29 July 2025
 Yesterday (Monday, 28 July) was World Hepatitis Day, shining a light on the illness and what people can do to prevent its spread. Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver, most commonly caused by a viral infection.
Hepatitis B and C can be spread through sexual contact, so using condoms and testing are good ways to avoid contracting or spreading these strains.
There are further ways you can raise awareness of hepatitis and help to keep cases down, saving lives in the process.
 BEfriend, a charity that provides one-to-one volunteer befriending for people who are socially isolated in Hounslow and Ealing, has started a new podcast.
It features BEfriend volunteers, staff and clients talking about what befriending means to them. It also includes stories of human kindness and connection at the heart of efforts to tackle loneliness.
If you are interested in volunteering for BEfriend, you can find out more on their website.
 Hounslow Public Heath team's survey on children's oral health closes this Friday, 1 August. The team wants to hear from families with children aged 0-18 to understand their current views and knowledge of the subject.
The responses will give them an understanding of what would help parents to look after their 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.
 Do you work in the building trade and find things are getting too much? Talking can help. The Council's new campaign, Bummed Out, shows you’re not alone and there are people you can turn to.
Check out a list of free and confidential support including men’s mental health groups, drug and alcohol support, gambling charities, and more.
Whatever is causing you pain, there’s someone you can speak to and get you back on track.
 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 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)
 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.
 From this month, the dates children receive some of their first vaccinations is changing. You can download a handy guide of the new schedule here.
If you have any questions, please speak to your midwife, health visitor or GP.
 The health section of the SEND Local Offer website is changing and the Council wants your help to make it the best it can be.
Can you help to make sure the information is easy to understand and that it includes all health services available in Hounslow?
If so, join an online meeting from 11am to 12pm on Thursday, 5 August and help improve provision for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) in Hounslow.
 West London Trust and its health partners have improved the Healthy Child Programme (HCP) to make it more efficient and flexible, meaning more families will be eligible for support.
HCP offers every family support to make healthy choices from pregnancy to the first five years of a child’s life. It was previously delivered via the Family Nurse Partnership (FNP) and the Maternal Early Childhood Sustained Home Visiting (MECSH). Now all families will be supported via MECSH, simplifying the process while offering a more holistic package of care. There will be no disruption of care during the transition.
If you have any questions about this change and what it might mean for you, please speak to your midwife or health visitor, or contact the Health Visitor advice line on 020 8973 3490.
 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.
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