3 star excellent services
homes & people Bringing you all the news that matters to you
November/December 2012
In this issue Royal visit to Elswick Park See page 3
Why home contents insurance is important See page 5
The under occupation charge (also known as the Bedroom Tax) is happening in April 2013. The change means that if you have more bedrooms than you need (according to the government’s new rules) you will receive less housing benefit.
Prepare for the t Find changes Don’tbenefi wait until April. your nearest
We are taking our Talk to Us bus out around YHN estates during November and December to speak to people about the changes to benefits and what you can do now to prepare.
bus event in the table below and come along!
See page 8
You can also speak to an Advice and Support worker for advice on budgeting, debts, moving home and much more. Contact your Community Housing Office.
Meet Isan and Mohammed two YHN trainees now in full time work Find out about apprenticeship opportunities at YHN on page 6
Date of visit
Time of visit
Estate(s)
Location
13 November
10am – 2pm
North Kenton
North Kenton Customer Service Centre, car park
15 November
10am – 2pm
West Denton
Outer West Customer Service Centre car park
27 November
10am – 2pm
St. Anthony’s
Lightfoot Centre, car park
29 November
10am – 2pm
Gosforth
Salters Road car park
4 December
10am – 2pm
Shieldfield
Pandon Court, King Charles Tower, Lort House car park
6 December
10am – 2pm
Benwell/Scotswood
West End Customer Service Centre, car park
18 December
10am – 2pm
Cruddas Park
Cruddas Park Centre, off Park Road
20 December
10am – 2pm
Westgate
Prospect Place
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
0800 091 1255
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 274 4000 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
epairs
Behaviour Enforcement Team)
0191 278 8740
Housing Advice Centre
0191 277 1711
Your Choice Homes
0191 277 2020
GB Z_¨ nj Avcbvi Ni evox †givgZ Ki‡Z PvIqv m¤^‡Ü|GB Z_¨ hw` <evsjvq> A_ev Ab¨ †Kvb fvlvq cÖ‡qvRb nq
Zvn‡j GB bv¤^v‡i †dvb Ki“b0191278 278 8633 Customer Involvement 0191 8720
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.
Right to Buy / Homes + YHN general People Tenancy
Repairs
N general / Homes + ople
Right to Buy
YCH
Rent
YHN generalTenancy / Homes + Repairs People
Right to Buy
YCH
Tenancy YCH
YHN general / Homes + People
Repairs
YHN general / Homes +
People Right to Buy
Tenancy YCH YHN general / Homes + People
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 precisarSidesta Ésta es información sobredo losMunicípio derechosde deNewcastle, los inquilinos comprar su vivienda 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.
page 2
Designed by: barkingdog design and layout. Printed by: Communisis plc.
NICESHIPS YH T PREN
Contents
AP
NICESHIPS YH T PREN
The under occupation charge (also known as the Bedroom Tax) is happening in April 2013.
Page 3
• Elswick Park receives a Royal visit!
Page 4
• What to do in a flood • Fire safety
Page 5
• Protect your belongings with home contents insurance
Page 6
• Apprenticeship opportunities at YHN
Page 7
• Inspirational Isan’s job success
Page 8
• Prepare for the benefit changes
Page 10
• Training courses with Newcastle Eagles and Newcastle United
Page 11
• Helping customers find the right property for their needs
Page 13
• Own Your Own • Good quality second hand clothes for 5p!
Page 14
• Tyne and Wear Homes • Customers interview YHN staff for Annual Report
Page 15
• £25 prize crossword
Page 16
• What’s on
The change means that if you have more bedrooms than you need (according to the government’s new rules) you will receive less housing benefit.
AP
We are taking our Talk to Us bus out around YHN estates during November and December to speak to people about the changes to benefits and what you can do now to prepare.
Don’t wait until April. Find your nearest bus event in the table below and come along!
You can also speak to an Advice and Support worker for advice on budgeting, debts, moving home and much more. Contact your Community Housing Office.
