Homes & People January 2015 by Your Homes Newcastle

homes & people January/February 2015

In this issue Apprenticeships recruiting now! See page 5

Tell us your views See page 6-7 How do y ews ce ur vido How ou g yo influen Newcastle you ants cangive your decis view City s ive y ncil ten you giveg atNewcast io Coun they can how cou chall ns that our v leand Cityhow Council are m cil is look en is looking at how How do Council is lookinthe ge th tenants es, council decision ing at ad iew hom s that are ir os can e influenc

This made about their abou e decis e ap the homes, about tle City t their how coun challenge those decision polici plies and how they iocan includes ns. Newcas that are made es Yo to the de but also s. ncil. cil hom ur Ho cision These r landlord alf of the Cou es, an tenant mes This applies onal as youto decisions those decisions. beh s the Newc s taken or nati d ho on decisions polici decision Council taken byncil, by ge the Council astle y out w th can influ s cou es your as n by the policies Your City Cou Homes Newcastle to carr set bylandlord (YHN) the Coun challen ld but also includes ey ca ence (YHN) is asked by the sions take be ab is asked the They Centr to carry out agreed n the deci castle (YHN) on out Council.is asked cil as you These decisions behalf al Goof the could be lies to loc policy as are want un r lan to car s de about localrhousing to im al ho vernm es New This app dlo policies set by Central rstoo policy l housing ry ou proby the as agreed you view the using city ent. Your Hom Governmen ut loca t on rd but als re that t. part ofyou Council, policy or national live d. We wa ve theCity policies beha d be abo ent. to ensu in. They want as ag chever nt to opportu lf of o includ improve the e totoyou sions coul ernm Please reed opportunities available nities es the the Co ma lved – whi availabl These deci by Central Gov invowant by the tak toe you to ensure thatke sur nities understood ava . We uncil. to make sure that All set can get the tim your e City views opportu thatyou that are ilable youlive youco can get involved policies to you in. Coun you e to rove the – whichever e sure can part of the city £25 empleted cil, or com t to imp to mak get inv to ensur Eldon plete natio su Please take the time They wan . We want of thre e tha the sur olved to complete nal Squa rveys ood Please the survey. win one t you will ey. – wh re vey. underst All completed surveys draw to icheve r views e the surv Your send us YK, vouche be enter in. a prize will be entered B-RU complet are r part rs. you Ho you live to into ed into -YLHa prize £25 r comto win time RTJE of the s by draw esdayme enteredEldon Square vouchers. POSTTu one of threeinto a pri ple wc take the 7LXNe FREE city will be , NE7 3 Please ze dra Please send us yourlvement, Febru astle, YH ted survey Tyne Th n surveys an completed ed Invo upo to k you rs. N Ho w to ary plet omer castle survey Customer Your Homes vouche use, to Custo win forInvolvemen Newcastle, All com y.20t,15FREEPOST ey to Cust Be YHN House, Benton mer . Road, New takentr one RTJE-YLHB n Square nton ing Park draw -RUYK, ed surv Tuesday Involv Park e Road, of ton plet 3 February Newcastle the priz Par £25 Eldo three Ben 2015. timeupon Tyne, NE7 7LXkby 1 your in Road ement, your com House, Do yo to com , Newc send us FREEPO Thank you for taking best of luck le, YHN u Please and the time to complete plete ast Newcast ey yourthe agree ST es 5. le surv ct RTJEthe sur survey or upon home affe and disbest of luck in your prize Your Hom3 February 201 plete the YLHB agree vey Tyne, and draw sions that to com y entry. -RUYK and deci that the NE7 and Str ongly Tuesda the time best 1 Do you agree local , you 7LX taking of luc services or disagree agree can by envir that you you for can influence 2 Ple k in influe ence the your home theAg Thank influand services andon your ment? ase the local environme decisions ’t know ree thatnce prize you can affect the Don l us an nt? tel servic draw gree that Strongly t? how gree d neigh ices Disagr entry es an yo e or disa serv ironmen agree Agree ngly Disa Disagree bo u cur . ee d de urhsing Stro you agre local env , hou Att ren oo

