view in browser

9 December 2025

Flu cases are high - help stop the spread

Flu cases are currently extremely high and local hospitals are very busy as a result. If you have symptoms of flu: coughing, sneezing or fever, help stop the spread. Stay home if you can and wear a mask around other people.  Look after yourself, rest, keep warm and take paracetamol or ibuprofen to lower your temperature and treat aches and pains. Drink plenty of water and stay hydrated. If you need medical help or advice use NHS 111 online or phone from home.  You can also still get a free flu vaccination on the NHS if you are eligible. You can get the free vaccine if you are: Over 65 A school age child A child aged 2-3 years old Someone with a long-term health condition Pregnant

Give the gift of blood

More than 8,000 people are awaiting blood transplants this winter and the NHS needs to fill 136,000 donation appointments in the next eight weeks to meet winter demand.

There is especially hight demand for for RO, O negative, and B negative blood types. But all blood types and needed and every donation counts. 

Registration is quick and easy, sign up today to save lives.

Need urgent dental care? Help is available through NHS 111

Access to urgent dental appointments has been improved. Don’t suffer with painful tooth problems, you can now call NHS 111 to get help.

Appointments can be accessed 24 hours a day, seven days a week through NHS 111 — either online or by calling 111. You do not need to be registered with a dentist to use this service.

Urgent dental appointments are there to help people experiencing serious dental problems, including:

• Severe toothache that cannot be managed with over-the-counter painkillers
• Dental abscesses causing swelling, pain or fever
• Broken, fractured or knocked-out teeth and fillings
• Bleeding in the mouth following an injury
• Infection
• Severe gum bleeding

New podcast on addiction and recovery

A new podcast called Breaking the Stigma sees people with lived experience discussing addiction.

It focuses on drug and alcohol addiction, along with the stigma and shame that people can feel. This is particularly pertinent at this time of year when addiction triggers and long nights can bring extra pressure.

The aim is to encourage more people to talk about addiction, challenge their own beliefs and the beliefs of others, and ultimately get more people to seek help. 

Free pre-loved toys at the Shewise parties

Women's wellbeing charity Shewise is hosting three great Christmas events across Hounslow.

Each party will have a toy bank where families on low incomes can pick up pre-loved toys for Christmas. There will also be free food, music and quizzes. They're all free to attend and you can just turn up on the day. 

The parties are being held on the following dates: 

• Thursday, 11 December 10.30am - 12pm - Convent Way Community Centre
• Friday, 12 December 10.30am - 12pm - Feltham Library and Community Hub
• Tuesday, 16 December 10.30am - 12pm - Beavers Community Hub 

If you have any questions, you can email Shewise or give them a call on 0333 188 1505.

Autism-friendly events and warm spaces

Autism Hounslow is putting on several events for people with autism this December, as well as hosting neurodivergent warm spaces throughout the winter months. 

There will be a warm space at Hounslow Youth Centre on Monday, 15 December, 12pm - 4pm. They will then be on Monday, 29 December and Monday, 5 January at the same time and place. 

Events throughout December include football sessions, a Christmas shindig and much more. Email Autism Hounslow with any questions, or if you would like more information about any of the events. 

Help to stop smoking tobacco

The Council has launched a new digital Swap to Stop offer, designed to help smokers in our borough make the switch away from cigarettes. Hounslow smokers aged 18 and over can apply for the scheme via the Council website.

Once registered, participants will receive a voucher by email, which can be redeemed on the Totally Wicked website. The fully automated 6-week programme includes a free vape starter kit, two top-up vouchers, and a four-week survey check in.

For individuals who want more structured help, vapes and other stop-smoking aids can be accessed via Healthy Hounslow, including one-to-one support from a stop-smoking advisor. 

Hounslow Wellbeing hub winter events

If you are looking for some fun social activities to take part in, all in a friendly and welcoming environment, check out the Hounslow Wellbeing Network's schedule of events for December. 

There's everything from physical sessions like Zumba and chair exercise, to coffee mornings and talking groups for women. There is something for everyone. 

Check out the full schedule below to find ways to get involved, including joining the WhatsApp group to keep you informed of all future events. 

Free employment support for residents

New wellbeing courses available

You can now register for several adult learning and wellbeing courses run by Learn Hounslow. 

Head to the Learn Hounslow website to find a full list of available learning opportunities. To register or ask any questions, please call 020 8583 6000 or email courses@hounslow.gov.uk.

The 2026 courses now accepting registrations include: 

• Yoga for Wellbeing
• Gentle Yoga for Wellbeing 2  
• Pilates for Wellbeing
• Drawing for Wellbeing 
• Cooking for Diabetes Prevention and Management    
• Cooking for a Healthy Heart    
• Cooking for a Healthy Menopause - International Women's Day Special   

Roving vaccinations - last day

Hounslow’s Health Outreach Team (HOT) will be on the road this week offering free flu and Covid vaccinations to all eligible residents. 

The only remaining date they'll be offering the roving vaccinations is: 

• Thursday, 11 December – Ivy Bridgelink Centre, Summerwood Rd, Isleworth TW7 7QR – 11am to 1pm

Access more support around physical health, mental health, finances, employment and more at our Cost of Living Hub.