Ward boundaries are changing
The next local elections in Hounslow are taking place on Thursday, 5 May 2022. At this election, new ward boundaries will be introduced, and this could have an impact on where you vote and the ward you vote in.
As part of these changes, the number of wards will increase from 20 to 22 and the total number of Councillors who represent Hounslow will increase from 60 to 62.
Did you receive your letter?
In preparation for the next local elections taking place, household notification letters were sent to all properties in the Borough this week, to give you the opportunity to ensure eligible household members were registered to vote. If the details on the form are incorrect, you can update your records online using the website and unique security codes provided on your letter.
This letter also includes information on the key election dates, how to apply for a postal vote as well as recent changes to Hounslow’s ward boundaries.
Save the High Street Hounslow campaign launched to give boost to borough town centres
 We have partnered with SaveTheHighStreet.org to deliver a range of new support for local independents, high street start-ups, town centre landlords and those passionate about helping their high streets succeed.
You can find out more and register for free here - SaveTheHighStreet.org/hounslow.
‘Save The High Street Hounslow’ is running a competition for businesses to win rent-free space, expert support and grant funding to launch their offering onto a High Street in the borough. This competition is open to online businesses, market traders and brand new start-ups focused on retail, restaurants and services.
Applications close on Friday, 18 February 2022.
Join the Heston and Cranford Area Forum next week
The virtual area forum for Hounslow Central, starts at 7.00pm on Tuesday, 2 Feb and will discuss important community matters in the local area.
Chaired by ward Councillor Amjer Grewal, the forum will discuss Hounslow's upcoming Summer of Culture programme, the Emerging Hounslow Character and Design Codes and an update on grant-funding programmes. There will also be an opportunity for questions.
The meeting will take place via Microsoft Teams and the link will be accessible via our website.
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It's time to talk
 Time to Talk Day is the nation’s biggest mental health conversation and it’s nearly here! Taking place on Thursday 3 February 2022, it is the day that friends, families, communities, and workplaces come together to talk, listen and change lives.
Time to Talk Day 2022 is run by Mind and Rethink Mental Illness in England, in partnership with Co-op. Through this campaign they aim to support communities up and down the country to have more mental health conversations. These conversations have the power to change lives.
Why we need to talk?
One in 4 of us will experience a mental health problem in any given year. Everyone should feel comfortable talking about mental health – whenever they like. Talking about mental health reduces stigma, helping to create supportive communities where we can talk openly about mental health and feel empowered to seek help when we need it. Therefore, opening up the conversation about mental health problems is so important – by talking about it we can support ourselves and others.
Free online creative writing workshops for adults
 We’re pleased to be a part of City of Stories Home, celebrating London’s libraries as places to make and share stories.
Join us in a fantastic series of free online creative writing workshops for adults through all library services in London. You don't need any particular writing experience, but If you’re a little more experienced in writing that’s great too.
Our workshop takes place on Tuesday, 8 February at 10am with former television producer and journalist Arun Das.
Competition winners will see their work published in an anthology, and win a place at a special day of masterclasses for talented writers.
For more information about City of Stories Home including top tips on how to write a short story visit the home page here.
UEFA Women’s Euros 2022 Legacy Fund workshop
 Find out more about the legacy fund and how you and your organisation can get involved in engaging new women to football and learn more about activities already running in your area. Join us on the 2 February 2022 from 11-12pm. We encourage all types of organisations to get involved, particularly those interested in having an exercise based offer.
For further information before the session email Sian.Osmond@middlesexfa.com.
New affordable home ownership scheme
 To find out more information or to register your interest telephone: 0208 583 3721 or email home.ownership@hounslow.gov.uk
Brentford FCCST Traineeship programme – spaces available
 The Traineeship programme is a 12-week course aimed at assisting young people, aged 16 to 18, to enter employment, training or further education.
The programme is full-time with up to 15 hours a week of work placements, 12 hours a week of employability, including workshops on money management, knife crime, inclusion, health and nutrition - as well as achieving a Sports Leaders Qualification and functional skills in English and Maths.
Further details can be accessed via https://www.brentfordfccst.com/traineeship-programme/ or email kbaden@brentfordfccst.com.
Our next Traineeship is due to start in February 2022
Get fit, get motivated, with Lampton Leisure today
There are so many mental and physical benefits to keeping fit with regular exercise. Lampton Leisure offer six Sports and Leisure Centres in Hounslow offering so many activities that you’re bound to your favourite.
