Autumn 2012
Let us help you stay afloat
4-6 Teenagers help clean up our community
9 Helping you get into work
The benefit changes are almost here Find out how you'll be affected on pages 4-6 Also
Gardening competition news Your recipes
10-11 ‘Join Jayne’ on your estate Get yo £10 shop ur pin voucher g !
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WELCOME to your new look magazine! Residents like you have helped us to develop this new magazine. A big thank you to those of you who’ve been involved, we really hope you like it. The team at Aksa has been busy working on many different projects. One of these projects involves us making a ‘Neighbourhood Plan’ for each of the areas you live in. As you know, we already do a lot of work in your communities, but we want to do more. We want your communities to be great places to live in. We want them to look great, have great services and be a place for both work and enjoyment. We will be visiting all of you at your home to ask you a few questions about our services. Please help us by giving us your views – your feedback will tell us what we need to work on in our plans.
We will also be working closely with other organisations on issues such as antisocial behaviour, crime and unemployment. Thank you in advance for your help with our projects. Georgina Nolan Keep warm this winter, and very best wishes for 2013 from everyone at Aksa Homes.
Georgina Nolan
Project team leader, Aksa Homes
Why not visit our website? We’ve listened to your feedback and we've developed the new website for customers like you.
Find out more on pages 14 & 15…
You can also contact us through your TV
We have just celebrated one year of Looking Local, our interactive digital TV service for customers. You can view available properties, find out about upcoming events and much more. Sky: Channel 539 Virgin: Channel 233 Online: www.lookinglocal.gov.uk/newcharterhousingtrust Once you've found our page, click on Aksa Homes You can also access our pages through our Quick code 246.
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Aksa News
Get involved, make a difference. Help us improve where you live. We’re looking for Neighbourhood Champions to help us with our neighbourhood plans. We need you to: • Tell us about any problems in your neighbourhood and work with us to find solutions • Go on estate inspections to suggest improvements • Meet with your Neighbourhood Manager and other champions a few times a year • Have your say on bigger issues through Tenants’ Voice • Help us with customer surveys every few months If you’d like to become a champion, please contact Tanuja on 0161 620 2992.
Look for this icon: If you have a smartphone you can also find more information on our website by scanning this barcode with a QR code reader app.
Contents
4-6 12
Money matters
14
4-6
Customer survey results
7
We’ve had a makeover!
7
Get involved
8
Community clean up
9
Stepping into work
10-11
Gardening competition results
12
Join Jayne and get your £10 voucher! 13
19
Changes to our telephone services
14
Your new website
15
News from your Tenants’ Panel Team 16 Funding for your community projects 17
Your recipes p19
Don’t forget, you can also follow us on Facebook and Twitter facebook.com/aksahomes Twitter: @aksahomes
Join your local residents’ group
17
Computer classes for you
17
Tenants’ meeting dates
18
Your recipes
19
We need a new name! We’re looking for a new name for your magazine to match the new design. We’re looking for something friendly, snappy and original. Please contact us with your ideas. You never know, your idea could be chosen!
Autumn 2012
3
Money Ma££ers
There are lots of changes coming as part of the Government’s Welfare Reform programme… • Your Housing Benefit will be reduced if you have a spare bedroom in your home and you are of working age. This is being referred to as the ‘bedroom tax.’ (Read about how downsizing can help you on the next page). • Benefits will be capped at £500 per week for families and £350 per week for a single person. • Universal Credit is coming – a new benefit will combine Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA), income based employment and support allowance, housing benefit, income support and tax credits - all into one payment.
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Aksa News
• You’ll no longer get the choice to have your Housing Benefit paid direct to Aksa Homes (your landlord). Instead you will have to make sure you pay the rent yourself to Aksa Homes. • For most people, Universal Credit will be paid monthly in arrears. This means if you claim at the beginning of the month, your benefit will be paid to you at the end of the month. • There will also be changes to Council Tax Benefit locally. This is currently being debated by the council.
