homes & people Bringing you all the news that matters to you
Get out and about this spring with a new bike from Own Your Own See page 5
March/April 2014
In this issue Work opportunities and apprenticeships See page 12
You’ve Got the Power See page 11
Keeping your home safe See page 14
Community Housing Offices Benwell and Scotswood
0191 277 1484
North Kenton
0191 277 4360
Blakelaw
0191 277 1000
Shieldfield
0191 278 1566
Byker
0191 278 1555
St Anthony’s
0191 278 1600
Cruddas Park
0191 277 1066
Walker
0191 278 8455
Gosforth
0191 277 1166
Westgate
0191 277 1300
Newbiggin Hall
0191 277 4360
West Denton
0191 277 7940
Leasehold
0191 278 7725
Other numbers Adaptations
0191 278 3842
0191 278 8633 †dvb K‡i Avcwb GKwU wjwLZ Abyev‡`i Rb¨ ej‡Z cv‡ib| Community Care Alarm Service 0191 278 8699dvwb©Pvi Newcastle GB Z_¨ nj BDi †nvg wbDK¨vmjKvDw݇ji mvwf©m mg‡Ü hvivFurniture †Ubv›U‡`i Ni evox mvRv‡Z mvnv‡h¨i Rb¨ ewcastle Furniture Service (NFS) 278 1888 dvwb©Pvi mieivn K‡i| GB Z_¨ hw` <evsjvq> A_ev Ab¨ †Kvb fvlvq cÖ‡qvRb nq Zvn‡j GB bv¤^0191 v‡i †dvb Ki“bervice Envirocall 0191 278 7878 0191 278 8633 Repairs Centre Gas A_ev Ab¨ †Kvb fvlvq GB Z_¨ nj Avcbvi †i›U GKvD›U (fvovi wnmve wbKvm) m¤^‡Ü| GB Z_¨ hw`and <evsjvq> ent HASBET (Housing Anti-Social Servicing 0191 277 8888 cÖ‡qvRb nq Zvn‡j GB bv¤^v‡i †dvb Ki“b- 0191 278 8633
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0191 278 8740
Housing Advice Centre
0191 277 1711
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0191 277 2020
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Rent
Young People’s Service
0191 277 1190
这是有关您的租金账户的信息。如果您需要此信息的普通话版本或其它语言版本，请致电 0191 278 GB Z_¨ nj †Ubv›U‡`i KvDw݇ji Ni evox †Kbvi AwaKvi m¤^‡Ü| GB Z_¨ hw` <evsjvq> A_ev Ab¨ †Kvb fvlvq ight to Buy 8633 索取。 cÖ‡qvRb nq Zvn‡j GB bv¤^v‡i †dvb Ki“b- 0191 278 8633 Repairs 这是有关要求维修您的住房的信息。如果您需要此信息的普通话版本或其它语言版本，请致电 0191 Rent 這是關於您的租金賬戶的信息。如果您需要此信息的廣東話版本或其它語言版本，請致電 0191 278 GB Z_¨ njthe wbDKvm¨vj KvDw݇ji †Ubv›U wnmv‡e Avcbvi `vq and `vwqZ¡ m¤^‡Ü| GB Z_¨ hw`want <evsjvq> A_ev Ab¨ †Kvb enancy This is ‘Homestéléphoner & People’ newsletter for Newcastle council tenants leaseholders. If you this information in 278 8633 索取。 au 0191 278 8633 pour obtenir une traduction écrite. fvlvq 索取。 cÖ‡qvRb nq Zvn‡j GB bv¤^v‡i †dvb Ki“b- 0191 278 8633 8633 we will arrange for an interpreter to help you on 0191 278 8633. This information is also available Right to Buy your own language 这是有关租客有权购买他们的市政房屋的信息。如果您需要此信息的普通话版本或其它语言版本，请致 GB Z_¨ nj Avgv‡`i †jwUs mvwf©m( fvov welqK) m¤^‡Ü| GB Z_¨ hw` <evsjvq> A_ev Ab¨ †Kvb fvlvq cÖ ‡qvRb nq CH Repairs 這是關於如何要求維修您住房的信息。如果您需要此信息的廣東話版本或其它語言版本，請致電 0191 电 0191 278 8633and 索取。 in easy read, large print, Braille audio tape. We can also arrange for you to see a British Sign Language interpreter. Zvn‡j GB 索取。 bv¤^v‡i †dvb Ki“b- 0191 278 8633 278 8633 Tenancy 这是有关您作为纽卡斯尔市政租客所需要承担的责任的信息。如果您需要此信息的普通话版本或其它语 Newcastle Furniture informations concernent le service « mobilier de Your Homes qui fournit du mobilier GB Z_¨ nj BDi †nvgm wbDK¨vmj mg‡Ü| Ges Avgiv » wKfv‡e `vwqZ¡ cvjb Newcastle, KiwQ †m mg‡Ü| BDi †nvgm wbDK¨vmj, HN + Ces Rightgeneral/Homes to Buy 這是關於租客有權購買他們的市政房屋的信息。