Money-go-round – free expert advice available in Feltham
 Would you like some tips and ideas to help you 'survive the squeeze' from the cost-of-living crisis? Join a free 90-minute ‘Cost of Living Toolkit’ workshop at Feltham Assembly Hall on Tuesday, 27 February, 1pm - 2.30pm, including refreshments.
The session will be run by Crosslight Advice and covers the latest news and updates that might affect your finances, available schemes and support, and quick wins to help you spend less and maximise your income.
Book your place online at COLT — The Money Course, or by calling 0300 373 1180.
Celebrate International Women’s Day
 Come and celebrate International Women’s Day with us in style at Cranford Community College on Friday, 8 March.
We will have fascinating guests from all walks of life including local groups SHEWISE and Soul Purpose 360 plus Archana Dixit, Senior Gynaecologist from West Middlesex Hospital, Valerie Hill, CEO of Middlesex Association for the Blind, Mollie Holmes, captain of Brentford FC Women’s team, and a senior teacher from Kingsley Academy.
There will also be a Q&A, fashion show and refreshments to enjoy too!
Commissioner commends Hounslow’s work addressing domestic abuse
 L/R: Councillor Ajmer Grewal, Cabinet Member for Safety and Regulatory Services, Nicole Jacobs, the Domestic Abuse Commissioner for England and Wales, Saima Khan, Head of Domestic Abuse Services at SHEWISE
On Wednesday, 21 February, the Domestic Abuse Commissioner for England and Wales, Nicole Jacobs visited Hounslow and commended the Council’s work in tackling abuse, violence and harassment against women and girls.
The Commissioner was shown a video with affirmations from partners and colleagues and later she met with a survivor, a Headteacher and a Hounslow social worker to discuss their experience of the Domestic Abuse service offer. She also visited Hounslow One Stop Shop and had the opportunity to view therapeutic materials and resources used by the team, with children who have been impacted by domestic abuse.
Join us at the Area Forum in Brentford & Syon
 Area Forums are set to return, with the first event in Brentford & Syon on Thursday, 29 February at Brentford Free Church.
Forums are a chance for residents to speak to their elected representatives and Council teams about local issues and ask questions. The evening will begin with an informal marketplace, where residents can network and receive support and advice, as well as enjoy free refreshments.
Health Visiting services available for mums-to-be and young families
 A new video that highlights the amazing support Hounslow's Health Visiting Service offers mums-to-be and young families has been launched.
It dispels some myths around the role of health visitors that lead to some young parents feeling nervous about engaging with the service. It stresses that health visitors are always there to help families, never to judge them or their parenting.
New parents can get help with a range of issues including: feeding your baby and introducing solid foods, sleep difficulties, crying babies, and attachment.
Support is also available for young mothers who may be experiencing postnatal depression or anxiety around any aspect of parenting.
Bake, bond and breathe
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Join a free event at Hogarth Youth & Community Centre for a fun-filled day of baking, bonding, and relaxation.
The event, on Saturday, 2 March, 2pm -4pm, is for women living in the borough and is all about connecting with others while enjoying the therapeutic process of baking.
Perfect for anyone looking to unwind and have a good time.
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Apply for new childcare support for two-year-olds
 Eligible working parents with two-year-old children can now apply for up to 15 hours of childcare per week.
Parents can check their eligibility and apply for their hours via Childcare Choices website. Please apply by Sunday, 31 March to get a code and share it with childcare provider.
This comes alongside the existing Government childcare support. Parents might be able to use more than one offer to help with their childcare costs.
Contact Hounslow’s Family Information Services for childcare options in the borough via fis@hounslow.gov.uk or call 020 8583 3470.
You’ve got a friend
 Hounslow Age UK offers a free telephone Befriending Service which aims to give residents who are aged 60 plus and feeling lonely or isolated the regular contact they need.
However, people of any age are welcome to get in touch to find out what the Befriending Service can do for them.
It is also available for anyone who looks after a family member or friend as a carer.
The volunteers who operate the Befriending Service are all trained and DBS checked. The service has volunteers that speak a variety of languages.
Enjoy a cuppa and get free digital support
In partnership with Sky, The BridgeLink Centre in Isleworth has launched a new, free Digital Support Café.
Residents who are struggling online or with their device can drop in to grab a free drink and ask a Sky employee any questions they may have about their phone, laptop or the internet. All ages welcome.
The dates for the sessions are:
- Wednesday, 28 February, 9.30am - 11am
- Wednesday, 13 March, 9.30am -11am
- Wednesday, 27 March 9.30am - 11am
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Explore Cranford's outdoors
The Council-backed community organisation Let’s Go Outside and Learn regularly organises nature-based activities in Cranford’s parks.
Free to attend, the sessions are aimed at helping residents immerse themselves in the natural beauty of Cranford’s parks and the River Crane, to boost their physical and mental health and wellbeing.
The upcoming programme includes:
- Monthly Bird Watching Walk at Waye Avenue Open Space - Saturday, 24 February, between 12.30pm and 2pm
- Wonderful Winter Trees art and social club at the Brabazon Centre, Tuesday, 27 February, between 10.30am and 1pm
- Cranford Green Gym - every Tuesday at Avenue Park, between 11am and 2pm
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