Aksa News - December 2011 by Jigsaw Group

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FREE money advice and changes to benefits. More on pg 7

Home swap scheme helps change lives Read more on pg 6

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Win ÂŁ50 high street vouchers! Tell us what you think of your newsletter. Pg 15

What's on? Loads of free events/courses for you to get involved in. Pg 10

GET ME TOASTY Mr Toast recommends these simple ways you can stop wasting energy and save money now. Turn your thermostat down. Reducing your room temperature by 1°C could cut your heating bills by up to 10% and typically saves around £50 per year. If you have a programmer, set your heating and hot water to come on only when required rather than all the time. Is your water too hot? Your cylinder thermostat should be set at 60°C/140°F.

Close your curtains at dusk to stop heat escaping through the windows and check for draughts around windows and doors.

Always turn off the lights when you leave a room. Don’t leave appliances on standby and remember not to leave laptops and mobile phones on charge unnecessarily.

If possible, fill up the washing machine, tumble dryer or dishwasher: one full load uses less energy than two half loads. Only boil as much water as you need (but remember to cover the elements if you’re using an electric kettle). A dripping hot water tap wastes energy and in one week wastes enough hot water to fill half a bath, so fix leaking taps and make sure they’re fully turned off! Use energy saving light bulbs. They last up to 10 times longer than ordinary bulbs, and using one can save you around £45 over the lifetime of the bulb. This saving could be around £70 over its lifetime if you’re replacing a high wattage incandescent bulb, or one used for more than a few hours a day. If you are thinking about buying a new electrical appliance, look for the Energy Saving Recommended logo. This is your guarantee that the appliance you buy is among the most energy efficient on the market. If you want to find out more about the Get Me Toasty scheme that provides free and subsidised cavity wall and loft insulation throughout Greater Manchester, or for more free and impartial advice on energy saving in the home, call freephone 0800 512012 and speak to an adviser. Alternatively you can email us at getmetoasty@manchester.gov.uk or visit our website www.getmetoasty.co.uk

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Welcome to

ksa ews

Welcome to the second edition of Aksa News. For those of you who have celebrated Eid or Diwali, we hope you enjoyed some great celebrations. We’ve got lots of news to tell you about in this issue. We have a new Tenants’ Panel and lots of new ways for you to get in touch with us. There’s also loads of free events and courses you can get involved in and advice on money and saving energy. In the New Year, we also want to look at making this newsletter better for you. There’s some information on pg 15 about this and the chance to win £50 high street vouchers! Over the coming weeks, we’ll be making some changes to improve the way we work with our communities. We’re going to be part of some great new projects in our communities and we’ll update you on these changes as they happen. For those of you celebrating Christmas, we hope you enjoy the festive season and best wishes to everyone for the New Year. We hope to see you all at our New Year event on Thursday 26th January!

From everyone at Aksa Homes

CONTENTS NEWS New Tenants’ Panel New homes Building women’s confidence Tenant satisfaction results House swap scheme Changes to Housing Benefit Update on housing support New Tenants’ Handbook New Board at Aksa

4 4 5 5 6 7 13 13 14

WHAT'S ON Courses & classes Training courses House party on tour Tenants’ meetings Neighbourhood surgeries

10 11 11 12 12

GETTING IN TOUCH

Looking Local New website Social media Tell us what you think of your newsletter Contact us

8 8 9 15 16

New Year eve nt for you on Thursday 26th January , 10am 2pm. Learn a bout new wa ys to get in touch with us, get involv ed and enjoy refresh ments and fo od. If you’d like to be involved, co ntac on 0161 620 2992. Watch o t us ut for more informati on coming soo n... aksa homes

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New Tenants’ Panel at Aksa The new Tenants’ Panel gives you a chance to have your views and concerns heard and discussed with Aksa’s Board. The Panel works together and encourages other tenants to give their views, helping to improve Aksa services but most importantly, develop successful communities.

