Letter: Stay safe and warm this winter

For many, the sight of crisp leaves and the promise of cosy sofa nights by the fire brings comfort. But for people struggling to keep their homes warm – especially with the energy cap rise on 1 October - this time of year can feel more uncertain.

That’s why I’m writing from the palliative care and bereavement support charity, Sue Ryder, to highlight how we’re helping more people this winter to get the support they need.

Sue Ryder staff and volunteers are working in partnership with teams from energy network SGN across the Southeast, signposting people to advice and information on staying safe and warm at home. This includes help reducing energy bills, managing debt, understanding carbon monoxide risks, and signing up to the free Priority Services Register (PSR), which offers extra help during power cuts and loss of gas supplies.

As a palliative and bereavement support charity, the partnership is particularly poignant. People at the end of their lives often rely on medical devices and need warm homes – essentials that can lead a terminally ill person’s energy bill to rise by 75% after their diagnosis.

As we enter the colder months, now is the time to check on ourselves and those around us because no one should face hardship today or in their final days.

The PSR is free to sign up for people, including those of pensionable age, who have a disability, are chronically ill, have recently been bereaved, are pregnant, or have young children under 5. To find out if you are eligible and to register, visit: sueryder.org/priority

To find out more about staying safe and warm, visit: sueryder.org/safeandwarm

Many thanks

Laura Tosh

Safe and Warm Programme Manager

Sue Ryder