Southall FC has partnered with Puri Pharmacy to arrange free heart checks for around 40 players and staff, highlighting the gap in cardiac screening access between professional and grassroots football.

Local businesses and club sponsors funded the session, scheduled for 22 October 2026 at Rectory Park in Northolt.

The checks include a resting 12-lead ECG recorded by the pharmacy and reviewed by UK cardiologists, alongside separate finger-prick blood tests provided through Lenira Health.

An ECG can flag some abnormalities that need further assessment, but a normal result cannot rule out every heart condition.

Anyone experiencing chest pain, fainting or unexplained breathlessness during exercise should seek medical advice.

Puri Pharmacy hopes the partnership will help other community sports clubs make screening more accessible.

Families in Southall and Acton are coming together through sports, creative workshops and gardening activities supported by the Peabody Community Foundation and local organisations.

At Windmill Park Community Centre in Southall, children have enjoyed free summer arts, music and sports sessions, while a family fun day brought neighbours together for games, crafts and refreshments.

Activities are continuing during the school year, with further sessions planned for the December and Easter holidays.

In Acton, families at Westcott Park have joined holiday activities and a garden fun day, where residents learned about the site’s 10 community beehives.

At Friary Park, residents have planted and grown produce through a community garden project and celebrated their work at a harvest event.

Peabody says residents are helping shape future activities, giving families more chances to meet neighbours and enjoy community life close to home.

Ealing Hospital has been rated Good by the Care Quality Commission, improving from its previous Requires Improvement rating.

The rating follows a July 2026 inspection, with findings published on 21 October.

Inspectors found that patients arriving at the Southall hospital’s emergency department were assessed more quickly, with better staffing, supervision, privacy and infection control.

Urgent and emergency care is now rated Good, as is end-of-life care.

Between July 2025 and June 2026, patients were typically triaged within 14 minutes, meeting the national 15-minute guideline.

But challenges remain for Ealing residents relying on urgent care: in June 2026, only 59.3% of ambulance patients were handed over within 30 minutes, against a 95% national target.

The hospital’s responsiveness remains rated Requires Improvement, while refurbishment of the emergency department continues.

The inspection marks welcome progress for patients, but shows why reducing delays still matters.

Looking for things to do in Ealing this week? From a canal-side festival and outdoor cinema to live theatre, film, family activities and local walks, there are plenty of reasons to get out and explore the borough.

Great Local Experiences to Try in the London Borough of Ealing. 

You don't have to head into central London to find something interesting to do this weekend. From a brand-new photography exhibition and contemporary art to hilltop views, a family zoo and a little local history, there's plenty to discover closer to home.

Here are seven ideas for exploring Ealing Borough over the weekend.

Two University of West London professors have taken senior roles in a £22 million partnership to improve health and social care across London.

Professors Rowan Myron and Laura Lennox, who are associated with UWL’s Geller Institute of Ageing and Memory, will help turn research findings into practical improvements for patients and care services.

Myron will focus on getting evidence to healthcare professionals and organisations, while Lennox will help them put it into everyday practice.

The five-year NIHR Applied Research Collaboration London brings together universities, NHS organisations and other partners, with government funding and Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust as its host.

Its priorities include neighbourhood healthcare, disease prevention, more efficient services and better use of data.

For Ealing, the appointments put local academic expertise into a London-wide effort that could improve care over time, particularly for older people and those with complex needs.

The funding is for research, not a new local healthcare facility.

Greenford residents can now get face-to-face help with council services at Greenford Library without an appointment.

The walk-in service, launched on 7 October 2026, can help with council enquiries, online applications and finding information about local services.

Sessions run on Tuesdays from 10am to 1pm and 2pm to 4.30pm, and Wednesdays from 10am to 1pm and 2pm to 3.45pm.

The community hub is at Greenford Library, Oldfield Lane South, Greenford, UB6 9LG; these session times are separate from the library’s general opening hours.

The hub is on the first floor and has no lift, so residents who need step-free access should ask Ealing Council about alternative locations.

Check the latest arrangements with the council before visiting, as more complex enquiries may need specialist help or a further appointment.

A new weekly physiotherapy clinic in Perivale is bringing specialist care closer to adults with learning disabilities in Ealing.

