Alzheimer’s and Dementia Support Services (ADSS), Kent’s leading independent dementia charity, has announced a strategic partnership with SGN to launch a comprehensive energy safeguarding program. The initiative was officially inaugurated at the Temple Hill Community Centre in Dartford, aiming to support individuals living with dementia in maintaining safe and warm homes.  

This collaborative effort addresses the unique challenges faced by the 27,000 people living with dementia across Kent and Medway. Symptoms such as memory loss and impaired decision-making can make it difficult for these individuals to manage household energy needs safely and efficiently.   

A Lifeline for Thousands  

Over the 15 months, ADSS’s Home Energy Advisor will work alongside ADSS teams, which includes 30 Dementia Coordinators to reach the 6000 people that ADSS supports. The initiative will focus on:  

• Helping people sign up for the Priority Services Register, ensuring they receive extra support from energy providers.  

• Distributing carbon monoxide alarms to those most at risk.  

• Running a winter warm, priority services register, Carbon Monoxide and Locking Cooker Valves campaigns reaching the people ADSS support with tips on energy efficiency and affordable heating.  

Putting People First  

The launch event highlighted the power of community collaboration, with attendees sharing their experiences and insights into how energy safeguarding can improve the quality of life for people impacted by dementia. Barbara, a carer of a client of ADSS, shared her feelings on ADSS’s help, “I have had a lot of support from ADSS, when Phil was diagnosed they arranged for fire service to come around and check my equipment… this is a lifeline for anyone else like myself who is a carer”.   

Janet Duggan, Community Partnership Manager at SGN expressed her excitement about the partnership, and also provided information on their ongoing work to support households across the region “I am absolutely delighted to attend the launch with ADSS, through the partnership we will provide essential energy support and safeguarding service to people living with dementia across Kent and Medway.  ADSS are seeing first hand the impact the cost of living crisis is having on those with families struggling to afford to maintain a safe and warm home.  With the support of their Energy Co-ordinator and wider team, the programme will help households to use energy safely, efficiently and affordably while building a network of support partners to provide further services to help address fuel poverty and the challenges households face.”