As Autumn approaches, many people will start to think about how to keep their homes warm. Do you work for an organisation that supports people experiencing or at risk of fuel poverty? Northern Gas Networks wants to hear from you, we can help you, help those in need.

Community groups and charities in the North East of England are being invited to apply for grants of up to £10,000, to help make local communities warmer and safer.

Northern Gas Networks’ Community Partnering Fund at the Community Foundation Tyne & Wear and Northumberland aims to primarily support those who are likely to be affected by the energy and cost of living crises. Grants of between £1,000 and £10,000 are available for organisations to support their communities.

Eileen Brown, Customer Experience Director at Northern Gas Networks said: “It is a privilege for us here at Northern Gas Networks to be able to provide financial support to organisations who help people who are really struggling and worrying about keeping warm as the colder months approach.

“The Fund is however, not just limited to tackling fuel poverty, we are working hard to raise awareness of the dangers of Carbon Monoxide poisoning and the benefits of being on the Priority Services Register, which aims to ensure that support for the most vulnerable in society is prioritised in the event of a loss of gas or electricity supply.

“The benefits of being placed on the register range from being provided with alternative cooking and heating equipment, to provision of hot meals, and even alternative accommodation if this is needed.

“Awareness and advice about Carbon Monoxide and the Priority Services Register can make such a difference to people in their everyday lives and being aware can sometimes mean the difference between life and death in the unfortunate event of exposure to Carbon Monoxide.”

The Northern Gas Networks Partnering Fund at the Community Foundation Tyne & Wear and Northumberland will consider applications from organisations looking to support the aims of the Fund, , further information and how to apply can be found here: https://www.communityfoundation.org.uk/grants/supporting-vulnerable-communities-to-stay-warm-and-safe/.

Pete Barrett, Senior Programmes Advisor at the Community Foundation Tyne & Wear and Northumberland said: “We are delighted the Northern Gas Networks Community Partnering Fund will continue for a further year, helping to support voluntary and community sector organisations to support some of the most vulnerable communities here in the North East at a time of great need.

“If you’d like to hear more about the Northern Gas Networks Community Partnering Fund here at the Community Foundation, or your organisation would like to discuss an application, please get in touch.”

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