Partnership keeps people safe, warm and healthy

A ground-breaking partnership between Birmingham Community Healthcare Charity and Cadent Gas is helping vulnerable people across Birmingham stay safe, warm and healthy in their own homes.

Just over a year on from its launch, the partnership is demonstrating how effective collaboration between the voluntary and energy sectors can deliver real, positive outcomes for those most in need.

The initiative established the Direct Access to Wellbeing Services (DAWS) Team, which provides practical, early intervention support to residents facing complex challenges across the city.

One person, who wished to remain anonymous, reflected on their experience with the team: “We were in arrears with our rent and utility bills, and there was significant black mould in the property, which was starting to impact our health. We had tried to look for support in the past but had been unsuccessful.

“We were given food and energy vouchers, carbon monoxide alarms, and a heated throw to help us stay warm. We were also provided with a dehumidifier to help with the mould.

“The Community Wellbeing Officer (CWO) referred us to Act on Energy, who helped reduce our energy debt by £2,000 and are supporting us to reapply for PIP.

The CWO who handled our case spoke to us with such kindness and compassion and really made us feel heard. We still have worries, but we now know there are people willing to help.”

By the end of October 2025 the DAWS team had advised 84,464 individuals, funded over £90,036 worth of essential items and fuel vouchers, supplied 660 slow cookers, distributed 1,065 heated throws and issued 17,077 carbon monoxide alarms.

Last year, Centerprise International donated 50 mobile phones and chargers to the team.

Alongside a donation of SIM cards from Vodafone, this has provided vital support for residents experiencing digital poverty.