homes & people Bringing you all the news that matters to you
Could you use ÂŁ250 to clean up your local area?
July/August 2015
In this issue Improve your garden with our garden tool loan scheme See page 6
Get online with our Digital Champions See page 7
Apprenticeship opportunities See page 5
You could receive a share of ÂŁ50,000 for projects in your community. See page 3
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 8721
Housing Options Centre
0191 277 2020
0191 278 8633 †dvb K‡i Avcwb GKwU wjwLZ Abyev‡`i Rb¨ ej‡Z cv‡ib| Community Care Alarm Service 0191 278 8699dvwb©Pvi Leasehold 0191 278Rb¨ 7725 GB Z_¨ nj BDi †nvg wbDK¨vmjKvDw݇ji mvwf©m mg‡Ü hviv †Ubv›U‡`i Ni evox mvRv‡Z mvnv‡h¨i 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 Envirocall 0191 278 7878 Newcastle Furniture 0191 278 8633 Service (NFS) 278 1888 GB Z_¨ nj Avcbvi †i›U GKvD›U (fvovi wnmve wbKvm) m¤^‡Ü| GB Z_¨ hw` <evsjvq> A_ev 0191 Ab¨ †Kvb fvlvq ent HASBET (Housing Anti-Social 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
Repairs Centre and Gas Servicing
0191 278 7878
GB Z_¨ nj Avcbvi Ni evox †givgZ Ki‡Z PvIqv m¤^‡Ü|GB Z_¨ hw` <evsjvq> A_ev Ab¨ †Kvb fvlvq cÖ‡qvRb nq Young People’s Service 0191 277 1190 Zvn‡j GB bv¤^v‡i †dvb Ki“b- 0191 278 8633 Rent 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 ight to Buy 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。 your own language 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 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 索取。 Zvn‡j GB278 bv¤^8600 v‡i †dvb Ki“b- 0191 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 8600 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 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 0191 besoin de Repairs 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 8600 索取。 ces informations en français ou dans une autre langue, téléphonez au : 0191 278 8600. 8600 索取。 Right to Buy / Homes + Ces informations concernent les droits des locataires relatifs à l’acquisition de leur logement social. YHN general 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 People （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 Tenancy Repairs N general / Homes + 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 ople 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. Right to Buy Ces informations concernent notre service location. @óîóè@óÙî†@ðÙ—äbàŒ@Šóè@bî@ñ†ŠíØ@ðäbàŒ Si vous avez besoin de ces informations en YCH 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 Rent français ou dans une autre langue, téléphonez au : 0191 278 8600. @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 8600. Ces informations concernent Your Homes Newcastleem : qui chargé gérer les logements sociaux YHN generalTenancy / Homes + Esta informação refere-se ao8633 pedido de reparações suaest casa. Se de precisar desta informação Repairs 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 People em <português> ou noutra língua, queira ligar para o 0191 278 8600. @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 Right to Buy YCH informations en français ouao dans uneque autre téléphonez au : 0191 278habitação 8600. Nç‹i@ñ‡äòí—q@0191 278 8633@ðäüÑïÝm@òŠbàˆ@ói@óîóè@óÙî†@ðÙ—äbàŒ Tenancy YCH
YHN general / Homes + People
Repairs
YHN general / Homes +
People Right to Buy
Tenancy YCH YHN general / Homes + People
precisar desta informação em <português> ou 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.
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Designed by: barkingdog design and layout. Printed by: Mosaic Print Management Plc
Contents Page 3
• Help us spend £50,000!
Page 4
• Universal Credit focus on: Bank accounts and Direct Debit
Page 5
• Are you interested in becoming a YHN apprentice?
Page 6
• Get your garden ready for summer with our free garden tool loan scheme • Blooming marvellous!
Page 7
• YHN tenants go digital!
Page 8
• What’s wrong with warmer weather?
Page 9
• What are your housing options?
Page 10
• Connected Communities – ‘Positive communities making positive change’ • Colourful lights spotted over Riverside Dene
Page 11
• £25 prize wordsearch
Page 12
• Training and events
Read previous editions online at www.yhn.org.uk or download our free app.
We’ve got £50,000 to invest in your neighbourhoods – can you help us spend it? Positive People Positive Places is a brand new scheme that will give local people the power to spend some public money to benefit their community. You can help improve your neighbourhood and make some real changes to where you live. 20 wards across Newcastle each have a pot of money to spend on community activities. You can apply for a grant of up to £250 to do something that benefits your community – all you need to do is make sure it involves other people in your area and be able to donate something which we will match in cash. This could be your time, money or materials. You’ll also need to complete your project within two months.
