Our region has some of the most economically challenged communities in the UK, including the more remote parts of rural Cumbria, Northumberland and North Yorkshire. As a business, we believe it’s our duty to support communities and individuals facing difficulties such as fuel poverty and associated forms of vulnerability. As a utility company we’re in a good position to help; working in partnership with a host of charities and community groups, with the specialist knowledge to make sure customers in vulnerable situations are supported in using energy in a safe and efficient way. But we don’t just assist gas customers, we are there for everyone in our community who may need a little extra help.

All our support projects focus on customers in vulnerable situations and Carbon Monoxide (CO) safety and are tailored to the needs of the communities we serve.

Warm Hubs to beat social isolation

We understand that social isolation, reduced public transport and difficulties accessing services can make rural living a greater challenge for some.

Working with our partner, Community Action Northumberland (CAN) we have funded Warm Hubs for a number of years. The Warm Hub model consists of a sustainable, fit for purpose building, volunteers (including a suitable recruitment process) and robust governance and policies in place to support the local community. Providing information and advice around energy and raising awareness of CO, is the common theme that runs through them all. 45 hubs have been established across rural Northumberland and the project is now financially self-sustaining, securing its long-term future.

Join our Neighbourhood Pipeline

Our new community initiative to encourage people like you to help pass on information about staying safe and warm at home to our hard-to-reach, priority customers.

Go to www.northerngasnetworks.co.uk/neighbourhoodpipeline/

Priority Services Register (PSR)

Would you need extra support if there was an unexpected interruption to your energy supply? If you have a disability or chronic illness, are over 65, pregnant or have children under 5 and you might struggle without your energy supply, even for a few hours, it’s a good idea to get added to the Priority Services Register. It’s easy to register and gives you peace of mind. If you know someone who might benefit from this service, make them aware of it too.

You can register at www.northerngasnetworks.co.uk/network-supply/priority-customers/

Carbon Monoxide (CO) the silent killer

CO is a poisonous gas that you can’t see, can’t smell and can’t taste, and if you breathe it in it can make you seriously ill or even cause death. According to the NHS, every year there are around 60 deaths from accidental carbon monoxide poisoning in England and Wales and about 200 people a year are left seriously ill.

Call 0800 111 999 if you smell gas or suspect CO - The National Gas Emergency Service operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

For further advice and information about our projects supporting people living in vulnerable situations go to https://www.northerngasnetworks.co.uk/