View this as a web browser

21 May 2021

A message from Cllr Steve Curran on surge testing and increased vaccinations in Hounslow

In our COVID bulletin last night, we explained that Hounslow has been selected by the Government as one of five areas in the country for COVID-19 surge testing and increased vaccination to limit the rise of the new variant of concern. This means we will expand our surge testing and vaccination roll-out programme to increase take-up, beginning on Sunday.

This is a big challenge and we need your help to make it happen.

I have no doubt we will deliver again in every part of the borough. The last 12 months have demonstrated our One Hounslow spirit as we all pulled together to deliver for our communities. This is a moment when we need to come together again and step up for Hounslow.

The details will become clearer over the next few days but there will be an enormous effort from the Council, our partners and our communities. We also need your support, your help and your commitment.  

If you live in the borough, or have friends or family who do, anything you can do to promote vaccination and testing would be appreciated, even if it’s simply talking to your loved ones.

This is literally a call to ‘arms’; we need you to get vaccinated, and we will work to make that easier than ever, making sure you get the information and access you need.

We need you to get tested as soon as you can, and even if you have already been vaccinated, and we will be making that more accessible than ever.

And we need you to keep following the rules. We’re so nearly there, and this is an opportunity to finish the job.

Despite the need for this significant effort to increase testing and vaccine uptake, there is no reason for serious concern and we expect the vast majority of services to run as normal. Our Council and NHS colleagues who have been working tirelessly in our borough’s vaccination effort have been doing a fantastic job, with 130,000 residents already having received their vaccination. These new measures are simply a response to an identified localised risk associated with a specific variant.

I know we have had a tough 14 months, and I am continually inspired and forever grateful for the amazing efforts I have seen from all parts of the borough. We all hope we are nearing the end with this pandemic and will hopefully be able to stick to the Government’s road map. However, for now, we need another push for our communities. 

I have every faith we will all step up for Hounslow.

You can direct people to the dedicated section on our website, which will develop with new information over time - www.hounslow.gov.uk/surge.

Step Up for Hounslow! Surge testing and increased vaccinations in Hounslow

The Secretary of State announced on Wednesday 19 May that surge testing and increased vaccination will be taking place in the London Borough of Hounslow to help tackle new variants of concern.

This is not an immediate cause for serious alarm, but equally it is not a time for complacency.

Starting Sunday 23 May, we will be stepping up our efforts to ensure that both COVID-19 testing and vaccinations across Hounslow are as accessible as possible to all residents, and that information is readily available in several community languages.

We want to make these processes simple and easy for everyone in Hounslow.

This is a community effort – we need you all to play your part, starting with Hounslow West and Hounslow Meadows and other areas soon to follow as we move across the Borough to reach as many people as possible. 

We’ll keep you updated every step of the way but you should all get tested as soon as possible and get vaccinated when you can.

On Sunday 23 May, this where you can:

Get Vaccinated!

Find out if you're eligible and book an appointment via www.nhs.uk or call 119: 

• Brentford Fountain Leisure Centre – 658 Chiswick High Road, Brentford TW8 0HJ - Open 8am - 8pm.  
• One of Hounslow’s five community pharmacy sites: https://www.hounslow.gov.uk/vaccine
   

Get Tested!

This weekend our Mobile Testing Units will be stationed at:  

• The Hub – Salisbury Road, Hounslow TW4 7NW - Open 9am - 3pm 
• Beavers Field Park, Hounslow TW4 7JF - Open 9am - 3pm 
• Bell Road Carpark, Hounslow TW3 3NX - Open 9am - 3pm

We’ll also have testing available at our Local Testing Sites:  

• Brabazon Road Sports Court, Hounslow, TW5 9LR - Open 8am - 8pm 
• Hounslow House – 7 Bath Road, Hounslow TW3 3EB - Open 8am - 4pm 

For additional support please call: 0207 084 9697

You can stay up-to-date with the surge testing and increased vaccination programme over the next five weeks at www.hounslow.gov.uk/surge

32 or older? If you're eligible, find out how to get your vaccine

If you are aged 32 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 32 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.

Changes to the Streetspace trials in Hounslow announced

As part of its listening approach, the Council commissioned independent reviews of the borough’s Streetspace trials last October to assess their impact on traffic and to analyse feedback from residents and businesses. Some 10,000 individuals have taken part in the consultation, both in writing and in a series of online engagement events organised by the Council, including events aimed specifically at businesses.

