homes & people Bringing you all the news that matters to you
you’ve got the
power
update
October/November 2015
In this issue Make your own money! See page 4
Pottery Bank community allotment See page 6
Free Wi-Fi for sheltered and younger customers See page 9
Still time to order for
Christma
Christmas made easy with Own Your Own
Up to 60% cheaper than othe stores and with hundreds of top choose from, Own Your Own i to shop for a new TV, sofa
See page 10
www.ownyour
or call us on
*Subject to applications passing checks and credit agreement returned BRANDS WE STOCK
Own Your Own is an initiative of Newcastle City Council and administered by Your Home
YHN Housing Services Byker Community Housing Office
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 Customer Involvement
0191 278 8600
Housing Options Centre
Behaviour Enforcement Team)
0191 278 8740
Repairs Centre and Gas Servicing
0191 277 2020
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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 fvlvq GB Z_¨ nj †Ubv›U‡`i KvDw݇ji Ni evox †Kbvi AwaKvi m¤^‡Ü| GB Z_¨ hw` <evsjvq> A_ev Ab¨ †Kvb 8600 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 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 this0191 information in 278 索取。 aunq 0191 278GB 8600 obtenir traduction écrite. fvlvq8600 cÖ‡qvRb Zvn‡j bv¤^vpour ‡i †dvb Ki“b-une 0191 278 8633 8600 索取。 we will arrange for an interpreter to help you on 0191 278 8600. This information is also available 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 Right to Buy your own language 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 in easy read, large print, Braille and audio tape. We can also arrange for you to see a British Sign Language interpreter. 电0191 278 8600 索取。 Zvn‡j GB bv¤^ v ‡i †dvb Ki“b0191 278 8633 278 8600 索取。 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 Tenancy informations concernent le service « mobilier de Your Homes qui fournit du mobilier Newcastle Furniture 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 8600 索取。 dans leur logement. Si vous avez besoin de ces service aux locataires les278 aider s’installer wbDK¨vmj wmwU pour KvDw݇ji c‡¶ àKvDw݇ji Ni evox e¨e¯’vcbvi `vwqZ¡cÖvß| GB Z_¨ hw` <evsjvq> A_ev Ab¨ †Kvb eople 電 0191 278 8600 索取。ou dans une autre langue, téléphonez au : 0191 278 8600. 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 0191 278 8600 fvlvq cÖ‡qvRben nqfrançais Zvn‡j GB bv¤^v‡i †dvb Ki“b- 0191 8633 8600informations 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 concernent votre loyer. Si vous avez besoin de ces informations en français ou 这是有关代表纽卡斯尔市政府（Newcastle Your Homes Newcastle YHN general / Homes + dans 言版本，請致電 0191 278 8600 索取。 une autre langue, téléphonez au : 0191City 278Council）负责管理市政房屋的 8600. 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 Ces informations concernent les demandes de travaux pour votre logement. Si vous avez besoin de Repairs YCH
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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 0191 278 它语言版本，请致电0191 278 ces informations en français ou 8600 dans 索取。 une autre langue, téléphonez au : 0191 278 8600. 8600 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 : 0191 （Newcastle 278 8600. 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 語言版本，請致電 0191 278 8600 索取。 @ói@óäb îŠbïäaŒ@ãó÷@m‹ Šòì@óÜ@çbmŒóyŠó ó÷ @NóäbmóØòìíäb‚@ñòìó䆋ÙØbš@üi@ðîŒaí‚a†@ðmóïäüš@ói@pòŠbió@óäbîŠbïäaŒ@ãó÷ Ces 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 8600. @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 8600. 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 0191 278 8600 français ou dans une autre langue, téléphonez au : 0191 278 8600. @m‹ Šòì@óÜ@çbmŒóyŠó ó÷ óîa‡Ý—bØüïä@óÜ@Šb’@ñaŠü’@ðÙ—åï“å–‹Ø@íØòì@òí—÷@ðäbØóïmóîb‹qŠói@ói@pòŠbió@óäbîŠbïäaŒ@ãó÷ língua, queira ligar@Npara o 0191 278 8600. 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 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 etligar comment nous procédons. Si vous avez besoin de ces em <português> noutra 0191 278 8600. @Šóè@ bî@ ñ†ŠíØ@ ðäbàŒ@ ói@ou óäbîŠbïäaŒ@ ãó÷@língua, m‹ Šòì@queira óÜ@ çbmŒóyŠó ó÷ @ Npara óîóá—÷@ o 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 8600.
