A community centre was officially unveiled as a ‘Centre for Warmth’ in Blackburn.
Bangor Street Community Centre will be hosting a range of activities to help people save energy and improve gas safety in their homes.
The centre has partnered with Cadent, the UK’s largest gas distribution network and will be sharing valuable advice to residents in the borough throughout the year.
Bangor Street is one of around 10 centres based in the North West who are acting as ‘Centres for Warmth’ and the only one in Blackburn.
Members of Cadent visited the centre and presented a plaque, toured the building and spoke to local community groups who are based at the centre.
Safeguarding and Community Partnership Lead Amanda Jones said: “We had a fantastic day.
“Speaking to the ladies from One Voice was very insightful. Finding out that none of them knew about Carbon monoxide was interesting and confirmed that we were right to choose Bangor Street Community centre, because otherwise we wouldn’t have reached these vulnerable customers.
“Our partnership will definitely help people in Blackburn to keep them safe warm and independent in their own homes.”
Centre manager Iqbal Bhai said: “It was great to have a visit from the Cadent team and anyone visiting the centre can find out more about gas safety and energy saving.
“Some of our teams are already visiting residents and businesses to speak about this. If any other local community group wants to work with us in sharing this information please do get in touch.”
The community enagement team from Cadent spoke to a women's group at One Voice as part of their visit
The project is based on identifying and partnering with community groups in areas of high deprivation, fuel poverty, and risk to carbon monoxide poisoning, who are located close to areas where the company is carrying out mains replacement work.
The centre will also be working with Cadent to create more awareness of home energy efficiency, carbon monoxide safety and the Priority Services Register over the coming year.
Teams will also be speaking to local residents who may be able to benefit from a Carbon Monoxide Alarm, a slow cooker, heated seat covers and gas safety checks.
As part of the project the community centre has been hosting ‘Warm Nights’ events to help families and those living alone to save energy and costs at meal times.
The community centre is the largest centre of its kind and hosts 15 organisations as well a wide range of classes daily.
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