1

4-6

13

Let us help youstay afloat

‘Join Jayne’ on your estate

9

Teenagers help clean upour community

10-11

Helping you get into work

Also

Gardening competition newsYour recipes

The benefit changes arealmost hereFind out how you'll be affected on

pages 4-6

Get your£10 shoppingvoucher!

Autumn2012

Aksa News2

Look for this icon:If you have a smartphone youcan also find more informationon our website by scanningthis barcode with a QR codereader app.

WELCOME to your new look magazine!

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 contactus through your TVWe 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.

Why not visitour website?

Get involved, make adifference. Help usimprove 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.

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.

Keep warm this winter,

and very best wishes for

2013 from everyone at Aksa Homes.

Georgina NolanProject team leader, Aksa Homes

Georgina Nolan

Autumn 2012 3

ContentsMoney matters 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

Changes to our telephone services 14

Your new website 15

News from your Tenants’ Panel Team 16

Funding for your community projects 17

Join your local residents’ group 17

Computer classes for you 17

Tenants’ meeting dates 18

Your recipes 19

19

facebook.com/aksahomes

Don’t forget, you canalso follow us onFacebook and Twitter

Twitter: @aksahomes

Your recipes p19

4-6

1412

We needanew name!

We’re looking for a new namefor your magazine to match thenew design.

We’re looking for somethingfriendly, snappy and original.

Please contact us with yourideas. You never know, your ideacould be chosen!

There are lots of changes comingas part of the Government’sWelfare Reform programme…

4

• 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.

• 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.

MoneyMa££ers

4 Aksa News

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

You may have received a personalised postcardlike this from the team

Autumn 2012 5

Are thereanysolutions?Downsizing is theideal solution if youwill be affected bythe 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.

6 Aksa News

Universal credit...

If you are experiencingdifficulties paying your rent,you must contact yourAccount Managerimmediately on0161 331 2215.

Your Account Manager willbe able to help you resolvethe problem before itescalates. We’re here tohelp you.

Please remember it’s yourresponsibility to ensure yourrent is paid.

ARE YOU FALLINGBEHIND WITHYOUR RENTPAYMENTS?

….it’s coming soonerthan you may think

Universal Credit is coming toOldham and Tameside in April2013. It’s only a few monthsaway 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 canpay 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

Autumn 2012 7

If you’ve visited usrecently, you will havenoticed we’ve given theAksa office a makeover.

We’ve completelytransformed the receptionarea to make it morewelcoming, open and friendlyfor customers and visitorslike you.

There is a new desk forcustomers which will have acomputer very soon. All

customers will be able to usethis computer to view ourwebsite, apply for housing,jobs and more.

We will also displayupcoming events andimportant informationon the computer toensure you arealways kept up todate.

We’ve made thearea much brighter

and welcoming, with newcomfortable seating andflooring. We hope you likeour new office and find thenew computer facility useful.

Customer survey resultsEach year, we ask a research company to

carry out a telephone survey to see what you

think of our services.

This year we’ve been given an overall rating of

81% customer satisfactionThis result is a slight dip from our result lastyear, but it has shown us some things we need tolook at improving for you. We’ll be working hardto improve things and will update you on ourprogress.

•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.

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.

Looking at your repairsand maintenance servicesOver 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.

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

it is to contact us; and

what you think of our

handyman service.

We’d also like to

know what you think

our priorities should

be.

We’ll let you know details

of the meetings very soon.

We’ve had a makeover!

All tenants whocompleted the surveywere entered into aprize draw to win £150in supermarket vouchers.Well done to our luckywinner, Miss Darfrom Oldham!

8 Aksa News

Why should I join theA team?

• Make your voice heard

• Help us to make things better

for young people like you

• We’ll give you rewards foryour 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

future and we want things to be

right for you. You have thepower to really make adifference.

What will I do if I join theA 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

If you’d like tobe involved, contact Tanuja on0161 620 2992. (The A team is

open to all Aksa residents aged

between 13 and 18).

