16 April 2024
COVID-19 spring vaccinations available now
 You may be eligible for a COVID-19 vaccination this spring. The booking system for vaccinations has now re-opened and you can book an appointment if you are over 75 or have a weakened immune system.
You can now book the vaccine through the NHS App or on the NHS website, which also lists walk-in sites across the country. For a full list of where you can get the vaccine in Hounslow, please head to the relevant pages on the NW London NHS website.
Can you help improve health services for people with respiratory conditions?
 Hounslow Borough Respiratory Support Group is seeking residents with asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) who live in Hounslow to take part in a focus group.
It aims to understand views on what can be done to improve health and wellbeing for those living with respiratory conditions in Hounslow, specifically in a few key areas.
If you are interested in taking part, please email Roger Smith at roger.smith@hbrsg.org.
Whooping cough: booking the vaccine if you're pregnant or a young parent
 Cases of whooping cough almost doubled in England between January and February this year, rising from 555 to 913 cases, according to the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA).
UKSHA is urging anyone who is pregnant to get vaccinated to protect them and their unborn child from the illness, which can be particularly dangerous for young infants. This would ideally be between 20 and 32 weeks, but you should still get the vaccine if you are further along in your pregnancy.
Parents are also being encouraged to check that their children are vaccinated against whooping cough. The vaccine is offered to all infants at eight, 12 and 16 weeks-of-age (as part of the 6-in-1 combination vaccine) - with an additional dose included in the pre-school booster.
You can book your vaccination by contacting your GP.
Information on free health services and more in your area this week
 Hounslow's Health Outreach Team (HOT) is back on the road and will be visiting a range of venues in the coming weeks.
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:
- Wednesday, 17 April - Chiswick Turnham Green, Chiswick High Road, W4 5TF - 10am to 4pm
- Friday, 19 April - Brentford Community Hub, Brentford Library, Boston Manor Rd, TW8 8DW - 10am to 2pm
- Saturday, 20 April - Tesco Osterley, Grant Way, Isleworth, TW7 5NZ - 10am to 4pm.
Courses for adults to help with health and wellbeing
 Learn Hounslow offers a wide variety of adult education courses that help people to improve their health and wellbeing. These range from fitness to stress management and plenty in-between.
Many courses take place in the evening, so they’re perfect for residents who work during the day. While some courses require a small fee, residents may be able to take the classes for free if claiming benefits or on a low income.
Courses starting soon include:
If you have any questions or would like to find out more about the courses on offer, please email courses@hounslow.gov.uk.
Sight loss confidence-building workshop
 On Wednesday, 8 May, Eye Matter is hosting a confidence building afternoon for people who are experiencing sight loss, in partnership with Hounslow Council, RNIB, and The Middlesex Association for the Blind.
There will be acting sessions, games, and creative exercises aimed at helping people who are experiencing sight loss to build confidence and make friends and connections.
The day will begin with a meet-and-greet at Feltham Station at 1.40pm, where attendees will be escorted to Feltham Assembly Hall. The day will run until 5.00pm.
For more information, please email suzie@eyematter.org.uk with subject ‘Confidence’.
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.
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.
Anyone aged between 55 and 74 who smokes or has previously smoked 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.
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