Have your voice heard at the Central Hounslow area forum
 Come along to the Central Hounslow area forum to speak to your local representatives and community groups about how we can improve Hounslow.
The event is being held in Hounslow House on Thursday, 10 November from 6:30pm-9:30pm. Refreshments will be provided. This event is free to attend and booking is not mandatory, but spaces are limited. Reserve your spot early to avoid disappointment.
Do you qualify for the cost of living payment?
Families claiming tax credits will start to receive a second cost of living payment from Wednesday, 23 November onwards.
More than one million families will be eligible for the £324 payment, which will go directly into their bank accounts.
The payment is the latest in a package of support provided by the government to help people through the autumn and winter.
This includes a £400 reduction on energy bills that is being given to all domestic electricity customers over the coming months.
Find out more about the government's Help for Households scheme here.
Health officials urge Hounslow residents to get COVID and flu booster
 COVID-19 cases continue to be reported in Hounslow.
Figures released by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) show that another 129 positive COVID-19 cases were confirmed in the last week.
Research has shown that people who get flu and Covid-19 at the same time can become seriously ill.
The number of groups who can get their Covid-19 booster for free has expanded and now includes the over 50s, as well as younger people in other priority groups. There are plenty of venues across the borough, including GP surgeries and pharmacies, where residents can get boosters.
Hounslow Council has launched a campaign urging everyone in the borough to Get Winter Ready by getting their boosters.
Shape your future neighbourhood
 We want residents and businesses to help shape the actions the Council takes to improve the Cranford and Heston local neighbourhoods and tackle the climate emergency.
The Hounslow Future Neighbourhoods 2030 project is looking to work with residents, local organisations, and businesses to help develop a strategy for Cranford and Heston that:
- Improves the environment and residents' quality of life.
- Identifies the actions needed to create a neighbourhood with a cleaner and greener environment, accessible amenities, warmer homes and buildings that cost less to heat, and new employment opportunities.
Come along to our creative community sessions at Cranford Community College on 6 November and 12 November, 10.30am to 3.30pm.
Lunch and children’s activities will be provided.
Free local advertising for one lucky business – don’t miss out
 Advance for Growth is the easy to apply competition for businesses in Hounslow to win free local advertising space.
Launched by the Council in partnership with JCDecaux UK and Hounslow Chamber of Commerce, the competition will provide one winner business with the opportunity to advertise their business and build a stronger brand. The winning business will receive access to the Council’s and JCDecaux’s digital advertising estate throughout 2023.
Closing date for entries is Monday, 7 November 2022 at 9am.
Apply before the deadline by completing the short online application form. Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity.
Try Osterley Junior Parkrun on Sundays
Almost two million people in Britain have taken part in a parkrun since it first launched back in 2004. They are an easy, non-competitive way of keeping active and are volunteer run.
Osterley Junior Parkrun is a free, fun, and friendly weekly two kilometre event for children 4 to 14 years old held every Sunday at 9:00am. The event is not a race and the focus is on the enjoyment of running for pleasure.
Parents/guardians are not obliged to participate in junior parkruns, but children under the age of 11 must be accompanied to and from the event by a responsible adult who must remain in attendance for the duration of the event.
Venue: Osterley Park, Jersey Rd, Isleworth, TW7 4RB. The run begins in front of the steps to Osterley House.
The event is completely free but first time attendees are asked to register.
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Helping festive season events come to life
 Community event organisers across the borough can apply to receive funding from the Council in a bid to bring life, community, and fun back to Hounslow’s public spaces this festive season. The events will aim to celebrate the boroughs unique towns and neighbourhoods, and showcase our incredible range independent businesses, encouraging people to explore the local offer.
The Council has a small £15,000 fund, which will be distributed to multiple event activities taking place across the borough before April 1st 2023. Individuals, who can provide evidence of local support for their event, can apply for up to £1,000. Charities, community groups, and voluntary organisations, who meet the eligibility criteria, can apply for larger grants of over £1,000.
The funding can be used for:
- New events or expanding existing events.
- Those involving or engaging a wide section of the community.
The deadline for applications is Sunday, 6 November. Apply by emailing TownCentre.Management@hounslow.gov.uk.
Doctor in the house
 Green Doctors are expert energy advisers who help London residents save money, stay warm, and improve energy efficiency in their home.
Residents can register for a free home energy visit and tailored energy saving advice which will be carried out by certified and neutral energy advisers, called Green Doctors. Home visits will last about two hours on average.
The support the Green Doctors offer, includes:
- Energy saving advice in the home.
- Identifying and tackling damp or mould problems.
- Switching energy providers to save money.
- Accessing the warm homes discount.
Hounslow residents in a number of groups, including disabled people, pregnant women and those who have recently lost their jobs, could be eligible for a free consultation.
Hounslow FoodBox receives huge donation
 The Hounslow FoodBox is delighted to have received a generous donation of £5000 from the Oshwal Association UK West - Shakti Centre, ran by the Jain community in Hounslow. Ruth Cadbury MP accepted the cheque on behalf of the FoodBox.
Hounslow Community FoodBox supports residents in a time of need with essential food supplies. Whilst emergency food can’t solve poverty, it can provide a lifeline while other issues in people’s lives are being addressed.
New rail and underground strike date announced
 A new series of rail and underground strike dates are being planned.
The RMT national rail strikes is due to take place on Saturday, 5, Monday, 7 and Wednesday, 9 November. On 6 November, a separate RMT strike involving Avanti West Coast trains is also set to affect services coming in and out of London.
A London Underground strike, also by the RMT that was due to take place on Poppy Day, will now go ahead on Thursday, 10 November.
Gtech Community Stadium hosts Brentford FC Women for first time
 Brentford FC's women’s team are going to be playing their first ever match at the Gtech Community Stadium on Sunday, 13 November, 3pm kick-off.
They will be playing Watford Development Ladies in a league game. Tickets for this event are free.
Community Fibre’s £6 million broadband investment ensures Hounslow’s communities are connected
 Over 14,200 properties and community spaces across the borough have benefitted from faster internet connections through the Council’s partnership with Community Fibre.
Since work began, the £6m Community Fibre investment has seen full fibre connections increase from 13.6 per cent to 37.2 per cent across the borough and in the Feltham and Heston parliamentary constituency connections have increased dramatically from 8.5 per cent to 44.5 per cent in a year.
Read the full Hounslow Digital Strategy here.
Get on the move with BetterPoints
 Did you know residents can earn discounts and rewards from local shops and retailers for daily activities that keep you in shape?
Residents across the borough can download the free BetterPoints app on their smart mobile phone - and get moving! The app works by building-up BetterPoints for physical activities and attending certain health services and Lampton Leisure centres.
Points can then be spent at local businesses and Council-owned leisure centres or donated to local charities. The app also helps to boost the Council's #ShopSafeShopLocal campaign by encouraging people to shop locally.
Rewards are given for activities including walking, cycling or running, and the app will keep residents up-to-date on ways to earn more rewards through community initiatives such as walking groups and litter picking and joining OneYou Hounslow's Health services. Residents can also scan QR codes to check-in at specific activities such as smoking cessation sessions.
Simply download the BetterPoints App from the App Store or Google Play store and register your details.
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