如果您需要此信息的廣東話版本或其它語言版本，請致 言版本，请致电 0191 8633 索取。 dans leur logement. Si vous avez besoin de ces service aux locataires pour les278 aider àKvDw݇ji s’installer wbDK¨vmj wmwU KvDw݇ji c‡¶ Ni evox e¨e¯’ v cbvi `vwqZ¡ c Ö v ß| GB Z_¨ hw` <evsjvq> A_ev Ab¨ †Kvb eople 電 0191 278 en 8633 索取。ou dans une autre langue, téléphonez au : 0191 278 8633. YCH 这是有关我们的出租服务的信息。如果您需要此信息的普通话版本或其它语言版本，请致电 0191 278 informations fvlvq cÖ‡qvRb nqfrançais Zvn‡j GB bv¤^v‡i †dvb Ki“b- 0191 278 8633 8633 索取。 Tenancy 這是關於您作為紐卡素市政府租客所需要承擔的責任的信息。如果您需要此信息的廣東話版本或其它語 Rent Ces informations concernent votre loyer. Si vous avez besoin de ces informations en français ou YHN general / Homes + 这是有关代表纽卡斯尔市政府（Newcastle City Your Homes Newcastle 言版本，請致電 0191 278 8633 索取。 dans une autre langue, téléphonez au : 0191 278Council）负责管理市政房屋的 8633. People （您的纽卡斯尔住房）组织的信息，内容解释了我们是如何运作。如果您需要此信息的普通话版本或其 Repairs Ces informations concernent les demandes de travaux pour votre logement. Si vous avez 0191 besoin de YCH 這是關於我們的出租服務的信息。如果您需要此信息的廣東話版本或其它語言版本，請致電 278 它语言版本，请致电 0191 278 ces informations en français ou 8633 dans 索取。 une autre langue, téléphonez au : 0191 278 8633.
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8633 索取。 Ces informations concernent les droits des locataires relatifs à l’acquisition de leur logement social. 這是關於 Your Homes Newcastle（您的紐卡素住房）機構的信息，內容解釋了我們代表紐卡素市政府 Si vous avez besoin de ces informations en français ou dans une autre langue, téléphonez au : （Newcastle City Council）負責管理市政房屋以及如何運作。如果您需要此信息的廣東話版本或其它 0191 278 8633. 語言版本，請致電 0191 278 8633 索取。 @ói@óäb @NóäbmóØòìíäb‚@ñòìó䆋ÙØbš@üi@ðîŒaí‚a†@ðmóïäüš@ói@pòŠbió@óäbîŠbïäaŒ@ãó÷ Ces îŠbïäaŒ@ãó÷@m‹ Šòì@óÜ@çbmŒóyŠó ó÷ informations concernent vos responsabilités en tant que locataire de la municipalité de Nç‹i@ñ‡äòí—q@ 0191 278 8633 @ðäüÑïÝm@òŠbàˆ@ói@óîóè@óÙî†@ðÙ—äbàŒ@Šóè@bî@ñ†ŠíØ@ðäbàŒ Si vous deآن ces informations enدرfrançais dans uneدرﺑﺎره autreاﻃﻼﻋﺎت langue, ،Newcastle. ﺷﻬﺮدارى ﻧﻴﻮﻛﺎﺳﻞ از ﺳﻮىavez ﺳﺎزﻣﺎنbesoin اﻳﻦ.اﺳﺖ ﻋﻤﻠﻜﺮد ﻧﯿﻮﮐﺎﺳﻞ« و ﻫﺎى ﺷﻤﺎou ﺧﺎﻧﻪ » ﺳﺎزﻣﺎن اﻳﻦ téléphonez au :ﻫﺎى 0191 278 8633. @ói@óäbîŠbïäaŒ@ãó÷@m‹ Šòì@óÜ@çbmŒóyŠó ó÷ @NòŠb’@ñaŠü’@ðäbØòìíäb‚@î ‹Ø@üi@çbåï“å–‹Ø@Àbà@ói@pòŠbió@óäbîŠbïäaŒ@ãó÷ ﺗﻠﻔﻦ ﺷﻤﺎره ﺑﺎ دﻳﮕﺮ زﺑﺎن ﻳﺎ ﻓﺎرﺳﻰ زﺑﺎن ﺑﻪ اﻃﻼﻋﺎت اﻳﻦ ﺑﻪ ﻧﻴﺎز ﺻﻮرت در .دارد ﻋﻬﺪه ﺑﻪ را دوﻟﺘﻰ ﻫﺎى ﺧﺎﻧﻪ اداره ﻣﺴﺌﻮﻟﻴﺖ <português> ou noutra língua, queira ligar para o 0191 278 8633. Ces informations concernent notre service location. @óîóè@óÙî†@ðÙ—äbàŒ@Šóè@bî@ñ†ŠíØ@ðäbàŒ Si vous avez besoin de ces informations en Nç‹i@ñ‡äòí—q@ 278 8633de .ﺑﮕﻴﺮﻳﺪ ﺗﻤﺎس ٠١٩١٢٧٨٨۶٣٣ Esta informação refere-se à sua0191 renda. Se @ðäüÑïÝm@òŠbàˆ@ói precisar desta informação em <português> ou noutra français ou dans une autre langue, téléphonez au : 0191 278 8633. @m‹ Šòì@óÜ@çbmŒóyŠó ó÷ @N óîa‡Ý—bØüïä@óÜ@Šb’@ñaŠü’@ðÙ—åï“å–‹Ø@íØòì@òí—÷@ðäbØóïmóîb‹qŠói@ói@pòŠbió@óäbîŠbïäaŒ@ãó÷ língua, queira ligar para o 0191 278 8633. Ces informations concernent Your Homes Newcastleem : qui chargé gérer les logements sociaux Esta informação refere-se ao8633 pedido de reparações suaest casa. Se de precisar desta informação em Nç‹i@ñ‡äòí— q@0191 278 @ðäüÑïÝm@òŠbàˆ@ói@óîóè@óÙî†@ðÙ—äbàŒ@Šóè@bî@ñ†ŠíØ@ðäbàŒ@ói@óäbîŠbïäaŒ@ãó÷ au nom de la municipalité de Newcastle et comment nous procédons. Si vous avez besoin de ces <português> ou noutra língua, queira ligar para o 0191 278 8633. @Šóè@ bî@ ñ†ŠíØ@ ðäbàŒ@ ói@ óäbîŠbïäaŒ@ ãó÷@ m‹ Šòì@ óÜ@ çbmŒóyŠó ó÷ @ Nóîóá—÷@ ð–‹Ø@ ðäbØómóà‚@ ói@ pòŠbió@ óäbîŠbïäaŒ@ ãó÷ Esta informação refere-se direito os langue, inquilinos têm de comprar a sua social. Se informations en français ouao dans uneque autre téléphonez au : 0191 278habitação 8633.