This may sound daunting, and it is. It’s going to be a difficult time for so many of us, but remember we’re here to help.
So ‘SWAT’s’ it all about? To help you through the changes, we have created a Specialist Welfare reform Advice Team called SWAT. They are here to offer advice and support you, if you are affected by the changes. The SWAT team are out and about in your neighbourhoods, helping people to address the impact of under-occupancy and looking at ways we can help you. To find out when the team is in your area, visit our website or call us on 0161 620 2992 and ask for the SWAT team. There may be some difficult times ahead, but remember SWAT’s only mission is to help you.
The SWAT Team
Are there any solutions? Downsizing is the ideal solution if you will be affected by the bedroom tax. Question: What is downsizing? Answer: Moving to a smaller home (still suitable for you/your family). Question: What are the advantages of the downsizing scheme? • Lower rent • Cheaper bills • A more manageable home - less rooms to clean and maintain • We may be able to offer you some money to move Downsizing will offer you the chance to move to a home which is still suitable for you/your family, but will cost you less. Downsizing aims to help tenants who will be affected by bedroom tax and those under-occupying their homes. The scheme can be flexible to suit your needs and we will look at each case individually. If your home has three bedrooms or more and one of these is unused, you may qualify for downsizing. Contact Minaz on 0161 620 2992 for more information and advice.
You may have received a personalised postcard like this from the team
Autumn 2012
5
Universal credit... ….it’s coming sooner than you may think Universal Credit is coming to Oldham and Tameside in April 2013. It’s only a few months away and it’ll soon be upon us. This is happening six months earlier than elsewhere in the country, for people claiming benefits for the first time. Claims will have to be made and managed online. If you don't have access to the internet, there will be other ways to claim. We’ll let you know about these options as soon as we know.
What you can do: • Contact us – we’re here to help you. • Tell your friends and neighbours what is happening and support each other. • Get yourself ready for the changes – don’t leave it too late. We’re here to help.
NEED HELP NOW??? Our Money advice worker can offer you debt advice and help with benefits. Appointments are available every two weeks on a Thursday between 10am – 1pm. Call us on 0161 620 2992 or email info@aksahomes.co.uk to book your appointment.
If you find the changes confusing and need help, contact the SWAT team on 0161 331 2000 or swat@newcharter.co.uk You can also visit our office.
There are many ways you can pay your rent to us: • Payment card at the Post Office, Payzone or Paypoint outlets • Direct debit • Standing order • Credit or debit card over the telephone 24 hours, 7 days a week • Online (www.aksahomes.co.uk) • Send a cheque to us
ARE YOU FALLING BEHIND WITH YOUR RENT PAYMENTS? If you are experiencing difficulties paying your rent, you must contact your Account Manager immediately on 0161 331 2215. Your Account Manager will be able to help you resolve the problem before it escalates. We’re here to help you. Please remember it’s your responsibility to ensure your rent is paid.
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Aksa News
Customer survey results Each year, we ask a research company to carry out a telephone survey to see what you think of our services.
Looking at your repairs and maintenance services
This year we’ve been given an overall rating of
Over the next few months we’ll be taking a careful look at our repairs and maintenance service. We want to make sure that our service meets your needs and that we improve things for you.
81% customer satisfaction
This result is a slight dip from our result last year, but it has shown us some things we need to look at improving for you. We’ll be working hard to improve things and will update you on our progress. • You’ve told us that we need to listen to your views more, so we’re setting up new groups, including S.O.S and tenants’ groups where you can be involved and have more of a say in things. • We’re creating a ‘Customer Charter’ – a promise to you to deliver a great customer service. • We’re making plans to improve each of your neighbourhoods.
To help us do this, it’s important that we hear your views. We’ll soon be holding meetings in your neighbourhoods. At these meetings, you’ll be able to give your views on repairs and ideas for improving the service.
