homes & people Bringing you all the news that matters to you
January/February 2016
In this issue You’ve got the Power See page 7
Dog chipping See page 9
Jobs and training fair See page 12
Aged 16 – 24? Looking for work? See page 10
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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Rent ight to Buy
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 Page 3
• Welcome
Page 4
• A new management agreement for 2016 • Social housing rents set to fall
Page 5
• Taking a bite out of illegal money lending
Page 6
• Staying safe in your home • If you’re in doubt, just keep them out!
Page 7
• You’ve got the Power update
Page 8
• Bringing down legal highs
Page 9
• Stop your dog going walkies • Lightening the load
Page 10
• Aged 16 – 24? Looking for work?
Page 11
• £25 prize wordsearch
Page 12
• What’s on
Read previous editions online at www.yhn.org.uk or download our free app.
Welcome to the January/February edition of Homes & People. Firstly we’d like to wish you a very happy new year from everyone at Your Homes Newcastle! We hope you had a wonderful festive season and are feeling ready to start 2016 with renewed energy. With the new year comes lots of changes for us, which you can read more about later in the newsletter. One significant change came when we said goodbye to John Lee, our Chief Executive, on 31 December 2015. John has been a real driving force behind the success of Your Homes Newcastle since our creation in 2004 so I’m sure you’ll join me in saying a big thank you to him for all his hard work and dedication to improving the Council’s housing stock. I’d especially like to express my gratitude to John who has been a great source of expertise and support to me in my role as Chair.
edition we’ve put together lots of information to help you avoid getting into debt, to help you find work and how to pay your bills in the easiest way possible. There are also some useful tips on how to stay safe at home if you have workers carrying out improvements, more about the changes happening at YHN over the coming months and the latest news on our You’ve got the Power project. We hope you enjoy our first edition of 2016 and look forward to receiving your feedback.
Not only can a new year bring lots of opportunity Regards, but it can also have its own set of problems; one Olivia Grant of which is the stretch on our finances. So in this Chair of Your Homes Newcastle
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A new management agreement for 2016 It seems like we talk a lot these days about budget cuts and how much less money we and the Council have to do things, but sadly it’s true. When the government announces cuts to Council’s budgets, it impacts on what we do.
We have been managing Newcastle City Council’s stock since 2004. We have a management agreement that sets out what we will do for them, and what they will pay us to do it. That agreement is out of date in many places and it comes to an end in March 2016. We have been working with the Council to agree a new agreement which will set out what services we will provide for them from April next year. You shouldn’t notice much of a difference under the new agreement, as the Council wants us to continue delivering most of the services we do now. What will change is the way they monitor our performance so that they can keep a closer eye on how we’re doing and what we’re spending. The agreement is for another ten years but will be reviewed each year to make sure everyone is still happy with it. The changes also mean we are going to have a different management structure. As you read in the introduction, our Chief Executive, John Lee, left on 31 December and we are now in the process of recruiting a new Managing Director. We will update you when the post has been filled.
Social housing rents set to fall George Osborne’s last summer budget announced a 1% cut in social rents each year for the next four years. That means from April 2016 the cost of your rent will fall by 1%. If your rent is currently covered by Housing Benefit you will not see any change. Also, if you pay the Bedroom Tax or are subject to the Benefit Cap then the reduction in rent charged will reduce the amount you have to pay. The 1% cut only applies to your rent charge. It’s good news for our customers who pay rent as it means you will have a little more money in your pocket each week. But, it also means that we will have less money coming in so we will have to make different choices about how
we spend the money we do have on providing services to you. If you receive services like concierge, furniture, communal heating or gardening service, you will still have to pay these as normal. 1% might not sound like much, but over the four years we estimate that the City Council will receive £32 million less from rental income. Newcastle City Council is consulting with residents on the change to rent. They want to find out which services you think should be prioritised and where you think savings could be made. The Council’s latest Let’s Talk blog goes into more detail about the changes and offers you the chance to give your opinions.
Visit https://letstalknewcastle.co.uk and click on ‘Rent changes 2016’. You have until Sunday 31 January 2016 to take part in the consultation.
