Support in an Emergency
We understand that sometimes you will be worrying about things and don't know where to turn. This section can help you with the things that may be causing concern. We have also included some links to other sites and phone numbers we think might be of use to you. Please contact the Support team for more help in these areas. If we haven't included the information you were looking for please let us know so we can improve this facility for you.
YOUR HOME
Your landlord will have explained what your responsibilities are and what the landlords are.
If you were given a tenancy handbook or pack of information you should find full details in here. If your landlord has a website there might be information on there. Your support worker can help you understand this.
York Housing Association tenants can access this information on the Your home section of this website.
We can support you to
- Pay your rent on time
- Understand your tenancy agreement
- Be able to report repairs
- Learn basic decorating skills
- Obtain furniture
- Home safety
- Understand your rent account
- Plan for the repairs that are your responsibility
Some repairs are your responsibility and some are the landlords. Some repairs are considered an emergency and some are less urgent. We will help you understand the difference. The following are questions which our customers have suggested we should include as being things that might worry you.
What do I do if my boiler breaks?
If you can smell gas
Turn off the gas supply at the mains and open all windows. Do not operate electric switches or appliances. Do not smoke or use naked flames. On these occasions telephone Transco immediately on 0800 111999 and arrange to meet the gas engineer. Notify York Housing Association.
Other breakdowns
If the boiler has broken down in severe winter weather then this is an emergency and you should use the emergency repair number. At other times contact the landlord during their normal hours.
What do I do if my washing machine breaks?
Unless your accommodation is provided with a washing machine this is your responsibility, and you need to contact a plumber or washing machine repair firm. Check any guarantee you may have.
If the landlord provided the washing machine then contact them using the number you will have been given. This will not be an emergency.
What do I do if the smoke detector is beeping?
If the smoke detector has batteries you need to change them. Please see our Handy hints booklet.
If it does not then you need to contact your landlord.
What do I do if my chip pan catches fire?
Call 999 and ask for the Fire service
Turn off the heat if it safe to do
Leave the building
DO NOT put on water as this will cause a fire ball
How do I change the fuse in a plug?
Please see our handy hints booklet.
How can I find out who my gas supplier is?
Call 0845 6056677
The following links may also be of help:
http://www.homesafetycouncil.org/Safetyguide information on home safety
www.ncdv.org.uk- information on domestic violence
We also suggest you look at our Fix it DVD for some How to information.
YOUR MONEY
Money worries are enough to keep anyone awake at night.
We can support you to
- Deal with debts
- Budgeting
- Paying bills and money management.
- Shop on a budget
- Claim any benefit or tax credit you are entitled too
-
Open a bank account
The following links may also be of help:
For information about benefits you might be able to claim see http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Money,TaxandBenefits/index.htm
For help managing your money and handy hints we have found the following site useful
Tired of paying premium rates for 0870 numbers, then look on www.saynoto0870.com for an alternative number
Citizens Advice Bureau - For debt and legal advice - 08444 111 444
Disability Enquiry Line - Provides benefit information for people with disabilities, their carers and representatives - 0800 882200
Disability Living Allowance & Attendance Allowance - Information and claim packs for those who think that they may be able to claim - 08457 123456
Older Citizens Advocacy York - Older Citizens Advocacy York (OCAY) offers trained and supervised volunteers who stand by older people, and see them through situations they might find stressful or difficult - 01904 676200
For all your personal tax enquiries:
For bereavement 0845 300 0627
For child benefit 0845 302 1444
For Self assessment 0808 808 4000
For tax credits 0845 300 3900
National Debt line - For help and information on all aspects of debt - 0808 8002222
YOUR HEALTH
We all worry about our health from time to time and understand that you may require information straightaway. If it is an emergency do not hesitate to call 999. However, we would advocate that you stop and think first and consider if you really need to call 999. Have a look on www.nhsdiect.nhs.uk where there is a symptoms checklist. You can also call NHS direct on 0845 4647.
We can help you to
- access a GP or dentist.
- support you to apply for aids and adaptations
- provide emotional support
- access specialist counselling services
- access support for a healthier lifestyle
- support with falls awareness
See also
Frank - Provides advice and information on all illegal drugs for those who use or are effected by them - 0800 776600
MIND - Help and advice for people who suffer from mental health problems - 0845 7660163
YOUR MOVE
Moving home is said to be one of the most stressful things in life so we can really appreciate that you may be worried about this.
We can support you to:
- use choice based lettings
- apply for accommodation
- plan the move
- set up utilities (for instance gas, electric, water)
- apply for housing benefit
- report repairs
The following links may also be of help:
When you move home you will need to make some careful plans. Whilst we can support you with this you might like to start your own 'To Do' list. There are some good ones on the internet if you search for moving home. In the meantime the BBC has a checklist on- www.bbc.co.uk/homes/property/moving
YOUR FUTURE
Beyond any immediate crisis you may be facing we will support you to plan your future and realise your dreams. You might also like to consider our Lifeskills course. Please ask your support worker for details to see if it available in your area.
We can support you to:
- help you look for work
- apply for work
- write a CV
- prepare for interview
- ask for feedback
- prepare for work
- access training and education
- access leisure activities
YOUR COMPLAINTS
Bad service and poor quality goods are enough to keep anyone awake at night.
We can support you to:
- complain about poor service from others
- provide template letters
- plan a phone call or letter of complaint
- support you during your complaint
The following links may also be of help:
www.which.co.uk/consumer-rights
https://secure.consumerdirect.gov.uk
YOUR COMMUNITY
Feeling part of the local community helps us feel part of society and adds to our personal self esteem. Getting on with the neighbours is also important and any issues can get blown out of proportion if not handled well.
We can support you to:
- access services for your faith and culture
- be involved in the wider community
- register to vote
- volunteering
- report anti-social behaviour or hate crimes
- access mediation services
The following links may also be of help:
www.direct.gov.uk and look for government citizens and rights
For volunteering opportunities look at www.do-it.org.uk or www.volunteering.org.uk
www.stophateuk.org- for support with hate motivated crimes
www.upmystreet.com for information on how to approach problem neighbours
YOUR SAFETY
- support you to feel safe and secure in your home
- support you to keep yourself safe outside the home
The following links may also be of help:
Independent Domestic Abuse Services-This is a specialist provider of accommodation, advice and support to all those living with, affected by or escaping domestic abuse. We provide services and support across York, Hambleton and Richmondshire.
Halt Domestic Voilence for support in Leeds
Safer Ryedale for support in Scarborough
Victim support
National helpline 0845 3030900
York office 0845 071 0871
www.leeds.gov.uk or phone 08453030900 for Leeds
Racial issues
For help in York and Scarborough call 01904 642600
Leeds 0113 2438421