to collect tenants’ views on various services, e.g repairs. If anyone would like to join the Tenants’ Panel and help make a

I want to help the make neighbourhood to safe d an an cle re it mo

difference in the community, or to simply share your views, please contact Tanuja at the Aksa office on 0161 620 2992.

ts’ panel Ak sa By forming a tenan portunit y to op e th us en has giv mmunity co e th represent

So far, the Panel has looked at various Aksa policies to make sure they are focused on customers. The Panel will soon be looking at the handyman service to see how it can be developed, how service to tenants can be improved and how it can help Aksa Homes save money. Members of the Panel have also started attending tenants’ meetings

rs Azra Anwar, uzaffer Hussain, M M r M ): ht rig to ft le bers (pictured from Tenant Panel mem rs Elizabeth Dean. M , bi Bi t ra us N rs M r, ee gh Mrs Habiba Sa

£1.6m for new affordable homes Aksa Homes has received £1.6m build much needed family homes with from the Government to build rents that local people will be able to new homes for affordable rent. afford. The money will help to build 76 family homes by March 2015 that will be available for local people to rent at affordable prices. The new homes will have between two, three and four bedrooms. The first Oldham development is expected to begin in early 2012 and be completed by the end of the year. Director of Aksa Homes, Mushtaq Khan said: “This grant allows us to

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“The new properties will offer a range of quality accommodation and will be energy efficient to help ease the cost of rising energy and fuel bills.”

Building women’s confidence In partnership with Oldham Primary Care Trust, Aksa Homes organised some really valuable training for our female tenants, called ‘Women into Leadership’.

The aim of the training was to help women build their confidence and skills. The course included learning how to have your voice and views heard, how to get involved in decision making, and practice using communication techniques. Training was also given on other services and how to get involved in them, e.g, Oldham Council’s Neighbourhood Team, Police Community Support Services, School Governing Body Services and other public groups.

If you are interested in this training, contact Neelum at the Aksa office on 0161 620 2992. (Please note this is for women only). At the end of the five week session, all of the women received certificates and were really proud of their achievement. All of the women who took part now feel more confident and are getting involved in more training with Aksa. Hopefully the skills they have learnt will also help lead them to further education and employment.

Tenant satisfaction You rate Aksa Homes as one of including bathrooms, kitchens and the top landlords in the country. heating. In some cases, satisfaction improved to 100%! According to our latest survey results, 91% of customers were satisfied with This shows great progress for Aksa the service Aksa Homes provides. Homes and 60% of you said the This is a great result and a 21% improvements to your home have made you want to stay in your increase on last year’s results! properties, which is great news. Over the summer, tenants were telephoned and asked for their views This survey gives us really important on Aksa’s services, including customer information. It tells us what we service, your rent and repairs and are doing well and where we need to improve to give you the best improvements to your homes. possible service. As our customers You said you were most happy with you are the best people to help us, the way your rent is collected and so please continue to give us your managed, and 87% of you said your views. rent is good value for money. A big thank you to everyone The biggest increase in satisfaction who completed the survey – was for improvements to your homes, your views really matter.

All tenants who completed the survey were entered into a prize draw to win £150 high street vouchers.

s ulation t a r g n Co inner, ib, w r u o to d Shoa e m m a e h Mr Mo pictured her , s who i ushtaq Khan with M tor of Aksa Direc mes. Ho aksa homes

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House swap could help you find a bigger home Is your home too small or too big for your family? Do you need another bedroom for your children or have you got too much space? If so, Aksa Homes is helping tenants to swap homes with other families as part of a Mutual Exchange programme. You may even be able to get help

if you want to live in a different area Planned Government changes to or closer to family and friends. housing benefit could also see you lose some of your benefit if you have Swapping your home can be life a spare bedroom at home. changing. Many families in the UK are living in overcrowded conditions and need more space and extra bedrooms. Others are living in homes that are too big for them and moving to a smaller property could help save money on bills.

