Slough CVS worked in partnership with Cadent, the UK’s largest gas distribution network, from April 2023 - March 2026 to run a service to help residents to lower fuel costs and be safe in their homes.
Slough CVS raised awareness of Carbon Monoxide safety and provided energy saving awareness sessions ensuring that whole extended families understand what the purpose of this alarm is and what to do in an emergency. This information along with the benefits of being added onto Priority Service Register was explained at community events, faith and cultural organisations and directly to clients.
The team worked with its network of local charities and groups that provide cooking sessions to their community and adapt cultural recipes using a slow cooker as an alternative to cooking for hours on a conventional hob and oven, helping to reduce fuel costs.
The project aimed to make a positive and long-lasting impact in Slough at a time when the cost-of-living crisis is being felt by our many diverse communities.
ENERGY SAVING & SAFETY INFORMATION
Carbon Monoxide Safety
Carbon Monoxide known as the ‘Silent Killer’. The deadly gas is produced when fuels do not burn properly. All gas appliances can cause Carbon Monoxide including free-standing gas heaters, gas cookers and gas fires.
Carbon Monoxide (CO) is often associated with the winter months; however, you can be at risk any time of the year, even in the summer.
Remember to keep your BBQs outside, BBQ’s emit CO and can continue to do so even after the BBQ has gone out.
Suspect carbon monoxide or can smell gas? Call 0800 111 999
Priority Services Register (PSR)
The PSR is a completely free service, designed to make it easier for those who need a little extra help. Through registering, customers receive essential benefits that will make the management of energy supply easier. For example:
- Providing you with alternative heating and cooking facilities should your gas be interrupted
- The use of a password facility to keep customers safe on their doorstep
- For the purposes of safety, if you are unable to reach your gas emergency valve (ECV) due to mobility we may be able to move this for you
- Providing translation services should there be a need for it. Eligibility for the Priority Services Register Eligibility is dependent on a variety of factors:
- Someone has a chronic or serious illness
- Someone is dependent on medical equipment including oxygen
- Someone has poor mobility, reduced sight, hearing or sense of smell and/or speech difficulties
- Someone is not able to communicate English
- Someone who is of pensionable age or has children under 5 years old who may benefit from additional support in the event of an interruption to their energy supply.
You can also register for the PSR through your own energy supplier. Just give them a call.
Slow cooker project
Making small, positive changes to our daily habits—especially around food—can have a big impact on our health and wellbeing. What we eat matters. The Wellbeing@Home project has developed a cookbook for and with the community with health, cost effective recipes.