Introduced by West London NHS Trust, the clinic is based at the Activity Resource Centre and offers support in a familiar community setting.

Physiotherapy can help people manage pain, improve mobility and balance, and maintain independence in everyday life.

For patients who find travel or unfamiliar clinical environments difficult, a local service may make it easier to access care suited to their needs.

Referral, eligibility and appointment arrangements should be confirmed with the NHS service before attending; the clinic has not been announced as a walk-in service.

Families across Ealing can now reserve free, pre-loved school uniforms online and collect them at participating locations in Acton and Northfields.

The new service lets parents and carers browse available clothing and sizes before reserving what their children need, helping them avoid unnecessary journeys.

The wider uniform reuse scheme has already supported more than 265 families, offering practical help with school costs as children grow and clothing needs replacing.

Families in Ealing, Southall, Greenford, Hanwell, Northolt, Perivale and Acton can check the Ealing Free School Uniform service on Uniformd for current stock and collection instructions.

Availability depends on donated items, so particular garments or sizes may not always be in stock.

By giving wearable uniforms a second life, the scheme helps families save money while reducing clothing waste.

More than 3,300 historic London transport signs in Acton will benefit from a £237,000 National Lottery Heritage Fund grant to support conservation and improve public access.

Held at the London Transport Museum Depot, the collection includes station signs, directional displays and other examples of the lettering that has helped generations of passengers navigate the capital.

The project, called Acton Access: Signs, Stories and Skills, will also involve local volunteers and community participants in researching the stories behind the signs.

Training and paid work experience placements will offer opportunities in collections management, heritage interpretation and storytelling.

The museum plans to review the collection, improve storage and identify duplicate signs that could potentially be transferred to other public organisations.

For Acton residents, the investment protects a distinctive local collection while opening up new ways to explore London’s transport and design history.

Korean food in Ealing ranges from sizzling barbecue to quick rice bowls, with five neighbourhood spots offering plenty to explore.

At family-run Park’s Kitchen near Ealing Broadway, bibimbap comes with seasoned vegetables, gochujang and the option of a sizzling stone bowl.

On The Green, YORI Ealing makes barbecue a shared experience, with marinated meats, prawns and accompaniments for cooking together.

For a quicker bite, SSAL Factory by Haven Green serves Korean comfort food including cupbap, kimbap and kimchi fried rice.

In Ealing Common, Duri Mart pairs Korean groceries with casual dishes such as bibimbap and fried chicken.

Over in Hanwell, K Food offers bulgogi, tteokbokki and soy-garlic fried chicken, giving locals another way to discover Korean flavours close to home.

Almost £1.6 million in proposed investment could strengthen community support across Ealing’s seven towns, creating nine community-focused roles and funding projects led by local organisations.

The plans cover Ealing, Acton, Southall, Greenford, Hanwell, Northolt and Perivale, where smaller groups could benefit from help turning neighbourhood ideas into activities for residents.

The proposed budget includes £1.22 million for staffing, £300,000 for community grants and £60,500 for IT, training, events and delivery costs.

The grant funding is envisaged as 30 awards of £10,000, but applications are not open and eligibility rules have yet to be announced.

Greenford and Southall are identified as the initial rollout areas, with the wider programme planned through April 2029.

The investment remains subject to council decisions and implementation, but could give local groups more resources to connect neighbours, support residents and expand community activities.

Falling pupil numbers are putting Ealing schools under financial pressure as the council reviews where school places and specialist support will be needed.

More than 900 fewer children started primary school than in 2014/15, a drop of around 20%.

Since 2017/18, 18 primary schools have cut admissions by a combined 615 reception places.

Unfilled Year 7 places could rise from 7% in January 2026 to 18% by 2031/32.

Demand for specialist support is moving in the opposite direction: 4,545 children and young people had education, health and care plans in January 2026, and up to 500 additional places could be needed over five years.

Greenford, Northolt and Perivale West face particular pressures, while new housing could increase demand in Southall.

No borough-wide school closure has been announced, although Viking and Downe Manor primary schools in Northolt are the subject of a separate consultation.

