Northern Gas Networks (NGN), the gas distribution network for the North of England, has joined forces with New Wortley Community Association to launch the latest addition to its network of Centres for Warmth.
The partners were joined by Councillor Andy Parnham to mark the opening of their newest centre in New Wortley in Leeds Friday 21 March.
Located throughout Yorkshire, the North East and northern Cumbria, the Centres for Warmth concept was developed to ensure a holistic approach to supporting fuel poor households through trusted partners within a community setting. The programme is funded by Northern Gas Networks (NGN) through Ofgem’s Vulnerability and Carbon Monoxide Allowance (VCMA). Since the programme launched in March 2024 NGN has supported twenty grass roots organisations and groups throughout the North of England to establish a hub in their local community. So far over 17k people have benefited from advice and support provided through the centres.
The support on offer is wide ranging, from energy efficiency awareness to help combat fuel poverty, support with energy bill management and gas and carbon monoxide (CO) safety awareness, as well as CO alarm distribution. Other support includes:
- Enrolment on the Priority Services Register
- Money management and benefits advice
- Tips for cooking nutritious meals efficiently
- Social group activities to reduce isolation
- Distribution of energy-saving appliances
Laura Ratcliffe, Social Strategy Programme Manager at Northern Gas Networks said “As the North of England’s gas distribution network we are located at the heart of the communities that we serve. Our Centres for Warmth help people in our communities to have access to a warm safe space and information designed to improve health and wellbeing, increase household income, and better manage their energy.
“Our Centres for Warmth provide a valuable resource for people in need of additional help and support, and we are delighted to welcome New Wortley Community Centre to our network of twenty Centres for Warmth across our region.”
Rhea Bentley, Social Enterprises & Buildings Manager, New Wortley Community Association said “I am proud to be leading the Centre for Warmth project at New Wortley Community Centre working in partnership with Northern Gas Networks. We already support many people who are struggling during the current cost of living crisis and this project enables us to provide more practical advice and support to the people most in need.
“We were particularly pleased that our local councillor Andy Parnham agreed to open the centre for us today and that he is excited that this project will be located at the heart of Armley ward.”
Councillor Andy Parnham said “I very much welcome this additional funding and support from Northern Gas Networks which will benefit the community of New Wortley and residents across Armley, allowing the Centre to employ advice workers to assist some of our residents who are amongst the most vulnerable in the country. A great example of partnership working!”
To find out more about the New Wortley Centre for Warmth contact Rhea Bentley at rhea.bentley@newwortleycc.org
To find out more about Northern Gas Networks visit www.northerngasnetworks.co.uk
Anyone that smells gas or suspects carbon monoxide should call the National Gas Emergency Service immediately on 0800 111 999. This line is in operation 24-hours a day, seven days a week.
