Do you find the digital world can be a bit overwhelming at times, or are you an online expert? While some people love using online services, others find it daunting. If you’re a resident that is comfortable using digital technology, you may be able to help other residents feel safe, and confident getting online.

There are many benefits to being online. Many residents are using the internet for everything from socialising, to shopping, health, and finance.

The Housing 21 website is a great place to start. It’s clear, simple to use, and full of helpful information. You can find:

• The latest news and updates from Housing 21
• The resident handbook
• Advice on money, benefits, and wellbeing
• Information on tools like Housing Perks to help you save money
• Details about how to get involved in resident forums and influence decisions
• Resident stories
• Information on new developments

Where do you start?

Just a little curiosity and a willingness to try is enough. And the best part is, you’re not alone. More and more residents are learning together, sharing tips, and helping each other discover the benefits of being online.

If you spot anything which doesn’t look or work as you’d expect, or you have any questions, suggestions or feedback, please let us know by email.

Do you want to make your money go further? The Housing Perks app is helping residents save hundreds of pounds each year on everyday shopping – and better yet, it’s completely free to use!

Residents at Housing 21 can enjoy discounts and cashback at over 100 national retailers through Housing Perks – helping you get more for your money while picking up your weekly groceries, buying gifts for loved ones, or treating yourself! 

It’s just an app on your smartphone and you don’t need to be a tech expert to be able to use it! It’s designed to be simple and straightforward. Once you’ve downloaded the app, just open it whenever you’re shopping, and you can buy digital gift cards with built in discounts or get cashback on purchases. It’s safe, quick, and convenient. 

Jemma, an avid user of Housing Perks, has said: “I was a bit unsure the first time I used the app as to whether it would work but now I am hooked! It's really easy to use and I've saved nearly £250 so far and use it wherever I can; the weekly food shop at Aldi, shopping or when I'm out for dinner. It's great that you can share the voucher with other people and I've also been able to use it alongside other promotional codes when shopping online, so I can save even more money. I definitely recommend it."

Why not give it a try?

Residents across the country have been getting stuck in with spades, seeds and smiles as part of the How Does Your Garden Grow? Initiative – and the results have been blooming lovely!

How Does Your Garden Grow? was launched in 2024 in partnership with environmental charity Groundwork and its Home Grown campaign to bring residents together through gardening – and it’s done just that! Almost 100 schemes across Extra Care and Retirement Living have received gardening starter packs.

By working together, Housing 21 and Groundwork have created an inclusive, resident-led project that not only enhances wellbeing and outdoor spaces, but also builds stronger communities and empowers individuals to take pride in where they live.

It’s not just the plants that have been thriving. The project has had a real impact on wellbeing, helping people feel more connected and more at home in their communities.

Read the full story on our website.

A quick monthly check is all it takes to ensure your pendant alarm is working when you need it most!

Your pendant alarm is there to give you reassurance – knowing that help is always just the press of a button away. But it’s your responsibility to make sure it’s working correctly, so please make sure you test it regularly!

We’re asking all residents to test their own pendant alarms once a month. Don’t worry – it’s quick, easy and a great way to feel confident using your pendant. Just press the button from inside your accommodation (not in the communal areas) and wait for a response. That’s it!

If you have any worries or questions about your pendant alarm or how to test it, just speak to your Local Housing Manager – they’ll be happy to help.
Don’t forget – a quick monthly test could make all the difference.

Whether you’ve been with us for years or you’re just settling in, our YouTube channel is a great way to stay connected and informed, and it's easy to access on your phone, tablet, or computer to enjoy a range of videos with you in mind.

Some of the latest highlights include:

• What is it like for residents moving to Housing 21 through an acquisition
• Meet Meghan – a resident who loves the balance of independence and care
• Housing 21: highlights of our history

You’ll hear directly from residents and staff, see behind the scenes, and find out more about how we support independent living across the country.

Watch the stories, stay informed, and don’t forget to subscribe!

The celebrations were in full swing as Housing 21 colleagues scooped the Housing Manager Award at the Housing with Care Awards. Ruth and Rebecca at Handyside Court, Housing 21’s Extra Care scheme in Derby were thrilled to receive the award.

Ruth Gipson, Housing Manager at Extra Care scheme Handyside Court, said: “Winning the Housing Manager Award means so much to both of us. We absolutely love what we do, and getting to do it together makes it even more special.

We spend most of our time supporting each other and doing our very best for our residents. We’re truly honoured to be recognised in this way by the Housing with Care Awards—it’s not just a win for us, but for our entire team and the residents we support.”

Housing 21 is proud to celebrate the remarkable achievement of one of our wonderful residents, Howard, who lives at Chesworth Court in Manchester. Howard has been nominated for the prestigious King’s Award for Voluntary Service (KAVS), the highest honour a voluntary group can receive in the UK, equivalent to an MBE.

Howard’s nomination recognises his outstanding dedication to Ashton United in the Community, a local initiative tackling some of society’s most pressing challenges, including poverty, loneliness, isolation, wellbeing, community safety, and unemployment.

For many years, Howard, now aged 67, has been a familiar and friendly face at Ashton United football matches, serving as a steward and ensuring fans enjoy a safe and welcoming environment. Over the years Howard has been volunteering at various sports grounds including Stockport County, Sale FC Rugby Club and Salford Rugby League Club for over 25 years. Beyond the pitch, he devotes his time to supporting the Ashton FC Food Bank, helping to provide vital supplies to those in need every fortnight.

Howard reacted to his award, “I was a totally surprised and overwhelmed to be recognised in this way. It has been a privilege to support all these sports grounds over the years and help keep people safe. I’m proud of Ashton United in the Community and everything we do.”

“We are all extremely proud of our lovely Howard,” said local housing manager, Catherine. “His kindness, commitment, and community spirit embody everything we stand for. He is a shining example of how one person can make a lasting difference.”

The King’s Award for Voluntary Service is a fitting tribute to Howard’s tireless efforts and the positive impact he continues to make in the lives of others.

A big thank you to all the green-fingered residents who sent in their wonderful gardening photos – we’ve loved seeing the colour, creativity and care you’ve put into your outdoor spaces.

From bright flower beds to cosy corners, and even impressive veg patches, your photos have been a joy to receive and a real reminder of how gardening can brighten not only our schemes, but our spirits too.

It’s clear that many of you have a real passion for plants – and it’s been inspiring to see how you’ve used your gardens to connect with nature, neighbours and your own wellbeing.

Here are just a few of our favourites submitted in June...

Peggy and Ken at The Rise who maintain the pond area, “They work really hard all year to keep the area clean, tidy and looking beautiful.  They shop for the plants and take a lot of time choosing which ones will be best as the majority of our residents are blind or visually impaired.”:

These lovely potted plants submitted by Rose at Charles Jones Court:

Gabrielle at Westwood Close has gardened since childhood and has transformed their garden into “my special haven”:

Barrie shared a selection of great photos of the vibrant gardens at Poppy Dene: