Don’t miss latest resident webinar, Catch-up with Leaders from Extra Care.

It’s a relaxed, informative session where you’ll hear updates directly from senior leaders in Extra Care and stay involved with what’s happening in Housing 21, all from the comfort of your own home.

Date: Thursday 22 May 2025

Time: 12:00pm

Location: Online via Microsoft Teams

Joining link: Visit the Resident Information section on our website for the joining link.

Can’t make the webinar or don’t have the Microsoft Teams app?

Don’t worry if you can’t make it, the session will be recorded to be viewed back on YouTube whenever you’re free. Stayed tuned:

www.youtube.com/@housing2171

There’s been lots going on recently across our national resident forums – and we’re excited to share some of the highlights with you.

On 14 April, the Resident Disability Network came together for a lively and important discussion. Mabelle House, our Researcher, shared the findings from the recent Accessibility Survey, while Lucy Nixon, Resident Communications Manager, presented the results of the Resident Communications Survey.

Members gave their views on the findings, using their own lived experiences of disability to help shape priorities before the reports go to the senior leadership teams for Retirement Living and Extra Care. Thank you to those who took part – your insight is making a real difference.

Meanwhile, the Resident Service Charge Network met on 2 April to hear the latest from the Housing 21 Service Charge Project Group. Residents shared suggestions on how we can make service charge updates easier to understand. They highlighted the need for more multimedia options – like podcasts, videos, and soundbites – to help explain things clearly.

Thanks to their feedback, our teams are now exploring new ways to bring this to life.

Did you know?

Housing 21 runs the following national resident networks:

• Retirement Living Forum
• Extra Care Forum
• Service Charge Network
• Resident Disability Network
• LGBTQ+ Network
• Environmental Awareness Group
• Race, Equality and Cultural Heritage Group

These groups meet regularly on Microsoft Teams – and we’re always on the lookout for new members.

If you’d like to get involved, just email engagement@Housing21.org.uk to express your interest.

We’re excited to announce a new network – the Resident Safety Engagement Group.

We’re looking for three residents from Retirement Living schemes and three from Extra Care schemes to join. Together, this group will explore the best ways for Housing 21 and residents to work hand in hand to make – and keep – our buildings safe.

If you’re passionate about safety and would like to get involved, please email engagement@housing21.org.uk.

We’d love to hear from you!

You’ve been sharing your gardening photos with us just in time for National Gardening Week.

From 28 April to 4 May, the country will be digging into the joy of gardening as we celebrate National Gardening Week 2025, with this year’s focus on new and beginner gardeners.

The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) is offering a treasure trove of resources to help you embark on your gardening journey with confidence. From beginner-friendly tips and how-to guides to easy gardening challenges, there's something for everyone to cultivate their green space: www.rhs.org.uk/get-involved/national-gardening-week

Keep sharing your gardening photos for us to share, send them via email to: communications@housing21.org.uk – they may be featured in future newsletters or on our social media.

On 8 May 1945, millions across Britain and the world took to the streets to celebrate Victory in Europe (VE) Day, marking the end of World War II in Europe. This year, we mark a very special milestone – the 80th anniversary of that historic day.

VE Day reminds us of the courage, sacrifice, and resilience of so many, including those who continue to serve our communities today. At Housing 21, we are proud to honour that spirit – and one resident in particular is doing something extraordinary to mark the occasion!

Share Your VE Day Celebrations!
Are you marking VE Day at your scheme or at home?

We’d love to see your celebrations – whether it’s a tea party, a craft project or a quiet moment of remembrance. Please send your photos or stories to communications@housing21.org.uk

Lee, a veteran living at The Rise – our specialist property for visually impaired residents in Plymouth – is taking on an incredible challenge.

On 8 May, Lee will swim 80 lengths (2,000 metres) to commemorate 80 years since VE Day. Even more inspiring, he’s doing it to raise funds for Blind Veterans UK, the charity that has supported him since he lost his sight.

Lee has been training hard, incorporating weekly swims, gym workouts, and spin classes to prepare for the big day. Originally setting himself a target of raising £80, Lee smashed through that goal in just 24 hours – and his total keeps growing!

His neighbour, Geri, has been cheering him on and says Lee is helping to raise awareness of the vital work Blind Veterans UK does for veterans living with sight loss.

Housing 21’s connection to the Armed Forces community runs deep, beginning with our foundation within the Royal British Legion in 1964. Lee’s challenge is a powerful reminder of that ongoing bond.

The Rise offers specially designed housing for visually impaired residents, with self-contained apartments and on-site care to support independent living.

Support Lee’s Swim!

If you’d like to sponsor Lee and support Blind Veterans UK, there’s still time! Visit their fundraising page to donate and help him smash his new target: www.justgiving.com/page/leesswimathon

We’d like to remind residents that storing personal items in communal spaces such as shared cupboards or bin stores, is done entirely at the owner's own risk. Housing 21 cannot accept responsibility for any loss or damage to items left in these areas.

To keep our spaces clear, accessible, and secure, please ensure that your belongings are stored within your personal living space whenever possible.

Thank you for your cooperation in helping us maintain safe and tidy communal areas for everyone.

Have you checked out the Housing 21 YouTube channel yet?
It’s the perfect place to catch the latest updates, inspiring resident stories, and behind-the-scenes glimpses into life across our communities.

Subscribing is free, quick, and a brilliant way to stay connected with everything going on at Housing 21!

Here’s a taste of what you’ll find:

🎥 Life with Contractors at Jellicoe Court: Colleagues and residents share their experiences of scheme improvements and renovations

🎥 Helping Hands Fund Stories: Find out how this amazing fund is making a real difference to residents’ lives

🎥 Voices of Housing 21: Hear from the passionate people who work with us every day

Simply visit: www.youtube.com/@housing2171 to watch