10 December 2024
 Hospitals across the country are currently very busy, including those in Hounslow, due largely to high numbers of flu and norovirus cases.
To avoid long waits in A&E and help local NHS services, the Council is asking everyone in Hounslow to follow these steps:
Always call 999 if your situation is life-threatening.
 The festive period is the season of giving and you can give the best gift this winter by donating blood. The NHS is urging donors to book appointments in the lead up to Christmas to ensure there is enough blood in stock to meet demand over the busy holiday period.
Blood is constantly needed to help the NHS treat patients with cancer, blood disorders, those suffering medical trauma or undergoing surgery, and for emergency care. Each donation can save or improve up to three lives.
To register or book an appointment to give blood, visit the website, use the GiveBlood app or call 030 0123 2323. You can make an appointment at any of the permanent donor centres.
 Staying Steady and Active at home can help to increase your mobility and support long-term independence. Take the new online Staying Steady Test today to better understand if you would benefit from activity classes or clinical support to support falls prevention.
The Council’s Home Safety Team (HST) can also help you identify risks and hazards in your home which may cause a slip, trip, or fall. The team will visit your home and undertake an assessment to identify factors relating to yourself and the environment you live in, which can often be the cause of falling.
 Families with children from birth to 5 years old can call the Hounslow Health Visiting Advice Line on 020 8973 3490. The advice line is available from 9am to 4pm, Monday to Friday (excluding bank holidays) and provides support on all aspects of child health, development, and parenting.
This includes but not limited to, sleep and your baby, breastfeeding and infant feeding, growth and your baby, and what to do if your child is unwell.
 Chiswick Primary Care Network is committed to enhancing the support, services, and resources available to neurodiverse individuals in the Chiswick community.
If you or someone you care for has a neurodiverse condition or is awaiting an assessment, share your thoughts through this short survey. Your feedback will help shape the way care and resources are provided in the future.
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Young Hounslow Sexual Health provides free, non-judgemental support and guidance about relationships, sexual health and contraception to young people in Hounslow up to the age of 24.
Their services will still be available over the holiday period, including around Christmas and New Year. You will still be able to access sexual health clinics and book appointments from Monday to Friday. Free condoms and STI testing kits will also be available.
Services are based in Feltham, Hounslow and Isleworth.
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PHAST (The Public Health Action Support Team), on behalf of Do it London, is conducting a survey to better understand the HIV prevention needs, knowledge, and attitudes of Black Londoners. If you identify as Black African, Black Caribbean, or Black British, are over 16, and live, work, or study in London, Do it London wants to hear from you.
HIV prevention services are vital for all communities and it's essential that services are tailored to the unique needs of different groups. Black communities are disproportionately affected by HIV, and your input in this survey will help provide a better understanding of the HIV prevention needs of Black heritage communities in London.
Complete this 10 minute survey for a chance to win up to £100 in vouchers.
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Recreational drug use is likely to increase over the Christmas and New Year period. The best way to stay safe is by not taking drugs. However, if you are taking drugs, make sure you are aware of how to reduce the risk of an overdose and other adverse effects.
High strength drugs are one of the main factors behind an increase in drug overdoses. Check The Loop website for alerts on batches of drugs that are considered to present an increased risk in your area.
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 Winter and Christmas can be a stressful time for many. If you are struggling, there is support available through Hounslow Safe Space, a local hub for anyone who feels they are nearing crisis point, including carers.
Support provided includes strategies to help you cope, a range of free activities, and ways to connect with local services. Face to face, telephone and video-conference support are all offered.
 The next SEND Surgery will be held on Wednesday, 11 December at Redlees Centre, Worton Rd, Isleworth TW7 6DW from 10am to 12pm.
These sessions provide families with an informal opportunity to ask questions and receive advice and support from SEND professionals.
If you have any queries please contact TheLocalOffer@hounslow.gov.uk.
 This December, BetterPoints is inviting you on an exciting adventure. Every car-free journey of half a mile or more unlocks a new advent window featuring a festive city and its unique holiday traditions. Whether walking, cycling, wheeling, or using public transport, people can enjoy a fun, festive countdown to Christmas.
In January, BetterPoints is also inviting you to brighten your days with a little movement and discovery. Every 10 minutes of walking, cycling, running, or wheeling unlocks a new milestone toward a healthier, happier you. Let’s thrive together and start the year with a glow.
With over 300 winners in both December and January, there are plenty of chances to win.
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Autism Hounslow is hosting a number of events in December, including:
- Book Club on Wed, 11 December at 6.30pm
- Shindig on Tue, 17 December 6pm to 9pm
- Christmas at Kew on Thurs, 19 December
It's also running the UK’s first Warm Space initiative for neurodiverse residents from 12pm to 5pm at Hounslow Youth Centre. This will be running weekly until Monday, 13 January.
Email Autism Hounslow or ring 074 0171 5229 to find out more.
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 Between now and Christmas, Hounslow's Health Outreach Team (HOT) will be out with Jade Pharmacy delivering free flu and Covid-19 vaccinations to the heart of your community, along with the usual health checks and information.
HOT will be at the following locations across Hounslow soon:
- Wednesday, 11 December – Feltham Community Development Association, Belvedere House Community Resource Centre, TW13 4DH – 10am to 12pm
- Wednesday, 11 December – Age UK, Southville Community Centre, Feltham, TW14 8AP – 1pm to 3.30pm
- Friday, 13 December – Brentford Library Hub – 10am to 1pm
- Saturday, 14 December – Heston Leisure Centre – 10am to 4pm
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