Take part in The Big Ask - the biggest ever survey of children and young people in England
The Big Ask, organised by the Children's Commissioner, is a survey for children and young people aged 4–17 in England.
This is the chance for young people to have their say on the things that matter to them.
The survey will ask what your life is like, what you want in the future, and anything you think is holding you back.
The responses will be used to tell the people who run the country or your local area what you think needs to change to make your life better.
The survey is split into different age groups, so you can fill in a version appropriate for your age. It has also made easy-read ‘accessible’ versions as well as a version for care leavers.
Mental Health Awareness Week
We are supporting Mental Health Awareness Week between 10 – 16 May 2021. The national event is supported by the Mental Health Foundation to raise awareness of this important issue that we often shy away from talking about. Mental health difficulties can affect anyone, at any age and at any time in their lives. It has been especially hard during the pandemic, with life changing rapidly for us all.
This year’s theme is ‘Nature’ and how connecting with the natural world can support good mental health. Research by the Mental Health Foundation, shows that going for walks outside was one of our top coping strategies during the pandemic, with 45 per cent of people saying that being in green spaces had been vital for their mental health.
Three things you could do next week to mark the event:
- Experience nature: take time to recognise and grow your connection with nature during the week. Take a moment to notice and celebrate nature in your daily life. You might be surprised by what you notice.
- Share nature: Take a photo, video or sound recording and share the connections you have made during the week, to inspire others. Join the discussion online on how you are connecting with nature by using the hashtags #ConnectWithNature #MentalHealthAwarenessWeek
- Talk about nature: use online tips, research and policy guides to discuss in your family, school, workplace and community how you can help encourage people to find new ways to connect with nature in your local environment.
Remember it is OK to not feel OK. You are not alone and support and is available across the borough. Visit the CarePlace website or the Council webpage to find the support for you.
Lampton Leisure indoor group exercise classes coming soon!
As part of the next step in the Government’s roadmap, Lampton Leisure are preparing for the launch of their group exercise classes from Monday 17 May 2021. With classes ranging from Pilates to Spin, Zumba to Body Combat and even Aquafit – there’s something to suit all ages and abilities!
Booking will be available from next week so download the Lampton Leisure app and secure your space from the 17 May. All sessions are available to members and 'pay as you go' users. If you would like to become a member join today and pay nothing until June!
Please ensure you keep pulling your weight and help us help you to keep our local communities safe.
Sign Language service launched to mark Deaf Awareness Week
To mark Deaf Awareness Week, Hounslow Council has launched a new British Sign Language (BSL) service to make accessing Council services easier for residents who are deaf and hard of hearing.
Working with SignLive, the Council will pilot an online BSL interpretation service that residents can use to contact the council via telephone, attend meetings via video conferencing platforms such as Zoom or communicate face-to-face when COVID-19 restrictions allow.
Initially the SignLive service will be offered as a pilot within Adult Social Care and the Community Support Hub. The Council hopes to extend the free service to other departments once the pilot is complete.
The deaf and hard of hearing community face many communication barriers which can increase isolation and impact mental health. The Council hopes the new service will remove a barrier and encourage further changes in the borough.
The new service can be accessed via an app on your mobile, tablet or via the web on your laptop. Watch this BSL video which outlines how to access, register and use the service.
Hard Calls Save Lives
It can be daunting to pass on information about knife crime. You might be unsure what information is useful or what happens to it. But there are harder calls.
Like the call Lorraine J (pictured above) had to make when her son Dwayne was murdered.
Crimestoppers are not the police. They are an independent charity who provide a safe place for people to speak up about a crime.
Anything you report to Crimestoppers is 100 per cent anonymous. Crimestoppers has an anonymity guarantee, which has never been broken.
When you make a call, a specially trained call agent will support you, without judgement. They won’t ask how you’ve obtained the information.
It may feel like a hard call, but your call could stop someone else’s son or daughter being killed.
Call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or report online. Search ‘Hard Calls Save Lives’.
When will the election results be announced?
Results from Mayor of London, London Assembly are expected throughout the weekend and the Council By-elections in Cranford and Hounslow Heath ward are expected tomorrow.
For Hounslow Council by-election results please look out for the result to be published on our website or social media channels.
You can follow the Mayor of London and London Assembly results on the London Elects website.
Try Before You Cargo Bike
Have you thought about taking up cycling, but want to give it try before you commit to buying a bike? Have you considered cycling to change-up your daily exercise routine?
Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been a sharp increase in the demand for bikes. Across London, many people are now using bikes as a new way of travel – meaning they can avoid public transport while keeping fit.
To make cycling more accessible to you and to give you the opportunity to try before you commit to purchasing a bike, the Council is working in partnership with Peddle My Wheel to deliver a 'Try Before You Bike Scheme'.
Cargo bikes are now available for families and businesses to try with a one month free trial offer for Hounslow residents. Cargo bikes are a great way to carry children, shopping or deliveries for your business.
Opportunity to take part in a Leisure and Culture focus group
The Council is working with research partners The Audience Agency to find out more about the activities that people in Hounslow are taking part in. Even if you don't take part in any leisure activities within the Borough, we would still like to hear from you. This is an opportunity to share your thoughts and help shape the future of the local area.
