Help and support
If you need any help or support to access or use the scheme we have a team of staff available to meet your needs.
Housing Inclusions Advisors
We have two Housing Inclusion Advisors who are based with the Your Choice team. They are available to help any customers who have more complex or sensitive cases. They may help you on a one to one to basis by providing advice on accessing the Your Choice scheme and are also aware of available support services throughout South Tyneside. They can either make a referral to a specific service or discuss what options are available to you and point you in the right direction.
The advisors also attend housing surgeries for our more vulnerable customers to offer support, advice and options for housing. The surgeries are based in the community and provide tailored advice to customers who may not be able to attend a housing office.
Auto-bidding
If you are unable to access the bidding process, there is an alternative. There are a number of ways you can let us know that you are interested in one of our advertised homes:
- Contact the Housing Services Centre on 0300 123 6633
- Via the Express an Interest section of this website
- Email connect2@southtynesidehomes.org.uk
- In person at your local housing office
- You can text YC followed by your housing application number and the reference number for the home to 077862 00802
- By using your interactive digital TV service
If you cannot access the scheme in any of these ways then please contact the Your Choice team to discuss alternatives.
An advocate can place bids on your behalf, as well as a family member or support worker. However, if you do not have this support available and you are unable to contact us, then our Lettings Assistants can place bids on your behalf. The Lettings Assistants within the Your Choice team can discuss this with you. They will discuss which area you are interested in moving to and also what size and type of home you are eligible for. Once you have made a decision the Assistant will bid on your behalf on weekly basis, informing you when an offer on a home is to be made.
Home visits
Some applicants may need help filling in a Housing Application Form or Health Form and may be unable to visit one of our local housing offices. If you need assistance we can arrange a home visit by one of the Your Choice team to discuss your case.
Housing advice
Housing advice is provided at all of our local housing offices and there is no need for an appointment. If you need specialist advice on your housing options or your circumstances have changed, you can discuss this with one of the Your Choice team at a Housing Surgery. These are held fortnightly at your local housing office and there is no need for an appointment. One of the Lettings Assistants can discuss your application and advise you of the options available to you.
Health and mobility assessments
When you apply for a council home we use the information you give us on your application form to decide which band you are in. If you need to move because of mobility problems or illness, we may make a referral to the Health and Housing team for an assessment of your needs. The team have Occupational Therapists who can assess your level of need according to your current circumstances. They will also look at any options available to allow you to remain in your home with possible adaptations.
They may send you a self-assessment form for you to provide information about your health or disability and how this is affected by the home you are in.
One of our officers may ring you or visit you to find out more. They might contact your doctor, support worker or medical professional about your housing need. They may also contact social services or other agencies involved with you.
If they decide you have a medical reason for needing a new home they may award you a level of medical priority and recommend what type of home will meet your needs.
Supported Housing Caseworker (Young People)
We have a Caseworker with the specific role of assisting young people in the community, supporting them to develop life skills needed to live independently.
This is achieved by providing support, advice, and practical help to enable young people to gain or maintain stable accommodation and have the necessary skills to sustain an independent tenancy.
