Safe and warm partnership with SGN

Sue Ryder has partnered with SGN over the last two years to keep vulnerable people safe, warm, and supported in selected regions of the south of England.

We’ve reached almost 1.5 million households, distributing 360 carbon monoxide alarms, and helping 1557 people sign up for the Priority Services Register.

Behind every one of those numbers is someone facing the end of their life, experiencing bereavement, or trying to get through another cold season.

Because no one should have to face the cold alone, together, we’re continuing to be there for our communities.

As we come to the end of phase one, we’re proud of what the Safe and Warm with Sue Ryder programme has achieved:

• In total we’ve reached 1.5 million households with vital energy safeguarding information and support, allowing them to signpost or sign up for further support.
• A comprehensive Safe and Warm Guide, leaflets and other materials were developed and distributed to patients, and those facing terminal illness, death or grief.
• At least 14,967 customers engaged with the resources provided through 109 Sue Ryder charity shops, helping them to stay safe and warm over winter.

• Provided 9,039 households facing terminal illness or experiencing bereavement as well as wider community members with personalised energy information through the Sue Ryder network of staff and volunteers across Sue Ryder Hospices, Community Nursing Teams, Grief Kind Spaces, Sue Ryder Retail and Online Bereavement Support. This enabled them to access vital information, helping them stay safe and warm during the winter months.
• Our teams have had 6,892 conversations about the Priority Services Register and signed up 1,557 people. This enabled them to access to priority energy services during emergencies such as services being temporarily down and more.
• ​We’ve referred 69 households for debt support through SGN’s Safe and Warm partnership network for relevant services and through the StepChange programme, helping people to manage their finances.
• 6,501 conversations have been had around CO safety with an estimated 360 CO alarms distributed to families.
• Our Safe and Warm online hub with helpful information about the links between terminal illness, grief, and fuel poverty, where to get a CO alarm, and information about the Priority Services Register, referral partners and support available has reached 8,016 people.

Following the success of this first phase, we’re pleased to confirm that the partnership with SGN will continue for a further two years. The next phase will focus on a retail-led model during the winter months, building on the strong foundations already in place. Over two winters, we've been there for people who need a little extra help.

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.