Electric Brompton Bicycle.
• Santander Cycle membership for a whole year.
• London Underground socks.
• TfL card games from Gibson Games.
• Tote bags from To Home from London.

To enter, share your content and tag, comment, and hashtag #MyCarFreeTrip on Instagram, or email your entry to Reimagine@tfl.gov.uk.

TfL will be choosing their favourites throughout the campaign. See the MadebyTfL blog for more details, including full terms and conditions.

Santander Cycles will also be offering free hires across London on Car Free Day (22 September) to encourage people to swap a car journey for a bike ride. You can download the free Santander Cycles app and use the code supplied. Customers can also get 25 per cent off a Santander Cycles' annual membership if they sign up on Car Free Day. 

Car Free Day is a great opportunity to take advantage of one of the many Streetspace programmes across the Borough, which are making it safer, easier, and more convenient for people to walk and cycle by changing roads so they work better for everyone.

Read more about Hounslow Streetspace programme and find out how you can make the most of this year's World Car Free Day. 

Hundreds of thousands of #LitterHeroes have been taking to our streets and parks to clean up and protect our environment.

Great British September Clean continues next week until 27 September 2020.

We are thrilled to support this year’s Great British September Clean after the Great British Spring Clean was cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic. 

We are calling on you - our #LitterHeroes - to be part of the pick and do your bit to care for Hounslow’s wonderful parks and open spaces, as we join forces to collect and safely dispose of litter from our country's streets, parks and beaches.

So join us, as we stand together and declare that litter – which degrades the beauty of our environment and threatens to harm wildlife – is not acceptable.

There are two ways you can get involved and show support for our Great British September Clean:

1. Organise a private group clean-up with up to five family & friends
2. Pledge to do your own individual clean-up, you can give as little as 15 minutes to the campaign.

We can provide you with litter picking equipment and arrange to have your separated waste picked up after your event. Please contact Cleaner.Greener@hounslow.gov.uk with details once you have registered your event.

Read more about how you can participate in Hounslow. 

Remember to keep sharing your photos & videos with us on social media to inspire others to love where they live. Together we're spreading awareness of the problems we face and showing how we can make change when we come together! 

Tag @keepbritaintidy #GBSeptemberClean #CleanerGreenerHounslow.

If your child is starting primary school or moving up to Year 7 in September 2021, the application process for places is now open.

The deadline for applications to transfer to secondary school must be submitted by 31 October 2020.

The deadline for applications for primary school is 15 January 2021.

The Schools Admissions Team will be able to offer advice and assistance by phone, on 020 8583 2721/2711 or by email admissions@hounslow.gov.uk

For more information read our brochures for primary and secondary school applications or visit www.hounslow.gov.uk/admissions.

The Council is inviting the public to help shape plans for a new outdoor Arts and Crafts Market at Boston Manor Park by completing an online survey. 

Residents are being asked to share their thoughts on plans for the Arts and Craft Market and on what they would like to see and buy once it opens so that it can be enjoyed by as many people as possible. 

The Arts and Crafts Market is one of several changes underway in Boston Manor Park. In 2017 London Borough of Hounslow was awarded funding by the National Lottery Heritage Fund to restore Boston Manor House. From winter 2021 Boston Manor House will be open to the public six days a week and host a regular programme of events and activities for the community. Read more about the proposed changes. 

The market which will open in 2021 will:

• Celebrate the creative talent of people in Hounslow
• Support local artists, makers and creative businesses by creating opportunities for them to sell their work
• Provide an enjoyable and inspiring destination for visitors from across west London and beyond

To have your say on the development of Boston Manor Park’s Arts and Craft Market please complete the survey.

Dementia can bring challenges for the person and those around them. Coronavirus is making everyday life more difficult. Someone with dementia may feel anxious or lonely. 

Hounslow Adult and Community Education has released a new online course called ‘Dementia Care during the Pandemic’ to teach participants about dementia and provide a wider understanding.

This course will cover:

• The different types of dementia  
• The signs and symptoms of dementia
• How to plan for the future needs of a relative following the diagnosis of dementia

You will need access to the internet along with a camera and microphone.

You are eligible for a free course if you are unemployed, looking for work and in receipt of a means tested benefit or in paid employment & earn less than £20,962 a year

Call 020 8583 6000 to enrol today. 

Find out more at www.hace.ac.uk

Hogarth's House is reopening to visitors on Tuesday 22 September. 

You can now book free timed entry tickets for up to six people. You and up to five others you have identified as part of your household or bubble will have sole access to the historic house for 40 minutes. The only people you will have to socially distance from are the well trained members of staff.

In accordance with government guidance, you are asked to wear a mask while inside Hogarth's House unless exempt.

Due to a redevelopment project, there is currently no step-free access to Hogarth's House, but they are working towards rectifying this as quickly as possible.

To find out more and book tickets click here. 

Bell Square will host Luke Jerram's Gaia, a seven-metre model of Earth, on Saturday 19 September, from 10am to 9pm. 

If you've ever wondered what it might be like to be an astronaut looking back at planet Earth, now's your chance to find out.

Luke Jerram's GAIA is a giant model of the earth featuring 120dpi detailed NASA imagery of the earth’s surface.

It is especially stunning after dark, so why not pop along in the evening and support some of the local restaurants at the same time. 

Find out more information at www.bellsquarelondon.com/

Has your child's school registered for the Virgin Money Giving Mini London Marathon? 

This year the Virgin Money London Marathon will be very different. On Sunday 4 October the world’s best athletes racing on a looped course in St James’s Park live on the BBC, while 45,000 adults across the UK and all over the globe take part in a virtual event – running 26.2 miles, their way, between midnight and 11.59pm, with thousands raising money for charity.

This year, children and schools can also take part by completing 2.6 miles at their own pace between Monday 28 September and Friday 9 October. 

We want as many children as possible to take part in the Virgin Money Giving Mini London Marathon and feel the benefits of an active lifestyle. Being physically active improves health and fitness and supports good mental health and wellbeing.

Fundraising is a fundamental part of the London Marathon and the Virgin Money Giving Mini London Marathon can help raise money for your school. All schools taking part get free registration with Virgin Money Giving’s not-for-profit fundraising platform (normally this would cost £150).

Find out more information on the Virgin Money Giving London Marathon website.

To support people to live healthier lives Public Health England and BBC Get Inspired have developed the Couch to 5k app.

The nine-week activity plan takes you on guided sessions, three times a week with the choice of five different trainers to support and motivate you. 

Every 30 minutes of exercise you do makes a big difference to your physical and mental health. It helps you build confidence, keeps your heart healthy, helps with weight loss and reduces your risk of getting type two diabetes.

The app is great for beginners or anyone who wants to get back into exercise. The app starts you off walking with just a minute of jogging, and builds up your energy and strength from there. You’ll be amazed how far you can go and no equipment or experience is needed.

You can download the app now on ios and android, or for more information click here.

For more handy fitness tips in Hounslow visit www.oneyouhounslow.org/move-more/

We love to hear how residents taking part are getting on and what routes around the Borough you are taking. Share your Couch to 5K journey with us on social media by using the hashtag #Couchto5KHounslow

Why not read Sharon's blog and get inspired. Sharon, has just started her Couch to 5K journey and shares why she downloaded the app and how easy it was to get started and find out why you could do it too.