This Valentine’s Day, people across the North of England are choosing a different kind of love: comradely love. Love that looks like showing up for each other when rents rise, repairs are ignored, and eviction threats land on the doormat.

On 14 February 2026, housing groups, tenants, and people fed up with being pushed around by landlords and councils will come together in Sheffield for the Homes for Us North Grassroots Housing Gathering.

This isn’t a conference for professionals. It’s a gathering for people living in the housing crisis, and deciding to take action together, because nothing changes unless you and other affected people are directly involved.

Jan Forster estates limited recently called in administrators who downsized the company (reducing it to a single office and sacking staff) selling it off to the former managing director and daughter of the registered directors Angela Dennison (aka Angela Forster) as a phoenix company. The new company is DENNISON PROPERTY SERVICES LTD but will continue trading under Jan Forster Estates, in a triumph of personal vanity over brand viability.

What is a SLAPP?

A Strategic Lawsuit Against Public Participation (SLAPP) is not really about winning a legal case. It’s about stopping people from speaking.

SLAPPs are a misuse of the legal system. They involve bringing, or more commonly threatening, legal action that is weak, vague, or unmeritorious, using aggressive tactics to shut down lawful criticism or organising on matters of public interest.

Why you shouldn’t donate to a fundraiser…but become a member instead (or as well!)

There’s just 5 days left to donate to our 2025 Xmas art fundraiser and support bigger food parcels this Xmas for members (final date 19th December). But don’t worry, I’m here to discourage you from donating! Instead, consider becoming a Food & Solidarity member. There’s no rush! You can actually do this at any time and not just for Xmas.

The passage of the Renters (Reform) Bill, now officially the Renters' Rights Act, is a testament to years of tireless campaigning by tenants, activists, and grassroots organisations like Food and Solidarity. While this historic legislation delivers a long-awaited and crucial victory, our fight is far from over.

The new Act, which is expected to be implemented on May Day 2026, represents a foundational shift in the relationship between tenants and landlords. The most significant change is the abolition of Section 21 'no-fault' evictions.

Then Big issue interviewed us to find out what is has been like to be a grassroots organisation since the 2024 Budget. Read the article here, below is the full transcript of what we said.

Join This Month’s Members’ Meeting!

Friday 31st October 2025

6:00 PM – 8:00Pm

Projects4Change Betty’s Hut & Garden, The Cowgate Centre Houghton Avenue NE5 3UT

When water leaked from the flat above Abdul’s home, his bathroom ceiling collapsed. He was left with extensive damp, black mould, and an unsafe living environment. Abdul is a long-term resident in the over-55 block Breamish House. His daughter and neighbours repeatedly reported the problem to Newcastle City Council. Although council staff visited and took photographs, no immediate action followed. The council proposed repairs for late November, leaving an elderly tenant in dangerous conditions for months. When Food & Solidarity doorknocked the flats we uncovered numberous flats with serious damp issues.

This situation was not an isolated maintenance problem but a clear case of neglect.

Awaab Ishak was a toddler full of smiles and laughter. He loved riding his bike, playing with his ball. But in the months before his death, he was having coughing fits that lasted for days. He was too ill to go out but staying in only made things worse.

Change doesn't start with a megaphone or a call-out in a WhatsApp group chat; it starts with a conversation. This session is a deep dive into the fundamental skill of connecting with people, listening deeply, and unlocking shared purpose. 

Join us to build your confidence in having effective face-to-face conversations with our neighbours, and help grow and strengthen our organisation. All experience levels welcome!

The training will run from 12:30-15:00, followed by a door knocking session in our local community. There will be breaks throughout. This venue has level access.