Why not arrange a community clean-up day or a community walk, host an afternoon tea for older people, organise a treasure hunt, arrange a play day for local children – there’s lots of things you could do! This is a great way to make a real difference to your community. For more information pick up a pack from your Housing Services Office.
page 3
Universal Credit focus on: Bank accounts and Direct Debit In the last few issues of Homes & People we have talked about the introduction of Universal Credit and what that might mean for you.
We now want to give you some more detailed information about some of these things and how we can help. This issue we are talking about bank accounts and Direct Debit. To claim Universal Credit you will need to have a bank account for your benefit to be paid into. Not all bank accounts will be suitable so it will need to be one of the following:
• Current account • Basic bank account • Some types of credit union and Post Office accounts (Note: the Post Office Card Account is not accepted by DWP). Our Income Team has been working with local banks to allow us to make referrals to them. That means, if you don’t already have a bank account, we can refer you to a local bank that will help you choose the right account and help you to set it up. You could also take away the worry of trying to find time or remembering to pay your rent each week by setting up a Direct Debit. We’ll never take more from your account than the agreed payment and you can choose when, and how often, the payments come out of your account so you could tie it into when you receive your wage or benefit.
Please contact us to find out about setting up a bank account or how Direct Debit could work for you. Call 0191 278 7749 or email incomeyhn@yhn.org.uk
We know that some people are wary of Direct Debit and we understand why – that’s why we’ve developed some frequently asked questions which we hope will reassure you that Direct Debit is simple, safe and secure… If I pay by Direct Debit, does Your Homes Newcastle take the money from my account when it wants? No. You choose when the Direct Debit leaves your account – so it can be any day, at any frequency. Payments will be taken on or immediately after the date you have chosen. Can you see how much is in my bank account and other personal details? No – we have no access to your bank account and cannot see any personal details. We request the payment from the bank and the request is either paid or refused. What happens if a mistake is made? The Direct Debit scheme is guaranteed. That means if Your Homes Newcastle or your bank or building society makes an error, you are guaranteed a full and immediate refund of the amount paid.
page 4
Are you interested in becoming a YHN apprentice? We’re on the look out for new apprentices. An apprenticeship is a great opportunity to develop your skills, learn new things, start an exciting career and get paid. Our apprenticeships last for 12 months and lots of help and support is provided to help you turn that 12 months into something longer term – last year over 80% of our apprentices progressed to more permanent employment. Don’t just take our word for it – this is what two of our recent apprentices have to say about their experience… Nikita McDonald (right) is now a business support assistant working in YHN’s Furniture Service. She finished her apprenticeship with YHN last year. Nikita said: “When I first started I didn’t know what to expect and was quite nervous, however the staff quickly put me at ease and I really feel like I am part of a team.
We’re currently looking for apprentices in: • Business – working in one of our offices developing admin and customer service skills. • Gardening – working out and about to help our tenants maintain and improve their gardens. Applicants need to live in a YHN-managed home. Business apprenticeships are open to those aged 16-24. If you’re applying for the Gardening apprenticeship you must be aged 18 or over by 28 September 2015.
“YHN is a great employer and offers a lot to apprentices. You’ll gain a lot of qualifications and experience during your time – I’ve gained a Level 2 NVQ in Customer Needs – and it’s a big company so a placement here will look good on your CV.” Brad Hope (below) is currently working as an apprentice in our Garden Care team. He said: “I’ve had previous work doing gardening before and enjoyed it. I’ve been looking for an apprenticeship for a while but I haven’t been able to find one so this is a really good opportunity. “I’ve enjoyed the practical side. We did placements with Newcastle City Council and YHN and we got to use machinery at Kirkley Hall so we saw what it was actually like to be doing this job.”
Nikita McDonald
If you’re interested in applying: • Call: 0191 278 8600 • e-mail: getinvolved@yhn.org.uk • text: ‘apprentice garden’ or ‘apprentice business’ to 0781 578 4037. Brad Hope (left) with John Paxton
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Get your garden ready for summer with our free Bloom garden tool loan scheme Borrow & Bloom It can be difficult to keep on top of weeds, the lawn or hedge without the right tools. If your outdoor space is looking more like a jungle than a garden, worry not. Help is at hand with our new garden equipment loan scheme – available free to all YHN customers. Our garden packs include everything you need to get your garden blooming. You can borrow equipment including a lawn mower, spade, fork, strimmer, goggles and gloves to help you spruce up your garden in time for the barbecue season. We’ll deliver the tools to you on a Friday and collect on a Monday free of charge. All we ask is that the equipment is returned cleaned and damage free. To request a pack or to find out more please call 0191 278 8600 or email yhn-environmentalservices@yhn.org.uk – enjoy making the most of your garden!
