糖心传媒

Household energy bills set to fall by 6.7% from 1 April

Prices that most of us pay for gas and electricity will fall by 6.7% on average from the start of April.

Important Service Update 鈥� Tuesday 3 March

On Tuesday, between 8:45am and 11:15am, we鈥檒l be making a few temporary adjustments to our customer services so we can focus on improving how we support you.

Baby bank moves into new Shrewsbury headquarters to help meet growing demand聽

Housing Plus Group has helped support a baby bank as it moves into its new headquarters in Shrewsbury.

Grant-funded water bottles help people going through cancer treatment at Royal Shrewsbury Hospital聽

Housing Plus Group has funded 500 reusable water bottles for patients undergoing cancer treatment at the Royal Shrewsbury Hospital.

Meet our festive heroes

While many families will be unwrapping presents and enjoying festive meals, dedicated workers from Housing Plus Group will be spending their Christmas Day making sure others are cared for, safe and supported.

Season’s Greetings from 糖心传媒

We hope you all enjoy a safe and peaceful festive period. Remember we鈥檙e always here if you need us. Our usual emergency services will operate throughout this period. You can contact us by calling 0800 048 8955 (24/7).

West Midlands food banks given festive funding boost聽聽

Food banks across Shropshire, Staffordshire and Telford & Wrekin have received a substantial funding boost from Housing Plus Group.

Two child聽limit聽scrapped, but tax threshold freeze and pension changes will hit workers

Housing Plus Group’s debt and energy manager Dan Bebbington shares his insight into the Chancellor’s Budget.

糖心传媒 customer who聽couldn鈥檛聽read or write lands job after reaching out for support聽聽

When Michael was referred to our Employment and Money Advice service, he had found himself out of a job and unable to read or write.

How your household finances could be affected by next聽week鈥檚 budget聽

The Autumn Budget is set to be unveiled on November 26, the day we鈥檒l find out how the government plans to raise and spend money in the next financial year.

Housing Plus Group donations help provide financial education in Stafford schools聽

More than 600 pupils at a Stafford high school have taken part in a project which helps them to build knowledge, confidence and financial resilience, thanks to a donation from Housing Plus Group.

Are you worried about a child, friend, family member or neighbour?聽

It can be hard to spot signs of abuse or neglect but if you have any concerns, please speak up.

Enjoy free hot drinks at our warm space this winter聽

Our Burton Square Community Hub has become a 鈥榳arm space鈥� for those in need this winter.

Ofgem鈥檚 plan to clear energy debt for thousands of households

Plans have been announced to write off up to 拢500 million in unpaid energy bills for some of the country鈥檚 most vulnerable households.

Listening to You: CX Feedback Launching Soon

We鈥檙e making it easier for you to share your views with us. This month, we鈥檙e launching CX Feedback, a new digital survey platform designed to help us understand what matters most to you.

Practical advice for Black Friday 2025

Retailers are starting to tease the discounts and deals聽they鈥檒l聽have on offer for聽鈥楤lack Friday鈥�.聽

Live in Highfields? Come and meet your neighbourhood officer!聽

Linzy and the team will be at鈥疌astlechurch Community Hub, inside Castlechurch Primary School, on鈥疐riday 7 November, from鈥�9am to 11am.

Find out if you鈥檙e eligible for car finance compensation

Payments averaging 拢700 could soon be on their way to the millions of people caught up in the car finance mis-selling scandal.

Meet your new energy advisors 鈥� Chloe and Nicholas聽

Introducing two brand-new advisors dedicated to helping you improve energy efficiency and support you with financial guidance, tailored to you.聽

Smart Meters Explained: Are They Right for You?聽

Smart meters have been rolling out across the country for a while now, but not everyone has been eager to make the switch. While聽it鈥檚聽not something you have to do, there are some clear advantages worth knowing about.聽

Start preparing now for Christmas聽

With just a few months to go until Christmas, now is a great time to start thinking about how you鈥檙e going to manage your money in the build up to the festive period.

Social Tariffs: How you could access cheaper phone and broadband packages聽聽

If you鈥檙e finding it hard to keep up with broadband and phone bills, you may be able to save money with something called a social tariff.

Could you be 拢560 better off next year, thanks to state pension changes?聽聽

If you receive the State Pension, you鈥檒l know you get an increase at the start of each financial year in April. Because of the Government鈥檚 triple-lock guarantee, the amount you get will always increase in line with inflation, wage growth, or 2.5% – whichever is higher.

Practical steps to help reduce your energy bills while keeping well & warm聽

With a higher energy price cap coming into force on鈥疧ctober 1鈥痑nd the warm summer days seemingly behind us, many households are worried about keeping their bills down over the months ahead.

The protection you get on credit card purchases 鈥� explained

If you have ever paid for something with a credit card and things did not go to plan, you may have heard the phrase 鈥淪ection 75.鈥� But what exactly does it mean, and how can it help you?

Gas Safety Week: Jamie’s top tips for staying gas safe in your home

At 糖心传媒, we鈥檙e proud to support Gas Safety Week every year.聽

What the latest energy bill price cap rise means for you

Energy prices are on the up again, with the price cap now confirmed to be rising by 2% at the start of October.聽

School uniforms on a budget: where to find the best deals聽

As September approaches, many families find themselves juggling the costs of new school uniforms, shoes, PE kits and supplies.

Summer of fun for local families thanks to Housing Plus Group

Families and young people across Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin and Staffordshire have enjoyed a fun-filled summer thanks to Housing Plus Group鈥檚 2025 Summer Holidays Fund.

