Hounslow Matters Newsletter: 29 January 2021

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London Borough of Hounslow
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                                  29 January 2021

Hounslow! Your NHS needs you!

Your NHS needs you!

The NHS has started the biggest vaccination programme in its history. The COVID-19 vaccine will save lives and you could be part of it!

We’re working with the local NHS to recruit for COVID-19 vaccinators.

Find a role


Beware of vaccine fraud

Be Alert to Vaccine fraud

The COVID-19 vaccine is rolling out to the most vulnerable people now and the NHS will continue to invite residents to get their vaccine. 

During this time it is important to alert to vaccine fraud.

The NHS will never ask for payment or your bank details. The NHS will also never arrive unannounced at your door or ask you to prove your identity by sending copies of your personal documents.

If you receive a call you believe to be fraudulent, hang up.

If you are suspicious about an email you have received, forward it to report@phishing.gov.uk.

Suspicious text messages should be forwarded to the number 7726 which is free of charge.

Report fraud or identity theft directly to Action Fraud.

More information


Have you taken our COVID-19 survey?

Survey

We have been running a short COVID-19 survey over the past fortnight to find out how the pandemic impacted you and your family. Hundreds of residents have already taken part, but we would like to hear from you, too.

We are especially keen to make sure the responses are representative of all residents, so we want to hear more form BAME residents.

It will only take a couple of minutes for you to complete the survey. Your feedback will help us to improve the support we are providing to Hounslow residents.

Complete the survey


Last chance to share your views on Streetspace

Streetspace Hounslow

We are still consulting on Hounslow's Low Traffic Neighbourhood and Streetspace schemes, which we are trialling across the borough.

The feedback gained will help determine the future of the schemes and will be considered alongside data for road safety, air quality and traffic.

We have held 9 consultations meetings to provide an opportunity for residents across the borough to learn more about the trials, ask questions and express views.

Residents can still share their views in writing. The deadline for written submissions is 31 January 2021. You can submit your contribution to the consultation online.

More information


Warning: events under national lockdown

Weddings and funerals advice

This is a reminder that under the current guidelines, events where the public gather in person should not be taking place except under very limited circumstances.

  • Funerals of up to 30 are permitted.
  • Weddings of up to 6 are permitted in exceptional circumstances.
  • Wakes and other linked ceremonials of up to 6 are permitted.

The police can take action against you if you meet in larger groups. This includes breaking up illegal gatherings and issuing fines (fixed penalty notices).

It is more important than ever to stay at home, keep your family and yourself safe and help protect the NHS. 

We all need to act responsibly, think of others and play our part to keep ourselves and the most vulnerable safe.

As well as following the national rules, it’s also important we all keep doing the basics - wear a face covering, wash your hands regularly and keep a 2m distance from others.

View all the rules


Residents struggling to afford basics during COVID-19 urged to apply for grants

COVID-19 grants

Hounslow Council is urging residents struggling to make ends meet during the pandemic to apply for help and assistance to buy basics such as food.

Anyone living in Hounslow can apply for assistance and will be awarded support if they meet the criteria. Each grant scheme has its own criteria which applicants should review before applying.

There is a range of support options, including the Local Authority Emergency Assistance Grant, Self-Isolation payments, Discretionary Local Crisis Payments. Residents can apply online or call Hounslow Council’s advice line on 0208 583242.

More information


It’s now even easier to get a rapid test

Mass COVID-19 testing

We have opened a new rapid test site at Staines Rugby Club in Feltham and introduced new mobile units to make access to testing even easier for everyone.

Around 1 in 3 people with COVID-19 have no symptoms but can still unknowingly infect other people. If you do not have COVID-19 symptoms, make sure you are getting tested regularly.  

Rapid testing is available for anyone over the age of 18, who still needs to go out for work and who needs free, quick and regular testing.

You can now get a rapid test at:

  • Hounslow House
  • Heston Library
  • Isleworth Library

Simply drop-in at a time that suits you between 8am-4pm, seven days a week, or book an appointment online www.hounslow.gov.uk/rapidtest or call 0207 084 9697.