Nç‹i@ñ‡äòí—q@ 278 8633@ðäüÑïÝm@òŠbàˆ@ói@óîóè@óÙî†@ðÙ—äbàŒ precisar desta informação em <português> ou0191 noutra língua, queira ligar para o 0191 278 8633. @òìóÝ—bØüïä@ñŠb’@ñaŠü’@çóîý@óÜ@óØ@óîóØó䆋؊bØ@ðmóïäüš@ì@ Your Homes Newcastle @ói@pòŠbió@óäbîŠbïäaŒ@ãó÷ Esta informação refere-se às suas responsabilidades como inquilino social em Newcastle. Se precisar desta informação em <português> ou noutra língua, queira ligar para o 0191 278 8633. @ðäbàŒ@ói@óäbîŠbïäaŒ@ãó÷@m‹ Šòì@óÜ@çbmŒóyŠó ó÷ @NpbÙi@ðmóîaŠóiòí–Šói@Šb’@ñaŠü’@ðäbØòìíäb‚@óØ@òìaŠ‡—q@ñòìó÷@ðØŠó÷ idioma, llame al 0191 278 8633. Esta informação refere-se ao serviço0191 de arrendamento. Se precisar desta informação em Nç‹ i@ñ‡äòí—q@ 278 8633@ðäüÑïÝm@òŠbàˆ@ói@óîóè@óÙî†@ðÙ—äbàŒ@Šóè@bî@ñ†ŠíØ Ésta es información sobre cómo pedir quepara se realicen reparaciones en su casa. Si necesita esta <português> ou noutra língua, queira ligar o 0191 278 8633. Esta informação refere-se a organização información en español oà enYour otroHomes idioma,Newcastle, llame al 0191 278 8633. responsável pela gestão da habitação social em nome e a anossa situação actual. municipal. Se precisar Ésta es información sobredo losMunicípio derechosde deNewcastle, los inquilinos comprar su vivienda Sidesta necesita informação em <português> noutra para278 o 0191 278 8633. esta información en españolou o en otro língua, idioma,queira llame ligar al 0191 8633.
Ésta es información sobre sus responsabilidades como inquilino municipal de Newcastle. Si necesita esta información en español o en otro idioma, llame al 0191 278 8633. Ésta es información sobre nuestro servicio de adjudicación. Si necesita esta información en español o en otro idioma, llame al 0191 278 8633. Ésta es información sobre Your Homes de Newcastle, que es la responsable de gestionar las viviendas municipales en nombre del Ayuntamiento de Newcastle, y sobre nuestra manera de hacerlo. Si necesita esta información en español o en otro idioma, llame al 0191 278 8633.
Your Homes Newcastle Limited. Registered in England and Wales. Registration number 5076256. Registered office: Newcastle Civic Centre, Barras Bridge, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 8PR. A company controlled by Newcastle City Council.
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Designed by: barkingdog design and layout. Printed by: Mosaic Print Management Plc
Contents Page 3
• Welcome
Page 4
• Get digi-smart
Page 5
• ‘Own Your Own’ TV, PlayStation or iPad with our low cost weekly payment scheme
Page 6
• A fresh approach to housing management
Page 7
• A new chapter for Fenham Library
Page 8
• • • •
Page 9
• Our new Housing Options service is the key to making a house your home.
