21 Talks: Recent Episodes
Housing 21
Real-life stories from Housing 21 residents. A podcast showing that at every age, everyone has important stories to tell and opinions to share.
Connect with Housing 21 on: Twitter - https://twitter.com/housing21 LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/housing21/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Housing21/ Website - https://www.housing21.org.uk/
Listen to hear the latest Housing 21 news, including:
- Important updates delivered straight to your inbox
- Win a hamper full of treats!
- Post a Smile: our new resident pen pal scheme
- Growing greener together
- Help shape the future of Housing 21
- Resident Trust Fund helps communities thrive
- Catch up on our latest Let’s Talk sessions
- Help make service charges easier to understand
- Join us at our Retirement Living conferences
Housing 21 helps older people live well with dignity and autonomy by providing support or care in quality social rent or shared ownership housing services.
Find out more about Housing 21:
Visit the website: www.housing21.org.uk
Follow us on socials...
🔹 LinkedIn: / housing21
🔹 Facebook: / housing21
🔹 Instagram: / housing21living
This is your audio edition of the resident Housing 21 Monthly Newsletter: June edition. Read to you by Lucy and Joel from the Communications Team.
In the July 2026 edition:
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- Housing 21 appoints new chair of the board
- Retirement Living conferences: locations and how to book
- Explaining heat networks, one simple standard for comfort
- Awaabs Law update – watch our short video
- Keeping cool this summer
- Safe use of the communal outdoor spaces
- Gardens coming to life for summer
- Shared ownership homes available now
- World Cup fever across our schemes
- Residents celebrate landmark cohousing scheme in Birmingham
- June news highlights
Housing 21 is a leading, not for profit provider of Retirement Living and Extra Care for older people of modest means. We operate in 220 local authority areas and manage more than 24,000 properties across England.
Connect with Housing 21:
- Housing 21 website - www.housing21.org.uk
- Facebook - facebook.com/Housing21
- LinkedIn - linkedin.com/company/housing21
- Instagram - instagram.com/housing21living
- YouTube - www.youtube.com/@housing2171
This is your audio edition of the resident Housing 21 Monthly Newsletter: June edition. Read to you by Lucy and Joel from the Communications Team.
In the June 2026 edition:
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- Housing 21 Achieves C1 Consumer Standards Grading
- Quarterly Performance Report: January–March 2026
- Heat Networks Update: Standard Temperature Introduced
- Launch of the Resident Experience Strategy 2026
- Retirement Living Resident Conferences Announced for 2026
- Monthly Repairs and Complaints Surveys
- Help Shape the New Choice and Consensus Policy
- Residents’ Survey and TSM Results Published
- STAIRs Transparency Webpage Launched
- Service Charge Network Releases New Explainer Videos
- Sign Up for the Digital Corporate Newsletter
- HMRC Launches “Tax Confident” Campaign
- Digital Inclusion Support and Free Device Schemes
- World Elder Abuse Awareness Day
- Loneliness Awareness Week
- May News Highlights: Community Projects and Resident Achievements
Housing 21 is a leading, not for profit provider of Retirement Living and Extra Care for older people of modest means. We operate in 220 local authority areas and manage more than 24,000 properties across England.
Connect with Housing 21:
- Housing 21 website - www.housing21.org.uk
- Facebook - facebook.com/Housing21
- LinkedIn - linkedin.com/company/housing21
- Instagram - instagram.com/housing21living
- YouTube - www.youtube.com/@housing2171
This is your audio edition of the resident Housing 21 Monthly Newsletter: May edition. Read to you by Lucy and Joel from the Communications Team.
In the May 2026 edition:
- Residents’ Survey results: scheme reports are now available
- Making is easier to access information – new publication scheme
- Housing 21 signs the ASB Help Pledge
- Digital inclusivity and support
- Free mobile data for people in need
- Could you be missing out on support?
