Community projects get big boost
 It has been a very busy year for the Council’s Thriving Communities Fund, which has been has been supporting a range of capital projects across Hounslow. Residents and community organisations have been fully engaged and coming forward with ideas.
So far this year we have awarded an amazing £400,000 to six community projects:
- Heston West Big Local - Community Garden
- Friends of Feltham Green – EcoCabin
- Heston Action Group - Heston War Memorial (pictured)
- Friends of Hanworth Air Park - Hanworth Air Park Playground
- Old Meadonians FC - Sports Fields Development
- Riverside Mill House Crane - Riverside Mill House Crane
The Thriving Communities Fund is used by Hounslow Council to provide financial support for an array of projects and activities run by local charities, voluntary and community groups.
If you’re a local resident or a community group and have an idea for a capital project then get in contact with the team via email.
The Thriving Communities Fund Managers:
Find out more by clicking the button below.
Last Chance to spend your ShopLocal voucher
 Since launching in August, Hounslow Council’s popular £20 ShopLocal voucher has been stimulating the local economy and supporting independent businesses to recover from the pandemic.
Funded by the Governments COVID-19 Additional Restrictions Grant, over £700,000 has been spent and enjoyed by residents across the borough at more than 400 participating businesses.
Next week will be your last chance to spend your ShopLocal voucher with the scheme ending on 24 December 2021. So what are you waiting for? There's still time to get that last minute gift or adding the finishing touches to the Christmas table.
Please remember to follow Government guidelines when you're out shopping to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. You can find out more by visiting our COVID-19 pages here.
To find out more about the ShopLocal voucher scheme click the button below.
Changes announced to London's Congestion Charge
 The Mayor has confirmed changes to the Congestion Charge. The primary objective of the Congestion Charge is to reduce traffic and congestion in central London. This will improve London’s air quality, reduce carbon emissions and encourage more journeys to be made by walking, cycling or public transport.
The changes will be delivered in two phases:
Phase 1 (from 20 December 2021)
- The charge level will be £15
- No charge will be applied between Christmas Day and New Year’s Day (Bank Holiday inclusive). This means the period from Saturday, 25 December 2021 to Monday, 3 January 2022 (inclusive) will not be charged
- The 90 per cent residents’ discount will be reopened for those eligible to register for the discount
- The delayed payment charge will be £17.50 and the deadline will be extended to three days after the day of travel
- The Auto Pay and Fleet Auto Pay discount will be removed
- The reimbursement arrangements that were introduced as part of the temporary changes will be retained or adapted to ensure that people most vulnerable to infection from epidemics and pandemics will continue to be protected. This will also facilitate essential trips made by NHS staff in times of exceptional or extraordinary circumstances including for commuting purposes
- The ability for residents to pay by app or online for multiple consecutive charging days will be removed.
Phase 2 (from 21 February 2022)
- The operating hours for the Congestion Charge will be 07:00-18:00 on weekdays and 12:00-18:00 on weekends and Bank Holidays.
The reason that the changes have been split into two phases is to enable the majority of the changes to be implemented as quickly as possible, while allowing sufficient time for changes in new signage and back-office systems relating to the changed hours of operation.
If you would like to view the consultation report, you can access this on the website by clicking the button below.
Mayor of Hounslow Christmas message
 ‘The Mayor of Hounslow, Cllr Bishnu Gurung, has a special seasonal meeting for our residents. Click here to watch now.
Need a safe space for emotional support and a listening ear? Visit the MIND Safe Space Hub
The Safe Space is a local hub for anyone who feels they are nearing crisis point, including carers.
You will be greeted by friendly staff from Mind charity, who will always be there to listen to you and help you get the support you need.
They will give you some support and strategies to cope through planned activities or sign post you to further support. The service is delivered on behalf of West London NHS Trust.
Residents can access Safe Space during drop-in sessions at Southville Community Centre, Southville Road, Feltham, TW14 8AP or virtual by emailing safespacehounslow@hfehmind.org.uk or via the telephone by calling 0207 471 0584.
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Develop new skills in 2022
 New year, new skills
Learn Hounslow are accepting enrolments for their new courses starting in 2022.
Learn new skills on one of our courses, choose from a variety of subject courses across different curriculum areas: Community Learning, Digital Skills, English & Maths, Vocational, Creative Qualifications, ESOL and more.
If you are looking to learn or develop a new skill or gain a qualification to help with your career, visit the website to browse through the full list of courses on offer or visit the Meadowbank Adult Education centre in Cranford to pick up a prospectus and speak to a member of the team.