We want to know if you’re happy with the quality of the service and the workers; how easy All tenan it is to contact us; and ts w complet ed the s ho what you think of our urvey were en t e r e handyman service. d into a prize dra w t o win £15 in super We’d also like to 0 m Well donarket vouchers. know what you think e our priorities should winner, to our lucky M be. from O iss Dar
We’re pleased to hear that you’re still happy with the overall quality of your home. Please continue to give us your views – you can help us to make things better for you.
ldham!
We’ll let you know details of the meetings very soon.
We’ve had a makeover! If you’ve visited us recently, you will have noticed we’ve given the Aksa office a makeover.
customers will be able to use this computer to view our website, apply for housing, jobs and more.
We’ve completely transformed the reception area to make it more welcoming, open and friendly for customers and visitors like you.
We will also display upcoming events and important information on the computer to ensure you are always kept up to date.
There is a new desk for customers which will have a computer very soon. All
and welcoming, with new comfortable seating and flooring. We hope you like our new office and find the new computer facility useful.
We’ve made the area much brighter
Autumn 2012
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Are you aged 13-18 and want to make a difference in your community? future and we want things to be for you. You have the JOIN OUR right power to really make a difference. A TEAM What will I do if I join the Why should I join the A team? • Make your voice heard • Help us to make things better for young people like you • We’ll give you rewards for your time, e.g shopping/ cinema/iTunes vouchers Young people have great ideas which can really inspire us to make positive changes in your communities. We really want young people to play an important part in Aksa’s developments as you are our
A team?
• Make new friends • Help us to make important decisions on new services and events for your community • Meet young people from other groups and socialise • You could even represent young people on Aksa Homes’ panel of directors - a unique opportunity to have your views heard by our leaders • Gain great experience and training which can help you to build your CV or get a job
S.O.S – We need you! Your views and ideas are really important to us and you can really make a difference to our services. The S.O.S group will get involved in: • Giving their views and ideas to help Aksa improve its services for customers • Helping us to improve your tenants’ magazine- what do you want to read about? How could we make it better?
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Aksa News
Everyon who comes e on 12th Nov along will be ente ember a prize drawred into to w vouchers! in If you’d like to be involved, contact Tanuja on 0161 620 2992. (The A team is open to all Aksa residents aged between 13 and 18). We will be meeting for the first time on Monday 12th November at Aksa’s office on Phoenix Street in Oldham. Please call Tanuja on 0161 620 2992 and let her know if you'll be coming along. You can drop in anytime between 4pm – 5pm.
We’re setting up a new team called S.O.S – it stands for Shaping Our Services
• Tenants’ meetings- meeting with other residents to share ideas • Work with our Tenants’ Panel on important projects The team will work in two ways – you can join other residents in meetings to discuss your views and ideas, or you can simply take part from the comfort of your own home. We can telephone you, email you or
even visit you to get your views. As our customers, you are the best people to tell us how we can help you. Why not join us and meet other residents too? If you would like to be involved in S.O.S, please contact Tanuja on 0161 620 2992.
Teenagers get stuck into community clean up Year 10 students from Oldham Academy got their hands dirty and helped clean up Shipla Close on our Coldhurst estate.
The students learnt about the importance of keeping communities clean, tidy and safe. They also got involved in the planning of the project, giving them project management experience. The project brought people from different age groups together, to help break down barriers in society. Local residents saw the great work the students were doing and it encouraged them to get involved too.
The students’ work showed people how they can look after and improve their communities together and reduce antisocial behaviour. The young people hope their hard work will encourage others to take pride in their neighbourhoods too. Vice Principal for community and students at The Oldham Academy North, Martin Knowles comments:
Aksa is looking to develop its work with Oldham Academy and hopes to get young people involved in more projects in our communities.
“
It was great to see students volunteering to take part in this project and we are proud to support them and our community in making the area a better place for all.
“
They worked with Aksa for six weeks as part of a community project. The young people got involved in gardening, litter picking and painting fences, to make the area look lovely for the local residents.
