To all Radius Residents,

There have been various announcements from the Northern Ireland Executive in recent weeks on the steps it is taking to reopen society and support you and your family to move on with your lives. The safety, security and wellbeing of all Radius residents is a key priority and having considered the advice and support that the Department for Communities has issued the following information may be of use to all Radius tenants.

the following information may be of use to all Radius tenants.

SUPPORTING YOU

Rent, payments and support

Some residents will face difficulties with paying their rent which are beyond their control and related directly to the COVID-19 emergency.  Our housing officers and dedicated welfare advisors are available to discuss any concerns you may have.You can contact your housing officer on 03301230888.  In addition, information on relevant benefits and who to contact can be accessed on the NI Direct website.

STAYING SAFE IN YOUR HOME

Maintenance, repairs and property access

The ability to carry out maintenance and repairs safely, while at the same time observing public health guidance, will be kept under constant review. Priority will continue to be given to those repairs which affect your ability to live safely in your home. External repairs have resumed and other works will follow as restrictions ease. 

You can report a repair on 0330 123 0888, Option 1.

It is important to follow sensible precautions when there is a need for a contractor, or others, to visit your property.  Full advice on issues like these can be found here:

Gas safety checks

The purpose of a gas safety check is to make sure gas appliances are safe for continued use. Given that so many of us are spending more time at home, these safety checks are even more important and must be carried out. It is vital to allow our Contractor’s access to your home to ensure that gas safety checks take place.

Anti-social behaviour

It is essential that we feel safe and secure in our homes.  Every one of us can contribute to ensuring that our neighbourhoods and communities are thriving, inclusive and ultimately safe places to live. Proven incidents of anti-social behaviour may put tenancies at risk.

Our Communities team have and will continue to respond to reported incidents of anti-social behaviour.  If you need to speak with your housing officer please call them on 03301230888 or email housing.officer@radiushousing.org

Support for victims of domestic abuse

Staying at home can cause anxiety for those who are experiencing or feel at risk of domestic abuse. For anyone who is or feels they are at risk of abuse, it is important to remember that there is help and support available to you. The instruction to stay at home as a result of COVID-19 does not apply if you need to leave your home to escape domestic abuse. If you feel unsafe in your home or have concerns for your safety in relation to domestic violence, harassment or intimidation, you should speak to your housing officer or contact the Housing Executive’s Housing Solutions and Support on 03448 920 900.

LOOKING AFTER YOURSELF

Health

You should take sensible precautions to keep yourself safe. If you think you may have the virus follow Government advice on self-isolation - you’ll need to stay at home for at least 7 days. If you live with someone who has symptoms, you’ll need to stay at home for 14 days from the day the first person in the home started having symptoms.

Wellbeing

We are all having to deal with a wide range of impacts brought about by the COVID- 19 outbreak and the effect it has on everyone’s daily lives. The links to the following guides provide advice on how to look after your mental health and wellbeing.

COVID-19 Community Helpline

A Freephone helpline to help those in vulnerable groups to access information, advice and guidance in relation to COVID-19 is open 9.00 am to 5.00pm, seven days a week. The helpline is local and managed by Advice NI. You can contact the helpline by calling the Freephone number: 0808 802 0020. You can also get in touch by email and text message email: covid19@adviceni.net or text: ACTION to 81025

FURTHER ADVICE ON COVID-19

The Executive’s advice on COVID-19 is available in one place, covering a range of topics including protecting yourself and others from coronavirus, and work, financial support and money. You can find out more information here:

Further details are included in the guidance here.

Have your Circumstances changed due to Covid-19?

if you have any questions in relating to Covid-19 please contact your housing officer:

0330 123 0888

housing@officer@radiushousing.org