In response to these reviews, Hounslow Council has decided that:

• The Streetspace trial at Turnham Green Terrace in Chiswick, where through traffic was restricted and parking bays were used to widen the footway, will end. Loading and disabled bays will be retained as trial measures.  
•  The trials at Bath Road in Hounslow West and Devonshire Road in Chiswick, where access for motor vehicles has been restricted, will be determined in the next six weeks following further local engagement to assess whether they should be removed or whether there is support for a community-led plan.  
• The trial outside the George IV pub on Old Market Street in Chiswick, where the footway has been widened, will end.  
• 22 Streetspace trials will progress to the Final Review, which is scheduled to be completed by the end of July, taking into account fresh traffic data collected outside of the last lockdown period to help accurately assess the impact of the measures.

Would you like to learn more about the Reconnecting Boston Manor Park project? Join our next online meeting

A series of exciting improvements are planned for Boston Manor Park. We are  working on infrastructure, improving access, and making the park safer to use. We are also enhancing biodiversity, and telling the story of the park.

If you would like to hear more about the project or if you have a question, please join our next online engagement session on Wednesday 26 May at 7.00pm.

We’ll discuss:

• Security and community safety in Boston Manor Park with the West Area Neighbourhood Police Sergeant

• Followed by Q&A’s hosted by Councillor Guy Lambert

Could you support a child in need this Foster Care Fortnight?

It’s Foster Care Fortnight and Hounslow Council is recruiting foster carers across the borough.

Every 20 minutes another child comes into care needing a foster family. Could you help us make a difference to a child’s life?

Being a foster carer can be a rewarding but often challenging job, so for anyone who may be considering it, but has reservations about taking the next step, The Chiswick Calendar has asked an experienced local foster parent, Maxine, some of the questions which you might want to ask to find out more. Read Maxine's story here.

Could you help us make a difference to a child’s life? Join our information session on Tuesday 25 May from 6.00pm to 7.00pm here.

UEFA Women's Euro 2022 ticket pre-sale launched

UEFA have this week announced the Women's Euro 2022 ticket prices with the Pre-Sale, presented by Visa, opening on 13 July 2021. Anyone who creates a UEFA ticketing account before July 2021 will get priority access to tickets.

There are over half a million tickets available for £25 or less. Brentford Community Stadium will be hosting four games during the tournament next year.

Register below and be part of the biggest women’s sporting event in Europe!

The legacy of the EURO 2022 games will be an upsurge in grassroots football. Find out about upcoming footballing and fitness opportunities for women and girls.

Chiswick School in the running to be Secondary School of the Year

Chiswick School has been shortlisted for the Tes School Awards, Secondary School of the year. The annual award recognises schools that have had exceptional performance in the previous 12 months or experienced rapid improvement, and those that are maintaining continued excellence over a longer period. The judges look for more than academic achievement when shortlisting for this category; schools need to demonstrate innovation, imagination and efforts to develop children in ways that go beyond the league tables. This year’s awards ceremony will be held virtually on Friday 25 June.

Free, fast and confidential psychological support for health and care staff in Hounslow

In response to COVID-19, all NHS staff, volunteers and those providing care to others in the community (including in residential homes) in North West London, as well as London Ambulance Service, have access to free and fast wellbeing and psychological support.

COVID-19 has brought considerable challenges. For example, you may have worries about your own or your family’s health or: 

• Feeling down, depressed or hopeless
• Trouble falling or staying asleep or sleeping too much
• Little interest or pleasure in doing things
• Changes to your appetite
• Feeling tired or having little energy
• Trouble concentrating
• Feeling nervous anxious or on edge
• Worrying too much about different things
• Trouble relaxing
• Becoming easily annoyed or irritable
• Being very afraid of a specific thing (e.g. injections/ needles, certain animals, lifts)

Speak to a wellbeing professionals confidentially by telephone on 0300 123 1705, Live chat on the website or self-refer via email keepingwell.nwl@nhs.net.

Get your child’s voice heard and make a difference

The Children’s Commissioner for England, Dame Rachel de Souza, is launching a once-in-a-generation review of children’s lives. 

It’s called ‘The Childhood Commission’ and it will identify the barriers preventing children reaching their full potential and propose policy solutions to address them.

At its heart is ‘The Big Ask’ – the largest ever consultation held with children.

In this survey, the Children’s Commissioner is asking children and young people what they think is important for their future and what is holding young people back. The Children’s Commissioner will use what children and young people tell her to show the Government what they think and what they need to live happier lives. 

It’s an exciting opportunity to help us think big and it’s a chance for every child in England to have their voice heard.

In Hounslow this will help shape our Children and Young People's strategy 2022.

Free wellbeing support for the young LGBTQ+ community

The Wild Mind Project is offering a safe, confidential space in nature for 16 to 25-year-olds, to share your feelings with like-minded young people who are struggling just like you. 

Nature can help and creative activities give you the chance to express yourself without judgment. Most importantly, you will meet a group of new friends, who can support each other after the programme has finished.

