Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks' (SSEN) staff across central southern England have been raising funds and awareness with the National Autistic Society (NAS).

As part of its ongoing commitment to provide the highest quality customer service, SSEN has teamed up with a local branch of the charity, that was founded in 1962 to help transform lives, change attitudes and create a society that works for autistic people.

David Carter MBE and his wife, Rachel are volunteers from the South Hampshire branch of the National Autistic Society and spent the day with fifteen front-facing SSEN staff to help them develop a greater understanding of autism and how it may change customers' needs.

Through a presentation, discussion and interaction, David and Rachel - who are Chair and Vice Chair NAS South Hampshire respectively - were able to further educate SSEN colleagues on autism; addressing misconceptions surrounding autism, and provided information and advice on how to best to help customers.

Emma Merritt, Lead Customer Relationship Manager South, was instrumental in setting up the training day: "It was a pleasure to welcome David and Rachel to our Walton Park site in Cosham and to use their knowledge and expertise to help us increase our own knowledge and understanding."

"We owe it to all of our customers to do whatever we can to meet their needs and that means we are always learning and gathering new skills."

As NAS is a charity, SSEN raised £600 to thank the local branch for their efforts in helping to organise and facilitate the training day.

David added: "We were delighted to be invited to give this talk to SSEN staff. It is so important that autism is better understood across all areas of business and the general population."

"We are very grateful to SSEN for their generous donation which we will put towards our efforts to improve the understanding of autism and, in particular, to support the work we undertake as a partner in the Hampshire, Southampton, Portsmouth and Isle of Wight Autism Ambassador Scheme."

For some, being without electricity, even for a short time, can be a distressing and difficult situation and SSEN offers extra help and support to ensure its customers are looked after.

Customers can qualify for SSEN's Priority Services Register if they:

  • Are dependent on electricity for home medical care
  • Have a chronic illness or short term medical condition
  • Are disabled
  • Have special communication needs
  • Have children under the age of five
  • Are over the age of 60

By registering for SSEN's PSR, customers will be proactively contacted to warn them of potential bad weather to help them prepare and to offer extra support where required. SSEN's teams will also keep in close and regular contact with its PSR customers during power cuts to check they are getting the help they need.

More information on NAS can be found here - https://www.autism.org.uk and information about the South Hampshire Branch can be found here - www.shantsnas.org.uk