Households that have been impacted by cancer in Norfolk will now be able to access free energy efficiency support and information after Big C was added to Cadent’s award-winning Centre for Warmth programme.
The initiative will be delivered by Big C Cancer Charity, which will receive £204,000 of funding over the next two years from Cadent as part of the partnership to run the Centres for Warmth. According to Norfolk Insight, between 6,500 and 7,400 new cases of cancer are identified annually in Norfolk and Waveney, with the partnership aiming to support up to 3,000 households affected by cancer in the area.
Based in their support centres across Norfolk, energy efficiency support, such as tips and free household items that help reduce energy bills and keep people warm, will be made available to eligible households throughout the year to ensure local people affected by cancer and their families remain warm and safe all year round.
The support will be available Monday to Friday, between 9am and 4.30pm, located at the following addresses:
In addition to energy advice, the Centre for Warmth programme will raise awareness of carbon monoxide (CO), offering free CO detectors to eligible households. Free benefit eligibility checks and application support will also be provided as part of the centres’ ‘income maximisation’ offering to those affected by cancer.
One beneficiary to receive support from the partnership is Celia, who has ovarian cancer. After attending one of the Energy Workshops, Celia registered for the Priority Services Register.
Celia said: I attended an energy workshop in January and found it really useful. There were great tips and information about being more energy efficient. It was also helpful to learn more about the dangers of carbon monoxide and receive a CO alarm for my home. In the past I have also benefitted from the Welfare Rights service, which really helped reduce the stress of completing lengthy forms. The partnership is a lovely addition to the support provided by Big C.
Last year, Cadent partnered with Big C Cancer Charity to increase the number of specialist advisers that could help households maximise income, navigate benefits and manage energy costs in Norfolk. The successful partnership saw over 3,000 benefits claims made, as well as issued over 1,600 pieces of energy advice.
With the partnership now extending to a Centre for Warmth model, this support will be accessible throughout the year at each centre.
Karen Vincent, Chief Executive at Big C Cancer Charity, said: A cancer diagnosis can place an enormous emotional and financial strain on individuals and families, and concerns about heating and energy costs should not add to that burden.
We're very grateful for Cadent's partnership with Big C, which enables us to provide free energy advice at our centres and ensures that more people across Norfolk have access to the help they need, when they need it most.
Nicola Campbell, Safeguarding Specialist at Cadent, said: Cancer affects thousands of people each year, and we want to ensure that patients aren’t worried about paying their energy bills or not being able to heat their homes sufficiently throughout their treatment.
Our Centres for Warmth are a safe space where trained advisers can offer specialist advice and practical solutions to ensure households living in vulnerable situations don’t struggle. We’re proud to work with Big C Cancer Charity and would encourage anyone who has been affected by cancer and is worried about their energy bills to visit one of the Centres.
Cadent’s Centre for Warmth programme spans the gas distribution’s network, where over 300 community centres have been provided funding to support customers with energy efficiency tips and advice, as well as raising awareness of the dangers of carbon monoxide. With over 300 Centres in the programme, the new centres in Norfolk will ensure that those with energy concerns are able to receive support.
Cadent will be funding the Centres through Ofgem’s Vulnerability and Carbon Monoxide Initiative, which is set up to ensure people living in vulnerable situations are supported.
For more information, please contact:
Nick Whittaker
Corporate PR Specialist
07979789203
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