Date of visit
Time of visit
Estate(s)
Location
13 November
10am – 2pm
North Kenton
North Kenton Customer Service Centre, car park
15 November
10am – 2pm
West Denton
Outer West Customer Service Centre car park
27 November
10am – 2pm
St. Anthony’s
Lightfoot Centre, car park
29 November
10am – 2pm
Gosforth
Salters Road car park
4 December
10am – 2pm
Shieldfield
Pandon Court, King Charles Tower, Lort House car park
6 December
10am – 2pm
Benwell/Scotswood
West End Customer Service Centre, car park
18 December
10am – 2pm
Cruddas Park
Cruddas Park Centre, off Park Road
20 December
10am – 2pm
Westgate
Prospect Place
Listen to this issue online: www.yhn.org.uk/home/listen_online.aspx
Elswick Park receives a Royal visit! YHN Housing Services Officer Claire Buglass was lucky enough to meet the Duchess of Cambridge, Kate Middleton, when she visited Elswick Park on 10 October. The Duchess met community groups including Edible Elswick, a partnership YHN is involved with. Edible Elswick works with people to improve their environment, grow their own food, and raise community spirit. Claire said: “Kate asked about all the work that had been done so far. She even tried some of the homemade leek and potato soup that was made using vegetables grown in the
community garden – she said it was very nice!”
The Duchess was shown around the community garden at the West End Women and Girl’s Centre, which is part of the Edible Elswick project. Kate helped plant some seeds and let slip that she’s a gardener herself, asking Emma Hughes, the community gardener, for advice on growing potatoes. Claire added: “It was an honour to meet Kate and for her to see what we have achieved so far.
We’ve arranged a huge number of activities through Edible Elswick, including summer picnics, gardening and cooking classes, community days and healthy living activities. I’m really proud of the difference residents have made to their estates.”
Get involved with Edible Elswick! Edible Elswick are always on the lookout for volunteers. If you’d like to find out more, call Claire Buglass on 0191 277 1300 or email claire.buglass@yhn.org.uk
page 3
Fire safety Information for customers who live in high-rise blocks of flats If you live in a high-rise block of flats, please make sure you are familiar with our emergency fire procedure. If a fire starts in or close to your flat, don’t tackle it yourself unless you’re sure it’s safe to do so. Call the Fire Service on 999, and if you have to leave, use the stairs and not the lift. Think ahead: know your block. How would you help each other if a fire starts in, or close to your flat? Talk now with your family and neighbours - it could save your life.
IF IN
DOUBT GET
OUT Visit www.yhn.org.uk and search for ‘fire safety’ to find out more.
page 4
What to do in a flood Parts of Newcastle have been flooded this year because of heavy rainfall. If your home is flooded it can be very distressing and also dangerous. Prepare yourself, stay calm and stay safe. If you live near the Ouseburn or Tyne, register for flood warning messages from the Environment Agency’s Floodline on 0845 988 1188. Flood warnings can give you more time to prepare and take action in case of flooding. If there is a flood warning, listen out for more information on local TV and radio. Move pets and valuables to a high place, alert your neighbours, and always follow the guidance of the emergency services. If your home is flooded, avoid coming into direct contact with flood water and turn off electricity, gas and water supplies.
Who to contact • If there is a threat to life call 999 • For practical advice on what to do before, during and after flooding, call Floodline on 0845 988 1188 (24 hours) • If you smell gas call 0800 111 999 or, if you spot a potential hazard on or near overhead electricity lines, phone 0800 404 090 • If water is coming from sewers or manholes, call Northumbrian Water on 0800 328 7648 • For any other flood incident, including highway flooding and blocked drains or gullies, contact Envirocall on 0191 274 4000 • If any repairs are needed to your property call the Repairs Centre on 0191 277 8888 For more information visit www.environment-agency.gov.uk
Protect your belongings with home contents insurance Many council tenants believe that the council automatically insures their furniture, belongings and decorations against fire, theft, vandalism or water damage such as burst pipes - this is not the case. Could you afford to replace your possessions if they were stolen in a burglary or damaged by a fire, flood or accident?
as 69p per week and are added to your rent so you don’t need to worry about keeping your payments up to date.
