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Welcome to March's edition of Tenant Times
Welcome to your newly refreshed Tenant Times newsletter! We’ve updated the design and introduced clear sections, so you can quickly find the information that matters most to you.
After this edition, Tenant Times will be sent out every two months instead of every three. This change will help us share updates with you more regularly, keeping you better connected with the latest news and events in the community.
The weekly Community Café and Bereavement Support Group changing lives
 A community bereavement group at Cleveland Square Community Centre in Newark has become a lifeline for people coping with loss.
Founded by resident Maxine Storer, after losing her son, the group began as a small circle of people supporting one another through grief. As word spread, it became a place where anyone experiencing bereavement could talk openly, share memories, laugh, cry, and feel understood. For some, it has been life‑changing. One member spoke about her father’s suicide for the first time in her life, finding the relief and support she’d been unable to reach alone. Others, who once felt isolated at home, now look forward to weekly conversations, new friendships, and reassurance.
The group meets every Thursday from 5:30pm to 7pm, offering a warm, confidential and uplifting space. The group also arranges a variety of social gatherings and events to get involved in.
Maxine and her sister also created the Community Café at Cleveland Square, run fully by volunteers, welcoming anyone who walks through the door, and using every penny raised to fund private counselling sessions for members of the Bereavement Group. It has become a valued community hub. Older residents now come every week for breakfast, company, and conversation, while many enjoy the café’s affordable meals, takeaways, and the pay‑it‑forward scheme. The café also hosts a Uniform Club, offering free or donation‑based school uniforms to families who need a helping hand.
The Café is open every Tuesday and Thursday from 9:30am to 3pm.
On Saturday 13 June, the group is organising a free Community Fun Day from 11am to 3pm, with stalls, fun activities, a BBQ, and a bouncy castle!
They are currently looking for volunteers for the Café, especially people confident with basic cooking, and extra help for the fun day itself. Donations are also warmly welcomed. Anyone wanting to volunteer, contribute, or join the bereavement group can contact Maxine directly (Maxine.Storer@yahoo.com) or simply pop into the Community Centre for a chat or to get involved!
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Regulator of Social Housing Inspection
The Regulator of Social Housing, the independent body that sets the standards all social landlords must meet, is carrying out an inspection of our housing services.
Think of it as a bit like an MOT for us as your landlord. The inspection team will be looking “under the bonnet” at how we listen to and involve residents in managing our homes, keep homes safe, warm and secure and handle key services that are important to you like repairs and dealing with antisocial behaviour.
This kind of scrutiny makes sure that we are doing right by you as tenants, and will make recommendations and a judgement on how we are performing. Services will continue uninterrupted and you will not see any breaks in the services we provide.
We’ll keep you updated on how things progress, and if you have any questions about the inspection or what it means for you, don’t hesitate to get in touch.
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Council Tax relief for households with terminally ill residents
Newark and Sherwood District Council has announced plans to introduce a new scheme to ease the financial strain on households where someone is living with a terminal illness. The initiative is designed to provide support at one of the most difficult times a family can face.
Under the scheme, households already receiving Local Council Tax Support (LCTS) will be eligible for 100% Council Tax relief if they, or a family member they live with, is receiving end-of-life care. This approach supports the recommendations from the charity Marie Curie and ensures help is directed to those who need it most.
This relief will be available from April 2026 and continue until the end of the financial year in which the person passes away.
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Make the switch to Council Tax e‑billing
More than 10,000 households in Newark and Sherwood are already enjoying the benefits of e-billing, and you can join them in just a few clicks!
E-billing is the quickest and most convenient way to receive your Council Tax bill. Instead of waiting for the post, you can log into your account anytime and view your bill as it’s issued. No more misplaced letters, and no more paper clutter.
You’re also helping us reduce waste and doing your bit to protect the environment!
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CCTV Consultation - Central Newark
In recent years, incidents of anti-social behaviour have increased in certain areas of Newark. To address these concerns, an ongoing consultation is being conducted with residents of Tithe Barn, Queens Court, and Howes Court regarding the proposed installation of a permanent Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) system.
While CCTV alone may not fully resolve such issues, it can serve as a valuable tool in providing critical evidence to support the resolution of more significant and persistent problems.
If you reside in any of the aforementioned areas and have not yet received your consultation documents, we encourage you to contact us. Please ask to speak with Chris Garlick (chris.garlick@newark-sherwooddc.gov.uk) for further assistance.
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Have you registered for MyHome yet?
MyHome offers a seamless and modern approach to managing all aspects of your tenancy.
From rent payments and repair requests to communication with our housing services team, MyHome is here to make our tenants life easier.
What can you do in the portal?
View tenancy details: Access information about your tenancy, view start and end dates, see how much your rent is and view your up-to-date rent details.
Online payments: You can set up Direct Debit payments to ensure your rent is always paid on time.
Report a repair: Submit and track repair requests directly through your account. Describe the issue, upload photos if necessary, and book the appointment for a time to suit you.
Contact us: You can also send messages and inquiries directly through MyHome to Newark and Sherwood Housing Department.
Place a bid on a property: Search for homes that are available for bids
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Free Hot Meals at Barnbygate Methodist Church Community Hall
There are free hot meals being offered to anyone in need every Wednesday and Thursday between 3.30pm to 5.30pm 🍲
This service is being run from Barnbygate Methodist Church Community Hall (not the main church, the side door down the alleyway – there will be a sign outside). Individuals will also be able to charge their phones.
You do not need a referral to access this service.
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Nottinghamshire Family Hubs – Here for families, every step of the way
Nottinghamshire Family Hubs are here to make family life a little easier. Whether you’re expecting a baby, caring for a toddler or navigating the teenage years our hubs offer free, welcoming support right in your local community.
