Homes & People July August 2013

3 star excellent services

homes & people Bringing you all the news that matters to you

July/August 2013

In this issue Universal Credit update See page 4

Getting back into work with Your Homes Your Jobs See page 6

Report a repair using your smartphone See page 12 you’ve got the

power

More bedrooms than you need? Try a mutual exchange home swap See page 5

Building communities through positive change e

Voting guide insid

Community Housing Offices Benwell and Scotswood

0191 277 1484

North Kenton

0191 277 4360

Blakelaw

0191 277 1000

Shieldfield

0191 278 1566

Byker

0191 278 1555

St Anthony’s

0191 278 1600

Cruddas Park

0191 277 1066

Walker

0191 278 8455

Gosforth

0191 277 1166

Westgate

0191 277 1300

Newbiggin Hall

0191 277 4360

West Denton

0191 277 7940

Leasehold

0191 278 7725

Other numbers Adaptations

0191 278 3842

0191 278 8633 †dvb K‡i Avcwb GKwU wjwLZ Abyev‡`i Rb¨ ej‡Z cv‡ib| Community Care Alarm Service 0191 278 8699dvwb©Pvi Newcastle GB Z_¨ nj BDi †nvg wbDK¨vmjKvDw݇ji mvwf©m mg‡Ü hvivFurniture †Ubv›U‡`i Ni evox mvRv‡Z mvnv‡h¨i Rb¨ ewcastle Furniture Service (NFS) 278 1888 dvwb©Pvi mieivn K‡i| GB Z_¨ hw` <evsjvq> A_ev Ab¨ †Kvb fvlvq cÖ‡qvRb nq Zvn‡j GB bv¤^0191 v‡i †dvb Ki“bervice Envirocall 0191 274 4000 0191 278 8633 Repairs Centre Gas A_ev Ab¨ †Kvb fvlvq GB Z_¨ nj Avcbvi †i›U GKvD›U (fvovi wnmve wbKvm) m¤^‡Ü| GB Z_¨ hw`and <evsjvq> ent HASBET (Housing Anti-Social Servicing 0191 277 8888 cÖ‡qvRb nq Zvn‡j GB bv¤^v‡i †dvb Ki“b- 0191 278 8633

epairs

Behaviour Enforcement Team)

0191 278 8740

Housing Advice Centre

0191 277 1711

Your Choice Homes

0191 277 2020

GB Z_¨ nj Avcbvi Ni evox †givgZ Ki‡Z PvIqv m¤^‡Ü|GB Z_¨ hw` <evsjvq> A_ev Ab¨ †Kvb fvlvq cÖ‡qvRb nq

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Rent

Young People’s Service

0191 277 1190

这是有关您的租金账户的信息。如果您需要此信息的普通话版本或其它语言版本，请致电 0191 278 GB Z_¨ nj †Ubv›U‡`i KvDw݇ji Ni evox †Kbvi AwaKvi m¤^‡Ü| GB Z_¨ hw` <evsjvq> A_ev Ab¨ †Kvb fvlvq ight to Buy 8633 索取。 cÖ‡qvRb nq Zvn‡j GB bv¤^v‡i †dvb Ki“b- 0191 278 8633 Repairs 这是有关要求维修您的住房的信息。如果您需要此信息的普通话版本或其它语言版本，请致电 0191 Rent 這是關於您的租金賬戶的信息。如果您需要此信息的廣東話版本或其它語言版本，請致電 0191 278 GB Z_¨ njthe wbDKvm¨vj KvDw݇ji †Ubv›U wnmv‡e Avcbvi `vq and `vwqZ¡ m¤^‡Ü| GB Z_¨ hw`want <evsjvq> A_ev Ab¨ †Kvb enancy This is ‘Homestéléphoner & People’ newsletter for Newcastle council tenants leaseholders.

If you this information in 278 8633 索取。 au 0191 278 8633 pour obtenir une traduction écrite. fvlvq 索取。 cÖ‡qvRb nq Zvn‡j GB bv¤^v‡i †dvb Ki“b- 0191 278 8633 8633 we will arrange for an interpreter to help you on 0191 278 8633. This information is also available Right to Buy your own language 这是有关租客有权购买他们的市政房屋的信息。如果您需要此信息的普通话版本或其它语言版本，请致 GB Z_¨ nj Avgv‡`i †jwUs mvwf©m( fvov welqK) m¤^‡Ü| GB Z_¨ hw` <evsjvq> A_ev Ab¨ †Kvb fvlvq cÖ ‡qvRb nq CH Repairs 這是關於如何要求維修您住房的信息。如果您需要此信息的廣東話版本或其它語言版本，請致電 0191 电 0191 278 8633and 索取。 in easy read, large print, Braille audio tape. We can also arrange for you to see a British Sign Language interpreter.