Page 10
• It’s Your Neighbourhood • Glorious Gardens
Page 11
• You’ve Got the Power • Going for Gold
Page 12
• YHN Employment news • Are you interested in becoming a YHN apprentice?
Page 13
• New faces on YHN Board
Page 14
• Home contents insurance
Page 15
• £25 prize wordsearch
Page 16
• Find your way back to work with our training
It’s your move Are you under occupying and feeling the squeeze? Homes on show! New to market - one-bed flats!
Read previous editions online: www.yhn.org.uk/tenancy_services/homes_people
Welcome to the ‘your home and neighbourhood’ issue of Homes & People. Living in, and looking after, your own home is a big deal. Whether you’re setting up home for the first time or looking for something smaller there are a lot of things to consider. We want you to enjoy living in your home and be proud of the neighbourhood you live in. That’s why it’s so important that we get our services right. The way we provide our Housing Management and related services is changing. From June our staff will specialise in issues such as rent, your tenancy and moving home (find out more on pages 6 and 7). We’re here to help from start to finish, whether it’s practical advice or personal support that you need.
We’re confident the changes will improve our service to you. That’s why, in this edition of Homes & People, we’ve brought together lots of articles and useful information about how you can make the most of your tenancy, how you can influence the way we offer services and what the changes to our services mean for you. Neil Scott Director of Tenancy Services
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Get digi-smart We’re working to make our services as easy for you to use as possible. We are constantly looking at new ways that we can communicate with you (and for you to communicate with us) and have recently introduced some new services to do just that. It’s textual! We have launched a new SMS service – texting customers with information and updates about their rent account. If we have your mobile number you will automatically be invited to use our text messaging service, but will have the option to ‘opt out’ if you don’t want to receive messages from us.
Viewing your leaseholder account online is child’s play… Tenants have been able to do this for a while, but we’ve now extended our online service for leaseholders so that it is easier and quicker for them to see information about their account. The online statement looks just like the paper version so there are no surprises and everything is laid out clearly.
Satisfaction guaranteed…From April, our repairs and maintenance service are launching a new automated customer satisfaction survey. You could receive a call asking you a series of questions about how happy you are with the work we’ve carried out. The survey will be a recorded message and you will be asked to choose an option to answer each question. If you’re not happy, you can be put through to someone who can discuss your concerns.
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‘Own Your Own’ TV, PlayStation or iPad with our low cost weekly payment scheme Buying things like TVs, washing machines or fridge freezers from weekly payment shops will cost you a lot more in the long term because of the high interest charges.
Who can join the scheme? You must be a City Council, Byker Community Trust or Leazes Homes tenant and:
YHN’s Own Your Own scheme works the same as wellknown weekly payment stores, but with one big difference – our prices are realistic, affordable, and you won’t end up paying over the odds.
a. be up to date with your rent account (which includes current, former and linked arrears), and
With Own Your Own you can buy a quality branded household product and pay for it weekly, over 52 or 104 weeks depending on what you buy. Brand new products have just been added to our range including Samsung televisions, Apple iPads, Sony PlayStations, and adults’ and kids’ Merida bikes.
b. have made all of your payments on time for at least the last three months.
We’ve tried to make our products cheaper than high street retailers such as Brighthouse and Perfect Home – have a look to see how much it would cost you to buy a 32 inch TV:
• Apply online at www. ownyourown.uk.com
How do I apply?
• Call 0845 846 0040 • Pop into your local housing office and pick up a brochure and application form
Provider
Weekly payment
Total payment
Payment Amount you save term if you bought from OYO
Brighthouse £9.00
£1,404.00 3 years
£956.80
Perfect Home
£4.60
£717.60
3 years
£270.40
Buy As You View
£4.78
£745.68
3 years
£298.48
Own Your Own
£4.30
£447.20
2 years
You can buy one product at a time and you’ll only be able to borrow what you can afford. You can choose to pay the amount you owe quicker which means you get to own your product even earlier. There are no hidden costs – there’s no deposit to pay, delivery and installation is free, and all products come with a 12 month warranty.
Once we’ve received and approved your application Moneywise Credit Union will set up your account. We’ll tell you how much your product is, how much you’ll have to pay each week and how long for. Then we’ll contact you to arrange delivery … it’s that easy!
For more information Visit www.ownyourown.uk.com or call 0845 846 0040 and we’ll be happy to help.
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A fresh approach to housing management Making housing management special. Last year we told you that we were carrying out a review of our Housing Management and related services in response to the government’s benefit changes. Our changes are to make sure we can continue to provide the best service to you, in the right way. We are moving away from having housing officers that do everything by creating three specialist functions – Housing Options, Tenancy and Estate Management and Income Management - so that we can provide you with a more expert service. Since the changes were agreed by YHN Board we have been busy recruiting to the new functions to make sure we have the right people in the right roles. Recruitment is now complete and staff are in place preparing for the launch of the new service. We have now agreed where our new teams will be and many of you will already be familiar with the new locations.
