6 February 2024
Children's Mental Health Week - how to access support in Hounslow
This week is Children’s Mental Health Week. We’re making sure all children can say #MyVoiceMatters when talking about mental health, and also highlighting areas of support for children’s mental health in Hounslow.
Our colleagues at NHS West London are hosting a series of events this week where you can learn more about children’s mental health and how to access support.
You can also contact their CAMHS service for mental health and community services for young adults from 16-25.
Hounslow’s Youth Counselling Service is a great resource for anyone from 11-25 facing challenges around mental health.
There’s also Kooth, an online mental health and wellbeing community where young people can access free, safe and anonymous support.
|
Enhanced pharmacy services mean more options to avoid GP queues
 You can now access direct treatment for seven common health conditions at your local pharmacy without a GP appointment or prescription by visiting your local pharmacist.
You can access treatment for: sinusitis, a sore throat, earache, infected insect bites, impetigo, shingles, and uncomplicated urinary tract infections (in women under 65).
National HIV Testing Week - getting tested benefits us all
This week is National HIV Testing Week and Sexual Health Hounslow (SHH) is calling on people across the borough to test for HIV.
Testing is free and confidential and is the only way to diagnose HIV, which can be temporarily symptomless. To take a test, residents can visit SHH, their local GP, or use an at-home test kit through Sexual Health London (SHL).
Regular HIV testing benefits everyone. After a negative result, PrEP or condoms can be used to remain HIV negative. After a positive result, treatment can allow for a long and healthy life. People on effective HIV treatment can’t pass it on to partners.
|
Do your bit to reduce health inequalities
 Are you a local community or voluntary group in Hounslow? If so, Hounslow's Borough Based Partnership (BBP) would like to hear from you.
As part of their ongoing efforts to tackle the avoidable differences in health access and outcomes across Hounslow, BBP are reaching out to invite you to collaborate with them.
The project will involve carrying out meaningful engagement with residents to better understand their healthcare needs and experiences. This work will be used to co-design interventions that better serve communities in Hounslow.
It is fully funded, and training will be provided to all participatory groups. By joining forces with local community groups, BBP colleagues believe they can make significant strides in improving the health and experience for everyone in Hounslow.
Health & wellbeing activities for over 60s
 Calling Hounslow’s over 60s. It’s your chance to shine thanks to a series of fun fitness activities tailored just to you.
The Council has joined forces with its health partners to present Stay Fit, Stay Healthy and will be hosting three months (from February) of free health and wellbeing activities that could just change your life.
The programme offers the chance for residents to get out, get active, learn some new skills and maybe make a few new friends along the way.
- All the events are free and places will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.
- To book a session or for more information, you can email: activities60plus@hounslow.gov.uk or call 07974 622748.
Free courses at West London Wellbeing and Recovery College
 West London Wellbeing and Recovery College is open to everyone eighteen and over in Hounslow. It offers free educational courses and workshops on physical, mental and emotional wellbeing and recovery.
The spring term courses include lunchtime workshops and evening courses on a range of topics. You can enrol for free and pick and choose the workshops or courses that would be useful for you.
Free event to celebrate LGBT+ healthcare professionals
 The Council and local LGBT+ community groups will be hosting a special event to celebrate LGBT+ History Month on Monday, 19 February at Hounslow House.
In line with the theme for LGBT History Month 2024, Under the Scope will be an opportunity to celebrate the work and lives of LGBT+ healthcare professionals who have made significant contributions to the field of medicine.
Local groups The Naz Project (a sexual health charity) and Metro Charity (advocacy/counselling) are among the speakers. There will also be an exploration into other topics, including the history of the LGBT+ community in the borough through an archive exhibition.
Voting workshop for people who are deaf or hard of hearing
The Royal Association for Deaf People (RAD) is hosting Deaf Votes Count, a voting workshop for deaf and hard of hearing people, at Hounslow House (TW3 3EB) on Thursday, 8 February.
The event will run from 1:30pm-3:30pm and will provide an opportunity for you to find out more about the support available for deaf people around voting, voter ID, and much more. You will also be able to ask any questions you might have on the day.
There’s no need to sign-up for this event, just come along in good time. RAD is also offering 1-2-1 sessions, either in person or remotely.
RAD runs weekly drop-in sessions offering information, advice and guidance for deaf and hard of hearing people. Come along to Hounslow House every Tuesday from 10am-4pm or email HounslowIAG@royaldeaf.org.uk for more details.
|
Memory Cafés now open in Hounslow
 Leisure centres across Hounslow are now being used as venues for Memory Cafés, supporting people in the borough who are living with dementia.
The cafés are open to those living with dementia, as well as their families and carers, and anyone who is seeking support with their mental health.
It’s a chance to meet people, enjoy a hot drink and a slice of cake, and keep your mind and body stimulated with some dementia-friendly games.
Next Memory Café:
- Friday, 9 February 2024, 11am - 12:30 pm at Hanworth Air Park Leisure Centre and Library, Uxbridge Rd, Feltham TW13 5EG
No need to book, just turn up on the day. Find out more by emailing here.
Free, fun and accessible cycle confidence hub launch events
 The Council is launching two new cycle hubs, in Feltham Park and Heston Park, and celebrating the renovation of its Inwood Park all-ability cycle hub. Residents are invited to attend these events and find out about how they can feel more confident riding a bicycle and have fun.
At the launches, residents will find bike giveaways (at Feltham and Heston), markets selling affordable second-hand bikes, free Dr Bike repairs, cycle skills sessions and information about how they can sign up for free, fun, instructor-led, bookable lessons all year round.
Check out these fun events:
- Feltham Park cycle hub launch event, Saturday, 10 February, 1pm to 4.30pm
- Inwood Park accessible cycle hub launch event, Tuesday, 13 February, 1pm to 4.30pm
- Heston Park cycle hub launch event, Saturday, 17 February, 1pm to 4.30pm
|
