Utilita Energy Hub powers up Blackburn with new community initiatives

Workshops, partnerships and local events accelerate support for families across Blackburn and Darwen

Utilita Energy Hub Blackburn is continuing to deepen its support for local residents through a diverse programme of community activities, partnerships and events – designed to boost energy awareness, enhance wellbeing and strengthen regional connections.

The Hub has delivered a series of interactive learning sessions and outreach activities aimed at helping residents build energy confidence and environmental awareness:

• Witton Wildlife collaboration – The team recently delivered an Energy Efficiency Workshop, engaging local families around nature and energy use. Further support is planned for the summer, with Energy Expert Shaun Uney preparing to volunteer at upcoming sessions.
• Blackburn Rovers Schools events – Two Energy Efficiency Workshops were hosted at local school groups, with the Utilita team joined by Clare’s Law representatives
• Gecko Games Takeover – Scheduled for next Saturday [7 March], this interactive youth event will continue the Hub’s commitment to supporting young people and families through fun, educational activities.
• Preston Expo – The Utilita team will attend the upcoming end‑of‑month expo to expand visibility across the region and strengthen relationships with community organisations.

Free-to-hire Community Room action  

The Utilita Community Room continues to serve as a vital local space, being used regularly by groups supporting residents across Blackburn with Darwen:

• Naurodimenixs Blackburn – Set to begin utilising the space soon for community-focused activities.
• Age UK Blackburn with Darwen – Actively using the room to support older residents and younger community members. Kerry, the organisation’s Digital Inclusion Coordinator, recently visited to explore further collaborative opportunities.
• Blackburn with Darwen (BWD) Services – Continues to make weekly use of the room to support vulnerable residents across the borough.

Utilita Energy Hub Blackburn is set to participate in several major community events over the coming weeks:

• International Women’s Day – 11 March at Blackburn Rovers
  The Hub will support the Tea and Talk celebration event and has been offered a free stall to engage with attendees and share energy advice.
• Police Partnership Development
  Hub Supervisor Uwais Patel is working with Lancashire Police to explore bringing free home‑security items to future sessions, enhancing safety support for local families.
• Eid Celebrations at Blackburn Rovers
  Planning is underway for the Hub to support the community Eid event, helping strengthen connections with local families and cultural groups across Blackburn.
• Baby Zone – 25 March
  Staff members Ikrah and Grace will volunteer at Babyzone Blackburn, meeting and supporting young families as part of the Hub’s expanding community outreach.

Growing commitment to the community

Uwais Patel, Hub Supervisor at Utilita Energy Hub Blackburn, said: “Our priority is making sure every resident feels supported, informed and welcomed when they come through our doors. The partnerships we’re building across Blackburn and Darwen help us reach more people with practical advice, energy guidance and community support. It’s fantastic to see so many groups using the Hub’s Community Room as a safe and positive space.”

Shaun Uney, Energy Expert at Utilita, added: “Helping local families understand their energy use and make confident decisions is at the heart of what we do. Working with organisations like Witton Wildlife and local schools means we can deliver hands‑on sessions that really make a difference. I’m excited to keep volunteering and growing our community engagement over the summer.”

These initiatives reflect Utilita Energy Hub Blackburn’s ongoing commitment to empowering residents with practical support, free education sessions, and meaningful community partnerships. Local community groups interested in using the Energy Hub’s dedicated community space free-of-charge can book a session by emailing blackburn@utilta.co.uk.