News

Have your say – Housing Ombudsman invites Homes Plus residents to apply for next Resident Panel 

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

Sport England grant helps older people get active

A grant of almost £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 Homes Plus My Community Fund.

Planting new trees to help brighten up neighbourhood  

Homes Plus and a Stafford Borough councillor have worked together to plant trees for the community in a North Staffordshire village to enjoy. 

Solving murder over mocktails 

A ReConnected event at a retirement living community in Stone saw members turn amateur detectives to solve a deadly ‘crime’.

Celebrating our apprenticeship success stories 

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

The Sandford Nursing Home celebrates 5 Star food hygiene rating 

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. 

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

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

Increase in fly-tipping following the festive period 

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

Homes Plus delivers festive cheer to families in need this Christmas 

Homes Plus 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 Homes Plus and Property Plus board and Homes Plus colleagues. 

Homes Plus delivers much-needed grants to foodbanks this Christmas

Homes Plus is spreading some festive cheer across Staffordshire and Shropshire by delivering much-needed grants to food banks this Christmas. 

Homes Plus is helping you keep well and warm this winter

As living costs continue to rise and the temperature begins to drop, we’re 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. 

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 Homes Plus, a Housing Plus Group company and leading provider of affordable homes in Shropshire and Staffordshire. 

Safeguarding Adults Week: safeguarding yourself and others 

This week, Homes Plus are joining a nationwide campaign to help raise awareness of adult safeguarding and keep our communities safe. 

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 Homes Plus

Babies and children are benefitting from a new sensory room thanks to a donation from our Homes Plus My Community Fund. 

Have your say on the joint Complaint Handling Code

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

We are supporting Stop Loan Sharks Week 2023 

Homes Plus 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’s Residents’ Survey

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

Recycle Week 2023 

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

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. 

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. 

Introducing Chatticus, our new chatbot

We’re pleased to announce the launch of Chatticus, our new Homes Plus chatbot! 

Homes Plus launches new community hub for Burton Square

Homes Plus has officially opened a new hub for the benefit of the community in Burton Square, Stafford. 

Inspired and guided by our values

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

Introducing Chatticus, the new Homes Plus chatbot.

We’re 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 

Homes Plus is supporting food banks in Staffordshire and Shropshire to top up essential supplies for people struggling with the rising cost of living. 

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

Homes Plus prioritises gas safety every week. In Gas Safety Week, we are asking  you to take three steps to ‘Get in the Know’ and keep your home, family and neighbours safe. 

Homes Plus backs Staffordshire’s Best Kept Village Competition

Homes Plus is sponsoring The Community Foundation’s Best Kept Village competition for 2023. 

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.

Homes Plus My Community Fund supports Shrewsbury Men’s Shed 

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

Homes Plus backs the Make Things Right campaign

The UK government has launched its ‘Make Things Right’ campaign to ensure that more social housing residents who need support know how to make a complaint. 

Introducing our new Compliments Form

We’re changing the way our customers can say ‘thank you’ or ‘well done’ at Homes Plus. 

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

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

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

Share your experience – Housing Ombudsman’s report into communications and relationships

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

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. 

Responsible pet ownership 

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

We recognise the positive impact that pets can have on their owners’ lives, but you need to ensure that your pets don’t cause any issues for you and your community. 

Parent & toddler group receives funding boost from Homes Plus 

Children are benefitting from new toys and play equipment thanks to a donation from our Homes Plus My Community Fund.    

We awarded £1,000 to Featherstone Parent & Toddler Group to help fund new toys and furniture. 

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.  

Latest newsletter, out now! 

The My Homes Plus newsletter is full of great advice and good news stories for our tenants and is available now!   

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

This year, the theme for the awareness week is ‘Know Your Rights’. 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).

Homes Plus My Community Fund supports sign language classes 

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

Speech, reading and translation support on our website 

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. 

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 £2.3 million project.

Homes Plus backs Shrewsbury & Oswestry Crucial Crew

Homes Plus colleagues have been volunteering at an annual event that delivers important safety and social awareness lessons to primary school children.  

