Independent Age, the national charity for older people in financial hardship, has partnered with gas distribution company SGN to support vulnerable older households in southern England until 2026.
The joint effort aims to:
- Raise awareness of carbon monoxide (CO) safety and provide 5,000 free CO alarms to households most at risk of harm.
- Encourage eligible households to sign up for the Priority Services Register, a free service that ensures people receive extra support during a gas emergency, power cut or water supply interruption.
- Raise awareness of the financial support available to older people.
- Train Independent Age’s grantee network of local charities to raise awareness of CO in their communities.
Housing and avoidable costs are two of four key areas Independent Age focuses on to end poverty in later life. By pairing the CO alarms with advice and support, the partnership aims to empower recipients to take proactive steps in making their homes safer and improving their financial situation if possible.
Joanna Elson CBE, Chief Executive at Independent Age, said: “We are thrilled to partner with SGN on this campaign to ensure older people can live in safe and warm homes. Many people in later life face energy and fuel poverty, which not only increases health risks but also raises the danger of carbon monoxide poisoning. Together with SGN, we can support more older people to access financial entitlements and resources, enabling them to live safely and happily.”
The free alarms can be claimed by following the guidance on leaflets distributed in high priority areas by Independent Age. Each alarm will be sent out with an information pack detailing the support available to people facing financial hardship in later life.
SGN distributes gas to six million homes and businesses across southern England and Scotland. Independent Age is the latest organisation to join SGN’s partnership network aiming to help 500,000 vulnerable customers use energy safely, efficiently and affordably by 2026.
Janet Duggan, Community Partnership Manager at SGN, said: “We’re committed to keeping our communities safe and warm and we know older people in financial hardship are uniquely impacted by higher than average energy costs. By working in a joined-up way with Independent Age we’re able to reach those who are really struggling and provide much needed energy advice. Through building strong connections we can help vulnerable households get much needed help.”
With around two million older people living in poverty, the partnership will also provide direct support to older people through the Independent Age Helpline. Advisers will provide information and advice on energy safeguarding, support with applying for benefit entitlements like Pension Credit and help eligible people sign up to the Priority Service Register.
Jean, a caller to the Independent Age Helpline, encouraged others to contact the advice line: “I recently contacted Independent Age to see whether I qualify for Attendance Allowance, after my GP mentioned it to me. They were very nice and friendly. The Attendance Allowance process took about 12 weeks. Then I found out I was successful! I am over the moon about it as this means I can now get some help with housework. This will improve my life no end. Independent Age really opened my eyes. My advice to others who might think they are not entitled to support is to just go and find out! You might be missing out too.”
