SGN and the Warm Welcome Campaign team up to help communities use energy safely, efficiently and affordably

A partnership between SGN and the Warm Welcome Campaign is bringing vital energy-safeguarding support directly into the heart of local communities across SGN’s regions in Scotland and the South of England.

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The initiative, “Energy Safeguarding in the Heart of the Community," was hosted in trusted Warm Welcome Spaces. The Warm Welcome Campaign supports a growing network of more than 6,300 Warm Welcome Spaces, offering warmth and welcome to communities across the UK. These spaces are a lifeline to anyone feeling lonely and to those living in poverty.

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SGN and Warm Welcome teamed up on a trial programme to expand the support offered by Warm Welcome Spaces to include energy safeguarding and support for households in energy crisis. The ambition was to reach 1,000 households. Between January and March 2026, energy safeguarding sessions were run in 15 community-based Warm Welcome Spaces, spread across Scotland and the South of England, providing a range of energy safeguarding support, advice, and warm packs to over 1,185 people. Carbon monoxide advice was given to nearly 900 guests, and carbon monoxide alarms were given to guests most in need of one. Eligible guests were also encouraged to join the Priority Services Register.

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David Barclay, Warm Welcome Campaign Director said: “We are delighted to be working with SGN to resource our spaces to serve their communities even more effectively. Warm Welcome Spaces support people through difficult times, and this collaboration strengthens that mission by bringing expert energy safeguarding support directly into local communities.”

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“The pilot project has been invaluable, not only giving guests much-needed Warm Packs and energy advice but also highlighting a lack of awareness about the Priority Service Register and the dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning. The partnership is equipping spaces and volunteers with the knowledge and skills to help communities to stay safe and warm at home and has shown us that we need to do more to raise awareness about energy safety.”

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The programme has equipped staff and volunteers in Warm Welcome Spaces with increased confidence in discussing energy-related issues, improved awareness of carbon monoxide safety, and better knowledge of referral pathways.

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Maggie Hawthorne – Wellbeing Centre Co-ordinator, Seaview Warm Welcome Space, St. Leonards, added: ‘’Being able to offer practical advice on issues around energy safeguarding has been very beneficial. Staff have more confidence in being able to approach the matter in the initial support plan we offer to new clients. Prior to the launch we would signpost to other organisations but being able to more proactive in the way we approach fuel poverty has injected a feeling of more confidence in the staff team.’’

Kerry Potter, Group Social Impact and Vulnerability Manager for SGN said: “We’re delighted to be partnering with the Warm Welcome Campaign to provide essential energy support to people who need it most. Warm Welcome Campaign are seeing first-hand the impact the cost-of-living crisis is having on households struggling to afford to maintain a safe and warm home, making our joint initiative a vital resource for visitors to Warm Welcome Spaces. We hope the energy safeguarding and support for those in an energy crisis can make a real difference to the challenges households are facing.” 

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During the pilot project Warm Welcome Space guests were given SGN Warm Packs, including a hot water bottle, fleece throw, socks, gloves, a beanie hat, a snood, a flask for warm drinks, and a responsive thermometer, plus a guide to keeping safe and warm. The warm packs were greatly valued as an opportunity to start conversations about people’s wider needs.

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“I’ve been living on a boat on and off over the winter and it’s been really cold most of the time. I can get wood to make a fire, which has helped a bit to get warm. I love everything in the Warm Pack and am pleased to have the [carbon monoxide] alarm.'' Angie, Guest at the New Community Church Warm Welcome Space in Southampton

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To find out more about the SGN and Warm Welcome’s partnership, visit: https://www.sgn.co.uk/about-us/vcma/warm-welcome-spaces

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Warm Welcome Spaces participating in the SGN Pilot Project

Community Kettle, Cosham, Portsmouth

HIS Place, Hastings

LinkAge, Southwark, South London

New Church, Southampton

Old Boat Community Centre, Brighton

Seaview, St. Leonards, East Sussex

Friends of Bishopstone Station, Seaford, East Sussex

St. Michaels Hospice, St. Leonards, East Sussex

Hastings Voluntary Action (HVA)- Ageing well groups, Hastings

●       HARC – Food Banks in Rye & Hastings

Trust for Developing Communities (TDC)

●   Moulsecoomb Library, Brighton

●   Hawk 50 Club Brighton

Lunch Positive – Lunch Clubs, Brighton, Seaford & Eastbourne

St Paul’s Community Hub in Shettleston, Scotland

The Junction, Bo’ness, Firth of Forth

Newcastleton & District Community Trust, Scottish Borders

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