Zvn‡j GB 索取。 bv¤^v‡i †dvb Ki“b- 0191 278 8633 278 8633 Tenancy 这是有关您作为纽卡斯尔市政租客所需要承担的责任的信息。如果您需要此信息的普通话版本或其它语 Newcastle Furniture informations concernent le service « mobilier de Your Homes qui fournit du mobilier GB Z_¨ nj BDi †nvgm wbDK¨vmj mg‡Ü| Ges Avgiv » wKfv‡e `vwqZ¡ cvjb Newcastle, KiwQ †m mg‡Ü| BDi †nvgm wbDK¨vmj, HN + Ces Rightgeneral/Homes to Buy 這是關於租客有權購買他們的市政房屋的信息。如果您需要此信息的廣東話版本或其它語言版本，請致 言版本，请致电 0191 8633 索取。 dans leur logement. Si vous avez besoin de ces service aux locataires pour les278 aider àKvDw݇ji s’installer wbDK¨vmj wmwU KvDw݇ji c‡¶ Ni evox e¨e¯’ v cbvi `vwqZ¡ c Ö v ß| GB Z_¨ hw` <evsjvq> A_ev Ab¨ †Kvb eople 電 0191 278 en 8633 索取。ou dans une autre langue, téléphonez au : 0191 278 8633.

YCH 这是有关我们的出租服务的信息。如果您需要此信息的普通话版本或其它语言版本，请致电 0191 278 informations fvlvq cÖ‡qvRb nqfrançais Zvn‡j GB bv¤^v‡i †dvb Ki“b- 0191 278 8633 8633 索取。 Tenancy 這是關於您作為紐卡素市政府租客所需要承擔的責任的信息。如果您需要此信息的廣東話版本或其它語 Rent Ces informations concernent votre loyer. Si vous avez besoin de ces informations en français ou YHN general / Homes + 这是有关代表纽卡斯尔市政府（Newcastle City Your Homes Newcastle 言版本，請致電 0191 278 8633 索取。 dans une autre langue, téléphonez au : 0191 278Council）负责管理市政房屋的 8633.

People （您的纽卡斯尔住房）组织的信息，内容解释了我们是如何运作。如果您需要此信息的普通话版本或其 Repairs Ces informations concernent les demandes de travaux pour votre logement. Si vous avez 0191 besoin de YCH 這是關於我們的出租服務的信息。如果您需要此信息的廣東話版本或其它語言版本，請致電 278 它语言版本，请致电 0191 278 ces informations en français ou 8633 dans 索取。 une autre langue, téléphonez au : 0191 278 8633.

Right to Buy / Homes + YHN general People Tenancy

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8633 索取。 Ces informations concernent les droits des locataires relatifs à l’acquisition de leur logement social. 這是關於 Your Homes Newcastle（您的紐卡素住房）機構的信息，內容解釋了我們代表紐卡素市政府 Si vous avez besoin de ces informations en français ou dans une autre langue, téléphonez au : （Newcastle City Council）負責管理市政房屋以及如何運作。如果您需要此信息的廣東話版本或其它 0191 278 8633. 語言版本，請致電 0191 278 8633 索取。 @ói@óäb @NóäbmóØòìíäb‚@ñòìó䆋ÙØbš@üi@ðîŒaí‚a†@ðmóïäüš@ói@pòŠbió@óäbîŠbïäaŒ@ãó÷ Ces îŠbïäaŒ@ãó÷@m‹ Šòì@óÜ@çbmŒóyŠó ó÷ informations concernent vos responsabilités en tant que locataire de la municipalité de Nç‹i@ñ‡äòí—q@ 0191 278 8633 @ðäüÑïÝm@òŠbàˆ@ói@óîóè@óÙî†@ðÙ—äbàŒ@Šóè@bî@ñ†ŠíØ@ðäbàŒ Si vous de‫آن‬ ces informations en‫در‬français dans une‫درﺑﺎره‬ autre‫اﻃﻼﻋﺎت‬ langue, ،Newcastle. ‫ﺷﻬﺮدارى ﻧﻴﻮﻛﺎﺳﻞ‬ ‫از ﺳﻮى‬avez ‫ﺳﺎزﻣﺎن‬besoin ‫ اﻳﻦ‬.‫اﺳﺖ‬ ‫ﻋﻤﻠﻜﺮد‬ ‫ﻧﯿﻮﮐﺎﺳﻞ« و‬ ‫ﻫﺎى ﺷﻤﺎ‬ou ‫ﺧﺎﻧﻪ‬ » ‫ﺳﺎزﻣﺎن‬ ‫اﻳﻦ‬ téléphonez au :‫ﻫﺎى‬ 0191 278 8633. @ói@óäbîŠbïäaŒ@ãó÷@m‹ Šòì@óÜ@çbmŒóyŠó ó÷ @NòŠb’@ñaŠü’@ðäbØòìíäb‚@î ‹Ø@üi@çbåï“å–‹Ø@Àbà@ói@pòŠbió@óäbîŠbïäaŒ@ãó÷ ‫ﺗﻠﻔﻦ‬ ‫ﺷﻤﺎره‬ ‫ﺑﺎ‬ ‫دﻳﮕﺮ‬ ‫زﺑﺎن‬ ‫ﻳﺎ‬ ‫ﻓﺎرﺳﻰ‬ ‫زﺑﺎن‬ ‫ﺑﻪ‬ ‫اﻃﻼﻋﺎت‬ ‫اﻳﻦ‬ ‫ﺑﻪ‬ ‫ﻧﻴﺎز‬ ‫ﺻﻮرت‬ ‫در‬ .‫دارد‬ ‫ﻋﻬﺪه‬ ‫ﺑﻪ‬ ‫را‬ ‫دوﻟﺘﻰ‬ ‫ﻫﺎى‬ ‫ﺧﺎﻧﻪ‬ ‫اداره‬ ‫ﻣﺴﺌﻮﻟﻴﺖ‬ <português> ou noutra língua, queira ligar para o 0191 278 8633.