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 8600. @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 8600. @ðäbàŒ@ói@óäbîŠbïäaŒ@ãó÷@m‹ Šòì@óÜ@çbmŒóyŠó ó÷ @NpbÙi@ðmóîaŠóiòí–Šói@Šb’@ñaŠü’@ðäbØòìíäb‚@óØ@òìaŠ‡—q@ñòìó÷@ðØŠó÷ idioma, llame al refere-se 0191 278 8600. Esta informação ao serviço0191 de 278 arrendamento. Se precisar desta informação em Nç‹ i@ñ‡äòí—q@ 8633@ðäüÑïÝm@òŠbàˆ@ói@óîóè@óÙî†@ðÙ—äbàŒ@Šóè@bî@ñ†ŠíØ 8600 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 8600. Esta informação refere-se a organização información en español oà enYour otroHomes idioma,Newcastle, llame al 0191 278 8600. 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 8600. esta información en españolou o en otro língua, idioma,queira llame ligar al 0191 8600.
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 8600. Ésta es información sobre 0191 278nuestro 8600. servicio de adjudicación. Si necesita esta información en español o en otro idioma, llame al 0191 278 8600. 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 8600.
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. Follow us on Facebook. Search Your Homes Newcastle
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Designed by: barkingdog design and layout. Printed by: Mosaic Print Management Plc
Contents ing Chang es ap Landsc YH
al Re N Annu
view 20
14-15
Annual
Report
• Annual review 2014/15
Page 4
• Enterprising YHN customers make their own money
Page 5
• Things are buzzing at the Walker Hive! • Changes to cashiering services at Customer Service Centres
Page 6
• You’ve Got the Power update
Page 7
• Save time and do it online with the YHN app! • Digital Newcastle Project
15 09:20
21/09/20
d 1
030 YHN
BD15_3
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2015 28pp.ind
Still time to order for
Page 8
Christmas
*
• Are you throwing money down the drain? • Help us update our records and you could win a tablet computer!
Up to 60% cheaper than other weekly payment stores and with hundreds of top brand products to choose from, Own Your Own is the perfect place to shop for a new TV, sofa or games console.
Page 9
• Free Wi-Fi in all sheltered and young people’s accommodation
Page 10
• Own Your Own
Apply online at
www.ownyourown.uk.com
Page 11
or call us on 0845 846 0040
*Subject to applications passing checks and credit agreement returned before 20th November 2015. BRANDS WE STOCK
• £25 prize wordsearch
Own Your Own is an initiative of Newcastle City Council and administered by Your Homes Newcastle.
Page 12
• What’s on
Read previous editions online at www.yhn.org.uk or download our free app.
Annual review 2014/15 Our annual review looks at our progress over the previous year, including some of our key achievements as well as our performance in a number of areas. This year our theme was ‘Changing Landscapes’ which we felt was appropriate given the changes we are all experiencing at the moment, as well as the physical changes we’re making to the homes and estates that we manage. We’ve made great progress with our plans to transform the City Council’s sheltered housing properties and are helping them invest in
creating modern, spacious, energy efficient homes with a range of support options that better meet the needs of customers over 55. Read more about this, and Changing Landscapes also about things like how we deal with anti-social behaviour, how we let properties, and how we spend the rent we collect by downloading a copy of the annual review at www.yhn.org.uk. YHN Annual Review 2014-15
BD15_3030 YHN Annual Report 2015 28pp.indd 1
21/09/2015 09:20
Your views matter! Your views matter and they are vital in helping us to make sure we provide the best services to customers. So during October, some of you will receive a short survey. It’s only 8 questions long and is simple to fill in. Don’t miss this chance to give us your views and have your say – every survey that is returned will be entered into a prize draw to win a tablet with a year’s free internet connection.