Some courses require an initial assessment, contact the team today to book your initial assessment as soon as possible.
Call 0208 583 6000 to enrol onto a course or visit www.hace.ac.uk to find out more and browse through the courses on offer.
A tree is for life - not just for Christmas
 Hounslow Council’s Cabinet Member for Communities and Climate Emergency, Cllr Katherine Dunne, launches the borough’s real Christmas tree initiative.
Communities across Hounslow have welcomed new additions to the local landscape this week, in the shape of real living Christmas trees. Over the past few weeks, Hounslow Council workers have been planting up more than 20 real firs, spruces and pine trees in every ward in the borough.
The trees are situated right at the heart of their communities, for everyone to enjoy. The move supports the borough’s environmentally friendly ethos to make Hounslow greener and more sustainable.
The hope is that the young trees will become focal points for local people, not just at Christmas but throughout the year. Residents will be encouraged to chart their progress and take an active role in nurturing the young trees.
The fun starts this week when residents will be encouraged to break out the baubles and decorate their real community tree.
Hounslow Greentalk have included the trees in a special interactive map which gives the location of all trees and how to plan a walk around them. As well as providing everyone with a ferny festive treat, the ongoing tree planting also supports Hounslow’s objectives around climate change.
The Council declared a climate emergency in 2019 and has pledged to reduce its carbon emissions to net-zero by 2030. For more information about trees and green spaces in Hounslow, visit: greentalk.io
For more information about Hounslow Council’s Climate Emergency Declaration and Action Plan here
Hounslow Community Solutions provides funding boost to Citizen’s Advice
In response to a 70 per cent increase in demand for Citizen’s Advice Hounslow services in the last 12 months, Hounslow Council has provided an initial financial support package of £150,000, funded by the Council, as part of its Community Solutions approach.
Community and voluntary sector organisations are at the heart of the Council’s Community Solutions approach and played a crucial role in the responding to the effects of the pandemic on communities in Hounslow. The Council has continued in its commitment to equip the teams with the right resources needed to help those most in need.
With Winter and the festive season often presenting extra challenges for residents, the Council’s Community Solution’s team is available to work closely with individuals to manage issues and minimise concerns before they turn into a crisis point. The Community Solutions team is providing a link between connecting communities to the right support services, information, or activities needed.
Residents can access Community Solutions online via Hounslow Connect, over the telephone by calling 020 7084 9697 or in-person at community location across the borough. In response to new Government guidance and to help reduce the transmission of COVID-19, the Community Solutions team will be based outside the venues.
To find out more about Community Solutions visit www.hounslow.gov.uk/communitysolutions
or visit www.hounslowconnect.com to access support online.
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A Winter Wonderland on your doorstep
 Hounslow’s Holiday Activity Fund is providing free fun activities this festive season for children and young people who are eligible for free school meals, including this great Winter Wonderland event on Wednesday, 22 December.
Visit: www.hounslow.gov.uk/holidayactivityfund to find out more.
Women’s EUROs 2022 Group Booking - Register Now!
The final UEFA Women’s EURO 2022 group ticketing window is opening in January. It’s time to rally your group, club or school! If you would like exclusive access for your group, register your interest now by visiting the site here |
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Can you help your local area chill with a Community Fridge?
Community Fridge is a social space bringing together people to eat, connect, learn new skills and reduce food waste. The Co-op is working in partnership with Hubbub to offer funding to local groups to help them set up 100 Community Fridges across the UK.
Successful groups will receive:
- £4,000 funding
- support to set up a fridge
- membership to Hubbub’s Community Fridge Network
To find out more click the button below.
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Hounslow High Street Festive Musical Performances
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Get into the festive spirit this weekend with the help of the Hounslow Music Service, and funded by the Council.
Hounslow High Street is hosting a series of performances including local musicians. Performances will take place outside the Holy Trinity Church, TW3 1HG.
Saturday, 18 December:
- 11.00am to 1.00pm – Holy Trinity Church
- 1.00pm to 3.00pm – Barnes Concert Band Saxes
- 3.00pm to 5.00pm – Osahn Humaran Jazz Quartet
Sunday, 19 December:
- 11.00am to 12.30pm – Ebony Steel Band
- 12.30pm to 2.30pm – The Hudson Dukes
Performers will be returning to the high street on the 18 and 19 December.
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Christmas tree collections dates
 Real Christmas trees will be collected between Monday, 10 January and Friday 21 January 2022. Collections will be on the scheduled Garden Waste collection week for your road – this will be on the alternate week but same day as your usual rubbish collection. More information and dates: www.hounslow.gov.uk/christmascollections
Putting your tree outside on the pavement on the wrong day might cause an obstruction to pedestrians so we are asking residents to please place their trees (with no lights or decorations) at the boundary of their property, not on the pavement, by 7am for collection. This service only applies to properties using black wheeled bins.
