July 2024 Tenant Newsletter

Customers are at the heart of what we do here at South Tyneside Homes.

Read on for updates from across our services, changes we're making to make things easier, and more!

Housing Services Transition to South Tyneside Council

Later this year, the housing services provided to you by South Tyneside Homes will move to be provided by South Tyneside Council.

For more information, see Council Housing Transition.

The transition will take place on Friday 1 November 2024.

Housing Services, including staff and existing services, such as repairs, will transfer to South Tyneside Council, and South Tyneside Homes will no longer exist as an organisation.

From this autumn you will start to see the changed name of housing services from South Tyneside Homes to South Tyneside Council Housing Services.

We will write to all tenants and leaseholders this summer with more information.

If you have any questions you can contact the correct team, see Contact us.

Chargers and Plugs

We all have devices that will require charging, it is important that you stay safe, and make sure you are using the correct plugs and charging your devices in an appropriate manner to keep yourself and your home safe:

  • Always use the charger or plug that came with your phone, tablet, e-cigarette or mobile device.
  • If you need to buy a replacement, always choose a branded, genuine product from a supplier you can trust. There are lots of fakes out there, and it can be difficult to spot the difference.
  • Avoid storing, using or charging batteries at very high or low temperatures.
  • Don't leave items on charge for longer than 8 hours, and do not leave on charge once the charge cycle is complete - Do not leave your device on charge overnight.
  • Never cover chargers or charging devices - that includes using your laptop power lead in bed.
  • Don't overload your sockets.

Counterfeit electrical chargers can be deadly - they fail to meet the UK safety regulations leading to fire and injury. What may seem like a bargain could cost a family member's life.

For more on fire safety, see Fire safety.

Getting involved!

How would you like to become one of our involved tenants, using your voice to make sure it influences service delivery and decision making here at South Tyneside Homes?

We are always looking for new ways to get our customers involved. From formal involved tenant groups such as our Scrutiny Panel and Check and Challenge Group to our online tenant forum, Tenant's Talk - there is something to suit everybody.

If you would like more information on ways you can become an involved tenant or get involved, see Getting involved or contact our Involvement Team via email on involvement@southtynesidehomes.org.uk or telephone 0300 123 6633.

Welfare support

Are you struggling with your finances or debts? Do you need help with welfare benefits or need a money MOT? Our Welfare Support Team offer free confidential and independent advice to help you.

We offer face-to-face, telephone, or home visit appointments to anyone who is a resident in South Tyneside - you don't need to be a South Tyneside Homes customer to receive our support.

Our team can offer you advice and support regarding applications for crisis support, debt management, benefits and money MOTs, to make sure you are receiving all the extra income you are entitled to.

The team will help you through your current situation providing you with the correct advice and information to help you take control of your finances. We will work with creditors for you to negotiate a reasonable repayment plan.

Last year the team helped residents to recover over £8.5M - this could be you.

Call the team on 0191 424 6040, email welfaresupport@southtynesidehomes.org.uk or visit South Tyneside Council: Welfare Support Service.