- Feel more confident about tax in retirement
- Resident conferences 2026 – save the dates
- A remarkable milestone for Kath at Mays Court
- Marking VE Day
- National Gardening Week 2026
- April News Highlights
- Check your pendant alarm each month
Housing 21 is a leading, not for profit provider of Retirement Living and Extra Care for older people of modest means. We operate in 220 local authority areas and manage more than 24,000 properties across England.
Connect with Housing 21:
- Housing 21 website - www.housing21.org.uk
- Facebook - facebook.com/Housing21
- LinkedIn - linkedin.com/company/housing21
- Instagram - instagram.com/housing21living
- YouTube - www.youtube.com/@housing2171
This is your audio edition of the resident Housing 21 Monthly Newsletter: April edition. Read to you by Lucy from the Communications Team.
In the April 2026 edition:
- Let’s celebrate National Gardening Week
- Happy Easter from everyone at Housing 21
- Help with energy costs through HACT
- Extra support you may be able to claim
- Have you seen our complaints reports?
- Reporting your Annual Rent Change to Universal Credit
- Housing 21 is celebrating National Pet Month
- Sharing stories from around our schemes on social media
- Let’s Talk Retirement Living and Extra Care coming soon
- St George’s Day Activities
Check your pendant alarm each month
Housing 21 is a leading, not for profit provider of Retirement Living and Extra Care for older people of modest means. We operate in 220 local authority areas and manage more than 24,000 properties across England.
Connect with Housing 21:
- Housing 21 website - www.housing21.org.uk
- Facebook - facebook.com/Housing21
- LinkedIn - linkedin.com/company/housing21
- Instagram - instagram.com/housing21living
- YouTube - www.youtube.com/@housing2171
This is your audio edition of the resident Housing 21 Monthly Newsletter: March edition. Read to you by Lucy and Joel from the Communications Team.
In the March 2026 edition:
- Spring into gardening
- Performance Report now available for quarter three
- National Resident Survey results
- Explaining our repairs and complaints surveys
- An update on the Resident Trust Fund
- Go paperless: get your newsletter by email
- Property spotlight: Exploring Extra Care
- Benefits and grants support
- Fire Safety - staying put
- Compliments, comments and complaints, we want to hear from you
- Stay connected with YouTube videos and Let's Talk Sessions
- Care Survey coming soon
- Pendant alarm reminder
Housing 21 is a leading, not for profit provider of Retirement Living and Extra Care for older people of modest means. We operate in 220 local authority areas and manage more than 24,000 properties across England.
Connect with Housing 21:
- Housing 21 website - www.housing21.org.uk
- Facebook - facebook.com/Housing21
- LinkedIn - linkedin.com/company/housing21
- Instagram - instagram.com/housing21living
- YouTube - www.youtube.com/@housing2171
This is your audio edition of the resident Housing 21 Monthly Newsletter: February edition. Read to you by Lucy and Joel from the Communications Team.
In the February 2026 edition:
- Introducing the new Resident Trust Fund
- We’d love your feedback on the resident newsletter
- Go paperless: get your newsletter by email
- Have your say: resident forums reminder
- Have you heard about our Environmental Awareness Group
- Photography and video sharing: a reminder about consent
- Do you know about a mutual or tenancy exchange
- Looking after your heart this February
- Helping Hands Fund – extra support when you need it
- Heat network update – new protections from January 2026
- Tenant Participation Advisory Service (TPAS) engagement update – supporting resident involvement
- Pendant alarm reminder
Housing 21 is a leading, not for profit provider of Retirement Living and Extra Care for older people of modest means. We operate in 220 local authority areas and manage more than 24,000 properties across England.
Connect with Housing 21:
- Housing 21 website - www.housing21.org.uk
- Facebook - facebook.com/Housing21
- LinkedIn - linkedin.com/company/housing21
- Instagram - instagram.com/housing21living
- YouTube - www.youtube.com/@housing2171
This is your audio edition of the resident Housing 21 Monthly Newsletter: January edition. Read to you by Lucy and Joel from the Communications Team.