You can insure the contents of your home with any insurance company. But, to make it easier and more affordable for you, YHN and Newcastle City Council have worked with Royal & Sun Alliance to design a scheme just for YHN customers. Prices start from as little
For more information visit www.yhn.org. uk/home/insurance.aspx, speak to your local housing office (contact details on page 2) or call Sue Dollimore, Home Contents Insurance Officer, on 0191 278 8657.
“My home was flooded I’m so glad I was insured”
“I rushed home and the water was already in the living room – we tried to stop the water coming in but it all happened so fast, there was nothing we could do to stop it. All of my furniture downstairs was ruined. The TV, my three piece suite, table, chairs, washing machine – everything needed to be replaced, it was a horrible feeling.
Suzanne Mussett’s home was flooded in June this year, causing thousands of pounds worth of damage. Mrs Mussett, of Walker, said: “I was out shopping when the sky just turned black and the rain started.
“I was so glad I had taken out insurance. I received over £7,000 to replace everything that had been damaged – I don’t know how we would have been able to afford to replace everything if we hadn’t been insured. I would tell everyone to take out insurance. You think ‘it will never happen to me’, but it can.”
Don’t take the risk -
insure your belongings for peace of mind. page 5
YHN
APPRENTICESHIPS
Apprenticeship opportunities at YHN
“I got my job thanks to my apprenticeship” Mohammed Rahman, a YHN customer from Gosforth, completed an apprenticeship and has just started work as an Administrative Assistant in YHN’s Community Care Alarm Service. “My apprenticeship was in the Customer Involvement team and I gained experience of working in a busy office, writing letters, filing, attending meetings and managing my own work. When the Admin Assistant job was advertised I felt I had the experience and confidence to apply, which I might not have done if I hadn’t completed the apprenticeship. In the interview I could talk about the skills I had gained thanks to the placement with Customer Involvement. “My apprenticeship was such a good opportunity - I gained a qualification, experience, and, most importantly, a job at the end.”
page 6
Are you unemployed and aged between 16 and 24? Have you just left school and are looking for your next challenge? YHN’s Apprenticeship Programme 2012/2013 is now recruiting and we want to hear from you. Apprenticeships are an excellent way to gain qualifications and workplace experience. As an apprentice you’ll be employed by YHN for one year and can earn as you learn by gaining practical skills in the workplace whilst studying for nationally recognised qualifications at college, including an NVQ level 2. We believe YHN apprenticeships should benefit YHN customers, so to be eligible applicants need to be aged between 16 and 24 when the apprenticeship starts, and must live in a YHN managed home. We have a range of opportunities available:
Business Admin Apprenticeship (5 vacancies) - these roles will help you develop new skills and experience in a busy office environment.
Housing Apprenticeship (2 vacancies) - based within one of YHN’s Community Housing Offices, you‘ll help provide an excellent frontline service to YHN customers.
Customer Service Apprenticeship (1 vacancy) - to assist in the delivery of a call handling service that provides emergency help and support to vulnerable YHN customers.
ICT Apprenticeship (1 vacancy) - to assist the delivery of ICT support across YHN. You’ll get a great introduction to working in an IT role and benefit from working as part of an experienced team. Finance Apprenticeship (1 vacancy) - to support the team that fulfils the day to day financial requirements of YHN. You’ll gain valuable experience working within a busy finance department. YHN apprentices are paid £98.05 per week and work 37 hours per week, which includes one day a week at college. To find out more and to request an application pack, please get in touch with our partner Newcastle City Learning now: • telephone: 0191 298 6966 • email: newcastlecitylearning@newcastle.gov.uk. The closing date is Friday 30th November. If we are oversubscribed with applications we reserve the right to close the vacancies sooner. Don’t delay - request your application pack today!