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! 

Carers’ Week 2023

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

It’s National Volunteers’ Week!

At Homes Plus, we’re 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. 

We are opening a Community Hub in Stafford! 

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

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

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. 

Homes Plus 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 Homes Plus team. 

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

Celebrating National Apprenticeship Week 

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. 

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

Mums’ football team scores funding boost from Homes Plus

Stafford Soccer Mums FC is celebrating a funding goal, with support from Homes Plus. 

The Homes Plus My Community Fund supports grass roots organisations in Staffordshire and Shropshire. A grant of £500 from our fund will be used to provide new kit and equipment for the women’s football club, which brings together enthusiastic players of all ages. 

Christmas boost for food banks and community groups from Homes Plus

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 Homes Plus 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 ‘warm spaces’.

Homes Plus named finalist in UK Housing Awards   

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

Homes Plus funding boost hits the right note for young musicians

Stone Scout and Guide Band has received a much-needed boost, with a grant from Homes Plus.

Our Homes Plus My Community Fund supports grass roots organisations in Staffordshire and Shropshire. A grant from the fund will be used to maintain the band’s instruments and provide new uniforms for the young musicians.

New homes for popular Shropshire town 

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

Celebrations for our 1st birthday 

Homes Plus is one year old on 1 November and what a year it has been! 

The launch of the Homes Plus 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.  

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 ‘row of lights’ and it is sometimes called a festival of lights because of the lights used to decorate people’s homes.

National Scrutiny Week 2022

A blog from involved customer and Scrutiny Group member, Julia.
I’ve been a tenant in South Staffordshire for 24 years. For the last eight of those I have been what’s called an ‘involved customer’. I’m part of the Scrutiny group and joined the Housing Ombudsman’s national Resident Panel in 2021.

Homes Plus campaign focuses on keeping well and warm this winter  

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. 

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 £2.78m 

Homes Plus has helped customers to save an enormous £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 

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 

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

Stuart’s pedals raise pounds 

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 Homes Plus 

Neighbours determined to restore their local community centre have received a donation from the Homes Plus My Community Fund.

Supporting our customers to a brighter future 

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

Support for Ukraine 

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 

We are very pleased to share some wonderful news about Homes Plus 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 Homes Plus My Community Fund 

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

102 reasons for a great party!

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

Homes Plus supports local villages 

Sponsorship from the Homes Plus 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’s Platinum Jubilee.

Boost to plans for warmer, more efficient homes 

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

Homes Plus supports ‘Crucial’ training for schoolchildren 

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.   

Memorial bench unveiled on site of landmark housing project 

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

Share your views on what matters to you – Housing Ombudsman’s Noise Investigation

The Housing Ombudsman scheme is calling for evidence on noise complaints.  
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 

We’re delighted to celebrate the completion of three brand-new homes near Shrewsbury, which have already welcomed their first Homes Plus customers. 

Quality homes for retirement living in Kinver 

High quality retirement living for older people is now available in Kinver following the recent completion of our landmark £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 ‘seed bombs’ 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 great career development opportunities, combining hands-on training with vocational learning.

Top award for homes and maintenance

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

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 Homes Plus.

Wren House welcomes its first visitors

Wren House, the latest Housing Plus Group flagship 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.

Homes Plus puts art on local roads

Three landlords in Housing Plus Group – South Staffordshire Housing Association, Severnside Housing and Stafford and Rural Homes – have joined together to become Homes Plus.   

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 Homes Plus.

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 – South Staffordshire Housing Association, Severnside Housing and Stafford and Rural Homes – joined together to become Homes Plus.

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’s new role helps keep 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’s homes in Stafford.  

Community hub sessions launched in Stafford!

Great news – 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’s 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’ve 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’s 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 ‘Oscars’ of the care world.

Ron’s a local lockdown hero – 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.

“Some parts of my job are a bit more difficult at the moment but for our customers, it’s a lifeline.”

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.