Newark Food and Wellbeing Hub is making a real difference locally by bringing people together, reducing food waste, and supporting those in need.

Running weekly from Beaumont Walk Community Centre (Newark, NG24 2DD), the hub opens every Thursday from around 12:30pm to 3pm, offering affordable food, friendly faces, and vital support.

For £4.50 per bag (plus a £1 annual membership), members receive around £15 worth of food sourced from Fairshare and local supermarkets, including fresh produce, chilled items, and cupboard essentials that would otherwise go to landfill.

A free Hygiene Bank also runs each week, providing essential toiletries thanks to donations from Boots and local supporters. Additional food from retailers such as Lidl and Sainsbury’s is shared on a free table.

It offers much more than food. It also offers bingo, free monthly afternoon teas, and a popular three‑course community meal held monthly for just £5, helping tackle loneliness and isolation by bringing the community together. The hub runs seasonal children’s events at Easter, Halloween, and Christmas, with more events hoped to be planned this year, including a summer fundraiser, picnic, and a pantomime.

This is all run by dedicated volunteers (including Joanne Wyld, Tania Morley, Teresa Roberts, Lynne & Joe Laggan, Gloria Meakin, Cllr Debbie Darby, Adam Hardy, Heather More, Liz Hanbury, Paul Sharon Bonser, Ben Hardy, Kayleigh Hardy, and Ginette Hardy, who won Citizen of the Year at the Newark and Sherwood Community and Sports Awards for her contributions to the Hub).

The Hub is open to all, and donations can be dropped off on Tuesday mornings, Thursdays, or during events. Every penny helps and goes directly to supporting the community.

In February 2026, we sent you a letter explaining the changes to the rent and service charges for your home, which took effect from 6 April 2026.

If you receive Universal Credit, you will need to complete a ‘to do’ in your Universal Credit online account. This is to confirm your housing costs, using the information provided in the letter we sent you in February.

If you receive Housing Benefit, you should have received a letter setting out your benefit payments from April 2026.

If you pay some or all of your rent by Direct Debit, you should also have received details of your new payment amounts from April 2026.

If you have not received any of this information, or if you need help or advice about your rent, please contact us on 01636 650 000 or email customerservices@newark-sherwooddc.gov.uk.

Every five years, we are required to carry out Stock Condition surveys on all of our homes. This involves a surveyor visiting your home to assess the condition, including your kitchen, bathroom, doors and windows to record their condition and when they need replacing.

The survey will take around one hour and looks at your roof and heating, so that we can plan when these need to be renewed.

The survey is a visual check and not intrusive.

The surveys are ongoing, and you will receive a letter advising you of dates and times prior to the inspection taking place. The survey’s will be carried out by our contractor Penningtons.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact wayne.fox@newark-sherwooddc.gov.uk.

We are pleased to share that Newark and Sherwood District Council has been formally recognised by the NICEIC for reaching an important 25-year accreditation milestone.

This recognition reflects our ongoing commitment to delivering safe, high‑quality electrical services across all our homes.

For our tenants, this recognition shows that:

• All electrical works carried out within our homes meet nationally accredited safety standards.
• Our commitment to maintaining safe, compliant homes remains a top priority.
• We will continue investing in strong partnerships, skilled electrical professionals, and rigorous quality assurance processes.

Maintaining regulatory and safety excellence remains at the heart of our service to our tenants, and we look forward to continuing delivering excellence.

We’re pleased to announce that we have extended our membership with Tpas into 2026/27! ✨

We believe that engaging and involving our tenants will help us find solutions to improve services, save money and bring lasting change to communities.

Tenants can visit www.tpas.org.uk to register details with them, unlocking to access training, regional networking events with other tenants, and the latest housing involvement news straight to your email inbox.

They also operate a free enquiry service for those interested in getting the most out of engagement activities. You can give them a call on 0800 731 1315.

We have received reports of scams targeting tenants and residents in the last month, with scammers claiming to be from NSDC. We would like to remind everyone to remain vigilant.

Things to remember:

📢 We aim to notify tenants ahead of time of any visits to your property.

🪪 Council workers and contractors will always carry identification, so always ask for identification before allowing anyone into your home – if you are unsure, you can confirm identity by giving us a call.

❌ NSDC staff and contractors will not ask you for cash payments at your property.

📞 We won't call you from a private or withheld phone number.

If you’re suspicious of anyone at your door or on the phone, close the door or hang up, and report it to us straight away at 01636 650 000 or by emailing customerservices@newark-sherwooddc.gov.uk.

The Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS) Survey is a way of checking homes to make sure they are safe and healthy to live in. It helps us spot any problems in a property that could affect your health or safety, such as poor heating, damp, or other hazards.