Mrs Jaleel and Mr Abubakar and their four children moved from a two-bedroom property to a bigger house in Oldham after swapping their home with another tenant. They now have five bedrooms, with the children each having their own room. In their old house all three children shared a bedroom and their youngest son slept in his parents’ room. Dad Abdul said: “We are much happier and feel healthier. The children have their own space to play.” “I would recommend other people look into the Mutual Exchange programme and would like to thank Aksa for moving my family to a larger home.” His daughter added: “There was no space before. We used to fall out of bed as we slept in bunk beds. I’m very happy here and have space to do my homework.” The Mutual Exchange programme lets you swap your home with another tenant or family living in an Aksa Homes property or a home with a different social landlord. To find out more about swapping your home, contact Georgina at Aksa on 0161 620 2992. We also want to hear from people living in homes that are too big for them who would be willing to move to a smaller property. Financial assistance and help with moving is also available. Families looking to home swap should have: l l l l

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No breaches of tenancy agreement or court orders Their property in good condition A clear rent account No history of antisocial behaviour

Changes to Housing Benefit – what it means for you The Government is planning to make changes to Housing Benefit which could affect how much money you receive. Aksa Homes is concerned about these plans and has written to Parliament with the support of tenants to ask the Government to rethink its plans. If you are of working age living in a

home with a spare bedroom you could have your Housing Benefit cut from 2013. This includes disabled people, foster carers, working families on low income and those with young children.

change too. Payments would no longer be made to us as your landlord. These would come directly to you and you would be responsible for making sure your rent is paid on time.

If this affects you, it means you will This makes it harder for some people have to start making payments towards to manage their money and easier for your rent or increase the amount you some to get into debt. already pay. We will write to you with more details The way you get your benefits is set to soon.

If you would like to say ‘no’ to the Government’s plans you can do this online at www.housing.org.uk. You need to click on ‘Campaigns’, then ‘Welfare Action Week’ and ‘Take Action’. If you do not have access to a computer but want to sign the petition, contact Neelum at the Aksa Homes office on 0161 620 2992 or email info@aksahousing.co.uk. You can also visit the office on Phoenix Street, Oldham. Thank you to everyone who has already supported the campaign by signing the petition.

Free financial health check Are you getting the right benefits? Are there other grants you could apply for? To book an appointment call Neelum at the Aksa office on 0161 620 2992.

More free money sessions with Steve Logan from Citizens Advice Bureau When: Fortnightly on Thursday between 10am and 1pm. Where: Aksa Homes office on Phoenix Street, Oldham.

Energy bills - save, search or switch? Aksa Homes is running free advice sessions to see if you could save money on your gas, electricity and water bills. All you need to do is turn up to one of the classes with an energy bill. Staff will also be giving energy saving tips and debt advice which could be useful during the cold winter months and New Year period. You can learn how to search and bid for properties too. When: Every Wednesday between 2 and 4pm Where: Aksa Homes office on Phoenix Street, Oldham. Sessions are open to all. You don’t have to be an Aksa Homes tenant so tell your family and friends to come along too. No appointment needed.

Watersure Scheme If you have more than three children under the age of 19 living at home, you receive benefits or have a medical condition you could save money if you use a water meter. United Utilities’ Watersure Scheme could help cut your water bills. To find out more and to check if you qualify, call Aksa on 0161 620 2992. aksa homes

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Getting in touch

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A site which was easier to use and find your way around To report a repair easily Find a home (easily) Pay rent on line A site that looked good and was up-to-date

We listened to your comments and have been working hard on this project to make a great website for you. We’re pleased to say that you will see a new site very soon. We will be consulting with a random selection of people (including tenants) before the website goes live to check how easy it is to use. Watch out for more information and keep your eye out for the brighter new site coming soon on www.aksahomes.co.uk 8

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Choose Interactive Go to the Community Channel (539) Select News Press Red & Info - use ourLooking Quick Code Select Local 246 to reach our service quickly or Go to the Community Channel (233) Press Red

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We launched the Aksa Homes Facebook page in June and have had some great feedback so far. To find us, search ‘Aksa Homes’ or go to www.facebook.com/aksahomes.

