Thirteen

14/10/2026

🎄 Looking to start saving for Christmas?

With Housing Perks, Thirteen customers can access discounts at over 100 retailers, including Asda, Argos, B&M, Primark and more.

Whether you're buying gifts, food or festive essentials, Housing Perks could help your money go further this Christmas.

Find out more via the link in the comments. 👇

13/10/2026

Community team round-up | September 2026 💛

September has been another busy month across our communities, with colleagues, customers and partners working together to make a positive difference.

✅ Community consultations in Portrack, Tilery and Netherfields have helped residents share their priorities and shape future activity in their neighbourhoods.

✅ More than 150 residents took part in the Netherfields consultation, with new training opportunities and community activities being developed in response to local feedback.

✅ In Pallister Park and Grove Hill, local partnerships have helped improve community spaces, launch sports activities for young people and trial new neighbourhood walkabouts to encourage greater resident involvement.

✅ Our Social Value team attended Tees Expo, promoting Match My Project and building new connections with businesses and community organisations.

✅ Residents at Jupiter Court came together with local partners to discuss community priorities and strengthen relationships across the neighbourhood.

✅ Colleagues also continued to support and improve community spaces, helping create welcoming environments for residents to enjoy.

Thank you to everyone who has attended an event, shared feedback, volunteered their time or supported activities throughout the month. Together, we're creating stronger communities and helping our neighbourhoods thrive. 💛🏡

13/10/2026

Someone you know could be missing out on Pension Credit

Do you know a family member, friend or neighbour who is over State Pension age and finding money a bit tight?

Lots of people assume they won't qualify for Pension Credit, but it's worth checking – thousands of people miss out on money they’re entitled to every year.

Who might be able to get it?

- People who have reached State Pension age
- Single people with a weekly income of less than £238*
- Couples with a combined weekly income of less than £363.25*

As well as boosting income, Pension Credit can open the door to other help. This includes: Council Tax reduction, support with housing costs, Warm Home discount and support with NHS costs.

There’s a calculator you can use to check eligibility (link in comments) or you can call the Pension Credit Claim Line on 0800 99 1234.

*Some people may still qualify even if their income is higher. Especially if they have a disability, care for someone or have housing costs to pay for.

09/10/2026

A great day at Welton House 💛

It was fantastic to welcome residents, partners and colleagues to our first Cuppa with a Copper event at Welton House in Netherfields.

The event gave residents the opportunity to meet local police representatives, discuss community concerns and share ideas about how we can continue to improve the neighbourhood together.

We also welcomed colleagues from our Employability Team, who spoke to residents about the support available to help build skills, access training and boost income. The day also featured our See It, Report It building safety campaign, providing advice and information on keeping homes and communities safe.

One of the strongest messages we heard was the importance of bringing services and support directly into Netherfields, helping residents access the information and advice they need closer to home.

A huge thank you to everyone who attended and to all the colleagues and partners who helped make the event a success. We're looking forward to building on this momentum and continuing to support the Netherfields community.

09/10/2026

Natalie's journey from volunteering to full-time employment 💛

When Natalie first came to our Employability team, she wanted to build a long-term career but wasn't sure where to start.

As a single parent, she lacked confidence in her skills and abilities and was unsure what career path to pursue. Working closely with Employability Caseworker Ann-Marie, Natalie received support to update her CV, identify her strengths and gain access to training and a laptop to help her develop new skills.

After expressing a passion for helping others, Natalie was introduced to START Hartlepool, where she completed a six-week training programme and began volunteering. As her confidence grew, she enrolled on a Level 2 Health and Social Care qualification and even gave a speech at the opening of START's new building in Hartlepool.

Her volunteering experience soon led to a relief role with Recovery Connections, before securing a full-time position as a Volunteer Co-ordinator.

Today, Natalie is building a career she loves and making a positive difference in her community.

💬 Natalie said:

"I feel really proud that I've finally let myself take that leap. I could never have done any of this without Ann-Marie's support. I wouldn't be where I am today without her."

Stories like Natalie's show what's possible with the right support, encouragement and determination. We're incredibly proud of everything she has achieved and wish her every success in her new role. 💛

07/10/2026

You're invited to our customer involvement open days!

Ever wondered how you can help shape the services we provide? Come along to one of our customer involvement open days and meet some of our involved customers who are making a real difference across Thirteen.

Pop in for a cuppa and a chat to:

✅ Find out how customers are helping improve our services
✅ Ask questions about getting involved yourself
✅ Meet our team and other customers
✅ Get support with housing, repairs or rent queries.

From Tuesday 20 October, we’ll be visiting our stores in Stockton, Hartlepool, Middlesbrough and Hull. You can find all dates, times and address details on our website (link in comments)

Getting involved doesn't have to mean a big commitment. You can take part in a way that suits your interests and availability. Plus, we can help with training and transport if needed.

Book your free place by completing our online form (link in comments) or calling 0300 111 1000.

Can't make an event but want to know more? Get in touch, we'd love to hear from you.

07/10/2026

After spending five years waiting for the right home, Sam was beginning to lose hope.

As a single dad of two young boys, he wanted a place where his family could feel settled and close to the school his sons attended. Having previously lived in areas that didn't feel right for his family, finding somewhere they could truly call home had become increasingly important.

Over the last six months, our Stockton Touchpoint team supported Sam throughout his housing journey, offering advice, guidance and encouragement when he needed it most. After years of waiting, having the right support and someone to guide him through the process helped turn what had felt like an impossible wait into a reality.

In August, Sam finally received the news he'd been hoping for and moved into a home close to his sons' school. What had been five years of waiting was turned around in just six months with the support of the team. The move has made day-to-day life easier for his family and given them the fresh start they had been looking for.

"I don't think I would have got this house without the support I received. I finally feel settled and see this as my forever home."

Stories like Sam's highlight the difference our Touchpoint Stores make every day, helping customers access support, overcome challenges and take positive steps towards their future.
We're proud to be part of journeys like these and wish Sam and his family all the best in their new home.

06/10/2026

Meet our Repairs Team today 🔧🏠

Do you have a question about a repair or need advice from our Repairs Team?

Our Repairs Team will be in our Touchpoint Stores today, giving customers the opportunity to speak directly with them, ask questions and get advice about repairs in their home.

📍 Today's locations and times:

Hartlepool: 9am to 12.30pm
Stockton: 9am to 12.30pm
Middlesbrough: 9.30am to 12.30pm

Whether you have a repair query, need an update or would just like to speak to someone from the team, we're here to help.

Pop in and see us today. 💛

Meet our Repairs Team at your local Touchpoint Store 🔧🏠

Do you have a question about a repair or need advice from our Repairs Team?

We're making it even easier for customers to access support by welcoming members of our Repairs Team into our Touchpoint Stores each month.

This is a great opportunity to speak directly with the team, ask questions and get advice on repairs in your home.

📅 Upcoming dates
Tuesday 6 October
Tuesday 10 November
Tuesday 8 December

🕘 Location & times
Hartlepool: 9am to 12.30pm
Stockton: 9am to 12.30pm
Middlesbrough: 9.30am to 12.30pm

Customers in Hull can also speak to our Repairs Team on the last Tuesday of every month at Marfleet Community Centre, between 10am and 12pm.

We look forward to seeing you there and helping you get the support you need. 💛

02/10/2026

Working together to keep our neighbourhoods clean 🧹💛

Our Neighbourhood Team joined forces with Estate Services, the Tenancy Sustainment Team, Care For Your Area, Employability team, local ward councillors, Cleveland Fire Brigade and our Mobile Touchpoint Van team for a community clean-up event across the Holmes and Middlefield estates in Thornaby.

Thanks to everyone involved, three large van loads of litter and unwanted items were collected and safely removed, helping to create cleaner, safer and more welcoming neighbourhoods for local residents.

A special thank you to Cleveland Fire Brigade for providing a skip to support the day.

Our Employability team were also on hand throughout the event, speaking to customers about the support available to help them build skills, find training opportunities and boost their income.

Events like these show what can be achieved when local organisations and communities work together. By taking pride in our neighbourhoods, we can help create places that everyone can enjoy and be proud to call home.

02/10/2026

Meet our Repairs Team at your local Touchpoint Store 🔧🏠

Do you have a question about a repair or need advice from our Repairs Team?

We're making it even easier for customers to access support by welcoming members of our Repairs Team into our Touchpoint Stores each month.

This is a great opportunity to speak directly with the team, ask questions and get advice on repairs in your home.

📅 Upcoming dates
Tuesday 6 October
Tuesday 10 November
Tuesday 8 December

🕘 Location & times
Hartlepool: 9am to 12.30pm
Stockton: 9am to 12.30pm
Middlesbrough: 9.30am to 12.30pm

Customers in Hull can also speak to our Repairs Team on the last Tuesday of every month at Marfleet Community Centre, between 10am and 12pm.

We look forward to seeing you there and helping you get the support you need. 💛