Free energy help for older people gets two more years of funding

Older people worried about heating their homes this winter can keep getting free energy advice from Age UK² until March 2028. The gas network companies have renewed their funding for two more years, with a £1.7m programme announced this week.

SGN¹ leads the partnership, and Cadent, Northern Gas Networks and Wales & West Utilities fund it too. It covers England, Scotland and Wales, working through Age UK, Age Cymru and Age Scotland. The scheme first ran nationwide, and SGN said almost 118,000 older households have had personalised energy support through it so far. That has meant heat packs, safety information, longer-term energy advice and help managing bills.

In the next phase, the national advice lines will take older people’s energy worries and put them in touch with specialist services where needed. The programme has also built up the skills of the charities’ advice teams, so they can spot vulnerable people and connect them with support.

“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,” said Pippa Lock, head of corporate partnerships and philanthropy at Age UK, in SGN’s announcement.

How to get help in Brighton & Hove

The Age UK Advice Line is free on 0800 678 1602, from 8am to 7pm every day of the year, bank holidays included. You don’t have to be the older person to ring. Families, friends, carers and professionals can call, and the advisers can pass callers on to their local Age UK for practical help.

For Brighton & Hove, that’s Age UK West Sussex, Brighton & Hove^3,4, at 95 Queens Road. Its information and advice team works from 9am to 2pm on weekdays, on 0800 019 1310 (option 2). This winter its advisers can check what benefits you could claim, advise on the Warm Home Discount and Winter Fuel Payments, and give practical help with keeping your home warm.