Inspirational Isan’s job success Isan Nichol has just started working full time for YHN’s gardening service after completing a Your Homes Your Jobs placement. Your Homes Your Jobs is a scheme that gives unemployed YHN customers paid work-based training with us for a six month period. Isan, 20, lives on the Jubilee Estate in Elswick where unemployment levels are high and have been for generations. He first got involved with YHN when we ran a football course on the estate and has taken advantage of every available opportunity since – including construction training and community clean up events. Isan attends events for other young people to talk to them about his journey and encourage them to try similar things. He is proving so popular and inspirational to other young people on YHN estates that many are approaching staff to ask about following in his exact footsteps – at one event alone all of the attendees signed up for something after speaking to Isan. Isan is enjoying sharing his experiences with other young people and earning his own money. He said: “I was totally buzzing when I found out I’d got a place on the Your Homes Your Jobs scheme. It was only the second interview I’d ever had but I practised with someone from YHN beforehand so I was feeling quite confident. “I was keen to do anything as long as I was working. Your Homes Your Jobs definitely
gave me the skills to be able to apply for my role with the gardening service. “Now I’m really enjoying working in the gardening service, I love the job and it’s great to be studying for an NVQ as well. I really like meeting other people like me and talking to them about the things they can get involved in. “I know loads of people on the estates I work on, lots of them are pals of mine, and they’re all really interested in what I’m doing. I think if they see me making a go of it they know that they can too so now they’re all either going to college or working. It’s great we’re all making something of ourselves and making money.”
Would you like to follow in Isan’s footsteps? We’ll be recruiting for Your Homes Your Jobs gardening vacancies early next year – keep an eye on www.yhn.org.uk to find out more.
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The under occupation charge (also known as the Bedroom Tax) is happening in April 2013. The change means that if you have more bedrooms than you need (according to the government’s new rules) you will receive less housing benefit. We are taking our Talk to Us bus out around YHN estates during November and December to speak to people about the changes to benefits and what you can do now to prepare.
Don’t wait until April. Find your nearest bus event in the table below and come along! You can also speak to an Advice and Support worker for advice on budgeting, debts, moving home and much more. Contact your Community Housing Office. See page 2 for details.
Date of visit
Time of visit
Estate(s)
Location
13 November
10am – 2pm
North Kenton
North Kenton Customer Service Centre car park
15 November
10am – 2pm
West Denton
Outer West Customer Service Centre car park
27 November
10am – 2pm
St. Anthony’s
Lightfoot Centre car park
29 November
10am – 2pm
Gosforth
Salters Road car park
4 December
10am – 2pm
Shieldfield
Pandon Court, King Charles Tower, Lort House car park
6 December
10am – 2pm
Benwell/Scotswood
West End Customer Service Centre car park
18 December
10am – 2pm
Cruddas Park
Cruddas Park Centre, off Park Road
20 December
10am – 2pm
Westgate
Prospect Place
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Free courses to help you prepare for the benefit changes The government is making big changes to the benefits system which could affect the amount of benefits you receive and how benefits are paid to you. Starting from October next year, a single monthly benefit payment called Universal Credit is being introduced to replace other separate benefit payments. Universal Credit will be paid directly to you, and most people will have to use the internet to manage their benefit – a bit like online banking. We’ve set up some free training courses to make sure our customers are ready for these changes – now is the time to start thinking about what you can do.
Internet for beginners These days more and more people are using the internet and rely on it for things like online shopping, online banking and communicating with friends and family. YHN customers may soon need to use the internet to: • apply for a new home • search for jobs • apply for some benefits. We know there are a lot of people who haven’t used a computer or the internet before. Knowing where to start can be scary
and confusing, so we’ve set up some short sessions. If you’ve never used a computer before and don’t know how to switch one on, then these sessions are for you. We’ll take you through the very early steps of using the internet and you can do it at your own pace. These sessions won’t turn you into a computer whiz, but they will help you to understand the internet and how to use it to make life that little bit easier. To book your place, call 0191 278 8721, or text ‘training internet’ to 0781 475 3088.