Live in Wellington? Come and meet your neighbourhoods manager!

Jane and the team will be at鈥疶elford & Wrekin Interfaith, Wellington, on鈥疶uesday 26 August, from鈥�10am to 1pm.聽

Top tips to save money on your food shop every week聽

With rising food prices stretching household budgets further and further, finding ways to save on your weekly shop can make a real difference. Here are some tried-and-tested tips to help you keep costs down.

Community breakfast club remains on the menu thanks to donation from Housing Plus Group聽

Housing Plus Group has awarded 拢1,200 to a community breakfast club that鈥檚 helping to reduce social isolation among the over 55s in a Staffordshire village.

Klarna, Clearpay, and other 鈥楤uy Now, Pay Later鈥� schemes face crackdown in new UK rules聽

It鈥檚 been announced that new regulations for the 鈥楤uy Now, Pay Later鈥� (BNPL) will come into effect in July 2026, a welcome and overdue move.

Cricket club 鈥榯hrilled鈥� by Housing Plus Group grant聽

Housing Plus Group has donated 拢1,025 to Bomere Heath Cricket Club.

Stretching Summer Budgets: Free & 拢1 Kids鈥� Meals Across the UK聽

The summer break is now in full swing, and with it the juggling act of keeping children fed and entertained for six full weeks.

The rise of online ‘finfluencers’ and how they could lose you money聽

In today鈥檚 digital world, social media is flooded with charismatic 鈥榝influencers鈥� 鈥� financial influencers who promise quick profits, insider tips, and lavish lifestyles.聽

Has your credit limit been cut unexpectedly? You’re not alone.

This week we鈥檙e exploring why credit limits can be cut unexpectedly and what you can do about it.

Young people living in Shropshire get involved with our 鈥榃here I Live鈥� project聽

Young people living in Shropshire have been providing us with invaluable feedback by taking part in our 鈥榃here I Live鈥� project.

Primary School delighted by Housing Plus Group鈥檚 donation to summer fayre聽聽

A Shropshire village primary school teamed up with Housing Plus Group to throw a summer fundraiser earlier this month.聽

Deadline approaching for parents of 16-year-olds聽

As the school year comes to an end, many families are preparing for a big change 鈥� children finishing full-time education.

Who鈥檚聽calling me?聽Spot the difference between a聽genuine telesurvey and聽scam聽call聽聽

We鈥檝e had recent reports of customers worried they are being targeted by scam callers.聽

All you need to know about pensions聽

Whether retirement is just around the corner or still some years away, it鈥檚 a good idea to be thinking about your pension.

Don鈥檛 miss out on hundreds of free activities for your kids this summer!聽

If you鈥檙e looking for something for the kids to do over the school holidays that won鈥檛 break the bank, make sure to make the most of the free activities available in Staffordshire and Shropshire.

Working together to tackle anti-social behaviour聽

We understand that anti-social behaviour (ASB) can have a significant impact on people鈥檚 mental health and sense of security as well as harming the wider community.

Could聽you be 1 of 6 million households to receive the Warm Home Discount?聽

The government has announced that it will be extending the Warm Home Discount scheme for this coming winter.

Making communities safer and cleaner in Stafford聽

After identifying some ASB in one of our communities, in Stafford, we increased our presence in the area so that we could be more visible and provide a more proactive response to the issues that customers were experiencing.

Helping our customers to feel safe in their homes

This week we published our latest Tenant Satisfaction Measures (TSMs) for the first time as combined organisation following our merger with The Wrekin Housing Group

The Radio Teleswitch Service switch-off

The Radio Teleswitch Service will start to be phased out from June 30.

The move from ‘legacy benefits’ to Universal Credit

If you lost out on the Winter Fuel Payment last winter you could be set to get it back this year.

Most pensioners to get winter fuel payments reinstated聽

If you lost out on the Winter Fuel Payment last winter you could be set to get it back this year.

Volunteers鈥� Week: Meet the 糖心传媒 customer channelling her grief into supporting others聽

This Volunteers鈥� Week we鈥檙e hearing from our customers about why and how they choose to give back to their communities.

Volunteers鈥� Week: Celebrating our customers who are making a difference across our communities聽

Volunteers鈥� Week celebrates the invaluable contributions made by so many people across the country 鈥� including our 糖心传媒 customers.

Energy bills set to go down – but you could save more by fixing

Many of us could see our energy bills fall by 拢10 a month in July, after the latest price cap was announced.

Supporting Stop Loan Sharks Week 2025

This week marks Stop Loan Sharks Week 鈥� a national campaign aimed at highlighting the dangers of illegal money lending.

Working together to tackle hoarding 鈥� supporting customers during national Hoarding Awareness Week聽

We鈥檙e proud to support Hoarding Awareness Week (12 鈥� 18 May 2025) by highlighting the practical help and tailored support available to customers, and their families, who may be affected by hoarding behaviour.

Retirement living resident becomes published author after starting new hobby

A resident at one of our retirement living communities has become a published author after taking up writing as a hobby.

Housing Plus Group grant helps charity maintain bereavement support聽

A Staffordshire-based community group supporting bereaved families is set to continue its support for young people who have lost a loved one thanks to funding from Housing Plus Group.

Celebrating our colleagues who #LeadWithLove this Stress Awareness Month聽

April is Stress Awareness Month and this year we鈥檙e encouraged to #LeadWithLove.