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Stepping into work At Aksa Homes, we have a new programme offering you FREE friendly advice and support to help you get into work or training. • Careers advice/looking for jobs • Interview practice We can also help with: • Managing your money and bills • We can support you to take the first steps back into work or training. • We can help you look for a new job if you’re out of work or worried that your current job may be facing changes. It doesn’t matter what age you are or stage you’re at in your life. Even if you’ve never worked before we’re here to help. All our advice is FREE and personalised to you. We may even be able to help you with some of the costs of training or starting a new job. Why not contact us and see how we can help?
Access to work sessions
• English and Maths training • Confidence building • Finding suitable child care Why not come along to one of our sessions? To find our more and see how we can help, contact Leah on 0161 620 2992 or email steppingintowork@aksahomes. co.uk
Aksa News
Volunteering can help boost your confidence and give you the experience you need to get a job. It’s a great way to learn new skills and Aksa can offer you a range of volunteering opportunities. Anyone of any age can volunteer. You don’t need any previous experience, you just need to be committed. It’s a good way to meet new people too.
What can I do as a volunteer?
We may be able to help you with funding for training or a qualification. Ask Leah for more details.
• Get experience in administration and IT work
Here’s some comments from other customers who’ve used our Access to work sessions…
• Help with fundraising events and photography
“I didn’t think I could get a job. Now ‘Access to work’ sessions are run I’m working and have by Leah. Leah provides one to one support or group sessions in your more money coming in every week.” local area. We look at different “I feel happier things each week, including: and I’m setting a • Creating/building your CV great example for my kids.” • Work experience and volunteering
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Volunteering
• Help other tenants with translating
• Take part in training • Help us with projects You will also be supported by a personal mentor who will help you to develop your skills. We can work out a programme to suit your needs, fitting around your family life and other commitments.
Many residents have already been involved in volunteering with Aksa Homes. Linda is currently volunteering at Aksa’s office and tells us about her experience….
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“I love coming into the office. Everyone’s made me feel welcome and volunteering makes me feel valued. It’s encouraged me to keep applying for jobs. There are no barriers, the staff are here to help me.”
“
Linda, volunteer at Aksa Homes
Work experience for young people and adults
Are you a student or young person who wants experience in the world of work? If yes, we’d love to hear from you. We can offer work experience placements in lots of areas including administration work, IT training and development and even job shadowing our repairs team. Whatever your age, if you want to get back into work, we can offer you work experience tailored to your needs. Interested and want to know more? Contact Leah on 0161 620 2992 or email steppingintowork@ aksahomes.co.uk
Calling all entrepreneurs!
Do you have a great idea and want to turn it into a business? We can give you advice and support on setting up your own business, including: • Developing a business plan • Creating a website • Understanding finances We can also get you advice from a business person and arrange monthly meetings where we can support you with your progress. We can even link you to training or work experience opportunities to help you develop your business. Contact Leah if you’d like to know more.
Did you know we run English classes for you? Our English classes at Aksa are relaxed and informal. They can help you to become more confident in speaking English and learn about British culture. The classes are split into two levels: complete beginners and advanced. We look at different topics and can help you learn what you need to know.
Thursdays at 10am and 1pm. Our classes have helped residents like you feel more confident when going out, and also helped them get into work. Here’s what some of our students said:
Contact Rabina on 0161 620 2992 for more information.
“I speak “I feel more more English at confident to speak home with my English when I go children.” The classes run during term time shopping or to and in school hours, so there’s no the doctors or dentist.” need to worry about child care. “I can make Classes run on Tuesdays and phone calls in English now.”
Autumn 2012
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Your gardens were blooming! In June we held our first gardening competition, which many of you entered. Thank you for all your hard work. Your gardens looked beautiful and it was very difficult to choose the winners! After much consideration, the judges chose the four well deserved winners. Congratulations to all the winners. Here they are being presented with their prizes of £20 in shopping vouchers…
Best rear gard en: Mr and Mrs Hila ry from
Oldham
r/basket: Best individual plante -under-Lyne Miss Maver from Ashton
Best novelty garden: m Bury Mr and Mrs Wildsmith fro
Most colo urful gard en: Mrs Begum from Manc hester
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Aksa News
It was g of you ta reat to see so m kin any competit g part. The garde ion will b n e an ann ing event so u seeing yo we look forward al to ur garde again nex ns blooming t year!