Newark and Sherwood District Council has appointed Michael Dyson Associates Limited to carry out these checks on its behalf. All surveyors will carry official ID and a letter of authorisation from the Council. 

A surveyor may call at your property while they are working in your area. The surveys will be carried out from March until September 2026. If you would prefer to arrange a visit at a time and date that suits you, you can contact Michael Dyson Associates directly:

Phone: 0800 328 9896
Email: se@mdyson.co.uk

MyHome offers a seamless and modern approach to managing all aspects of your tenancy.

MyHome is here to make your life easier.

What can you do in the portal?

View tenancy details: Access information about your tenancy.

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

Did you know, your 2-year-old may be able to go to an early learning and childcare setting for 15 hours per week using funded childcare hours?  They can make new friends, play and learn new skills, all in a safe environment with trained early years professionals.  This could apply to your family if you get certain benefits or depending on your circumstances:

• If you get certain benefits like Universal Credit
• Children with an Education, Health, and Care Plan (EHC Plan).
• If your child receives a Disability Living Allowance

It’s a great way to help with nursery or childminder costs while giving your child a strong early start.

All families can also access 15 hours of funded childcare for 3 to 4‑year‑olds, no matter your circumstances.

If you’re a working parent, you could get up to 30 hours funded childcare for children aged 9 months to 4 years, helping to make childcare more affordable.

Find out what you’re eligible for and explore local providers at:

Notts Help Yourself – childcare funding and local childcare providers

Best Start in Life – early years advice and family support

Find your nearest Family Hub – The Family hub team can provide support with your funding application

The Ollerton Dementia Hub, in association with the Alzheimer’s Society, is here to support carers of people living with dementia.

📍 Ollerton Dementia Specialist Hub, Main Road, Boughton, New Ollerton, NG22 9JJ

📅 Wednesday 20 May 2026, 10am – 12pm

Come along to speak with a range of local services for guidance, advice and support, including social services, Age UK, carer support organisations, emergency services and more.

✅ Free to attend

☕ Refreshments available from the on-site coffee bar

🤝 A welcoming space to connect, share and get the support you deserve

We hope to see you there!

Take a look at the Food Hubs available across Newark and Sherwood!

Monday’s:

The Social Supermarket: 2 Sherwood Parade, Rainworth from 10am-2pm. £1 membership and then £4.50 per visit. Contact: 01623 490498

The Bread and Butter Thing: Cleveland Square Community Centre, Newark. From 1.30-2.30pm. To join message 07507237311 with your name, postcode and the name of the club ‘Cleveland Square’. It is £8.50 per week for three bags – one ambient, one chilled and one of fruit and veg.

Wednesday’s:

Clipstone Food Hub: The Circle Community Centre. From 1pm. £1 membership and then £5 for a weekly box with over £15 worth of food. Contact Faye: 07740161874

The Social Supermarket: 2 Sherwood Parade, Rainworth from 12-3pm and 4-7pm. £1 membership and then £4.50 per visit. Contact: 01623 490498

Thursday’s:

The Social Supermarket: 2 Sherwood Parade, Rainworth from 10am-2pm. £1 membership and then £4.50 per visit. Contact: 01623 490498

Newark Food and Wellbeing Hub: Beaumont Walk Community Centre, Newark from 1-3pm. £1 membership and £4.50 for a weekly bag. Contact: 07966181850

Bilsthorpe Food Hub: The Green Community Centre from 1-2.30pm. £1 membership and then £5 for a weekly box with over £15 worth of food. Contact: 07707575942

Lifespring Let’s All Eat Pantry: Lifespring Church, Ollerton from 1-3pm. £1 membership and then £4.50 for a weekly box. Contact: 07549925299

Edwinstowe Food Hub: Abbey Road Community Centre from 2-4pm. £3.50 for a weekly box. Contact: 07480 953356.

Friday’s:

Southwell Food Hub: Kings Court Community Centre. Alternate Fridays from 2-6pm. £1 membership and then £4.50 for food bags containing around £15 worth of food. Contact southwellfoodhub@outlook.com or 07354319897.

With the exception of the social supermarket, all Food Hubs require you to book a box each visit, so please contact them before arriving. This ensures they can order sufficient food. All will give you a warm welcome. They are a great chance to meet new people, buy great food, and connect with services who may be able to offer assistance.

May Half Term is just around the corner, and there’s a jam-packed schedule to keep the whole family entertained. Whether you are looking for historic spectacles, hilarious live shows, or hands-on workshops, there is something for everyone to enjoy across the district:

• Nottinghamshire County Show
• Gathering of the North: Watch history come to life with medieval-themed entertainment and activities.
• Antiques weekend at Southwell Racecourse: Discover great finds alongside BBC Bargain Hunt, who shall be filming!
• Clay Workshops: Unleash your inner artist at our hands-on, family-friendly pottery sessions.
• Flower Festival 2026
• Live music across the district

Don't miss out - start planning your half-term adventures today! 

