Carents Hub

This VCMA project aims to address the challenges faced by unpaid carers of older adults, including social isolation, vulnerability within the home, and increased risk of fuel poverty and unsafe energy use. These challenges can have a direct impact on the safety and wellbeing of customers connected to participating GDNs' networks. ​Working with participating GDNs, this project will deliver a nationwide, digitally enabled support offer designed specifically for carents.

It will focus on preventative, early-intervention activity, ensuring that carers are better informed, supported and connected at key points of need. ​The scope of the project includes delivery of the following core activities: ​• A trusted digital hub providing accessible information on energy safety, fuel poverty, carbon monoxide (CO) risk and wider vulnerability support ​• 'Always on' support, accessible 24/7/365 ​• Targeted content and resources co-created with carers, focused on real-world risks within the home ​• Integration of energy safeguarding messages into a platform already used by carents, enabling information to be accessed at relevant and timely moments ​• Signposting and onward referral to appropriate local and national support services where additional support is required ​ ​The project scope will ensure that carents across participating GDN network areas can access consistent, accurate and trusted energy safety and vulnerability information, regardless of location and time constraints. By embedding gas safety, CO awareness and fuel poverty support within an established bespoke digital community, the project reduces barriers to engagement and supports earlier identification of risk and immediate access to support. ​The objectives of the project are to: ​• Reduce the risks of fuel poverty and cold homes and promote access to safe, reliable green energy for care-affected households ​• Promote carent resilience ​• Reduce inequalities faced by elderly care-affected households ​• Maintain and develop a solution to promote resilience in elderly-care affected households throughout the UK ​Collectively, these objectives support VCMA priorities by delivering preventative, consumer-focused interventions that reduce harm, promote inclusion, and strengthen resilience across the energy system