A £370,000 partnership between Cadent and Harrow Giving has made a major impact in Harrow since its launch in October last year, helping thousands of residents access vital support.
So far, more than 2,200 people have received income and benefits advice through the initiative, with Harrow residents gaining access to over £44,000 in money owed to them through a connection with Age UK Hillingdon, Harrow and Brent.
Thirteen local community hubs across the borough have been supported as part of the project, which is part of Cadent’s Centres for Warmth programme. The centres offer a place for people in vulnerable situations to get help staying safe and warm in their homes throughout the year.
Each hub is staffed by trained advisors and volunteers who help residents reduce heating costs and stay safe from the dangers of carbon monoxide (CO). Nearly 600 CO alarms have already been handed out, and around 300 people have been signed up to the Priority Services Register – a free service that offers extra support for people with specific needs.
The community hubs benefiting from the partnership are:
- Harrow Association of Somali Voluntary Organisations (HASVO)
- African Cultural Association Community Hub
- Mind in Harrow
- Oshwal Association of the UK (OAUK)
- MAA Kruper Foundation
- Blossom Education
- Watford FC’s Community Sport and Education Trust (Cedars Youth & Community Centre)
- My Yard (Grange Farm Community Centre)
- EACH Counselling & Support
- RCTT
- Vedicca London
- Harrow Association of Disabled People
- Hotspot Community CIC
The centres will continue to run community events and activities until at least March 2026.
Rachel Wright at Harrow Giving said: “These centres are a real lifeline for many of the most vulnerable, isolated residents. Working alongside Cadent has meant reaching more people, with information and support that could be life saving.”
Phil Burrows, Head of Customer Vulnerability and Social Purpose at Cadent, added: “Our Centres for Warmth are designed to support people living in vulnerable situations keep warm, safe and connected. It is important that we work with partners who truly know the local area, so that they can identify the needs of the community and tailor the support to suit.
“I’ve seen the work of Harrow Giving first hand, and it is fantastic – yet unsurprising – to see the positive impact the funding has already had on the local community.”
Chris Mitchell is the founder and editor of Harrow Online, Harrow’s leading local news platform.
He launched Harrow Online in 2010 as a Facebook page sharing local news and information. Since then, it has grown into a trusted source for breaking news, crime, council decisions, planning, transport, business and community stories across the borough.
Harrow Online reaches hundreds of thousands of readers each month and has a social media audience of more than 200,000 followers.
For news tips, press releases or enquiries, contact Chris at info@harrowonline.org.
