A new partnership between SSEN Distribution and Highland Sight Action is raising awareness of the free help and support that is available to blind and visually impaired people across the far north of Scotland.

SSEN's free Priority Services Register (PSR) provides help to those who need it most on the rare occasions there is a power cut, for example those who are blind or partially sighted. By teaming up with Highland Sight Action, whichprovides patient support and rehabilitation to blind and visually impaired adults and children across the Highlands and Western Isles, SSEN Is hopingto make more people aware of the PSR and encourage them to sign up if not already registered.

Pamela Harvey, SSEN Distribution's Customer Relationship Manager, says that the partnership is an important way of reaching out to customers who are perhaps not aware of the PSR:

"As Customer Relationship Manager I'm always looking for ways to raise the profile of our PSR, as I want to make sure we can support as many eligible customers as possible. Working alongside Highland Sight Action means that, with their invaluable experience and links across the region, we can hopefully help even more people if there is a fault on our network or during a period of stormy weather which causes their power to go off.

"To coincide with the launch of our new partnership, we recently donated 3,000 LED torches to Highland Sight Action to distribute with their newsletter, and we hope these will come in handy throughout the year as well as the rare occasions there is a power cut."

SSEN also has a long-standing partnership with Home Energy Scotland, who can help with a variety of issues around energy efficiency and fuel poverty, and so this link-up with Highland Sight Action will also help to raise awareness of their important role as well.

Gillian Mitchell, Sight Action Executive Manager, said that she and her colleagues had been impressed with the enthusiasm SSEN had shown to working collaboratively, adding:

"Low vision and blindness are not always a priority in any commercial company, and it is reassuring that our clients are being considered during any power outage. We wish to congratulate SSEN on their forward thinking and look forward to improving the services together."

To learn more about SSEN's Priority Services Register, please visit this dedicated webpage.