Isleworth Advent Windows Raise Record Amount
Display brings in over £2,300 Hounslow Youth Counselling Service
Castle Road residents and friends join Mayor Amy Croft (front centre) and HYCS’ Head of Service - Patricia David (front right, next to Mayor)
January 5, 2026
Residents of Castle Road and neighbouring streets in TW7 have announced record-breaking fundraising results from their TW7 Advent Windows Campaign 2025, raising £2,358 for Hounslow Youth Counselling Service (HYCS). The total is the highest ever achieved by the annual community fundraiser.
The campaign once again rallied residents behind HYCS, a long‑established local charity providing free, confidential mental health support to vulnerable young people across the borough. The organisation is one of the Mayor of Hounslow’s chosen charities for 2025–26, reflecting its growing importance at a time of rising demand for youth counselling.
HYCS says the money raised will help fund around 20 introductory assessments and 60 counselling sessions for young people in need, offering vital early support at a time when waiting lists for mental health services continue to grow.
This year’s Advent Windows campaign saw wider participation than ever before, with residents from Grainger Road and Nottingham Road joining Castle Road in creating the festive trail. The project also received a boost from a feature on BBC London News, which helped shine a spotlight on the community effort.
Now in its fourth year, the TW7 Advent Windows initiative has raised more than £6,800 for local charities. Previous beneficiaries include HYCS, Samaritans Ealing & Hammersmith, St Mungo’s and Hounslow Food Bank. While each year has demonstrated strong neighbourhood spirit, 2025 marked a new high point for both participation and donations.
HYCS’ Acting Chair of Trustees, Petra Raccani, thanked residents for their support, saying, “We’re so very grateful to the residents of Castle, Grainger and Nottingham Roads. The Advent Windows brought real joy and a wonderful sense of togetherness. That community spirit, alongside the fundraising, shows the true power of people coming together to support young people’s wellbeing — and it will make a real difference to young lives across Hounslow Borough.”
Organisers from Castle Road & Friends said they were delighted by the response to this year’s trail adding, “We couldn’t have done it without the support of the amazing community we live in – a huge thanks to all who took part and generously donated. It’s been wonderful seeing families, neighbours and local residents coming to enjoy the windows. Knowing that something so joyful can also help young people in our borough who really need support makes it incredibly special. We look forward to more success next year… watch this space!”
The Advent Windows ran from 1–24 December, with a new decorated and illuminated window revealed each evening on a different house, creating a festive walking trail for families and neighbours to enjoy.
More information about Hounslow Youth Counselling Service, including how to donate, can be found at www.hycscounselling.co.uk or on Instagram at @hycs.youth.
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