23 December 2024
The Council will be operating a reduced service over the festive period from 5pm on Tuesday, 24 December until Thursday, 2 January 2025.
During this time, residents can still access Council services online and via emergency numbers:
- To inform the Council of an emergency, please call 020 8583 2222
- For out of hours emergencies, please see contact information here
You can also access a range of support for health related issues through the Healthy Hounslow website and through the Council's mental health and wellbeing services.
Find the full list of services operating over the holiday period through the button below.
![Stay steady Jan event](https://content.govdelivery.com/attachments/fancy_images/UKHOUNSLOW/2024/12/10762576/sm-image-for-ss-a-jan-2025_original.png) Residents aged 60 plus are invited to the 2025 Stay Steady and Active event, where you can enjoy free taster activity sessions, speak to a physio, get a blood pressure test or free health check, learn new ways to increase activity levels and test your balance abilities. Residents also have the opportunity to swap an old, worn-out pair of slippers for a brand new, free pair.
The event will be held on Wednesday 22 January, 10am to 1pm at Brentford Fountain Leisure Centre.
All activities have been designed by health and community partners to offer something fun for the over 60's.There will also be a range of health and community stalls on the day.
![Blood donation](https://content.govdelivery.com/attachments/fancy_images/UKHOUNSLOW/2024/12/10677151/blood-donation_original.jpg) 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.
![gambling](https://content.govdelivery.com/attachments/fancy_images/UKHOUNSLOW/2024/12/10755284/5907483/gambling-harm-landscape-1_crop.jpg) The period between Christmas and New Year can put people at greater risk of problem gambling.
An early pay day in December, time off work and normal duties, alcohol consumption, and increased advertising around Boxing Day sporting events all combine to provide triggers for people with a pre-existing gambling problem. They can also encourage anyone to spend more than they can afford on online gambling sites.
For most people, placing a bet is occasional fun, but for a significant minority in the UK, gambling becomes a destructive habit, harming individuals and placing a huge strain on families. Most tragically, it leads to around 400 suicides a year in the UK.
People who want support and advice on how to control online gambling can head to the Gamstop website, where they will find tools to exclude them from the websites of their choice.
![Suicide prevention](https://content.govdelivery.com/attachments/fancy_images/UKHOUNSLOW/2024/12/10723888/be-their-one-16-9-screen-v2_original.jpg) 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.
![Healthy lifestyle course](https://content.govdelivery.com/attachments/fancy_images/UKHOUNSLOW/2024/12/10703514/5896023/healthylifestyleflyer_crop.png) |
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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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