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Aksa Homes is part of the New Charter Housing Trust Group. The Group will soon be launching on Twitter. Keep your eyes out over the next few months for the launch of the site, get involved and be in with a chance to win prizes!

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What’s On? Courses & classes

Aksa Homes staff run a number of courses for you which can help you learn new skills, build your confidence, and meet new people..... and they are all FREE to Aksa tenants. We are currently running the following courses:

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Health & wellbeing course l l l

10 week course For women only Run in partnership with Oldham Primary Care Trust, by qualified professionals l Interpreters are available who speak Urdu/ Punjabi/Bangla if English is not your first language

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Grow and taste – e.g growing vegetables, how you can save money and become more healthy by doing this Awareness of Loan sharks Exercise classes Flower arranging Budgeting Credit card awareness How to do your own credit rating Healthy Eating & Cooking Glass painting Numeracy (Maths)

If you are interested in any of these courses, contact Neelum or Rabina at the Aksa office. Dates coming soon...

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A brand new course On Fridays 10am-12noon at the Aksa Homes office Includes: l Facebook- making an account and advice on security/passwords/using pictures l How to create an email account l Looking for cheaper deals e.g from energ suppliers, using comparison sites l How to use shopping sites – supermarket clothes shops, (inc. budgeting) l Carrying out benefit checks to see what you’re entitled to l Online banking and security l Buying and selling on eBay l Searching for jobs/training

As well as learning new skills, this cours could help you gain the skills you may nee to get into employment and further training For more information contact Neelum at the Aksa office on 0161 620 2992.

‘Get online at home’

www.getonlineathome.org

If you receive benefits, you can get a seco hand refurbished computer for just £ (or £165 if you don’t receive benefits)

Cooking session We’re going to be running a cooking session in December. For more information, please contact Neelum on 0161 620 2992.

Visit this website for more information and apply. If you need help with this, visit or teleph Rabina or Tahira at the Aksa office. We can help you apply at our IT classes. Also, tell us what courses you would like to see. If there is enough interest we can consider your ideas.

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Training courses Aksa Homes also runs Training Courses which are FREE of charge to you – our Aksa tenants. These courses help you learn key life skills which could help you gain employment. The courses run at your pace and the work is based upon what the group needs and wants to learn. We offer.... l English classes (basic & next Level) l Conversation classes l IT classes l Work club – includes learning how to write a CV, how to apply for jobs and tips for interviews Here is the timetable: Monday 9.30 -11.30am Conversation class at Aksa Homes

Tuesday 9.30 -11.30am Basic English class at Aksa Homes

Wednesday 9.30am -12 pm IT class at Aksa Homes

2pm -4pm 12.30 - 2.30pm Next Level English class Work Club at Aksa Homes at Aksa Homes

Thursday 9.30 -11.30am Basic English class at Aksa Homes 12.30 - 2.30pm Next Level English class at Aksa Homes

2.30pm - 4.30pm Work Club at Pakistan Community Centre Marlborough Street, Oldham Please note: The courses run during school term-time only. There is no crèche for children. There is a waiting list for the English & IT classes. You don’t need an appointment for the work club, just come along. For more information on these courses, contact Rabina at the Aksa office on 0161 620 2992.

House Party – on tour House Party events give residents from different housing associations across Oldham the chance to meet other people. The parties are held four times a year in different parts of Oldham. They are very relaxed and fun and involve craft workshops, discussions about the community and sharing thoughts and concerns with others in a friendly environment. Festivals have also been celebrated as a group including the Festival of Light and the Festival of Diversity. Food, drinks and transport are always provided. Lots of Aksa tenants really enjoy these parties and they tell us that they are always looking forward to the next one! The next party will be held in the New Year – date coming soon. If you would like to join in or would like more information, please contact Tanuja at the Aksa office on 0161 620 2992. aksa homes 11

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What’s On?

