26 September 2023
 Feltham is the first area to benefit from a new network of local hubs that will soon roll out across the borough. It will feature venues that offer support and access to services, plus other community-related activities.
This includes a major new community resource, open weekly at Feltham Assembly Hall, and an existing Family Hub.
In addition, a further five community venues are within walking distance including Age UK’s base in Bedfont, Bedfont Lane Community Centre, the Dementia Café available at Bristol Court and from November, a new hub location, when Citizens Advice Hounslow will be available for guidance and support every Thursday.
The vibrant Feltham Community Development Association (FCDA) at Belvedere House, near ASDA, completes the picture.
This new development is a key part of the Council improving the way it interacts with residents. Whether you’re trying to find information, or seeking help and advice, we are making sure you can find the right solution, closer to home.
 ARC Partners: Hounslow Council’s Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care, Public Health and Transformation, Cllr Samia Chaudhary and Cllr Marina Sharma attend the ARC open day with Jaya Karira, Hounslow Council Senior Public Health Commissioner Claire Gomm and Taruna Rampersad.
More than 1,100 people in Hounslow who are affected by alcohol and drug misuse issues have taken steps to turn their lives around thanks to an innovative Council-backed support service.
The Hounslow Addiction Recovery Community (ARC) is a partnership between the Council and Central and North West London NHS Foundation Trust (CNWL), and Phoenix Futures.
It offers free support to any adult in Hounslow who wants help with alcohol or drug misuse issues.
Along with ARC, Hounslow Council and its partners have introduced a series of measures to tackle drug and alcohol misuse in the borough.
The results of these new measures have been significant.
- Between June 2022 and May 2023, 1,146 people received treatment from ARC Hounslow.
- A total of 61 per cent of this number were deemed to be making ‘substantial progress’ in addressing their misuse issues.
- 525 of those people being treated were new to the service.
- During the same period, the Alcohol Care Team has screened more than 3,300 people for alcohol issues and 147 have started treatment.
 Healthy New Ways: The team from the Sexual Health Hounslow clinic at Twickenham House, one of three centres across the borough.
Sexual health clinics in Hounslow are leading the way for London with a new model for healthcare.
Sexual Health Hounslow (SHH) consists of three clinics across Hounslow, Isleworth and Feltham and is now the coordinator for all NHS sexual health services in the borough.
This new system means there is one single point of contact for all sexual health services in the borough, rather than organisations such as the Council, GPS and pharmacies working separately.
This choice distinguishes SHH from other NHS services in London's other boroughs.
SHH offers a range of services, including contraception, support for Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) and health and wellbeing information and support.
Since its inception, SHH has seen more than 30 GP surgeries and more than 20 pharmacies sign up to make changes to their sexual health services.
 Giving up smoking will improve your health straight away, help you to breathe easier and have benefits to your respiratory and cardiovascular health.
By giving up, you will be helping to reduce the pressure on local NHS services and it's good for your pocket, because it will help you to save money.
And if you sign up for BetterPoints, giving up could earn you £25 worth of shopping vouchers.
To celebrate the national quit smoking campaign Stoptober, BetterPoints is offering Hounslow residents a few nifty incentives.
If you sign up for a free course to help you to stop smoking you’ll earn 5,000 BetterPoints - worth £5 after your first session.
If you stay the course and keep on quitting, you’ll receive 25,000 BetterPoints - equal to £25.
BetterPoints can be turned into vouchers and spent on the high street, online, or donated to local good causes or national charities - the choice is yours.
All you have to do is sign up for the BetterPoints app and then take steps to start your stop-smoking journey.
A great place to start would be to head over to Healthy Hounslow - the borough’s health and wellbeing service, which offers support for quitting smoking.
Households in Hounslow that are eligible for the Cost of Living Payment will receive £300 directly from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) between 31 October and 19 November.
This is the second of three payments totalling up to £900 for those eligible and on means-tested benefits, such as Universal Credit, Pension Credit, or tax credits, in 2023 to 2024.
Eligible pensioner households will also receive a further £300 payment later this year as an addition to the Winter Fuel Payment.
The £300 Cost of Living Payment will be sent out automatically and directly to recipients, meaning those eligible do not need to apply, contact the Government, or take any action to receive it.
This includes tax credits-only customers who will receive the payment from HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) between 10 and 19 November 2023.
For more information on these payments, click the link below.
 This autumn the Covid-19 booster and flu vaccine is available to those who are at risk of becoming seriously ill if they catch these viruses.
People over 65, those in care homes, and people in clinical risk groups, including people who are pregnant, are all eligible. Those aged 12 to 64 who have household contact with people with weakened immune systems, carers, and health and social care staff are all eligible for both too.
The flu vaccine will also be offered to all children aged 2 – 16. School-aged children can get their vaccine during their school day.
For children who aren’t in school yet, this can be given by the GP. Babies and children aged 6 months to 2 years with certain health conditions can also get a flu vaccine at the GP surgery.
Flu can be serious, especially for those who are more vulnerable so getting vaccinated doesn’t just help you, it also helps those around you.
 Hounslow Council teamed up with transport charity Sustrans and two local schools in the borough to host Play Streets sessions to mark World Car Free Day on Friday, 22 September.
The events took place outside Ivybridge School in Isleworth and Strand on the Green Junior School in Chiswick between 3-5pm.
The streets outside of the schools were closed to vehicular traffic during this period, with residents invited to come along and enjoy the afternoon with their families and local community.
The session featured crafts, play, refreshments, music, and importantly, the chance for residents to discuss the role of Play Streets and School Streets in their neighbourhoods. Sustrans is working with both schools to co-design School Streets in partnership with local residents.
These events were held on World Car Free Day to give residents the opportunity to experience their neighbourhoods with fewer cars on the road.
 Hounsow's Air Quality Action Plan 2023-2028 sets out how Hounslow Council aims to improve air quality and reduce pollution in our borough.
The Council is currently seeking the views of residents and other interested parties on this important plan.
The action plan sets out the current status of air pollution in Hounslow and outlines the actions the Council will take over the next five years to improve air quality.
Air quality improvement initiatives that form part of the plan include installing more monitors, improving opportunities for people to walk and cycle in the borough, and introducing measures to further reduce harmful emissions.
Anyone who lives, works, studies or visits Hounslow is invited to give their views on air quality in the borough as part of the consultation.
 Are you based in Hounslow and currently caring or looking after a family member, relative or friend?
Transit Community Support, supported by Thriving Communities funding, are offering free practical care training and support from professional carers. This includes mental health awareness, basic financial literacy and digital skills with an CPD accredited certificate upon completion.
The sessions are being held at the Bridgelink Community Centre, 373 Summerwood Road, Isleworth, TW7 7QR, every second/fourth Friday of the month, beginning on 13 October.
Contact the providers on 07533 208 607 or through info@transit-community.org
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