Housing Plus Group delivers grant support for Guides and Brownies聽

Scouts, Guides and Brownies in Staffordshire and Shropshire have received a welcome boost from our grant scheme.

National Databank聽

In today鈥檚 digital world, access to the internet is essential. To make sure everyone benefits from internet connectivity, the National Databank offers free mobile data for people who can鈥檛 access the internet.

聽Introducing our new Gas Safe contractors聽

As your landlord, we have a legal duty to carry out an annual heating and gas safety check in your home. This check helps to keep you safe, at no charge to you.

Warning to potential fly tippers as tenant must pay more than 拢500聽聽

A tenant must pay more than 拢500 after rubbish was found dumped outside a block of flats.

The pile of abandoned furniture and household waste was left next to bins outside of the flats, in Stafford, and we were able to prove that it belonged to the tenant.

Award-winning Crucial Crew set for more support from Housing Plus Group聽

The organisers of an event designed to help young people in Shrewsbury and Oswestry develop essential life skills, are set to build on their vital work to date with continued support from Housing Plus Group.

Strong female voices shaping the future of Housing Plus Group聽

As the world gets ready to celebrate International Women鈥檚 Day (March 8), we are highlighting the powerful female voices helping to shape the future of the organisation.聽

Could you join our Service Performance and Customer Experience Committee?

We鈥檙e looking for two customers with strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills to help us deliver our goals. The ideal candidates will have excellent communication skills and a collaborative approach, working well in a team whilst valuing diversity and constructive debate.

Celebrating National Apprenticeship Week 2025

This week (10 鈥� 16 February) we鈥檝e been celebrating National Apprenticeship Week by taking the opportunity to recognise the hard work, dedication and incredible contribution apprentices make to our organisation.

Meet Electrical Apprentice Rohan聽

We鈥檙e celebrating our apprentices this National Apprenticeship Week (10 鈥� 16 February), and today鈥檚 spotlight is on Electrical Apprentice Rohan.

糖心传媒 receives grant to help support more community groups and projects

More community groups and grassroots projects are receiving support in Staffordshire and Shropshire, thanks to grant funding we have received through the Efficiency East Midlands Ltd (EEM) Community Donation Scheme.

糖心传媒 grant helps charity support the community and protect the environment聽

A valuable community resource in Stafford that is helping both local charities and the environment has received a welcome boost from 糖心传媒.

The Wrekin Housing Group and Housing Plus Group complete merger鈥�聽

Today The Wrekin Housing Group and Housing Plus Group have merged becoming one of the largest social housing providers in the West Midlands with 33,000 homes serving customers across Shropshire, Staffordshire, Telford and Wrekin.

糖心传媒 donates to local food banks to help families this Christmas聽

糖心传媒 is helping to make sure families in Staffordshire and Shropshire don鈥檛 go hungry this Christmas.

Housing Plus Group and The Wrekin Housing Group prepare to come together as one organisation

We are approaching an exciting milestone as Housing Plus Group and The Wrekin Housing Group prepare to come together as one organisation.聽

Introducing Housing Perks

As part of our commitment to supporting you through the ongoing cost of living crisis, we are delighted to introduce a new benefit for all 糖心传媒 customers.聽

Working together to make a positive difference

We are celebrating the positive difference our involved customers have made over the last year.

糖心传媒 pledges support for youth centre garden聽

Plans to transform a patch of mud ground at a Shrewsbury youth centre into a sensory garden have been boosted by 糖心传媒.聽

Making a stand against domestic abuse聽聽

We are marking the International 16 Days of Activism campaign (25 November 鈥� 10 December) by making a stand against domestic abuse.

Today we are announcing the retirement of the long-standing Chair of our board, Steve Jennings.

After seven years of dedicated service, the chair of our group, Steve Jennings, is stepping down as the organisation prepares to merge with the Wrekin Housing Group.

Sports ground scores with 糖心传媒 grant聽聽

Plans to renovate a valuable community resource in a Shropshire village are set to become a reality thanks to support from 糖心传媒.聽

This Safeguarding Adults Week, we鈥檙e reminding you to Speak Up

Safeguarding means protecting the rights of an adult or child to live safely, free from abuse and neglect.

How we work to resolve Anti-social Behaviour (ASB)

The safety and well-being of our customers is our number one priority. We understand that Anti-social Behaviour (ASB) can have a significant impact on people鈥檚 mental health and sense of security as well as harming the wider community.

Keep Well & Warm this winter聽

The cost of living continues to rise, making it harder to make ends meet for lots of households. This winter, we鈥檙e once again supporting customers with helpful advice on how to save money, stay safe and keep warm through our Keep Well & Warm campaign.

Cutting condensation to keep your home healthy

As part of our continuing efforts to tackle damp, mould and condensation, we鈥檙e supporting our customers to report signs of mould in their homes and helping them to maintain a healthy home through our Cutting Condensation campaign.

Shining a spotlight on our involved customers in National Involvement Week聽

National Involvement Week (14-18 October)

Have your say – South Staffordshire Council鈥檚 Residents鈥� Survey鈥�2024鈥�

South Staffordshire Council is calling for residents to take part in a new survey.鈥�聽

Co-creating our 23-24 Annual Report with customers

It鈥檚 National Involvement Week (14-18 October)

Community comes together to install life-saving defibrillator聽

Plans to install vital life-saving medical equipment at a community centre in Shrewsbury have become a reality with help from the 糖心传媒 My Community Fund.

