We're giving out free plants in Feltham
 Local community group Feltham in Bloom has entered into the annual London in Bloom competition, in partnership with Hounslow Council to make a positive difference to our local communities. This is part of the Council's commitment to making Feltham, and other areas in our borough, cleaner and greener.
The London in Bloom campaign is the largest horticultural campaign in London, involving hundreds of communities each year. Participating communities create lasting improvements to their local environment for the benefit of those that live, work and visit there, today and in the future.
Feltham in Bloom's entry includes Feltham Pond, Bridge House Pond, Victoria School and The Centre and the judging will take place on Monday 19 July.
In celebration of this, between 11.00am and 12.30pm, we are giving out free plants in Feltham High Street to residents.
For more information watch this video by Cllr Hanif Khan, Cabinet Member for Transport and One Hounslow.
Face coverings to remain compulsory on all Transport for London services
 This week, the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan requested that Transport for London (TfL) keep the wearing of face coverings compulsory on all of its services when the existing national legal requirement finishes on 19 July.
Passengers on all TfL services would need to continue to wear a face covering in stations and for the duration of their journey unless they are exempt. This would include the Tube, bus, tram, DLR, Overground and TfL Rail.
Registration Services Goes Digital
 Hounslow Council’s Registration Services has gone digital meaning residents can now book appointments to register Births, Deaths and Notice of Marriage or Civil Partnerships simply by visiting the council’s website.
Once booked they will be sent confirmation of their appointment via text and/or email with a reminder of any documentation they need to bring for the appointment.
As well as booking appointments, people will be able to make payments in advance for the services and any additional certificates they may need.
Residents will also be able to cancel and rebook appointments without the need to call using the link provided in the email and text.
A telephone service will remain in use to help and support people through the appointment booking process.
Free Outdoor Community Sessions with Lampton Leisure
 Lampton Leisure are hosting a range of free outdoor sessions for residents to try out new activities. There are lots of activities for all ages and abilities on offer.
These sessions will be available every week for 6 weeks until 2 August.
Meet the team at Osterley for some athletics, netball or a fun-filled family sports day; or visit Heston for an over 50’s health walk, or bring the kids down to Hanworth for a family fitness day.
Everyone and anyone can take part, you do not need to be a Lampton Leisure member. Simply visit the Lampton website or download the Lampton Leisure app, register for an account and head to the relevant centre where the session is held to book your sessions. Bookings are available 7 days in advance.
‘Cancer won’t wait’ launched in North West London
 The NHS has launched a new campaign across North West London called ‘Cancer won’t wait’.
Since the start of the pandemic the number of people taking up screening appointments and attending their referral appointments has markedly dropped.
The Council and NHS are encouraging people to come forward for screening when invited and to speak to their GP if they notice any unusual changes in their body without delay.
Whether you or a loved one has a routine appointment, or a potential cancer symptom, our message is clear – you are not a burden, we are here to safely care for you so please don't delay, come forward as you usually would.
Cancer won’t wait. The NHS can see you safely.
Shining a light on Mental Health and Mental Illness
 This month we are shining a spotlight on Mental Health 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.
Our goal is to connect people together to discuss improving mental health and also to signpost individuals to the correct support and services for them. We would like to highlight as many fantastic organisations and services as we possibly can, as well as letting people know how they can seek support. These include local Hounslow organisations and services as well as nationally.
The hardest part is taking the first few steps. Be brave and start a meaningful conversation with a friend, family member or colleague or reach out to any one of the Mental Health organisations or services. Remember you are not alone - support and help is available.
Are you a local business owner? We want to help you build back stronger
As part of our ShopLocal campaign we are supporting the borough’s town centres and shopping parades and encouraging residents to shop locally.
If you are a local business owner and want to know how to raise your profile in the local area, increase footfall to your business and encourage residents to shop locally then get in touch.
Find out how we can help your business recover from the pandemic.
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Support for Hounslow businesses extended
Hounslow Council has extended its 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, run to 31 July.
Sessions next week include:
- How To Start A Business - 20 July, 10.00am – 11.00am
- Make Peace With Money - 20 July, 12.00pm – 1.00pm
- Power Networking, Innovate and Grow - 21 July, 12.00pm – 1.00pm
- Getting Your Social Media Right - 22 July, 12.00pm– 1.00pm
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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Connexions Summer Workshops
This Summer, the Hounslow Connexions service will be hosting weekly Summer Workshops to support young people plan their next steps after GCSEs, BTECs or A-levels. The sessions will help students unlock their path into education, employment or training.
- 27 July - Using LinkedIn for job searches. 2.00pm to 3.00pm
- 3 August - Using the STAR technique for interviews and applications preparation. 2.00pm to 3.00pm
- 10 August - Brentford Football Club Community Sports Trust overview of what they offer and an opportunity to sign-up for future traineeships. 2.00pm to 3.00pm
- 17 August - West Thames College overview of what courses are on offer and how to apply for them. 2.00pm to 3.00pm
- 24 August - Skills Training UK overview of what they offer and an opportunity to sign-up for future training courses. 2.00pm to 3.00pm
- 31 August - Advice on applying for Traineeships and Apprenticeships. 2.00pm-3.00pm
These workshops are an opportunity to get some practical information, advice and guidance from local training providers.
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Hounslow’s Hogarth House to host 'Greatest Female Artist'
Hogarth’s House, which is managed by the Council is hosting a special exhibition by artist Paula Rego, described in The Times this year as 'Britain’s Greatest Female Artist'.
