Thousands of carers across the North East, Yorkshire and northern Cumbria could be missing out on extra advice and support.
We understand the importance of building carer friendly communities and are urging carers to act so loved ones don’t miss out on extra help available through our partners or by becoming a Priority Services customer.
Laura Ratcliffe, our Social Strategy Programme Manager, said: “The realities and impact of caring for someone can be challenging. You’re often focused on someone else’s needs so it’s important to know there are organisations out there who will be there for you and your loved ones when you need them most.
“We have 18 Centres for Warmth across our operating area, and they are vital community hubs. They support people with energy efficiency advice and help households maximise their income. Some of the people who come to our centres for support, may also be carers looking after someone with an illness or disability.
“Once the centre teams understand people’s situations, they offer tailored advice and help identify any welfare support they may be missing out on, including things like Carer’s Allowance. They also help people maximise their household income with energy advice so they can keep themselves and the people they look after safe and warm.
“The teams in our Centres for Warmth are part of the community. They actively encourage visitors to join the free Priority Services Register so they get the support they need if their gas supply is ever affected. This supports our commitment – and work every day – to ensure anyone who is eligible becomes a Priority Services customer.”
Get Extra Help
Any carers who are supporting someone who is medically dependent on energy, has a chronic or serious illness, mobility issues, is of pensionable age or five and under, or has mental health, visual, hearing or additional communication needs should sign up today to the Priority Services Register. Also, if someone has temporary carer responsibilities, they can still sign up.
The call comes as we show our support for carers this National Carers Week (8 to 14 June 2026).
Across the week, we are reminding our colleagues about the important role of carers and how we can support any colleagues who may also be carers. We are also highlighting the important role our front line teams have in helping to identify people who may benefit from becoming a Priority Services customer.
As part of our commitment to supporting carers and carer communities, Northern Gas Networks partners with Carents Room. It provides an online network aimed at helping adults who are caring for their parents – often whilst still working and caring for their own family.
Carers Week is an annual campaign to raise awareness of caring, highlight the challenges unpaid carers face and recognise the contribution they make to families and communities throughout the UK.
It also helps people who don’t think of themselves as having caring responsibilities to identify as carers and access much-needed support.
To join the Priority Services Register by clicking here or contact our Customer Care Team by emailing customercare@northerngas.co.uk or call us 0800 040 7766, option 4.
As an eligible Priority Services customer, you can receive extra support such as updates to keep you informed, home visits to provide one-on-one assistance and access to extra welfare support services.
We Support Centres for Warmth in the Following Locations
- Khidmat Community Centre, Bradford
- Shildon Alive, Church St, Shildon
- Chestnut Centre, Huddersfield
- Bilton Hall, Jarrow
- Redcar Baptist Church, Redcar
- The Centre, Maryport
- Focus4Hope, Brighouse, Halifax
- Rainbow Centre, Scarborough
- Sharp Project, Sunderland
- The Well, Hull
- Bensham Community Centre, Gateshead
- New Wortley Community Centre, Leeds
- Involve Community Centre, Leeds
- The Annexe, Hartlepool
- Fiscus Centre, Hendon, Sunderland
- Pottery Bank Community, Newcastle
- The Mem and Peoples Centre, Wallsend