Ces informations concernent notre service location. @óîóè@óÙî†@ðÙ—äbàŒ@Šóè@bî@ñ†ŠíØ@ðäbàŒ Si vous avez besoin de ces informations en Nç‹i@ñ‡äòí—q@ 278 8633de .‫ﺑﮕﻴﺮﻳﺪ‬ ‫ﺗﻤﺎس‬ ٠١٩١٢٧٨٨۶٣٣ Esta informação refere-se à sua0191 renda.

Se @ðäüÑïÝm@òŠbàˆ@ói precisar desta informação em <português> ou noutra français ou dans une autre langue, téléphonez au : 0191 278 8633. @m‹ Šòì@óÜ@çbmŒóyŠó ó÷ @N óîa‡Ý—bØüïä@óÜ@Šb’@ñaŠü’@ðÙ—åï“å–‹Ø@íØòì@òí—÷@ðäbØóïmóîb‹qŠói@ói@pòŠbió@óäbîŠbïäaŒ@ãó÷ língua, queira ligar para o 0191 278 8633.

Ces informations concernent Your Homes Newcastleem : qui chargé gérer les logements sociaux Esta informação refere-se ao8633 pedido de reparações suaest casa.

Se de precisar desta informação em Nç‹i@ñ‡äòí— q@0191 278 @ðäüÑïÝm@òŠbàˆ@ói@óîóè@óÙî†@ðÙ—äbàŒ@Šóè@bî@ñ†ŠíØ@ðäbàŒ@ói@óäbîŠbïäaŒ@ãó÷ au nom de la municipalité de Newcastle et comment nous procédons.

Si vous avez besoin de ces <português> ou noutra língua, queira ligar para o 0191 278 8633. @Šóè@ bî@ ñ†ŠíØ@ ðäbàŒ@ ói@ óäbîŠbïäaŒ@ ãó÷@ m‹ Šòì@ óÜ@ çbmŒóyŠó ó÷ @ Nóîóá—÷@ ð–‹Ø@ ðäbØómóà‚@ ói@ pòŠbió@ óäbîŠbïäaŒ@ ãó÷ Esta informação refere-se direito os langue, inquilinos têm de comprar a sua social. Se informations en français ouao dans uneque autre téléphonez au : 0191 278habitação 8633.

Nç‹i@ñ‡äòí—q@ 278 8633@ðäüÑïÝm@òŠbàˆ@ói@óîóè@óÙî†@ðÙ—äbàŒ precisar desta informação em <português> ou0191 noutra língua, queira ligar para o 0191 278 8633. @òìóÝ—bØüïä@ñŠb’@ñaŠü’@çóîý@óÜ@óØ@óîóØó䆋؊bØ@ðmóïäüš@ì@ Your Homes Newcastle @ói@pòŠbió@óäbîŠbïäaŒ@ãó÷ Esta informação refere-se às suas responsabilidades como inquilino social em Newcastle. Se precisar desta informação em <português> ou noutra língua, queira ligar para o 0191 278 8633. @ðäbàŒ@ói@óäbîŠbïäaŒ@ãó÷@m‹ Šòì@óÜ@çbmŒóyŠó ó÷ @NpbÙi@ðmóîaŠóiòí–Šói@Šb’@ñaŠü’@ðäbØòìíäb‚@óØ@òìaŠ‡—q@ñòìó÷@ðØŠó÷ idioma, llame al 0191 278 8633.

Esta informação refere-se ao serviço0191 de arrendamento.

Se precisar desta informação em Nç‹ i@ñ‡äòí—q@ 278 8633@ðäüÑïÝm@òŠbàˆ@ói@óîóè@óÙî†@ðÙ—äbàŒ@Šóè@bî@ñ†ŠíØ Ésta es información sobre cómo pedir quepara se realicen reparaciones en su casa. Si necesita esta <português> ou noutra língua, queira ligar o 0191 278 8633.

Esta informação refere-se a organização información en español oà enYour otroHomes idioma,Newcastle, llame al 0191 278 8633. responsável pela gestão da habitação social em nome e a anossa situação actual. municipal.

Se precisar Ésta es información sobredo losMunicípio derechosde deNewcastle, los inquilinos comprar su vivienda Sidesta necesita informação em <português> noutra para278 o 0191 278 8633. esta información en españolou o en otro língua, idioma,queira llame ligar al 0191 8633.