We will be meeting for the firsttime on Monday 12thNovember 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.

Your views and ideas arereally important to us andyou can really make adifference to our services.

The S.O.S group will getinvolved in:

• Giving their views and ideasto help Aksa improve itsservices for customers

• Helping us to improve yourtenants’ magazine- what doyou want to read about?How could we make itbetter?

• Tenants’ meetings- meetingwith other residents toshare ideas

• Work with our Tenants’Panel on importantprojects

The team will work in twoways – you can join otherresidents in meetings todiscuss your views and ideas,or you can simply take partfrom the comfort of yourown home. We cantelephone you, email you or

even visit you to get yourviews.

As our customers, you arethe best people to tell us howwe can help you. Why notjoin us and meet otherresidents too?

If you would like to beinvolved in S.O.S, pleasecontact Tanuja on 0161620 2992.

S.O.S –We need you!

Are you aged 13-18 andwant to make a differencein your community?

We’re setting up a new teamcalled S.O.S – it stands forShaping Our Services

Everyonewho comes alongon 12th Novemberwill be entered intoa prize draw to winvouchers!

JOIN OUR

ATEAM

Autumn 2012 9

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.

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:

It was great to see studentsvolunteering to take part inthis project and we are proudto support them and ourcommunity in making thearea a better place for all.

Aksa is looking to develop its work

with Oldham Academy and hopes to

get young people involved in more

projects in our communities.

Year 10 students from Oldham Academy

got their hands dirty and helped clean up

Shipla Close on our Coldhurst estate.

“

“

Teenagers get stuck intocommunity clean up

10 Aksa News

Stepping into workAt Aksa Homes, we have anew programme offeringyou FREE friendly adviceand support to help you getinto work or training.

• We can support you to takethe first steps back into workor training.

• We can help you look for anew job if you’re out of workor worried that your currentjob 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

‘Access to work’ sessions are run

by Leah. Leah provides one to one

support or group sessions in your

local area. We look at different

things each week, including:

• Creating/building your CV

• Work experience and

volunteering

• Careers advice/looking for jobs

• Interview practice

We can also help with:

• Managing your money and bills

• 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

We may be able to help you with

funding for training or a

qualification. Ask Leah for more

details.

Here’s some comments from

other customers who’ve used our

Access to work sessions…

VolunteeringVolunteering can help boostyour confidence and give youthe experience you need to geta job. It’s a great way to learnnew skills and Aksa can offeryou a range of volunteeringopportunities.

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?

• Get experience in administration

and IT work

• Help other tenants with

translating

• Help with fundraising events and

photography

• 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.

“I didn’t thinkI could get a job. NowI’m working and have

more money coming inevery week.”

“I feel happier

and I’m setting a

great example for

my kids.”

Autumn 2012 11

Our English classes at Aksa arerelaxed and informal. Theycan help you to become moreconfident in speaking Englishand 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.

The classes run during term time

and in school hours, so there’s no

need to worry about child care.

Classes run on Tuesdays and

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 on0161 620 2992 for moreinformation.

“

“Did you know we run English classes for you?

“I feel moreconfident to speakEnglish when I go

shopping or tothe doctors or

dentist.”“I can make

phone calls inEnglish now.”

“I speakmore English athome with my

children.”

Calling allentrepreneurs!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.

“I love cominginto the office.

Everyone’s made mefeel welcome andvolunteering makesme feel valued. It’sencouraged me tokeep applying for jobs.There are no barriers,the staff are here tohelp me.”

Linda, volunteer atAksa Homes

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….

Work experiencefor young peopleand adultsAre you a student or youngperson who wants experiencein the world of work? If yes,we’d love to hear from you.

We can offer work experienceplacements in lots of areasincluding administration work, ITtraining and development andeven job shadowing our repairsteam.

Whatever your age, if you want toget back into work, we can offeryou work experience tailored toyour needs.