Join Jayne Do you want your estates to look nicer? Then Join Jayne!
Jayne is your Neighbourhood Management Officer and each month she visits your estate to check that everything is in order and makes a note of any improvements that are needed. We would like your help to do this. We need you to tell us about any of the following issues on your estate: • Fly tipping (dumped rubbish) • Problems with dogs/pets • Untidy gardens • Antisocial behaviour/damage being caused by youths We’re just asking for 10 minutes of your time right on your doorstep. It’s a good chance to chat to your neighbours too. Give us 10 minutes of your time on one of the dates listed here, and we'll give you a £10 shopping voucher to say thank you. It couldn't be easier!
1FO0R 10
You really can make a difference On past visits to your estates, residents like you have told us about the following problems: • Dog fouling • Dumped rubbish and problems with fencing Thanks to your help, things are now much better.
Check this list to see when you c an 'Join Jayn e' on your est ate and get your £10 vo ucher! Call Jayne on 0161 620 2992 if you'd like to be involved Allama Iqbal Road, Jinnah Close, Roundthorn Road, Moorhey Street, Cranbrook Street, Melling Road, Salisbury Road, Brewerton Road, Huxley Street, Kelverlow Street, Ronald Street, Bridson Street, Balfour Street, Hollinhall Street and Kentucky Street. Yasmin Gardens, Sherwood Street, Orchid Close, Shilpa Close, Clarkewell Close, Hexham Close, Osborne Street, Ashley 11th Street/Mews, Brierly Street, Bamford Street, Garforth Street, December Denmark Street, Taylor Street, Chadderton Way, Hurst Street, 2012 Widdop Street, Colwyn Street, Main Road, Middleton Road, Neath Street, Ramsdale Street and Westbourne Street. 19th Pimhole Road, Fountain Street, Grundy Lane, Grundy Close, December Brighton Street, Walmersley Road, Manzoor Buildings, 2012 Southbank Road and Kirby Close. Uxbridge Street, Portland Street, Kenyon Street, Burlington Street, Hamilton Street, Cambridge Street, Fitzroy Street, 8th Trafalgar Street, Trafalgar Square, Lees Street, Royle Close, January Charleston Street, Kent Street, Carthage Street, Meldrum Street, 2013 Kent Street, Primrose Bank, Harper Street, Kennedy Street, Malton Street, St Thomas Street, Stuart Street, Picton Square, Waterloo Street and Greenhill Terrace. 16th Irving Street, Cotton Mill Crescent, Ridings Way, Cambridge January Street, Carlisle Street, Little Town, Heron Street and Armitage 2013 Close. Landseer Street, Churchill Street, Greengate Street, 22nd Southill Street, Hooper Street, Jarvis Street, Latimer Street, Bolton Street, Retford Street, Pitt Street, Brompton Street, January 2013 Kingsbridge Street, Abbey Hills, Worsley Street, Warren Lane and Cottage Gardens. 29th Raper Street, Spring Street, Regrave Street and Taurus Street January 2013 31st Peakdale Avenue, Charminster Drive, Crescent Road, Woodlands January Road, Hardwood Close, Shirley Road, Beechfield Road, Balmfield 2013 Street, Faraday Avenue, Bignor Street and Greville Street. Allama Iqbal Road, Jinnah Close, Roundthorn Rd, Moorhey 6th Street, Cranbrook Street, Melling Road, Salisbury Rd, Brewerton February Road, Huxley Street, Kelverlow Street, Ronald Street, Bridson 2013 Street, Balfour Street, Hollinhall Street and Kentucky Street. Yasmin Gardens, Sherwood Street, Orchid Close, Shilpa Close, Clarkewell Close, Hexham Close, Osborne Street, Ashley 14th Street/Mews, Brierly Street, Bamford Street, Garforth Street, February Denmark Street, Taylor Street, Chadderton Way, Hurst Street, 2013 Widdop Street, Colwyn Street, Main Road, Middleton Road, Neath Street, Ramsdale Street and Westbourne Street. 28th November 2012
Autumn 2012
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Keeping in Connect: Your New Customer Service Team Over the last few weeks, you may have noticed some changes to our telephone services when you call us on 0161 620 2992 – hopefully an improvement. The team taking your calls is now called Connect. The changes we’ve made will help to improve the service we offer to our customers and make sure that you speak to the right person who can help you with your queries. When you ring us, you’ll now be asked to choose from two options using the buttons on your telephone keypad. These are:
• Press 1 for repairs or • Hold for any other services
We hope you will find that these changes make it easier for you to reach us. You should also find that your call does not need to be passed between different teams and we can help you quicker. The Connect team can deal with all your different enquiries including repairs, antisocial behaviour, lettings and any other questions you may have. We can now also listen back to calls, so that we can learn from any mistakes and keep improving our service. Every month, our managers talk through feedback with the team to let them know what they’ve done well and what we need to improve on.
