Since 2024, Northern Gas Networks’ ‘Centres for Warmth’ have provided safe, warm spaces and crucial energy advice and support for thousands of people across the North of England.
Northern Gas Networks (NGN) delivers gas to 2.9 million homes and businesses across the North of England through its network of pipes, and as part of its vision for a fairer, greener future for this region, has funded 20 Centres which are based within existing community hubs – which have been described as “transformational”.
The centres – targeted in areas of deprivation in NGN’s patch – are warm, welcoming and provide people with information designed to improve health and wellbeing, increase household income and better manage their energy.

They also provide Carbon Monoxide (CO) awareness and advice, income maximisation through benefit entitlement checks and managing debt, free or reduced cost food and clothing, fuel top up vouchers and helpful links to NGN’s partner organisations who can offer wider support.
Local people who use the Centres are also encouraged to learn about the benefits of the Priority Services Register – a free service which offers extra support if there’s an unexpected interruption to a gas supply.
One Centre for Warmth is at Bilton Hall Community Trust in Jarrow, near Newcastle. They have an open door policy for anyone who needs help and support, and work hard to signpost service users to appropriate services who can help.
Joanna Tuck, Manager of Bilton Hall Community Trust, said: “We would not likely have been here if it wasn’t for the funding received from Northern Gas Networks. This has stopped us from going into negative balances – being able to continue to paying our bills to keep our doors open – and provide staff that have been dedicated to support the local communities in ways they need the support.”
Another grassroots charity which hosts a Centre for Warmth are two Khidmat Centres in Bradford, which serves some of the most deprived areas in the city. Each year, the Centres support around 24,000 people through a wide range of programmes – including wellbeing activities, dementia support, practical advice on benefits, housing, plus energy efficiency.
Javed Ashrad, General Manager for the Khidmat Centres, said: “The support from NGN has been transformational. It has enabled our Centres to strengthen and expand the way we deliver wraparound and floating support for our community.
“With this investment, we can go beyond simply signposting — we provide hands-on help to tackle issues like fuel poverty, benefits and debt, housing concerns, and energy efficiency, while also raising awareness about carbon monoxide safety and the Priority Services Register.
“One example is a widowed elder who attended one of our carbon monoxide awareness sessions. She not only learned about the dangers, but was also supported to register on the Priority Services Register. She told us she now feels safer at home, and through our wellbeing groups she has also found new friends and reduced her isolation. Her story is just one of many that shows how the Centre for Warmth is making a tangible difference in people’s daily lives.”
Carole Marshall, Centre for Warmth Coordinator at Northern Gas Networks, said: “Our Centres for Warmth are all about trying to address the needs on a local level in communities, which are the most disadvantaged in our network.
“They are a trusted source to local people, and demonstrates our deep commitment to strengthening relationships at a local grassroots level. The support we can offer is about widening the offering of services that are available for local people, and ultimately helping them to stay safe and warm in their own homes.”
For more information contact our VCMA team on vcma@northerngas.co.uk
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