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Enterprising YHN customers make their own money Last summer we launched our Make Your Own Money project, which was funded by North East Procurement and designed to support customers who were interested in setting up their own businesses. Since the project was launched, scores of customers from across the city have sought the help of the project, which we run in partnership with Sustainable Enterprise Strategies (SES). Now, thanks to further funding from YHN and SES, the project is continuing, so even more of you are able to benefit.
Customers that were part of our ‘Make Your MAKE YOUR OWN Own Money’ project are now running over 40 successful businesses between them, with many more well on their way to starting trading. A range of areas are covered, from painting and decorating to dog walking, interpreting to hairdressing and beauty therapy to taxis.
£
There is also a Business Start Up Fund, which can provide small grants of up to £200 to help get you started and pay for things like initial stock, promotional materials and insurance. So far, YHN’s customers have collectively received almost £6,000 in support. One YHN customer who has been helped by the Make Your Own Money project is Angi Wallace, a photographer from Kenton. Angi used to be a nurse but became ill and was eventually diagnosed with M.E, which made it very difficult for her to work regular hours. Angi said: “I decided to use my photography skills to start my own business and I worked with SES to develop my business plan. I initially found the thought of starting my own business quite daunting, but there is so much help available to assist you in getting started and support you through it. “Starting my business has helped me to feel like a more valued member of society and getting back into work in my own way has helped to empower me to take better control of my life.”
Photograph courtesy of www.angiwallacephotography.com
If you’d like more information about starting your own business please contact the employability team on 0191 277 3667 or email employabilityteam@yhn.org.uk
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Things are buzzing at the Walker Hive! The Walker Learning Hive, which is near our housing services office on Church Walk, has been providing support to local people in a range of areas. Many of our tenants have already benefitted from advice around training, help with job application forms and support in developing IT skills. Now, thanks to funding from the Big Lottery Fund, the future of the Hive is secured for the next three years and an additional tutor has been employed, who will be leading new sessions with a slightly different focus – from healthy cooking on a budget to family arts and crafts. You can visit the Hive for 1-2-1 help with all aspects of job searching, including Universal Job Match, CV writing, and online applications and can develop your computer skills at the same time with their basic IT courses. The Hive also offers weekly courses and a Job Club in an informal, friendly environment, as well as Maths and English classes for those starting from scratch or looking to brush up skills and gain a Level 1 or Level 2 qualification. There are other short courses and workshops such as food hygiene and first aid regularly available, so it’s worth following them on Facebook for updates. Search for ‘Walker Learning Hive’ and like their page. They’d also like you to get involved and tell them what you’d like to see happening in the Hive and they’re always looking for volunteers to help out. You can find the Hive at Walker Parish Centre opposite the Church Walk shopping centre, their opening hours are Monday, Wednesday and Friday 9.30am until 3.30pm. Pop in for more information or ring the Hive on 0191 295 4202.
!
Important changes to cashiering services at Customer Service Centres
More people are choosing self-service options rather than face-to-face interactions. Online transactions are becoming increasingly popular and as a result fewer customers are visiting the Council’s Customer Service Centres to pay bills such as their rent and Council Tax. So, from Tuesday 1 December Newcastle City Council is removing the cashiering services from their Customer Service Centres. This means you will no longer be able to pay your rent, service charges or other bills from there. Members of council staff will be walking the floor at the Customer Service Centres before then to answer any questions you may have. Don’t worry! We still offer a wide range of ways for you to pay including Direct Debit, online, via the YHN app, by telephone or at any Post Office or PayPoint outlet. Call: 0191 278 7878 Visit: www.newcastle.gov.uk The money we receive in rent is by far our most important source of income – it allows us to deliver services to you. Whilst we appreciate there are lots of demands on your income, it’s really important you make paying your rent your priority.
If you are having any problems paying your rent or with budgeting your money please just ask. We can’t help if we don’t know, so we encourage anyone who needs help to seek it.
To speak to your Income Recovery Officer or Advice and Support Worker contact your local office – contact details are on page 2.