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Taking a bite out of illegal money lending Christmas and New Year can be a tough time financially. There’s the usual household bills and expenses to pay for as well as Christmas presents and other unexpected things that crop up when we least expect or want them! Come January the chances are we’re feeling the pinch. It’s at times like this that we worry how we will afford everything and if you don’t have a great credit rating, it can be tempting to look to other lending options like illegal money lenders, or loan sharks. But loan sharks often prey on people who are vulnerable and desperate. Loan sharks may appear friendly at first and offer attractive interest rates but they often increase the amount of money you owe in lots of ways. They might take your cash card or passport as “security”, or charge you a missed payment fee by visiting you when they know you’re not home. And they can resort to threats and violence towards you and your family if you don’t make the repayments. They might seem like the best option at the time but there are safer, more responsible and affordable options out there. Our staff in the Walker area have been doing some work with the National Illegal Money Lending Team and other partner agencies. At the start of December they held a Week of Action where they knocked on the doors of over 1,100 customers to raise awareness of the dangers of loan sharks. Staff also attended training sessions so that they can support you and signpost you to places for help and advice. We also signed a charter with other local partners to demonstrate our zero tolerance approach to illegal money lending. More weeks of action are being planned for 2016 in other areas of the city and we’ll provide more information on our website and Facebook and Twitter pages when we have more details.
The Money Advice Service has some simple, helpful information about loan sharks including tips on how to spot a loan shark. According to their website a loan shark may: • Offer little or no paperwork, such as a licence, credit agreement or record of payments • Increase the debt or add additional amounts to it without your permission • Refuse to give information, such as the interest rate or how much you still owe • Take items as security, such as passports, bank cards or driving licences • Not allow you to settle your debt • Get nasty – they may resort to intimidation, threats or violence If you think you’ve been approached by a loan shark or think you know someone who is a loan shark, you can report them by through the Illegal Money Lending Team by: Email: reportaloanshark@ stoploansharks.gov.uk Tel: 0300 555 2222 (24-hour service) Text: LOAN SHARK and the lender’s details to 60003 If you feel you are in immediate danger from a loan shark ring 999 straight away and alert the police. If you are having issues with money and debt we can help. An Advice and Support Worker is available at your local Housing Services Office so please get in touch. If we know, we can help. You can find the contact details for all of our Housing Services Offices at the front of this newsletter.
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Staying safe in your home It might seem obvious, but it’s something that we all take for granted. When we have workers in our home we expect them to leave it the way they found it and to be respectful of their surroundings. But there are also things we can do to make their and our own life easier and safer. So, next time you’re having work done at your home, consider these top tips: • Check your workers are genuine. Make sure that you check for ID cards when anyone arrives at your home to make sure the workers are who they say they are. • Keep pets away from workers! Work areas are hazardous as workers could be working with exposed wires, pipes, lifted carpets and dangerous tools. If possible, keep pets out of the house with a friend or neighbour during the works, or restrict them to one room. • Teach your children some safety tips. Children can be very curious and are likely to want to touch things they shouldn’t! But being near wet paint, tools, ladders and
other potentially dangerous items means your children need to be aware of the dangers and kept safe. • Keep work areas tidy. Make sure areas are clear to help prevent any trips and falls. This also helps your belongings from being accidentally damaged, and allows the works to be finished as quickly as possible. • Movement around your home. Depending on the type of works, movement may be restricted in certain areas when workers are working. Follow any advice given by workers when moving around your home to avoid hazards.
If you’re in doubt, just keep them out! Distraction burglary is where a person tricks or distracts a resident, allowing another person they are working with to gain access to the property and commit burglary. Older people are particularly vulnerable to distraction burglary. To try and prevent distraction burglaries, if someone comes to your door that you don’t know, it’s worth remembering a few simple things: • Is it someone you are expecting? • If you have one, put the chain on the door before answering it • Ask for proof of identity If you’re still not convinced that the person is who they say they are, don’t let them in.
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You’ve got the Power update Round 3 of You’ve got the Power will be launching in April, when once again we will ask for your suggestions for schemes that will help to improve your neighbourhoods. This year we want to deliver projects that have a positive impact on as many people as possible – so why not get together with friends, family, neighbours, local community groups and our housing staff to think about what would make the biggest difference to your local area?
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It could be something that improves the health, fitness and general wellbeing of the people living in your neighbourhood. Lots of us make new year’s resolutions to get fitter and healthier in the coming year – well, why not make it a longer term goal and put forward an idea that could get your entire neighbourhood more active!? Or it might be something that you’ve chatted about with your neighbours that would make your area safer or more attractive. Your suggestion form will be in the next edition of Homes & People so make sure you fill it in and get it back to us with your ideas. If you start thinking about it now, you’ll have time to chat to others about your idea and decide what you’d like to put forward. You can submit as many suggestions as you want (you can make suggestions other ways too like email and online) so get your thinking caps on!
Got a smartphone? Scan here for more information
Pottery Bank community allotment.
