Real stories

Alzheimer’s Society partnership helps people affected by dementia to boost gas safety and cut energy bills

When Kelly Willows called to see a couple living with dementia, she noticed they had no central heating. So the dementia adviser did some research and sourced grants for a boiler and heating system.

Kelly was visiting to carry out a care assessment and talk about the Priority Services Register. This free register helps vulnerable people if power, gas or water goes off in an emergency.

The advice emerged from training through a £1.9 million partnership between Alzheimer’s Society and three UK gas distribution networks.

The Gas Distribution Network partnership aims to help people with dementia and their carers save money on energy and stay safe, but its scope has been far wider.

‘The impact achieved by this amazing project has been tangible,’ says Kelly.

I am a massive champion of the partnership, which helps people with dementia maintain their independence and keep safe.

A country wide partnership

People affected by dementia across England, Wales and Northern Ireland can benefit from the partnership, wherever they live.

Last May, Cadent – the UK’s largest gas network – teamed up with the Society to add energy efficiency and gas safety advice to the support we provide.

Since then, two more networks have come on board – Wales and West Utilities and SGN. 

The two-year partnership has provided funding for dementia advisers, so we can reach even more people.

It’s also provided valuable training for 800 frontline staff on energy efficiency, getting help with bills, carbon monoxide awareness and the Priority Services Register.

It is hoped that 20,000 people with dementia will benefit, and we plan for this support to extend beyond the end of the partnership.

Uncovering deeper challenges

Alina Stevens is one of our dementia advisers now sharing advice on energy safety and efficiency.

‘Although my role is around energy use and safety,’ says Alina, ‘it can reveal much deeper challenges.

As an example, ‘I was contacted by a gentleman who had heard about the partnership and wanted to find out about a locking cooker valve
for his father.

However, as our conversation progressed, he became tearful and it became clear there were multiple safeguarding concerns.

After Alina arranged carer’s and care needs assessments, they found that his dad qualified for fully funded 24-hour care. This was life-changing for both of them.

As part of her new role, Alina gives talks to community groups too. This reaches far more people than she would in one-to-one conversations.

‘The partnership has given me confidence in public speaking, and I now have more understanding and awareness of the range of problems people face.’

Kelly Willows has gained a lot too. ‘I have joined a peer network group which I wouldn’t have done otherwise.

‘I am hosting a visit from Cadent to one of our dementia cafés, and the training has been really useful in supporting my clients.’

Lightening the load

Amanda Jones, Cadent’s Safeguarding and Partnership Lead, has been a driving force.

She’s delighted with the difference made by the partnership, made possible through Ofgem’s Vulnerability and Carbon Monoxide Allowance.

‘We identified people with dementia as high risk but as an organisation we don’t have an opportunity to interact with these customers.

‘That’s why it was so important to link with a trusted organisation like Alzheimer’s Society, who can develop relationships with people and signpost them to extra help.

‘The project has helped a phenomenal number of people. It was so successful, we met with the other three gas distribution networks to take this across the UK. There is a lot of help out there, but people don’t know about it. 

The beauty of the partnership is that we can get the right information to the right people.

‘People with dementia and their carers have a lot on their plate. But I hope this project will lighten their load just a little and then I will have done my job.’

Energy: what can help?

• Act early – check your boiler is working before the cold weather sets in.
• Small changes to be more energy efficient can make a big difference to comfort and cost.
• We can help you find local grants for energy costs – call our Dementia Support Line on 0333 150 3456.
• Carbon monoxide alarms save lives – is yours fitted and working?
• The Priority Services Register is free and helps when services are disrupted.