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You’ve Got the Power update Whilst work continues on previous You’ve Got the Power schemes, we are already thinking about the next stage. We have delivered some brilliant schemes that have made a real difference to the people living on those estates – no matter how big or small they’ve been. But – it’s time for a change, and while fencing and parking are very practical things that have a direct impact on local areas – there’s so much more we can do! Here are two examples of schemes we have delivered that range from the very small to those that involve entire communities! Some residents of Whalton Court in Fawdon put a suggestion forward for lighting to be installed in their bin store (above right). They felt that it would improve security around the block and make residents putting rubbish out early in the morning or late at night feel safer. When the scheme was carried out, what started as replacing a light in one bin storage area resulted in a brand new lighting system being installed across all seven storage areas at Whalton Court, making these previously dark, intimidating spaces brighter and more
t the you’ve go
r e w o p
accessible to the residents. Over in Pottery Bank another group of residents submitted a suggestion to create a communal area that would provide local residents with somewhere to come together as a community. The scheme has gone from strength to strength and has been transformed into a community allotment which members of the Pottery Bank Community Centre and children from the local school and playgroup have taken responsibility for. They will be growing their own fruit and vegetables which will not only teach the young people new skills, but the produce will be donated to the local food bank. Jacqui Higgins, Pottery Bank Community Centre Coordinator said “The allotment provides the space and opportunity for groups and local residents to grow healthy, affordable fresh vegetables. More than this, it will bring together people of all ages within the community. “The community, staff and volunteers of Pottery Bank Community Centre would like to thank YHN’s ‘You’ve Got the Power’ for this exciting development and the opportunities this brings. We believe this will make an exciting contribution towards creating a cohesive community.”
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Pottery Bank community allotment.
Digital Newcastle Save time and do it online with the YHN app! Project Our smartphone app has made it easier to access information on the go. You can apply for and bid for properties, make a rent payment and report a repair all at the touch of a button. You can also use the app to access the most up-to-date information on Universal Credit and YHN services that support you in your tenancy. We’ve made some improvements to the app following your feedback: • You can now find the latest jobs information, information about our services, and make a complaint straight from the app home page • Some of the icons have been changed so they are more reflective of our services • We’ve changed the wording of some of the contact forms to make them easier to use. We’re working on some bigger changes to make the app even better in the future and would really appreciate any feedback or suggestions you have – just use the app’s ‘tell us what you think’ feature to do this. Miranda Burn, from Walker, uses the YHN app on her tablet. She said: “The app is really easy to use when I’m out and about. All the information I need around my tenancy is in one place – I can check my rent account, look for jobs and report repairs if I need to. “The app keeps me up to date with all the information I need to know. If you’ve got a smartphone or tablet this is a really great app to have – it’s so easy to use and will save you time when you need to contact YHN.” To download the free YHN app, simply go to the app store on your smartphone or tablet and search for ‘YHN’, or scan the app’s QR code.
YHN customers can already interact with many of our services using our website and our android/Apple app to, for example pay rent, place bids for properties and check their rent account online. As part of the Digital Newcastle Project we are working closely with Newcastle City Council to make it simpler and quicker to access and interact with even more of our services, as well as improving the transactions that we currently have available online. The project isn’t just focussed on customers who are already comfortable accessing services online. We’re working with Newcastle City Council to provide support and training for customers to help increase confidence using technology and the internet as well as increasing access to services by, for example, installing free Wi-Fi in many council buildings and communal areas of YHN managed blocks. Visit the ‘Do it online’ section of the YHN website to find out what you can already do online. Our website and Facebook page are the places to go to for regular updates on the progress of the project. The first update is a short (under 3 minutes) video summarising the Digital Newcastle Project. We’d love to hear your views on the project and your suggestions for the types of services and transactions you would like to be improved or made accessible online: • Email yhn@yhn.org.uk or • Call 0191 278 8600
to tell us what you think. Follow us on Facebook. Search Your Homes Newcastle Follow us on Twitter: @ NewsfromYHN
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Are you throwing money down the drain? It’s easy to take water for granted, but by making some small day to day changes you could save water and save money. On average we use about 150 litres of water a day. This might not sound like much, but it’s easily enough to fill a bath, to the top. It takes a huge amount of energy to supply clean water to all of our households. Water is also expensive to heat. By reducing the
amount of hot water you use, even by a small amount, you could save money on your fuel bills. Did you know that of all the water we use, we only drink 4% of it! That means there are lots of Did you opportunities for us to save also know? water in other areas like Households are when we bath, shower, using 1% more wash clothes or water water each year. the garden.