Strongly cision the 1 Do end l area d iss Disagree tly giv Don’t e and 2 Please loca a wa s tha know Stron ues? Disagree tell us how you ut yourAtt e yo rd com gly Dis currently give your hom t aff (Tick end s abo ur vie ect and neighbour a loc views Agree agree mit about you.) your eries your to Me the op hood issues? ws ab localallarea, your view al res cillotee r surg housing etithe apply (Tick agree all services ng org options ide apply tions out coun that ently give options that Strongly Don’t NCC Conta your by you.) that Attend anised nts me to you curr Attend nised know ward committee e all athe apply ct the loc by ind eting us how ting orga Contact the es? (Tick Fill to you al area, Housi Mee Housing se tell Attend a local residents in sing Offic Office od issu ): epend Meeticouncillor ng housi .) 2 Plea survey us who meeting YHN aMeeting the Hou ent Attend hbourho ng org Offi surgeries ng ser ce nised byOther(plea se tell Contact ororganised Meeting orga by YHN org organised ani qu and neig (pl ani p vices by Meeting ting independen est sat eas ee organised sed grou Mee ionnai ion e tel /voluntary byby NCC 3 Fro t organisation /volun committ Attend oluntary l us ho invo lved group YHN re (please tell us who): ting a ward m the tary nisation/v counci t getw): ents mee Fillent Attend group orga don’ Me I resid in me l a vo survey llor eti or questionnaire ice Conta thods pend a loca ng org (pleas surger an Contact by inde Other (please ct an Attend e tel an yoMP an MP (Please d ha u ha tell usact MP l us wh anised by ies s the organised Cont how): ve tic ngestI don’t get involved tick NCC Meeting o): the stro the thr mo ked st infl you From the methods abov Attend ees op uence tion3naire k give I don’t you have ticked thin or ques a wa above, whichtio on de e, which you ns you get inv Att survey do do rd com tha think end how): voice and has the cision gives most which Fill in a you the do influence olved you mit made? t give you onaldecisions se tell us above, s ma strongest Meetie? a loc (Please ticked think the reside tee threesion the s mad de options Other (plea thatng gives have tick give )you the org surgeriesmost infl ? nts me deci Co most influence) cillo ntar ct you hods you Attendence on t influence anised eticoun uence) nd ng the the byAtte by NCC the met the mos t influ a ward you committee Fill in Contact ind Housi stron 3 From the mos Attend give organised the Housingepe Meeti a sure ng Offi gest that ndent ting Office a local Offic ons and has residents Mee vey e Oth ng orgcouncillor sing meeting ce surgeries org voic ): ani Attend or qu organised who three opti YHN the Hou er (pleasbyMeeting anised Meeting organised estion tell us by YHN satMeeting tick the ion/vo organised senai Contact by independen e tel r (plea organised (Please Attend t organisation l us ho /voluntary luntar by YHby re sector ee secto Meeting N NCC (please w): committ y sec oluntary lved tell us who): Meeti councillor ting a ward tor (pl mee Fill get invoConta nisation/v in a survey orga ng org sur Attend ease I don’t residents ct an ent or questionnaire anised geries tell us Contact an MP a local MP independ (please tell us how): by Other Attend by NC who): I don’t get involved an MP C organised Contact Meeting I don’t get inv tionnaire page 7 or ques olved survey how): Fill in a us se tell Other (plea