If there’s something you’d like to put forward but want to run it past us first, please get in touch. You can email mark.pearson@yhn.org.uk or call 0191 278 8600 for an informal chat. You can also visit the ‘Improving your home and estate’ page of our website to see the projects we’ve delivered in previous rounds at www.yhn.org.uk
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Bringing down legal highs So-called “legal highs” are damaging the lives and health of people across Newcastle so we’ve come up with a new way to deal with the problem.
New Psychoactive Substances (NPS), or “legal highs”, have been increasing in popularity over recent years partly because there is a lack of effective legislation designed to deal with the problem.
to illegal class A drugs.”
That’s why we’ve developed a new NPS peer education programme, thanks to funding from Proctor and Gamble, through the Community Foundation.
Megan said: “I’ve had negative experiences with legal highs so I don’t want to see other people getting into using them. I don’t think people realise how damaging they can be because they can be bought so easily.”
The programme was developed in partnership with four young people who are involved with our Youth Voice service, which gives a voice to those who have experienced homelessness or housing issues. We’re now looking to recruit 15 more peer educators who can help take the programme to many more young people across the city. Kerry Irvine, Project Worker Peer Education with YHN’s Young People’s Service, said: “Legal highs are a real problem in Newcastle. They’re cheap, readily available and we know that some people are finding increasingly inventive ways to sell them to young people. “We’re trying to educate as many young people as possible about the dangers of taking these substances, some of which are extremely similar
Megan is one of the peer educators involved in the programme. She has worked as a YHN peer educator for two years and is interested in a career in mental health work.
Another of the peer educators who is helping to develop the programme is Scott. He said: “I think this kind of information has more impact coming from people like me because I can talk about my personal experiences. I know where those who are considering taking legal highs are coming from but I can also tell them about the negative effects.” Scott is encouraging other young people to consider becoming peer educators, saying: “It’s definitely worth trying something new and this can really help to build confidence. It’s also good for increasing employability skills and now I’m working towards becoming a teacher so it’s all great experience for me.”
Anyone interested in becoming a peer educator should contact Kerry Irvine at kerry.irvine@yhn.org.uk or by calling 0191 277 1146. page 8
Stop your dog going walkies If you’re a dog owner, you may not know that the law is changing in April 2016 and all dog owners must have their dog microchipped to allow them to be traced and help prevent thefts. But don’t worry, the procedure for microchipping is straightforward and will not cause any distress to your pet. We have teamed up with The Dogs Trust to offer free microchipping and health checks for dogs. We will be holding a series of events from February which will promote all aspects of responsible dog ownership, including picking up after your dog. Each owner will also receive advice on neutering and The Dogs Trust may be able to provide you with support for the cost, depending on your eligibility. The first event will be held at Blakelaw Neighbourhood Centre, Binswood Avenue, Blakelaw, NE5 3PN on Wednesday 17 February 2016, from 11am to 3pm. Further events will be held in other parts of the city throughout 2016. To register your interest e-mail getinvolved@yhn.org.uk, text ‘microchip’ to 07815 784 037 or call 0191 278 8600. You can also get information form our Facebook and Twitter pages.
Lightening the load Last month Newcastle City Council Customer Service Centres stopped taking cash payments for rent, Council Tax and other bills. It’s part of a bigger initiative to make more services digital as we know that’s how more and more people are accessing things like banking, shopping and bill payments. It might be a bit of a change for you at first, but it does mean you won’t have to leave the house with a bag full of cash and the worry that can bring with it. Instead, we now offer a number of easier, safer, faster ways for you to pay your rent and other bills that don’t involve you braving the chilly North East weather! You can pay: • By Direct Debit – for rent call 0191 278 7749 or for Council Tax call 0191 278 7878 and ask for “council tax” • Online via the Newcastle City Council website at www.newcastle.gov.uk and click on “pay” • By telephone – call 0191 278 7878 and ask for ‘Payments’. • Via the YHN app which you can download from your app store. Just search “YHN” If you do still want to pay in cash you can do this at any local PayPoint outlet. There are lots of them right across the city – usually in places like newsagents or Post Offices so you’re never far from an outlet. Visit https:// paypoint.com/en-gb and enter your postcode to find your nearest PayPoint.
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Aged 16 – 24? Looking for work? We offer a range of apprenticeships which are a great way for you to get work experience and to gain an NVQ Level 2 as well as other qualifications, while at the same time earning decent money.
