Housing Hub

Date: Friday 25th September

Time: 10:00am - 3:00pm (last appointment at 2:30pm)

Location: Age UK, Bradbury Building, Mark Lane, Leeds, LS2 8JA

Housing Hub Update

Our Housing Hub on Friday was extremely well attended, with a large number of customers visiting to discuss anti-social behaviour (ASB) concerns as well as a range of general housing needs. The event provided a valuable opportunity for residents to speak directly with our teams and receive support and advice in a welcoming environment.

Our staff particularly enjoyed the face-to-face engagement, which allowed them to build stronger connections with customers and gain a better understanding of the issues affecting local communities. Customer feedback was very positive, with many residents commenting on how helpful and accessible they find these sessions.

We also distributed a number of home safety giveaways, which were well received and helped promote safety and wellbeing within the home.

What's Happening at the Next Housing Hub?

At our next Housing Hub on 28 August, we're excited to be joined by Equans, who will be delivering a Basic DIY Workshop designed for first-time homeowners and anyone with limited DIY experience. The session will run from 12pm to 1pm, although the presentation itself is expected to last around 30 minutes, allowing plenty of time afterwards for questions and conversations with attendees.

The workshop will cover a range of practical home maintenance skills, including:

• Bleeding radiators
• Fixing a leaking showerhead
• Locating faulty electrical circuits
• Hanging pictures safely
• Changing fuses in plugs

As an added incentive, there will be a limited number of IKEA toolboxes available to give away, which will be distributed on a first come, first served basis.

This is a fantastic opportunity for customers to gain confidence in carrying out simple household repairs, pick up useful tips from industry professionals, and speak with housing colleagues about any housing-related concerns they may have. We encourage everyone to come along early to secure their place and be in with a chance of receiving one of the toolboxes.

Next month on Friday 31st July

Our focus at the July hub will be on anti-social behaviour (ASB).

Feeling safe in your home and neighbourhood is incredibly important, and we know that ASB can have a significant impact on people’s wellbeing and sense of security.

Area Manager, Zuzka Downing, will be attending in the afternoon to share information about existing neighbourhood watch schemes, including how customers can get involved or even set up a new scheme in their area. Working together as a community is one of the most effective ways to prevent and respond to ASB, helping to create safer, more supportive neighbourhoods for everyone.

This focus ties in with National Anti-Social Behaviour Awareness Week, which highlights the importance of tackling ASB, supporting those affected, and encouraging communities to take positive action.

To support customers in feeling safer at home, we will be giving away a range of home security items, including:

• Wireless door and window alarms
• Window locks and sash jammers
• Door chains
• Door wedge alarms
• Personal alarms

Don't forget you can book an appointment or walk in on the day - we look forward to seeing you!

As part of Anti-Social Behaviour Awareness Week, we want to hear from you about what makes a good neighbour!

Being a good neighbour looks different to everyone, whether it's saying hello or feeding your cat whilst you're away, small, thoughtful actions can make a big impact on you and your neighbourhood.

Starting on the right foot with your neighbours can make all the difference. Our guides about being a good neighbour and how we communicate with each other can give you some helpful ideas: Policies and procedures - Leeds Federated Housing Association(External link)

So, we want to know about something your neighbour does that you really appreciate. Share your thoughts by answering our quick flash feedback question

Next Session: Friday 31st July
Location: Age UK, Bradbury Building, Mark Lane, Leeds, LS2 8JA.
Time: We are open 10.00 am - 3.00 pm. (last appointment at 2.30pm)

Call our friendly Customer Experience team to book your appointment on 0113 3861000

Or if you prefer drop in, no appointment necessary.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Due to the extreme hot weather, the Age UK building on Mark Lane in Leeds where our Housing Hub is based will be closed this week. This means we won’t be running our Housing Hub there on Friday 26 June.

If you’ve booked an appointment with us for this Friday, we’ll be in touch!

Our phone lines will remain open, and you can contact us as normal on:

0113 386 1000 or email us at hello@leedsfed.com.

We'll be back at the Hub on Friday 31 July!

