SGN Partnership

Our partnership project between Cruse and SGN aims to ensure bereaved people have access to energy support services designed to help them to maintain a safe and warm home.

Who are SGN?

SGN manages the network which distributes natural and green gas to approximately six million homes and businesses across Scotland and southern England. Their pipes deliver gas safely, reliably and efficiently to each of these customers. ​ 

Aims of the project 

The partnership launched in September 2024 and brings together Cruse Bereavement Support and SGN to support bereaved people, and those facing a bereavement. Our aim is to help alleviate fuel poverty and ensure grieving people have access to energy safeguarding services designed to help people maintain a safe and warm home.   

Why we’re needed 

The link between bereavement and fuel poverty in the UK is many sided.  

Bereavement can lead to a reduction in household income, which can worsen existing financial difficulties and increase the risk of falling into fuel poverty. Additionally, many bereaved people may only be made aware of their household’s financial situation when someone dies, including potentially discovering that there are debts they are now responsible for.  

The emotional, psychological and physical strain of losing a loved one can also impair an individual’s or family’s ability to manage financial matters, leading to increased vulnerability. This can be particularly acute when the person who died solely managed the family finances. 

Fuel poverty can have severe health implications, particularly for bereaved individuals who may already be experiencing heightened emotional stress.  

What we’re doing 

Through this project, Cruse volunteers and staff will be trained to recognise where bereaved people who use Cruse’s services are potentially vulnerable to fuel poverty. They will also be trained to offer energy support and information including how to signpost bereaved people to further energy support services such as the Priority Services Register (PSR) and Citizens Advice.  

In addition, Cruse will run awareness raising campaigns through newsletters, social media and direct marketing to raise awareness of energy safeguarding and of the energy support services that bereaved people can access. 

Resources 

If you’d like to find out more about the project please get in touch by emailing [email protected] – we’d love to hear from you!