National Grid gives charity power to fight fuel poverty

A Paignton charity is offering a safe space for residents to keep warm over the winter months after being awarded a grant to tackle fuel poverty by National Grid Electricity Distribution.
The £2,000 grant for the Great Parks Community Centre has come from National Grid’s £5 million Community Matters Fund which is supporting more than 700 local groups across the South West, the Midlands and South Wales to fight fuel poverty this winter.
The Community Centre will offer a warm, safe space over the winter months for residents who are struggling to stay warm, providing hot drinks, soups and porridge. Importantly, the team of volunteers will identify anyone at risk, and signpost to additional support either on site or to known and trusted local organisations.
Julie Bose, Consultant Coordinator from Great Parks Community Centre, said: “We are so grateful for the Community Matters funding allowing us to welcome residents into a warm, safe space during the cold winter months. Our ‘Essentials Space’ will also offer warm packs and signpost people to supportive advice and guidance. We would like to say a huge thank you to National Grid Electricity Distribution for their much-needed support.”
Chris Hayton, Director of Corporate Affairs at National Grid, said: "Unfortunately, we know that many people will struggle to keep their homes warm this winter.
“At a time when addressing fuel poverty has never been more critical, our Community Matters Fund will support local groups to deliver help where it’s most needed. We're looking forward to working with community groups like Great Parks Community Centre to create positive change and to seeing the results of their hard work.”
National Grid lies at the heart of a transforming energy system.
The organisation says: “Our business areas play a vital role in connecting millions of people to the energy they use, while continually seeking ways to make the energy system cleaner. National Grid Ventures and National Grid Partners also enable innovations to help revolutionise and decarbonise the future of energy.”