Housing Plus Group and Wrekin Housing Group boards approve merger

The boards of Housing Plus Group and The Wrekin Housing Group have decided to take the next steps towards a formal merger.

Celebrating National Customer Service Week 2024

National Customer Service Week (NCSW) provides us with a fantastic opportunity to shine a spotlight on the importance of customer service and celebrate all the great work our colleagues are doing to make a positive difference to your lives.聽

Share your views – Housing Ombudsman鈥檚 housing maintenance investigation聽

The Housing Ombudsman is calling for social housing residents to take part in a new survey, exploring common issues in housing maintenance.鈥�鈥�聽

糖心传媒 sponsors Shrewsbury Pride event聽

After its debut last year, Shrewsbury Pride returned over the weekend with its message of love, inclusivity and diversity, providing a platform for the LGBTQ+ community.聽

Improving your experience聽

2023-24 Annual report for customers.
This year鈥檚 annual report focuses on鈥痟ow well we delivered our services, the鈥痬oney we spent repairing and maintaining homes鈥痑nd, importantly, the鈥痵teps we took to improve your experience.

糖心传媒 customer 鈥榗ouldn鈥檛 be more pleased鈥� with home energy upgrade聽聽

We are making our homes across Staffordshire and Shropshire warmer, greener and cheaper to run.聽

Ten simple steps to help keep you safe and warm in your home聽

Gas Safety Week is taking place from the 9th to 15th September and is here to remind the public how to keep themselves gas safe and raise awareness of the dangers of poorly maintained gas appliances, which can cause gas leaks, fires, explosions and carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning.聽

World Suicide Prevention Day聽

Today is World Suicide Prevention Day, a chance for organisations and communities around the world to come together to raise awareness of how we can create a world where fewer people die by suicide.

Your Views Matter聽

This year we introduced a new-look team reshaping the way that we respond to your complaints and feedback.聽

糖心传媒 money advice service boosts customers鈥� household income by 拢3m

Our employment and money advice team (EMA) help our customers achieve money savings through debt management and access to benefits and grants.

ReConnected project celebrates one year of bringing people and communities together in Staffordshire聽

It鈥檚 been a year since our ReConnected service launched, funded by the National Lottery Community Fund聽

Did you know that our customer policies are now available in almost 100 different languages?

ReachDeck is a toolbar available on our websites and can help if you struggle with reading, have a visual impairment or prefer to read in your own language.

糖心传媒 supports Stafford鈥檚 first ever Pride festival聽

We are proud to have to have been a sponsor of the first ever Stafford Pride Festival and Parade!聽聽

First birthday party for Burton Square Community Hub聽

Our Burton Square Community Hub, in Stafford, celebrated its first birthday last month.聽

Supporting safety initiative for Shropshire children聽

An annual event that delivers important safety lessons for primary school pupils across Shropshire, has been given a financial boost by 糖心传媒.聽

My Community Fund helps charity tackle loneliness and isolation聽

A project helping to tackle loneliness and feelings of isolation in Shropshire鈥檚 rural communities has received a welcome boost from our My Community Fund.聽

Life-saving defibrillator installed at Meole Community Hub

People living in Meole, Shrewsbury, will benefit after the installation of a life-saving defibrillator.聽

Today we are announcing that Housing Plus Group and The Wrekin Housing Group are proposing to come together as one organisation.

During the past few months, we have been looking at how we might bring our two organisations closer together to create a stronger presence that would benefit our customers, our employees and the wider community.

Nostalgic performance 鈥榬econnects鈥� Staffordshire residents聽

Over 55s living in Stafford and South Staffordshire were recently given the chance to step back in time to the 1940s, thanks to a vintage concert organised as part of a successful initiative that鈥檚 supporting older people to live more active lives.聽

Latest newsletter, out now!聽

The 糖心传媒 newsletter is full of great advice and good news stories for our tenants and is聽available now!聽聽聽

糖心传媒 marks Pride month by signing up to HouseProud pledge

June is Pride month, an annual celebration of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Questioning (LGBTQ+) people.

糖心传媒 My Community Fund helps more people enjoy the outdoors聽

People on low incomes are improving their health by enjoying the great outdoors, with support from 糖心传媒.聽

Prison sentence sends warning over meter tampering

A tenant, who tampered with an electricity meter, has been jailed after breaching an injunction obtained by 糖心传媒.聽

Our Tenant Satisfaction Measures (TSMs) 23-24

We鈥檙e committed to listening to our tenants and making changes to improve your experience.

Celebrating our involved customers during Volunteers鈥� Week 2024聽

As part of Volunteers鈥� Week, we鈥檙e saying thank you to our involved customers for helping to shape our services聽

Gwen鈥檚 community work earns her a Mayor of Shrewsbury award聽聽

A resident in one of our retirement living schemes has won a Mayor of Shrewsbury award for promoting and enhancing the local community.聽聽

Local Hero Stephanie a favourite with neighbours聽聽

糖心传媒 has named Stafford resident Stephanie, as its latest Local Hero.聽聽

糖心传媒 continues support for Staffordshire鈥檚 Best Kept Village & Community competition

A much-loved contest encouraging residents of Staffordshire villages to take pride in their local community has received another boost from our 糖心传媒 My Community Fund.聽

David鈥檚 first aid skills save choking baby聽

糖心传媒 plasterer David Rossiter has been hailed a hero, after jumping into action to administer emergency first aid to a poorly baby boy.聽聽

Choir raise the roof at retirement living scheme

Residents living in one of our retirement living schemes have put on their first ever performance as a choir.聽聽

Have your say 鈥� Housing Ombudsman invites 糖心传媒 residents to apply for next Resident Panel聽

The Housing Ombudsman is inviting social housing residents to apply to join its Resident Panel.聽

Sport England grant helps older people get active

A grant of almost 拢4,000 from Sport England will help customers in our retirement living communities improve their health and wellbeing.