Ésta es información sobre sus responsabilidades como inquilino municipal de Newcastle. Si necesita esta información en español o en otro idioma, llame al 0191 278 8633. Ésta es información sobre nuestro servicio de adjudicación. Si necesita esta información en español o en otro idioma, llame al 0191 278 8633. Ésta es información sobre Your Homes de Newcastle, que es la responsable de gestionar las viviendas municipales en nombre del Ayuntamiento de Newcastle, y sobre nuestra manera de hacerlo. Si necesita esta información en español o en otro idioma, llame al 0191 278 8633.

Your Homes Newcastle Limited. Registered in England and Wales. Registration number 5076256.

Registered office: Newcastle Civic Centre, Barras Bridge, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 8PR. A company controlled by Newcastle City Council.

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Designed by: barkingdog design and layout. Printed by: Mosaic Print Management Plc

Contents Page 3

• Working hard to improve your services

Page 4

• Universal Credit • Changes to the Social Fund

Page 5

• More bedrooms than you need? Avoid the bedroom tax with mutual exchange

Page 6

• It pays to work!

Page 8

• Gardening apprenticeship taster course

Page 9

• Age 16 or 17? Take control of your future with N-Gaged • Struggling to find a job that suits you?

Page 10

• YHN and NUFC unite for employment

Page 11

• Credit where it’s due • Would you like to work in catering or hospitality?

Page 12

• Report a repair at the touch of a button • Customer Promises

Page 13

• Be a happy greener gardener • Looking after where you live is everyone’s responsibility

Page 14

• Great gardens!

Page 15

• £25 prize wordsearch

Page 16

• Free training courses

Listen to this issue online: www.yhn.org.uk/home/listen_online.aspx GUEST JUDG

ES

Working hard to improve your services The government’s changes to benefits aren’t just changing things for many of our customers - they demand that YHN changes as well. We need to develop our housing management and related services so that they can continue to support customers during challenging times.

Earlier this year we started a review of the services that are directly affected by the changes, which include tenancy and estate management, income collection and information, and advice and support. We think that the time is right to switch to a new approach in which customers receive a more specialised and expert service.

At the moment, your Housing Officer would deal with everything to do with your tenancy. This has worked well, but we could offer a more tailored service to suit your needs. So, for example, if you had any questions about your rent account, it would be easier for you if you could contact a team that specifically deals with rent. Similarly, if you needed to report anti-social behaviour (ASB), you would contact a team that solely looks after ASB. You might deal with more

than one Housing Officer, but you’ll receive a dedicated and knowledgeable service, regardless of where you live in the city.

We have a lot of work to do on our proposals, and will be speaking to customers within the next couple of months. We don’t expect the changes to take place until April 2014, but we’ll keep you fully informed.

I’ll have a further update in the November edition of Homes & People.

I’m keen to hear your views, so please get in touch if you have something to say - you can email communicationsteam@yhn.org.uk or call on 0191 278 8600.

Neil Scott Director of Tenancy Services

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Changes to the Social Fund Newcastle City Council has introduced two new schemes to replace the Social Fund: Supporting Independence Scheme (SIS) Replaces the Community Care Grant scheme. This can help if you are on a low income and need to resettle in the community after a stay in an institution, remain in the community rather than enter an institution, or set up home in the community, as part of a planned resettlement programme, following an unsettled way of life.

Crisis Support Scheme (CSS) Replaces the Crisis Loan Scheme. This can help if you have suffered a disaster or crisis and there is a risk to your (or a member of your household’s) personal health and safety. The CSS is a cashless grant and provides food, fuel for home heating, clothing and travel costs in emergency situations.

Find out more by requesting a copy of Newcastle City Council’s Replacement Social Fund leaflet.

Call the Active Inclusion unit on 0191 277 1707 or visit www.newcastle.gov.uk/sis

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Universal Credit From October 2013 a new single payment called Universal Credit will replace the following working age benefits: • Income Support • Income related Jobseeker’s Allowance • Income related Employment Support Allowance • Working Tax Credits • Child Tax Credits • Housing Benefit Only new claimants or those with a change in circumstances (such as a new job, new baby or moving house) will transfer to Universal Credit in October, but by 2017 the government expects all claimants to have transferred.

What do you need to know?

You will get paid monthly - in one lump sum, the way many people get their wages. The amount will include the housing element so you will need to prioritise your rent and make arrangements to pay this - it will not be paid direct to YHN. You will have to claim online - it’s a bit like online banking and telephone support will be available. Visit www.yhn.org.uk for a list of free internet access points and training courses.

You will need a bank account - for Universal Credit to be paid straight into each month. A bank account which allows Direct Debits is best as this is the easiest way to pay your rent and other bills. We are working with Barclays Bank to help tenants access basic bank accounts which allow this. Contact our Income team on 0191 278 7749.

Universal Credit claims will continue even if you get work - but the amount you receive will reduce as the amount you earn increases. You won’t have to make a new claim every time your circumstances change, but you will have to tell DWP online about your change in circumstances. This is so they can adjust the amount and should mean that you don’t have a break in claim where you don’t get any money.

For more information contact your Community Housing Office (contact details are on page 2) and ask to speak to an Advice and Support Worker.

More bedrooms than you need? Avoid the bedroom tax with mutual exchange

Tyne and Wear

Homes

A home swap system called mutual exchange is helping tenants whose incomes have been hit by the bedroom tax.

