 29 September 2026
Breaking the Stigma
 There’s no single story of addiction – and sometimes hearing someone else talk openly about their experiences can be the first step towards asking for help. That’s the message behind Breaking the Stigma, a podcast featuring real-life stories, expert advice and honest conversations about substance use, mental health, recovery and rebuilding lives.
The podcast is for both residents who want support and professionals who work with residents who may face addiction.
 Stopping smoking is one of the best things you can do for your health and in Hounslow you don't have to do it alone. There are three ways to get free support to stop smoking in our borough. You can choose the option that works best for you:
The Council recently caught up with the Smokefree Three. They are Hounslow residents who have successfully quit using the available help.
Watch the Smokefree Three video to hear from them, learn about the support they chose and decide which route would work best for you.
 If you are eligible, you can book your free flu and covid vaccinations to protect you from serious illness this winter. Appointments begin on Thursday, 1 October.
You can make an appointment via your GP, on the NHS app or online:
Check your eligibility and learn more about all NHS vaccination services on their website.
Let's Go Outside and Learn is hosting an accessible coffee and chat in Avenue Park, with a chair yoga taster and a free hot drink, in partnership with the Council.
It will take place on Monday,12 October from 10.30am to 12.30pm. It's chance to share your ideas about accessibility within the park and how to make the space easier to access for people with limited mobility or a disability.
There will be parking available within the park (booking required as spaces are limited) and an accessible toilet.
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ResetPoint is Mind's Gambling Harms Treatment Service, supporting residents of West London who are experiencing harm from gambling.
It's free, person-centred and accessible with a variety of support and treatment options.
It offers support for loved ones of people whose gambling is causing harm. So if you are being affected by a partner, family member or close friend's gambling you can get in touch for help and advice.
You can also get help if you feel your own gambling is out of control and you want to stop.
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 Find the right support for your child or young person with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).
Come and talk to the team in person at one of the monthly SEND drop-in sessions, where you can speak to a professional face-to-face for advice and support.
The next drop-in is at Hanworth Air Park Leisure Centre and Library on Wednesday, 14 October from 10am to 12pm.
 Shirley is this month's BetterPoints Move More Hero. She says getting active has become about much more than exercise.
Through the BetterPoints app, walking and making healthier choices have helped her feel stronger, more motivated and more connected to the people and environment around her.
She said: "I have more energy and motivation to work out and go for a walk now. Walking has become something I actively choose to do.
"I have joined walking groups with friends and meetup groups, turning physical activity into a social experience and a way to explore my local area. Life was not as fun before I started walking with groups of friends."
 Did you know you can get sexual health support and free contraception at local pharmacies? There's a range of confidential, accessible services available, including:
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The C-Card scheme, which provides young people (under 24 years) with free condoms and sexual health advice.
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Emergency hormonal contraception, available from participating pharmacies for eligible residents.
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The contraceptive pill, available without a prescription through participating pharmacies for people who need to start the pill for the first time, restart after a break, or obtain an ongoing supply.
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Free self-sampling sexual health testing kits, which can be ordered discreetly for testing at home.
Two short films featuring young people visiting a local pharmacy challenge perceptions of what pharmacies offer and demonstrate how easy, convenient and confidential it can be for young people to access these services.
 Do you know someone that goes above and beyond for their local community? The Council's annual One Hounslow Community Stars awards are now open for nominations.
They celebrate people, groups, organisations and businesses from across the borough. There are no set categories for nominations. However, there is a range of themes to help guide your nomination.
You could nominate someone who brings people together and reduces loneliness through their activities, or a community group that improves people's health and wellbeing with free classes.
The most important thing is the positive impact people or groups have had on Hounslow and its communities.
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