The five main offices will be: • West End Customer Service Centre – Condercum Road, Benwell, NE4 9JH • Outer West Customer Service Centre – Denton Park Shopping Centre, West Denton Way, NE5 2QZ • North Kenton Customer Service Centre – Hillsview Avenue, Kenton, NE3 3QJ • East End Customer Service Centre – 83-85 Shields Road, Byker, NE6 1DL • Walker Centre – Church Walk, Walker, NE6 3HR We will also be operating out of satellite offices in: • Byker • Cruddas Park • Fenham • Newbiggin Hall • Gosforth The official launch of the new services will be on Monday 2 June 2014. We will be contacting you nearer the time to tell you about your new office and how you can contact them. If you would like more information about what the new services will do please email communicationsteam@yhn.org.uk or call on 0191 278 8600.
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A new chapter for Fenham Library Fenham Library has just re-opened its doors after a refurbishment. When news of possible library closures broke, we worked with the City Council to see what we could do together. This joint venture sees the Council still running a library service from the building, and we are operating a satellite housing office. All normal YHN services will be provided and access to the building has been improved. John Lee, Chief Executive of Your Homes Newcastle, said: “We need to maintain a strong local presence and, given the government’s emphasis on online services, help tenants access the Internet. Fenham Library is a great demonstration of how partnership working can deliver modern services which benefit communities.”
Contact the Fenham housing office at: Fenham Hall Drive Fenham Newcastle upon Tyne NE4 9XD Phone: 0191 277 7931 Website: www.yhn.org.uk Opening hours are: Monday to Friday: 8.30am – 4.30pm Wednesday: 8.30am – 3.00pm
An official launch event took place on Saturday 22 March which saw the library transformed into a 1930s market for the day. Visitors browsed vintage stalls with an art deco theme and younger readers enjoyed music and story times. Long-time resident of Fenham, Joyce Duncanson, was at the event. She said “I like it very much, I like the openness and the children’s involvement and the different classes which I’ve been to here. I can remember when the library first opened and you couldn’t join quick enough –but not long after that the war started and we couldn’t use it anymore. I think it provides an excellent service now and it’s really progressed with the times.”
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It’s your move Are you under occupying and feeling the squeeze? If you’re receiving less Housing Benefit because you have spare bedrooms in your home, we may be able to help.
SWAP it Swap It! events: 29 April at Gateshead Civic Centre and 1 May at Newcastle City Library. To book: Phone 0191 278 8600 Text ‘Swap’ followed by your name to 07814 753 088 e-mail getinvolved@yhn.org.uk
We know that moving house is a big decision and can be a stressful time so we’ve come up with a scheme to make it that bit easier. For customers accepted on the scheme we’re offering up to £500 for each room you free up by moving to a smaller property. You won’t receive the money direct - we will use it towards services to help you move such as a removal company, carpets or DIY materials. Just think of the advantages… your gas and electricity bills will be smaller, there’ll be less cleaning to do, you’ll have more time and money and we’ll support you through the move. If you would like to find out more about our Incentive to Move scheme, please contact us on 0191 278 8600 and we can arrange for a member of staff to speak to you, alternatively we can visit you in your home and chat through your options. You could find your new dream home…!
Homes on show! We currently have some vacancies in our multi storey flats in Westgate. The spacious flats are in a great location close to the city centre and major public transport routes. Flats on the higher floors have spectacular views across the city and beyond, and 24 hour access to our concierge service via our enquiry centre. We’ve recently opened a lovely new show flat, and at your viewing a member of staff will be on hand to answer any questions you might have before signing up. Rent starts from just £86.08 a week for a two bedroom flat (including concierge and tv aerial) – perfect for a flat share with friends, or a small household… If you’re looking to move and would like to take a look at the show flat, contact the Westgate Community Housing Office on 0191 277 1300.
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New to market one bed flats! We now have a large number of one bed homes to rent in the east of the city. These multi storey flats are close to transport links and local amenities and benefit from fantastic views of the recently regenerated Walker Riverside. Take a look on the Tyne and Wear Homes website at www.tyneandwearhomes.org.uk Hurry, they won’t be available for long!
Our new Housing Options service is the key to making a house your home. From June you will have a dedicated Housing Options function. The team is there to let empty properties, help you to make the right choice about where to live and identify any support that you may need during your tenancy. Our Relocation and Adaptations teams will also be part of Housing Options. This is so that we can work more closely with health professionals and tenants with additional medical needs, to provide more consistent support. Through Tyne and Wear Homes we not only let Newcastle City Council properties, but also homes belonging to Registered Social Landlords and private landlords in the region. And as it’s a regional partnership; you can apply for properties owned by Gateshead, North Tyneside and South Tyneside councils too. So, depending on your circumstances and your particular needs, we will help you choose the best housing option for you. If you have been in your home for a while and are considering your options, we can provide you with a more specialist service to make sure you find the right home, in the right place.