Make your money go further Find out how to manage your money and make it last longer with our budgeting skills classes. We won’t just look at budgeting, but also how you can make the most of what you’ve got! Find out more about: • making the most out of supermarket deals
• tips on reducing your bills
• how to feed a family on a tight budget
• how to save money for big occasions
• how to use comparison websites to save money
• how to manage debt.
Sessions will take place in November and December. There’ll be something for everyone – call 0191 278 8721 for more information and to book your place.
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YHN and Open University Access to Success Are you interested in university study but not sure whether you have the study skills or the funds to have a try? Do you wish you had another chance to gain some qualifications? The Open University’s Access to Success scheme is an ideal starting point to build your confidence and develop study skills. Access to Success is perfect if you have little or no previous experience of higher education, and will prepare you for further study towards a nationally recognised OU qualification. Course materials are provided and you’ll receive help every step of the way from your own personal tutor. If your annual household income is less than £25,000 you are likely to be eligible for a place. Prices start as low as £25 depending on the course you choose to study. To find out more: • ring the YHN Customer Involvement Team on 0191 278 3846 • text ‘YHN OU’ plus your name and address to 0781 475 3088 • email getinvolved@yhn.org.uk
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Develop many of the skills you need to get a job with Newcastle Eagles and Newcastle United Are you looking for work? Do you want to develop your business skills? Do you want to work with some of the largest employers in the North East? If ‘yes’, we have two training courses for you…
United for Employment This course lasts ten weeks and includes a two week work placement where you’ll get the once in a lifetime experience of working for Newcastle United or one of their major sponsors. Throughout the course you’ll gain three qualifications and will develop all of the skills you need to get into work. The course is based at the home of Newcastle United and is run by a team of experts who will provide you with all of the help and support that you need.
Newcastle Eagles Enterprise Challenge Enterprise Challenge is YHN’s version of The Apprentice! You’ll have the opportunity to run your own small business, and will be given expert help to research products, negotiate prices and learn about advertising and marketing. You’ll then be given a budget to buy items and then sell them at a live Newcastle Eagles basketball game. The game will give you the opportunity to use your new skills and make as much profit as you can. This exciting course runs over 8 weeks and takes place at a city centre venue. Both of these amazing courses are free of charge and only available to YHN customers. The courses will be very popular and places are limited, so book your place quickly. How to book: • phone 0191 278 3959 • text ‘Training United’ or ‘Training Eagles’ to 0781 475 3088 • email getinvolved@yhn.org.uk
“I’m so pleased I made the move” YHN’s Adaptations team can help older or disabled customers to remain independent at home for as long as possible by making homes easier to live in through adding a stair lift, ramp or showering facilities. Sometimes the cost of making these adaptations is very high and isn’t always right for the type of property. When this is the case we try to find customers who need adaptations a new place to live which better suits their needs. Isabel Kennard (opposite) is the 100th person we have helped move rather than making costly adaptations to her home. Mrs Kennard, who lives in Walker, said: “I was living in a first floor flat in a communal block with no lift and had been struggling with the stairs and getting in and out of the bath. I’ve got health problems and I rely on oxygen, so I rarely left my flat. Social Services recommended a walk in shower to be installed, but this wouldn’t help with the difficulties I was having with the stairs. YHN suggested moving to a property on the ground floor might be better in the long run. “I wasn’t sure about moving at first; the thought of filling out the application form and packing up the flat was quite daunting. But I received so much help and support – Steve Freed (YHN Relocation Officer) helped with everything from filling in forms and bidding for a new flat, right through to arranging packing, removals, disconnections and mail redirection.