A typical session might include a walk in nature, conservation work or gardening for the first hour. Then a creative activity and talk. You can choose to share your thoughts and experiences if you want to or you can just listen. 

Programmes run for four weeks and are available for young people aged 16-25 who live, work or are in education in the borough of Hounslow. Programmes start on 19 June 2021 and takes place grounds of Hanworth Park House, Feltham, TW13 7EY. For full details and booking information click on the button below or telephone 07515 355796.

Let's Do London kicks off across the capital

The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, launched a new campaign, London Eats to safely support London’s hospitality industry and jobs.

London Eats, the food-focused part of the Let’s Do London campaign to promote central London and protect jobs in the capital, brings together famous chefs and foodies to promote the most exciting food experiences central London has to offer.

London Eats will also be highlighting the huge variety of different food and drink events coming to the capital in the coming months.

Hounslow Council celebrates Middlesex Day

Hounslow Council celebrated Middlesex Day on Sunday 16 May by flying the county’s historic flag.

Middlesex Day is an annual celebration of the triumph of an 1811 battle when the West Middlesex Regiment overcame French troops who were attempting to advance into Portugal during the Peninsular War.

Middlesex Day recalls the history of Middlesex County, a county that incorporated central London and large parts of North West London, including areas like Hounslow.

Although the Middlesex County Council was formally abolished by the London Government Act in 1963, the history of ‘Middle Saxon’ stretches back to 704 when it was first recorded in a Saxon Charter and many people continue to identify with the county and flag today.

The distinctive design of the county flag contains a gold crown and three short-notched seaxes on a red background.

We're switching booking system

The booking system for Space Waye Re-use and Recycling Centre is changing.

If you are booking between the 21-26 May 2021, please continue to use the old booking link here.

To make a booking for 27 May 2021 onwards please use the new West London Waste Authority link here.

You must book before attending the site. 

For alternative re-use and recycling sites visit our website.

Want to be a start-up founder?

You Can Start-Up are offering a free Start your own business course for 16-24-year -olds. 

• You will learn how to start up a business and receive mentoring from a real-life business owner on starting up your dream career as an entrepreneur.
• No need to have any previous experience - just an interest in being a business owner

Course runs from 10.00am to 1.00pm on the 4 June via Zoom. Book now as places are limited.

The course is one of the twelve, free Hounslow Innovate & Growth business support programmes – view all the programmes here.

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.

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.

There are still spaces left for the free family event on Sunday 23 May as part of Urban Tree Festival, hosted by Hogarth's House on Zoom. Two sessions will take place at 3.00pm to 3:30pm and 4.00pm to 4:30pm.

Based around the 350-year-old mulberry tree, Hogarth's House are inviting families with young children to join the virtual 30-minute interactive rhyming and storytelling session.

There is a poem about the tree with actions so families can follow along with us. Join the session and help develop a story about where the tree might have come from.

Remember! Keep testing twice a week

Even when vaccinated there is still a chance people can contract the virus without symptoms and pass it on. If you have been vaccinated, you should still get a Rapid Test twice a week if you don’t have COVID-19 symptoms.

It’s free, quick and easy to do.

Here’s a reminder of all the ways you can access your twice-weekly free rapid tests:

Drop-in at one of our Community Mass Testing sites where our staff are on hand to guide you through the process and to answer any questions you may have:

• 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
• NEW LOCATION: Bedfont Library – Staines Road, Feltham TW14 8DB – Open 8.00am-4.00pm, Mon-Sun

To book online visit: www.hounslow.gov.uk/rapidtest or call to make an appointment: 0207 084 9697

• Keep an eye on our Facebook and Twitter page where we post details about the locations of our Mobile Testing Units.
• Collect up to 2 packs of 7 tests to do at home: find a test site where you can collect rapid tests or find a pharmacy where you can collect rapid tests
• Order rapid test kits to be delivered to your home: Order rapid lateral flow home test kits on GOV.UK

If you do tests at home, you’ll need to report your results online here: Report your test result online or by calling 119. 

Do you run a business and has it been impacted by COVID-19?

We have expanded the financial support available to businesses impacted by COVID-19. If you run a business in Hounslow, there are several Grants available to help you re-build your business and recover from the pandemic. Even if you haven’t received a Grant previously, we may be able to help you. To find out if your business is eligible, simply visit: www.hounslow.gov.uk/covid-business-grants Some grants have limited funding which will be awarded on a first come first served basis, so whilst there’s still time to apply, don’t delay and please help us to spread the word!

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 The Queens Head, a family run pub and restaurant in the heart of Chiswick. 

They deliver a high quality and friendly service for local residents, serving delicious, locally sourced, home-cooked food. 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!