Safe and warm partnership with SGN

• Partnership runs from 2024-2026
• Project goals include supporting 5,000 people with energy guidance, getting 1,500 people signed up to the Priority Services Register and distributing 360 carbon monoxide alarms.
• 200 Sue Ryder staff will be trained to identify energy hardship and offer energy safeguarding support.

Through the partnership we will be offering advice and information to help people approaching the end of their life or living with grief.

We aim to assist over 5,000 vulnerable households by providing information on fuel poverty, offering energy-saving advice, and bereavement and end-of-life support.

Staff in the area served by SGN, including Sue Ryder Nurses and colleagues in 100+ shops, are being trained to recognise the signs of energy hardship so they can offer advice on reducing bills and managing debt.

Thanks to SGN, we will also be helping people stay safe by providing free carbon monoxide (CO) alarms and promoting the Priority Services Register.

SGN is one of four UK gas distribution networks (GDN) – they attend gas emergencies, maintain the network and connect newly built homes to the network. They cover South England and Scotland. They are not a billing company.

Through Ofgem, the government has tasked GDNs with spending a pot of money called Vulnerability and Carbon Monoxide Allowance (VCMA) to support vulnerable customers. By partnering with Sue Ryder, SGN is able to ensure it's customers stay safe and warm.

Health problems associated with both grief and terminal illness can make us more vulnerable to the cold and safety issues in the home. They can also make it hard for us to keep up with bills and maintenance, putting us at higher risk.

Energy bills can increase by as much as 75% after a terminal diagnosis. In 2023 our Cost of Dying research showed that 81% of people receiving end-of-life care have been unable to run essential medical equipment due to high energy costs. The impact of this on these patients, has led to them needing emergency healthcare assistance, poor pain and symptom management and negative impacts to their wellbeing.

Many bereaved people will find themselves in energy hardship when they go from two incomes to one. Some are left to deal with the costs associated with an illness or the death of someone close to them and can no longer afford to keep their homes safe. Some people who are grieving need to take time away from work and are not able to earn at all. Whatever the circumstances, grieving people deserve to be safe and warm in their homes.

If you're interested in becoming one of Sue Ryder's corporate partners, contact our team.