Supporting you at every step We want to make sure that when you’re renting a home from us, we give you the best service possible. This means supporting you before you move in as well as during your tenancy. Support is broken down into three steps:
Step 1
We make sure new and potential tenants receive advice and support to work out whether they can afford a tenancy, access any benefits they might be entitled to, set up accounts with utility providers and banks. We can also offer help with identifying employment opportunities and preparing tenants for entering work.
Step 2
Once you have accepted a property from us we will work with you to make sure you’ve completed a Housing Benefit application form and have provided Revenues and Benefits with all the information they need to process your claim. We will also contact you in the early stages of your tenancy to make sure you are settling in, answer any questions you may have and identify any potential issues such as rent arrears.
Step 3
Through our new Tenancy and Estate Management service our housing staff will offer ongoing support to make sure that you continue to manage your tenancy successfully. If there’s an unexpected change to your circumstances which leaves you in financial difficulty, we can offer advice and support around paying your rent and other bills, budgeting and managing debt.
We’ll be contacting you over the coming months to provide more information about the new services and how you can get in touch with us.
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It’s Your Neighbourhood Last year our ‘Great Gardens’ competition gave customers from across the city the chance to compete in eight categories ranging from ‘best communal garden’ to ‘best yard’ and ‘garden in the sky’.
We were really impressed by the number and quality of entries we received and it showed just how much pride our customers take in keeping their gardens clean and tidy. This year the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) is running its annual ‘It’s Your Neighbourhood’ campaign, which encourages local community groups to clean up and improve their local environment. Whether it’s the estate you live on, a back alley you share or a local community space, we want you to get involved! Once you have a group of people and an idea for a project you are ready to start. It’s Your Neighbourhood is free to enter and is not a competition but is assessed at five different levels by friendly and helpful assessors. It is open to groups of all sizes each year for as long as they want to brighten up and improve their area. All are invited to a special presentation ceremony in the autumn where they will each receive a framed certificate from the RHS. For more information and to find the entry form please go to the Northumbria in Bloom website at www.northumbriainbloom. co.uk You have nothing to lose and a lot to gain. When you are gardening you will make friends, be out in the fresh air, benefit from exercise and have lovely flowers in your neighbourhood. Why not have a go!
Glorious Gardens
Enter our Glorious Gardens competition and you could win some fabulous prizes! Categories include: • Bountiful balconies • Colourful communals • Glorious garden • Perfect patio • Grow your own greens • Krafty kids! (12’s and Under)
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Glorious Gardens is open to all YHN tenants and leaseholders. So, whether you have a glorious garden, bountiful balcony or grow your own greens we want to hear from you! Get the kids involved in our bird box challenge and beat the weekend boredom blues! Enter today for your welcome pack! Closing date for entries: Friday 20th June 2014 • Website: www.yhn.org.uk Preliminary judging will • Email: getinvolved@yhn.org.uk take place early July 2014. • Tel: 0191 278 8723 Final judging will take place • Text: ‘Glorious Gardens’ to 07815 784 037 at the end of July 2014.
you’v e got
You’ve Got the Power
powthe er
Once again, you’ll be invited to decide how money should be spent on improving your community’s environment. We launched ‘You’ve Got the Power’ in 2013 – a £4m scheme designed to give tenants an opportunity to put forward suggestions for environmental improvements to their neighbourhoods. And from April, we’ll be asking for your ideas on how to spend the next round of funding. Do you want to see communal gardens on your estate? Maybe you know of some fences that need repairing. Perhaps you have an idea for some landscaping that could give your street a new lease of life. Last year 6,000 votes were cast and funding was awarded to 44 projects. Tenants from The Retreat received a large number of votes for their application to improve external lighting around
their homes. This was the first project to be completed under the scheme. The new lighting was recently installed and tenants of The Retreat are thrilled with the results. Phyllis Chilton, 81, of The Retreat (pictured), said: “We’re all delighted with the new lighting and were very grateful to be chosen as one of the projects to receive funding.” Don’t miss out on your opportunity to make a real difference to the look and feel of your community – keep an eye out for your rent statement, which arrives in April. Inside you’ll find a form asking for your suggestions.
Going for Gold Each year our Environmental Services team carry out estate inspections with the help of trained Tenant Inspectors.
Going for
gold
The inspectors look at things such as fly tipping, graffiti, grassed areas and signage and rate each estate across the city as Gold, Silver, Bronze or Medal of Improvement depending on its condition. Last year our Tenant Inspectors went out and rated every single YHN estate in the city and fed back their areas for improvement. It was a huge job, but they successfully completed all the inspections and helped Environmental Services hit their target. The feedback from the inspections led to some real improvements on our estate, so a big thank you to all our inspectors!
Want to be a Tenant Inspector?
olved and become We’d love more of you to get inv ere you live and want Tenant Inspectors. If you love wh you want to help us to see it continue to flourish, or neighbourhoods across make positive changes to other m you. Newcastle, we want to hear fro es team on 0191 211 6863. Contact the Environmental Servic
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YHN employment news Are you interested in becoming a YHN apprentice?
