Kidney Care UK has extended a vital partnership with the UK's gas distribution networks (GDNs) (Cadent, Northern Gas Networks, SGN and Wales & West Utilities) to deliver life-changing support for around 25,000 people with chronic kidney disease (CKD) in the UK.
Currently only around 26% of people on dialysis are in full time employment.
Office for National Statistics data shows that people with CKD saw an average loss of earnings over five years of £14,700. This is the second-highest loss of earnings linked to a health condition requiring hospitalisation, only behind people who have experienced a stroke.
This investment is testament to the success of the initial collaborative programme which began in 2024, and the need to provide long-term specialist support to ensure that no one faces kidney disease alone.
The additional investment will enable Kidney Care UK to continue to support vulnerable customers most in need, providing people living with CKD with vital help to tackle fuel poverty through a holistic suite of patient services.
These include face-to-face support where people living with kidney disease will get assistance with benefit entitlement and welfare and specialist money and energy advice, as well as access to our Kidney Care UK Support Line.
By working together over the last two years we have been able to provide support to more than 15,000 people already – including helping vulnerable kidney patients access £2.1m in life-changing financial benefits they weren't aware of and more than £350,000 in grants. We’re delighted to be able to continue this unique and transformational partnership, uniting statutory, charitable and corporate sectors with a common goal of ensuring that no one faces kidney disease alone.Laurie Cuthbert, Director of Fundraising, Marketing & Communications at Kidney Care UK
The impact of the programme is already transforming lives
One beneficiary, Gwilym*, turned to Kidney Care UK when he was struggling with the cost-of-living and paying household bills. The team at Kidney Care UK helped identify unclaimed financial support, including Attendance Allowance and Pension Credit. They also provided support to help extend his wife’s Personal Independence Payment claim. Through practical help completing application forms, the couple's income was successfully increased by more than £24,000 a year.
We’re more than a £1,000 a month better off because of what you’ve done. We’re so grateful, we wouldn’t have known to claim any of this without you. It’s life changing.*The individual in question has asked to remain anonymous
Spokespeople from the four GDNs involved described the positive impact extending the partnership with Kidney Care UK will have for vulnerable kidney patients:
Living with kidney disease is complex and challenging. This collaborative partnership opens the door to vital extra support for thousands of people when they need it most. Getting people signed up to the free Priority Services Register is just the first step. Through this partnership extension, we'll ensure more people can access energy efficiency and gas safety advice to keep them safe and warm. It will help us link up patients with our network of trusted partners who can offer valuable support like income maximisation advice to ease cost-of-living pressures, so they can focus on their medical care.Laura Ratcliffe, Northern Gas Networks' Head of Social Strategy
We have been working with Kidney Care UK for nearly 3 years now, supporting thousands of people living in vulnerable situations. As the cost of living continues to impact the most vulnerable in society, we know that programmes like these are more important than ever.Ellen Cox, Safeguarding Specialist at Cadent
Life costs more for people living with chronic diseases and our extended partnership with Kidney Care UK will provide much needed support. By investing in their frontline supporters and support line, we’re making sure anyone living with chronic kidney disease has access to the benefits and care they’re entitled to.Margaret Hamilton, Community Partnership Manager at SGN
Chronic illness is challenging enough without having to worry whether or not you’ve enough money to switch the heating on. As a company that is committed to supporting the most vulnerable in our communities, this partnership helps bring peace of mind to families and individuals affected by this illness. We’re delighted to be doing our part in delivering the service.Sophie Stone, Vulnerability & Carbon Monoxide Manager at Wales & West Utilities