A NEW ‘Centre for Warmth’ in Ronkswood will be supporting more than 1,200 people in vulnerable households with practical help and advice to energy consumers following a £175,000 grant.
The site based at Ronkswood Community Centre and run by Worcester Community Trust, working with the Trust’s other community hubs across the city, will give the local community in Worcester access to two expert advisors who can help with income maximisation, financial assistance with energy bills, as well as energy efficiency, and gas safety advice.
Other community projects managed through the Centre for Warmth are all aimed at meeting the local area’s needs and include the Slow Cooker Project, which will give cookery lessons showcasing cost-efficient recipes, and giving carbon monoxide alarms to disadvantaged households.
Cadent, the local gas network in Worcester and the West Midlands, has invested £175,000 from its Vulnerability and Carbon Monoxide Allowance to help fund the Centre for Warmth project in Ronkswood, which is a fund agreed by energy regulator Ofgem to support networks in helping those in need.
Sarah Mackay, director of development at Worcester Community Trust, said: “Many people will be anxious about the cost of energy bills this winter.
“Our Ronkswood Centre for Warmth and our other partner hubs will provide a safe space where we can support vulnerable members of the local community with advice and assistance during what could be a difficult winter.
“By sharing advice about energy saving tips and directing people to the financial support they may be entitled to, our centre could make a big difference to people this winter.”
Elliott Nelson, director of network, West Midlands at Cadent, saud: “As well as providing practical support for the most vulnerable in our Worcestershire community, we’re committed to helping all families and individuals save money on their energy bills while staying safe and well.
“By making small changes to use energy more efficiently around the home, these can add up to real savings on energy bills – which is a big concern for many households right now.”
Visit www.saving-energy.co.uk for more.