page 7

Bringing you all the news that matters to you

page

YHN Housing Services YHN Housing Services @ Byker

0191 278 1555

YHN Housing Services @ East End

0191 278 1566

YHN Housing Services @ Kenton

0191 277 4360

YHN Housing Services @ Outer West

0191 277 7940

YHN Housing Services @ Walker

0191 278 8455

YHN Housing Services @ West End

0191 277 1484

Other numbers Adaptations

0191 278 3842

Housing Options Centre

0191 277 2020

0191 278 8633 †dvb K‡i Avcwb GKwU wjwLZ Abyev‡ì Rb¨ ej‡Z cv‡ib| Customer Involvement 0191 278 8720dvwb©Pvi Leasehold 0191 278Rb¨ 7725 GB Z_¨ nj BDi †nvg wbDK¨vmjKvDwÝ‡ji mvwf©m mg‡Ü hviv †Ubv›U‡ì Ni evox mvRv‡Z mvnv‡hï ewcastle Furniture dvwb©Pvi mieivn K‡i| GB Z_¨ hw` <evsjvq> A_ev Ab¨ †Kvb fvlvq cÖ‡qvRb nq Zvn‡j GB bv¤^v‡i †dvb Ki“bervice Community Care Alarm Service 0191 278 8699 Newcastle Furniture 0191 278 8633 Service (NFS) 278 1888 GB Z_¨ nj Avcbvi †i›U 0191 GKvD›U 278 (fvovi wnmve wbKvm) m¤^‡Ü| GB Z_¨ hw` <evsjvq> A_ev 0191 Ab¨ †Kvb fvlvq ent Envirocall 7878 cÖ‡qvRb nq Zvn‡j GB bv¤^v‡i †dvb Ki“b- 0191 278 8633

HASBET (Housing Anti-Social Behaviour Enforcement Team)

epairs

0191 278 8740

Repairs Centre and Gas Servicing

0191 277 8888

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“b0191277 278 8633 Housing Advice Centre 0191 1711

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‡ì KvDwÝ‡ji 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 KvDwÝ‡ji †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‡ì †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 àKvDwÝ‡ji s’installer wbDK¨vmj wmwU KvDwÝ‡ji c‡¶ Ni evox eë¯’ 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‚@ñòìóä†‹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@óîóØóä†‹ØŠbØ@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.

page 2

Contents

homes & people Page 3 the news Bringing you all

that matters to

2015 January/February

you

CE In this issue AN ?????? OW ????? LL ED A See page ?? ’ AT EL

WO R DIT RE XC TA

JOBSE INCO EKER ME S R

NG KI

D IL CH

DIT RE XC TA

Page 4

• Welcome • How much is a tenner actually worth?

????????

SING BENE HOU FI

See page ??

NCC and YHN Survey 2014 u’ve got the yo influence decisions that are made T

A ED EMPLO E RELAT W NCE YMEN WA OM RT ALLOWA T O Council is currently INC PePCity the way in which council reviewing Newcastl SU about their homes, and

power

tenants can . how they can challenge those decisions

PPORT SU

Page 5

but also includes the by the Council as your landlord This applies to the decisions taken of the Council. (YHN) is asked to carry out on behalf policies Your Homes Newcastle the City Council, or national local housing policy as agreed by These decisions could be about t. policies set by Central Governmen your views are s available to you to ensure that They want to improve the opportunitie – whichever part of the city sure that you can get involved understood. We want to make

E M CO N

Round 2

you live in.

• Aged 16 - 24 and looking for work? • We need your vote

to tell us your views. the survey on the opposite page Please take the time to complete win one of three entered into a prize draw to All completed surveys will be £25 Eldon Square vouchers. XXXX by survey using the FREEPOST address Please send us your completed Tuesday 3 February 2015. you the best of luck in your to complete the survey and I wish Thank you for taking the time prize draw entry.

Page 6

and decisions that affect that you can influence the services 1 Do you agree or disagree t. your home and the local environmen Don’t know Disagree Strongly disagree Agree Strongly agree local area, housing services give your views about your 2 Please tell us how you currently you. Tick all the options that apply to and neighbourhood issues? Attend councillor surgeries Office Contact the Housing Attend a ward committee Meeting organised by NCC Meeting organised by YHN Attend a local residents meeting tell us who): organisation/voluntary group (please Meeting organised by independent

Page 7-8

• How do you give your views?

