May 2026: Retirement Living Resident Newsletter
The Retirement Living Resident Newsletter keeps you informed with the latest news, updates, and opportunities from Housing 21. It’s designed to keep you connected, highlight ways to get involved, and share helpful tips to support you in your home and community.
Why not listen to the audio version of our latest newsletter:
Last year, we carried out our annual Residents’ Survey, including the Tenant Satisfaction Measures (TSMs) set by the Regulator of Social Housing.
Housing 21 provides residents with local reports (where there have been five or more responses) regional patch reports, and one overarching national TSM report.
This approach is unique, as it gives residents a detailed insight into how their individual scheme is performing while also showing how Housing 21 is performing nationally. It strengthens transparency, supports meaningful local engagement and ensures residents can see the full picture, both where they live and across the organisation.
Your scheme reports will be available on the website soon.
- If fewer responses were received, you can view a patch report (which covers your local area)
Please note: only rented and shared ownership schemes (where Housing 21 is the landlord) are included.
To view your results, visit your scheme page on our website or speak to your local manager.
What happens next?
Your feedback helps shape our services. Local managers will be arranging meetings to:
- Share results
- Talk through feedback
- Agree actions for improvement
If you haven’t heard about your meeting yet, please speak to your local manager.
Have you ever wanted to find out more about your landlord or request specific information? A new publication scheme will help make this easier.
Social Tenants Access to Information Requirement scheme (STAIRs) is a government standard designed to improve transparency for people living in social housing.
The aim is simple. STAIRs will make it clearer what information landlords should share, and how residents can access it. This could include details about services, performance and how decisions are made.
The scheme is currently being finalised, with the first stage expected to come into law in October 2026, followed by a second stage in April 2027.
At Housing 21, we are already preparing for these changes. You can now visit our dedicated webpage, where we have brought together key information that we are required to publish. To make things simple, we have organised it using categories, with links to the relevant information.
We will continue to update the page as more details are confirmed, so you always have access to the latest information.
Visit our dedicated STAIRs page.
If you have any questions you can speak with your local manager or contact us via email
Housing 21 has signed the ASB Help Pledge, strengthening our commitment to residents affected by anti-social behaviour.
Anti-social behaviour can have a serious impact on health, wellbeing and quality of life. We understand how difficult this can be, especially when issues continue over time.
There are different ways to deal with anti-social behaviour. Sometimes, concerns are reported more than once or to different organisations. When this happens, an ASB Case Review can help. This process brings agencies together to look again at a case and find a way forward.
We know that experiences of this process can vary depending on where you live. The ASB Help Pledge has been created to promote a more consistent, fair and resident-focused approach.
By signing the Pledge, Housing 21 is committing to clear and supportive ways of working. We will continue to work closely with partner organisations to make sure residents are heard and supported throughout the process.
Being online can make everyday life that bit easier. From staying in touch with family and friends to managing appointments or shopping, digital tools can help you stay connected and informed.
At Housing 21, we know that not everyone feels confident using technology. Getting started can feel like a big step, and that’s completely understandable. That’s why we’re committed to making digital support simple, friendly and accessible for everyone.
We’ve launched a new digital support webpage to help you build your confidence at your own pace. Our page collates guidance, resources, and information from external organisations to help you get online and stay safe while you do.
Whether you are new to the internet or looking to improve your skills, support is available. Explore the new page.
Staying connected is important, whether it’s keeping in touch with loved ones, accessing services or finding information online.
Through the National Databank, Housing 21 can help residents get online by offering free mobile data SIM cards to those who need them. As a registered partner, we’re able to provide support to help make digital access more affordable.
SIM cards come with free data for six months or more, giving you time to get online and build your confidence using digital services.
If you think this could help you, or someone you know, you can find out more by contacting us.
Each month, we’re highlighting benefits, grants and support that may be available to Housing 21 residents.
A good place to start is the UK Government website It offers clear, up to date information about a wide range of benefits and who can apply. You can use the search bar to find what you need, such as “pension benefits” or “Universal Credit”, and it will guide you through the next steps.
Attendance Allowance: If you are over 65 and need help with personal care or supervision due to an illness or disability, you may be eligible for Attendance Allowance. The Attendance Allowance Service Centre can support you through the application process and answer any questions you may have.