We’re already seeing positive results with 30% more of your calls answered first time, and 9 out of 10 of your queries answered the first time you call us. To access
th
New Out of Hours Emergency 0800 0e service, ring 27 during th Service for you e followin 0828 g times • Aft Sometimes things go wrong at home outside of our working hours, and you need ‘emergency help’ from us. It could be a serious water leak, power cut or another problem which puts you and your family at risk in your home. We gathered lots of feedback from you on this service and you told us that we needed to improve things. We listened to you and started making plans to change things. From the 28th August, Aksa Homes is now providing this service. Our own staff are now on call to help with your
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Aksa News
: er 5pm emergency calls 24 hours a day. Wednesd Monday to ay The team answering your calls • After 4.30pm o has access to all the information n • After they need to help you. 4pm on F Thursdays r ida • During weekend ys s and Bank Ho lidays
Meet the team
touch with us Your new website is here! In August, we launched our brand new website for you and we hope you like it!
It is much brighter, easier to use and quick to find information on. The main area for customers is the ‘Customer Zone’ where you can pay your rent, request a repair, look at ways to get involved and much more. We’d love to know what you think. Here’s some information on the new site…
This is the new home page for www.aksahomes.co.uk Click on ‘Customer zone’ – this is where you’ll find pretty much everything you need. Customer zone
This is the home page for the Customer Zone
With the new website, it’s easy to pay your rent. Just click on the ‘Make a Payment’ tab and go to ‘Ways to pay your rent’. The information is there for you. You can also request and log a repair under the ‘Request a Repair’ tab.
Make a payment
Request a repair
Our new Events calendar shows you events and classes you can attend
Most of them are free of charge for Aksa tenants. Just click on the ‘Events’ tab and take a look. Calendar We hope you find this useful.
of Events
Want more information or want to tell us what you think? Contact the Communications team on 0161 331 2131 or email info@aksahomes.co.uk
www.aksahomes.co.uk
Autumn 2012
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News from your Tenants’ Panel Team Your Tenants’ Panel Team are:
Mr Razaq
Mrs Khatun
Mr Hussain
Mrs Begum
The Tenants’ Panel Team has now been involved with Aksa for over a year. We’d like to say a big thank you to all tenants for their time and dedication in helping us to improve things at Aksa for you. The team has been busy looking at the Local Offers for Aksa. Local Offers are a set of promises we’ve made to you, based on what you told us you want us to improve on: • The length of time you have to wait for your repairs • Customer service • Looking at how much materials cost when we do repairs and work on your homes
Mrs Anwar
Ms Sonya
Mrs Bibi
Ms Hussain
Here’s an update on what the group is doing: • Repairs - The team will be going out with our handyman, Brian to look at the type of repairs we do. They will ask tenants for their views on repairs. A full report will be passed to Aksa Board and management so that we can see how we can improve. • Customer Service - The team will be trying out services undercover (mystery shopping) over the next few months. The group will visit our new customer service centre ‘Connect’ to see how well we deal with your calls. We’re also looking at a set of guidelines for all staff to work to.
