9 April 2024
COVID-19 spring vaccinations available from next week
 You may be eligible for a COVID-19 vaccination this spring. From Monday, 15 April the booking system for vaccinations will re-open and you can book an appointment if you are over 75 or have a weakened immune system.
You can book the vaccine from 15 April through the NHS App or on the NHS website, which also lists walk-in sites across the country.
CarePlace back online and available
 CarePlace, the Council’s online social care directory, is now back online. Visit CarePlace for information on:
- care and support options
- staying healthy and independent
- money and benefits
- community & activities
- support for carers
CarePlace is also where you can access Autonomy, the adult social care online assessment portal.
If you are struggling to manage at home because of illness, disability or simply getting older, Autonomy may be used to start a Needs Assessment or Carers needs assessment.
Free event on autism identity, acceptance and empowerment
 You can now book your free place at Autism Hounslow’s Positive Autistic Identity: The Benefits event with Dr Kate Cooper on Tuesday, 30 April.
Held at Hounslow Arts Centre, the event will explore the advantages of embracing a positive autistic identity. Discover how understanding and accepting autism can lead to personal growth and empowerment.
Don't miss this opportunity to connect with others in the community and explore the many benefits of autism acceptance.
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.
Monthly Open Mic 4 Mental Health event at Hounslow Arts Centre
Head to Hounslow Arts Centre on Friday, 12 April from 2pm to 4pm for an afternoon of live music. You can get up on stage and sing a song, play an instrument provided by The Arts Centre, or just enjoy the entertainment.
Part of the Hounslow Wellbeing Network programme of events, the open mic afternoon takes place once a month and is hosted by Key Changes. Everyone is welcome to come along and there will be tea and coffee available in the afternoon.
The Hounslow Wellbeing Network is a vibrant community dedicated to enhancing mental and physical wellbeing for all. They connect people, organisations, and services to create a supportive environment where individuals can embark on journeys of personal recovery and combat challenges such as social isolation, loneliness, depression, and anxiety.
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Information on free health services and more in your area this month
 Hounslow's Health Outreach Team (HOT) is back on the road and will be visiting a range of venues throughout the month.
HOT is a community-based health team that provides information on local health and wellbeing services to residents on a range of popular health topics, including blood pressure checks, Body Mass Index (BMI) healthy weight checks, and checks on your carbon monoxide levels. 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, 11 April - Heston Shopping Parade, Brabazon Road, TW5 9GU - 10am to 4pm
- Tuesday, 16 April - Community Hub, Feltham Assembly Hall, Feltham Park TW14 9DN - 2pm to 5pm
Sexual health drop-in clinic for young people
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Anyone in Hounslow aged between 13 and 18 can get free advice on sexual health at the Young People Clinic.
People aged between 19 and 24 with Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) can also attend and get support.
Clinics are held at Feltham Centre for Health (TW13 4GU) every Wednesday, from 4pm to 6pm. They are also at Heart of Hounslow (TW3 3EL) every Friday, from 2pm to 4pm.
You can book an appointment in advance or just turn up on the day. But please be aware that the clinic can be very busy, so there may be a wait if you attend without booking.
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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.
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.
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.
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