Action Hampshire and Surrey Community Action join forces with SSEN to support vulnerable customers to support more vulnerable customers through the winter months and ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, with targeted advice and guidance through a variety of communication methods.
Last year, SSEN handled over 550,000 customer calls during power cuts, with the average number of calls increasing tenfold during storms in the winter months. This partnership brings the ability to reach more customers, raising awareness of vital free assistance such as SSEN’s Priority Services Register, and the advice and support services on offer to help Hampshire and Surrey residents save energy and money.
The project, funded by SSEN, will allow us to deliver information and advice by phone, email and online platforms – a suite of communication methods to suit individual customers. We will be providing guidance including money saving tips; information on switching energy suppliers; accessing government support schemes and other charitable grants; assistance with debt signposting; and support with registering for additional help during power cuts through SSEN’s Priority Service Register.
In addition to this, the funding will help us create a series of podcasts focusing on the best ways to reduce energy consumption, save money and sign up for the free services that can assist customers during power cuts and boost their resilience in the face of adverse weather situations. The podcasts are targeted to reach a wide and varied audience across Hampshire and Surrey. The podcasts will feature music composed and performed by local people from all ages and will be made available to partner organisations and community radio stations.
The aim of this partnership is to work together with local communities as a preventative measure, supporting and assisting residents before any potential issues can escalate.
SSEN has extended its Priority Services Register to those who are categorised at ‘high risk’ and ‘extremely high risk’ of severe illness from coronavirus. For more information on all the support available from SSEN, and for helpful advice on preparing for and dealing with a power cut, please visit ssen.co.uk/ready-together.
For further information about the project and how to access support, please contact Joanna Dixon or David Carter at Surrey Community Action . David can also be reached on 07521 503 696