Mrs Dean
an Mr Sulem
• Cost of materials for repairs and improvements - The team will visit our Building Company to review the different materials we use. They will also talk to tenants who’ve had repairs or improvements to get their views. Scrutiny project The team is also looking at our Investment calendar for 2012 /2013. They will be looking at how well we’ve communicated with you when you’ve had new bathrooms, kitchens or heating and see what we could do better. A full detailed report will be given to Aksa Board next year and we’ll update you in future magazines.
Live in Bury? We're still looking for a tenant from the area to join the team. Want to get involved? Call Tanuja. The Tenants’ Panel Team get involved in many different projects. Why not join our great team and develop your skills? Contact Tanuja for more information on 0161 620 2992. You can also contact us through Looking Local, Facebook and Twitter.
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Aksa News
The Community Investment Fund can help to fund your projects! The Community Investment Fund helps local projects and people to achieve their goals. Are you part of a group that needs funding? We provide funding for projects which help to improve people’s lifestyles and wellbeing, to the communities who need it most. It’s great working on a community project together, why not start something new?
• Solve a local problem in your local area, e.g reduce crime/help get people off the streets
Any group can apply for funding. Your projects could:
• Help people learn new skills
• Help to improve the look and feel of your neighbourhood, e.g gardening
• Bring people together - it could be a big community event, e.g a street party For more information or to apply for funding, contact Rabina on 0161 620 2992 or email info@akshomes.co.uk
We’re setting up tenant and resident groups in your area What is a Tenant/Residents’ group? It’s a group of people living in the same area who join together to share their views to help make their neighbourhoods better for everyone. They discuss any issues that are affecting their area and look for solutions. All Aksa tenants can join a residents’ group. What does a Tenant/Residents’ group do? • Work together with other tenants and residents to tackle local issues • Work with other groups/organisations to make improvements/changes for your neighbourhood
Your community Your voice!
• Have a real say on housing services e.g repairs and customer service How will Aksa help you? • Provide all the information and advice you need • Help you apply for grants (Community Investment Fund) • Organise meetings • Provide training – you can learn skills that will help you in the workplace
Want to get involved? Contact Rabina on 0161 620 2992. Or why not come along to your local Tenants’ meeting to find out more? (dates on page 18)
We can he you wit lp h funding for you r commu nity project s
Computer classes for you
Want to learn how to use a computer? Our IT classes are here for you.
Using a computer is an important skill and can help you get into work. With the Government’s changes to benefits (see pages 4-6), more services will be online. If you’re a beginner, we can help you with the basics. If you’ve already used a computer, we offer more advanced classes. Classes run in term time and during school hours. Interested and want to know more? Contact Tahira or Rabina on 0161 620 2992.
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Tenants’ meeting dates Come along to your local tenants’ meeting – meet other residents, hear about important news and discuss any issues affecting your neighbourhood. Why not join us for a cup of tea or coffee?
2012
Manchester Abraham Moss Centre, Crumpsall
2013 Wednesday 16th January 2013 1.30 – 3.00pm
Glodwick Pakistani Community Centre, Glodwick
Wednesday 14th November 2012 Wednesday 13th February 2013 10.30am – 12noon 1.30 – 3.00pm
Coppice Polish Community Centre, Chamber Road, Coppice
Wednesday 21st November 2012 Wednesday 6th February 2013 1.30 – 3.00pm 1.30 – 3.00pm
Ashton-under-Lyne Sure Start, Trafalgar Square, Ashton Under Lyne
Wednesday 28th November 2012 Wednesday 20th February 2013 1.30 – 3.00pm 1.30 – 3.00pm
Bury Wednesday 5th December 2012 Mosses Centre, Cecil Street, Bury 10.30am – 12noon
Wednesday 6th March 2013 1.30 – 3.00pm
Westwood Christian Dovetails, Maygate, Westwood
Thursday 6th December 2012 11.00 – 12.30pm
Thursday 21st March 2013 11.00 – 12.30pm
Coldhurst Coldhurst Lifelong Centre, Rochdale Road, Oldham
Monday 10th December 2012 1.30 – 2.30pm
Monday 4th March 2013 1.30 – 2.30pm
Werneth Christ Church, Block Lane, Werneth
Thursday 13th December 2012 1.30 – 3.00pm
Thursday 14th March 2013 1.30 – 3.00pm
Hathershaw Honeywell Centre, Hathershaw
Thursday 14th February 2013 4.00 – 5.30pm
Dates for more meetings will be included in the next issue of the magazine.
