We’ve extended our partnership with Age UK, Age Cymru, Age Scotland and Britain’s other gas networks for a further two years, so even more older people can get trusted, practical support to stay safe, warm and independent at home.
The £1.7m programme, jointly funded by Northern Gas Networks, SGN, Cadent and Wales & West Utilities and led by SGN, will now run until March 2028.
The partnership builds on the success of a previous nationwide initiative. It has been co-designed using insight and learning from older people and frontline advisers, to make sure support is meaningful, practical and trusted across England, Scotland and Wales.
The difference it’s made so far
Almost 118,000 older households across Britain have already received personalised energy support through the partnership. Thousands more have benefitted from online information, benefits checks and practical guidance to help them manage energy costs and stay safe at home.
The programme has also boosted the skills and expertise of advice teams across Age UK, Age Cymru and Age Scotland. Advisers are now better equipped to spot when someone may need extra help and connect them with the right support – from heat packs and safety information to longer-term energy advice and help managing bills.
What happens next
In the next phase, the national Age UK, Age Scotland and Age Cymru advice lines will continue to help older people with energy-related concerns and connect them to specialist services where needed. The partnership will also provide trusted, accessible information tailored to older people, with an approach that reflects local needs and challenges in each nation.
Laura Ratcliffe, Head of Social Strategy at Northern Gas Networks, said: “This programme extension means we can continue working together to help more older people stay safe, warm and well and deliver life-changing, trusted support that meets their individual needs.
“The next phase of this collaborative partnership will play a key role in ensuring more older people across the communities we serve get the right support at the right time.”
Pippa Lock, Head of Corporate Partnerships and Philanthropy at Age UK, said: “Older people are particularly vulnerable to the impacts of fuel poverty, often spending more time at home and needing to use more energy to maintain their health and wellbeing.
“Through the renewed partnership, they will be able to access specialist support designed around their specific needs.”
Smell gas or suspect carbon monoxide?
If you smell gas indoors or suspect carbon monoxide, call the National Gas Emergency Number on 0800 111 999. Calls are free and lines are open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
Prepare today. Safer tomorrow.
Check out our free resources hub to help you stay safe and warm in the colder months. It has free gas and carbon monoxide safety advice, energy saving tips and you can sign up for extra support through the free Priority Services Register.