Housing news August 2020

Coronavirus (COVID-19) support

As coronavirus spreads across the UK, it has become harder for people to maintain their social connections. Many of us will miss seeing family and friends and taking part in our usual activities.

Staying ahead

Stay up-to-date with the latest health guidance on the NHS website.

Coronavirus FAQS

Age UK have a list of frequently asked questions designed for older people who are worried about coronavirus. 

Tech support 

Technology offers great ways to stay in touch with others - something that's more important now than ever. That's why we are offering basic help to anyone who wants to learn about how to use a device or application.

This could include help with using email, Facebook or Skype to make video calls.

If you are interested, please email us at tenant.participation@medway.gov.uk. If you'd like to gain more in-depth knowledge, the Digital Skills courses run by Medway Adult Education could be for you.

Free courses and activities 

We want to offer courses and activities that our residents will love. From watercolour painting classes to employment skills training, there are so many possibilities. Tell us what you'd like to us to put on by completing this survey.

Medway Adult Education 

Medway Adult Education (MAE) offer a whole range of online courses, such as free qualifications to get back into work or skills for career development. Look for subjects on the Course Finder, and for online courses search using ‘e-learning’

MAE have continued to offer online projects during lockdown - including portrait drawing, family crafts and music. Mask making workshops were also held, and a project in partnership with St Augustine’s in Gillingham will be run over the autumn providing local residents the free opportunity to make masks for loved ones or to be donated to charities.

Mutual exchange 

Fancy a change? A mutual exchange lets you swap your home with another council or housing association property tenant from anywhere in the country. Find out more information or register for a mutual exchange.

Medway stop smoking

Quitting smoking can be hard, but it’s not impossible, and the free support from Medway Stop Smoking Service means that smokers are three times more likely to quit than if they ‘go it alone’. During these particularly difficult times, we are continuing to offer support by phone which means smokers can get help from the comfort of their home.

If you would like to find out more about how we can help, call us on 01634 334 800 or 0800 234 6805.

We want your voice

We're always looking for passionate residents to share their views and help us to make positive changes for everyone. Below are just some of the ways you could get involved. Please email us at tenant.participation@medway.gov.uk to let us know how you’d like to get involved.

Your lockdown stories

Lockdown has been tough on some - many people have experienced increased feelings of loneliness and a decline in mental and physical health. But there have also been some positive changes, with many helping their communities, learning to use technology to keep in touch with loved ones and finding new activities to enjoy.

Do you have a lockdown experience that you'd like to share? We'd love to hear your stories. Please email tenant.participation@medway.gov.uk