Kidney Care UK has launched a new partnership with UK Power Networks and charities Asthma + Lung and Warm Welcome to provide much-needed emergency support for people receiving dialysis at home and other groups who rely on electricity for their medical needs.
This unique partnership will encourage people in UK Power Networks coverage area to sign up to the Priority Services Register, which offers extra assistance for vulnerable people including advance warning of planned power cuts and storms and in some cases hot meals, hotels and battery packs for vulnerable customers until power is returned, as well as free energy advice to those struggling with energy costs.
Despite the 2.7 million households on the company’s confidential Priority Services Register (PSR) it’s estimated that 500,000 homes across London, the South East and East of England are still missing out on vital support services available free from their local electricity distributor during a power cut.
Kidney Care UK will provide training and skills workshops for frontline customer service staff at UK Power Networks to make sure they understand the energy needs of people living with kidney disease and can offer the right support.
Power cuts can be particularly challenging for those who rely on critical medical equipment, such as those who do their life saving dialysis treatment at home. This partnership with UK Power Networks will allow us to provide timely support to people with chronic kidney disease, ensuring they remain safe and well-informed during outages. Through our collaboration, we will increase awareness and sign-ups to the Priority Services Register and provide training to UK Power Networks’ frontline staff so they can provide assistance. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of those living with chronic conditions such as kidney disease.Laurie Cuthbert, Director of Fundraising, Marketing & Communications at Kidney Care UK
Kidney Care UK works with with a range of utility companies across the UK to provide vital support for the kidney community.
Through the partnership, Asthma + Lung will promote the needs of people with lung conditions. During the winter, cold can trigger asthma attacks and exacerbate respiratory diseases.
UK Power Networks will work with the Warm Welcome Campaign to support 1,000 Warm Welcome Spaces across the 10 most fuel poor areas it serves, tackling fuel poverty and loneliness by connecting people with warm, welcoming community venues near home.