Hounslow students outperform national GCSE averages
 Students across Hounslow are celebrating another year of strong GCSE results, with performance in both English and Maths exceeding national averages.
This year, 75% of students achieved a grade 4 or above in Maths and 80.4% achieved a grade 4 or above in English, both higher than the national average. At grade 5 and above, Hounslow students also performed strongly, with nearly 60% achieving this benchmark in Maths and 67.8% in English.
Students looking for support with their next steps can access free advice through Hounslow's Careers Service - see third story below.
Youth funding boost across the borough
This month, Councillor Ajmer Grewal (see pic), Cabinet Member for Communities, Culture and Safety at Hounslow Council, visited a number of youth projects in the borough, which support young people through a range of educational and sporting activities.
This included Feltham-based youth charity Rise and Thrive (CEO Darren Beecroft pictured left), whose activities include boxing, music, cooking and arts during the school holidays, ensuring the safety and wellbeing of young people.
Rise and Thrive strives to maintain a strong sense of community in the west of the borough with similar activities throughout the year, as well as trips elsewhere.
Over the past year, the Council has awarded over £150,000 to youth projects, which provide free activities for young people during the school holidays.
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Get support, whatever your exam results
 Enhanced support is available for school leavers aged 16 to 18 who are uncertain about their next steps or whose plans have changed.
Careers advisors will be available through:
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Drop-in sessions - Hounslow Community Hub and Library, every Tuesday, 3pm to 5pm
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Telephone helpline - call 020 8583 5151, Monday to Friday, 10am to 4pm
In addition, young people, their families and carers can watch videos on the Council’s You Tube Channel to find out about the latest training and volunteering opportunities and the support available to them.
Is your gambling under control?
 The new Premier League season starts tonight. This will bring with it a new wave of adverts encouraging you to gamble. If betting alone has become a habit you didn't choose, there are professionals you can talk to.
If you want to talk to someone about your gambling, or that of a loved one, West London MIND's ResetPoint offers three support options, including peer support and drop-in sessions.
New Thriving Communities Fund Grant - hands up who's interested?
Replacing the previous Revenue Grant, The Sustainability Grant invests in organisations rather than projects. It combines unrestricted funding with tailored support to help local voluntary, community and social enterprise (VCSE) organisations strengthen their resilience, sustainability and capacity.
There are grants of between £10k and £15k available from a pot of £100,000. Applications are welcomed from constituted not-for-profit VCSE organisations that:
- Deliver activities or services in Hounslow
- Primarily benefit Hounslow residents
- Have an annual income of up to £300,000 (although organisations with a higher income may be considered)
Find out more at a Sustainability Grant Online Workshop with EHCVS on Wednesday, 9 September from 11am-12pm, book via the button below or read the Sustainability Grant Guidance. Apply via the grants portal.
For further information, contact the Thriving Communities Team at community.development@hounslow.gov.uk
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Register for Understanding Autism event
 Did you know autistic people experience significant inequalities across many areas of life, including employment, independent living, housing and criminal justice.
- 80% of non-disabled adults are employed, compared with 30% of autistic adults
- 90% of adults live independently, compared with 25% of autistic adults
- 1% of adults are autistic, but 12% of homeless adults screened positive for autism
- 5% of female prisoners in England are autistic, compared with 1% of adults overall
Join us for Understanding Autism, an inclusive event led by autistic voices from Hounslow's neurodivergent community. Following on from last year's successful sessions, there will be something for everyone including a Q&A, an interactive lunch and information on services.
Register below to confirm attendance.
Summer on the Green in Hanworth
 Council tenants are invited to Summer on the Green at Oxford Court Estate, TW13 6RY on Saturday, 22 August.
From 12.30pm to 4pm, families can enjoy fun activities for all ages, including face painting and smoothie bikes.
Housing officers from the Council will also be on hand to support with housing benefits, tenancy issues and anti-social behaviour concerns.
Additionally, there will be an opportunity to go on a guided walk with senior officers from Housing Services.
Celebrate Avenue Park this Saturday
 Head down to a fun community event at Avenue Park in Cranford tomorrow (Saturday, 22 August) from 11am to 3pm. Free activities include a walk to the river, facepainting, football and Tai Chi.
It’s one of a series of free events and activities run by Let’s Go Outside and Learn to help people get closer to nature and improve their health.
Knife surrender van removing blades from streets
 If you're carrying a knife for protection, it can put you at greater risk of becoming involved in violence. If you’ve got a knife or other bladed weapon, there are safe, anonymous ways to get rid of it.
A knife surrender van will be in Feltham Park on Thursday, 27 August from 10am to 1.30pm, and the permanent knife surrender bin on Feltham High Street is available 24/7 all year.
Both surrender options are anonymous with no questions asked.
Quicker application process for Disabled Person's Freedom Passes
 We want to make getting around London as easy as possible. That is why we are updating how you apply for a Disabled Person’s Freedom Pass in Hounslow.
To speed up the process and save you time, applications are moving online and we are retiring the old paper forms. Now, you can safely submit all your details, upload your passport-style photograph, and attach your proof of address and medical evidence in one quick digital form.
If you need help and support accessing and completing the online form, speak with our Digital Champions at the Digital Drop-ins, located in libraries and community centres, alongside community hubs.
Having the right documents to hand makes the whole process much faster. Before you start, check exactly what proof you need by visiting our website below.
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