Organisations across Hampshire have united to help over 8,500 vulnerable households living in fuel poverty.

The initiative, led by gas distribution network SGN, saw representatives from five key vulnerability partnerships come together last week to share ideas and opportunities for collaboration.

The aim is to assist customers most in need to stay warm this winter.

The event also served as a platform to launch three new partnerships with community agencies: Action Hampshire, Dementia Support Hampshire & IOW, and Home & Well Good Neighbours Network.

The county is one of the top five areas in the UK with the highest prevalence of dementia, according to Alzheimer’s Research UK.

SGN is working with Dementia Support Hampshire & IOW to help at least 1,028 households living with dementia to use energy safely, efficiently, and affordably.

Helen Hamblen, chief executive at Dementia Support Hampshire & IOW, said: "It’s been a great opportunity to network with the other partners to look at how we can work together and collaborate throughout our project period.

"Hopefully working together we can demonstrate how the partnership has positively impacted people living with dementia.

"Our team are learning a lot about energy advice and home safety.

"Huge thanks to SGN for funding the voluntary sector and providing support that makes a difference."

SGN is also working with Action Hampshire to support voluntary, community, and social enterprise (VCSE) groups with training and resources to help diverse communities who may face barriers in accessing energy safeguarding services.

The scheme aims to help at least 3,500 households access much-needed support from their utilities through local trusted community and volunteer groups.

The Home & Well Good Neighbours Network is identifying residents forced to make difficult choices when it comes to heating their homes due to stretched household incomes.

SGN has joined forces with them to proactively support at least 4,000 Hampshire residents through tailored energy safeguarding and support services designed to tackle fuel poverty.

Janet Duggan, community partnership manager at SGN, said: "We’re really excited to be launching three new community partnerships who are all working across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.

"It was fantastic to bring together our Hampshire partners, encourage them to explore ways of joined-up working particularly so they can elevate the support they provide vulnerable customers in their own homes."