As we step into a brand-new year, we’d like to send our warmest wishes to all Housing 21 residents. We hope 2026 brings you happiness, good health, and plenty of moments to enjoy.

The start of a new year can be a gentle nudge to try something different. You might choose to take up a hobby, reconnect with friends, learn a new skill, or simply make more time for the things that bring you joy. Whatever your hopes are for the year ahead, we hope you find something that inspires you.

As always, our commitment remains the same: to provide safe, comfortable homes where you can feel confident and supported. Thank you for the part you play in making our communities such welcoming and caring places to live.

From all of us at Housing 21, we wish you and your loved ones a happy, healthy, and hopeful New Year.

There’s plenty worth catching up on in our latest Let’s Talk Extra Care video update.

Director of Extra Care, Jamie Lindon-Lewis, is joined by colleagues from the Extra Care team to share helpful updates and news from across our services.

The latest edition includes:

• Service Charge meetings: what to expect and how these meetings help keep everyone informed.
• Winter safety: practical reminders to help you stay warm and well during the colder months.
• Quarterly Performance Report: an overview of how our services are performing and where we are focusing our efforts.
• Awaab’s Law: an important update on the new requirements for landlords to respond quickly to damp and mould concerns.
• Resident Satisfaction Survey: what you told us and how we are responding.
• Resident Engagement Groups: opportunities for you to get involved and have your say.

If you have any questions or feedback, contact us.

Residents at Throstle Court in Oldham have stepped into the spotlight this year, transforming themselves into famous music icons to raise money for a cause close to their hearts.

The Retirement Living scheme has created a charity calendar in aid of Andy’s Man Club, a national organisation supporting men’s mental health. With help from a local photographer and make-up artist who kindly donated their time, residents dressed as stars such as Madonna, The Spice Girls, Freddie Mercury, Dolly Parton and Elton John.

The result is a vibrant, high-quality calendar that has already proved a real hit.

Read the full story.

Did you know that, as a Housing 21 resident, you can enjoy hundreds of discounts and cashback offers through the Housing Perks app?

Housing Perks is a free mobile app that gives you access to savings from over 100 national retailers. Whether you’re shopping for groceries, gifts, clothes, home essentials, or simply treating yourself, there are plenty of ways to make your money go further.

It’s easy to get started. Simply download the app to your smartphone or tablet and explore the offers available. Many residents have already found it a helpful way to manage everyday costs and enjoy a little extra back in their pocket.

Need help downloading the app? Speak to your Local Manager who can support.

If you would like to find out more, visit the Housing Perks page 

Instead of settling into the January blues, we want to make this a month to enjoy. Winter doesn’t have to feel cold or gloomy. With a few simple steps, it can be warm, cosy, and comforting.

We know January can feel challenging, especially with shorter days, darker evenings and extra pressures. To help you stay positive and well over the winter months, here are a few reminders of things to try:

• Stay connected: Join activities at your scheme or spend time with neighbours and friends. A friendly chat can lift your day.
• Stay active: If you can, try a short daily walk or some chair-based exercises. Even small movements can boost your mood and energy.
• Enjoy simple pleasures: Make time for the things you love, whether that’s reading, crafting, watching a favourite programme or cooking a comforting meal.
• Look after your health: If you’re eligible, make sure you’ve had your flu vaccination. Eating well and keeping hydrated can also help you feel your best.

We’re currently working on special Cosy and Connected packs for your schemes – keep an eye out for more information, coming soon.

And remember, it’s always okay to ask for help. Staying informed about the support available can make a big difference. Age UK has useful winter wellbeing advice if you’d like to explore more.

Residents using Appello’s emergency call service may notice a small change when making a non-emergency or accidental call - and it’s all designed to help residents get the right support more quickly.

Appello has introduced a new Queue Management System (QMS) to improve the way non-urgent calls are handled. 
Previously, many calls received by emergency operators turn out to be accidental button presses or routine test calls. These can hold up the line for people who need urgent help.

With QMS, accidental or test calls can now be managed automatically. If you press your alarm by mistake or are simply testing your system, you’ll be asked a quick “yes or no” question to confirm this. Once confirmed, the call will be cancelled safely without needing to speak to an operator.

If there is any sign of concern, such as no response, confusion, or anything that doesn’t seem right, you’ll be put through to an emergency operator. Emergency calls will always be treated as the highest priority.

This new system means:

• Faster support in a real emergency
• Less waiting time for everyone
• Quicker resolutions for simple test or accidental calls

Overall, QMS helps ensure that genuine emergencies get immediate attention, while still giving you reassurance that every call is checked safely.

Nominations are now open for our Outstanding Contractor initiative!

We’d like to applaud the many examples of times when our contractors have gone ‘above and beyond’ over the past year, to deliver quality services in resident homes, and to create an opportunity to say, ‘thank you’.

This year’s form brings together three recognition initiatives:

• Outstanding contractor: those who consistently deliver high-quality work
• Social value: contractors who support social, health or wellbeing activities that benefit residents and the wider community
• Environmental impact: those who promote sustainability and help improve community wellbeing

All you have to do to nominate someone is visit: https://qrco.de/bgOpvd and complete the form. Simply select the relevant category from the dropdown menu in the submission form. If a contractor deserves recognition across more than one area, please submit a separate form for each.

