A new community launderette has opened in Warrington to support families living in damp and mouldy homes.
Westy Community Centre in Warrington has been selected as the latest Warm Wash Centres that Cadent, the UK’s largest gas distribution network, has opened. It will offer free washing and drying facilities, energy efficiency advice, and a warm, welcoming space for those living in vulnerable situations.
Cadent’s recent research revealed that over three in five people (63%) have reported severe mould problems in their homes, illustrating the significant health and safety risks for households. Additionally, almost one third of people (29%) turn their heating to uncomfortably low temperatures to cut costs, a contributing factor to the growth of damp and mould.
The research also found that two in three people (66%) struggle to wash and dry basic household items like clothes, sheets and towels, while one in three (33%) have reported worsening damp in their homes over the past year.
In Warrington, one in ten households live in fuel poverty, according to National Energy Action. The new Cadent Warm Wash Centre has been designed to offer relief for those living in vulnerable situations. While users wash their clothes and wait for them to dry, they will be supported by the trained energy advisers at Westy Community Centre, who will be able to share tips and advice on how to make their home more energy efficient all year round.
Benefits support will also be available, where the advisers will be able to assess current applications and identify if there are any unclaimed benefits available. Carbon monoxide advice will also be available.
Cllr Jean Flaherty, Deputy Leader Communities, Culture and Leisure said: “This is a fantastic initiative that will make a real difference to residents who are struggling with the impacts of fuel poverty. Access to free laundry facilities, alongside energy and benefits advice, will help ease financial pressures and support people to live in warmer, healthier homes. It’s great to see partners working together to provide practical support for our communities.
“We know that fuel poverty isn’t isolated to winter, with households feeling the effects all year. The support we offer through the Cadent programme ensures households are empowered to make their homes more energy efficient and the addition of our wash room services will enable locals to save more on their energy bills.
Gayle Riley, Centre Manager at Westy Community Centre said: “The response of our wash centre has been amazing. There are many people who have already expressed an interest in using it, which shows just how vital the service is going to be for the local community. It’s more than a place to do laundry. It’s a warm, safe space where people can save money, come together and access the support they need throughout the year.”
Nicola Campbell, Safeguarding Specialist at Cadent, said: “Nobody should have to choose between staying warm, keeping their home dry or protecting their health. Our research shows that there are too many families trapped in conditions that are unacceptable. Damp and mould aren’t just housing issues, they are issues of safety and wellbeing.
“We are proud to expand our support to Westy Community Centre, which is already one of our Centres for Warmth, with the launch of wash room. By combining free laundry services with trusted advice, we will ensure households receive the support they need.”
The Westy Community Centre Warm Wash Centre is now open to bookings. Please contact Gayle Riley at 07508 359787 to book your two-hour slot.