Pre-booked appointments only are also available at: Staines Rugby Club.

All sites are dedicated to rapid COVID-19 tests and are therefore not operating their regular services under Government guidelines.

You can find out more about the work of our new mobile testing units by following us @LBofHounslow (Twitter) and London Borough of Hounslow (LinkedIn and Facebook).

Book now


Got COVID-19 symptoms? Get tested now

COVID-19 symptom testing

It is vital to get tested if you think you have COVID-19 symptoms. Remember, you must self-isolate until you get a negative result. 

range of COVID-19 tests are available - you can:

  • Order a home test kit 
  • Go to a local walk-through test centre in Feltham and Heston, or 
  • Visit a Mobile Testing Site

You can't access a test without booking in advance online or by calling 119.

More information


Taking action in the borough to uphold animal welfare

Animal Welfare

A warrant was executed at a property in Heston on Thursday 21st January 2021 by Hounslow Animal Control, Animal Protection Services, and the Metropolitan Police.

The joint operation relates to a proactive dog breeding licensing investigation, and an investigation into ear cropping offences under section 5 of the Animal Welfare Act 2006. 12 dogs were seized under the Animal Welfare Act, with an estimated value of £80k.

All dogs have been moved to safety where they will be cared for while the investigation continues into this case.

Hounslow is proud of the multiagency work to uphold animal rights in the borough. The case was featured in the Daily Mirror.

More information


Full steam ahead to deliver Hounslow’s green recovery

Cleaner Greener Borough

Hounslow Council has unveiled ambitious plans to stimulate the green economy, create jobs and communities of the future, and make Hounslow a carbon neutral borough.

Plans include the creation of a Green Enterprise Zone that will grow the ‘green economy’, bringing investment into the borough and creating jobs.

This will be supported by a Green Skills Academy that will kick-start a new generation of workers who will make Hounslow’s ambition to become a low carbon borough a reality.

These are just some of the ambitious plans set out in the Council’s Green Recovery Strategy that was approved at a recent Cabinet meeting. The green recovery strategy is the culmination of work which began last summer as part of the Council’s response to the pandemic.

Find out more


Hounslow Council’s ‘cautious welcome’ for Imperial Air Quality report

Hounslow

Hounslow Council has cautiously welcomed a report into the impact of air quality on deaths in Hounslow, published on Monday 25 January.

The new study from Imperial College London assesses the health impacts of London Mayor Sadiq Khan’s air quality policies and updates the estimated deaths attributable to current air pollution levels in London.

The report shows that, across the capital, the Mayor’s air quality policies and wider improvements in air pollution will help increase the average life expectancy of a child born in London in 2013 by six months.

However, the report also suggests that despite significant improvements, levels of air pollution in London are still too high.

Hounslow is committed to implementing measures to tackle Climate Emergency and Air Quality, and to improve the whole environment for residents.

Residents are encouraged to sign up to receive free air quality alerts: airTEXTs give forecasts for pollution, UV, grass pollen and temperature. When air pollution is higher than normal, the information can help you decide whether it’s safer to stay indoors to protect your health. airTEXTs are available by email, text, voicemail or the app.

More information


Play your part in Census 2021

Census 2021

Hounslow Council is urging residents to take part in the census this year which will be held on 21 March 2021.

The census is a survey for everyone run by the Office for National Statistics (ONS), taking place every ten years. It provides a snapshot of all persons and households in England and Wales to help to plan and fund public services.

In Hounslow this information helps to inform decisions on services that shape the future of the borough such as healthcare, education, doctor’s surgeries, cycle lanes and transport.

The census will be run primarily online, making it easy for most people to complete the questionnaire on any device – whether that be a computer, a mobile phone or a tablet. Local Census support centres will be offering help, while paper questionnaires will be available for those who need them. All census staff will operate in line with the Government’s latest COVID-19 guidance.

