15 July 2025
 Do you know your fact from fiction when it comes to your sexual health? A new campaign from Sexual Health Hounslow (SHH) and the Council is busting the most common myths around sexually transmitted infections (STIs), contraception and unwanted pregnancy.
An animated video talks you through some of the misinformation out there, meaning you can feel confident when looking after your sexual health. The best way to keep yourself and any sexual partners safe is by regular STI testing, even if you don't have symptoms.
You can order a home testing kit from the Sexual Health London website. It's free, confidential and easy.
 Hounslow Family Hubs are hosting the second Summer Fun Day at Old Isleworthians from 12pm to 4pm on Thursday, 7 August.
The free event offers a fun-filled afternoon of healthy, family-friendly activities. These include a baby sensory area, multi-sports, and rock wall climbing. Guests can also connect with council services that can help support families' health and wellbeing.
No booking is required, you can just turn up and enjoy the day. The event is organised by Hounslow’s Family Hubs, which offer year-round support for families with children aged 0-19, and up to 25 with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).
 This week (June 14-21) is National Drowning Prevention Week. During the hot summer months, the Council would like to remind everyone to follow swimming guidance and avoid open water that's not considered safe for swimming, such as Bedfont Lakes.
Although it might be tempting to swim there or any other open water site on a sunny day, you may get into difficulty. Find a local swimming pool if you would like to cool down in a safe, controlled environment.
 Our Future Health is looking for volunteers to take part in the UK's largest health research programme. Participants are rewarded with a £10 shopping voucher.
Volunteers will be required to give a small blood sample, have some measurements taken at a local clinic, and complete a health and lifestyle questionnaire.
There will be walk-in appointments where people can sign up to the programme at Bell Square Footway, Hounslow High Street from the 5 to 10 August. You can also register on the Our Future Health website to take part.
 Health in the Park returns on Saturday, 13 September. The popular free event will be held at Redlees Park from 11am until 3pm. There will be community and food stalls hosted by local health providers, fun family activities, a prize draw and more.
This exciting event aims to help residents of all ages live healthier lives, prevent long-term health conditions, and connect with the amazing services and spaces our borough has to offer.
 Young people (18-30) from an ethnic minority background can join a free four-week mental wellbeing programme from 27 July. Called The Third Place, its co-designed by young people.
It's a welcoming, creative space where groups of up to 15 young people connect to build emotional resilience, explore mindfulness practices, and learn CBT-informed coping skills. The programme includes in-person sessions at the Hounslow Arts Centre and free access to Headspace.
 Bushra from Cranford is the latest BetterPoints Move More Hero. Before she started using the app, her activity levels were quite low. But she says she was encouraged to get out more by the "small, achievable goals" on BetterPoints that made exercise "feel more fun and community-based".
Since using the app, Bushra is spending a lot more time being active outdoors, which has "helped clear my mind, lift my mood, and gradually brought back a sense of focus and motivation."
If you would like to get more active like Bushra, while earning shopping vouchers, download the BetterPoints app today.
Paid carers needed for Hounslow Shared Lives scheme
 The Council is seeking paid carers for its Shared Lives scheme. Shared Lives offers an alternative to supported living or residential care. It matches adults requiring support with approved paid carers in the family home.
The scheme provides for a range of needs and offers support for adults with learning disabilities, mental health issues, physical disabilities, and age-related conditions.
Heston-based Mohinder Dev (pictured) has been a Shared Lives carer for nearly 30 years. She said: “The experience has enriched my life and I have some lovely memories, with hopefully many more to come. When you look after people in this way, you regard them as your family. I look at them as my own.”
 The Community Awards are now open for nominations, and the Council wants to hear about incredible people, groups and businesses making a difference across the borough.
This could be someone who volunteers for the NHS or a local health charity and makes a big difference in their community, or a community organisation that supports people to lead healthier lives through its work. Now’s the time to give them the recognition they deserve.
Winners and their guests will be invited to a special celebration on Wednesday, 24 September at Hounslow House, where their stories will be shared. Submit your nomination and help to shine a light on Hounslow’s stars.
 The Council's Public Health team is working hard to improve children's oral health. It wants to hear from families with children aged 0-18 to understand their current views and knowledge of the subject.
The responses will give the team an understanding of what people think about looking after children’s teeth.
The team is particularly keen to hear from families with children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), and those from the South Asian or Traveller community.
 Hounslow's Health Outreach Team (HOT), alongside the Chronic Kidney Disease team, will be providing free kidney health checks at Hounslow Arts Centre from 10am to 3pm on Wednesday, 16 July. The Arts Centre is on the First Floor of the Treaty Centre, just off Hounslow High Street.
HOT will be helping residents to fill out the kidney health check forms and complete the tests. If you want to have a test on the day, please make sure you know your NHS number as this is required.
If you can't make this, you can still meet HOT in various locations across the borough in the coming weeks for free blood pressure checks and advice on free health services. See where they'll be by clicking the button.
 Is your parent or older relative looking to stay active, independent, and confident in their movement? If so, invite them to the Stay Steady and Active event on Wednesday, 23 July, 10am to 2pm at Brentford Fountain Leisure Centre.
This fun and engaging event is designed to support residents aged 60 and over to maintain strength, balance, and independence. Guests can enjoy a wide range of free health and wellbeing activities throughout the day, including:
- Taster Otago strength and balance classes from 10.15am until 2pm
- Expert advice from a physiotherapist
- On-the-spot blood pressure checks
- Balance testing with the Health Outreach Team
- Access to a free swim session
There's no need to book, you can just drop in on the day to take part.
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