London’s small businesses are set to receive £12 million in AI support over three years through a programme announced by the Mayor of London and delivered by London & Partners.

The £4 million-a-year scheme is expected to offer AI readiness assessments, mentoring, workshops and tailored guidance, rather than cash grants.

The aim is to close a gap: nearly two-thirds of small and medium-sized businesses say AI is critical, yet only 16% currently use it.

The programme forms part of a wider package of around £30 million in AI training and support across London, with underrepresented founders a priority in the broader strategy.

Applications have not opened, and eligibility criteria and sign-up details have yet to be published.

In the meantime, business owners can prepare by identifying time-consuming tasks, choosing one workflow to test and setting clear rules for handling data.

Ealing’s £2.5 million leisure centre upgrade is taking shape, with an expanded gym now open at Northolt Leisure Centre and work continuing across the borough.

Northolt’s gym reopened on 25 September with 150 fitness stations, up from 120, alongside a recovery area with two hydromassage beds.

A new cycling studio has space for 28 riders, while two exercise studios have been created in the former community hall.

At Acton Centre, a 12-bed Reformer studio has opened and the relocated women-only gym is attracting around 2,500 visits a month.

Improvements are also planned for Reynolds Sports Centre and Dormers Wells Leisure Centre in Southall, where work on the main and women-only gyms is due to begin in November.

The borough-wide investment forms part of Everyone Active’s new 10-year contract to manage Ealing’s leisure facilities.

More than 8,000 runners took part in the Ealing Half Marathon weekend on 26–27 September, raising over £100,000 for charity.

The programme brought together the Trailfinders Ealing Mini Mile, the Ealing Feeling 5K and Sunday’s half marathon, with Walpole Park serving as the race village.

Fundraising supported local and national causes, including Meadow House Hospice, Shooting Star Children’s Hospices, Ealing mental-health charity CAPE and the Ealing Trailfinders Foundation.

Local clubs had plenty to celebrate on the course too: Oliver Way of Ealing, Southall & Middlesex Athletic Club won the men’s half marathon in 1:07:48, while Ealing Eagles runner Alice Braham won the women’s race in 1:17:24.

Volunteers and spectators helped create the community atmosphere that has defined the event since it began in 2012, while the money raised will make a difference well beyond race weekend.

Ealing’s young volunteers, activists, entrepreneurs and community champions were celebrated at the fifth Young Ealing Foundation Awards on 1 October 2026.

Held at ECC on Northfield Avenue, the ceremony recognised ten young people, professionals and organisations making a difference across the borough.

Rafia Bhutta won Young Volunteer, Alexander Frank was named Young Activist, Omar Tibi received Young Entrepreneur and Ivan Ratkovic took home Young Leader.

Jake Mcintosh and Luke Senior were recognised for overcoming adversity, while Baylee Mitchell won Outstanding Youth Professional.

Stepping Stones Together won two awards: one for creating spaces for young people and another for its partnership with Brunel University.

The Violence Intervention Project received the Big Impact award, and The Proper Project was honoured for fighting inequality.

Young Ealing Foundation chief executive Elly Heaton said its network supports 132 organisations that collectively reach more than 67,000 children and young people across Ealing.

Ealing businesses are being asked to create 100 opportunities for young people by the end of November, offering apprenticeships, work experience or paid placements.

Launched in September, the borough-wide campaign invites employers of all sizes to make a pledge, with even one opportunity helping a young resident take a first step into work.

One option is a six-month placement for eligible 18-to-24-year-olds, working 25 hours a week at no less than the National Minimum Wage, with eligible employer costs reimbursed through government funding.

The West London Chamber of Commerce is backing the drive, which aims to help young people gain skills and confidence while giving local businesses access to emerging talent.

Employers who pledge can also receive recruitment and workforce support through free Bronze Membership of the Ealing Borough Apprenticeship Scheme.

Ealing boxer Mohammed “Manny” Safari is turning professional at 19, signing with Frank Warren’s Queensberry Promotions after choosing the paid ranks over a possible run at the 2028 Olympics.

Born and raised in Ealing, Safari attended Dormers Wells High School in Southall and began boxing at around 10.

He went on to win national titles and European medals, becoming Youth European champion in 2025 and earning England Boxing’s Boxer of the Year award.