Blooming marvellous! We’re looking to unearth the talents of customers who take pride in their outdoor spaces and the communities they live in. Whether it’s beautifully maintained flower boxes, neatly trimmed lawn or colourful communal gardens – we’re on the lookout.
invest time and effort into making sure their homes and communities look the best they possibly can.
If you know of a green-fingered neighbour who deserves a bit of recognition for the work they do in keeping their garden in tip top condition, or if you know of someone who has really improved their outside space – let us know.
Everyone who is nominated is entered into a prize draw which will be drawn throughout the year, with vouchers up for grabs.
Our staff will also be on the lookout and will be recognising the efforts of tenants who
Bloom
Blooming Marvellous
If you know a blooming great gardener – let us know! Call 0191 278 8600, email yhnenvironmentalservices@yhn.org.uk or write to Environmental Services, Unit 5 Greenfinch Way, Gateway West, Newburn Riverside, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE15 8NX.
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YHN tenants go digital! GET SWITCHED
ON
As part of a drive to get more tenants online and accessing YHN’s services digitally, we’ve trained up our own ‘Digital Champions’ who will be sharing their new found knowledge and skills with individuals and communities across the city.
After successfully completing a training course, 18 men and women, ranging in age from 20 to 64, have been given a tablet and free access to the internet for a year to help them develop and share new skills. They are now able to offer advice and assistance to other YHN customers across the city, meeting in community venues. They can tutor others in general IT skills and demonstrate many activities that can be carried out online. Lisa Dawson, a communications officer at YHN who helped train the Digital Champions, said: “Being able to use computers and understand how to do things digitally opens up so many opportunities, not to mention making lots of things cheaper. Once the government’s Universal Credit programme is rolled out, customers in receipt of benefits will need to manage any money they receive online.”
“Increasing my digital skills will help me get a job” Terry Gorman (left), 64, has now completed his training. He said: “I’ve really enjoyed the training; it’s been done in a laid back but professional style and has been very helpful. I live in sheltered accommodation and I’m looking forward to welcoming people to our lounge, where I can offer them a tea or coffee while running Digital Champions surgeries.” His fellow Digital Champion Jonny Whitehead (right), 39, said: “I’m naturally a helper so helping people by becoming a Digital Champion really appealed to me. But I’m also trying to climb back up my own ladder, I’ve been out of work for a while and I hope that increasing my digital skills will help me gain further employment. “There’s a really strong community feeling within the group that we’re doing something together and we’re here to help.”
Would you like to be a Digital Champion? Sign up for our next Digital Champions course starting in September! You’ll learn how to use a computer and the internet and we’ll give you the skills needed to help others get online. You’ll need to complete a four-week basic IT course and feel confident enough to help others. To help you with the training you’ll receive a tablet (a hand held computer device) to keep and we’ll also pay in advance for internet use for one year. The course is open to all YHN customers and you can apply whether you have some experience of using computers and the internet or none at all. Spaces are limited so book your place today! Call 0191 278 8600, email getinvolved@yhn.org.uk, or text ‘Digital Champions’ with your name and address to 07815 784 037.
If you’d like some help from a Digital Champion call 0191 278 8600 or email getinvolved@yhn.org.uk. Champions are unable to make home visits but meetings can be arranged in community facilities across the city.
page 7
What’s wrong with warmer weather? It’s time to dust off the barbecues and dig out the buckets and spades as summer approaches. If weather forecasts are right we’re in for hotter than normal temperatures – which sounds great but is in fact a worrying result of climate change and global warming. Average temperatures in the UK are now one degree higher than they were 100 years ago, and half a degree warmer than in the 1970s. This is due to increasing amounts of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, and the projections are that the temperature will continue to rise even if carbon emissions are stabilised. So the challenge is to prevent the temperature rise being more than two degrees.
Why is this important? Warmer weather might sound great, but a long term temperature increase can cause serious problems, especially for very young children and older people. Houses and flats can overheat, and weather gets far more unpredictable, with major flooding much more likely. And sea levels may rise as steadily rising global temperatures melt ice caps.
