Southern Gas Networks

We’ve been partnered with all four Gas Distribution Networks since 2022, and launched this expanded project with SGN targeting underserved communities in the south of England at the beginning of 2025.

The Companions service will provide a dedicated team of volunteers, called Marie Curie Community Companions, who will offer support and a reassuring presence to the most disadvantaged and underserved communities living with an illness they’re likely to die from. Sadly, many people experience loss of income and/or increased costs when they are terminally ill, meaning many may be experiencing fuel poverty.

Marie Curie’s recent Dying in Poverty report revealed a deeply concerning analysis of how many people are dying in fuel poverty, at least 128,000 each year. That’s more than 1 in 5 of all people who die and includes 110,000 pensioners.  

The partnership with SGN will involve trained Marie Curie Community Companion volunteers supporting people at end of life and their families in a community space, at home or over the phone by providing one-to-one emotional and practical support. Volunteers will help to navigate all aspects of end of life care including advanced care planning and carer support, as well as signpost to other end of life care services, and make referrals to to Marie Curie’s Energy Support Officers and SGN’s Safe and Warm Partnership Network.