Safari’s father, Saf, has supported him through years of training and competitions, and the pair now face a new challenge together.

Safari is scheduled to make his professional debut at The O2 in London on 17 October 2026, on the undercard of Daniel Dubois’s rematch with Fabio Wardley.

His opponent has yet to be confirmed, but his ambition is clear: to become a world champion and make Ealing proud.

Polish food in Ealing goes well beyond pierogi, with sour rye soup, stuffed cabbage and pork schnitzel among the dishes worth discovering.

At Dickens Yard, family-owned Polka Kitchen offers a welcoming introduction to Polish favourites.

In Acton, Miod Malina serves żurek, crispy potato pancakes and beef roulade with Silesian dumplings.

Windsor Road’s Lubczyk Polish Bistro pairs breaded pork cutlets with potatoes and cucumber salad, with stuffed cabbage and pork knuckle available on Sundays.

Piwnica na Piętrze in Greenford ranges from bigos to pierogi, while its Sunday buffet offers a chance to sample several homestyle dishes.

For dumpling lovers, I Love Pierogi in Northolt offers savoury fillings from sauerkraut and mushroom to pork and onion, plus sweet cottage-cheese pierogi.

These five spots aren’t a definitive ranking, but together they show the breadth of Polish cooking on Ealing’s doorstep.

Prince William visited ActOne Cinema in Acton on 22 September, meeting volunteers and young local filmmakers at the community-run venue.

He served popcorn, helped sell tickets and spoke with emerging creators about the challenges of building careers in film.

Some of the filmmakers supported by ActOne have had work selected for the Ealing Film Festival.

The visit comes ahead of the cinema’s fifth anniversary on 8 October 2026, a milestone for the residents who campaigned to reopen Acton High Street’s former Passmore Edwards Library.

More than 100 volunteers helped prepare the building before ActOne opened in 2021.

Today, its two 60-seat screens host films and filmmaker events, while parent-and-baby and relaxed screenings help make cinema accessible to more local audiences.

The royal visit puts a spotlight on an Acton project built by residents and still creating opportunities for their community.

Caribbean food in Ealing goes far beyond one dish or tradition, with five places offering flavours from Jamaica, Haiti and Trinidad.

In West Ealing, Jamaican Tuck Shop serves homemade jerk chicken, curry goat and oxtail, while developing Ealing Unity Meals to support vulnerable residents.

Sunjam Caribbean has served the borough for more than 25 years, bringing jerk dishes, roti and Jamaican patties to local events.

Greenford’s Passion Jerk Centre offers comfort food from oxtail to fried plantain, plus Trinidadian Buss Up Shut paratha.

In Acton, Tiki Bar Restaurant London introduces Haitian favourites including griot, spicy pikliz and pumpkin-based Soup Joumou.

Turtle Bay Ealing rounds out the selection with flame-grilled jerk chicken, curry goat and cocktails.

They are not a definitive top five, but together they show how much Caribbean food there is to discover across Ealing.

Nine volunteers collected around 60 sacks of rubbish in just three hours during a community clean-up near Horsenden Hill.

Organised by LAGER Can and the North Greenford Residents’ Association, the effort covered Horsenden Lane North, woodland and areas beside the Grand Union Canal.

Alongside everyday litter, volunteers found dumped shopping trolleys, bicycle parts, suitcases, children’s toys and electrical items.

The clean-up matters for residents of Greenford and Perivale, as well as for wildlife: Horsenden Hill is one of Ealing’s most distinctive green spaces and a designated Site of Importance for Nature Conservation.

Removing rubbish near the canal also helps prevent plastics and other lightweight waste from reaching the water.

The volunteers’ work has made a well-used corner of the borough cleaner, while the amount they collected shows how much litter and dumped waste remains a concern.

Dr Richard Courtney has been appointed Dean of the Claude Littner Business School at the University of West London, bringing more than 20 years of higher education experience to its Ealing campus.

He has held senior roles at Regent’s University London and worked at the University of Hertfordshire, with a background in business education, entrepreneurship and international partnerships.

Courtney plans to build on the school’s strengths by helping students develop the skills, confidence and professional connections they need for their careers.