In the January edition:
- Welcoming 2026
- Don’t miss our latest Let’s Talk Extra Care
- Oldham residents strike a pose for a good cause
- Save money with Housing Perks
- Stay cosy and connected this January
- A quicker, safer response with Appello’s new Queue Management System (QMS)
- Nominations are open – help us recognise our outstanding contractors!
- Support to help you live well at home!
- Have your say through our National Resident Forums
- Changes ahead for homes with heat networks
- Making our website even more accessible
- Please check your next of kin details
- A fresh start for recycling
- Check your pendant alarm each month
Housing 21 is a leading, not for profit provider of Retirement Living and Extra Care for older people of modest means. We operate in 220 local authority areas and manage more than 24,000 properties across England.
Connect with us
🔹 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/housing21
🔹 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Housing21
🔹 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/housing21living
Connect with Housing 21:
- Housing 21 website - www.housing21.org.uk
- Facebook - facebook.com/Housing21
- LinkedIn - linkedin.com/company/housing21
- Instagram - instagram.com/housing21living
- YouTube - www.youtube.com/@housing2171
This is your audio edition of the resident Housing 21 Monthly Newsletter: December edition. Read to you by Lucy and Joel from the Communications Team.
In the December edition:
- Festive Greetings from all of us at Housing 21 and message from Bruce Moore
- Staying safe this winter
- We are dreaming of a green Christmas...
- Seasonal wellbeing matters
- Resident Voice: Get involved with our resident engagement events in 2026
- Let’s Talk Retirement Living: Autumn 2025
- Coming soon: Help us recognise outstanding contractors!
- Two new performance reports available for residents
- Service Charge Budget discussions
- Guest Wi-Fi made simpler in communal lounges
- Water quality and hygiene
- Have you recently had a repair? We launched a repairs survey
- Reminder to Check your pendant alarm each month
Housing 21 is a leading, not for profit provider of Retirement Living and Extra Care for older people of modest means. We operate in 220 local authority areas and manage more than 24,000 properties across England.
Connect with Housing 21:
- Housing 21 website - www.housing21.org.uk
- Facebook - facebook.com/Housing21
- LinkedIn - linkedin.com/company/housing21
- Instagram - instagram.com/housing21living
- YouTube - www.youtube.com/@housing2171
The Housing 21 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. It is read to you by Lucy, Resident Communications Manager and Joel, Communications Executive.
In the November 2025 edition:
- New Director of Retirement Living joins Housing 21
- Resident discussion on understanding service charges: scheme budget meetings explained
- The updated Resident Handbook is here!
- Our first Quarterly Performance Report: your insight into how we’re doing
- Thank you for taking part in the National Residents’ Survey
- We will remember them…
- Diwali celebrations bring residents and community together to light up Seagrave Court
- Exploring healthy housing for older people at our annual conference
- Talk Money Week: 03 – 07 November
- Raising awareness during National Safeguarding Week
- Awaab’s Law: strengthening action on damp and mould
- Monthly smoke and heat alarm checks
- Guest Wi-Fi access made easier – coming soon!
- Check your pendant alarm each month
Connect with Housing 21:
- Housing 21 website - www.housing21.org.uk
- Facebook - facebook.com/Housing21
- LinkedIn - linkedin.com/company/housing21
- Instagram - instagram.com/housing21living
- YouTube - www.youtube.com/@housing2171
The Housing 21 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. It is read to you by Lucy, Resident Communications Manager and Joel, Communications Executive.
In this edition:
- Resident discussion on end of year service charge statements is available on YouTube
- Resident launches new poetry book
- Housing 21 is recognised with a RSPCA award
- New digital advocacy recognition
- Performance information - why it matters
- Resident Survey now live
- Spotlight on scams
- Tips for keeping warm this Autumn
- Preventing damp and mould
- Spotting the signs of financial abuse
- Domestic Abuse Awareness month
- Reminders to test fire/smoke detectors and emergency pendants
Here is a link to Housing 21 YouTube Channel for videos: https://www.youtube.com/@housing2171
The Housing 21 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.
