A new community laundrette has opened in London today (19th November) to support families living in damp and mouldy homes.
Bonny Downs Community Association in Newham, is one of ten Warm Wash Centres that Cadent, the UK’s largest gas distribution network, has committed to opening. It will offer free washing facilities, energy efficiency advice, and a warm, welcoming space for those living in vulnerable situations.
Cadent’s research reveals the harsh reality of housing conditions faced by many families in the London:
Eight in ten (81%[3]) are concerned about their ability to adequately heat their homes this winter
68 per cent2 report severe mould problems in their homes, illustrating the significant health and safety risks for households
59 per cent[4] say the conditions in their homes have negatively impacted their quality of life
45 per cent4 feel isolated because of the state of their homes, with 41 per cent4 report feeling judged by people in their community
62 per cent4 struggle to wash and dry basic household items like clothes, sheets, and towels
Fidel, from East Ham, has been living in his two-up two-down home for 22 years and has been battling damp and mould in his kitchen and bathroom in that time. Living with asthma since childhood, he is aware of the impacts mould can have on his health and takes steps to try to prevent exposure where he can.
He said: “The lack of insulation and ventilation in my home is causing mould in my bathroom. Over the years, I’ve tried to help the problem by tiling the bathroom, but I know this is covering the problem up instead of fixing it. I know need to save up to fix the issue, but I don’t know who can help and with winter approaching, I know the problem is going to get worse.
“I have asthma so I try to make sure I don’t spend too much time in the bathroom where the spores are as I know this can make my asthma worse. Getting this fixed would take a weight off my shoulders.”
Sarah Laing, CEO at Bonny Downs Community Association, said: “Many families in our community are facing rising living costs and struggling with poor housing conditions, which can make even basic tasks like washing and drying clothes a real challenge.
“With winter approaching, our new Warm Wash Centre will be a huge help – providing a safe, warm space where families can take care of essential chores without worrying about bills or damp. Beyond laundry, it’s also an opportunity for us to connect people with wider support and advice to help them through the colder months.”
The Warm Wash Room launch forms a key part of a wider nationwide programme of support to tackle challenges associated with damp and mould, including engineer training to spot signs of damp and partnerships with charities to strengthen referral pathways for those in need.
The recent introduction of Awaab’s Law, named after two-year-old Awaab Ishak, who tragically died from mould exposure, marks a significant shift in tenant rights. The legislation came into force on 27 October 2025, compelling registered social landlords to investigate potential damp, mould and emergency hazards within 10 working days (or 24 hours for emergencies).
Phil Burrows, Head of Customer Vulnerability and Social Purpose at Cadent, said: “The findings of our research are shocking, but they are also a call to action. Safe, warm housing isn’t a privilege, it’s a fundamental right. With rising energy costs exacerbating fuel poverty, families are being pushed into unsafe living conditions where damp and mould thrive.
“Through initiatives like our warm wash centres and training programmes, we’re committed to helping families in London reclaim their homes, their health, and their dignity.”
With temperatures continuing to drop, Cadent is calling for united action to address fuel poverty and worsening housing conditions and urges those living in cold and damp homes to reach out to their local Centre for Warmth for support.
The London based Warm Wash Centre is now open at Bonny Downs Community Association, 49 Vicarage Ln, London E6 6DQ.