Local MP Mark Pawsey met with representatives of Cadent and staff at the Benn Partnership Centre in Rugby to see how funding from Cadent is helping to support a Warm Hub in the heart of Rugby.
Running every Friday between 12pm and 2pm, the Warm Hub at the Benn Partnership Centre on Craven Road provides Rugby residents – whatever their age – an opportunity to pop in for a warm drink, lunch and the chance to socialise with others. The initiative is being supported through a partnership between the Warwickshire Rural Community Council (WRCC) and Cadent, who are the largest gas distribution network and are now headquartered in Rugby.
Alongside providing a warm area with food, drink and company, Cadent also highlighted with Mark how they and their partners in the voluntary sector are able to use the opportunity to engage with residents at Warm Hubs and community cafes. This can be a really good way to reach vulnerable residents who might be struggling with the cost of energy, or need additional support with things like having their boiler serviced or signposting them to other support they can access. Warm Hubs also play an important role in tackling social isolation within our communities, which is an important part of the work of the Benn Partnership Centre. The Benn Partnership Centre also provides access to a variety of different services, including English as a Second Language Classes, IT support or help with looking for a job.
Speaking after visiting the Warm Hub, Mark said:
“It was really good to hear from Cadent about how they are working with organisations like WRCC and The Benn Partnership to support my constituents here in Rugby. You could not pick a better venue to host this project than the Benn Partnership Centre, and Vivien and her team know how to deliver this help. It was particularly great to hear about how the food is prepared by those studying English language, which shows how the Centre helps to bring together the whole community.”
Mark continued:
“As the UK’s largest gas distribution network, Cadent are often uniquely placed to engage with residents as they aren’t a provider of energy. However, they are able to support people with a number of different schemes, including the Priority Services Register which provides additional help for those with extra needs. The Warm Hubs scheme also gives the opportunity for Cadent to give advice to my constituents about keeping safe and warm at home.”
Anne White, WRCC Project Co-ordinator, added: “Cadent’s vital support over the past 4 years has helped WRCC to establish a network of 14 accredited Warm Hubs across Warwickshire and Solihull. We’re currently expanding this network due to demand across our area, to provide even more safe, welcoming hubs where residents enjoy meeting up and can access advice and help via a range of support services and groups. Each community has its own needs and, working in partnership with Cadent, WRCC will continue to work closely with the Benn Partnership Centre and all other members of our Warm Hubs network, to help them provide much needed support to residents.”