We’re currently recruiting for year-long apprenticeships in the following areas: • Business • ICT and digital • Finance • Warehousing • Gardening We’re more interested in your enthusiasm and desire to become a valued member of our team than your previous work experience. We understand that the world of work may be a bit new to some of our apprentices so we offer a really supportive environment. This includes providing a line manager and a mentor, who can help with any questions or needs you might have during your apprenticeship, as well as a regular “Job Club” and help with applications and interview preparation. Over 80% of our apprentices go on to get permanent employment and begin their career, so the programme works. We also offer lots of different experiences that you might not get from an apprenticeship elsewhere, for example, this year a group of
our apprentices took on a new challenge by working with an older people’s resident group at Wyndley House in Kenton to create a film. The apprentices, who were working in a range of roles across YHN, familiarised themselves with recording and editing equipment, interviewed residents on screen, organised a trip for them to the cinema and held a premiere event to show the residents the film. This all adds to the variety of skills the apprentices can list on their CVs and should improve their chances of finding permanent employment. One of the apprentices who worked on the film is Chloe Price, she is now working full time for Newcastle Furniture Service. Chloe said: “I really enjoyed meeting new people within the apprentice group and also getting involved in teamwork activities that you wouldn’t have a chance to do at any other apprentice job. “I’m now a Personal Assistant for the head of Business Services at Newcastle Furniture Service. My two mentors and manager did practice interviews with me every so often, so that when I received an interview I would be ready.”
If you would like more information please contact us on 0191 277 3667. You can also find full details of how to apply at www.yhn.org.uk The closing date for applications is Monday 8 February 2016.
£25 prize wordsearch This edition we have done something a little different with the wordsearch. You must complete the puzzle which contains words related to the articles in the newsletter. But – one of the words is missing. To enter the competition all you need to do is identify which word is NOT in the wordsearch then text or email us your answer. Good luck!
E J S N E D O O H R U O B H G I E N
S C D E I R E M I W A L I I N G P A
R N I N M T S L E T S T A L K S M R
E H G V P U N N C T U C E A P L X F
W E I L R T C L O L T S H E H H L B
O V T T O E I O I I T R E E O O L M
P S A M V I S P V I T R Q U A P F B
E T L E E A S E U C E S S A I L I N
H E S I M N I G C D I I E H M T T I
T S C H E M E S U I N T S G I T N H
T L X Y N T E C A G V R A N G Y E D
O P O S T L A S B N E D F X H U S I
G D L W S T R E N N C H A N G E S W
E H A I I R N I T N T E A Y D L T P
V I A O S E G R V C M P T S E I E N
U E N I F Y A T I B P L B S M N L Y
O U L I H P M A H E L O A S G W O S
Y E T G F U R N I T U R E P M I I M
Active Digital Fitness Furniture Health Housing Benefit Improvement Let’s Talk Money Advice Service Neighbourhood NPS Peer Education Partnership Rent Changes Schemes Service Suggestions YHN App You’ve Got The Power
Congratulations goes to Nancy Amadasun from Benwell who won the last wordsearch competition. Send the missing word along with your name and address to:
Email: communicationsteam@yhn.org.uk Text: 07815 784 037 by Friday 26 February 2016. Please note: competitions are only open to tenants and leaseholders with no rent arrears.
✁
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Training & events 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: • Call 0191 277 3667 and tell us your email address • Email employabilityteam@yhn.org.uk • Text your name and email address to 07814 753 088
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The group meets 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. To register your interest in our Readers’ Panel: • Call 0191 278 8600 • Email getinvolved@yhn.org.uk • Text ‘reader’, your name and address to 07815 784 037
Jobs and training fair We are holding a Jobs Fair for our tenants on Thursday 4 February in the Moncur Suite at St James Park. The fair is from 10am until 1pm and you can drop in anytime. We will have stalls from over 30 local businesses where you’ll be able to find out about their current vacancies as well as training courses and advice and support to help you find longer term employment. It’s an event not to be missed! To guarantee your goodie bag you must contact us by: • Call 0191 278 8600 • Email: getinvolved@yhn.org.uk • Text ‘job fair’ and your name to 07815 784 037
Retail and hospitality course Are you interested in a job in retail or hospitality? If you are we can help. We’re working in partnership with Gateshead College to deliver an exciting course which could help you find jobs in retail or hospitality at INTU Eldon Square and Metro Centre. Follow us on Facebook. Search Your Homes Newcastle
To register you can: • Call 0191 277 3667 and tell us your email address • Email employabilityteam@yhn.org.uk • Text your name and email address to 07815 784 037 Follow us on Twitter: @NewsfromYHN