Boost to community hub at local primary school

A community hub offering a warm and welcoming space for families and children at a Staffordshire primary school, has been boosted by a donation from our 糖心传媒 My Community Fund.

Planting new trees to help brighten up neighbourhood聽聽

糖心传媒 and a Stafford Borough councillor have worked together to plant trees for the community in a North Staffordshire village to enjoy.聽

Solving murder over mocktails聽

A ReConnected event at a retirement living community in Stone saw members turn amateur detectives to solve a deadly 鈥榗rime鈥�.

Celebrating our apprenticeship success stories聽

National Apprenticeship Week brings together everyone passionate about apprenticeships to celebrate the value, benefit and opportunity that they bring.聽

The Sandford Nursing Home celebrates 5 Star food hygiene rating聽

The Sandford Nursing Home, which is part of Care Plus, is celebrating success on a plate after a recent inspection resulted in a five-star food hygiene rating.聽

We are offering a warm space at our Burton Square Community Hub聽

Our Community Hub, in Burton Square, Stafford, is a warm space!聽

Increase in fly-tipping following the festive period聽

Following the festive period, we have noticed an increase in waste that has been left in our communal bin areas due to fly-tipping

糖心传媒 delivers festive cheer to families in need this Christmas聽

糖心传媒 has been helping to deliver some festive cheer to families in need this Christmas after donating toys to a community hub at a Staffordshire primary school.

Building stronger relationships with our customers

Last month we held our second annual away day for our Customer Partnership Panel, who were joined by members of our 糖心传媒 and Property Plus board and 糖心传媒 colleagues.聽

糖心传媒 delivers much-needed grants to foodbanks this Christmas

糖心传媒 is spreading some festive cheer across Staffordshire and Shropshire by delivering much-needed grants to food banks this Christmas.聽

糖心传媒 is helping you keep well and warm this winter

As living costs continue to rise and the temperature begins to drop, we鈥檙e supporting our customers through our Keep Well & Warm campaign which provides helpful advice on how to save money, stay safe and keep warm this winter.聽

Residents get keys to new affordable homes in Bilbrook

A scheme to deliver affordable homes in a Staffordshire village has been completed, with the contractor handing over the site to 糖心传媒, a Housing Plus Group company and leading provider of affordable homes in Shropshire and Staffordshire.聽

Safeguarding Adults Week: safeguarding yourself and others聽

This week, 糖心传媒 are joining a nationwide campaign to help raise awareness of adult safeguarding and keep our communities safe.聽

Exciting schedule of free activities and social events for people aged 55+

An exciting schedule of free events and activities for people aged 55+ has been unveiled in Stafford Borough and south Staffordshire.

Soft play centre opens sensory room thanks to funding from 糖心传媒

Babies and children are benefitting from a new sensory room thanks to a donation from our 糖心传媒 My Community Fund.聽

Have your say on the joint Complaint Handling Code

The Housing Ombudsman is making some changes to its Complaint Handling Code.聽

We are supporting Stop Loan Sharks Week 2023聽

糖心传媒 is supporting a national campaign to make people aware of the dangers of loan sharks and highlight the support that is available.

Have your say – South Staffordshire Council鈥檚 Residents鈥� Survey

South Staffordshire Council is calling for residents to take part in a new survey.聽

Recycle Week 2023聽

Now in its twentieth year, Recycle Week is the nation鈥檚 biggest annual celebration of recycling.聽

Employment and money advice officer thanked for helping customer out of homelessness

A customer supported by our employment and money advisor Toni Roberts, has credited her with changing his life.聽

National Scrutiny Week 2023: Celebrating the impact of our Customer Partnership Panel

This week is National Scrutiny Week where housing associations from across the country have been celebrating their involved customers and their contribution to improving the services that matter to customers.聽

Introducing Chatticus, our new chatbot

We鈥檙e pleased to announce the launch of Chatticus, our new 糖心传媒 chatbot!聽

糖心传媒 launches new community hub for Burton Square

糖心传媒 has officially opened a new hub for the benefit of the community in Burton Square, Stafford.聽

Inspired and guided by our values

In a year when we celebrated the first anniversary of the launch of 糖心传媒, we set out to show how we brought our values to life.

Introducing Chatticus, the new 糖心传媒 chatbot.

We鈥檙e introducing a new way of helping you to find an answer to a question about our services.

Boost to food banks in Staffordshire and Shropshire聽

糖心传媒 is supporting food banks in Staffordshire and Shropshire to top up essential supplies for people struggling with the rising cost of living.聽

Three steps to safer homes in Gas Safety Week聽11-17 September聽聽

糖心传媒 prioritises gas safety every week. In Gas Safety Week, we are asking聽 you to take three steps to 鈥楪et in the Know鈥� and keep your home, family and neighbours safe.聽

糖心传媒 backs Staffordshire鈥檚 Best Kept Village Competition

糖心传媒 is sponsoring The Community Foundation鈥檚 Best Kept Village competition for 2023.聽

An update on our repairs service: August 2023

We know that it is taking longer than usual for us to carry out some repairs. We understand that this is disappointing and want to apologise to anyone affected by these delays. We are working hard to put things right.