A mutual exchange is a home swap with another social housing tenant. It could be another home managed by YHN, or if you’re looking to move outside of Newcastle, it could be a home with one of our Tyne and Wear Homes partners. Mutual exchange can really help if you’re affected by the bedroom tax and need to downsize to a smaller property. We can match you with other tenants who need an extra room or two - so you could swap homes to meet both your needs.

It’s really easy to register your interest - simply tick a box on the property search page on the Tyne and Wear Homes website. Once you’re registered you can search through all the other homes on the site.

pain. The house was too big for me and I couldn’t get up and down the stairs as easily as I used to.

“Now I’m in my new one bedroom home I’m saving on gas and electricity too - the old house cost quite a bit to heat - and a one level property is ideal. I can walk straight in the front door and not be faced with the stairs.

“And I still get to see my friends and neighbours as it’s less than a mile away from my old home!”

Our Relocation team recently helped Isabella Taylor (right) to move. She was living in a three bed adapted home in St. Anthony’s and had two spare bedrooms. She was really struggling to find an extra £84 a month towards her rent.

Mrs Taylor said: “I was reluctant to move at first because I’d been in the house 16 years and I had really good neighbours.

“I finally decided to move for financial reasons as well as my health. I’m classed as disabled and taking medication for chronic back To find out more visit www.tyneandwearhomes.org.uk or call your Community Housing Office (see page 2 for details).

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It pays to work!

We’re hearing more and more positive stories of YHN customers getting back into work after taking part in our Your Homes Your Jobs scheme. Your Homes Your Jobs gives unemployed YHN customers paid work-based training for six months, and the chance to gain new skills, improve their CV and gain up to date work related references.

Christian and Kerry share their stories of how our Your Homes Your Jobs scheme helped them back into work.

Christian Herve, from Walker, had been looking for a job since 2008 before he applied for a Your Homes Your Jobs placement. Christian, 42, has now got a permanent, full time job with Newcastle University.

“My job search felt useless. I didn’t want to rely on benefits to get by and I felt depressed that I couldn’t get a job. I think the main thing stopping me was that I didn’t have a reference from a proper paid job, but it was a vicious circle - no one would give me a job without a reference.

“I heard about Your Homes Your Jobs and applied for a Community Environmental Assistant role. It was a great feeling when I found out I was successful, I felt extremely proud of myself. It was a fantastic feeling going to work in the morning and I felt like part of the team straightaway. I learnt lots of new skills including team working and customer service, and I went on training courses which helped build my confidence.

“Part way through my placement at YHN I saw a part time cleaning job advertised at Newcastle University which I applied for and was successful. I didn’t want to give up the job at YHN so I worked both jobs which was hard work but I really wanted to prove myself. It paid off and I was successful in getting a full time, permanent job with Newcastle University as a Buildings Facility Operative.

“I know if it wasn’t for the Your Homes Your Jobs Community Environmental Assistant job I wouldn’t have stood a chance of getting my full time job. Working has had such a positive effect on me, I used to struggle to get to sleep at night and now I drop straight off! My health has improved and I feel very very positive. I love my job and being independent, it has changed my life.”

page 6

Kerry Nicholson, from Newburn, turned her life around after completing a YHN training course.

Kerry, 32, used to work as a customer service manager, but after suffering a breakdown she lost her job and home.

She was determined to get back on her feet and back into work, so she attended training and volunteered with YHN’s partner, the Newcastle Eagles. Kerry completed a Your Homes Your Jobs placement assisting with the range of projects YHN and the Eagles work on together. She has just been offered a permanent contract as the Eagles’ Sales and Marketing Administrator.

Kerry said: “Five years ago I was in a dark place, I felt like I’d hit rock bottom. It was the worst stage of my life. With support I moved into a tenancy in Newburn, but I really wanted to get back to work.

“In 2011 I took part in YHN’s Enterprise Challenge, which helps people develop business and employability skills. We worked as a team to create and sell merchandise for the Eagles club shop. I really enjoyed taking part, so much so I started volunteering on match nights, working in the shop and the corporate lounge. I was bored of sitting about and wanted to get back into the work environment.

“In August 2012 I was excited to hear there was a Your Homes Your Jobs role available with the Eagles, but was incredibly nervous

about applying. I’m a people person, but this was an office job and I was worried I wouldn’t have the right experience. It was my first interview in five years and I wanted it so badly.

“I couldn’t believe it when I found out I’d got the job - I started crying! It meant so much to me. It took me a while to get used to things like spreadsheets and invoices but everyone was so helpful and supportive, I couldn’t have asked for a better bunch to work with.

“At the end of my placement I continued to volunteer and I was over the moon to be offered a permanent job with the Eagles. The job is brilliant, I’ve got a great relationship with everyone I work with, including the team who all give me a high five when they come into my office. My family have all seen a change in me. It’s great to have my independence and to earn a regular wage. I’m a lot happier with who I am, this is honestly the best thing I’ve ever done. I can’t thank everyone enough.”

We’ll be recruiting for Your Homes Your Jobs placements in administration, gardening and community environmental work soon. To register your interest call 0191 278 8723 or text ‘training’ to 0781 578 4037.

