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A mother from Preston who struggled with her mental health now says she ‘looks forward to every day’ thanks to support from a Centre for Warmth in the city.
Wendy Hopkins, 52, is among a quarter of a million people who have visited a centre in the North West.
One is Intact Community Centre in Ingol, which Wendy decided to visit after a family member’s suggestion. At the time, the mother of three was out of work and feeling isolated by anxiety and depression.
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She said: I’ve learnt so much since I first visited Intact. They’ve supplied me with an electric blanket and slow cooker, which means I’m using less energy at home.
“I’ve also signed up to the Priority Services Register and a carbon monoxide alarm. What’s more, they have supported me with my employment, updating my CV and inspiring me to pursue opportunities in cooking.
“I have now been employed as a catering assistant at Intact’s café with the head chef, David, which has had a reallypositive impact on my mental health.
“Thanks to the support from Intact, I feel I have come so far. I now look forward to each day and have made so many new friends through the centre.
“Volunteering has also had many benefits, particularly to my mental health, and since working with David for six months now, I can honestly say that I’ve never looked back!”
Cadent has just announced the opening of its 350th Centre for Warmth, of which 75 are in North West England, where the initiative began just four years ago.
Tina Humphreys, volunteer manager at Intact Community Centre, said: “Receiving the funding from Cadent to become a Centre for Warmth has allowed us to provide visitors with vital support, including energy and debt advice, as well as benefit entitlement checks.
“Hundreds of local residents rely on our facilities each week. Through our partnership with Cadent, we have been able to broaden the support we offer and help people navigate the ongoing cost-of-living crisis.”
You can find your nearest Centre for Warmth here.
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