Interested and want to knowmore? Contact Leah on0161 620 2992 or emailsteppingintowork@aksahomes.co.uk

Your gardens were blooming!

Thank you for all your hard work. Yourgardens looked beautiful and it was verydifficult to choose the winners!After much consideration, the judges chose the fourwell deserved winners. Congratulations to all thewinners. Here they are being presented with theirprizes of £20 in shopping vouchers…

Best novelty garden:

Mr and Mrs Wildsmith from Bury

Best rear garden:Mr and Mrs Hilary from Oldham

12 Aksa News

In June we held our first gardening competition,which many of you entered.

Most colourful garden:Mrs Begum from Manchester

Best individual planter/basket:

Miss Maver from Ashton-under-Lyne

It was great to see so manyof you taking part. The gardening

competition will be an annualevent so we look forward to

seeing your gardens bloomingagain next year!

Jayne is your Neighbourhood ManagementOfficer and each month she visits your estate tocheck that everything is in order and makes anote of any improvements that are needed.

Autumn 2012 13

Do you want your estates tolook nicer? Then Join Jayne!

Join Jayne Check this list to seewhen you can 'Join Jayne'on your estate and getyour £10 voucher!

Call Jayne on 0161 620 2992 if you'dlike to be involved

10FOR

10

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.

You really can makea 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.

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!

28thNovember2012

Allama Iqbal Road, Jinnah Close, Roundthorn Road, MoorheyStreet, Cranbrook Street, Melling Road, Salisbury Road, BrewertonRoad, Huxley Street, Kelverlow Street, Ronald Street, BridsonStreet, Balfour Street, Hollinhall Street and Kentucky Street.

11thDecember2012

Yasmin Gardens, Sherwood Street, Orchid Close, Shilpa Close,Clarkewell Close, Hexham Close, Osborne Street, AshleyStreet/Mews, Brierly Street, Bamford Street, Garforth Street,Denmark Street, Taylor Street, Chadderton Way, Hurst Street,Widdop Street, Colwyn Street, Main Road, Middleton Road,Neath Street, Ramsdale Street and Westbourne Street.

19thDecember2012

Pimhole Road, Fountain Street, Grundy Lane, Grundy Close,Brighton Street, Walmersley Road, Manzoor Buildings,Southbank Road and Kirby Close.

8thJanuary2013

Uxbridge Street, Portland Street, Kenyon Street, BurlingtonStreet, Hamilton Street, Cambridge Street, Fitzroy Street,Trafalgar Street, Trafalgar Square, Lees Street, Royle Close,Charleston Street, Kent Street, Carthage Street, Meldrum Street,Kent Street, Primrose Bank, Harper Street, Kennedy Street,Malton Street, St Thomas Street, Stuart Street, Picton Square,Waterloo Street and Greenhill Terrace.

16thJanuary2013

Irving Street, Cotton Mill Crescent, Ridings Way, CambridgeStreet, Carlisle Street, Little Town, Heron Street and ArmitageClose.

22ndJanuary2013

Landseer Street, Churchill Street, Greengate Street,Southill Street, Hooper Street, Jarvis Street, Latimer Street,Bolton Street, Retford Street, Pitt Street, Brompton Street,Kingsbridge Street, Abbey Hills, Worsley Street, Warren Laneand Cottage Gardens.

29thJanuary2013

Raper Street, Spring Street, Regrave Street and Taurus Street

31stJanuary2013

Peakdale Avenue, Charminster Drive, Crescent Road, WoodlandsRoad, Hardwood Close, Shirley Road, Beechfield Road, BalmfieldStreet, Faraday Avenue, Bignor Street and Greville Street.

6thFebruary2013

Allama Iqbal Road, Jinnah Close, Roundthorn Rd, MoorheyStreet, Cranbrook Street, Melling Road, Salisbury Rd, BrewertonRoad, Huxley Street, Kelverlow Street, Ronald Street, BridsonStreet, Balfour Street, Hollinhall Street and Kentucky Street.