In this edition:
- Exciting new appointments at Housing 21
- Have your say and help shape how we allocate homes
- Reflections on our complaints service
- Helping hands spotlight on: HACT pre-payment meter fund
- Have your say on national housing policy
- Lead the change to shape your community: National Resident Survey 2025
- Tackling damp and mould together
- Catch up on our resident conferences
- Let’s Talk Extra Care
Here is a link to Housing 21 YouTube Channel for videos: https://www.youtube.com/@housing2171
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.
In this edition:
- Helping Hands spotlight on: Pocket Power
- Saying goodbye and good luck to Pam Mastrantonio
- Keeping people and pets together: The Cinnamon Trust
- Housing 21 will proudly be taking part in Manchester Pride this August – and you’re invited to get involved!
- Retirement Living conference on tour – videos available soon
- Resident focus groups – thanks to those who have taken part
- Your voice matters – National Resident Survey, coming soon
- Working together to support those affected by domestic abuse
- Top tips for keeping your home safe
- Important safety recall notice from Air Fryer manufacturer: Tower
- Bridge the digital divide with Get Box
- A quick press for peace of mind – remember to test your pendant
This is your audio edition of the resident Housing 21 Monthly Newsletter: July edition. Read to you by Lucy and Joel from the Communications Team.
Housing 21 is a leading not-for-profit provider of Retirement Living and Extra Care for people over the age of 55. We operate in 215 local authority areas across England, managing over 24,000 Retirement Living and Extra Care properties and providing over 49,000 hours of social care each week.
Connect with Housing 21 on
* Housing 21 website - www.housing21.org.uk
* Facebook - facebook.com/Housing21
* LinkedIn - linkedin.com/company/housing21
* Instagram - instagram.com/housing21living
* YouTube - www.youtube.com/@housing2171
This is your audio edition of the resident Housing 21 Monthly Newsletter: June edition. Read to you by Lucy and Joel from the Communications Team.
Housing 21 is a leading not-for-profit provider of Retirement Living and Extra Care for people over the age of 55. We operate in 215 local authority areas across England, managing over 24,000 Retirement Living and Extra Care properties and providing over 49,000 hours of social care each week.
Connect with Housing 21 on
* Housing 21 website - www.housing21.org.uk
* Facebook - facebook.com/Housing21
* LinkedIn - linkedin.com/company/housing21
* Instagram - instagram.com/housing21living
* YouTube - www.youtube.com/@housing2171
This is your audio edition of the resident Housing 21 Monthly Newsletter: May edition. Read to you by Lucy and Joel from the Communications Team.
Connect with Housing 21 on
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/housing21
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Housing21/
This is your audio edition of the resident Housing 21 Monthly Newsletter: April edition. Read to you by Lucy and Joel from the Communications Team.
Connect with Housing 21 on
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/housing21
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Housing21/
This is your audio edition of the Housing 21 Monthly Newsletter: March 2025 edition. Read to you by Lucy and Joel from the Communications Team.
Connect with Housing 21 on
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/housing21
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Housing21/
This is your audio edition of the Housing 21 Monthly Newsletter: February 2025 edition. Read to you by Lucy and Joel from the Communications Team.
Connect with Housing 21 on
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/housing21
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Housing21/
This is your audio edition of the Housing 21 Newsletter: January 2025 edition.
Read to you by Lucy and Joel from the Resident Communications Team.
Connect with Housing 21 on
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/housing21
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Housing21/
Across Housing 21 we often talk about wellbeing and the importance of it, but what does it actually mean for residents living in our schemes?
Local Housing Manager Laura Gilling is passionate about the benefits physical activity can have on people’s wellbeing. In this episode of 21 Talks, she sits down with residents Zohra and Austin to find out what activities positively contribute to their wellbeing, as well as advice they’d give to other residents who are looking to try something new.