“I’m now living in sheltered accommodation in a bungalow which has a walk in shower. I’m delighted with my new home. The whole process was so much easier than I thought, and I’m so pleased I made the move.” Stacey Houston, Investment Delivery Manager, said: “Making this kind of move can really help customers enjoy their lives more. We are delighted that we have managed to help so many households through making best use of existing adaptations and making more homes available to people who need to move.”
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Keeping your drain clear is easy. If you only put toilet paper, pee and poo down the loo and kitchen grease and oil in the bin, you can save yourself the time and cost of clearing a blocked drain. So always throw wipes, nappies, cotton buds and other bathroom waste into a bin, and scrape grease from plates, pans and roasting trays into a bin before washing up.
Find Dwaine Pipe on Facebook
www.loveyourdrain.co.uk
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Good quality second hand clothes for 5p!
We know how expensive things like washing machines and cookers are. Now a new scheme run by Newcastle Furniture Service (NFS) lets you buy a household appliance and pay for it weekly – and it’s yours to own within a year. Unlike other weekly payment schemes, the ‘Own Your Own’ scheme is interest free – so you won’t end up paying more than the product is actually worth. You can choose from five products: condenser dryer, fridge, washing machine, electric cooker or fridge freezer.
How to buy Choose the product you want to buy in the Own Your Own booklet (available from Community Housing Offices or by calling 0191 278 1888) and fill in the application form. You can only buy one product at a time.
St Cuthberts Care is a charity based in Newcastle that helps people in need. One of their projects that really makes a difference to families who are struggling to make ends meet is the ‘5p Bus’. Every month the bus travels to over 20 areas in Newcastle offering essential good quality second-hand clothes, bedding, children’s toys, and books. Each item costs just 5p!
If your application is successful, we’ll send you a letter which tells you how much your product is, how much you’ll have to pay each week over a maximum of 50 weeks, and how much your deposit is.
Example payment plan for an electric cooker Total cost
£255.07
15% deposit
£38.26
Weekly payment over 42 weeks
£5.00
Final payment
£6.81
If you have any questions about the Own Your Own scheme, please call 0191 278 1888.
To find out when the bus will be in an area close to you, call 0191 488 5031 or search for ‘5p bus’ at www.yhn.org.uk
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Tyne and Wear Homes Through Tyne and Wear Homes, YHN has helped over 700 people find a home in Newcastle. The new partnership is proving popular – 15,000 people have registered for Tyne and Wear Homes, of which 5,000 have said they want to look for a home in Newcastle. People are telling us that they like the improvements we have made. The website – www. tyneandwearhomes. org.uk – includes a free Housing Options Advice Service where you can find information about support, jobs and training and money and benefits advice.
With demand for social housing being so high, it‘s important that people can understand how their current circumstances affect what support they can have and are aware of all of the alternatives available. To be fair to everyone we have a banding system that recognises the specific circumstances of each individual or family which we use to allocate properties. We refer to this as their housing need and individual assessments are made. This system does not give preference to a particular community group. You can read more about how we band applications on the website. Properties are available from 00.01am on a Wednesday until 11.59pm on a Monday. Registered customers can: • • • •
bid online on our website call our automated telephone number 0300 777 7245 text bids to 0753 740 4367 view properties on Digital TV using the Looking Local channel • contact any of our outlets Over 92% of customers are accessing our lettings services online so this means we can spend more time with customers who need more support, which is great. For more information contact our Lettings Service by emailing tyneandwearhomes@yhn.org.uk or calling 0191 277 2020.
Annual Report 2011/12 Several of our involved customers gave senior members of YHN a grilling when they helped produce YHN’s Annual Report for 2011/12.
“I’m a firm believer that you only get out of life what you put in, and volunteering has really helped me develop as a person”.
Customers interviewed staff and put forward some challenging chall questions on the big issues that our key services face on a daily basis.
You can read Paul’s interviews in the Annual Report, along with information on:
Paul Booth, from Byker, is a member of the Customer News Panel and interviewed YHN’s Chief Executive and Chair. He said: “Volunteering with the Customer News Panel and getting involved with the Annual Report has really helped me gain confidence and improve my communication skills.
