Community Connectors are volunteers who work with Hounslow Council and health partners to provide vital information about health and wellbeing in our borough. Why not join the team?
Published: Monday, 17th April 2023
If you’re passionate about promoting positive health and wellbeing and want to support people in your local area to lead positive, active lifestyles then you could be a Community Connector.
Community Connectors are volunteers who work with Hounslow Council and its partners to help improve people’s lives.
The programme began during the coronavirus pandemic when the Council asked for support from communities across Hounslow to get vital information out to people about COVID-19.
More than 100 people came forward from all walks of life and all parts of the borough.
The Community Champions' work helped keep people in Hounslow informed and safe during the pandemic.
Now, Hounslow Council wants to build on this success by expanding the role of these selfless volunteers.
To reflect this, the group’s name has changed to Community Connectors and the remit is a simple one, they will be: creating healthy opportunities for your communities.
Hounslow’s Director of Public Health, Kelly O’Neill explains: “During the pandemic, these volunteers were an invaluable asset to our borough. Their actions in keeping people updated on the most current coronavirus information and guidance kept people safe and saved lives.”
“We want to continue to work with these volunteers to help get many different public health messages out to the people of Hounslow. Working together we can have a real impact on the quality of life for everyone in our borough.”
The Connectors will provide local people with information on how to eat well, stop smoking and become more active.
They share details of activities, and events such as exercise sessions, workshops and outdoor activities that people can join in with.
They will signpost people who need support with conditions such as diabetes. They will provide the borough’s carers with information about the issues that affect them and they will be able to direct people to where they can find help with mental health issues.
Hounslow Council recently held a thank you event for these community volunteers at Hounslow House, where received a special certificate acknowledging their good work.
Current Community Connector Dr Savio Rodrigues from Feltham was one of those to be honoured at the event.
Savio said: “I have enjoyed being part of the programme over the past two years because it has allowed me to engage at ground level. We were dispelling myths and able to use language that many people would understand.
"I have enjoyed meeting people from various backgrounds and how we put together different ideas to drive the change that was needed. I would urge people to join the Community Connectors because you can help to drive a significant change that affects the lives of many people, especially vulnerable ones. Please contact the Council to be part of the change.”
- You can find out more about Hounslow’s Community Connectors, including how to join the group at: hounslow.gov.uk/community-connectors
