A WARM Hub in Rugby is helping vulnerable residents with heating costs and social isolation, as discovered by the town’s MP during a recent visit.
Mark Pawsey met with staff at the Benn Partnership Centre (BPC) in Railway Terrace to see how its weekly Warm Hub is giving Rugbeians 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, the largest gas distribution network which has its headquarters in Rugby.
The gas company and its partners in the voluntary sector are also using the Warm Hub to engage with vulnerable residents who might be struggling with the cost of energy.
Mr Pawsey said: “You could not pick a better venue to host this project than the Benn Partnership Centre, and Centre Manager Vivien Kajoro 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.
“Cadent is 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.”
WRCC Project Co-ordinator Anne White said: “Cadent’s vital support over the past four 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 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.”
The BPC also provides services including English as a Second Language Classes, IT support, and help with looking for a job.
The centre’s Warm Hub runs every Friday between 12pm and 2pm.
Visit https://tinyurl.com/57vawk8p for more information on the WRCC Warm Hubs Network.