Those living in flats will need to contact their managing agent or resident association to arrange a single bulk collection of trees at their development or block of flats. Requests should be emailed to recycling@hounslow.gov.uk
Alternatively, you can drop your real Christmas tree off for free between 24 December 2021 and 28 January 2022 at:
- Hanworth Air Park - Hounslow Road car park TW13 6AA
- Hounslow Heath – Staines Road car park TW4 5AR
- Redlees Park - Worton Road car park TW7 6DW
- Bedfont Lakes - Clockhouse Lane car park TW14 8QA
- Gunnersbury Park - carpark via Popes Lane W5 4NH
Space Waye - North Feltham Trading Estate, Pier Road, Feltham TW14 0TH
Christmas Holiday Activity and Food Programme (HAF) returns
 Hounslow Council will be filling the festive holidays with fun and food for thousands of children and young people across the borough, with the return of the Holiday Activity and Food Programme (HAF).
During Christmas, there will be a feast of free activities on offer at 27 different sites across Hounslow. It includes everything from sports coaching, cookery lessons, arts and crafts and computer skills workshops.
The scheme targets children aged between five and 15, who are eligible for benefits-related free school meals. Hounslow Council is working in partnership with local schools, community organisations, faith groups as well as existing holiday and sport club providers to deliver the HAF.
Inspired by the ongoing campaign by footballer Marcus Rashford to end holiday hunger, the HAF will also ensure that children and young people will receive a healthy meal while enjoying their activities.
Funding for the programme comes from the Department of Education. The HAF ran successfully in Hounslow over the school summer holidays.
The initiative aims to ensure that children eat healthily and are active. It also seeks to reduce social isolation and ensure that the children are engaged with school and other local services.
Eligible children will receive a holiday activities voucher from their school, which will take them to the Council’s www.hounslow.gov.uk/holidayactivityfund where they can find more information to book activities.
Tell us your views
The Hounslow Business Impact Survey is now live and will help the Council understand the impact of Covid-19 and Brexit on businesses in the borough. This year participation also brings the chance to win a £100 gift card.
The survey aims to help develop a better understanding of the current climate in which the borough’s businesses are operating. It will gather businesses views, investment experiences, confidence and intentions looking forward.
All completed surveys received will be entered into our free prize draw to win a £100 gift card. The deadline to complete the survey is 16 January
For more information and to complete the survey, visit your page here.
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Brentford Christmas celebration
 This weekend, Brentford Market Square will be hosting a full range of fun activities for everyone to get into the festive spirit.
Activities include the Christmas Tree lights switch on with former Brentford FC player Marcus Gayle, musical performances, the special Christmas Market on Sunday, and Wreath making plus much more.
Visitors will also be able to make donations to Hounslow Community FoodBox, including food and toys for Christmas.
Finally, our Community Solutions team will be present to offer any advice and guidance to residents who may need it – come and say hello or visit Hounslow Connect for more information.
Find out about more festive activities taking place in Hounslow by clicking the button below.
Discover your Potential with GLL Sport Foundation
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The GLL Sport Foundation (Greenwich Leisure Limited) is now accepting applications to support athletes across the UK.
Find out more and apply online at www.gllsportfoundation.org.
Applications are open to Young People in Hounslow who qualify until end of February 2022. Benefits include support for young people with athletic talent to achieve their full sporting potential covering training and competition costs.
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Learn Hounslow Open Day at Brentford Library
Begin your lifelong learning journey at Brentford library with Learn Hounslow, who will be hosting an Open Day on Thursday, 16 December at Brentford Library to showcase their latest course offering.
If you are interested in learning new skills to find a job, gain a promotion, maintain your health and wellbeing, improve your confidence or develop a hobby, the Learn Hounslow service will have a course for you.
Learn more about our local course offer, this includes:
- ESOL : English for Speakers of Other Languages
- Digital Skills
- Identifying and Controlling Food Allergy Risks
- Food Safety & Hygiene
- Fine Art
- For more info, visit www.hace.ac.uk
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Are you looking for a job with the NHS?
In partnership with the NHS, the Work Hounslow service has access to the latest NHS vacancies and opportunities.
If you live in London Borough of Hounslow and would like a job with the NHS, contact or register your interest with Work Hounslow today.
The latest vacancies available include:
- Hub Care Co-ordinators (Band 4)
- Hub Lead Care Co-ordinators (Band 5)
Visit the Work Hounslow website to read through the full job descriptions and apply.
