26 August 2025
 September is World Alzheimer’s Month and your voice can make a real difference to people living with dementia.
If you live in Hounslow and have been affected by dementia, the Alzheimer's Society would love to hear your story. This could be as someone living with the condition, or a carer, family member or friend of someone who is.
Your voice matters, your story could be the one that helps someone else take the first step, ask for help, or feel understood.
To share your story, visit the Alzheimer's Society website or email Marcia McKnight.
 Hop on board this September for BetterPoints' Catch the Bus Month. Celebrate the power of accessible public transport and get rewarded for doing it. There are two ways to win BetterPoints throughout next month.
To enter daily bus prize draws, just take the bus and record your trip in the BetterPoints app. Every day you could win:
- 5,000 BetterPoints for one lucky winner
- 1,000 BetterPoints for five others
You can also invite up to 10 people each week and earn entries into four £50 prize draws.
 Vaccination UK is hosting two online sessions in September where parents can learn more about the flu vaccine offered to their children.
The sessions are on:
Topics covered include how the flu vaccine protects your children, whether your child needs the vaccine, side effects and safety, and the pros and cons of nasal and injection vaccines.
There will also be a question and answer session where you can ask experts any questions or raise any concerns about the flu vaccines.
 The NHS is running free online workshops on introducing solid food to children. If your baby is between three and six months of age, you can join on the first Thursday of every month from 9.30am to 11am.
The next session is on Thursday, 4 September. You don't need to register in advance to join, just follow the online meeting link on the day.
 If you are pregnant, you can book your free flu vaccine for this winter from Monday, 1 September.
The flu vaccine protects you and your baby. If you're unvaccinated, having flu increases the chances of you and and your baby needing intensive care.
Pregnancy changes how the body responds to infections such as flu and pregnant women have a higher chance of developing complications, particularly in the later stages of pregnancy.
You can speak to your GP or health visitor today about how to get your free vaccine, or go directly to the NHS booking from Monday, 1 September to make an appointment.
 A campaign by Do It London is highlighting the four most effective ways to prevent HIV in London: using condoms, testing, PrEP medication, and treatment to stop the spread.
The goal is to end new HIV diagnoses in London by 2030 by ensuring everyone is aware of these four steps.
Efforts by groups like Do It London mean that 98% of people in the capital with HIV now have undetectable levels of the virus, meaning it can't be passed on. Head to the Do It London website to see how you can help to eliminate new cases altogether.
 Health in the Park returns on Saturday, 13 September and is bigger and better than ever. Get ready for a fun-filled family day in the beautiful Redlees Park, celebrating wellbeing, movement and community.
Bring a picnic, explore new ways to stay healthy, and connect with local support groups and health professionals.
There will be over 40 health and community stalls and free activities on the day, including:
- A smoothie bike
- Live food prep demos
- Strength and balance classes
- Dr. Bike checks
- Tennis tasters
Attendees can also win a one-month Lampton Leisure membership, family passes, wellbeing hampers, and £25 of BetterPoints.
 Can you spare a couple of hours a week to help the Council reach people in Hounslow with vital health updates? Hounslow's Community Connectors do just that, helping people in Hounslow live longer, healthier lives.
With winter round the corner and the cold meaning more vulnerable people in our community will need support, it's the perfect time to get involved and support your friends and neighbours.
When you sign up you'll receive a welcome pack with a free branded tote bag, water bottle, notepad and pen.
 Stay Steady and Active is running a number of classes to help people aged 60 and over with strength and balance, including Otago chair exercise, Thai Chi and Bolly-fusion dance classes.
Although it's still summer, this is the perfect time to build up your resilience for the colder months ahead, when falls are more frequent.
 Hounslow's Health Outreach Team (HOT) will be out offering free blood pressure checks, BMI weight checks, balance checks for residents aged 60 plus, and advice on health concerns, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, stop smoking services, mental health services plus much more.
If you have any questions or comments about HOT's work, please email the Council's Public Health team.
HOT will be at the following locations over the next week:
- Thursday, 28 August – Cranford Community College – 2pm to 4pm
- Friday, 29 August – Hounslow High Street with Citizens Advice – 10am to 4pm
|
