20 December 2022
We can all work together to connect with others and prevent anyone from feeling lonely this Christmas.
This is the big festive message from Hounslow Council and its health and care partners across the borough ahead of the Christmas holidays.
Traditionally a time of celebration and family get-togethers, Christmas can be challenging for people who live alone or who cannot see their friends and family.
Mental Health charity MIND says that feelings of loneliness can also have a negative impact on your mental health and could increase the risk of depression, stress and anxiety, low self-esteem and sleep problems.
Services are available over Christmas and into the New Year for anyone in Hounslow who is experiencing loneliness and isolation.
Click on the button below to find out more.
 There are lots of NHS services available to help you if you or your family are unwell.
At this time of year, with pressure mounting on local health services, it's important to make sure you go to the best place to meet your needs. Choosing the right one means you will get help quickly.
If you need medical help over Christmas and the New Year, the best place to start is 111 - either online or over the phone.
This service can quickly direct you to the right place for your medical needs. Medical professionals will be on hand to provide advice, call you back, direct you to the right service or book an appointment for you.
 Hounslow House is hosting the first Cost of Living Marketplace of 2023, on Wednesday, 11 January from 1pm until 5pm.
Receive expert advice and support from council teams and voluntary sector partners in a non-judgemental environment. British Sign Language support is available from 2pm-4pm and among the confirmed guests to date will be local social welfare charity Shewise and C-Change West London, who promote social inclusion through a range of voluntary and training programmes across west London boroughs including Hounslow.
Venue: Hounslow House, Bath Road, Hounslow, TW3 3EB.
 The Safe Space Helpline is a specialist mental health helpline for adults living in Hounslow who are in or are nearing crisis. Callers are given emotional support and advice and will be signposted to services that aim to improve their mental wellbeing.
If you’re facing a difficult situation over the Christmas period or need to speak to someone, give us a call. We are also happy to support carers who may be struggling.
The helpline is open from 11am until 11pm, 365 days a year. Tel: 020 3475 5185'
 Make sure you don't run out of medication during cold weather or over the holidays.
Order and collect repeat prescriptions before they run-out.
Some pharmacies and GP practices close over 25 - 31 December and 1 January. It is best to re-order and collect prescriptions and medication in advance of these days.
 Looking for an easy and free way to stay active this Christmas?
There’s a completely free and guided activity programme you can do from the convenience of your own home.
You can follow the suggested 12 day programme or find your own routine. Repeat or skip a session, whatever works for you.
Visit the Couch to Fitness website to sign up and get started:
 Visiting your nearest pharmacy is a quick and convenient way to get clinical advice on minor health concerns.
Local pharmacists are qualified healthcare professionals who can help you manage minor illnesses, offer confidential discussions in a consultation room with no need for an appointment, or refer you to a GP or A&E if your symptoms suggest it’s something more serious.
Bank Holidays can affect the opening hours of local pharmacies, but arrangements are in place for certain pharmacies to open.
Click the button below for the opening hours for pharmacies in North West London, which have been asked to open over the Christmas and New Year Bank Holidays.
There may be additional pharmacies opening which are not listed. If the pharmacy you would like to visit is not listed here, then you can check their opening hours by searching the NHS Find a pharmacy site or by calling NHS 111.
 London Borough of Hounslow in partnership with West London Trust (WLT) is inviting bids for the management and development of the Hounslow Wellbeing Network (HWN).
Annual funding of £171,700 is available and we are looking to award a grant for an initial period of three years. The organisation appointed to take over the HWN would be required to maintain elements of the current offer which are well-used and valued by existing users.
HWN began when a group of residents and mental health staff came together to develop a new approach to promoting mental and physical health alongside general wellbeing. The resultant network seeks to combat social isolation, share assets and strengths, solve problems, and get involved in activities of their choice.
For your application form and further guidance please email: community.development@hounslow.gov.uk.
The closing date is Tuesday, 31 January at 9am.
The free BetterPoints health and exercise activity app is now offering users a big bonus of 10,000 extra points for signing up to the Smoke Free 23 smoking cessation program and stopping smoking.
App users can also earn 1,000 points per smoking support session, which can be over the phone or in person. There are currently three face-to-face clinics running across the borough offering appointments and drop in clinics at:
- Brentford Health Centre
- Heston Health Centre
- Feltham Centre for Health
Research has shown that if you quit for 28 days, you're five times more likely to stop permanently. Stopping smoking is the best thing you can do for your own health - and the health of people around you. It's never too late to stop. You'll start seeing the benefits immediately, not just for your health but also your finances so let us help you to become smoke free in 2023.
To contact the Smoke Free support service, call 020 8973 3530 to book your appointment.
 Hounslow's Health Outreach Team (HOT) is out and about in the borough, supporting residents with their health needs.
The joint NHS and Council team is staffed by healthcare and engagement personnel, utilising the broad range of skills available within Primary Care Networks and the Council, including speaking community languages.
The bus offers services such as blood pressure tests and height and weight measurements.
Crucially at this time of year, the HOT is offering an ongoing programme of COVID-19 boosters at a community venue near you.
Click the button below to find out the full schedule and locations.
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