Tenants’ meetings

Tenants’ meetings give you the chance to tell Aksa staff what’s happening in your area/on your estate and for you to discuss any concerns you have. It is also a chance for Aksa staff to update you on things that are happening in your area. Tea, coffee and biscuits are served and all tenants are welcome. Come along for a chat in a friendly and relaxed environment and meet other tenants. Here are the dates for the next meetings: Coppice (at the Polish Community Centre, Chamber Road, Coppice) Wednesday 1st February - 1.30 – 3.00pm Coldhurst (at Coldhurst Lifelong Centre, Rochdale Road, Oldham) Monday 6th Februrary - 1.30 – 2.30pm Hathershaw (at Honeywell Centre, Hathershaw) Thursday 19th January - 4.00 – 5.30pm Werneth (at Christ Church, Block Lane, Werneth) Thursday 2nd February - 1.30 – 3.00pm Westwood (at Christian Dovetails, Maygate, Westwood) Thursday 8th March - 11.00am – 12.30pm Glodwick (at The Pakistani Community Centre, Glodwick) Wednesday 25th January - 10.30am – 12.00pm Manchester (at Abraham Moss Centre, Crumpsall) Wednesday 11th January - 10.30am – 12.00pm Ashton-Under-Lyne (at Sure Start, Trafalgar Square, Ashton-u-Lyne) Wednesday 18th January - 1.30 – 3.00pm Bury (at Mosses Centre, Cecil Street, Bury) Wednesday 8th February - 10.30am – 12.00pm

Neighbourhood surgeries Neighbourhood surgeries give you the chance to discuss any issues you may have, on a face to face basis. This could include queries or concerns about your rent, repairs, antisocial behaviour or any other issues affecting you in your area. They also give staff the chance to visit you in the communities they serve.

We now have access to computer systems at the surgeries so we can help you with your rent account, help with repairs and do benefit calculations for you – all while you wait.

We hold surgeries in four areas near you. Appointments are not necessary, please call in and see us at any of these times. Manchester Every 3rd Thursday of the month 10:00am to 11:30am Abraham Moss, Crescent Road, Manchester, M8 5UF

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Ashton-Under-Lyne 1st Monday of every month 1:00pm to 2:30pm St Peter’s Children’s Centre, Trafalgar Square, OL7 0LL

Bury 3rd Thursday of every month 9:30 to 11:30am Jinnah Day Care Centre, Alfred street, Bury BL9 7HQ

Oldham 1st Wednesday in every month 2:00pm to 3:00pm Aksa Homes office, 2 Medtia Square, Phoenix Street, Oldham OL1 1AN

Update on Housing Support As an Aksa tenant you may have had support from our Housing Support Officers, Adele and Tahira. In the past they offered help to tenants who needed extra support with sorting out bills and finances, running their homes and any general issues. Due to changes at Oldham Council and developments at Aksa Homes, this service will now be run by Threshold Housing Project on behalf of Aksa Homes.

This new service has been developed with other local organisations to make a bigger and better service for residents in Oldham. Customers have been involved in its development to make sure it is right for the people who need it.

Staff will continue to identify tenants who would benefit from support and can easily make referrals to the new service on your behalf.

If you would like more information about the new service, please contact Threshold directly on 0161 Threshold is based in the same 652 9584 or call the Aksa office. building as Aksa Homes and we work very closely together to The new service will be called make sure you get the best support Oldham Floating Support. possible.

