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Friday, 16 May 2025 

Domestic abuse service gains national recognition

A recent report by Domestic Abuse Commissioner hailed the Council’s pioneering support for children and young people experiencing domestic abuse. The Council employs five unique Specialist Parent and Child Domestic Abuse Workers to work directly in schools and early years settings to provide holistic, therapeutic support for children and non-abusive parents.

Summer’s here – and arts and culture are soon to be everywhere

Hounslow Summer of Culture is returning to parks, historic houses and public spaces, as they kick off with live shows, pop-up theatre, dance, music, and family-friendly activities.  

The festival is in its fourth year and is growing in popularity. Last year's Summer of Culture saw more than 160,000 people attend 120 events in 50 locations across the borough.  

This year, the Council is working with partners, arts and heritage organisations and community groups, to amplify the rich diversity, cultural heritage and talent that abounds in in the borough. The programme brings together activities and performances from local, national and international artists, for local people to enjoy close to home. 

Music for the community

On Saturday, 17 May, come along to St Mary's Church (TW7 4PW) between 1pm and 2pm for an afternoon of music and help raise funds for Home-Start, a national charity that supports local families during the crucial early years of raising a child. Hounslow Community Choir will join local schools to perform for a good cause.

Celebrate Dementia Action Week

The full programme has now been announced for Living Well with Dementia, the free event hosted by the Alzheimer's Society and the Council at Syon House on Tuesday, 20 May.

There will be information on the services and support available in Hounslow for anyone affected, as well as a special performance by the Hounslow Symphony Orchestra.  

Guests can also enjoy dementia-friendly games, interactive workshops and expert talks. Places are free but please confirm your attendance by getting your ticket today.

The event is just one of many that are taking place for Dementia Action Week (19-25 May). Head to the Council’s website to see all the week’s events.

Hounslow’s constellation shines during Foster Care Fortnight

Eithne Bhui (back row, green jumper) is the Hub Carer for Hounslow’s Mockingbird constellation. As the first week of Foster Care Fortnight comes to a close, Eithne's is just one of the many stories that epitomises this year’s theme for the annual celebration of foster care: The Power of Relationships.

Find out where to meet Hounslow’s fostering team if you’re curious about becoming a foster carer in the borough. This includes an improved benefits package and payments of up to £899 a week depending on the needs of the child(ren).

Free community dining for residents in need

Councillor Ajmer Grewal, Cabinet Member for Residents Support, Communities and Equalities (pictured, centre) in the kitchen with the volunteers.

Every Thursday, FoodCycle and local volunteers transform Bedfont Lane Community Centre into a cafe-style dining hall, complete with gingham-topped tables.

Volunteers plan and prepare a fresh, healthy, nutritious and plentiful three-course lunch menu. Using surplus food supplied by supermarkets - food that might otherwise go to waste - they create meals served with warm smiles, free of charge, to local guests at lunchtime.  

To volunteer to gain some work experience, be a host or chef. 

HAF is back for the Summer Holiday

The Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) offer has been renewed to include the summer holidays. If you are eligible for benefits related free school meals, your child is also eligible for free Holiday Activities and Food Programme this summer. The HAF Programme is creating their summer offer, and your input can help shape what is available. Share what kind of activities your children would like to do over the summer holidays by contacting HAF@Hounslow.gov.uk. If you think your child is eligible and they are not already registered please register your child for benefits related free school meals by clicking below.

Take a break during Carers Week

Are you an unpaid carer or do you look after someone?

This Carers Week, join the event at Holy Trinity Church, Hounslow High Street, on Thursday 12 June, created especially for you.

You can meet other carers, enjoy activities ranging from mindfulness to yoga and learn about how you can be supported in your role.   

Find out more about Adult Social Care services and, from next week, specifics about this fun event. 

Want to start a career in construction? 

Work Hounslow is offering a fully funded course for residents to obtain the Construction Skills Certification Scheme Level 1 Labourer Green Card, along with additional certifications - all in just two weeks. Upon completion, participants will be qualified for entry-level positions on construction sites. In addition, employment advisors will be available to support participants in accessing job opportunities.  The course begins on Thursday, 19 June and runs Monday to Friday, 8.30am - 4pm in Brentford, TW8 9AD.

Free health checks at Laxmi Narayan Temple

The NHS North West London Roving Team is holding a health outreach event at the Laxmi Narayan Temple, TW3 4JG on Tuesday, 20 May. It's a great opportunity to have conversations about any health concerns you may have and get free health checks, including a kidney health check. The team will also be offering the COVID-19 spring booster vaccine to those who are eligible.