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Gardening apprenticeship taster course We’re working in partnership with Northumberland College to deliver a three day gardening apprenticeship taster course.

When? 5 - 7 August 2013 Where? Kirkley Hall (transport from central Newcastle will be provided) If you successfully complete the course you are guaranteed an interview for a one year gardening apprenticeship with YHN’s Garden Care Team. There are six apprenticeships available. As an apprentice you can earn as you learn - the apprentice wage is £96.20 per week - and study at college towards a Level 2 Diploma in Work-based Horticulture (Gardening).

The taster course will cover: • team building • health and safety awareness • border maintenance and an introduction to garden machinery

You’ll receive expenses to cover lunch each day.

Space on the course is limited and we expect demand to be high, so if you’re interested contact us today! Register your interest or request more information by contacting Jill Davie: • Phone - 0191 278 8723 • Text - ‘Gardening Apprentice’ with your name and address to 0781 578 4037 • E mail - getinvolved@yhn.org.uk The closing date is Wednesday 31 July. If we are oversubscribed we reserve the right to close the booking process sooner. These roles are only available to people who live in a YHN managed home and are aged between 16 and 25.

• help to complete the apprenticeship job application form and support to prepare for interview.

Isan: “I love the job and it’s great to be studying” Isan Nichol, 20, is an apprentice with YHN’s Garden Care Team. Isan, from Elswick, said: “I really enjoy working in the gardening service, I love the job and it’s great to be studying for a Diploma as well. I know loads of people on the estates I work on, loads of them are pals of mine, and they’re all really interested in what I’m doing. I think if they see me making a go of it they know they can too. It’s great we’re all making something of ourselves and earning money.”

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Age 16 or 17? Take control of your future with N-Gaged Are you aged 16 or 17 and not currently in education, employment or training? Or, do you know someone living in Newcastle who is?

If so, what could you do next? How about the Newcastle N-Gaged project?

N-Gaged is run by organisations including YHN’s partner, Newcastle Futures. It helps support unemployed 16 and 17 year olds living in Newcastle into work, training or education.

N-Gaged isn’t formal training or anything like school.

You’ll work with a mentor and meet up as and when you need to. Your mentor will help you get where you want to be - whether that’s in work, training or an apprenticeship.

Your N-Gaged mentor will help arrange work experience placements for you, help you gain qualifications that you feel you might need to progress, and help you to improve your Maths and English (if that is something you’d like to do).

Each time you meet your mentor you’ll receive £5.

Anthony Rutherford, from Newbiggin Hall, signed up to N-Gaged and completed a work placement with Warmseal Windows Ltd. Anthony (right) said: “The N-Gaged project has been a great experience and has given me a useful insight in to the world of work.

I’m now much more confident in applying for jobs and taking control of my future”.

This is a brilliant opportunity to take control of your future and get the job you want. To find out more please contact Jill Davie on: • Phone - 0191 278 8723 • Text - ‘N-Gaged’ with your name and address to 0781 578 4037 • E mail - getinvolved@yhn.org.uk Whatever you feel is holding you back from finding a job, apprenticeship or training, N-Gaged can help.

Struggling to find a job that suits you?

It can be scary when you start looking for a job, but help is out there. The National Careers Service can give you lots of support and advice, whether you’re out of work or looking for a change in career.

Come along to a free taster session to help you: • write a CV that stands out from the crowd • understand what skills you can offer an employer • identify jobs that suit you and help you get them • improve your confidence, motivation and communication skills.

The half-day session will be held in the City Centre.

Refreshments and travel expenses will be provided.

Dates will be confirmed when you book a place.

After the session you can make a free one-to-one follow up appointment with a Careers Adviser, at a time and date that suits you. This appointment will support you on the next step of your journey.

This session is a great way to find out how the National Careers Service can help you find a job that suits you. Register your interest by contacting Jill Davie: • Phone - 0191 278 8723 • Text - ‘Careers’ with your name and address to 0781 578 4037 • E mail - getinvolved@yhn.org.uk

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YHN and NUFC unite for employment We’re working with the Newcastle United Foundation to help unemployed tenants increase their skills and chances of finding a job.

United for Employment is an exciting ten week course (three days each week) held at St James’ Park, home of Newcastle United FC. As part of the course you’ll complete a work placement with one of Newcastle United’s partners or sponsors, gain qualifications and develop confidence and the skills needed to get a job.

You’ll get the chance to meet a player or two, get a tour of the stadium and be given your own NUFC training kit to wear for the duration of the course. You’ll really be made to feel part of the club!

There’ll be a taster day at St James’ Park so that you can find out more and meet the course leader before you commit to the full programme.

This amazing course is free of charge and available to YHN customers of any age. The course will be very popular and places are limited, so register your interest today: • phone: 0191 278 8723 • text: ‘Training United’ or 0781 475 3088 • email: getinvolved@yhn.org.uk

Brian: “Signing up for the course is the best thing I’ve done” Brian Redshaw, 51, completed the United for Employment course in December 2012 and is now working for YHN as a Community Environmental Assistant. Brian, from Westgate, had been out of work for 23 years before starting the course.

