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14 September 2021

Important update on how we can stay safe this autumn and winter

Earlier this afternoon, the Prime Minister set out the Government’s plan for managing COVID-19 this autumn and winter.

Everyone has been urged to continue acting responsibly to help protect ourselves, our loved ones and the NHS by getting vaccinated as soon as possible. Additionally, making these important behaviours part of our daily lives will help to reduce transmission of the virus:

• Let in fresh air wherever possible

• Wear face coverings, especially in crowded places

• Get tested and isolate if required

• Stay home when unwell

• Wash hands regularly

• Continue to use the NHS Test & Trace COVID-19 app to report test results

By doing these things, we can all help to reduce the chance of any mandatory measures being re-introduced by the Government in the near future.

As part of the Government’s plan, the Prime Minister also confirmed that 12-15 year olds will be offered vaccinations to support their physical health, mental health and for the benefit of their education.

It was also confirmed that those aged 50 and above, as well as those deemed most at risk, will be offered a booster vaccination to reduce the risk of hospitalisations and deaths.

Stay updated via this newsletter as more details are announced and at our Take Care hub.  

Read the Government's Autumn-Winter 2021 COVID-19 plan

Looking for something new to get involved in? Volunteer at Hogarth's House

If you've got some extra time or are looking to boost your CV, volunteering is a great way to get out of the house, get involved with your community and look after your mental health.

Volunteering at Hogarth’s House means joining an enthusiastic team dedicated to connecting our community with the House, the stories of its residents and the heritage of our Mulberry Garden.

There are a several volunteering opportunities across the site including: 

• Garden Volunteer - Do you have a green thumb or just enjoy being outdoors? Join the Garden Volunteer Team supporting the Mulberry Garden. 
• Front of House Volunteer - A key part of a warm welcome at Hogarth's House, the Front of House Team help make every visit enjoyable. 
• Learning Volunteer, Schools and Families - A whole new programme has been developed specifically for younger visitors. Help welcome this new audience to Hogarth's House.
• Learning Volunteer, Adults and Events - Do you work during the week, but still want to get involved? Events are held in the evenings and on weekends. 

Register your interest by emailing the Learning and Engagement Manager Elizabeth Bryan via Elizabeth.Bryan@hounslow.gov.uk.

All applicants are welcome, no training or specialist knowledge is required. All volunteers receive an induction, training and regular support to volunteer effectively and meet their personal goals. 

Free gym passes - it's time to move with Lampton Leisure!

Autumn is a great time to find your perfect fitness routine just before the cooler months come in and what better time to do it than at your local leisure centres.

This month Lampton Leisure are offering you the opportunity to register for a FREE gym pass to kickstart your fitness routines. Simply click the button below to register, a member of the team will be in touch to book you in and get you started. If you like what you see, the team will drop the joining fee when you join!

Claim your £20 voucher - one for every household in the Borough!

Hounslow Council is giving every household in the borough a £20 ShopLocal voucher to spend in any of the 200+ local businesses who are participating.

The initiative is helping to support the local economy's recovery from the impacts of COVID-19, bringing residents back into local shopping areas. This will help to provide the extra customer demand necessary to protect and retain jobs. 

Your household should have received a voucher code towards the end of August, which can be spent on products or services at a range of businesses including cafes, cinemas, restaurants, health and wellbeing organisations, laundrettes and many more, until 7 December 2021.

Find out where you can spend your voucher with our interactive map of the borough.

Get set for game set and match as Lampton Leisure launches community-focused tennis

This September Lampton Leisure is launching a brand new tennis programme at both Isleworth Leisure Centre and Hanworth Air Park Leisure Centre.

With tennis sessions for children as young as three, right through to private adult lessons there is something for all ages and abilities, offering another way to keep active and healthy.

The programme includes:

• Youth Start for children who haven’t played tennis before. This programme includes 6 group lessons and a starter kit including a racquet, balls and t-shirt.
• The LTA Youth programme for 4-18 year olds consisting of dynamic training and fun games from qualified trainers.
• Adult group coaching offers something for all abilities. Sessions include LTA tennis Xpress and LTA Cardio tennis alongside Bounce tennis, tennis mornings and community social evenings.
• Individual coaching is also available for all levels, whether a beginner or experienced club player. Sessions are tailored to individual needs with regular goal setting and evaluation to measure progress and development of specific technical and tactical goals.

To launch the new tennis programme, an open day will be held at Isleworth Leisure Centre Saturday 11 September with sessions launching at both centres on Monday 13 September. Come along and take part!

Where can I get vaccinated this week?

All vaccination sites offer Pfizer and AstraZeneca first and second doses (second doses 8+ weeks after first) unless noted otherwise

16-17 year olds only need one vaccine dose.

Drop in clinics this week

You can also get your vaccine at one of our community pharmacy sites in the Borough!

Where can I get tested this week?

Don’t have COVID-19 symptoms? Here’s a round-up of all the locations where you can get your FREE rapid test this week.

Or, if you prefer, you can visit:

• Heston Library (New Heston Road, Hounslow TW5 0LW) - 8am-4pm, Mon-Sun.
• Bedfont Library (Staines Road, Feltham TW14 8DB) - 8am-4pm, Mon-Fri.

Businesses that are supporting vaccinations

Each week, we'll shed the spotlight on a small business in Hounslow that's working with the Council to encourage customers to do what they can to keep the community safe, including taking the COVID-19 vaccine.

This week... African Supermarket Albany Parade, High St, Brentford TW8 0JW Need to grab a few groceries on your way home today? Making something delicious for dinner this week? Maybe you just fancy trying something new? Head to African Supermarket for fabulous fresh ingredients and more!

If you own a small business and would like to take part in our campaign and get a spot in our small business spotlight, please get in touch with us at publichealth@hounslow.gov.uk.

It's simple, all you'll need is to put one our posters up in your storefront window.

Access more support around physical health, mental health, finances, employment and more at our Take Care, Take 5 Hub