Northern Gas Networks (NGN) has teamed up with welfare and debt advice service Auriga Assist this autumn, for a joint initiative aimed at alleviating money worries for vulnerable customers in Cumbria.

Reducing fuel poverty and educating around fuel awareness are key community promises of the gas transporter, whose network covers the north of England, northern Cumbria and most of Yorkshire.

As the need for good quality debt advice continues to grow, Auriga Assist provides free, confidential, independent and impartial assistance to customers of the utility companies they partner.

Working one-to-one, Auriga provides budgeting advice, a benefits check, help with applying for grants and support with bills and tariff switches.

NGN’s Customer Care team in Cumbria is now advising vulnerable customers to contact the free service or with the customer’s permission, asking Auriga to contact them.

NGN has teamed up with Auriga to ensure vulnerable customers in Cumbria get all the help they need.

NGN’s Head of Social Strategy Tom Bell said: “At NGN we’re constantly working hard to ensure all our customers stay safe and warm in their homes, particularly those facing hardship or struggling to access energy advice.

“Auriga Assist is a valuable service which can help to make life a little easier, so we’re delighted to be partnering them to ensure our vulnerable customers get that assistance, energy-related or otherwise.”

Carol Arnold, Director of Auriga added: “We believe working in partnerships maximises the help available to a customer and are therefore delighted to be part of this initiative with NGN. The assistance provided will not only have an immediate effect on people’s lives, but also a lasting impact and create sustainability.”

Anyone that smells gas or suspects Carbon Monoxide should call the National Gas Emergency Service immediately on 0800 111 999. This line is in operation 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.