14thFebruary2013

Yasmin Gardens, Sherwood Street, Orchid Close, Shilpa Close,Clarkewell Close, Hexham Close, Osborne Street, AshleyStreet/Mews, Brierly Street, Bamford Street, Garforth Street,Denmark Street, Taylor Street, Chadderton Way, Hurst Street,Widdop Street, Colwyn Street, Main Road, Middleton Road,Neath Street, Ramsdale Street and Westbourne Street.

Keeping in

14 Aksa News

Over the last few weeks, youmay have noticed somechanges to our telephoneservices when you call us on

0161 620 2992 – hopefully animprovement. The team taking

your calls is now called Connect.

The changes we’ve made will help to improve theservice we offer to our customers and make sure thatyou speak to the right person who can help you withyour queries.

When you ring us, you’ll now be asked to choosefrom two options using the buttons on yourtelephone keypad. These are:

•Press 1 for repairsor

•Hold for any other services

We hope you will find that these changes make iteasier for you to reach us. You should also find thatyour call does not need to be passed betweendifferent teams and we can help you quicker.The Connect team can deal with all your differentenquiries including repairs, antisocial behaviour,lettings and any other questions you may have.

We can now also listen back to calls, so that we canlearn from any mistakes and keep improving ourservice. Every month, our managers talk throughfeedback with the team to let them know whatthey’ve done well and what we need to improve on.

We’re already seeing positive results with30% more of your calls answered firsttime, and 9 out of 10 of your queriesanswered the first time you call us.

Connect: Your New CustomerService Team

Sometimes things go wrongat home outside of ourworking hours, and you need‘emergency help’ from us.

It could be a serious water leak,power cut or another problemwhich puts you and your family atrisk in your home.

We gathered lots of feedbackfrom you on this service and youtold us that we needed toimprove things. We listened toyou and started making plans tochange things.

From the 28th August, AksaHomes is now providing thisservice. Our own staff are nowon call to help with your

emergency calls 24 hours a day.The team answering your callshas access to all the informationthey need to help you.

Meet the team

New Out of Hours EmergencyService for you

To access the service, ring0800 027 0828during the following times:• After 5pm Monday toWednesday• After 4.30pm on Thursdays• After 4pm on Fridays• During weekends andBank Holidays

touch with us

Autumn 2012 15

In August, we launched our brandnew website for you and we hopeyou like it!It is much brighter, easier to use and quick to find information on.

The main area for customers is the ‘Customer Zone’ whereyou can pay your rent, request a repair, look atways 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 forwww.aksahomes.co.ukClick on ‘Customer zone’ – this is whereyou’ll find pretty much everythingyou need.

This is the home page for theCustomer ZoneWith the new website, it’s easy to pay your rent. Just clickon the ‘Make a Payment’ tab and go to ‘Ways to pay yourrent’. The information is there for you.You can also request and log a repair under the ‘Request aRepair’ tab.

Customerzone

Make apayment

Requesta repair

Your new website is here!

www.aksahomes.co.ukWant more information or want to tell uswhat you think? Contact theCommunications team on 0161 331 2131 oremail info@aksahomes.co.uk

Our new Events calendar shows youevents and classes you can attendMost of them are free of charge for Aksa tenants.Just click on the ‘Events’ tab and take a look.We hope you find this useful. Calendar

of Events

16 Aksa News

The Tenants’ Panel Team hasnow been involved with Aksa forover 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

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.

• 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.

News from your Tenants’ Panel Team

Live in Bury? We're still looking for a tenant from the area tojoin the team. Want to get involved? Call Tanuja.

Mr HussainMrs Anwar Mrs Bibi Mrs Dean

Mrs Khatun Mrs Begum Ms Sonya Ms Hussain Mr Suleman

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.

Mr Razaq

Your Tenants’ Panel Team are:

Autumn 2012 17

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?

Any group can apply for funding.