Call or drop in for advice, to meet other families, or access practical help with things like:
- Child development, play and early learning.
- Parenting support and courses.
- Health visiting and midwifery clinics.
- Mental health and wellbeing support.
- Help with childcare, employment and training.
- Support and advice for children with SEND.
Staff are friendly, knowledgeable, and there to help, no matter what your family looks like or what challenges you’re facing.
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Citizens Advice Drop-in sessions
Citizens Advice Central Nottinghamshire are a local charity that provides life-changing advice at the heart of our communities across Nottinghamshire, including Newark and Sherwood.
They offer free, impartial and independent advice on a variety of issues in areas including benefits, housing, energy, debt, family, legal, immigration, and much more.
They have regular drop-in advice sessions across 11 locations in Newark and Sherwood. They have just launched their new opening hours for 2026 and now have an updated telephone number (0300 561 0330).
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Discover Spring events with What's On Newark and Sherwood!
Spring is arriving across the district, making it the perfect time to explore the exciting events listed on our What's On website.
Highlights this month include:
- LEGO® Trail – history with a creative twist!
- Mother’s Day treats - afternoon teas, live music and special days out
- Hands-on craft workshops for all ages
- Live music across the district
- The Rebel Rangers interactive family trail
Whether you’re planning a day outdoors, a fun family activity, or something special for Mother’s Day, What's On Newark and Sherwood has all the inspiration you need.
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Feel‑Good Mornings at The Heron Café
If you’re looking for a warm, welcoming place to lift your spirits, The Heron Café is the perfect spot. Set in the cosy surroundings of the Lifespring Centre in Ollerton (NG22 9PP), these friendly, music‑filled mornings are designed to bring people together through song, conversation, and connection.
Enjoy free entry, complimentary tea and coffee, and live performances from talented local musicians. Whether you love to sing along, tap your feet or simply sit back and soak up the atmosphere, everyone is welcome - including those living with dementia or disabilities.
📅 Next session is 10.30am–12pm on Friday 20 March
📍The Heron Cafe, Ollerton, NG22 9PP
No booking needed, just drop in and enjoy a heart‑warming start to your day.
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Help shape housing services. Make your voice count.
We’re recruiting Tenant Engagement Champions – and this is your chance to make a real difference!
As a Tenant Champion, you’ll help influence housing decisions and make sure tenant voices are heard at every level. You won’t just be asked for your views – you’ll help shape what happens next.
⭐ Five tenant places are available on our new Tenant Influence and Assurance Board, giving you a real seat at the table and a chance to help shape the future of housing services.
Why get involved?
🗣️ Have your say – influence Council decisions that affect tenants. 🎙️ Represent other tenants – share feedback, raise issues, and speak up. 🤝 Improve services – help hold the Council to account and drive improvements. ⌚ Your experience matters – if you’re an NSDC tenant aged 16+, your lived experience is valuable. 🚀 Easy to get started – clear steps, simple application, support throughout, plus recognition for your time and effort.
If you care about improving services and representing your community, there’s a space for you.
How do I apply?
Talk to us to find out more: 📧 Email: getinvolved@newark-sherwooddc.gov.uk 📞 Call the Tenant Engagement Team on 01636 655549
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The future of local government - Have your say!
The Government has launched a seven-week consultation on Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) in Nottinghamshire, and anyone can take part!
Nottingham and Nottinghamshire Councils are asking local people and organisations, including the police, NHS and schools, to share their views on a government consultation about changes to how local councils are run in the area. This is an important next step in deciding how councils in our area will be organised in the future.
Find out more about LGR and how to take part at: https://lgrnotts.org/nottingham-and-nottinghamshire
Residents can also get a copy of the consultation along with summaries of the three options submitted from our Council Offices or local libraries.
The deadline for submitting feedback for the consultation is 26 March 2026.
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Spot the hazards! ⚠️
Can you spot the emergency hazards from the image below?
 If you notice any emergency hazards in your home, report them to your landlord immediately. Under Awaab’s Law, they are legally required to make emergency hazards safe within 24 hours.
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The latest on our performance
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Easy Easter Biscuits 🐣
These biscuits are lightly sweet, easy to make, and perfect for cutting into Easter shapes like bunnies, eggs or chicks.
Ingredients (makes about 20)
- 100g butter or baking spread (softened)
- 75g sugar (caster or granulated)
- 1 egg
- 200g plain flour
- ½ tsp baking powder
- Optional flavouring: ½ tsp vanilla essence or mixed spice
Method
- Heat the oven to 180°C (160°C fan) and line a baking tray with greaseproof paper.
- Cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the egg and vanilla or spice if using.
- Stir in the flour and baking powder to form a soft dough.
- Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface and cut into shapes.
- Place on the tray and bake for 10–12 minutes, until lightly golden.
- Leave to cool before decorating.
Decorating ideas
- Dust lightly with icing sugar
- Decorate with a simple icing made from icing sugar + water. Can always add Easter sprinkles.
- Add raisins or currants before baking for eyes or patterns
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NSDC Housing Services Facebook page
In response to demand from tenants, we have launched a new tenant-focused Facebook page, NSDC Housing Services! This platform has been created to keep you informed about tenancy updates, provide opportunities for involvement, and share information regarding upcoming tenant related events in your area.
We are encouraging all tenants to follow the page on Facebook to stay connected and up to date with the latest developments – so give us a follow!
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Keep up to date!
Have you signed up for our 'Life in the District' newsletters that are sent to residents of Newark and Sherwood?
Each month we share important updates, changes to council services, ways to get involved, what's on and more!
You can update your preferences to receive the newsletter here.
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