Reflection on the past... Looking to the future

Published by Dawn Prentice for Dawn Prentice Communications in Communities and also in Education, Environment, Health, Housing

Chairman Malik Ullah, welcomed over 60 members and guests of Shahjalal Housing Co-operative to the 15th Annual General Meeting in Aston, Birmingham earlier this week.

Malik reported that like many organisations, the previous 12 months had been challenging to the Housing Co-operative, but thanks to good financial management and the determination of members, significant progress had been made.  This includes the development of two large family homes in Frederick Road, Aston which will be completed later this year.

Members were invited to participate in the proceedings and share their views, as part of the ethos of Shahjalal Housing Co-operative is to promote open discussion and give members the opportunity to help shape the future of Shahjalal.

One of the reasons it is important to raise awareness of the needs of the Bangladeshi community is that they are one of the most disadvantaged communities.  They have one of the lowest life expectancies and are most likely to be living in over-crowded housing.  Demand for large, affordable homes for this under-represented community far outstrips the supply. 

Since its inception in the mid 1970s, this unique housing organisation was established by the Bangladeshi community and run by the Bangladeshi community, in partnership with a range of organisations including Birmingham City Council, the Trident Social Investment Group, Matrix Housing Partnership, the Accord Group and BCHS. 

Malik Ullah, Chair of Shahjalal said, 'I would like to thank all of our members for their continued support of Shahjalal.  We have listened to members and will continue to do so as we seek to deliver on our promises including meeting the needs of the community, continuously improving services to residents whilst ensuring they are tailored to their needs, and developing new ways of engaging with the wider community.  By working together, we can build strong and vibrant communities, and improve the quality of people’s lives and their life chances.'