Page 9

• Getting you switched on • Changes to our housing offices

Page 11

• £25 prize wordsearch

Page 12

• Jobs and training

I don’t get involved Contact an MP Fill in a survey or questionnaire Other (please tell us how): gives you the strongest voice ticked above, which do think 3 From the methods you have made? decisions on influence and has the most give you the most influence) (Please tick the three options that Attend councillor surgeries Contact the Housing Office Attend a ward committee Meeting organised by NCC Meeting organised by YHN Attend my local residents meeting tell us who): organisation/voluntary sector (please independent by Meeting organised

T SW ITC O HED

Fill in a survey or questionnaire Other (please tell us how):

Contact an MP

• Universal Credit:coming soon

I don’t get involved

Read previous editions online: www.yhn.org.uk/tenancy_services/homes_people

Welcome to the Universal Credit edition of Homes & People! It’s been a while since we first talked to you about the introduction of Universal Credit, but we now know that it is going to be coming to the North East this spring so we thought it was a good time to refresh your memory and offer some useful information. Throughout the pages of the newsletter you’ll find more information on what Universal Credit is and how it could affect you, as well as projects we’re working on to make it easier for tenants claiming the benefit and some training and employment opportunities we have available. As we enter a new year, it’s a great time to make resolutions and start the year in a positive frame of mind. And if you’re currently out of work but keen to get back into employment then some of our work placements might be just what you’re looking for. Take a look at our training and events calendar on the back page of the newsletter.

You’ll also find a survey on pages 7 and 8 that we’ve developed with Newcastle City Council. It’s to help the Council review the way you can get involved in decisions that are made about your home and how you can challenge them. That means decisions the Council makes as well as things we do on behalf of the Council. The survey is short so should only take you a few minutes to complete, so we’d really appreciate you taking the time to fill it in and return it to us. We hope you all had a lovely Christmas and New Year and are looking forward to making the most of 2015!

Neil Scott Director of Tenancy Services

page 3

How much is a tenner actually worth? Well, in the case of Wansbeck House in Lemington, it’s £240! That’s how much residents from the scheme managed to raise in the “grow a tenner” competition they took part in. The competition was organised by Rookie Sports and YHN and encouraged older people to organise fundraising activities to see how much they could turn £10 into.

We’re changing the way you receive Homes & People

Groups from sheltered housing schemes across the city were given £10, some fundraising ideas, a prize incentive and sent off on their four-week challenge. The funds that the groups raised were then donated to The Caddy Shacks - a local group of adults with learning disabilities in Fawdon.

Bu comilding pow mun er ities thr chaough p nge ositiv e you’v e go t the

Yo you ur vot 2 r ch e, oice Vot in

Rou

uid

You will no doubt have noticed that with this edition of the newsletter you have also received your quarterly rent statement. This means we’re sending fewer things to you in the post and means the money we save on postage can go back into other services. Your rent statement is an important document that we send you, so we wanted to let you know about this change so that you don’t accidentally throw it away once you’ve read the newsletter. If you do throw it away by accident you can still check your statement online by registering at www.yhn.org.uk

page 4

Seven YHN sheltered schemes took part and a group from Benwell Hall Drive who live in properties managed by Home Group also asked to be involved as they were keen to help. Collectively, the groups managed to raise over £800, but Wansbeck House in Lemington were the stand out group who “grew” their tenner into a massive £240. They bought prizes for a raffle, then used the raffle proceeds to hold a ticketed pie and pea supper with a Rookie Golf match, then used those proceeds to hold a fish and chip lunch, a soup day, another pie and pea supper and two bingo sessions! Everyone was thrilled with the result and as a thank you we gave the Wansbeck House group a £50 shopping voucher. The group presented the funds to the Caddy Shacks at a special event at Wansbeck House and a game of Rookie Golf was held in celebration! June Shone, from Rookie Sports, said: “We were delighted with the amount of money that was raised in a short space of time. We have also been extremely impressed at the enterprise shown by all groups and the variety of ways used to raise the money.“ The other sheltered schemes that got involved were Conewood House, Dr. Ryan House, Iris Steedman House, Keebledale House, Margaret Collins House, Wansbeck House, and Welbeck Green.