An inspiring Knife Angel sculpture, made from over 100,000 seized blades, is in Newark as part of the UK National Youth Anti-Violence Tour until 20 May 2026.

It is located in front of Newark Town Hall in the town centre and is illuminated each evening. A host of community activities have been organised, including talks, workshops, school sessions and community activities, designed to spark conversation, reflection and positive action.

Newark Salvation Army have launched the Connections Cafe! The Connections Café will be open every Tuesday between 10am and 12pm.

📍 Newark Salvation Army, Mead Way, Balderton, NG24 3GA

The café will be a place to connect and socialise with your community, while enjoying drinks and snacks.

You can come along to:
🏘️ Connect with your community.
🎱 Play pool and table tennis.
🧶Knit while having a natter.
🗞️Read the paper.
🎲 Play a board game or complete a jigsaw puzzle.

There will be a £2 voluntary donation, which includes unlimited drinks. Low-cost snacks are also available.

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.

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.
• 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?

Applications are open until Wednesday, 27 May 2026.

Complete the application form or talk to us to find out more:
📧 Email: getinvolved@newark-sherwooddc.gov.uk
📞 Call the Tenant Engagement Team on 01636 655239

Do you have a friend, neighbour or family member who struggles with computers, smartphones or using the internet?

They could benefit from IT for the Terrified – a series of free, friendly IT workshops for adults who feel unsure or nervous about technology.

The relaxed sessions are designed for beginners and help people build confidence with everyday digital skills, including using email, accessing online services and managing healthcare through the NHS app.

Sessions run over six weeks on Fridays, from 15 May to 26 June 2026, at two local venues:

• Castle House, Newark,  (1pm–3pm)
• Social Action Hub, Rainworth (9.30am–11.30am)

Residents can book by emailing community@wnc.ac.uk or calling 01623 413 602.

We have a booklet giving tenants top tips on how to prevent damp, mould, and condensation at home.

It includes useful guidance on: 

• Reducing condensation.
• Improving ventilation.
• Heating your home. 
• Dealing with mould. 
• How to report issues. 

Damp and mould can affect your health and your home if left untreated. Simple actions can make a big difference, and knowing when and how to report a problem helps us take action sooner.

This booklet explains what to look out for and the practical steps you can take to keep your home safe, dry, and comfortable all year round.

With the holiday season coming up, many homes may be left empty for a week or more. When water sits unused in pipes, it can stagnate and increase the risk of bacteria, such as Legionella, developing.

If you’re going away, it’s important to flush your water system to keep it in good condition.

When you return from a holiday or trip:

• Run all taps (hot and cold) for 2 to 5 minutes.
• Flush showers and bath taps.
• Let water run until it reaches a steady temperature.

Flushing helps remove stagnant water, maintain good water hygiene, and keep your supply fresh and safe.

Stay informed! 🏡 We publish monthly reports on our housing performance, covering repairs, service quality, feedback, and tenant involvement.

Check out our latest updates here: https://www.newark-sherwooddc.gov.uk/housingperformance/ 

This can be made with fresh or frozen veg – spring cabbage, asparagus and spinach are all in season in May!

Ingredients (serves 2-3)

• 1 mug risotto rice (arborio or pudding rice)
• 1 small onion, finely chopped (or 1 tsp garlic purée if that’s cheaper/handy)
• 1 tbsp oil or butter
• 1 vegetable stock cube
• About 700 ml hot water
• 1–2 mugs frozen mixed vegetables (peas, sweetcorn, carrots, broccoli – anything works)
• Salt and black pepper
• Optional (cheap add‑ins if you have them):
• A handful of grated cheese (cheddar is fine)
• A splash of milk
• Dried herbs, paprika, or black pepper
• Leftover cooked chicken, bacon bits, or a tin of beans

Method

1. Make the stock
   Dissolve the stock cube in hot water and keep it warm.
2. Soften the onion
   Heat the oil/butter in a pan and cook the onion gently for 5 minutes until soft (don’t brown).
3. Add the rice
   Stir in the rice and cook for 1 minute so it’s well coated.
4. Add stock gradually
   Add a ladle of stock, stir, and let it simmer. Keep adding stock a bit at a time, stirring often, until absorbed before adding more.
5. Add frozen veg
   After about 10 minutes, stir in the frozen vegetables (no need to defrost).
6. Cook until creamy
   Keep adding stock and stirring for 18–20 minutes total, until the rice is soft and creamy. You may not need all the stock.
7. Finish and season
   Season well. Stir in cheese or a splash of milk if using.

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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Each month we share important updates, changes to council services, ways to get involved, what's on and more!

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