Tips on keeping cool in hot weather

To help you stay safe and comfortable during hot weather, follow these key recommendations from UK health authorities:

Sun & heat safety

• Avoid peak hours: UV rays are strongest between 11 am and 3 pm. Schedule your errands, gardening, and physical exercise for the early morning or late evening.
• Dress appropriately: Wear light-colored, loose-fitting cotton clothing, a wide-brimmed hat, and UV-blocking sunglasses.
• Sunscreen: Apply a high-factor sunscreen (at least SPF 30) and reapply it regularly, especially after sweating.

Staying cool indoors

• Block the sun: Keep blinds and curtains closed during the day to prevent direct sunlight from heating your home.
• Ventilate at night: Open your windows in the evening and overnight when the outside air drops below the indoor temperature.
• Cool down: Take cool baths or showers, or apply a damp cloth to your neck and wrists to help regulate your body temperature.

Hydration & health

• Drink regularly: Keep hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day, even if you don’t feel thirsty

Housing Hub Highlights – Wellbeing Support and What’s Next…

At our most recent Housing Hub, we focused on mental health and wellbeing. We shared information about the support services available and provided wellbeing packs to customers who attended. Colleagues were also on hand to speak with customers about any concerns on the day, whether related to mental health or other housing issues.

Rachel Rhodes met with a customer who later sent us the following feedback:

“Thank you for the information, I really felt listened to on Friday.”

Feedback like this highlights just how important it is for people to feel heard and understood. Taking the time to listen, share information, and offer support can make a real difference, especially for those who may be struggling. Sometimes, even small conversations or simple acts of support can have a big impact, helping people feel more confident, informed, and less alone.

Next month on Friday 26th June

Our focus at the hub will be on anti-social behaviour (ASB). Feeling safe in your home and neighbourhood is incredibly important, and we know that ASB can have a significant impact on people’s wellbeing and sense of security.

Area Manager, Zuzka Downing, will be attending to share information about existing neighbourhood watch schemes, including how customers can get involved or even set up a new scheme in their area. Working together as a community is one of the most effective ways to prevent and respond to ASB, helping to create safer, more supportive neighbourhoods for everyone.

This focus ties in with National Anti-Social Behaviour Awareness Week, which highlights the importance of tackling ASB, supporting those affected, and encouraging communities to take positive action.

To support customers in feeling safer at home, we will be giving away a range of home security items, including:

• Wireless door and window alarms
• Window locks and sash jammers
• Door chains
• Door wedge alarms
• Personal alarms

Don't forget you can book an appointment or walk in on the day - we look forward to seeing you!

Next Session: Friday 26th June
Location: Age UK, Bradbury Building, Mark Lane, Leeds, LS2 8JA.
Time: We are open 10.00 am - 3.00 pm. (last appointment at 2.30pm)

Call our friendly Customer Experience team to book your appointment on 0113 3861000

Or if you prefer drop in, no appointment necessary.

Our March Housing Hub began with April showers that didn't stop customers from dropping in to chat with our team. The Gardening team shared a range of seeds to grow in containers.

At the April Hub on the 24th, our contractors, Equans, will be joining us to run a beginner’s DIY workshop at 11am. They’ll be covering basic skills such as how to bleed radiators and what to do if the electricity goes off.

Their DIY workshop is designed to:

- Equip customers with basic household
skills
- Build confidence and self-sufficiency
- Encourage a sense of achievement through hands‑on learning

Everyone who attends will also receive a free basic toolkit, along with instructional materials and online resources to help you continue developing your skills after the session. We hope to see you there!

February Housing Hub Update – Spring is on the Way!

With daffodils starting to bloom and a little more sunshine in the sky, it’s safe to say spring is on its way!

Our February Housing Hub began with a quiet morning but soon picked up towards lunchtime, with lots of customers popping in to see us. It was great to welcome a few people who travelled from Wakefield to speak to Jodie, our sales and leasehold officer, about shared ownership opportunities. With new developments coming soon, it’s an exciting time – be sure to check out the link on our website for more information.

We also supported customers with reporting repairs, discussing housing management queries, and reviewing income. For some of our customers, face-to-face appointments feel easier and more reassuring than discussing things over the phone, and we’re always happy to provide that in-person support.