“When I saw a leaflet for the United for Employment course I thought it sounded excellent, it was really geared up to helping you get a job. I hadn’t worked for such a long time for lots of reasons, but I told myself I had nothing to lose. I must admit to being terrified on the first day, I wasn’t used to meeting new people, but the people who ran the course were fantastic, so friendly and supportive. I thoroughly enjoyed the 10 weeks and saw a big change in myself.

“After the course had finished I felt in a much better position to start applying for jobs. I’d got my confidence back. A job came up with YHN as a Community Environmental Assistant so I applied and was successful, it was a great feeling! I really enjoy the job, I love meeting tenants and feeling like I’m making a difference.

“I’m proud of myself; I’ve proved I can still do it.

I’ve got my self-respect back and I’m also feeling healthier as I’m riding my bike to work and have lost some weight. If you’re thinking about signing up to this course I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend it - it’s the best thing I’ve done.”

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Credit where it’s due Would you like to start saving for a holiday, Christmas or a special occasion?

Joining a credit union is a great way to save, and they also offer affordable loans.

Credit unions are small non-profit financial organisations set up by members with something in common (like living in the same town or working in the same industry) to benefit their community. They are owned and controlled by their members, so they have no outside shareholders to pay. Instead of earning interest on your savings you receive a share of the credit union’s annual profits.

Would you like to work in catering or hospitality?

Moneywise is Newcastle’s local credit union. It’s free to join and is a good way to save if you can only afford to put a small amount of money away each week. You can save as little as £1 per week, and you can withdraw your money at any time. Saving with Moneywise is safe and secure, and some employers will let you pay into your savings directly out of your wages.

You can also borrow money at a much lower interest rate than doorstep lenders or pay day loans, with no hidden fees or charges.

YHN recently worked with Moneywise and the Illegal Money Lending Team to teach pupils at Atkinson Road Primary Academy in Benwell the dangers of loan sharks and encourage them to start up a savings account. The children were given the chance to earn savings for their account by entering a competition to design a savings book. The winner was Carl Sadler, whose design warned “never go into the sea with money”- good advice when it comes to avoiding loan sharks at all costs.

Atkinson Road Primary Academy pupils with YHN’s Donna Gallagher and Sharkey the loan shark.

Sign up to our free food hygiene course and you’ll learn the basics surrounding food hygiene and food safety - essential for anyone who wants to work in the food, catering or hospitality business! This course will look great on your CV when applying for jobs so contact us for more information: • phone: 0191 278 8723

For more information about Moneywise and how you could start saving with a credit union visit www.moneywise.org.uk or call 0191 276 7963.

• text: ‘Food’ with your name and address to 0781 578 4037 • email: getinvolved@ yhn.org.uk

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Report a repair at the touch of a button!

You can now report repairs at the touch of a button with our FREE smartphone app - just search ‘My Landlord’ on your app store and download for free!

Here’s how…

1. Go to the App store or Google Play on your Smartphone 2. Search for ‘My Landlord’ 3. Install free app 4. Select ‘Your Homes Newcastle’ from the list The app lets you report a repair at any time, and you can upload photographs showing what the problem is. You can also tell us when the best time is to come out and investigate.

We hope this makes reporting smaller repairs easier and more convenient for customers. Emergency repairs, such as gas leaks or burst pipes, should still be reported to the Repairs Centre by calling 0191 277 8888.

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Customer Promises Since September 2012 the Customer Involvement team has been working with customers to develop a set of ‘Customer Promises’. These will replace our existing Service Standards.

We spoke to staff and customers about our current Service Standards and several issues were raised: • there are too many standards • external standards don’t mean much to customers • they are too dry and are not positive enough about the work that YHN is doing So we decided to replace our Service Standards with Customer Promises. We wanted our promises to be positive, to be easy to understand and to reflect what matters most to customers. Over 100 customers told us what they most valued about the services they received, and this feedback, with help from service managers, was then developed into a set of Customer Promises.

We’ve grouped the promises into themes to match the journey of a YHN customer, so they cover things like getting your home, maintaining your home, and living in a YHN neighbourhood.

There are also some Customer Promises that relate to parts of the customer journey. These are things like receiving good customer service and being treated fairly.

Our Customer Promises include: • “We promise to explain the different housing options and help you decide on the best one for you” • “We promise to work with residents to create clean and safe estates” • “We promise to provide a range of ways to pay your rent and we will help you decide which method is best for you” You can read the full list of our promises to you on our website, visit www.yhn.org.uk and search for ‘Customer Promises’.

Be a happy, greener gardener You can have your garden waste collected from your home for a whole year for just £20. Why not sign up in time for the summer and take the hassle out of gardening?

Newcastle City Council will collect your garden waste from your home, which means you don’t have to take your garden waste to a Household Waste Recycling Centre.

So it’s kind to the environment too which means you’ll be playing your part in looking after our city, now and in the future.

The garden waste that is collected is taken to a compost facility in Walbottle, where it is shredded and made into a high grade soil conditioner. This is then used across the city by local people, businesses and farmers.

