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Friday, 1 November 2024

Pathways event for young people with Special Education Needs

Join us at Oaklands School (Gresham Road Hounslow TW3 4BX) on 14 November 2024 (4pm-7pm) for an event aimed at Hounslow residents aged 13-25 with Education Health and Care Plans attending a special or independent special school and their parents or carers.

Attendees can access information on the different options available for pupils, both in education and employment. 

• Talk to our services and partners about available support including the Council’s SEN team on the upcoming key stages and processes involved
• Hear from schools about the diverse courses available and guests like DFN Project SEARCH, a supported internship for young adults with SEN, who have supported over 100 young people (78% of enrolled graduates) into employment in Hounslow over the past ten years
• Meet graduates (and their parents) who have completed featured courses and internships and hear about their experiences
• Walk away with options to explore and discuss in annual reviews ahead of phase transfer

Christmas Day for Hounslow care leavers

Fifty young people aged 18-25 who would otherwise be spending Christmas Day alone, will be given a magical day to remember provided by local charity Cocoon – Care After Care, with the help of the community.

The guests invited to this very special event are all care-experienced, meaning that they spent some or most of their childhood being looked after either in foster care or children's homes. They will also be treated to a delicious chef-prepared dinner in a top-secret venue.

There will be stockings stuffed with quality presents, entertainment, good company, pampering, and all the traditional Christmas trimmings!  Every year, everything is donated, from trees to mince pies and crackers, wrapping skills and presents.

For any businesses or organisations that would like to make a charitable donation please email xmas@cocooncareaftercare.org.uk 

If you know a care-experienced person aged 18-25 who is going to be alone on Christmas Day please share the registration form. If they have young children, they are also welcome.

To volunteer, donate or buy a gift for a guest please visit the link below.  Cocoon – Care After Care are also looking for a qualified chef to lead their kitchen team, and people to provide pampering (hairstylist, barber, beauty therapist, nail technician, chair massage therapist) and entertainment (e.g. magician/singer).

International Day of Persons with Disabilities event

The Council is celebrating International Day of Persons with Disabilities with an event on Tuesday, 3 December at Holy Trinity Church, 11am-3:30pm.

The event will spotlight the intersection of disability rights and climate action, recognising that we can achieve more – for the borough, and for our planet – by listening to the unique knowledge and strengths of people with disabilities.

Whether it’s a marketplace with disability-confident employers and local disability groups, a fire-side chat with subject matter experts, or a panel on transport – there will be something for everyone.

Safe in Hounslow

Join us at Hounslow House this November for ‘Safe in Hounslow’, marketplace information events, dedicated to Safeguarding Adults.

Taking place on Monday, 18 November and Tuesday, 19 November, from 10am to 2pm on the ground floor of Hounslow House, Safe in Hounslow will bring an exciting lineup of organisations and services together with residents. It aims to  raise awareness about crucial safeguarding issues. Residents will have the opportunity to ask questions, gather information, and enjoy some useful giveaways!

There is no need to sign up for ‘Safe in Hounslow’, simply turn up on either of the days to learn more about how to stay safe and informed.

Empowering Care Leavers during National Care Leavers Week

This week’s event for care leavers was a powerful gathering aimed at sharing resources, experiences, and support systems available to young people transitioning out of care. Organisations like Barnardo’s, Settle, Volunteering Matters, and FocusGov are doing incredible work to ensure that care leavers have the tools they need to thrive in their independence.

One of the most moving parts of the evening was hearing from a previous care leaver who shared their journey from care to university, supported by a scholarship. They remarked, "When you let trauma guide you, it takes you to places you don't want to go" emphasising the important influence that positive caring relationships can have on personal development.

Together, we can help ensure that every care leaver has the chance to thrive and create a bright future.

Bowling Balls rolls back into Trinity Church

Back in the Summer, the Council's Community Provisions team ran a very successful and engaging men's cancer awareness event called Bowling Balls for men with autism, learning disabilities and related conditions.

Next Monday, 4 Movember, Bowling Balls returns to Holy Trinity Church, Hounslow on from 11am-1pm. This event will cover a new men's health topic, fitness, and nutrition. There is no need to book in advance, just turn up on the day. 

The event takes place during Movember, the men's health campaign that asks people to unite to tackle men's mental health, suicide, prostate cancer and testicular cancer.

All-ability cycling sessions at Inwood Park

Cycle fans flocked to Inwood Park this week for the grand re-opening of the Council’s All Ability Cycling sessions.

These popular sessions were put on hold in September while the facilities at the park underwent some major improvement works.

The relaunch event saw a host of activities including free cycling sessions, bike repairs with Dr Bike and smoothie bike sessions.

The all-ability cycling sessions are designed to be inclusive and accessible to everyone, particularly for those with disabilities.

The sessions run on Saturday mornings and offer a fantastic opportunity to enjoy cycling in a friendly and supportive environment.

The best part is that they are completely free, with all necessary equipment provided, so everyone can have a go at cycling, regardless of experience or ability.

Sexual health drop-in for parents and carers of children with SEND

Young Hounslow Sexual Health (YHSH) is hosting an online drop-in session for parents and carers of children with Special Educational Need and Disability (SEND) to ask any questions about their child’s sexual health. The session will take place from 10am-11am on Tuesday, 5 November. Parents and carers will have the chance to ask about sexual relationships, sexual behaviour, and any other matters affecting the sexual health of the young people they support. To sign up for the event, email YHSH via the button below.

Local Offer Live arrives in Feltham

Our Local Offer Live, formerly known as a SEND Surgery, comes to Feltham Family Hub (TW13 5AF) on Wednesday, 13 November from 10am-12.15pm, providing guidance, info and support for children and young people living with special educational needs and disability (SEND) and their families.

Whether you want to know more about SEND in general or have a query about your child’s SEND needs or EHCP, come and join the surgery to find out more about the local offer for families.  Public Transport is accessible via Feltham Train Station and the 117, 235, 285, 490, 635, H26 & H25 Bus Routes

Redlees Winter Open Studios

Enjoy live demonstrations, discover new art, and connect with local artists at Redlees Winter Open Studios running from Friday, 29 November to Sunday, 1 December. 

View the work of 30 artists in historic Victorian stables. Refreshments, practical demonstrations, and free parking will be available.

There is no need to sign up, simply turn up at any of the times listed below:

Friday. 29 November 6pm-9pm - Opening night
Saturday, 30 November 11am - 5pm
Sunday, 1 December 11am - 5pm

Join new sensory information WhatsApp channel

Do you live in the borough of Hounslow? Are you partially sighted or deaf? Then why not join our WhatsApp channel and find out about our activities and events in the local area.