Episode time stamps
00:00 – Intro
01:18 – Austin and Zohra share where they live and how long they’ve been a Housing 21 resident
02:15 – Benefits of outdoor space
03:00 – What it’s like to be a basketball coach
05:18 – Completing a cooking course
05:52 – Chair-based exercise classes
07:47 – Residents leading on group activities
09:37 – What does wellbeing mean to you?
11:14 – Advice for people looking to try a new hobby
15:04 – Outro
Further information:
If you’re a Housing 21 resident interested in taking part in a future episode or have a topic you’d like us to explore on an upcoming episode, we’d love to hear from you by filling out this form.
Learn more about our pet policy for residents.
If you’re interested in a career in care or housing, check out our latest vacancies.
Connect with Housing 21 on
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Housing21
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/housing21
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Housing21/
Technology plays an important role in our everyday lives.
It enables people to stay connected with one another, order food, pay bills and shop, and for some, enables them to do their jobs effectively from home. However, this always been the case.
Across the UK, there are still many people who do not have the digital skills needed to use a laptop or tablet, with Age UK estimating that two million people aged over 75 are digitally excluded, including Housing 21 residents Rosina and Pauline.
In the first half of this 21 Talks episode, host Geoff Hopcraft, Lead Learning and Organisational Development Partner for the South at Housing 21, is joined by the duo to hear more about their experiences of using technology and the steps they are taking to improve their knowledge.
Geoff is then joined by Local Housing Manager Dave Vause to discuss how Housing 21, through its digital strategyand partnership with Barclays Digital Eagles is supporting residents like Pauline and Rosina.
Episode time stamps
00:00 – Intro
02:29 – Rosina and Pauline’s experience using technology
08:36 – Benefits of using tech
15:00 – Dave’s experience and passion for improving digital skills
17:13 – What devices are typically used by residents
18:45 – What are Housing 21’s Digital Champions
23:35 – Advice for listeners who want to improve their digital skills
24:34 – Outro
Further information:
If you’re a Housing 21 resident interested in taking part in a future episode or have a topic you’d like us to explore on an upcoming episode, we’d love to hear from you by filling out this form.
Read more about Transform 21 on page 17 of our Housing 21 Strategic Commitments Report.
Find out more about our Digital Eagles and Digital Champions please contact your Local Housing Manager or visit: Digital learning - your way | Digital Wings (uk.barclays)
Connect with Housing 21 on
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Housing21
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/housing21
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Housing21/
In 2021, Housing 21 launched a new scheme aiming to provide specialist training for employees to act as Tenancy Gurus. These colleagues are part of a commitment to helping residents sustain a healthy tenancy, preventing issues, such as rent and service charge arrears, before they arise. They’re also key to delivering Housing 21’s Helping Hands Fund, which offers residents a one-off grant for when something unexpected arises affecting their financial wellbeing.
In this episode of 21 Talks, host Nikki-Leigh Dipper, Business Improvement Officer at Housing 21, sits down with residents David and Emma (not their real names) who have both received support through our Tenancy Gurus initiative to share their experiences and advice on seeking financial support and advice.
Next to them, are guest panellists and Court Managers Jessica Ettridge and Julie Izzard, who have both been heavily involved with the initiative to talk more about how this approach is enabling independent living through financial confidence, dignity and autonomy, as well as how it collectively saved residents £700,000 in its first year.
Episode time stamps
00:00 – Introduction
02:21 – Why was Tenancy Gurus first setup?
04:43 – Guests share their stories about the support the received through Tenancy Gurus
14:00 – Brief summary of what Helping Hands is
14:20 – Tenancy Gurus share their stories on support provided to residents
17:09 – More about the helping hands fund and Housing 21’s Make A Difference (MAD) days
18:47 – Information on how to apply for the Helping Hands fund
19:13 – Stories from guests and Tenancy Gurus about how Helping Hands has helped residents
26:10 – What’s next for Tenancy Gurus?