What can I do to cut my carbon? • Recycle and reuse! You can use your recycling bin for glass, tins, paper, plastic bottles, batteries, and much more. There’s lots more information on the Council’s website – see www.newcastle.gov.uk and search for ‘recycling’. • Use ‘green’ transport – Metro, buses, car share, cycle and walk. Have you heard of the Co-wheels Car Club in Newcastle? Find out more at 0845 602 8030 or visit www.co-wheels.org.uk • Be water efficient! This is often forgotten about, but the less water you heat, the less energy (and carbon) you use, and you save money on your bills. Processing and pumping water uses a lot of energy, so the more careful you are, the better for the environment. Simple things like taking showers instead of baths, only filling the kettle with the amount you need and running the washing machine on a full load will make a big difference. For more information, visit www.waterwise.co.uk or www.nwl.co.uk, or call the Energy Saving Trust on 0300 123 1234. Enter our competition and you could win some energy efficient prizes! If you are a keen gardener, we’ll deliver some compost for your garden made in Newcastle from local green waste. Alternatively, we will send you some LED light bulbs which will use much less energy than traditional bulbs but light up your home just as well. Name one group of people who could be badly affected by global warming: Name:
Address: Postcode:
Phone number: I would like (please tick one)
Email: Compost
LED light bulbs
Email the answer and your details to energy@yhn.org.uk, or post to Tom Jarman, Sustainability Co-ordinator, YHN House, Benton Park Rd, Newcastle, NE7 7LX by Friday 28 August 2015.
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LED light bulbs sponsored by
What are your housing options? Living in your own home doesn’t have to cost the earth. Do you have a son or daughter who’d love their own place but don’t think they can afford it? Maybe you’re living in a council home with a friend or relative and want a place of your own but can’t afford a mortgage or private rent costs? Newcastle City Council has lots of properties available, many of them ready to move into straight away. You don’t have to pay a deposit and you could be setting up your very own home in no time. Imagine…no queuing for the bathroom, no arguments over what to watch on TV, your space to call your own! Properties are advertised each week through Tyne and Wear Homes from Thursday to Monday. All you need to do is visit www.tyneandwearhomes.org.uk to register and once you’ve been verified you can bid on up to three homes each week. You can also apply and bid for properties using the YHN app – go to the App Store or Google Play for your smartphone or tablet device, search for ‘YHN’ and install our free app.
Spotlight on ... the West End There’s a wide range of property types such as apartments, family homes and older people’s accommodation in the West End of Newcastle that would suit singles, couples, families and sharers. It’s really easy to get into the city centre and beyond with regular buses running to places including the Metrocentre, Kenton, Gosforth, Fenham and more. There are also lots of local amenities on the doorstep such as schools, doctors and libraries; you can access some fantastic local leisure facilities at Elswick Pool, the Westgate Centre for Sport and Leazes Park and you’re a stone’s throw from the many shops on the West Road, Stanhope Street and Adelaide Terrace. Oh, and if you work or study at the General Hospital, Newcastle Business Centre or Newcastle College you could be on the doorstep so there’s no commute! Find out more about what the West End has to offer by contacting the Housing Options Officer at your local Housing Services Office (contact details at the front of this newsletter).
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Connected Communities – ‘Positive communities making positive change’ We know there are a lot of changes happening that affect you. Things like coping with the changes to welfare benefits, getting to grips with using the internet, budgeting, and finding a job are common concerns that face our customers. We’d like to know how these changes are affecting you day to day, and what we can do to help you. It’s more important than ever that we plan ahead to make sure our services respond to the needs of all our customers, from all backgrounds and communities. To help us do this we’d like to invite you to an event on Wednesday 19 August 2015, 10am – 2.30pm at St James’ Park. You’ll have the chance to talk to us about some of the services you receive and find out about opportunities that are available to you. Light refreshments, lunch and £5 towards your travel on the day will be provided, and everyone
who attends will be entered into a free prize draw to win one of three tablets and free internet access for a year. To book your place please call 0191 278 8600, text ‘Positive Communities’ with your name and address to 0781 578 4037, or email getinvolved@ yhn.org.uk When you book please let us know if you have any dietary requirements and if you need any additional support to attend, such as an interpreter, signer, induction loop, prayer room or crèche facilities. Please note that if you do not book a place we will not be able to give you travel expenses.
