A long-serving community centre in Norwich, which was on the brink of closure just eight months ago, is now preparing to hold one of its biggest events to showcase its fantastic work.
The Phoenix Community Centre in Mile Cross Road is a vibrant community hub and home to the Mile Cross Phoenix Projects. The centre’s aim is to provide a space for education, recreation, and other social activities for local people, and provide items and services to individuals in financial need. The centre also hosts a variety of local groups, classes, a social supermarket, a weekly food bank and a Community Café and a ‘warm bank’.
After the community came together to save the centre, gas distribution network Cadent joined forces with the charity in a partnership that will see funding of £95,000 over the next two years as part of Cadent’s Centre for Warmth programme.
This additional funding will enable the centre to deliver slow cooking courses; Citizens Advice support offering help with welfare benefits, employment, housing, and more; assist with running costs; and upskilling volunteers and staff to be able to provide energy efficiency, Priority Services Registration and Carbon Monoxide advice to residents.
With the future now secure, Phoenix Community Centre is planning a launch event on Tuesday 5 November, bringing together partners, users, and the local community to show what is provided.
Centre Manager, Claire Kidman, said: “I’m absolutely delighted that we can open our doors and show the whole community what we are able to provide, thanks to the support of local businesses and our partnership with Cadent.
“This is a much-needed boost to help our community who will benefit from extra support and advice during the winter months and the ongoing cost-of-living crisis. The partners involved in the project have the resources, expertise, and trusted relationships to best support our diverse communities.
“On the day, visitors can learn more about the partners we work with offering free services such as Citizens Advice support, brand new community focused project Our Power, Cadent’s Centres for Warmth, Trading Standards, and the Green Doctors.
“There will also be plenty of activities going on, as well as lots of cake!”
Phil Burrows, Head of Customer Vulnerability Social Programmes at Cadent, said: “We are so pleased that we have been able to support the Phoenix Community Centre and ensure it can continue the fantastic work the team does across the community.
“With its history, the community of Norwich has so much to be proud of, but like any city, now more than ever, it is faced by many challenges. By working together, this project aims to uplift the community and enable individuals to access so much more support, help and advice thanks to the amazing work of the Phoenix Community Centre and its brilliant volunteers.
“Via a focus on energy efficiency, carbon monoxide awareness, the Priority Service Register, income maximisation and other areas – this is yet another partnership we are proud of.”
The launch event, which is completely free to attend, will take place between 12pm and 2pm on Tuesday 5 November at Phoenix Community Centre, 132a Mile Cross Road, Norwich NR3 2LD.
*These are just some of the activities that take place at the Phoenix Community Centre
Our Centres for Warmth support people who are living in vulnerable situations keeping them warm, safe, and connected. The project is based on identifying and partnering with local charities in areas of high deprivation, fuel poverty, and risk to carbon monoxide poisoning, who are located close to areas where we are carrying out mains replacement work.
Our charity partners will possess community centres that are positioned at the heart of their community, promoting togetherness and social interaction. Our partnership provides community centres with funding, resources, and training. Enabling charities to expand the service they offer to vulnerable households, offering trusted advice and be a lifeline for many.
Cadent is the UK’s largest gas distribution network with a 200-year legacy. We are in a unique position to build on strong foundations whilst encouraging the curiosity to think differently and the courage to embrace change. Day to day we continue to operate, maintain and innovate the UK’s largest gas network, transporting gas safely and protecting people in an emergency. Our skilled engineers and specialists remain committed to the communities we serve, working day and night to ensure gas reaches 11 million homes from Cumbria to North London and the Welsh Borders to East Anglia, to keep your energy flowing.
Cadent manages the national gas emergency service free phone line on behalf of the gas industry - 0800 111 999*
Cadent Gas Ltd is owned by a consortium of global investors.
*All calls are recorded and may be monitored.
0797 404 7450
