August 2008

The team expands again!
We have now employed a Drug and Alcohol specialist Advice and Support Worker to work alongside the Social Work drug and alcohol teams, to provide housing related support to people who are going through rehabilitation.

October 2006

The team is expanding
There's now more staff based in the Community Housing Offices, and we've created a new Pathways team.  Read an article here in Homes + People, our newsletter for tenants and leaseholders. It's on page 9.

March 2006

Over 60 and want to know what benefits you can get?  Support is here!
More than two billion pounds of benefit is left unclaimed by people over 60 in the UK.  The number of benefits on offer and the rules and lengthy application process can make it difficult to know exactly what you are entitled to.

Help is at hand.  The Advice and Support Team offers free advice to council tenants of all ages on a range of subjects, including how to apply for benefits.  At the moment they are making sure that those living in sheltered housing in particular are not missing out.

Back in February, the team visited a group of residents of Hadrian House, Newburn, along with an advisor from the Pensions Service.  They talked about the range of benefits that are available to help people cover their living expenses.  As a result, they have helped tenants to complete benefits applications.

The coffee morning event was such a success that the team will be visiting more tenants in sheltered housing this summer.  If we are coming to your block, we will send you a personal invitation.

November 2005

Discretionary Housing Payments
Did you know that there is a special grant to help local people to meet their housing costs?  Discretionary Housing Payments (DHPs) are extra benefits that can top up Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit for those suffering financial hardship.  The decision to award someone a grant is made on an individual basis based on personal circumstances.

If you think you might qualify you can get an application form by calling into your Community Housing Office or contacting Newcastle City Council's Housing Benefit Helpline on 0845 111 4101.