EU Settlement Scheme deadline approaching
 If you're an EU, EEA or Swiss national you must apply online to the EU Settlement Scheme by 30 June 2021.
Act now to maintain your right to live, work and study in the UK.
If you need help with your application, please contact the Hounslow EU settlement service on 0808 278 7830 or email referrals@hounslowcabs.org.uk.
New programme of support launches for Hounslow businesses
Hounslow Council has launched a new programme of support to help businesses recover and grow following the COVID-19 pandemic.
The wide range of free courses and webinars, which cater to different sized businesses and industries, runs from May until June.
Participants can also take advantage of specialist one-to-one support, as well as in-depth tools and advice.
Hounslow Council has partnered with CPG Executive Consulting, Hounslow Chamber of Commerce and Branduin and Smarter Society, to deliver the innovative free programme of support.
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Brentford Together
 Brentford Together is providing residents with free community-led health and wellbeing sessions. Whether you would like to try out a new skill, meet new people or just spend time outdoors, all are welcome.
More information on dates for the sessions and details of how to register can be found on the events page.
To keep up to date with the latest information, visit, like and follow the Brentford Together Facebook page.
Thousands of pounds for deserving voluntary and community groups
Grants up to £300k are up for grabs as the Council launches its second year of the Thriving Communities Fund.
Last year £1,154,008 in total was invested in organisations who helped countless people - and now the Council is hoping the same will be achieved this year.
The grants are available to the voluntary and community sector (VCSE) to help boost projects that will help communities recover from the pandemic.
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Hounslow Council by-elections - results
Madeeha Asim, the Labour Party candidate for Hounslow Heath ward and Devina Ram the Labour Party candidate for Cranford ward have been elected as councillors in the by-elections last week.
4,191 people voted in the Hounslow Heath by-election and 4,092 people voted in the Cranford by-election that were held on Thursday 6 May 2021.
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Take action to tackle Dementia
 The Alzheimer’s Society is the UK’s leading dementia charity. Every year, the Society leads Dementia Action Week, a national event that sees people coming together to take action to improve the lives of people affected by dementia.
800,000 people in the UK are living with dementia, and Alzheimer’s Disease accounts for 520,000 of all cases. One in three of us born in the UK today will go on to develop dementia in our lifetime, and there will be one million people living with dementia by 2025 - making dementia care one of the greatest challenges facing our society. Find out more about understanding dementia.
If you or someone you know is worried about memory loss or dementia, or are a carer for someone who is living with Dementia - remember help and support is available. Find out more about support in the borough here.
Gunnersbury Park Sports Hub membership offer
 Gunnersbury Park Sports Hub is a brand new sports venue offering a variety of facilities and activities for all ages and abilities, operated by Better.
Located a short walk from Acton Town tube station, within Gunnersbury Park, the new venue includes a large gym with dedicated zones, two group exercise studios with automated virtual classes, a large-sized sports hall which includes facilities for handball, futsal, volleyball. The outdoor pitches are available for hire, offering 8 tennis courts and 2 full-size all-weather pitches as well as 10 grass pitches for football, rugby and cricket.
The Hub offers a broad variety of indoor and outdoor sporting activities, fixtures plus lessons and courses for all the local community and we look forward to welcoming you soon.
Better are currently offering an introductory membership of £32.95 per month.
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.
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.
New locations for our rapid test Mobile Testing Units
 If you don’t have COVID-19 symptoms, you can access your FREE rapid tests twice a week by using our Mobile Testing Units. They visit a number of sites across the borough during the week to help everyone return to a more normal way of life. No appointment necessary, please just drop-by!
As the locations of our Mobile Testing Units are subject to change at short notice, you can keep an eye on our Facebook and Twitter page for the very latest details. For example, we now have Mobile Testing Units available at weekends, too and we’re visiting new locations such as Bedfont Lakes and Gunnersbury Park.
38 or older? If you're eligible, find out how to get your vaccine
 If you are aged 38 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.
Please note Brentford Fountain Leisure Centre is now only a drop-in vaccination clinic for everyone aged 18+ from 5:30pm, Monday-Thursday only on a first-come, first-served basis. Unfortunately, we cannot guarantee you a vaccine if you drop in, as the programme operates from the vaccine surplus on any given day.
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 38 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...
Mental Health Awareness Week
 This week is Mental Health Awareness Week (10 – 16 May), a campaign 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.
The events of the last year have impacted everyone differently and if you've been struggling, you're not alone.
Manage your down days by chatting to a friend, challenging unhelpful thoughts and staying active. Every Mind Matters has a range of expert advice, mood-boosters and helpful suggestions for looking after your mental health.
The Council also has a range of mental health and wellbeing support available to help keep your mind well. Please head to our website or search 'Hounslow mental health support' for more information.
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