Colourful lights spotted over Riverside Dene In May, the Hawthorns and the Larches – two of the multi storey apartment blocks we manage at Riverside Dene – were flooded in multicolour light to celebrate International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia (IDAHOT).
IDAHOT aims to draw attention to the alarming situation faced by lesbian, gay, bisexuals, transgender and intersex people and it takes place on 17 May every year. At YHN we’re firmly committed to supporting our staff and customers to be themselves. Nobody should suffer because of who they are and nobody should put up with it. Hate crimes should not happen, but they still do. If you believe you have experienced a racist, religious, homophobic or transphobic incident, even if you have no proof, report it. You can do this by calling in to any YHN Housing Services Office or Newcastle City Council Customer Service Centre across the city. You can also call Arch free on 0800 032 3288 to get help from a range of organisations. John Lee, YHN’s Chief Executive and Diversity Champion, said: “We wanted to show our support for IDAHOT in the biggest possible way.
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“Lighting our Riverside Dene blocks in rainbow colours was a bold gesture that sends out a clear message to the residents of Newcastle and highlights our commitment to equality and diversity issues.”
£25 prize wordsearch Complete the wordsearch to win a £25 Eldon Square voucher to spend on whatever you fancy! A J S N E L G N I L C Y C E R W C S
S E P E E O E M I W A E I I N G T A
E N N Y N T P G R L R T N K R A M R
I H O L N U N E C E U V I E T L X F
S E I L E I C L W L M S G I R U L R
I N P B N L T O O L S M D I L G E M
E S M R A I M U R I E E U O R M Y B
D T A E G N S C R C R S E S M T S N
N E H Y W N K G R C I D O I M I E I
L N C A T S I A L V S T R R I B S M
G L L Y E I E A C O W T A T N E R D
T P A S T L S S P C S D N X B D O A
R D T W S R N R I S O S A A A T R W
O H I I E R E I E N T U E S N C T P
F I G V S R D K V V M D N S M E E N
E C I T N E R P P A I L B T M R T Y
O N D L H L A A H R L D I S G I N S
U E S G N I G C P E S L U P M D I L
Apprentice Bank account Digital Champion Direct Debit Diversity Energy Gardens Lawn mower Learning Online Pride Recycling Rent Strimmer Summer Tools Universal Credit
Name:
Address:
Postcode: Tel:
Mobile:
Email: Congratulations goes to Rahat Yasmin from Walkergate 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 Friday 28 August 2015. Please note: competitions are only open to tenants and leaseholders with no rent arrears.
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Training
United for Employment
& events
This course is a great way to build up skills, experience and contacts to help get you back in to work. It will run parttime for five weeks and a contribution towards travel expenses will be provided. The course is delivered in partnership with the Newcastle United Foundation and will be held at St James’ Park.
On completion of the course you’ll be guaranteed a one week work placement with one of Newcastle United’s partners and qualifications in leadership (all different levels), safeguarding, emergency aid and more.
Catering and hospitality course Are you interested in a job in catering and hospitality? If you are we can help. We’re working in partnership with a local training provider to deliver an exciting course starting in September which will lead to guaranteed interviews for Catering Assistant roles.
Join our new Readers’ Panel We’d like to recruit a new team to get involved and improve the information we send to our customers. We need your help to make sure that the information we send is attractive and easy to understand. Join our Readers’ Panel and you’ll give feedback on things like our Annual Report, leaflets, Homes & People articles, and information for customers about Universal Credit. The group will meet a few times a year for a couple of hours and you will receive a contribution of £5 towards your travel for each meeting you attend. If you can’t attend don’t worry, we’ll send you leaflets and documents to look at in the comfort of your own home and you can tell us what you think by completing a quick questionnaire.
Taxi! Would you like to drive straight into a job as a taxi driver? If you’re unemployed, in receipt of benefits and have a driving licence we can help you do just that. We’re working with a training provider to offer customers a fantastic training course that will provide you with a VRQ qualification and training in areas such as First Aid at Work, Safeguarding, and Disability Awareness. This will make you amongst the most highly trained professional taxi drivers in the UK. You may also receive funding to apply for your Private Hire Licence.
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 employabilityteam@yhn.org.uk, call 0191 277 3667 and tell us your email address, or text your name and email address to 07814 753 088.
Everyone that expresses an interest will be entered into a free prize draw to win Eldon Square vouchers.
To register your interest in any of these courses, call us on 0191 278 8600, email getinvolved@yhn.org.uk, or text your name and address to 07815 784 037.