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• • • •
how we deal with anti-social behaviour how we let properties how we manage estates how we spend your money
Performance information is also included in the Annual Report to help you compare how we do against other housing providers. You can read the Annual Report at www.yhn.org.uk or pick up a copy at your local community housing office.
£25 prize crossword Complete the crossword to win a £25 Eldon Square voucher to spend on whatever you fancy!
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 18 January 2013. Please note: competitions are only open to tenants and leaseholders with no rent arrears.
Across 6. Planet….or the god of water in Roman mythology (7) 7. The Eiffel Tower is a tourist attraction in this city (5) 9. ‘______ Elliot’, the smash hit London musical (5) 10. Watery No.1 single for Rod Stewart! (7) 12. Sporting event held in London from August 29 to September 9 (11) 14. Briton who won three gold medals at the 2008 Olympics in Beijing (3,5,3) 18. Violent rotating windstorm (7) 19. Upper part of a steeple (5) 21. New Delhi is this country’s capital city (5) 22. Ennis, the golden girl of British athletics (7)
Down 1. Detective drama starring Kevin Whately and Laurence Fox (5) 2. Sir Paul McCartney’s daughter, who is a fashion designer (6) 3. Number between zero and two (3) 4. Fast pace for a horse (6) 5. John Smith succeeded this Welshman as leader of the Labour Party (7) 8. Type of music from the West Indies (7) 11. Presenter of ‘Who Wants To Be A Millionaire?’ (7) 13. Indian dish made with meat, fish or vegetables and highly seasoned rice (7) 15. Football champions in Scotland in 2012 (6) 16. Compete against (6) 17. Jones, who performed at the Diamond Jubilee concert using a hula-hoop (5) 20. It unlocks a door (3)
Mr A Warner of Westgate was the lucky winner of last issue’s crossword competition. Mr Warner wins a £25 Eldon Square voucher - congratulations! page 15
What’s on! Your Girls Newcastle Free football sessions for women and girls – all ages and abilities welcome! Where? Centre for Sport, West Road, NE4 9LG When? Under 12s – every Friday from 4:30pm until 5:30pm Age 12 to 16 – every Friday from 5:30pm until 6:30pm Age 16 and above – every Monday from 6:30pm until 8pm For more information contact Emma Brown at Hat-Trick on 0191 4060219
Free training for tenants and leaseholders We have developed a programme of training courses that are fun, free and informative. Some of the courses we plan to run include: • Skin care • Arts and craft • Gardening
• Confidence building • Cooking • B&Q decorating and basic DIY
To find out more please call Jill Davie on 0191 278 8721 or text ‘Training’ with your name and address to 07815 784037.
Come along to a YHN Board meeting Board meetings take place at YHN House, Benton Park Road, at 5pm on the following dates: • 11 December 2012 • 22 January 2013 • 5 March 2013 Visit www.yhn.org.uk for more information. Meeting dates correct at the time Homes & People went to print.
Memory Box Are you aged 65 or over? Do you have interesting stories to tell of times gone by in Newcastle? If so, Newcastle Library would like you to join their Memory Box project. Memory Box is a six week local history project in which older residents of the city work with a professional storyteller to recall and record their personal memories of life in Newcastle. You don’t need to bring anything, just yourself and your memories! Tea, coffee and biscuits will be provided too. For further information speak to a member of staff at Newcastle Library, call 0191 277 4100, or email information@ newcastle.gov.uk
Does your estate need a clean up? The Community Clean Up project provides skips on YHN estates which residents can use to get rid of rubbish and do their bit to keep their communities clean, safe and tidy.
Turn a new page
If you think you and your neighbours could make use of a skip to clear up your estate, please let your community housing office know as soon as possible (contact details are on page 2).
Newcastle Libraries
We’ll arrange for the skip to be delivered and let you know when this is happening. You can use the skips to get rid of rubbish from your own homes and gardens, and the communal areas of your estate.
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