糖心传媒 My Community Fund supports Shrewsbury Men鈥檚 Shed聽

A project targeting loneliness and isolation among men of all ages, has been boosted by support from the 糖心传媒 My Community Fund.

糖心传媒 backs the Make Things Right campaign

The UK government has launched its 鈥楳ake Things Right鈥� campaign to ensure that more social housing residents who need support know how to make a complaint.聽

Introducing our new Compliments Form

We鈥檙e changing the way our customers can say 鈥榯hank you鈥� or 鈥榳ell done鈥� at 糖心传媒.聽

Today marks the launch of our brand-new Compliments Form.聽聽

Opening week is a success at our new Burton Square Community Hub!聽

Our brand-new Burton Square Community Hub, in Stafford, welcomed 30 customers in its opening week.聽

Share your experience 鈥� Housing Ombudsman鈥檚 report into communications and relationships

The Housing Ombudsman is calling for social housing residents to take part in a new survey.聽

The call for evidence has been issued to support their latest systemic report, which will look at the communications and relationships between residents and their landlords.聽

Responsible pet ownership聽

We are reminding customers about the importance of responsible pet ownership.聽

We recognise the positive impact that pets can have on their owners鈥� lives, but you need to ensure that your pets don鈥檛 cause any issues for you and your community.聽

Parent & toddler group receives funding boost from 糖心传媒聽

Children are benefitting from new toys and play equipment thanks to a donation from our 糖心传媒 My Community Fund.

ASB Awareness Week: tackling hate crime

In ASB Awareness Week, we are raising awareness of an under-reported category of ASB: hate incidents and crimes.聽聽

Latest newsletter, out now!聽

The 糖心传媒 newsletter is full of great advice and good news stories for our tenants and is聽available now!聽聽聽

ASB Awareness Week: feel safe in your home and proud of your neighbourhood

This year, the theme for the awareness week is 鈥楰now Your Rights鈥�. The campaign aims to encourage people to report incidents of Anti-Social Behaviour (ASB) and raises awareness of the ASB Case Review (previously known as the Community Trigger).

糖心传媒 My Community Fund supports sign language classes聽

A customer in one of our retirement living communities has been making a positive difference, with a little help from the 糖心传媒 My Community Fund.

Speech, reading and translation support on our website聽

Did you know that our website offers 24/7 accessibility support? Access speech, reading and translation assistance at any time by simply clicking the accessibility icon from any page of our website.聽

Affordable homes made more energy efficient

Customers who live in some of our older properties are now benefiting from warmer, greener and more energy efficient homes thanks to a 拢2.3 million project.

糖心传媒 backs Shrewsbury & Oswestry Crucial Crew

糖心传媒 colleagues have been volunteering at an annual event that delivers important safety and social awareness lessons to primary school children. 聽

Care Plus shortlisted for two national awards

We are delighted to learn that Care Plus has been shortlisted for not one but TWO awards in the national Housing with Care Awards!聽

Carers’ Week 2023

In Carers鈥� Week, we are celebrating the huge contribution made our inspiring Care Plus care workers. We鈥檙e also thinking about all those who care for their own family members and friends, including the tireless carers among our own tenants and colleagues.聽聽

It鈥檚 National Volunteers’ Week!

At 糖心传媒, we鈥檙e lucky to have a group of involved tenants who generously give up their time to help improve the services that we offer to our customers.聽

We are opening a Community Hub in Stafford!聽

Our new Community Hub in Burton Square, Stafford, will be open from Wednesday 31 May.聽

The hub will allow us to provide free and confidential advice to our customers, their families and the wider community.聽

E-bike conversion kit safety warning

We are reminding customers about the dangers of buying cheap lithium batteries online and converting bicycles into e-bikes following a warning issued by the London Fire Brigade.聽

糖心传媒 helps villagers with Coronation tree planting

Residents in a Staffordshire village have celebrated the Coronation of King Charles III with a little help from the 糖心传媒 team.聽

Homes to be warmer, greener and more affordable thanks to 拢3.52 million government grant

Customers who live in some of our older properties could soon be benefiting from warmer and more energy efficient homes thanks to a 拢3.52 million government grant.聽

Celebrating National Apprenticeship Week聽

National Apprenticeship Week is an annual celebration of the achievements of apprentices and the positive impact they make to communities, businesses and the wider economy.聽

Apprenticeships are helping us to provide great careers for colleagues and deliver even better homes and services for customers.聽聽

Mums鈥� football team scores funding boost from 糖心传媒

Stafford Soccer Mums FC is celebrating a funding goal, with support from 糖心传媒.聽

The 糖心传媒 My Community Fund supports grass roots organisations in Staffordshire and Shropshire. A grant of 拢500 from our fund will be used to provide new kit and equipment for the women鈥檚 football club, which brings together enthusiastic players of all ages.聽

Christmas boost for food banks and community groups from 糖心传媒

Food banks and charities facing what is expected to be their busiest ever Christmas, have been boosted by our bumper donation of food, toys and chocolates. Much-needed grants have also been awarded from the 糖心传媒 My Community fund.

Warm Spaces

The rising cost of living means that many of us are worried about energy bills. This winter, a network of community organisations, churches, libraries and businesses are opening their doors as safe and friendly 鈥榳arm spaces鈥�.

