5 March 2024
Protecting children against preventable illnesses
Cases of preventable childhood illnesses like measles and whooping cough are rising.
This is because England no longer has the levels of population immunity recommended by the World Health Organisation of 95%, which has led to an increased risk for those who are unvaccinated or under-vaccinated.
Such infections can have a huge impact on your child’s life. They can miss out on school due to time spent unwell, be hospitalised, and even experience life-long complications, disability, and in some cases death.
If you want to book your child's free vaccines or have any questions, do not hesitate to speak to your GP or health visitor. They will be happy to address any concerns and guide you through the vaccination schedule.
You can also watch the Council's video that talks you through the childhood immunisation process in an engaging and entertaining way.
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Free support to quit smoking
 Smoking can have a huge impact on your health and life. Around two in three long-term smokers will die as a result of their habit, with around 64,000 people in England dying from smoking-related illnesses each year.
Additionally, teenagers are nearly three times as likely to smoke if their caregivers or friends do, so if you have children, by quitting now you increase the chances of them leading a healthier life.
Ahead of No Smoking Day on 13 March, we want you to be aware of the great resources in Hounslow to help you quit smoking. Get in Touch with Healthy Hounslow to find out how they can help you on your way to a smoke-free future.
Voluntary groups in Hounslow can apply for funding for resident health project
 Are you a local community or voluntary group in Hounslow? If so, the Hounslow Borough Based Partnership (BBP) would like to hear from you.
As part of ongoing efforts to tackle the avoidable differences in health access and outcomes across Hounslow, the BBP are inviting you to collaborate with them on the CORE20PLUS5 programme. You have until Monday, 12 March to get in touch and apply to take part.
The project will involve you carrying out meaningful engagement, using a range of methods and activities with residents to gain insight into their needs and experiences in healthcare. This work will be used to co-design tailor-made interventions that better serve our communities.
The project is fully funded, and training will be provided to all participatory groups.
Free health event for carers
If you are an unpaid carer, sign up for a free event on Thursday, 7 March to hear about health and care services available to carers.
The event will run from 10.30am to 1pm at Southville Community Centre, Feltham, TW14 8AP. On the day you'll be able to hear from health experts about managing your own health and preventing cardiovascular disease.
You'll also have the chance to discuss health queries or blood pressure concerns with our Health Outreach Team, who will be offering free blood pressure and BMI checks. They will also be offering free carbon dioxide level checks for smokers.
Reserve your free spot by emailing the Carers team.
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SEND summit and surgeries
 Hounslow Council will be hosting a SEND summit at Cranford Community College on Friday, 15 March - running from 9am until 12.15pm.
There are limited numbers, so pre-booking is required for parents/carers of children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), professionals, as well as voluntary and community sector groups working with SEND families.
You can book your place via the button below.
Furthermore, the Council's SEND Local Offer surgeries provides information, help, guidance, and support for children and young people living with SEND, their families, and SEND professionals - all in one place.
The next surgery is on Wednesday, 13 March at Redlees Play Centre, Isleworth, TW7 6DW - from 10am to 12.15pm.
Learn about female health and more on International Women’s Day
 Come and hear from a range of health experts and other inspiring community leaders on International Women’s Day (IWD).
The event will be held at Cranford Community College on Friday, 8 March. One of the key themes of the day is helping women and girls make informed decisions about their health.
We will have fascinating guests from all walks of life including: Archana Dixit, Senior Gynaecologist from West Middlesex Hospital; Valerie Hill, CEO of Middlesex Association for the Blind; members of Brentford FC Women’s team; and a senior teacher from Kingsley Academy.
There are also a number of other IWD events in Hounslow this week, check them out on the Hounslow Connect website.
Book your place at the Council event below.
Join Hounslow Family Hub dad’s play
Every Tuesday, Feltham Family Hub (TW13 5AF) hosts free play sessions for dads and male carers with their children aged below four. Sessions take place from 11.15am to 12.30pm.
Tom and his two children join dad’s play regularly. He says the sessions can offer participants a safe and comfortable place to talk, network and build their parenting confidence.
Additionally, three Hounslow Family Hubs in Lampton (TW3 4JG), Brentford (TW8 0BJ) and Feltham (TW13 5AF) are offering Start for Life programmes and a range of supporting sessions for families with children aged 0-19, or up to 25 years old if they have special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).
Find out more on the Hounslow Family Hubs website.
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Event with community groups explores how to ensure women's health matters
Chelsea and Westminster Hospital Foundation Trust is celebrating International Women’s Day with a community dialogue event on Thursday, 7 March.
It will feature key local community groups discussing how to ensure women’s health matters.
The event will take place in the Boardroom (meeting room A), on the 2nd floor at West Middlesex Hospital, between 7pm and 8:30pm.
It will bring together key leaders and representatives from local community groups. For more information, please email chelwest.comms@nhs.net.
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Virtual workshops on harms of gambling
The Council is teaming up with Red Card to deliver a series of virtual workshops on gambling.
The workshops will help to educate people about the potential harms of gambling and highlight avenues of support for people who believe they have a problem.
The first online session will be on Tuesday, 12 March from 10am to 11.30am. There will be further sessions on:
- 13 March (2pm to 2.30pm)
- 20 March (10am to 11.30am)
- 21 March (2pm to 3.30pm)
Email Richard Reeves via the button to book your place.
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The future of support for carers survey
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Are you or have you at any time been an unpaid carer? If so, you can have your say on the future of carers’ support by filling in a survey on the Government’s website.
It’s a great chance to get your voice heard and give your input into a new carers’ strategy that will shortly be put together.
You can submit anonymously if you wish, or provide your details.
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