Provide a magical Christmas Day for care-experienced young people
 Now in its ninth year, 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.
Make a donation
Stay well and warm over Christmas
 There are several ways we are helping Hounslow residents to look after their health this winter.
From warm spaces to winter vaccinations, extra GP appointments for your children and activities to improve your balance, check out the best ways to enjoy the colder months while staying well.
Cllr Lily Bath, Hounslow Council’s Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care, Public Health and Transformation, explains more in this video.
You can also head to the Council’s dedicated webpage form further information.
New horizons for Feltham learners
Starting in February 2026, the University of West London (UWL) will offer two free short courses: Introduction to Business and Introduction to Podcasting.
The courses are designed to give adult learners a taste of university-level study and help them build new skills for work and personal development. Delivered through weekly three-hour evening sessions at Feltham Community Hub and Library over 14 weeks, the programmes are aimed at local residents looking to upskill, re-skill or explore a new direction.
Successful completion will provide learners with a 20-credit qualification that can be used towards future study. These micro-credential courses form part of UWL’s long-term commitment to lifelong learning in partnership with the Council, supporting skills development, employability and local economic growth.
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Free support for work and training resumes in January
 Work Hounslow's free employment sessions at Community Hub and Libraries will resume in the new year, starting on Wednesday, 7 January 2026.
You can meet employment advisors for guidance on CV writing, finding jobs and opportunities and more. Register in advance to attend or drop by on the day. Upcoming sessions:
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Access to construction workshop - Wednesday, 7 January 2026, Hounslow Community Hub and Library, 3pm - 4.45pm (monthly)
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Job Seeker Hub – Thursday, 8 January, Hounslow Community Hub and Library, 3pm - 4.45pm (fortnightly)
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Employment support at Brentford Community Hub and Library (TW8 8DB) - Friday, 9 January, 10am - 2pm
These sessions are available for residents aged 18 and above who are unemployed and have the right to work, including those with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) and those who have been in care.
Thriving Communities Fund Capital Grant
 Funded through the Neighbourhood Community Infrastructure Levy (NCIL), the Thriving Communities Fund (TCF) Capital Grant is designed to invest in local capital projects that create lasting benefits for Hounslow communities.
Last year, the fund awarded £110,000 to four projects, including The Mulberry Centre, to support the development of the centre. This year, it focuses on projects that aim to:
- Upgrade and enhance community facilities
- Improve green spaces
- Support place-shaping and community ownership
- Enhance community safety
Applications will be accepted for grants up to £100,000, with most awards expected to range between £15,000 and £50,000.
The deadline for expressions of interest is Saturday, 28 February 2026. Click here to submit an application.
Housing Conference - save the date
 Tenants and leaseholders are invited to the Council's Housing Conference on Saturday, 31 January 2026 - a special day celebrating the vital role residents play in their communities.
Hear from Residents Voice, get updates on key projects and take part in an important session on budget setting, where you can share how you’d prioritise spending. There will also be opportunities to ask questions and meet the housing teams.
Join 58,000 Hounslow residents and get your flu vaccine
 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
Hounslow Funders Fair 2026
 Come along to the annual Funders Fair on Monday, 2 February 2026, 9.30am - 1.30pm at Hounslow House to hear from community funders such as Inspire Hounslow, Children In Need, Heathrow Community Trust, National Lottery Community Fund and many more. Plus, join a Community Panel where you can hear stories about how organisations can grow and become sustainable.
Last year, over 60 community and voluntary organisations attended to network and hear about funding opportunities.
Shaping the future of Hounslow
 The new Hounslow Youth Council (HYC) cohort recently met with Council leaders and officers to share their ideas, concerns and solutions for the borough. Through a series of table discussions, young people spoke openly about the issues that matter most to them and how they want to help shape Hounslow’s future.
HYC continues to recruit members to reflect the diversity of the borough. Applications are especially welcome young people from White British backgrounds and those living or studying in the west of the borough. Members take part in a programme of training and co-production projects, working alongside the Council and community partners.
For more information, please contact Chloe Regis at chloe.regis@hounslow.gov.uk
Primary school admissions open
 If your child was born between 1 September 2021 and 31 August 2022, they will start school in Reception in September 2026.
You will need to apply for them to start school before Thursday, 15 January 2026 even if your child is already attending the nursery class.
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