We're launching a new partnership with a Thames Valley brain injury charity to raise awareness of the Priority Services we offer to our more vulnerable customers. These provide free, practical assistance to our customers who may need extra support during a power cut.
Headway Thames Valley (HTV), which is based in Henley-on-Thames, is encouraging and helping people it supports to sign up for our Priority Services by providing them with leaflets, online information and guidance on how to register for the service and how it can benefit them, a family member or a loved one.
ABOVE: Mohammed Kamraiz (SSEN) and Qudsia Rahim (Headway Thames Valley) are welcoming the new partnership
Those people the charity helps sign up will receive a support pack, which has been devised by HTV to be particularly helpful for those living with the effects of brain injuries.
It contains advice for what to do during a power cut, or ahead of a Planned Service Interruption (PSI), that can take place when essential maintenance or repairs are being carried out. It also includes a torch, power bank, hat, socks, gloves and an information leaflet.
ABOVE: One of the people HTV supports with the new SSEN and HTV packs for use during power cuts
Speaking about the partnership, our Community Liaison Officer, Mohammed Kamraiz says:
“We’re really glad to be working with Headway Thames Valley to raise awareness of the support we provide for our Priority Services customers. By working together in this way, we’ll help reach even more customers who can benefit from this tailored, free support.
“Given the nature of the charity’s work in supporting people with brain injuries, we know many of them will be eligible for support during a power cut. It’s vital we support customers who may be more vulnerable during such an outage, no matter how short it is. Our Priority Services will give them extra reassurance and help reduce worry.”
Qudsia Rahim from Headway Thames Valley adds:
“Our priority at HTV is to support our clients in any capacity that we can. Brain injuries are classed as a ‘hidden disability’ as they often go unnoticed in many people, leaving them vulnerable. Partnering with SSEN will ensure that our clients, their families and their carers are supported and safe in the event of power outage.”
More information on Priority Services
Customers are eligible for SSEN’s Priority Services  if they:
- Are deaf or hard of hearing
- Have a disability
- Live with children under five
- Are blind or partially-sighted
- Have a chronic illness
- Use medical equipment/aids reliant on electricity
- Are over 60.
We can provide customers who have signed up with regular updates, safety advice, dedicated 24-hour helpline and communication in a format that meets their needs. For example, we can provide information in large print, Braille, alternative languages or British Sign Language.
Everyone has different needs, so they are welcome to contact us to discuss their requirements. People can find more information on SSEN’s Priority Services webpage, or by calling free on 0800 294 3259 to find out how they, a family member or friend could benefit from free support during a power cut.