2 April 2024
Have your say on healthcare in Hounslow
 Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, which covers Hounslow, is seeking your views on health and care in our community to inform its new healthcare strategy.
Having been through a global pandemic and its lasting impacts, ways of working have changed through necessity.
Four years since the start of pandemic, the Trust is looking for your feedback to understand how this new way of working is impacting communities across Hounslow in 2024, either positively or negatively.
This feedback will then be used to shape the delivery of local health and care services in the future.
Free community walks around the grounds of Boston Manor Hall
 Every Friday morning you can explore the stunning grounds of Boston Manor House and its adjoining park with a free walking group. It’s a great way to get some fresh air, stretch your legs and meet new people.
The walks take place between 11am and midday. You can join groups of up to 15 people every week, or just whenever you’re free. The group enjoys trying out different walking routes around the park, so you’ll never get bored.
While the walks are free, you will need to sign up beforehand so that the organisers have an idea of numbers.
Information on free health services and more in your area this month
 Hounslow's Health Outreach Team (HOT) is back on the road this month and will be visiting a range of venues throughout the month.
HOT is a community-based health team that gives residents the lowdown on local health and wellbeing services.
It offers free information and guidance on a range of popular health topics, including blood pressure checks, Body Mass Index (BMI) healthy weight checks, and checks on the levels of carbon monoxide in your blood. The team can also signpost residents to support with diabetes, mental health issues and more.
In the next week you can meet the team on the following dates:
- Thursday, 4 April - Sainsburys in Chiswick between 10am and 4pm
- Tuesday, 9 April - Clayponds Community Centre between 12.30pm and 3pm
Free lung checks can save your life
If you’re a smoker, it’s easy to bury your head in the sand when it comes to lung cancer and other conditions. But if caught early, even lung cancer is treatable, so it’s always better to know.
If you’re aged between 55 and 74 and smoke or have previously smoked, you may be eligible for a free NHS lung check. The checks are quick and simple, and may spot any potential lung issues early, even if you haven’t experienced any symptoms.
Check your eligibility and book your check via the button below.
Training on suicide awareness among people with autism
 Today is World Autism Awareness Day. Sadly, people with autism can face a higher risk of suicide.
The Zero Suicide Alliance has put together training to help understand more about the challenges autistic people face and how these can contribute to suicidal thoughts. The training has been co-produced with people from the autistic community and includes real examples of their own challenges.
It is especially recommended for autistic people themselves or people who work with the autistic community, but is valuable for everyone. The training is online and free.
Spring into action with BetterPoints
 This spring, play your part in making Hounslow a healthier, better place to live - all while improving your own wellbeing.
The BetterPoints Spring into Action campaign rewards you for walking or cycling for smaller trips, and taking the bus or train instead of driving for longer journeys.
To get involved, all you have to do is download the BetterPoints app, get active, and get rewards in the form of vouchers to spend in supermarkets and other shops near you.
Get help to buy food and milk with Healthy Start
 If you are more than 10 weeks pregnant or have a child under four, you may be entitled to help with buying healthy food and milk.
Applying for Healthy Start is an easy online process and if you're eligible you will be sent a Healthy Start card with money on it. The benefit will be added to the card every four weeks.
You can use it to buy a range of products, including:
- Cow's milk
- Fresh, frozen or tinned fruit and vegetables
- Fresh, dried or tinned pulses
- Infant formula milk, based on cow's milk
You can even use it to collect free vitamins to support your during pregnancy and vitamin drops for your baby.
Hounslow project on digital inclusion in healthcare shortlisted for award
 The Digital Inclusion for Social and Health Impact project (DISH) has been shortlisted in the Whole Team Approach to Tackling Health Inequalities category at the MJ Awards.
DISH is jointly led by Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Hounslow Council, and Imperial College Health Partners. It explores how digital exclusion impacts communities' access to healthcare, and the different ways people can be supported to use existing digital channels and learning opportunities to reduce health inequalities.
The MJ Awards celebrate local government authorities that demonstrate excellence when serving their communities.
Supporting people with learning disabilities and autism in internships
 Last week the Council marked National Supported Internship Day (NSID) by celebrating DFN Project SEARCH, which is a great example of a collaborative partnership that benefits young people with learning disabilities and autism spectrum conditions.
The Council's partners Kaleidoscope, West Thames College, and local employers work with parents to provide important wrap-around support for interns who fall into these categories.
Current cohorts are progressing through various work rotations at local employers including Thorpe Park, Twickenham Stadium Hotel and Hounslow Council. Read about former graduate Chris Harving, who is now thriving as a full-time Play Centre Assistant at Snakes and Ladders in Syon Park, Isleworth by clicking the button below.
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