New Tenants’ Handbook We now have a brand new be delivering the new tenants’ up-to-date handbook for all handbook to you soon. tenants. We hope you find the new The new handbook is full of useful handbook useful and remember to information for you. It tells you keep it in a safe place! about all the up to date ways you Some tenants have helped to design can get in touch with us. the new handbook and we would We talked to tenants to see what like to thank them for their time they would like to see for this new and ideas. handbook. A big thank you goes to: You told us: • You would like us to use visual symbols as much as possible • You would like a list of useful phone numbers • You would like us to clearly explain when you may be recharged for repairs We have listened to your comments and made these changes you have asked. In the new handbook, individual pages can be updated when needed, rather than giving you a whole new book. So at any time, if you feel something needs adding or changing, tell us and we can make these changes when you need them. If you have not received your copy yet, don’t worry, Aksa staff will

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New Board at Aksa

Aksa has a new Management Board. The Board makes sure that Aksa Homes is running well, continuing to provide the best possible services for tenants and that its finances are secure. The new Board members are from a variety of backgrounds giving them valuable skills and knowledge which are needed to take the business of Aksa Homes forward. Introducing the new Board members....

Zillur Rahman (Vice-Chair) Zillur is a Principal Housing Strategy Officer at Oldham Council. He has worked in housing for more than 15 years and has lots of experience in housing management, repairs and improvements, involving tenants, and development. He has also served as a magistrate and a school governor. He has a diploma in housing and is in his final year as a university law student.

Keith Rushton tant who has Keith is an accoun ing sector for us ho worked in the s. more than ten year ernal audit He specialises in int nagement and ma k ris ), ns (inspectio governance. th many different He has worked wi sociations and types of housing as rth West. No businesses in the

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Mohamm ed Ansar work Ansar s as a com munity org at the Pakis anis tani Comm unity Centr er e. He is intere sted in wo rking with people to local improve ne ighbourho and wants ods to help pe ople into p employme aid nt th voluntary w rough training and ork. He has wo rked in the Probation and has ex Serv perience in welfare righ ice and comm ts unity deve lopment. He is keen to the most d help improve the live isadvantage s of d commun and bring p ities eople toge ther.

Kalsoom Iqb Kalsoom w al orks as a P olicy Offic for Rochd er ale Counci l. She has several ho using qualif icatio a degree in Organisatio ns and n Studies. She has w orked in h o using since 1992 and is keen to help develo communit p ies.

Georgia P arker (Ch air) Georgia is the Chair of the Boar She runs h d. er own bu siness as a and trainer, coach delivering leadership and manag ement deve lopment programm es. She has lots of experie nce in hou with jobs in sing customer service, pro work as w ject ell as senio r roles.

Qulzam Bhatti Qulzam has a degre e in Sociology and Cultural studie s and has worked in many roles in ho using and regeneration. She has worked at Th reshold- a company which Aksa Homes works closely with, and ha s set up the Economic Developme nt Unit at Aksa Homes. Qulzam has been a member of other local boards including Oldham Primary Care Trust and has a passion for housing.

r kbar ry secto Sugra A s in the volunta ts r k o r p Sugra wo nisation that sup forced nd rga a o e s n u a b r a fo mestic o d training f o s r s e victim f o deliv ls a e h S . groups o s marriage sues to different is on these ls. na io s s profe

Estate inspections All inspections take place at 10.30am unless different times are shown Date of inspection Areas we are inspecting... 05.01.2012

Abbey Hills, Warren Lane, Worsley Street

12.01.2012

Peakdale Ave, Charminster and Crescent Road, Woodlands, Hardwood Close, Bignor Street, Beechfield Street, Bankfield Street, Farady Street, Balmfied Street, Greville Street

19.01.2012

Primrose Bank, Harper Street, Kennedy Street, Malton Street, St Thomas and Stuart Street

26.01.2012

Bellevue Street, Kirby Close, Brighton Street, Walmersley Street, Southbank Road, Grundy Close, Grundy Lane, Manzoor Building

02.02.2012

Brierly Street, Bamford Street, Denmark Street, Garforth Street

09.02.2012

Armitage Close, Heron Street (11am), Little Town (12noon)