The free entry exhibition, of some 42 works, will run from July 20 to November 26, 2021, at Hogarth’s House.
The works include original printing plates made by the artist and ‘The Wine Series’ - six never-seen-before prints which are to be given to Hogarth House.
The exhibition will include a range of works from throughout Rego's career and explore her admiration for Hogarth’s work and its influence on her own. Hogarth has always been one of Dame Paula’s favourite artists and he has been a big influence on her own work.
This will be the first special exhibition on display at the House after the completion of the Mulberry Garden project which has seen the garden redesigned and a new learning space, the Weston Studio added to the site.
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Grab a taste of Cheesewick this weekend
Chiswick Cheese Market returns this Sunday, 18 July, from 9.30am to 3.00pm.
Take a visit and check out the new cheese inspired by the market, Cheesewick, a truffled brie made in Buckinghamshire. Limited stock is available so be sure to arrive early.
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Party on the Pier
Party on the Pier is a showcase of what the charities based at Chiswick Pier have to offer, and an introduction to river-based activities. Party on the Pier is taking place on 25 July from 11.00am to 4.00pm.
The charities based at Chiswick Pier will be showing their work and the activities they run throughout the year.
Chiswick Pier Canoe Club, who operate from the Trust on Sundays, are offering canoe taster sessions which are appropriate for young people aged over 14, as well as adults.
The Thames Explorer Trust has a River Dipping Session at 11 am, which is a guided exploration of the foreshore.
The RNLI will have information about its work, and souvenir stand.
The Sea Cadets will have a stall where little ones can practice catching plastic ducks, and adults and children can enter a tombola. You can find out the sort of activities and training the Sea Cadets offer young people, and meet some of the current recruits.
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Summer holidays at the London Transport Museum
London Transport Museum is offering a range of school-holiday activities this summer that will encourage families to think about how transport shapes life in the Capital and how they can envision a greener city.
From navigating an urban trail that winds around the Museum to discovering Aladdin's cave full of artefacts from London's transportation history at the Museum Depot, there is always something new and interesting to learn about different ways to tackle climate changes together.
Discover how we can make London a greener city by participating in a wide range of interactive activities, exploring environmental concerns and figuring out ways we can all make a difference.
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Brentford FC Community Sports Trust launch brand new employability programmes
Starting this summer, Brentford Community Sports Trust is launching new programmes aimed at 16 to 24-year-olds, to enhance the skills and opportunities for young people from disadvantaged backgrounds, exploring and supporting individuals with the transition from education into employment or further training.
Summer Start-Up is an 8-day employability programme to assist young people aged 16 to 18, to gain further knowledge and skills to help them navigate their next steps and journey into either education, training, or employment.
The Summer Start-Up programme includes a range of qualifications including peer mentoring, sports leaders, and employability with participants also able to complete short courses in talent identification, safeguarding, and CPR. In addition, the Summer Start-Up programme includes workshops on increasing self-esteem and self-confidence, providing vital strategies to help make the transition both enjoyable and productive. Upon completion of the programme, participants will also receive further support opportunities for their future.
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How to access your free rapid test
 We’re going to be making some changes to how you can access FREE rapid testing if you don’t have COVID-19 symptoms.
To stay up to date, please continue to keep an eye on our website, our Twitter page or our Facebook page for more information.
For now, you can still get your FREE rapid test 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
- Bedfont Library – Staines Road, Feltham TW14 8DB – Open 8.00am-4.00pm, Mon-Sun
Simply walk-in, book online: www.hounslow.gov.uk/rapidtest or call to make an appointment: 0207 084 9697.
You can also:
If you do tests at home, you’ll need to report your results online here: Report your test result online or by calling 119.
Get vaccinated!
 This weekend and next week you can get your vaccination in Hounslow with no appointment required at:
Saturday 17 July
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Brentford Fountain Leisure Centre 8.30am- 7.30pm. 658 Chiswick High Rd, Brentford TW8 0HJ
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Cranford Community College 10am- 6pm. Cranford Community College, Hounslow, TW5 9PD
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Heathfield Junior School 10am – 6pm. Heathfield Junior School, Cobbett Rd, Heathfield, TW2 6EN
Sunday 18 July
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Cranford Community College 10am-6pm. Cranford Community College, Hounslow, TW5 9PD.
Friday 23 July
West Middlesex University Hospital 9.30am-1.30pm
Maternity vaccination clinic - you'll be able to walk-in or book to discuss having a vaccine with a clinician, or get your vaccine on the day.
Or book an appointment via www.nhs.uk or call 119.
18 or older? If you're eligible, find out how to get your vaccine
 If you are aged 18 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.
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 18 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.
Free visit to Stamford Bridge this weekend - Get your first or second vaccine dose
 On Saturday 17 July, Stamford Bridge will be turned into a vaccination venue for residents of North West London. Please note that if you are booking for your second vaccination, at least eight weeks must have passed since your first vaccination.
This vaccination event, will give eligible residents the opportunity to have their first dose of the vaccination without delay.
And finally...
Share your best photos of the borough
 We are calling on residents to share their best photographs of the borough. It could be of the beautiful parks and green spaces, like the image above of Boston Manor Park.
Or it might be of your favourite local business or a hidden gem that no one else knows about. Restrictions are lifting on Monday 19 July and its a chance for us all to go out and explore the best parts of Hounslow.
Share your photos with us via our Twitter or Facebook pages and we might even use the best one as our new banner.
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