Northern Gas Networks’ Centre for Warmth at New Wortley Community Centre
Located throughout Yorkshire, the Centres for Warmth concept was developed to ensure a holistic approach to supporting fuel-poor households through trusted partners within community settings. The centres help people access a warm, safe space and provide information designed to improve health and wellbeing, increase household income, and help residents better manage their energy use.
The programme is funded by Northern Gas Networks through Ofgem’s Vulnerability and Carbon Monoxide Allowance (VCMA). Since its launch in March 2024, it has supported 20 grassroots organisations and groupsacross the North of England to establish local community hubs — with 17,000 people benefitting so far. The most recent centre opened in New Wortley, Leeds, in March 2025.
Andy Parnham, Leeds City Councillor for Armley, attended the opening and said:
“I very much welcome this additional funding and support from Northern Gas Networks, allowing the Centre to employ advice workers to assist some of our residents who are amongst the most vulnerable in the country. A great example of partnership working!”
New Wortley is one of six priority neighbourhoods identified by Leeds City Council, so the approach has been aligned to the specific needs of local customers.
The support on offer is wide-ranging, including:
Energy efficiency awareness to help combat fuel poverty
Support with energy bill management
Gas and carbon monoxide (CO) safety awareness and CO alarm distribution
Enrolment on the Priority Services Register
Money management and benefits advice
Tips for cooking nutritious meals efficiently
Social group activities to reduce isolation
Distribution of energy-saving appliances
Since March, 2,000 individuals have been offered support from this centre, including information and access to the Priority Services Register, carbon monoxide awareness, income maximisation, and energy efficiency advice.