Aged 16 – 24? Looking for work? Apprenticeship opportunity! We offer a range of roles to our young customers in areas such as business administration, customer service and ICT. Working in these areas with us could provide your first step on a career path towards working in HR, finance, a call centre or as a computer programmer. Even if you’ve never considered an apprenticeship before, this is a great way for you to get some really valuable work experience for your CV and to gain an NVQ Level 2 as well as other qualifications.

Some of our current apprentices

We’re not as interested in your previous work experience as we are in your enthusiasm and desire to become a valued member of our team. In fact, some of the people we’ve had working on an apprenticeship haven’t had a job before and now they’re doing really well and working for us permanently. There are lots of other benefits that come with working with YHN too - we offer great holiday entitlement, a decent wage and a lovely working environment. And you don’t just have to take our word for it – Nikita McDonald completed an apprenticeship

in our Own Your Own customer service team and now works as a business support assistant for the Newcastle Furniture Service. She said: “YHN is a great employer and offers a lot to staff. You will gain a lot of qualifications and experience during your time and it’s a big company so a placement here, for however long, will look good on your CV.” Interested? We’d love to hear from you! Please contact us by Friday 30 January on 0191 278 8600, email getinvolved@yhn.org.uk or text “apprentice” to 07814 753 088. You can also ﬁnd us on Facebook by searching “Your Homes Newcastle” and follow us on Twitter @NewsfromYHN

We need your vote With this edition of Homes & People you will find your You’ve got the Power Round 2 voting guide. Your vote really does count, so please take the time to read through the guide, fill in the form and return it to us using the Freepost address. You could see some real improvements to yours and many other estates across the city. Your vote could mean the difference between a scheme being successful or not. You have until Friday 6 February to get your voting form back to us.

t the ’ve go you

pow

you’ve got the

power

you’ve got the

power Building es B lding iticoui ding ies mun e m m v Buil munit com un i iti sit sitive es com ugh pothro ug ndh po Rou th ugdh posi tive ge chro Roun thro nge chan2 an ge cha

2 oterY,vote , v You o r u u r v Yo your coe ceote, oyichoi h c ur choic r you e e

Round

guid guide g Voting Voting guid

Votin

2014

19/12/

2815

BD14_

YGTP

BD14_281 5 YGTP 24pp guide -2014.indd BD14_2815 YGTP 24pp guide-2014.indd 1 1 dd 1 2014.in guide-

11:18

19/12/2014 11:18

24pp

19/12/2014

11:18

page 5

Universal Credit:coming soon You may remember that a few editions ago we talked to you about Universal Credit – the government’s single benefit to replace: • Income Support • Income related jobseeker’s allowance • Income related employment support allowance • Housing Benefit • Working tax credit • Child tax credit We have now been given confirmation that those people eligible to receive Universal Credit will start to transfer over to it in Spring 2015. It will be rolled out in stages so not everyone will transfer to Universal Credit at the same time. From 27 April 2015 new claims from single jobseekers (who would otherwise have been eligible for Jobseeker’s Allowance) including those with existing Housing Benefit and Working Tax Credit claims will claim for Universal Credit. Please note that if you live in the east end and sign on at Wallsend Job Centre these changes will not affect you as North Tyneside is not moving to Universal Credit at the same time as Newcastle.

What does it mean for you? It means that instead of receiving separate payments for each of the individual benefits you will receive one payment, and it will be paid directly to you. That includes the housing element of the benefit, so instead of Housing Benefit paying your rent directly to the landlord, you will have to pay the rent yourself out of your Universal Credit payment. The other big change is that you will receive your benefit monthly instead of every two weeks as you do now. You will also be expected to manage and claim your Universal Credit online. It’s a bit like online banking. If you don’t currently have access to the Internet or know how to get online, we can help. There are lots of free sessions across the city that will help to teach you the basics of using the

page 6

Internet including how to use Universal Jobmatch - a free service that enables you to search for and apply for jobs. To receive Universal Credit you’ll also need to sign a ‘claimant commitment’. This is an agreement that you’ll complete certain tasks in order to claim. What you agree to do will depend on things such as your health, your responsibilities at home and how much help you need to get work or increase your income. You will also need a bank account as your Universal Credit will be paid directly into this. You will not receive cash. If you don’t already have a bank account and aren’t sure how to go about opening one, call our Income Accounts team on 0191 278 7749 who can help.