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Aksa News
Your recipes
This recip e
Sadza/P is from Liba apa
You told us like to see you’d recip your magaz es in Here reside ine. n their favou ts share rite dishes with you!
Ingredie nts 3 litres w Serve w 450gs ma ater it ize meal green ve h:- Beef stew a nd getables How to cook it: Ingredie nts: 1. Pour 3 litres of w 8 0 0 g c h o at saucepan pped shin and let it er into a 75ml of beef cooking o boil. 2. When il wa 10 leaves 125g of mter boils, add o f g r e a e ns vegetable until it th ize meal. Stir it s, sliced pring ickens lik 100g cho porridge e pped tom . 10mins. Let it cook for atoes salt (to yo ur own t 3. Add 32 aste) How to 5g cook it: 3. Add sa and stir u of maize meal lt a 1. Heat c n t il it is let it simmnd tomatoes and ooking o thicker than porr il er for 5 m in a saucepan 4. Add th After 10 idge consistency. ins. . e sliced g m 2. Put the r ready to ins it will be e v en egetables ch be served and stir. L pan and fr opped beef in th . c o o et it e k y for 5 min brown an it until it’s s. It will no d cooked wb through. ser ved with e ready to be the sadza .
This reci pe
Banglad is from Rajia eshi Fis Ingredie nts h Curry Spice mix M ethod fo :
r rice 1 tsp cum 1. Wash in p b o a w s m d 1 tsp red er Drain aw ati rice under a 1 tsp tur chilli powder in a 2 litr ay the water and tap. m place 1 tsp cor eric powder 2. Add 4 e pan. iander po c u p s w o d f water a er on a med Fish: nd p the boil, ium-high heat. Br lace 1 kg fish ( 3. When stirring occasio ing to pieces) cut into 1 inch nall the the wate rice has taken in y. 1/2 tsp s r, cover t alt lid and co he pan w all 1 tbsp oil o heat for k over a very lo ith a Sauce: w 5. For th 4. Switch 7 minutes. e sauce, 2 large o t h e add 2 h e t nions, fin a a b t le o r s ff ic p a oo e with a nd fluff th chopped ely fork. chopped ns oil, finely e 1 tsp fres teaspoon onions and 1 Method and peeleh ginger, grated Fry until salt to the pan. 1. Rub tu for curry 2 garlic c d rm 6. Add th tender lo teaspoon eric powder and eg 1 bay lea ves, crushed tomato a inger, garlic, f pieces in salt all over the fi 1/2 1 cup wa a large b sh for 3 min nd bay leaf. Fry t e r w o w e ll l . 1 tsp salt and toss 7. Add th s. 2. Heat 1 e spice m 1 small to t a blespoon ix c o m o a k t n o fo o o n r 3 mins. and il in a larg -stick skil 2 tbsp oil 8 . e A le dd the fi t over a m to high edium Rice: pan and sh pieces to the 3. Add th heat. c e fish pie 500g bas heat for ook over a low c e mati rice a s n t d o a c t o h ok ep 4 cups w 9. Add to further 5 min ater browned until it is lightly an s. w over a lo ater and cook 4.Remov . w e the fish more. D heat for 5 mins from the is pan. and serv card the bay lea e f with hot If you have a recipe rice.
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Autumn 2012
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Mrs Dean Mushtaq Khan, Director of Aksa Homes
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Autumn 2012