This is your audio edition of the Housing 21 Newsletter: January 2025 edition.

Read to you by Lucy and Joel from the Resident Communications Team.

Across Housing 21 we often talk about wellbeing and the importance of it, but what does it actually mean for residents living in our schemes?

Local Housing Manager Laura Gilling is passionate about the benefits physical activity can have on people’s wellbeing. In this episode of 21 Talks, she sits down with residents Zohra and Austin to find out what activities positively contribute to their wellbeing, as well as advice they’d give to other residents who are looking to try something new.

Episode time stamps

00:00 – Intro

01:18 – Austin and Zohra share where they live and how long they’ve been a Housing 21 resident

02:15 – Benefits of outdoor space

03:00 – What it’s like to be a basketball coach

05:18 – Completing a cooking course

05:52 – Chair-based exercise classes

07:47 – Residents leading on group activities

09:37 – What does wellbeing mean to you?

11:14 – Advice for people looking to try a new hobby

15:04 – Outro

Further information:

If you’re a Housing 21 resident interested in taking part in a future episode or have a topic you’d like us to explore on an upcoming episode, we’d love to hear from you by filling out this form.

Learn more about our pet policy for residents.

If you’re interested in a career in care or housing, check out our latest vacancies.

Connect with Housing 21 on

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Housing21

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/housing21

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Housing21/

Technology plays an important role in our everyday lives.

It enables people to stay connected with one another, order food, pay bills and shop, and for some, enables them to do their jobs effectively from home. However, this always been the case.

Across the UK, there are still many people who do not have the digital skills needed to use a laptop or tablet, with Age UK estimating that two million people aged over 75 are digitally excluded, including Housing 21 residents Rosina and Pauline.

In the first half of this 21 Talks episode, host Geoff Hopcraft, Lead Learning and Organisational Development Partner for the South at Housing 21, is joined by the duo to hear more about their experiences of using technology and the steps they are taking to improve their knowledge.

Geoff is then joined by Local Housing Manager Dave Vause to discuss how Housing 21, through its digital strategyand partnership with Barclays Digital Eagles is supporting residents like Pauline and Rosina.

Episode time stamps

00:00 – Intro

02:29 – Rosina and Pauline’s experience using technology

08:36 – Benefits of using tech

15:00 – Dave’s experience and passion for improving digital skills

17:13 – What devices are typically used by residents

18:45 – What are Housing 21’s Digital Champions

23:35 – Advice for listeners who want to improve their digital skills

24:34 – Outro

Further information:

If you’re a Housing 21 resident interested in taking part in a future episode or have a topic you’d like us to explore on an upcoming episode, we’d love to hear from you by filling out this form.

Read more about Transform 21 on page 17 of our Housing 21 Strategic Commitments Report.

Find out more about our Digital Eagles and Digital Champions please contact your Local Housing Manager or visit: Digital learning - your way | Digital Wings (uk.barclays)

Connect with Housing 21 on

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Housing21

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/housing21

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Housing21/