How do you give your views? NCC and YHN survey 2015 Newcastle City Council is looking at how council tenants can influence decisions that are made about their homes, and how they can challenge those decisions. This applies to the decisions taken by the Council as your landlord but also includes the policies Your Homes Newcastle (YHN) is asked to carry out on behalf of the Council. These decisions could be about local housing policy as agreed by the City Council, or national policies set by Central Government. They want to improve the opportunities available to you to ensure that your views are understood. We want to make sure that you can get involved – whichever part of the city you live in. Please take the time to complete the survey. All completed surveys will be entered into a prize draw to win one of three £25 Eldon Square vouchers. Please send your completed survey to Customer Involvement, FREEPOST RTJE-YLHB-RUYK, Your Homes Newcastle, YHN House, Benton Park Road, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE7 7LX by Tuesday 3 February 2015. Thank you for taking the time to complete the survey and best of luck in your prize draw entry. 1 Do you agree or disagree that you can influence the services and decisions that affect your home and the local environment?

Strongly agree

Agree

Disagree

Strongly Disagree

Don’t know

2 Please tell us how you currently give your views about your local area, housing services and neighbourhood issues? (Tick all the options that apply to you.)

Attend a ward committee Contact the Housing Office Attend councillor surgeries Attend a local residents meeting Meeting organised by YHN Meeting organised by NCC Meeting organised by independent organisation/voluntary group (please tell us who): Fill in a survey or questionnaire Other (please tell us how):

Contact an MP

I don’t get involved

3 From the methods you have ticked above, which do you think gives you the strongest voice and has the most influence on decisions made? (Please tick the three options that give you the most influence)

Fill in a survey or questionnaire Other (please tell us how):

Contact an MP

I don’t get involved

page 7

4 Where do you get information about decisions made by the City Council or YHN from? (Tick all the options that apply to you.)

Letters or newsletters from YHN Letters or newsletters from the City Council Neighbours Go to local Housing Office Contact officers directly Posters/notice boards Attending ward meetings Social media: Facebook or Twitter Attending a local tenants meeting Websites Newspapers Other:

5 Do you think that you receive the right level of information about plans and decisions being made by the City Council or YHN that affect you and where you live?

Strongly agree

Agree

Disagree

Strongly Disagree

Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t know

6 Would you like more information about how to get involved in how decisions are made about your home and environment?

Yes No

7 If yes, on which of the following items would you like to share your views with us?

Influencing City Council and YHN policies and strategies Challenging decisions made by the City Council and YHN Plans and regeneration of your local area Local budgets Housing services Environmental issues Crime and antisocial behaviour Other:

8 What is the best way to inform you about the opportunities for involvement or keep you up to date on issues?

YHN/Council newsletter

Social media

Other:

9 Do you currently receive any support to help you express your views about issues that affect your home and environment?

Yes No

(If yes please tell us who provides this support):

10 Is there any additional support that we could provide that would help you get more involved in how decisions are made about your home and environment?

Yes No

(If yes please tell us what support you require for example this could be independent advice and support, help from a residentsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; group or assistance from NCC or YHN officers):

Please tick this box if you wish to be contacted in the future to be involved in housing consultations (please note you will need to provide us with your name and contact details)

Name: Address:

Postcode:

Email:

Tel:

Thank you for taking the time to complete this survey.

page 8

To be entered into the prize draw please tell us your:

Getting you switched on Since the start of the year we have been looking at how we can offer affordable Internet access to all our customers.