His priorities include entrepreneurship, leadership and stronger links with employers, alongside opportunities for students from a wide range of backgrounds.

Based on St Mary’s Road, UWL is close to Ealing’s shops, professional firms and other businesses, making local partnerships especially valuable for students seeking practical experience.

The school, named after businessman Claude Littner, offers courses in business, management, accounting, finance, marketing and entrepreneurship.

Hanwell Town have equalled their best-ever FA Cup run after beating Burgess Hill Town 2–1 at the Oliver Connell & Son Community Stadium on Saturday 19 September.

A goalless first half gave way to a dramatic second, as Jordan Esprit struck the post before firing Hanwell ahead with a superb half-volley from outside the penalty area.

Burgess Hill pressed for an equaliser, but captain and goalkeeper Sam Beasant made a crucial double save to protect the Geordies’ lead.

Henry Snee then curled in Hanwell’s second late on, only for Shamir Fenelon to pull a goal back deep into stoppage time.

Hanwell held firm through the nervous finish to reach the FA Cup Third Qualifying Round.

For supporters across Ealing, the victory brings an enticing prospect: one more win would take the London Geordies further than ever before in the competition.

Acton Central and South Acton could gain up to six London Overground trains an hour under plans for a new route between Hounslow and Hendon.

The proposed West London Orbital would use existing railway tracks, including a freight line, to make journeys across west and north-west London easier without travelling through the centre.

Four new stations are proposed, including Old Oak Common Lane, which would offer walking connections towards North Acton and the planned Old Oak Common transport hub.

The scheme could also mean changes at both Acton stations and affect level crossings at Churchfield Road and Bollo Lane.

The railway is not approved or funded, and services could begin around 2035 only if the project secures the necessary approvals.

Transport for London is asking residents to comment on the plans by 18 November 2026.

Prince William gave ActOne Cinema in Acton a royal boost during a visit on 22 September, meeting young local filmmakers and trying his hand at serving popcorn and selling tickets.

The community-run cinema occupies the former Passmore Edwards Library on Acton High Street, which residents campaigned for years to bring back into use.

More than 100 volunteers helped prepare the building before ActOne opened in 2021.

Today, it has two 60-seat screens and hosts independent films, community events and accessible screenings.

William spoke with emerging filmmakers about breaking into the industry; some have had work selected for the Ealing Film Festival.

His visit comes ahead of ActOne’s fifth birthday on 8 October, when the cinema plans a programme of screenings, guests and live music to celebrate what Acton residents have built together.

Thai cuisine in Ealing offers far more than the familiar Pad Thai and green curry.

Locals can sample Angrid Thai at Ealing Broadway, a recent arrival whose owners' roots in Thailand stretch back decades, serving vibrant dishes with vegan options.

At Butler’s Thai on St Mary’s Road, the menu tempts with northern Khao Soi and lesser-seen specials like crispy pork and rich lamb Massaman, rewarding adventurous palates.

Meanwhile, Noi’s Thai Kitchen in Hanwell brings the warmth of a home kitchen, featuring aromatic slow-cooked Massaman and coconut-free Jungle Curry in a true neighbourhood setting.

For a unique twist, The Forester in West Ealing serves classic Thai plates in a historic pub, switching to a British carvery on Sundays.

Finally, Rosa’s Thai at Haven Green anchors the scene with accessible favourites and aromatic stir-fried dishes, rounding out Ealing’s diverse Thai offerings.

Ealing’s tech startups are forging dynamic partnerships with local businesses, sparking growth and innovation across the borough.

By teaming up, both entrepreneurs and established shops can boost their visibility, share resources, and contribute to Ealing’s vibrant economic community.

Small and medium-sized business owners are embracing technology to enhance their marketing ROI and expand their online presence, drawing on real-world insights from those thriving in today’s digital marketplace.

These collaborations aren’t just about profit—they’re about forging lasting relationships and ensuring local businesses remain competitive in a fast-changing world.

Ealing Elevation’s latest episode—produced by the local agency Iroma Media—dives deep into these strategies, offering actionable advice and clear pathways for business owners who want to adapt and excel in an ever-evolving digital landscape.