糖心传媒 named finalist in UK Housing Awards 聽聽

The sector鈥檚 biggest and most prestigious event showcases the best social housing providers in the UK.聽聽

糖心传媒 funding boost hits the right note for young musicians

Stone Scout and Guide Band has received a much-needed boost, with a grant from 糖心传媒.

Our 糖心传媒 My Community Fund supports grass roots organisations in Staffordshire and Shropshire. A grant from the fund will be used to maintain the band鈥檚 instruments and provide new uniforms for the young musicians.

New homes for popular Shropshire town聽

With the completion of six new homes for affordable rent in Shifnal, we鈥檙e breathing fresh life into the heart of this popular Shropshire market town.聽

Celebrations for our 1st birthday聽

糖心传媒 is one year old on 1 November and what a year it has been!聽

The launch of the 糖心传媒 website has brought the opportunity to do more online wherever you live and our new 0800 048 8955 telephone number is free to phone, 24/7. Now, there is just one number to use to pay your rent, report a repair and get advice.聽聽

Have a happy and safe Diwali

Diwali is an important religious festival originating in India and celebrated in communities worldwide.

Lasting five days, it marks the start of the Hindu New Year. The word Diwali means 鈥榬ow of lights鈥� and it is sometimes called a festival of lights because of the lights used to decorate people鈥檚 homes.

National Scrutiny Week 2022

A blog from involved customer and Scrutiny Group member, Julia.
I鈥檝e been a tenant in South Staffordshire for 24 years. For the last eight of those I have been what鈥檚 called an 鈥榠nvolved customer鈥�. I鈥檓 part of the Scrutiny group and joined the Housing Ombudsman鈥檚 national Resident Panel in 2021.

糖心传媒 campaign focuses on keeping well and warm this winter聽聽

The cost of living is rising more than most of us have ever known and it is going to affect all of us.
We will be posting helpful tips on our Facebook page to save money, keep homes warm and stay safe.
You can also find a round-up of help available from the government and other central sources here. We will be updating this as new advice and information is available.

With deep sorrow we wish to pay tribute to Her Majesty The Queen for her enduring service and devotion. Rest in peace Your Majesty.聽

Our thoughts are with the Royal family and our customers who may feel a sense of personal loss at this difficult time.

Plus services help customers save 拢2.78m聽

糖心传媒 has helped customers to save an enormous 拢2.78 million through support offered by our Plus services.

Providing homes for almost 20,000 families across Shropshire and Staffordshire, our Plus services help customers to secure their tenancies, manage their finances and gain employment.

Congratulations Oliver and Liam聽

We are very pleased that the first of our electrical apprentices have completed the very demanding training necessary to graduate as fully qualified electricians.

Both Oliver Simmons and Liam Davies have now gained permanent roles in our in-house electrical team.

Working in partnership to tackle anti-social behaviour聽

糖心传媒 is backing a national campaign aimed at tackling anti-social behaviour (ASB) as we strive to build stronger, safer communities across Staffordshire and Shropshire.鈥�

Stuart鈥檚 pedals raise pounds聽

Congratulations to our amazing Fire & electrical projects manager, Stuart Harvey who has cycled the length of Great Britain and climbed its highest mountains in a great cause.

Residents receive funding boost from 糖心传媒聽

Neighbours determined to restore their local community centre have received a donation from the 糖心传媒 My Community Fund.

Supporting our customers to a brighter future聽

As well as being a trusted provider of affordable homes and care services, we鈥檙e here to do more for our customers, offering free and confidential Plus Services like employment, training and money advice.鈥�聽

Support for Ukraine聽

We have been contacted by customers asking how they can support Ukrainians fleeing the war in their country.
Like you, we have been deeply moved by the plight of millions of Ukrainians who are being forced to flee their homes, so want to support customers who wish to volunteer spare accommodation and to help in other ways.

Good neighbour Kerry shortlisted for top award聽

We are very pleased to share some wonderful news about 糖心传媒 customer Kerry, who is one of the finalists for the Tenant of the Year title in the prestigious Housing Heroes Awards.

Bringing people together with help from the 糖心传媒 My Community Fund聽

The Rotary Club of Stafford Knot asked us to help bring people together for a lunch among friends.聽聽

102 reasons for a great party!

An extra-special celebration for a remarkable birthday, took place in one of our retirement living communities.

糖心传媒 supports local villages聽

Sponsorship from the 糖心传媒 My Community Fund is supporting the Best Kept Village Community Competition in Staffordshire, which this year includes a contest for children inspired by the Queen鈥檚 Platinum Jubilee.

Boost to plans for warmer, more efficient homes聽

Customers who live in some of our older homes could soon be benefitting from warmer, more energy-efficient homes thanks to a 拢2.1 million investment programme.聽

糖心传媒 supports 鈥楥rucial鈥� training for schoolchildren聽

Each year, Shrewsbury and Oswestry Crucial Crew holds an event attended by as many as 1500 children from up to 60 local primary schools as part of the all-important preparation for secondary school.聽聽聽

Memorial bench unveiled on site of landmark housing project聽

A memorial to a much-loved and well-respected local councillor has been unveiled on the rooftop terrace of The Burgesses, our 拢3.2 million new housing development in Kinver.聽

Share your views on what matters to you 鈥� Housing Ombudsman鈥檚 Noise Investigation

The Housing Ombudsman scheme is calling for evidence on noise complaints.鈥�聽
As members of this scheme, we have been asked to share this information to ensure that you have the opportunity for your voice to be heard.