GET SWITCHED

We believe that being able to get online and access things like public services, online shopping and job websites is really important. Being able to use the Internet allows us to connect with friends, save time and money and access a wealth of information. And with Universal Credit due to launch in the North East in Spring, it’s more important than ever that you are able to get online if you intend to claim for the new benefit.

That’s why we’ve been working with Newcastle City Council on a project to make free Wi-Fi Internet access available, on a phased basis, within easy reach of all council tenants in the city. We’ll be telling you more as and when we make progress with the project. In the meantime, if you would like to find out more about the benefits of getting online or find out where to access pcs and the Internet in Newcastle visit www.yhn.org.uk and go to our Get Switched On page.

Changes to our housing ofﬁces On 24 December 2014 we closed some of our satellite offices. It was the next stage in our service review which was launched back in June and resulted in us reducing the number of offices to five main “hubs” and three smaller satellite offices. We did this because customers told us that they’d rather have staff out on our estates dealing with issues than tied to offices where the number of visitors was falling.

sed CloClosed Closed

g on ce is closin ber. This offiTh em ec D is 24 offi ce ay is clo Wednesd ursing on T20 his 15 We2dn esd uaryay ffi Jan 24oyo ccem e is be WWe CSC, From Friday dDe clor.sing e stnEn d be e ll From s wi da201 o ce Friday 2 January y 254you nearest offi Drecem n 14m84 F 7 ro 27 nea 91 rest F 01 offi ce willribe ber. tel: dayKen ton 2 Ja CSC neare nua ry , 2015 yo tel: 019st offiase 1s ple ce436 will0b any question 277 ur If you have member of sta teff.l: 0197878e Outer West a speak to If you have any ques CSC, 278 1 277 1tions 019 on l please 7940 as knorma airs k spea rep v.u ort .go to a rep tle mem l If cas ber of staff. you ha new You can stil ve any g repairs@ ailinstill You emcan or by questi report repairssp asea k to norm .org.uk on7878 al s plea www aon.yhn You ca m0191 or by email em 278 ing n repa still reirs@n r of staf se ewcastle.gbe port re ov.uk f. pa

We originally kept the satellite offices open because we still wanted to offer a service in those areas where you might find it difficult to get to a hub. However, the number of visitors to these smaller offices has been very low due to customers contacting us in different ways – such as phone, online and home visits.

or by em irs ailing re as normal on pairs@ 0191 27 ne 8 7878 www.y wca hn.org. stleuk .gov.u k www.y hn.org.u k

So on 24 December 2014 we closed our satellite offices in Cruddas Park, Gosforth and Newbiggin Hall and wrote to all customers who had visited those offices. If you missed the letter or have recently moved to one of these areas and need to contact your local office, your nearest hub is now: Satellite ofﬁce

Hub

Tel number

Cruddas Park

YHN Housing Services @ West End

0191 277 1484

Gosforth Library and Learning Centre

YHN Housing Services @ Kenton

0191 277 4360

Newbiggin Hall

YHN Housing Services @ Outer West

0191 277 7940

page 9

YHN takes anti-social behaviour (ASB) very seriously and will not tolerate it in the properties we manage. IF WE KNOW ABOUT ASB WE WILL DEAL WITH IT. So if you see, hear or are otherwise aware of ASB taking place, please report it to us. You can do this anonymously by: • Contacting the Enquiry Centre using your intercom or by calling on 0191 278 8699 • Calling the Concierge Service on Freephone 0800 0731 389 (free from landlines only) or 24 hour line on 0191 278 6888 • Contact HASBET (YHN’s specialist ASB team) by calling 0191 278 8740 or email newcastleasbunit@yhn.org.uk • Northumbria Police non-emergency number 101 (call 999 for emergencies) • You can also report online by visiting www.yhn.org.uk and click on antisocial behaviour on the homepage You can also report incidents through the My Landlord app (you can download this free using your App store or Google Play)

REMEMBER -

if we know about it we will deal with it. page 10

£25 prize wordsearch Complete the wordsearch to win a £25 Eldon Square voucher to spend on whatever you fancy! A T S N R E N N E T A W O R G W C S

