Feltham and Heston MP Seema Malhotra has thanked community groups from across Feltham and Heston for all the contribution they make to our local civic life and those in need at her annual new year reception for community networks. 

The event held at Cranford Community College was attended by over 180  senior leaders and activists from local community organisations, businesses, schools, GPs, police teams, faith groups, councillors, foodbanks and charities in Feltham and Heston for a reception and some light entertainment. It was an opportunity for groups to meet others in the local community helping make a difference to the lives of local residents and improve our local area. 

Malhotra said: “I have long believed that when you bring people together in common purpose that great things happen. That our people are the backbone of our communities and our places, and that in reaching out to each other and through each other we can make a huge difference. 

The evening was important as a chance to say thank you, to strengthen the bonds between us and to focus on things we can work to change together. It is rare we have the chance to come together to network and to grow new ideas and ways of working for our local economy and our well being.” 

A number of groups held stalls in a small marketpace at the event including ReNGage, Rise&Thrive, Heston Action Group, Sharifa Ibrahim Foundation, Hounslow’s Promise, Heston Repair Cafe and C-Change West London and Cranford Action Group.  

The raffle at the event also raised over £400 for the work of the 10th Feltham Scouts, who are doing a lot of work with children aged 4 to 17. Research from the Scouts Experience Study finds that scouts are happier, have increased perseverance and more likely to contribute to their communities compared to others.