Caribbean & African Health Network
Helping Black African and Caribbean communities to maintain safe and warm homes
Our project at a glance
- Participating GDNs: Cadent and SGN
- Strategic priority area: Tackling fuel poverty and energy affordability
- Support target: 7,080 individuals over eight months
- Duration: August 2025 to March 2026
- Investment: £275,838 over eight months
- Forecast SROI: £8.99
I didn’t realise how much support was available to help with my bills and keeping my home safe. The advice I received has made a real difference, and I feel much more confident managing my energy costs now.
Caribbean & African Health Network beneficiary
Why we’re working together
Many people in Black African and Caribbean communities across the UK lack information about the dangers of carbon monoxide. These communities are also less aware of the benefits and grants available to them to increase their income and alleviate fuel poverty.
The Caribbean & African Health Network (CAHN) was set up in 2017 to address long-standing health inequalities disadvantaging people of Black Caribbean and African heritage.
We’ve joined with fellow gas distribution network company Cadent to expand their existing energy safeguarding programme with CAHN into South London. We’re supporting households across Croydon, Lambeth, Lewisham and Southwark with tailored CO safety information and income maximisation advice.
Project objectives
- Delivering energy efficiency advice that is culturally tailored and practically applicable
- Supporting financial resilience through targeted income maximisation advice
- Educating households on the dangers of CO and providing free alarms for eligible households
- Raising awareness of the PSR and helping vulnerable households to register for the free service
How we’re working together
Tailored energy safeguarding services
We’re supporting Black Caribbean and African communities with energy efficiency, energy safeguarding and income maximisation advice services through face-to-face drop-in sessions, community forums, the CAHN telephone helpline and the organisation’s social media channels.
We’re also helping eligible households to register for the Priority Services Register, as well as providing CO alarms for households most in need.
How to get involved
Accessing the Caribbean & African Health Network service
As one of our VCMA partners, you can refer your clients in South London to the Caribbean & African Health Network for support by emailing saferhomes@cahn.org.uk or by calling the team on 07710 022 382.
If you’re living in South London and would like help from the Caribbean & African Health Network, you can attend a community drop-in session. You’ll find details of local sessions on the CAHN website and social media channels.
Becoming a partner
You can find out more about working with the Caribbean & African Health Network on the organisation’s website.
We are delighted to be delivering this project, which supports our mission of tackling inequalities in the Black African and Caribbean community. By ensuring households are safe, warm and informed, we are addressing immediate pressures like fuel poverty whilst also strengthening resilience and tackling the wider determinants of long-term health.