Looking ahead to March, we’ll be focusing on recruiting for our Customer Voice Panel and other exciting engagement activities. If you’re interested in getting involved, influencing services, and making a difference, come along and find out more – we’d love to chat with you.

To continue the spring theme, we’ll also be hosting some gardening activities, with our expert gardeners on hand to share advice and top tips to help get your blooms blooming and your veggies sprouting this year.

We look forward to seeing you at the next hub on 23rd March!

January at the Housing Hub

Our latest Housing Hub session was really well attended, with lots of customers dropping in to talk to the team about everything from repairs and rent queries to neighbourhood concerns and general questions. There was a great atmosphere throughout the day, and it was lovely to see so many people making the most of the opportunity to chat with us in person.

The slow cooker prize draw has now taken place, and we’ll be contacting the winner shortly. Thank you to everyone who took part – we hope you’re enjoying plenty of hearty, warming meals this winter.

If you prefer discussing things face‑to‑face rather than over the phone, the Housing Hub is the ideal place to do it. You’re also very welcome to pop in for a warm drink and a friendly chat, even if you don’t have a specific query. We’re always pleased to see you.

To book an appointment, call 0113 386 1000
Walk-ins are welcome too.

Coming Next: New Homes Week at the Housing Hub

27th February — 10am to 2.30pm

Our next Housing Hub session will celebrate New Homes Week, focusing on the benefits of new build homes and the different routes into home ownership. If you’ve ever thought about buying a home, now or in the future, this is a great chance to explore your options.

Our Sales and Leaseholder Officer will be on hand to share details about our latest developments and answer any questions you may have about buying a new home.

Are you thinking about buying a home?

New build homes offer:

• Modern, comfortable living
• Better energy efficiency
• Reduced maintenance costs
• There are also more affordable ways to get on the property ladder, including shared ownership.

What is shared ownership?

Shared ownership lets you buy a percentage of a home while paying rent on the remainder. This usually means a smaller deposit, and you can choose to increase your share over time if it suits you.

Come and talk to us

Whether you’re ready to buy or simply exploring what might be possible in the future, we’d love to help. Drop in for a friendly conversation, ask questions, and get advice based on your circumstances.

We kicked off the year with an amazing first Housing Hub session of 2026, and what a day it was! Despite the chilly forecast, the snow stayed away, and many of you braved the elements to join us for our Winter Warmer event. The hub was alive with conversation, community spirit, and plenty of smiles.

Customers from Leeds came along to chat with our team about a wide range of topics, and we were delighted to welcome both booked appointments and walk-ins. A few visitors even popped in just for a friendly chat and a cup of coffee, that’s exactly what these sessions are all about: creating a warm, welcoming space for everyone.

Our slow cooker theme was a success! We shared tips, recipes, and ideas for hearty winter meals, and we’re thrilled to announce that this theme will return for our next session at the end of January. Don’t forget, you can still enter our slow cooker prize draw by calling in and registering your interest.

We also handed out Winter Warmer Packs, provided by our contractors Sure, which were very well received, thank you to everyone who came along and made the day so special.

Join Us for the Next Hub!

Our next Housing Hub will take place on Friday, 30th January, and we’d love to see even more of you there. These sessions happen on the last Friday of every month, so mark your calendars!

Got ideas or suggestions? We want the hub to be a resource that works best for you, so please get in touch and share your thoughts.

Come along for advice, support, a friendly chat, or just a coffee. Let’s make 2026 a year of connection and community!

It was a lively start to the day at the November Housing Hub, with a busy morning followed by a quieter afternoon as the heavy rain rolled in. Inside, though, things stayed warm and festive. We had Christmas crafts on the go, plenty of hot chocolates, and free advent calendars to give away - after all, they’re not just for children!

Alongside the festive fun, customers came in to report repairs, receive money advice (always a big help at this time of year), and talk through housing concerns in a neutral, welcoming space. The feedback from everyone who visited was incredibly positive, with many saying they plan to use the Hub again in the future.

A big thank you to everyone who braved the weather, your visits made the day bright despite the rain!