17 December 2024
 This week is your very last chance to get vaccinated before Christmas. You can get your free flu and Covid-19 vaccines through the NHS booking site, or in your community with the Heath Outreach Team.
The last available date you can book on the NHS booking systems for flu or Covid-19 is Friday, 20 December.
The last date you can get vaccinated with the Health Outreach Team will be Thursday, 19 December. The team will be at the following locations this week:
- Wednesday, 18 December – Brabazon Shopping Centre – 10am to 4pm
- Thursday, 19 December – HOT Shop, Treaty Centre – 10am to 4pm
 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.
 Winter and Christmas can be a difficult time for many. If you or someone you know is experiencing thoughts of suicide, there is support available through the Council's website.
You can also access support 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.
 Stay Steady and Active events are designed for residents aged 60 plus. They provide free exercise classes and swim sessions at Lampton Leisure venues, where residents can participate in a balance test, visit a range of community and health stalls, and exchange a pair of old slippers for new ones.
Margaret recently attended the Stay Steady and Active event at Heston Pools & Fitness, where she was able to swap her old, worn-out slippers for a brand new, sturdy pair that were completely free.
The next Stay Steady and Active event is on Wednesday, 22 January at Brentford Leisure Centre.
 DFN Project SEARCH is a one-year Transition to Work programme for young adults with a learning disability or autism spectrum conditions, or both. The programme has been a real success story for young people across Hounslow. Over the last decade, over 100 young people - 78% of the participating interns - have been supported into paid employment.
Come to the open day at Hounslow House on Monday, 13 January, 5pm to 7.30pm, to find out about opportunities with local businesses in 2025.
Click on the link via the button below to find out more about this successful supported internship, or e-mail ProjectSearch@hounslow.gov.uk.
 Join a collaborative session on tobacco control with the Hounslow Tobacco Control Alliance on Tuesday, 14 January 2025, 2pm to 5pm at Hounslow House.
The workshop will be a chance to provide your input on tackling tobacco use and its inequalities in Hounslow, including a talk by Mira Osinibi, Paediatric Respiratory Clinical Nurse Specialist.
Anyone with an interest is welcome to attend.
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Cases of norovirus are much higher than the seasonal average in London. If you catch it, please follow these steps to avoid spreading it to others.
- Stay at home for 48 hours after symptoms clear
- Wash hands with soap and warm water
- Avoid cooking and preparing meals for others
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Brentford FC Community Sports Trust is running an Introduction to Healthy Lifestyle course from Thursday, 16 January 2025.
This 12-week course is designed for adults who are receiving or seeking support for their mental health. The course will explore key aspects of a healthy lifestyle including habit creation, caring for physical and mental health, and making sustainable lifestyle changes.
Sessions will run weekly from 11am to 12pm on Thursdays at the Brentford Football Club Community Stadium Hub, TW8 0SB. You can sign up or refer someone you know below.
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 BetterPoints is a free app that allows you to earn rewards for being active and improving your health and wellbeing. Shamji is the newest BetterPoints Move More Hero. He is 76 years old and has started walking daily to improve his health.
He said: "Since using the BetterPoints app I started setting myself a daily target to reach 9000 steps, seven days a week. Plus, I’ve incorporated half an hour of yoga and half an hour of physical activity into my day too. Now every day I’m looking fresh."
Sign up for the BetterPoints app today and follow Shamji's example by starting your journey for improved health.
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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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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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