Hounslow leads on campaign against rogue traders
 Hounslow Council's Regulatory Manager Nishi Patel (above left) launched a London Trading Standards (LTS) initiative with broadcaster Matthew Allwright (right) this week, helping residents protect themselves from the dangers of doorstep crime.
Doorstep crime is defined as bogus callers and rogue traders calling uninvited under the guise of being a legitimate business or tradesman, and the problem is currently escalating across parts of London.
Nishi Patel, in her role of Chair of LTS, said: “These people knock on your door then lie, cheat and trick you into giving them money for work they say needs doing in your house or garden. This work is often unnecessary, and prices charged are exorbitant.
“London Trading Standards strongly advises residents never to deal with cold callers on your doorstep.”
LTS has produced the first public booklet on the subject, filled with information on what to look out for, ways to stay alert and who to contact if you’re concerned.
Are you a jobseeker with a disability?
 Hounslow Council will be running a series of employment surgeries for disabled job seekers, beginning on Friday, 27 May, from 1pm - 3pm in Hounslow House, TW3 3EB, 1st Floor.
The service provides Hounslow residents with disabilities aged 18+ with:
- Advice on how to search for jobs effectively including signposting to relevant job clubs
- Advice on voluntary work, apprenticeships, work placements and training
- Support to both you and your employer to identify and put in place adjustments to overcome disability-related barriers to success at work
- Representation at meetings to solve disputes with your employer
- Advice on Access to Work and funding of extra costs
- Arrangement of job coaching and other training
- Information on the Equality Act 2010 and your rights at work
Other dates will be released shortly for surgeries being held in libraries across the borough and Meadowbank Adult Education Centre.
For further information please contact jasvinder.badyal@hounslow.gov.uk or call 07855 273 205.
Hurrah for Hanworth's new cycling hub
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More than 100 people turned out in the sunshine on Saturday (May 14) to enjoy a cycling extravaganza, including free training and bike repairs. It's just one example of what we have on offer for cyclists; whether you’re yet to give it a go, or are looking for some free lessons to improve your skills.
For more information on cycling training and repairs head to our website.
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Eat, drink, save, repeat
Out of 311,000 tonnes of plastic wrapping placed on our shelves, only six per cent is recycled. UK supermarkets have joined forces to collect one of the last plastics that can’t be widely recycled at home. Whether it’s bread bags or frozen food bags, crisp packets or pet food pouches – you can now recycle all of these at more than 4,000 supermarkets. You can find top tips for recycling plastic bags and wrapping as well as your nearest locations on the Recycle Now website.
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Get on your bike
Have you thought about the benefits of electric bikes for your business or for family use? E-cargo bikes are electric pedal assisted bikes with storage space built in. Benefits include reduced fuel, maintenance, and parking costs, and with zero emissions, they are beneficial for the environment and physical health.
Our Try Before you Bike scheme allows you to try one for free for a month, then pay a monthly fee until you own it, or buy it at a discounted price. Available to those who live, work or study in Hounslow.
Contact leila.chaudhuri@hounslow.gov.uk or hassan.kemal@hounslow.gov.uk
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Celebrate LGBTQ+ Pride Month at Meadowbank
 On Thursday, 16 June, Meadowbank Adult Education and Community Learning Centre will be launching a special art exhibition to mark LGBTQ+ Pride Month.
The exhibition celebrates the theme of politics in art, showcasing entries from our arts competition launched in February 2022. The judging panel will present winners of the competition with prizes.
Following the launch, the exhibition will remain open until Thursday, 30 June.
We want your opinions to shape our strategy
 Climate change means that there is more rainfall and increasing risks of flooding. To help manage the risk in Hounslow we need your views to on a draft strategy. The consultation is open until 20 June.
Hounslow, the (Green) talk of the Urban Tree Festival
Hounslow Council’s tree-mapping and engagement website Hounslow Greentalk took centre-stage at the international Urban Tree Festival this week.
Members of the Greentalk team explained how trees are playing a crucial role in the borough’s response to climate change.
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Snap! What a picture, what a photograph...
With Summer around the corner, we’re asking residents, businesses, and anyone in Hounslow to take a snap of their favourite parts of the borough.
Will you be attending one of the many events being run including Her Majesty The Queen’s Jubilee parties? Or are you one of the fabulous people who kindly crochet post-box toppers with amazing designs for everyone to enjoy? From spending time in our stunning parks to iconic landmarks and town centres, why not capture some images and send them into us and be in with a chance of seeing your photo on the front cover of our resident magazine Hounslow Matters.
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Come to our Brentford Bunting Workshop
 This summer, Hounslow will come to life with the borough’s first ever Summer of Culture programme, showcasing the very best in performance, sport, culture and live events. There will be something on offer for everyone, in every part of the borough, with many events provided for free.
As part of the celebrations we’re encouraging people to get involved by helping to create miles of bunting to decorate our streets and events. To take part why not come along to one of our free bunting-making workshops at Brentford Library on Tuesday, 24 May from 10am to 5pm or Isleworth Library on Saturday, 4 June from 10am to midday.
Alternatively simply download a template and instructions to create flags at home or pick up the template at your local library.
Can you change a child’s life?
 Foster Care Fortnight runs from 9 - 22 May and is the annual campaign to raise the profile of fostering and how it transforms lives.
Over 8,000 new foster families are needed, throughout the UK, in the next 12 months alone to care for a range of children, with the greatest need being for foster carers for older children, sibling groups and children with disabilities and complex needs.
As part of this national drive, Hounslow Council is encouraging people to come forward to foster children and young people in our care. People foster for a number of reasons and, overwhelmingly, it’s because they want to make a difference to a child’s life.
Join our virtual meeting on Zoom
If you’re interested in fostering and have a spare room, please join the Fostering Zoom video call on:
· Thursday, 7 June 2022 at 6pm – 7pm
If you are interested in joining one of the sessions, please email us on fostering@hounslow.gov.uk and we will send you joining instructions.
To find out more about fostering in Hounslow, visit www.hounslow.gov.uk/fostering or call 0208 583 3426 or email fostering@hounslow.gov.uk.
Vaccine Bus schedule
 Get on board Hounslow’s Vaccination Bus, touring the borough to a stop near you! Your immunity loses power over time. Maximise your Covid-19 defence and get fully vaccinated. Come chat with the team to address any concerns or questions.
Please note that locations are subject to change at short notice.
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