Your projects could:

• Help to improve the look and feel

of your neighbourhood, e.g

gardening

• Solve a local problem in

your local area, e.g reduce

crime/help get people off

the streets

• Bring people together - it

could be a big community

event, e.g a street party

• Help people learn new skills

For more information or to

apply for funding, contact

Rabina on 0161 620 2992 or

email info@akshomes.co.uk

The Community Investment Fund helps local

projects and people to achieve their goals.

Are you part of a group that needs funding?

What is a Tenant/Residents’group?

It’s a group of people living inthe same area who join togetherto share their views to helpmake their neighbourhoodsbetter for everyone.

They discuss any issues that areaffecting their area and look forsolutions. All Aksa tenants canjoin a residents’ group.

What does aTenant/Residents’ group do?

•Work together with othertenants and residents to tacklelocal issues

•Work with othergroups/organisations to makeimprovements/changes foryour neighbourhood

•Have a real say on housingservices e.g repairs andcustomer service

How will Aksa help you?

•Provide all the information andadvice you need

•Help you apply for grants(Community Investment Fund)

•Organise meetings

•Provide training – you canlearn skills that will help you inthe workplace

Want to get involved?

Contact Rabina on 0161 6202992. Or why not comealong to your local Tenants’meeting to find out more?(dates on page 18)

We’re setting uptenant and residentgroups in your area

Computerclasses for youWant to learnhow to use acomputer? OurIT classes arehere 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.

We can helpyou withfunding for yourcommunityprojects

YourcommunityYour voice!

The Community Investment Fund canhelp to fund your projects!

18 Aksa News

Dates for more meetings will be included in the next issue of the magazine.

Tenants’ meeting dates

Come along to your localtenants’ meeting – meetother residents, hear aboutimportant news anddiscuss any issuesaffecting yourneighbourhood.Why not join us fora cup of tea or coffee?

ManchesterAbraham Moss Centre, Crumpsall

Wednesday 16th January 20131.30 – 3.00pm

GlodwickPakistani Community Centre,Glodwick

Wednesday 14th November 201210.30am – 12noon

Wednesday 13th February 20131.30 – 3.00pm

CoppicePolish Community Centre,Chamber Road, Coppice

Wednesday 21st November 20121.30 – 3.00pm

Wednesday 6th February 20131.30 – 3.00pm

Ashton-under-LyneSure Start, Trafalgar Square,Ashton Under Lyne

Wednesday 28th November 20121.30 – 3.00pm

Wednesday 20th February 20131.30 – 3.00pm

BuryMosses Centre, Cecil Street, Bury

Wednesday 5th December 201210.30am – 12noon

Wednesday 6th March 20131.30 – 3.00pm

WestwoodChristian Dovetails, Maygate,Westwood

Thursday 6th December 201211.00 – 12.30pm

Thursday 21st March 201311.00 – 12.30pm

ColdhurstColdhurst Lifelong Centre,Rochdale Road, Oldham

Monday 10th December 20121.30 – 2.30pm

Monday 4th March 20131.30 – 2.30pm

WernethChrist Church, Block Lane,Werneth

Thursday 13th December 20121.30 – 3.00pm

Thursday 14th March 20131.30 – 3.00pm

HathershawHoneywell Centre, Hathershaw

Thursday 14th February 20134.00 – 5.30pm

2012 2013

Your recipesIngredients3 litres water450gs maize mealHow to cook it:1. Pour 3 litres of water into asaucepan and let it boil.2. When water boils, add125g of maize meal. Stir ituntil it thickens likeporridge. Let it cook for10mins.

3. Add 325g of maize mealand stir until it is thickerthan porridge consistency.After 10 mins it will beready to be served.

Serve with:- Beef stew andgreen vegetablesIngredients:

800g chopped shin of beef75ml cooking oil10 leaves of green springvegetables, sliced100g chopped tomatoessalt (to your own taste)How to cook it:1. Heat cooking oil in asaucepan .2. Put the chopped beef in the

pan and fry it until it’sbrown and cooked through.