And
Water saving tips
England has less available water than many other Installing a water meter could save you money. Speak to Northumbrian countries; including Water to find out more. If you don’t use a lot of water and are paying countries like Greece that a standard charge, you could be paying more than you need. Contact you would think Northumbrian Water on 0345 733 5566 or visit their website www.nwl.co.uk. were drier. (Please note not all types of property are suitable for a water meter.)
Don’t waste water waiting for it to run cold! Fill a bottle or jug and put it in the fridge to chill!
Turn off the tap when you are brushing teeth or shaving.
Wash vegetables in a bowl rather than under the tap. You could use the water for your houseplants.
Fill the sink or use a bowl when washing dishes. You’ll use less water and save on your fuel bill. If you have a dishwasher, only run it when it’s full.
Only fill a kettle with as much water as you need – you may be surprised how much water and energy you could save.
Finally, if you are in the market for a new washing machine or dishwasher, look for water efficient appliances. Washing machines and dishwashers all have a water efficiency rating. Investing a little extra now could save you money in the long run.
When cooking use lids on pans. The water will boil quicker and you can cook on a lower heat; saving you money on your energy bills and reducing condensation in your home.
Why not consider a water efficient product from Own Your Own – find out more on page 10.
Help us update our records and you could win a tablet computer! We’ve sent all customers a short survey to ensure the information we have about you is correct. Knowing this information will help us offer services best suited to your needs. We know that people identifying with certain groups are more likely to be affected by particular issues than others. Knowing who our customers are means that we can offer support to overcome any of those issues.
Reply before 31 October 2015 and you’ll be entered into a prize draw to win a tablet computer with one year of internet access. The winner will also get training on how to use the tablet.
Please can you check whether the information we have about you is correct and return your completed survey to us using the freepost envelope that was provided.
All responses will be treated confidentially and your details will not be shared with anyone else.
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If you’d like any further information about this please call us on 0191 278 8600.
Free Wi-Fi in all sheltered and young people’s accommodation All tenants in YHN managed sheltered accommodation and specialist young people’s accommodation can now access free Wi-Fi in the main communal areas of the building. Geof Ellingham, YHN’s Head of IT, said: “Our aim is to provide affordable – and ideally free – internet into every YHN managed home in the city, so we hope this is just the first step on that journey. We think that internet access should be available like a utility; it should be like switching on your water or gas. “The cost of internet enabled devices like smartphones or tablets is coming down – but if you don’t have a telephone landline the cost to connect to the internet can be too high for some people. Many can afford the device but not the connection. We know cost is a barrier for lots of people and it’s our intention to remove that.” Older people living in Coniston Court in Slatyford and Bamburgh House in Westerhope have been making the most of the free Wi-Fi in their communal room. A World War II party was held at Coniston Court and the residents worked in teams to complete online quizzes, the answers to which could only be found using internet searches.
Want to get online but don’t know how? We have Digital Champions working in local venues in your area. They can help you explore the benefits that using the internet can bring. The sessions are FREE. You can bring along your own laptop, tablet or smartphone and receive one-to-one tuition. If you don’t have a device we have one you can use. We’ll support you with what you want to learn at a pace that suits you! Simply call the YHN Enquiry Centre on 0191 278 8600 or email getinvolved@yhn.org.uk
The residents were supported by YHN’s Digital Champions who have been trained to help YHN customers across the city make the most of the internet. Terry Gorman, one of the Digital Champions and a Coniston Court resident, said: “I did the Digital Champions course with YHN which gave me the knowledge and skills to help the other residents to be able to access and use the internet. Now that the residents realise they can find all types of information on the website and that laptops and tablets are easy to use, I am hoping that they will be contacting me for support.” Mary Hanson, a Bamburgh House resident, said: “I am 85 years old and have never used the internet before today so I didn’t realise just how easy it is to find information that you need.”
Digital Champion Matvey Cherny with Pat Wilson and Joyce McGee.