27:14 – Guests sum up the Tenancy Gurus initiative in one word
27:56 – Advice for listeners who are struggling to talk about money
29:15 – Outro
Further information:
If you’re a Housing 21 resident interested in taking part in a future episode or have a topic you’d like us to explore on an upcoming episode, we’d love to hear from you by filling out this form.
Connect with Housing 21 on
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Housing21
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/housing21
It’s estimated that there are one million people aged 55 or over in the UK today, who identify as LGBTQ+. In this episode of 21 Talks, host John Simmonds – Respect and Inclusion Lead at Housing 21 – sits down with residents Debz and Terry to learn more about their first-hand experiences of society’s changing attitudes towards this particular community.
From allyship to the importance of feeling safe and accepted for who they are, Debz and Terry share their thoughts on equality and diversity – as well as exploring what life’s really like, living in their retirement living schemes.
Further information:
Our Respect and Inclusion strategy sets out how we plan to be a champion for inclusion and how we will create an environment that celebrates difference. To find out more, visit: https://www.housing21.org.uk/about-us/respect-and-inclusion/
Learn more about our courts and the homes that we currently have available: https://www.housing21.org.uk/our-properties/
If you’re a Housing 21 resident interested in taking part in a future episode or have a topic you’d like us to explore on an upcoming episode, we’d love to hear from you by filling out this form.
Connect with Housing 21 on
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Housing21
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/housing21
In the latest episode of 21 Talks, guest host and Housing 21 resident Jill is sitting down with colleagues Steph Lee (Housing and Care Manager) and Jamie Lindon-Lewis (Head of Quality Assurance and Commissioning) to talk about their career journeys, what it’s like to work in care and how people can join the care industry’s first Extra Care Academy.
The course, which aims to tackle misconceptions that there are no clearly defined career paths in care, will enable workers to progress to management roles – such as Assistant Care or Housing Manager, Scheme Manager and even Regional Manager – while also including a Level 3 Health and Social Care qualification.
Resources mentioned in this episode:
Find out more about the Extra Academy: https://www.housing21.org.uk/about-us/our-news/housing-21-launches-industrys-first-extra-care-academy-to-support-care-workers-to-progress/
Are you a Housing 21 resident interested in taking part in a future episode? Or do you have a topic you’d like us to explore on an upcoming episode? We’d love to hear from you: https://www.housing21.org.uk/resident-information/join-the-housing-21-podcast/
According to the Committee on Climate Change, 40% of UK emissions come from households. For Housing 21, sustainability means reducing the emissions generated within our properties, but our residents have a huge role in contributing to and scrutinising these plans, focusing on the green initiatives that will suit their lifestyles.
To kickstart the series, guest host Simon is sitting down with Housing 21 resident ambassadors David and Heather, as well as Retirement Living Manager, Antony Walker and Property Improvement Manager Ashley Norwood to talk about the organisation’s sustainability journey so far and its future plans for achieving net-zero.
Further information:
Housing 21 was named by Housing Digital as one of the top 30 sustainable housing providers in 2021: https://www.housing21.org.uk/about-us/our-news/housing-21-a-top-30-sustainable-housing-provider/
Interested in getting involved?
If you have an idea for a podcast or would be interested in featuring on an episode, then we’d love to hear from you. Residents can get in touch through our website.
The pandemic has greatly impacted people’s views of what it means to be older, with much of the language now assuming that those above a certain age must be vulnerable or at high risk.
At Housing 21, we want to share the real-life stories of our residents and put them at the heart of the conversation - spotlighting the topics and discussions that matter most to them.
From the climate crisis to moving into a scheme with your partner, 21 Talks, will challenge the way older people are represented and talked about in everyday conversations by showing that, at every age, everyone has important opinions to share.
So, join the discussion and subscribe to our podcast channel now, to make sure you don’t miss the first episode.
Connect with Housing 21 on:
Twitter (https://twitter.com/housing21)
LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/company/housing21/)
Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/Housing21/)