The easiest way to sign up and pay is by calling 0191 278 7878 (ask for garden waste) and setting up a Direct Debit. For other ways to pay and more information visit www.newcastle.gov.uk/gardenwaste.

“Looking after where you live is everyone’s responsibility”

Going for

gold

If you’d like to help make our neighbourhoods better places to live, why not volunteer as a customer estate inspector?

Customer estate inspectors look at the appearance of estates across the city. Teams look for graffiti, fly tipping and litter, and report any issues such as overgrown grassed areas, weeds, and dog fouling. At the end of each inspection, inspectors award the estate a bronze, silver or gold medal and suggest what needs to be changed so the appearance of estates can improve. They also look for possible investment opportunities in the different areas they visit.

Bob Charlton, from Elswick, is one of our estate inspectors. He said: “I’ve been volunteering as an estate inspector for over a year now and really enjoy it. It’s good to feel like I’m actually doing something to improve the living conditions on estates across Newcastle.

“I think looking after where you live is everyone’s responsibility, and being an

estate inspector is a great way to get your voice heard and make YHN aware of any issues. Things like back lanes - they’ve become a dumping ground in some areas. I used to play football in the back lane when I was a kid, you can’t do that now. It’s good to be able to draw attention to things like this and see an improvement.”

Get involved!

If you’d like to help improve your estates, come along to a taster session to find out more. You’ll receive a contribution towards your travel expenses, and we’ll also provide lunch on the day.

To find out more, please contact Jill Davie by: • Phone - 0191 278 8723 • Text - ‘Estates’ with your name and address to 0781 578 4037 • Email - getinvolved@yhn.org.uk

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GUEST JUDGES

£25 prize wordsearch Complete the wordsearch to win a £25 Eldon Square voucher to spend on whatever you fancy!

E M P L O H O T E L I T Y A L W C S

N T P E E G N I G I L Y H T L A W H

E N E N S T P E W N K S H K R A I Y

R H T F A U N E C T I C I A H L M S

G E S L E T B L M I A M O L H N B E

Y V S U N S H I N E T L M W O O L L

F S E U D E Z E B I E S Q I F W E R

O R N G M A N K U A E S G A W V D U

G E I I N M A E M I I N O R A S O O

N T P E B E E N R A I T U R L T N C

I L P Y C T N R E S O R T N K A S G

H P A O T Y E A A N K K F X I I O N

T D H W G B C N L N E R E W N M R W

A N A H W R A L W P T E A T G L A N

B I Y A D I L O H C O Q T P R R E I

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

U T L L H C A L C U L A E T O N S R

S A N D C A S T L E S H H A M I G T

Aeroplane Beach Fete Happiness Holiday Hotel Parks Resort Sandcastles Strawberries Summer Sunbathing Sunshine Swimming Travel Walking Warmth

✁

Wimbledon

Name: Address:

Postcode:

Daytime telephone number:

Send your completed puzzle along with your name, address and a daytime telephone number to: Homes & People competition, Communications team, Your Homes Newcastle, YHN House, Benton Park Road, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE7 7LX by 26 September 2013.

Please note: competitions are only open to tenants and leaseholders with no rent arrears.

Ms Enid Lyon of West Denton was the lucky winner of last issue’s wordsearch competition. Ms Lyon wins a £25 Eldon Square voucher – congratulations! page 15

Free training courses Introduction to compu ters and the internet This one day course w ill build your confidence and give you the basic skills to use a computer or the internet.

• Basic introduction to computers • Typing letters • A guide to using Un iversal Job Match • Setting up e mail ac counts • Basic skills to use th e internet Applicants must be ov er the age of 16

y of Food Jamie Oliver ’s Ministr

from scratch Learn to cook recipes mportant and develop the all-i to follow cookery skills needed practically any recipe. ill last 90 This one-off course w e for absolutely minutes and is suitabl the class you’ll anyone. At the end of have cooked a meal for two that you can take home and enjoy.

Every penny counts Office Admin

skills with this 5 week in m ad ce fi of ur yo e Improv course will cover: part time course! The osoft applications • IT training and Micr t an office environmen in k or w to e lik s it’ t • Wha one duties • Reception and teleph in r include NCFE Level 1 Qualifications on offe l 1 in IT (IT users), and ve Le l ce ex Ed s, ill Sk ty Employabili cate. ork Awareness Certifi Health and Safety at W tee you this course will guaran g in et pl m co lly sfu es Succ ith YHN. onth paid admin job w m 6 a r fo w ie rv te in an in receipt of benefits. d an 19 er ov be t us m Applicants

Find out how to manage your money make it last longer and make the most of what you’ve got! We’ll look at: • your weekly shopping • feeding a family on a tight budget • reducing your bills • the best ways to save money • how to manage debt Applicants must be over 16

Want to book a place or find out more?

If you’re interested in doing any of these courses please contact Jill Davie by: • Phone - 0191 278 8723 • Text - ‘Training’ with your name and address to 0781 578 4037 • E mail - jill.davie@yhn.org.uk Training courses are open to all Newcastle City Council tenants and leaseholders. YHN can offer a range of support to help you attend our courses like signers and interpreters. If you feel you need any additional support, please just ask.

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