A £1.7m partnership between UK gas network companies and Age UK, Age Cymru and Age Scotland to support older people will run for a further two years.

Gas firms involved include SGN, Cadent, Northern Gas Networks and Wales & West Utilities.

The partnership will now run until March 2028 and aims to help older people stay safe, warm and independent at home.

So far more than 118,000 older households have been helped with online information, benefit checks and practical guidance on issues such as managing energy costs and safety advice.

“Older people are particularly vulnerable to the impacts of fuel poverty, often spending more time at home and needing to use more energy to maintain their health and wellbeing,” said Age UK head of corporate partnerships and philanthropy Pippa Lock.

“Through the renewed partnership, they will be able to access specialist support designed around their specific needs.”

SGN community partnership manger Margaret Hamilton added: “The gas distribution networks and Age UK, Age Cymru and Age Scotland charities are extending our commitment to working together to ensure older people can access trusted advice, practical support and potentially life- saving interventions, helping them live safely, confidently and independently in their own homes for longer.”

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