To do this, we are conducting online discussion groups which will take place via video call. It will be a relaxed and informal conversation with up to eight other people, which will last for a maximum of 90 minutes. You will not need to prepare for the group, we just want to hear your honest opinions.
If you are chosen to take part, you will receive £35 as a thank you for your time. The deadline to sign up is 9.00 am on Monday 10 May.
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Move More, Make Friends, Great for Body and Mind!
Feel Good Fitness is a range of activities to help support you to better health. Each fitness session is delivered by experienced trainers and coaches and will include practical tips to help support your wellbeing.
Adam, Feel Good Fitness Football participant said: “I would definitely recommend these sessions and would advise anyone with doubt over joining in to give them a go. They are fun, and you learn new skills to manage your life as well as getting fit."
Learn about mindfulness, stress management, challenging unhelpful habits, and how to boost your mood! Choose a free session that’s right for you.
Chiswick High Road Antique and Vintage Market this weekend
The first of the monthly Antique and Vintage street markets on Chiswick High Road, will take place this weekend, Sunday 9 May, from 9.00am until 3.00pm.
Over 40 antique and vintage traders will be on offer to browse. If you can't make this weekend, the market is set to return on 13 June.
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May half-term family fun at the London Transport Museum Depot in Acton Town
The London Transport Museum Depot opens its doors for half-term family fun on Saturday 29 and Sunday 30 May, and from Wednesday 2 to Sunday 6 June.
Families visiting the museum will have the opportunity to explore the historic depot, including buses, vintage Tube trains and see other objects from London's transport past.
Activities for families will also include creating a board game inspired by the historic vehicles and objects to play at home. Children will also receive a special activity pack that includes a craft kit to make during their visit and a creative take-away activity.
Timed entries begin from 10.00am each day. Adult tickets cost £15 and £7.50 for children (under aged 3 go free).
All tickets must be booked online in advance and by booking before 11 May, visitors can receive 20 per cent off.
Our Feltham rapid test site is moving!
Have you heard? Next week, we’re moving the location of our rapid test site in Feltham from Staines Rugby Club to Bedfont Library.
Staines Rugby Club will close as a rapid test site at 4.00pm on Tuesday 11 May, but you can still drop-in or book before then to get your free rapid test there. We would like to thank the Rugby Club for their support over the past few months and to also thank everyone who has used the venue to get their free rapid tests twice a week.
Our new site will open at 11.00am on Wednesday 12 May at Bedfont Library – Staines Road, TW14 8DB. It will subsequently be open seven days a week between 8.00am-4.00pm (Mon-Sun). Enter the door at the far left of the building for your twice-weekly free rapid tests. The main entrance will be for the library only, which will continue to be open as normal.
There are no changes to our other testing sites at:
- Heston Library – New Heston Road, Hounslow TW5 0LW – Open 6.30am-7.30pm Mon-Fri, or 8.00am-4.00pm Sat/Sun
- Hounslow House – 7 Bath Road, Hounslow TW3 3EB – Open 8.00am-4.00pm, Mon-Sun
- Isleworth Library – Twickenham Road, Isleworth TW7 7EU – Open 8.00am-4.00pm, Mon-Sun
Simply drop-in at a time that suits you seven days a week, or book an appointment online or call 0207 084 9697.
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40 or older? If you're eligible, find out how to get your vaccine
If you are aged 40 or over, are clinically vulnerable, a frontline worker or a carer, you can now book your COVID-19 vaccination through the NHS website even if you haven’t yet received a letter. Appointments are available at sites across the borough and also Ealing, Wembley and Hammersmith.
Appointments are required beforehand for all vaccination sites except Brentford Fountain Leisure Centre.
We are aware of other scam messages circulating – please ignore them. The NHS will never ask you for money or your bank details for your vaccination – it is free.
You can book an appointment now if:
- you are aged 40 or over
- you are at high risk from coronavirus (clinically extremely vulnerable)
- you are an eligible frontline health or social care worker
- you have a condition that puts you at higher risk (clinically vulnerable)
- you have a learning disability
- you are a main carer for someone at high risk from coronavirus
You can book appointments at a larger vaccination centres or a pharmacy that provides COVID-19 vaccinations.
Please make sure you plan your journey responsibly to allow for as much social distancing as possible.
And finally...
Share your favourite high street shops with us!
We are proud of our borough and want to celebrate all the great things it offers! We are calling for residents to share their favourite photos with us.
This week we are celebrating our wonderful local businesses that have recently reopened their doors.
Here is our photo of the week from Las Fierbinti Patisserie and Bakery, Kingsley Road in Hounslow.
Why not pop in and sample one of their cakes or freshly baked bread and help support a friendly, family run business. By giving it your support you are helping a local family business.
For more on #ShopSafeShopLocal and to see our support toolkits for businesses and hospitality, please visit our website.
Join the conversation on social media using the hashtag #HounslowPhotos on Facebook or Twitter and remember Hands, Face, Space and Fresh Air!
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