If you have any questions, contact the Work Hounslow team on work@hounslow.gov.uk or visit the website to get in touch.
For more information: www.workhounslow.co.uk
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Add more joy to your holiday season with a fantastic exclusive offer from Lampton Leisure
 12 Days of Fitmas for £12! New customers can get 12 consecutive days' multi-site access with our 12 Days of Fitmas trial offer throughout December across Brentford Fountain Leisure Centre, Isleworth Leisure Centre, Heston Pools & Fitness, Hanworth Air Park Leisure Centre and New Chiswick Pool.
Get unlimited access to group exercise classes, swimming pools, fully equipped gyms, Les Mills online classes and health suites where available! Not forgetting the healthy Snack Box cafes* to keep you fuelled up.
If you are already a member of one of the leisure centres, they’re offering you one free pass for 12 days for one guest. Work out together, swim together, drink gingerbread lattes together, be together this festive season and enjoy the 12 day free guest pass.
Both offers can only be purchased at one of the five leisure centre’s receptions, so pop in today to get started. T&Cs apply.
*Available in Heston, Hanworth, Brentford and Isleworth.
Christmas recycling and rubbish collections 2021
 Over the Christmas and new year period, both the Garden Waste and Bulky Waste Collection service will be suspended for two weeks to assist with the additional workload. The last day of these services will be 24 December 2021 and will resume normal service on 10 January.
For more information and to download our Christmas collection leaflet, visit our pages here
Could you open your doors to a child this Christmas?
 Could you provide a safe and loving home to a foster child? Thousands of children come into care every year, and many don’t get to celebrate Christmas in a secure and supportive home they can call their own.
We are recruiting for people of all ages and backgrounds to be foster carers and right now, we’re especially looking for short and long term carers for sibling groups and teenagers. A lot of people think they couldn’t foster for a number of reasons but it’s who you are, not your background, age or sexuality that makes a great foster carer.
Fostering may be tough and demanding, but it will also be the most amazing job you could ever have and we’ll support you every step of the way including comprehensive training and support and a generous fostering allowance.
Consider changing a child’s life by fostering with Hounslow Council and this time next year you could be helping a child celebrate a magical Christmas together. It could be the most rewarding decision you ever make so visit our website to find out more visit our pages here
Work Hounslow Apprentice Workshop
Work Hounslow will be running a series of bi-weekly Apprenticeship workshop sessions for residents.
Upcoming dates and times
15 December 2021, 1-2pm, Kingsley Academy.
The workshops will look into:
What is involved in an apprenticeship?
Who is eligible?
What types of apprenticeship opportunities are available?
What's next & how can Work Hounslow provide support?
For more information on Work Hounslow click the button below
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 That's A Wrap is a Hounslow based initiative, bringing residents together in support of local causes through community collections.
We’re appealing for new toys for local children (0 to 16 year olds) who would otherwise be excluded from festivities this winter. We’re working with local charities to identify those in need.
Monday - Friday: 8.30am to 6pm
Saturday: 8.30am to 5pm
Sunday: 10am to 4pm
Directions Bus route: E8, 117, 235, 237, H37
Train: Piccadilly Line, Hounslow East Station
Free Rapid Test available
 If you don’t have Covid-19 symptoms, get your FREE rapid test by
REMEMBER: If you do tests at home, you’ll need to report your results online here: Report your test result online or by calling 119.
You can also walk-in to one of our testing sites at:
- Heston Library (New Heston Road, Hounslow TW5 0LW) between 8am-4pm Mon-Sun.
- Bedfont Library (Staines Road, Bedfont TW14 8DB) between 8am-4pm Mon-Fri.
Or, if you prefer, you can visit one of our Mobile Testing Units this weekend.
REMEMBER: If you HAVE got Covid-19 symptoms, make sure you get a PCR test – even if your rapid test shows a negative result. To book a PCR test and for more information on testing, visit: www.hounslow.gov.uk/coronavirus.
Vaccinations – available this weekend
 For all types of vaccinations (first dose, second dose, third dose for immunosuppressed, booster), there are several types of locations where you can get your vaccination appointment in Hounslow.
- At a drop-in vaccination clinic
- At a pharmacy
- At a GP-led clinic by invitation
- At school (for healthy 12-15 year olds) or via the National Booking System
All of the above are safe choices and at every location staff will be properly trained to give you your dose of the vaccine. If you are not sure what type of vaccine you require, please see our Frequently Asked Questions.
Or book an appointment via www.nhs.uk or call 119.
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