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Still time to order for
Christmas
*
Up to 60% cheaper than other weekly payment stores and with hundreds of top brand products to choose from, Own Your Own is the perfect place to shop for a new TV, sofa or games console.
Apply online at
www.ownyourown.uk.com
or call us on 0845 846 0040
*Subject to applications passing checks and credit agreement returned before 20th November 2015. BRANDS WE STOCK
Own Your Own is an initiative of Newcastle City Council and administered by Your Homes Newcastle.
£25 prize wordsearch Complete the wordsearch to win a £25 Eldon Square voucher to spend on whatever you fancy! We asked customers who attended our Connected Communities event in August why they were proud to live in social housing and their responses make up the words for this edition’s puzzle. We hope you agree!
T I R I P S Y T I N U M M O C E C S
S R P E E R A M I W A L I I N G T A
Name:
E S A N S T P F W L F T H K R A M R
I E Y I A U N E F R U A E A L T X F
S I A L N T C L I O V S G L R E L B
I T S T A I I E I I R R H A L I L M
A I T M B I N P N I L D N O R U N S
D N H E G D S G U O L S A A O Q S E
N U S I L N A G C D P D O B M T E M
F T L Y T S I A E O A E E R L T S O
G R X Y A T T R R O U S N N M E S H
T O O Y T I H T P N R R F S B I O T
R P L W O T L G I E E S S O P M R N
O P A N E I E N V N T E U E D A T E
F O A K N N E I G H B O U R S I C C
M E C K O Y D R I B U L B S M I L E
O U S L H L G A R D E N S S G W N D
B E S G N I F C T E S L U P M I I L
Affordable Caring Community Spirit Decent Homes Diverse Friendly Gardens Having a say Location Neighbours Open Space Opportunities Quiet Training Courses Transport Links
Address:
Postcode: Tel:
Mobile:
Email: Congratulations goes to Amanda Chui from Elswick who won the last wordsearch competition.
✁
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 Monday 4 January 2016. Please note: competitions are only open to tenants and leaseholders with no rent arrears.
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North East Social Enterprise Festival - free family fun day When? Wednesday 28 October, 11am – 5pm Where? Newcastle Racecourse, High Gosforth Park, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE3 5HP Come along to Newcastle Racecourse on Wednesday 28 October for a fantastic family fun day! This free event has something for all the family, including ‘Frozen’ themed dance classes, circus skills and bushcraft, creative workshops, musicians and entertainers. There will also be a ‘Dragon’s Den’ event called ‘Pitching Start-ups’ that will see three successful social entrepreneurs walk away with cash to start their social enterprises. The event is organised by the Social Enterprise Acumen CIC which works to support social enterprises. Social enterprises are businesses that trade to tackle social problems and improve communities. They make a real difference but are sustainable through trading. Lots of social enterprises will be at the event where you can find out more. Come along and join in the fun! For more information Email: Info@socialenterpriseacumen.co.uk Website: www.socialenterpriseacumen.co.uk Call: 0191 386 9785
Get online with free IT training Learn how to: • use a computer • send an email • shop online • search the internet for information • move photos from your camera on to your computer When? November and January Where? Newcastle City Library Travel expenses will be paid. To find out more or to book your place please call 0191 278 8600 or email lisa.dawson@yhn.org.uk
Get involved with YHN Do you want to help shape what we do for our customers? Can you spare a few hours each month? Would you like to meet other people keen to make a difference? Then why not come along and meet the YHN Customer Involvement team for an hour at Newcastle City Library on Wednesday 4 November at 10am, 1pm or 6pm. Join us for a cuppa and a slice of cake as we talk you through some of the opportunities and support that will allow you to take part. The only things we ask is that you’re over 16, living in a YHN managed property and committed to working with us. Aidan Samuel (right) from the East End is one of our ‘Get Involved’ volunteers. Aidan said: “Getting involved has helped me meet new people. The team is friendly and helpful and everyone gets a chance to have their say during discussions. I’m proud to be a YHN customer and to see my ideas making a difference to the services I receive.” If you’re interested in meeting the team please call us on 0191 278 8600, email getinvolved@yhn.org.uk, or text your name and address to 07815 784 037 with your preferred time. We look forward to meeting you on the day!