Free laundry facilities have been launched to help tackle fuel poverty, damp and mould while connecting families with wider support services.

Cadent is continuing to expand its Warm Wash Centre initiative, with new community laundry facilities opening in both Chorley and Warrington to support vulnerable households affected by fuel poverty, damp and mould.

The latest centres, based at Inspire Youth Zone in Chorley and Westy Community Centre in Warrington, provide free washing and drying facilities alongside energy efficiency advice, benefits support and carbon monoxide safety guidance.

The programme is designed to offer practical help to families struggling with rising household costs while creating opportunities to access wider support services. The expansion reflects growing recognition of the important role community laundry facilities can play in improving health, wellbeing and household resilience, particularly in areas where residents are facing financial hardship.

Laundry services addressing hidden challenges

For many families, access to affordable laundry facilities has become increasingly difficult as energy costs remain high. Drying clothes indoors in under-heated homes can contribute to damp and mould problems, creating additional health risks and increasing household challenges. Cadent’s research highlights the scale of the issue. According to the company’s findings, 63 per cent of people have experienced severe mould problems in their homes, while 29 per cent report reducing heating to uncomfortable levels to save money, a key factor in the development of damp and mould.

The research also found that 66 per cent of people struggle to wash and dry everyday household items such as clothing, bedding and towels, while one-third have seen damp conditions worsen over the past year.

Supporting families in Chorley

At Inspire Youth Zone in Chorley, the new Warm Wash Centre has been integrated into the organisation’s existing support services for children, young people and families. Janine Blythe, CEO of Inspire Youth Zone, said the facilities would provide discreet support for families who may be reluctant to seek help. “Many of the families who step foot through our doors do not want others to know they are struggling.

The new facilities provided to us by Cadent will allow us to provide practical support, subtly, to ensure those who are perhaps struggling in silence have the help they need.” The facility builds on an existing partnership between Cadent and Inspire Youth Zone through the Centre for Warmth programme, with trained advisers available to provide energy-saving advice and guidance on financial support. In Chorley, National Energy Action estimates that approximately 11 per cent of households are living in fuel poverty, underlining the need for accessible support services.

Positive early response in Warrington

Meanwhile, the newest Warm Wash Centre at Westy Community Centre in Warrington has already attracted strong interest from local residents. According to National Energy Action, around one in 10 households in Warrington are classed as fuel poor. The facility aims to provide immediate relief through free laundry services while helping residents access advice that could reduce long-term household costs. Gayle Riley, centre manager at Westy Community Centre, said: “The response to our wash centre has been amazing. There are many people who have already expressed an interest in using it, which shows just how vital the service is going to be for the local community. “It’s more than a place to do laundry. It’s a warm, safe space where people can save money, come together, and access the support they need throughout the year.”

Councillor Jean Flaherty, Deputy Leader for Communities, Culture and Leisure at Warrington Borough Council, welcomed the initiative. “This is a fantastic initiative that will make a real difference to residents who are struggling with the impacts of fuel poverty.

Access to free laundry facilities, alongside energy and benefits advice, will help ease financial pressures and support people to live in warmer, healthier homes.”

More than just laundry

A key feature of the Warm Wash Centre model is the integration of laundry services with wider community support. While users wait for their washing and drying cycles to complete, trained advisers are available to discuss energy efficiency measures, review benefits eligibility and provide carbon monoxide safety information. By combining practical services with expert advice, the centres aim to address both the immediate and underlying causes of fuel poverty. Nicola Campbell, safeguarding specialist at Cadent, said: “Nobody should have to choose between staying warm, keeping their home dry or protecting their health. Our research shows that there are too many families trapped in conditions that are unacceptable. Damp and mould aren’t just housing issues; they are issues of safety and wellbeing.”

A growing opportunity for the laundry sector

The expansion of Warm Wash Centres highlights the increasing role community laundry services can play in tackling social challenges. As local authorities, charities, housing providers and utility companies seek innovative ways to support vulnerable residents, laundry facilities are emerging as valuable community assets. For the laundry industry, the programme demonstrates how commercial laundry equipment and expertise can be deployed beyond traditional applications to deliver measurable social impact. Community laundries are becoming an important tool in addressing fuel poverty, improving public health and strengthening local support networks. As the Warm Wash Centre network continues to grow, the Chorley and Warrington projects provide compelling examples of how accessible laundry services can contribute to healthier homes, stronger communities and improved quality of life for families facing financial hardship.

The Warm Wash Centre in Westy Community Centre in Warrington, provides free washing and drying facilities

At Inspire Youth Zone in Chorley, the new Warm Wash Centre has been integrated into the organisation’s existing support services