It’s paid at two different rates and how much you get depends on the level of care that you need because of your disability or health condition.
You could get financial help with personal support if both of the following apply:
- you have a physical disability, a mental disability, or a health condition
- you’re State Pension age or older
It does not cover mobility needs.
You could also get extra Pension Credit, Housing Benefit or Council Tax Reduction if you get Attendance Allowance and you don’t have to have someone caring for you in order to claim.
Understanding tax can sometimes feel confusing, especially when your circumstances change.
The HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has launched a new campaign called Tax Confident to help make things clearer. It’s designed to give simple, easy to understand guidance so you can feel more in control of your tax.
For many people, retirement brings changes to income, such as pensions, which can affect how tax works. It’s not always obvious where to start, and that’s completely normal.
Tax Confident aims to break things down into straightforward steps. It offers clear explanations, short videos and helpful tools to build your understanding at your own pace. The goal is to help you feel informed and confident when managing your money.
If you would like to find out more, you can visit their website.

Residents and colleagues at Mays Court in Felixstowe are celebrating an extraordinary milestone as one of its most cherished residents, Kath, prepares to mark her 109th birthday, while also celebrating 50 years as a resident of Mays Court this summer.
Fleur, Local Manager, wanted to ensure Kath’s achievements did not go unnoticed.
“I would love for one of our most wonderful and most cherished residents to be acknowledged for two massive achievements this year,” Fleur said.
“Kath has been part of the Mays Court community for 50 years, and she is now fast approaching her 109th birthday. She is truly remarkable.”
When asked the secret to her longevity, her advice is refreshingly simple: keep moving, cook from scratch, and eat well.
It is safe to say Kath’s approach has served her well. Everyone at Mays Court will be celebrating this wonderful milestone with her.
We’re pleased to share that our Retirement Living resident conferences are returning in 2026.
We’ll be hosting five events across the country, giving you the chance to hear updates, share your views and spend time with other residents.
Here are the dates and locations:
- East – Tuesday 8 September in Leicester
- Southwest – Tuesday 15 September in Bristol
- West – Thursday 17 September – location to be confirmed
- Southeast – Tuesday 22 September in London
- North – Thursday 24 September in Leeds
We’ll share more details, including confirmed venues and how to book, in a future newsletter.
On Friday 8 May, we mark Victory in Europe Day, known as VE Day. It was on this day in 1945 that millions of people across Britain and around the world came together to celebrate the end of the Second World War in Europe.
VE Day is a time to remember the courage, sacrifice and resilience shown by so many. It is also a chance to reflect on the strength of our communities, both then and now. At Housing 21, we are proud to honour that spirit and the values it represents.
Many residents choose to mark the day in their own way. Some enjoy a shared tea party with neighbours. Others take part in crafts, listen to music from the era, or spend a quiet moment in reflection. We’d love to see how you are celebrating.
If you would like to share your VE Day celebrations, please send your photos or stories to us via email.
From 27 April to 3 May, we’ll be celebrating National Gardening Week - a chance to enjoy the simple pleasures of gardening, whatever your experience.
This year’s theme is all about curiosity, to encourage exploration and try new things in your gardens. Whether you have a garden, a small patio, or just a few pots on a windowsill, gardening is a great way to stay active, relax and connect with nature. You don’t need to be an expert, trying new things and seeing what works is all part of the fun.
The Royal Horticultural Society has lots of helpful tips, ideas and inspiration for gardeners of all abilities.
We’ve loved seeing your photos to show how your gardens are growing and developing, if you have any to share please email them to us and we may share them on our social media.
We regular post news on our website. So here is a summary of other stories from April:
We unveiled Matilda Court as the official name for its newest Retirement Living scheme in Crewe. Matilda Court will be an all-electric, low carbon scheme, providing independent living for residents. This will be a great choice for people looking to downsize and enjoy living in a beautiful new home with communal facilities available.
Fern Meadows residents were joined by local partners, stakeholders and members of the public to officially open this new development. The £15.5 million development brings 60 one- and two-bedroom apartments to the area of Oxfordshire, available for rent or shared ownership for people aged over 55.
To read all the latest news simply visit the website and head to the news section.
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.