 Uptake of flu vaccinations in Hounslow is higher than previous years, with over 58,000 residents choosing to protect themselves and their loved ones this winter.
Flu cases are currently extremely high and local hospitals are very busy as a result, so why not join others and get vaccinated before the festive period?
You can get a free flu vaccination on the NHS if you are:
- Over 65
- A school age child
- A child aged 2-3 years old
- Someone with a long-term health condition
- Pregnant
 Christmas can be a difficult time for people who feel isolated. Local charity BEfriend offers support for people who live alone and struggle to see other people.
Its core Befriending Project supports people who are isolated and sometimes housebound. They may have a physical or sensory disability, or they may have mild dementia.
Its Linked Minds Befriending Project supports people who are isolated because of a diagnosed mental health problem.
A new video shows volunteers and the people they support talking about their relationship and why the charity's work is so important.
Could you give up a few hours a week to help someone in the new year? Click the button to find out more about volunteering with BEfriend.
 Thank you to everyone who entered the Five Ways to Wellbeing photography competition. Once again the standard was very high.
Following input from Cllr Lily Bath, Hounslow Council’s Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care, Public Health and Transformation, and a public vote, the Council can now reveal the three winners (who all receive £50 of Amazon vouchers) and four runners-up (who will each receive £25 of Amazon vouchers).
You can also click on their names to see all their brilliant photos.
Winners:
Marie Luke
Garrett Chin
Kate Francis
Runners-up:
Vali Lakhman
Claire Pearman
Selvin Mascarenhas
Farhiyah Samater
 400 local patients will benefit from a new scheme that will help people with multiple health needs to live well at home for longer and stay out of hospital.
Hounslow Council and local NHS providers have teamed up to launch Hounslow Care Together (HCT), which will help residents who are frail or require extra health and care support.
The pilot will improve the level of care for a selected group of Hounslow residents who frequently need medical and social care and aims to reduce A&E attendances and GP visits.
The results will then be assessed and a decision made on whether to roll the services out to more patients in the future.
 Cocoon Care After Care will be hosting a Christmas Day event for 50 care-experienced 18-25 year olds from Hounslow.
Without this event, they would be spending the day alone. Young people who have grown up in care (foster care, children’s homes, supported lodgings) can be very isolated and this is magnified at Christmas.
The guest list is full, and there are 25 volunteers hosting the day. Now they need to make sure they have enough gifts to fill their sacks and funds to pay for all the essentials.
You can help by making a cash donation or contributing to the Amazon wish list.
Businesses who want to make a charitable donation can also email Cocoon After Care to make the arrangements.
 Charan from Heston is this month's BetterPoints move more hero. She used the BetterPoints app, where you can get rewards including shopping vouchers for getting active, to improve her health and get fitter.
Charan said: "BetterPoints is fun to take part in because it keeps me accountable and gives me something to aim for.
"I now walk wherever I can, and I’ve made daily use of the treadmill part of my routine. I’m also eating much better. All of this has helped me feel healthier, more energetic, and I’ve even lost weight as a result."
 Are you finding it tough at this time of year? The Hounslow Safe Space helpline can help. It‘s there to support anyone 18 and over who is struggling or feeling overwhelmed.
The helpline is open every day from 11am-11pm. Call 020 3475 5185 for instant help.
 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.
 Are you planning to eat out or get takeaway around Christmas but still want to keep it relatively healthy? The Council's Healthier Catering Commitment (HCC) scheme means you can peruse a selection of Hounslow restaurants that serve delicious and healthy food.
Mediterranean restaurant O Calhau (410 Staines Road) and Hounslow Kebab (2 Bell Road) are the latest to sign up to HCC.
The programme helps businesses to make small changes to the way they cook and serve food, improving their customers' health.
If you run a food business, find out how to sign up for the HCC by clicking the link below.
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