S S P E E R E M I W A L I E I G T A

R A O N S T P E W K E N T O N A M R

I E Y G S U F E C T U S I A T L X F

S H W L E E C U M L W S G I E U L T

I T E O A L M E N I T E D I R O L E

A R S M P I Z E T D S E Q O N H N N

D O T E G E S C H T R S E A E W S A

N N E I N N H G A C I A O S T T C N

F N N T T E I T L D S T I R I C S T

G L D Y D T E A T O D M A S E A S S

T P O O T S S S P O M Y E S I I O A

R D N W S R O N I S G R S W A N R W

O F R E E W I F I N V E U H D L G P

F I K V S R G K V I M Q V S A I E N

E N I L N O S T C B U L B U M C L Y

O N L L O U T E R W E S T S O W K S

U E S G N I S C T E S L U P M Y I S

Access Caddy shacks Estates Free Wi-Fi Fundraising Get switched on Grow a tenner Internet Kenton North East Online Outer West Schemes Services Tenants Universal Credit West end 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 Friday 27 February. Please note: competitions are only open to tenants and leaseholders with no rent arrears.

✁

page 11

Jobs and training fair What are you doing on Tuesday 10 February 2015? Well if you’re looking for work and training opportunities then you need to be at our jobs and training fair! You can:

Jobs &

training

• Find out about over 60 exciting job vacancies and work placements in a range of industries • Sign up to training courses with guaranteed interviews on completion • Speak to potential employers about what they’re looking for in an employee It’s an event not to be missed! So come along to St. James’ Park, Magpie Suite any time from 9.30 am on 10 February and start your journey to a new career. To book your place and for more information: • Call 0191 278 8600 • Text ‘job fair’ and your name to 07815784037 • Email: getinvolved@yhn.org.uk

Practical Skills We have 22 six month paid placements available covering: • Manual handling • Health and safety at work • Asbestos awareness • SHARPs awareness • Team working • Customer service • Dealing with difficult situations, • Employability (CV and application form writing) • Interview skills training and • A guaranteed interview

Business Bootcamp Am:pm is an exciting two week Business & Wellbeing bootcamp to get you work ready. Each day, companies like Barclays, Northumbrian Water and McDonalds come and teach you about customer service, resilience, finance & budgeting, teamwork, entrepreneurship and equality & diversity from an employer’s perspective. There’s a guaranteed interview for everyone who completes the course and opportunities for those who work hard, show lots of enthusiasm and have the right attitude. If you are looking for an exciting new career in hospitality and catering, retail, admin or sales this course could be for you. The next course will start on 9th February 2015 at The Beacon on the West Road. To book a place please; • Phone 0191 278 8600 • Text ‘bootcamp’ to 07814 753 088 • E-mail getinvolved@yhn.org.uk

To secure an interview for a placement you will need to attend a pre-employment practical skills course for three weeks part-time on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday 9.30am till 2.30pm. The next course will take place in February/March 2015 for gardening and community environmental assistant placements. To be eligible for the course you must live in a YHN managed property, be unemployed and over the age of 16.

Additional training opportunities Are you interested in a job in: 1 Catering and hospitality 2 Construction or 3 Retail? If you are we can help: • Phone: 0191 278 8600 • Text: ‘1’, ‘2’ or ‘3’ with your name and address to 07815 784 037 • Email: getinvolved@yhn.org.uk

Ofﬁce Admin and Customer Service Book a place on our five week training course and you could be in with a chance to work for YHN for 6 months starting in April 2015. The course will run on a Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, 9.30am till 2.30pm and will cover: • Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint • Customer service • Telephone skills • Team working • Health and safety at work • Employability (covering letters, CVs and Application forms)

Get on track If you’d like to receive regular updates from us about other job and training news why not sign up to receive our On Track e-newsletter? To register you can email getinvolved@yhn.org.uk; call 0191 277 3663 and tell us your email address or text your name and email address to 07814 753 088.