The Central Hounslow Area Forum recently spotlighted the Hounslow Methodist Church's 'Cafe Together' initiative, which offers a free supper and good company to local residents.

The initiative was presented at the forum meeting on Thursday, 17 July 2025, alongside a presentation from the Shaw Trust on its Connect to Work programme. The meeting, held at Hounslow House, also included an open forum for questions from the public.

Collage of images from the Hounslow Methodist Church's Café Together initiative.
Collage of images from the Hounslow Methodist Church's Café Together initiative.

The agenda for the meeting shows that Councillors Daanish Saeed, Mohammed Umair, Rasheed Bhatti, Samia Chaudhary, Bandna Chopra, Ajmer Grewal, Pritam Grewal, Afzaal Kiani, Junue Meah, Jane Medici, Farhaan Rehman, Jagdish Sharma and Mohammed Umair were expected to be in attendance.

Also on the agenda was a presentation from the Shaw Trust on its Connect to Work - Supported Employment (SEQF) programme. According to the reports pack, the programme, launched in partnership with the West London Alliance on 1 May 2025, aims to assist individuals with disabilities, health conditions, and complex barriers to find sustainable employment. The programme is targeting support for over 10,000 residents in Barnet, Brent, Harrow, Hillingdon, Hounslow, Ealing, Hammersmith and Fulham.

Illustration of the Shaw Trust's Connect to Work program and how it helps people find employment.
Illustration of the Shaw Trust's Connect to Work program and how it helps people find employment.

The reports pack states that the programme is available to disabled people as defined in the Equality Act 2010, or individuals from special disadvantaged groups with additional complex barriers, who are economically inactive, unemployed or at risk of dropping out of work, aged 18 or over, have the right to work and live in the UK, and are not on a DWP employment programme. The 'Connect to Work' programme provides tailored, one-to-one support to individuals to sustain meaningful employment. The Employment specialist is the key link between the individual, employers and support services, ensuring that everyone involved is working towards the same goal. The programme assists individuals with disabilities, health conditions, and complex barriers to find sustainable employment.

Residents were encouraged to submit questions in advance of the meeting using an Open Forum proforma.