If you’re out of work, you might have taken some comfort from the government’s announcement in February that UK unemployment had dropped. But things are a bit different in the North East. Our region has the highest unemployment rate in the country, and it’s continuing to rise. That’s why we are working hard to create more employment opportunities for our tenants. This year, we have 20 apprenticeships up for grabs – up from ten last year. Candidates employed by us on the 12-month programme learn practical workplace skills while studying for nationally recognised qualifications at college, including an NVQ Level 2. The vacancies are available in different areas of YHN, including business administration,
customer service, housing, finance, ICT and warehouse operations. Stuart Campbell, Employability Manager at YHN, said: “We’ve read many recent news reports regarding decreases in unemployment rates, but that just doesn’t marry up with what we’re seeing on our estates. “Many tenants genuinely want to work but it can be difficult for those who haven’t done so for a long time to get back into employment, and it’s our young people that often struggle the most. “But it’s not just the apprentices that have benefitted from taking part in the scheme – it’s been hugely beneficial for YHN to have extra staff at a very busy time.” Applicants need to live in a YHN-managed home and be aged between 16 and 24 when the next apprenticeship programmes start in May or September.
We’re currently recruiting for apprenticeships starting in May and September. If you’re interested in applying, contact the Customer Involvement team by phone on 0191 278 8721 or email getinvolved@yhn.org.uk. You can also text ‘Apprenticeship’ with your name and address to 07815 784 037.
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New faces on YHN Board
Olivia Grant OBE was appointed as Your Homes Newcastle’s new Board Chair in January. Olivia brings significant business and local government experience to YHN and is also chair of Newcastle Futures – an organisation that works to provide employment and training opportunities to people in the city.
Olivia said: “It is an honour to be appointed as Chair of YHN. For over 30 years, my passion has been to support and promote the wellbeing of people in Newcastle and the wider region. I am very proud of the work YHN has already done to help improve employment and training prospects for its tenants, and I’m very much looking forward to using my expertise to improve our offering even further.” We’re also looking for tenants to join the YHN Board. It matters to us that tenants are well represented as they can provide really valuable
insight into the experiences of the people who live in our homes. If you’re interested in this exciting opportunity then why not come along to our taster session on 15 April from 3pm where you can find out more about the role and observe a Board meeting for yourself. For an information and application pack and/or to book onto the taster session please contact Joanne Noble-Nesbitt at joanne.noble-nesbitt@yhn.org. uk or on 0191 278 8624. Further information is also available at yhn.org.uk/about_us/yhn_board
All applications are welcomed. The closing date for applications is 16 May and interviews will be held on 11 June.
We have teamed up with businesses in Walker to offer you paid work opportunities, apprenticeships and placements. Greggs – the UK’s largest bakery chain – and taxi firm Blue Line were among 26 companies to attend a presentation about a project designed to assist tenants affected by Welfare Reform. The project aims to demonstrate that ‘work pays’, by helping tenants move into employment and providing advice on maximising income, budgeting and affordable housing. In Walker alone, it is estimated that 650 tenants now receive less Housing Benefit as a result of the bedroom tax. Our part in the scheme is to provide candidates with training before starting a new job, apprenticeship or placement and to
offer regular practical support during the first six months in any new role. Employability Manager at YHN, Stuart Campbell, said: “We are thrilled to see so many local employers showing an interest in providing job opportunities for the people of Walker. “Getting more people into work and earning more money is an essential strand of this project and one that is proving beneficial for residents and employers alike.” The scheme, which is being run in conjunction with Newcastle City Council, was launched with the support of Newcastle East MP Nick Brown and the council’s Deputy Leader, Joyce McCarty.
For more details, contact Amanda Roberts on 0191 278 8714 or email amanda.roberts@yhn.org.uk
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Keeping your home safe Home contents insurance is a good safety net, but it’s better to avoid having to make a claim in the first place. So here are some tips for keeping your property safe and secure that won’t break the bank… Lock your doors and windows. In 2011, a 31-year-old London man was jailed after burgling up to 70 houses – he never once forced entry. Closer to home, 1,049 dwellings were burgled in Newcastle during the 2012/13 financial year. Don’t become another statistic. Test your smoke alarms. This takes virtually no effort and could potentially save your life. Test alarms weekly, replace any batteries if the unit begins to bleep on its own and vacuum the unit lightly once a year. Be wary of bogus callers. If you don’t trust someone, don’t let them into your home unless they’re able to provide identification that you can verify. If you have one, make sure you put your door chain on before opening it. Keep valuables out of sight. Don’t tempt opportunistic thieves by leaving high-value items on show. Know where to find your stopcock. If a pipe bursts, you’ll want to cut your water supply quickly. It’s also a good idea to turn it off before you go on holiday. Put your lights on a timer. If you’re going away, it’s worth investing in a timer that gives the appearance of your home being occupied – leaving one light on permanently just tells thieves that nobody is home. Don’t let your pipes freeze. It’s a good idea to set your heating to come on for an hour a day if you’re not around during frosty weather. Frozen pipes can split and eventually leak.