16.02.2012

Osbourne Street, Ashley Street, Ashley Mews

23.02.2012

Churchill Street East, Pitt Street, Southhill Street, Greengate Street, Retford Street, Landseer Street

01.03.2012

Uxbridge Street, Portland Street, Trafalgar Street, Fitzroy, Cambridge Street, Hamilton Street, Burlington Street

08.03.2012

Cotton Mill Crescent, Cambridge Street, Carlisle Street, Ridings Way

15.03.2012

Yasmin, Sherwood and Orchid

22.03.2012

Hooper Street, Kingsbridge Road, Jarvis Street

29.03.2012

Allama Iqbal, Jinnah Close, Roundthorn, Salisbury, Cranbrook Street

05.04.2012

Ronald Street, Huxley Street, Bridson Street

12.04.2012

Peakdale Ave, Charminster Road, Crescent Road, Woodlands, Hardwood Close, Bignor Street, Beechfield Street, Bankfield Street, Farady Street, Balmfield Street, Greville Street

19.04.2012

Clarkwell Close, Shipla Close

26.04.2012

Bellevue Terrace, Kirby Close, Brighton Street, Walmersley Street, Southbank Road, Grundy Close, Grundy Lane

10.05.2012

Armitage Close, Heron Street, Little Town

31.05.2012

Cotton Mill Crescent, Cambridge Street, Carlisle Street

We will contact you nearer the time to remind you that we’ll be inspecting your area. If you’d like to be involved or want more information, please contact Tanuja at the Aksa office on 0161 620 2992. More information will also appear on the website, the Aksa Facebook page and Looking Local.

Tell us what you think of your newsletter We write this newsletter for you, so we’d love to know what you think of it. What do you like about it? What do you dislike? What would you change?

Everyone who gives us their views on the newsletter by 10th January will be entered into a prize draw to win £50 high street vouchers!

We’d like to improve the newsletter for you and we need your help to tell us what you’d like to see in it in future. It could be puzzles, recipes, useful tips for the home, or more real-life stories from tenants. Please tell us your views and suggestions by calling into the Aksa Office or writing to us by post or on Looking Local. (On Looking Local, fill in the contact form under ‘Contact Us’). You can also call the Communications Team on 0161 331 2470.

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P a r t o f t h e N e w C h a r t e r H o u s i n g Tr u s t G r o u p

Contact us T: 0161 620 2992 E: info@aksahousing.co.uk New telephone number F: 0161 652 2461 for local Police Aksa Homes, Aksa House, 999 is still the number to contact the 2 Medtia Square, Phoenix Street, Police in a real emergency. Oldham OL1 1AN But....

Emergency Repairs T: 0800 027 0828 if you need an emergency repair during the following times:) l After 5pm Monday to Wednesday l After 4.30pm on Thursdays l After 4pm on Fridays

If it’s not an emergency, you should now call 101 to contact your Local Police Force. This is a new number to make it easier for people to reach the Police when it’s not an emergency. It will also help reduce the number of calls made to 999 which are not emergencies and help the police respond to real emergencies faster. Please note, calls to 101 will be charged at the local rate; calls from mobile phones may cost more.

l During weekends and Bank Holidays New Handyman service at Aksa We told you in the last newsletter that we have a new Handyman at Aksa. Here is our Handyman, Brian Gordon. This new service was formed when you told us you needed repairs to be carried out faster. The Handyman will carry out small jobs such as fixing minor leaks, fitting security chains and locks on doors and fitting new toilet seats. Please continue to report repairs as you normally do – by telephoning 0161 620 2992. For minor repairs, Brian, our Handyman may visit your home as he can often get to you more quickly.

Please note, the Emergency Repairs system will not change and you must still call 0800 027 0828 if you need an emergency repair at the following times:

l l

After 5pm Monday to Wednesday After 4.30pm on Thursdays

l l

After 4pm on Fridays During weekends and Bank Holidays