3. Add salt and tomatoes andlet it simmer for 5 mins.4. Add the sliced greenvegetables and stir. Let itcook for 5 mins.It will now be ready to beserved with the sadza.

This recipe is from RajiaBangladeshi Fish CurryIngredientsSpice mix:1 tsp cumin powder1 tsp red chilli powder1 tsp turmeric powder1 tsp coriander powderFish:

1 kg fish (cut into 1 inchpieces)1/2 tsp salt1 tbsp oil

Sauce:2 large onions, finelychopped

1 tsp fresh ginger, gratedand peeled2 garlic cloves, crushed1 bay leaf1 cup water1 tsp salt

1 small tomato2 tbsp oilRice:500g basmati rice4 cups water

Method for rice1. Wash basmati rice under a tap.Drain away the water and placein a 2 litre pan.2. Add 4 cups of water and place

on a medium-high heat. Bring tothe boil, stirring occasionally.

3. When the rice has taken in allthe water, cover the pan with alid and cook over a very lowheat for 7 minutes.4. Switch the heat off and fluff the

rice with a fork.Method for curry1. Rub turmeric powder and 1/2

teaspoon salt all over the fishpieces in a large bowl and tosswell.

2. Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a largenon-stick skillet over a mediumto high heat.3. Add the fish pieces to the pan

and cook until it is lightlybrowned.4.Remove the fish from the pan.

5. For the sauce, add 2tablespoons oil, finelychopped onions and 1teaspoon salt to the pan.Fry until tender6. Add the ginger, garlic,tomato and bay leaf. Fryfor 3 mins.7. Add the spice mix andcook for 3 mins.8. Add the fish pieces to thepan and cook over a lowheat for a further 5 mins.9. Add to water and cookover a low heat for 5 mins

more. Discard the bay leafand serve with hot rice.

You told us you’dlike to see recipes inyour magazine.Here residents sharetheir favourite disheswith you!

This recipe is from LibaSadza/Papa

Autumn 2012 19

If you have a recipeyou'd like to share,

please contact us and itmay be printed in thenext magazine!

20

Contact us

Emergency RepairsCall 0800 027 0828 if you need anemergency repair during the following times:

• After 5pm Monday to Wednesday

• After 4.30pm on Thursdays

• After 4pm on Fridays

• During weekends and Bank Holidays

Aksa HomesAksa House, 2 Medtia Square,Phoenix Street, Oldham OL1 1ANinfo@aksahomes.co.ukwww.askahomes.co.uk

facebook.com/aksahomes

Twitter: @aksahomes

Main Switchboard:

0161 620 2992

20 Autumn 2012

Mrs DeanMushtaq Khan,Director of Aksa Homes

Mrs DeanGeorgina Nolan,Project team leader

Mrs DeanTahira Adam,Project officer

Mrs DeanMinaz Aslam,Project officer

Mrs DeanTanuja Patel,Project officer

Mrs DeanRabina Kausar,Project officer

Mrs DeanNeelum Mehmood,Project officer

Mrs DeanRahela Begum,Support services

Mrs DeanAnsa Jabeen,Support services

Mrs DeanJanet Hall,Support services

Mrs DeanJayne Mee,Neighbourhood officer

Mrs DeanLeah Rubin,Project officer

Mrs DeanKaren Hyland,Homes for All

Mrs DeanAdele Stretch,Homes for All

Mrs DeanNaseem Akthar,Account manager

Mrs DeanDave Scott,Area surveyor

Mrs DeanBrian Gordon,Handyman

Meet your team

www.lookinglocal.gov.uk/newcharterhousingtrust - Click on Aksa HomesSky: channel 539 Virgin: channel 233

The Aksa office will close on Friday 21st December at 4pm and will re-open on

Wednesday 2nd January 2013 at 9am. If you need an emergency repair during this time,

you can contact us on 0800 027 0828.