Celebrating the completion of new-build homes in Shropshire聽

We鈥檙e delighted to celebrate the completion of three brand-new homes near Shrewsbury, which have already welcomed their first 糖心传媒 customers.聽

Quality homes for retirement living in Kinver聽

High quality retirement living for older people is now available in Kinver following the recent completion of our landmark 拢3.2 development in the popular Staffordshire village.

Customers go digital with new tablet computers

Residents in some of our 55 retirement living communities in Staffordshire and Shropshire are making new connections, having received tablet computers and data from a social change charity.

Share your views on what matters to you

The Regulator of Social Housing (RSH) is proposing new Tenant Satisfaction Measures and we are keen to know your thoughts on them.

Apprenticeships grow skills

Marking National Apprenticeship Week 2022, grounds maintenance apprentice Jordan Edwards had the special task of throwing two special 鈥榮eed bombs鈥� in an area dedicated to a wild flower meadow in the grounds of one of our retirement living communities.

Bright spark Liam uses apprenticeship to begin electrical career

We believe that apprenticeships provide鈥痝reat career development鈥痮pportunities,鈥痗ombining hands-on training with vocational learning.

Top award for homes and maintenance

Property Plus, which carries out repairs and maintenance services for all our 糖心传媒 customers, has been named Contractor of the Year in the UK Housing Awards.聽

Tribute surprises good neighbour

A woman described as a tower of strength in her neighbourhood has received a surprise tribute after residents got in touch with housing association 糖心传媒.

Wren House welcomes its first visitors

Wren House, the latest Housing Plus Group聽flagship聽development close to the centre of Stafford will soon welcome its first residents.

Property Plus is named finalist in UK Housing Awards

Property Plus, the in-house repairs and maintenance team of Housing Plus Group which operates across Staffordshire and Shropshire, has been named a finalist in the Contractor of the Year category of the UK Housing Awards.

糖心传媒 puts art on local roads

Three聽landlords in Housing Plus Group 鈥� South Staffordshire Housing Association, Severnside Housing and Stafford and Rural Homes 鈥撀爃ave聽joined together to become 糖心传媒.聽聽聽

Bright future for bowling club thanks to funding boost

A Shropshire bowling club which began when a group of players set an ambitious target to restore a historic bowling green in Monkmoor six years ago, has been backed by 糖心传媒.

A new name in affordable housing in Staffordshire and Shropshire

A new era for 18,000 social housing tenants got underway this week, as three landlords in Housing Plus Group 鈥� South Staffordshire Housing Association, Severnside Housing and Stafford and Rural Homes 鈥� joined together to become 糖心传媒.

New team aims to build safer communities by tackling anti-social behaviour

A leading local housing association has announced a new team dedicated to helping build stronger, safer communities across Staffordshire and Shropshire.

Tom鈥檚 new role helps鈥痥eep our customers safe

Tom Reynolds joined us just weeks before coronavirus was declared a pandemic. As a driver, it was part of his job to deliver some of the new kitchens and bathrooms being fitted in customer鈥檚 homes in鈥疭tafford.鈥�鈥�

Community hub sessions launched in Stafford!

Great news 鈥� We are opening new free community hub sessions in Stafford town centre from Friday 16 July 2021!

MP visits new affordable homes in Stafford

Stafford MP Theo Clarke visited one of our new developments of homes for affordable rent and shared ownership. The site of 23 houses and apartments is revitalising an area on the edge of the town centre.

Joe鈥檚 job satisfaction in making a positive difference

Joe Sproston has worked in housing for 13 years, first for Stafford and Rural Homes and then for Housing Plus Group following the merger between the neighbouring organisations.

Apprenticeship a great fit for Nathan

Apprenticeships are really important to Housing Plus Group, which is why we鈥檝e committed to creating 100 new apprenticeships in our business and with our partners in our first five years as an expanded group operating across Staffordshire and Shropshire.

Two Housing Plus group tenants join new national panel

Congratulations to involved customers David Spruce and Julia Stonehouse, who have been appointed to the Housing Ombudsman鈥檚 new national Resident Panel.

Hat-trick of success for Care Plus

We are celebrating a hat-trick of success in the Great British Care Awards. At a time when the spotlight has been turned on the role of care workers, Care Plus has been shortlisted for three top awards in what are known as the 鈥極scars鈥� of the care world.

Ron鈥檚 a local lockdown hero 鈥� is there a lockdown hero in YOUR neighbourhood?

In these challenging times, a huge positive has been the way that people have supported each other. The anxiety and worry of coronavirus has brought out the best in many of us and the loneliness of social distancing has drawn neighbours closer together.

Severnside answers emergency appeal

Shrewsbury Foodbank at Barnabus makes a big difference to the lives of people and families in crisis. So when the food bank needed help, we were delighted to step in.

Care Plus acquires Shropshire nursing home

We are pleased to announce that Care Plus has completed the purchase of a south Shropshire nursing home, extending the wide range of support services available to Care Plus customers.

Work starts on our new retirement living homes in Kinver

Construction work has commenced on our ambitious plans to build 20 new homes for older people, in Kinver. The development is designed for people who want to live independently, with the reassurance of access to care and support provided by Housing Plus Group member, Care Plus.

鈥淪ome parts of my job are a bit more difficult at the moment but for our customers, it鈥檚 a lifeline.鈥�

Andrew is an employment and money advice officer who is usually based in our busy office in Stafford. Since March, he has been working from home.