Birmingham gas engineer hailed a hero after helping those in need

helping our community

  • Cadent engineer receives VIP pat on the back from Birmingham’s Lord Mayor for helping those in need
  • Cadent scheme offers paid ‘volunteer leave’ for staff helping those affected by Covid-19
  • Frankley foodbank experiences 1000% increase in demand
 
Big-hearted Birmingham gas engineer Carlton Hardy has been hailed a hero by city Lord Mayor Councillor Mohammed Azim for his work in helping those in need during the Covid-19 pandemic.
 
Carlton, who works as an emergency gas engineer for West Midlands gas distributor Cadent, received a VIP pat on the back for his volunteering work with Frankley Christian community social enterprise, NewStarts.
 
Backed by Cadent, the 46-year-old first call operative has been delivering food parcels to people who are shielding, self-isolating and to those struggling to make ends meet during the Covid-19 lockdown and ongoing restrictions.

In a letter from Councillor Azim, Carlton was applauded for his politeness and professionalism and described as a great example of the community and local business working together.

Councillor Azim added: “You truly are a hero in these challenging times”.

Carlton, of Weoley Castle, said: “I was very honoured to get a letter from the Lord Mayor. I just wanted to help the community. There’s always someone worse off than yourself and there’s so many people in need at the moment.

“It’s been really rewarding; people are so appreciative on the doorsteps when you drop off food parcels.”

Carlton is one of a number of Cadent staff across the West Midlands being supported to help those affected by Covid-19 through a company scheme that gives employees two days of paid ‘volunteer leave’ per month.

The scheme, which allows people to volunteer for worthy causes during work time, has recently been extended into June and July.

NewStarts is a Christian community re-use social enterprise, which provides emergency food, free furniture and household supplies to people on low incomes or in financial crisis. Since lockdown began, it has seen a 1000% increase in demand at its foodbanks in New Frankley and Bromsgrove and has provided nearly 40,000 free meals.

Carlton is one Cadent’s force of emergency engineers, who have been continuing to work in the community, throughout the lockdown, to keep West Midlands residents safe. Frontline engineers like Carlton deal with gas escapes and deadly carbon monoxide leaks.

You can find out more on our website about how Cadent is taking additional precautions to protect staff and residents from Covid-19 at https://cadentgas.com/coronavirus.”
 

Cadent

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. 

Future of Gas: Here at Cadent we support the Government’s plans to reach Net Zero by 2050. That means we’re backing the introduction of hydrogen as a low carbon alternative to natural gas for the future. We know people love the controllability of gas and, with our network already in place, it makes sense to switch to the lower carbon alternative offered by hydrogen, which we believe can keep homes and businesses warm for generations to come.

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.

Media contacts

Rebecca Wright

rebecca.wright1@cadentgas.com

07899 983792