Oldham residents show the way » Housing » 24dash.com

Axiom Tech, a company that works with residents to set up and manage computer suites has praised social landlord Contour Homes for the way it has empowered residents on The Avenues and Hollins Estate in Oldham.

The new IT suite at the Tenants Hall has proved a huge success and according to Des Gregory from Axiom Tech - these residents are way ahead of their contemporaries.

This project is different because not only are residents learning how to use the computers and access the Internet, but they are also learning to support and maintain the systems, he said. Its important that if something does go wrong they can solve the problem themselves rather than rely on external agencies to fix it. The system allows residents to add extra computers and upgrade and resolve a problem which makes it sustainable for the longer term.

Equally important is how Contour is helping residents to look at ways to fund the IT Suite to make it sustainable and secure its independence.

Resident Tracy Hamer who assists in running the IT sessions said: If this IT Suite and the group is to survive its important we look at becoming an independent social enterprise in our own right.

We dont want to have to depend on others for training, IT support or funding we want control and Contour has provided us with the skills to do that.

The IT group is now looking at ways to hire out the facilities and lend their expertise to other groups and agencies in the area and already a neighbouring church is following this model at its parish hall.