With memberships starting from £37.65 with no joining fee to pay if you join before the end of February.
Why not pop in to your local leisure centre and ask for a tour, we think you’ll be pleasantly surprised?
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Pride in Hounslow - Celebrating LGBT+ History Month 2022
 Next week marks the start of LGBT+ History Month. This is an annual celebration of the LGBT+ community’s rich history, that takes place every February in the UK.
Hounslow Council are flying the rainbow flag to show our commitment and support to LGBT equality for the LGBT+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, plus) community, the wider community, and our staff with a range of events.
Looking for half term activities?
 February half term is almost upon us, which means only one thing… it’s time for parents to start planning fun activities to keep the kids entertained!
To help make it a little easier for planning parents, Visit London has compiled a list of the top things to do in the capital this half term.
The list has been compiled as part of the Let’s Do London programme – launched by The Mayor of London, Visit London and the capital’s tourism and hospitality industry which looks to host visitors in the wonderful city of London in a safe manner.
Residents can now access data about the borough in one place
 Hounslow Council have recently launched a platform that enables residents, community groups and council staff to access data about the borough all in one place.
Whether it’s understanding how many properties are in the borough or working out how many people live in your neighbourhood, the Hounslow Data Hub (www.hounslow.gov.uk/data) is the quickest and most effective way to find out.
The Hub contains a wealth of timely information across a wide range of thematic areas and geographies (including wards)– and, as analysis of the 2021 Census is made public, it will automatically be fed into the Hounslow Data Hub ensuring our evidence base is as up-to-date and robust as possible.
Did you know ?
The borough is forecasted to be home to almost 305,000 people by 2030 or that 2020 saw 2,075 new business launch in Hounslow?
The Hounslow Data Hub helps you discover a wealth of interesting stats about your borough and your neighbourhood. Why not explore it yourself?
Calling all art lovers
 On Friday, 15 February at 7pm via Zoom, Chiswick Pier Trust (CPT) will host a free, live and online talk on the great British artist Sir Stanley Spencer (1891-1959), focusing on his life and work and connections with the River Thames.
The 40-minute talk will be presented by Keith Le Page from Stanley Spencer Gallery.
Book your free tickets by clicking the button below or visit https://chiswickpier.org.uk/ to see the future programme of free ‘Talks by the Thames’.
Best places for brunch or lunch in Hounslow
 We’re on the search for the top brunch and lunch spots in Hounslow in 2022. If you’re a food and drink lover with a favourite café in mind where you like to spend casual weekend afternoons, or you know the ideal spot for a business meeting, we want to hear from you.
Share your favourite local brunch and lunch spots for a chance to win a free lunch at the Clayton Hotel, Chiswick (Terms and Conditions apply).
The deadline for your submissions is Sunday 6 February. The winner will be picked at random from all the entries provided.
Check out the new inHounslow blog post for some hidden gem inspiration.
Valentine’s charity raffle from the Mayor of Hounslow
The Mayor of Hounslow, Councillor Bishnu Gurung, is hosting a Valentine’s charity raffle to raise funds for the Mayor’s charity - SSAFA (Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Families Association). Prizes include an afternoon tea with champagne for two at The Domes - London Secret Garden, Kensington; a meal for two at Siracusa Italian restaurant, Brentford; a chocoholic hamper; £25 John Lewis voucher and Boxed bottle of Polroger Champagne.
How to take part
Tickets are just £5 for 5 entries into the draw and can be purchased through a BACS payment or over the phone via a secure payment.
To purchase tickets over the phone please call the Mayor’s office between 9am – 5pm on: 0208 583 6155 or 0208 583 2243
If you’d like to buy tickets via a BACS transfer, please use the following account details:
- Account name: LB Hounslow Mayor’s Account A (LBH Business Account)
- Account number: 27513920
- Sort code: 60-11-18
- Reference: please insert your telephone number followed by your name.
The raffle closes at 4pm on Wednesday 9 February 2022. The draw will take place Thursday 10 February 2022. Winners will be contacted by the Mayor’s Office via telephone. Good luck!
All proceeds from the raffle will be go to SSAFA (Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen & Families Association), the Armed Forces charity (Registered Charity Number 210760).
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Free COVID-19 rapid tests 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, to find out more visit our pages here.
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.
COVID-19 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.
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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