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Could you afford to replace your possessions if they were stolen in a burglary or damaged by a fire, flood or accident? You might be thinking ‘that won’t happen to me’, and that your electronics, jewellery and furniture are automatically insured through your tenancy. They aren’t. Betty Walker’s* home was flooded in 2012, causing thousands of pounds worth of damage. She said: “I was out shopping when the sky just turned black and the rain started. I rushed home, but the damage had already been done. The TV, my threepiece suite, table, chairs and washing machine all needed to be replaced. It was a horrible feeling. “But after claiming on the insurance, we received over £7,000 to replace everything – I don’t know how we would have done it otherwise.” We recommend all tenants take out home contents insurance. You can do this by making your own arrangements, but to make it easier and more affordable to you, YHN and Newcastle City Council have teamed up with Royal & Sun Alliance to provide a scheme just for tenants that covers furniture, belongings and decorations. Prices start from as little as 64p per week, with premiums added to your rent – so you don’t need to worry about keeping your payments up to date. Interested in home contents insurance? You can pick up an application form at your local Community Housing Office or request one by emailing incomeyhn@yhn.org.uk or calling 0191 278 8600. *Name has been changed.
£25 prize wordsearch Complete the wordsearch to win a £25 Eldon Square voucher to spend on whatever you fancy! E J S N E L E P E N I D N S L W C S
S S N O I T P O G N I S U O H G T A
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I V P T A E I E R S E R O I R L L M
E S R M B I M T R N E P Q A R O N P
C T O E G A S A A C E G O A O H S R
I E V W N N S N N H I B A S M E E O
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Board Choice Estate Management Gardens Housing Options Improvements Internet Leaseholder Library Lighting Neighbours Own Your Own Projects Repairs Service Support Tenancy You’ve Got The Power
Name: Address:
Postcode:
Daytime telephone number:
Send your completed puzzle along with your name, address and a daytime telephone number to: Homes & People competition, Communications team, Your Homes Newcastle, YHN House, Benton Park Road, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE7 7LX by 31 May 2014. Please note: competitions are only open to tenants and leaseholders with no rent arrears.
Gladys Collinson, of Denton Park House was the lucky winner of last issue’s wordsearch competition. Mrs Collinson wins a £25 Eldon Square voucher – congratulations!
✁
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Find your way back to work with our training s for Guaranteed interview itality and care work. jobs in catering, hosp
urant k in the hotel or resta Would you like to wor r and ncy being a care worke fa u yo be ay m Or y? industr we have an r people? If yes, then de ol t or pp su to g in help rviews and with guaranteed inte e amazing opportunity ing some short, part-tim nn ru e ar e W s. ea ar jobs in both the nts. On completion of na te r fo y el siv clu ex s course restaurant terview for the hotel, in an t ge ill w u yo , se cour jobs will be are recruiting for and or care home that we w. It e successful at intervie ar ho w s nt na te e os given to th ills and nity to develop your sk rtu po op tic as nt fa a is really ickly so ment. Places will go qu oy pl em t en an rm pe find place by: you must reserve your work, or are interested in care • Texting ‘care’ if you t work sted in hotel/restauran re te in e ar u yo if g’ ‘caterin to 07814 753 088 00 • Phoning 0191 278 86 @yhn.org.uk • E-mailing getinvolved
omer Service Office Admin and Cust
rtpart in a five week pa ke ta to ce an ch ur yo Don’t miss ration e your office administ ov pr im lp he to se ur time co and you s. Complete the course ill sk ice rv se er m sto cu and th paid interview for a six mon an ed te an ar gu be ill w e course will cover: placement at YHN. Th osoft applications, • IT training and Micr t, an office environmen in k or w to e lik is it t • Wha d d telephone duties an an s tie du n io pt ce Re • • Employability skills r are: Qualifications on offe ills, n in Employability Sk tio ca ifi al qu 1 l ve Le • NCFE d tion in IT (IT users) an ca ifi al Qu 1 l ve Le l ce • Ex ficate Work Awareness Certi erty • Health and Safety at e of 16, living in a prop ag e th er ov be t us m s Applicant benefits. oyed and in receipt of pl em un N, YH by ed manag
Practical Skills training This three week part-time course is aimed at providing you with basic gardening and community environmental work skills and knowledge. If you complete the course you will be guaranteed an interview for a six month paid placement at YHN. The course will cover: • Manual handling, • Emergency first aid, • SHARPs and asbestos awareness, • Dealing with difficult situations and • Health and Safety Awareness. Applicants must be over the age of 19, unemployed, in receipt of benefits and living in a property managed by YHN. If you would like to register your interest or find out more information about any of our training courses then please contact the Customer Involvement team by: • Phoning 0191 278 8600 • Texting ‘Training’ with your name and address to 07815 784 037
Want to book a place or find out more? If you’re interested in doing any of these courses please contact Jill Davie by: • Phoning 0191 278 8723 • Texting ‘Training’ with your name and address to 07815 784 037 or • E mailing getinvolved@yhn.org.uk Training courses are open to all Newcastle City Council tenants and leaseholders. We can offer a range of support to help you attend our courses like signers and interpreters. If you feel you need any additional support, please just ask.
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