More information


Tell us about your neighbourhood!

Tell us about your neighbourhood

We need your feedback about your local area, what makes it special, what you do and don’t like about it and the activities you undertake in different parts of the borough. The feedback you provide will help us understand what contributes to an area’s special character and how future improvements can enhance the design quality and character.

Start the survey


Would you like a chance to ask the experts?

Area Forum

As cases of COVID-19 are still very high, Hounslow Public Health Officers and Representatives will be joining us live at the Isleworth and Brentford Area Forum to talk about COVID-19 and the impact on the borough.

Join us live on Thursday 4 February at 5.30pm for the Isleworth and Brentford Area Forum.

You will have a chance to ask questions so get involved in the relevant area forum for you and submit your questions beforehand

For your next local area forum please visit our area forums page.

More information


Share your thoughts and feelings throughout Lockdown with Talk Café

Talk Cafe

As part of Hounslow Adult and Community Education, the Learn Hounslow team have introduced their first ever Talk Café.

The Talk Café was designed in response to the pandemic. It is an online forum for participants to meet regularly as a group to express their thoughts and feelings during Lockdown.

The aim behind Talk Café is to build new connections, make friendships and reduce the feeling of loneliness. 

If you would like to enrol onto the Talk Café course, contact the Hounslow Adult and Community Education team today.

Email courses@hounslow.gov.uk or phone 0208 583 6000.

More information


Applications for the Royal Veterinary College Summer Schools are now open

Summer School at the RVC

Applications for the Royal Veterinary College (RVC) 2021 Summer Schools, including the RVC Sutton Trust Summer School, are now open for students in Year 10, Year 11 and Year 12. The programme will offer the opportunity to gain experience of what it is like to study animal science careers including Veterinary Medicine, Biosciences and Veterinary Nursing.

Taking place between July and August 2021, the three RVC Summer Schools offer students first-hand insight into what it is like to study at the internationally renowned RVC. As part of this, participants will get involved with online lectures, virtual practical demonstrations, and question and answer sessions with world-leading researchers.

Residents can sign up online or contact the RVC Outreach Team on outreach@rvc.ac.uk

Find out more


Feel Good Fitness

Feel good fitness

Funding from Sport England is helping to deliver a new fitness programme with practical tips to support mental wellbeing. In partnership with London Sport, IAPT, local community groups and Brentford Community Sports Trust, free instructor led physical activity sessions are available for a range of abilities.

Learn about mindfulness, stress management, challenging unhelpful habits, and how to boost your mood.

All sessions will be delivered online at this time, with support from IAPT services (West London NHS).

Sign up now


Street Tag School winners announced

Street Tag

Over 20 schools signed up to Street Tag back in September, encouraging pupils and their families to get active whilst collecting points for their school. During the pilot, over 100 million steps were taken by Hounslow families and Schools playing the game and residents walked, ran, and cycled over 110,000 miles with Street Tag- that’s the equivalent of over four times around the world. 

Strand on the Green Junior School, Strand on the Green Infant and Nursery, Edison Primary and Belmont Primary took the top spots, winning sports vouchers for their school.

Staff at Edison Primary School said “Children, Parents, and staff loved taking part in the street tag challenge. It was a brilliant reason to be outside exploring the local area while exercising.” Well done to all the participating families in this pilot season.

More ways to stay active


Last chance to share your views on Hounslow Matters

Hounslow Matters survey

Our Hounslow Matters magazine is delivered to all residents four times a year. We want to make sure that it provides you with information you care about.

We want to get your views on its design, content, length - everything. The survey closes on Sunday 31 January.

Complete the survey


Latest information

If you think you know someone who’d like to receive this e-newsletter, forward it on and they can subscribe here. 

The Council has a coronavirus advice webpage which is updated daily with the latest local information for residents and businesses. 

Advice in accessible formats and different languages

You can also follow us on social media using the links below. 

The latest information on coronavirus in general is available on the Government’s website. 

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