If you need help, please speak to your Local Manager.

Complete the form online

The survey is open from Friday 2 January and will remain open until Friday 30 January 2026.

Once the survey closes, as a way of saying thank you, all contractors who have been recognised will receive a certificate in Spring 2026 on your behalf, as a token of appreciation for their hard work over the last year.

Get your nominations in now!  

Did you know Housing 21 can help you access aids and adaptations to make everyday life easier and safer in your home?

Aids and adaptations are changes or additions that support your independence. These can be small items, such as grab rails or lever taps, or larger changes like ramps, level access showers or stairlifts. The aim is to help you stay comfortable in your home for as long as possible and reduce the risk of falls or hospital visits.

How it works

If you feel something in your home could be improved, start by speaking with your Local Housing Manager. They will talk through your needs and help identify the right support. This might involve arranging small adjustments, or guiding you through the process of applying for local council funding, such as a Disabled Facilities Grant. In some cases, equipment can be loaned through local services.

Housing 21 will make sure any work is suitable for your building and properly approved. For more complex needs, assistive technology or even a move to a more suitable property may be considered.

Examples of support include:

• Grab rails or stair rails
• Ramps and widened doorways
• Level access showers and accessible kitchens
• Stairlifts

If you’d like to find out more, visit our dedicated page or speak to your Local Housing Manager. We’re here to help you live safely, independently and with confidence.

At Housing 21, we believe your voice truly matters. Our National Resident Forums are a chance for you to share your views and help shape positive changes to the services we provide.

The forums take place four times a year and are held online using Microsoft Teams, so you can join from the comfort of your own home. They offer a friendly and respectful space to listen, ask questions and talk about what’s working well and what could be improved.

If you’re not confident using technology, don’t worry. Your Local Manager can support you with getting connected or building your digital skills.

As we look ahead to 2026, we would love to see more residents getting involved. Your experiences and ideas help us improve and plan for the future.
To find out more, watch our short video about the National Resident Forums, featuring Director of Extra Care, Jamie Lindon-Lewis, and Director of Retirement Living, Kate McArdell-Broome.

If you’d like to join, you can complete the form on our website or email us at engagement@housing21.org.uk.

Some Housing 21 homes receive heating and hot water through a heat network. This is a shared system that supplies warmth to homes from a central source, rather than each home having its own boiler.

Most heat networks in the UK are run by social landlords and are usually communal systems. These use a central boiler, often located in a plant room within the building, to provide heating and hot water to residents’ homes. Larger district heat networks can serve several buildings and may use different energy sources.

Heat networks play an important role in plans to reduce carbon emissions and make home heating greener by 2050. To support this, new rules are being introduced to improve how heat networks are run and to strengthen protections for residents.

From 27 January 2026, a new regulatory system will come into force. Housing associations that operate heat networks will be regulated in a similar way to energy suppliers. Ofgem will become the regulator, and residents will be able to contact the Energy Ombudsman if they need help resolving a complaint.

The first set of rules focuses on consumer protection and how heat networks are managed. Further rules covering technical standards and how heat networks are planned are expected to be consulted on in the future.

These changes are designed to improve reliability, fairness and transparency, and to make sure residents using heat networks are well protected now and in the years ahead.
Want to know more, visit the National Housing Federation’s resource page.

We’re pleased to share that the Housing 21 website now includes a new language translation tool, making it easier for more people to use and enjoy our online information.

The tool supports 35 different languages and works on both desktop and mobile devices. On a computer, you’ll find it in the top-right corner of the screen. On a mobile device, it appears in the menu at the top-right corner. Simply choose your preferred language and the page will be translated straight away.

This improvement is part of our ongoing commitment to making our services accessible, welcoming and easy to use for everyone.

We hope the new tool helps more residents, families and visitors find the information they need with confidence.

Keeping your next of kin information up to date is important, and we kindly ask all residents to take a moment to review theirs.

Your next of kin is usually the person you would like us to contact in an emergency or if we ever need to share important updates about your wellbeing. This might be a close relative, a partner, or someone you trust. It doesn’t have to be a family member by blood. It can also be someone connected to you through a legal or personal relationship, such as an adopted child, a civil partner, or a chosen family member.

Having the right details means we can reach the right person quickly if we ever need to. It also gives you peace of mind knowing that the person you choose will be contacted.

If you’re unsure whether your information is up to date, please speak to your Local Manager. They will be happy to help you check or make any changes.

The New Year is a great time for small changes, and even the simplest habits can make a big difference to our environment.

Why not start by taking a moment to check the recycling rules at your scheme? Every location is a little different, so it’s helpful to know what can and can’t go in the recycling bins. You might be surprised by how many everyday items can be recycled.

Whether it’s rinsing out containers, sorting your waste, or reusing items where you can, each small step helps reduce waste and protect our planet. It’s an easy way to start the year with a positive action.

If you’re not sure about your scheme’s recycling guidance, your Local Manager will be happy to point you in the right direction.

A quick monthly check is all it takes to make sure your pendant alarm is working properly when you need it most.

Your pendant alarm is there to give you peace of mind, knowing that help is always just a button press away. Taking a few moments to test it regularly helps ensure it will work reliably in an emergency.