Yorkshire Water launches vulnerability fund to support projects in Leeds

Disabled People's User Led Organisation (DPULO), DIAL LEEDS, based in Seacroft and fuel poverty support charity, Groundwork Green Doctor, based in Morley, will receive grants from the water company, it has been announced.

The funding will support the charities to deliver their services and to raise awareness of Yorkshire Water’s priority services to encourage those who would benefit from it to sign up.

> Broadway Horsforth murder: Mum describes moment police vans swarmed Leeds street after woman's death

The Yorkshire Water’s priority services help customers who may be significantly impacted if they can’t access water for a short period of time, or people who need to tailor their interaction with the utility company to ensure they have a positive experience.

> Swarcliffe police incident: Teenager's hand chopped off in machete attack in Leeds

Ash Roberts, customer vulnerability manager at Yorkshire Water, said: “We’re thrilled to be supporting some fantastic local charities through our vulnerability fund. By working together to raise awareness of our priority services, we’ll be able to reach more customers and demonstrate its benefits to those that need it most.”

Kath Harrison, manager of DIAL LEEDS, said: “We are very pleased to have been awarded a Yorkshire Water Vulnerability Fund grant. Our project to support the priority services register started at the beginning of March and is already helping vulnerable individuals and households.”

> Leeds Refills zero waste shop owner wants to become 'mainstay of the community' at Hyde Park Corner

Simon Kilshaw, manager of Green Doctor, said: "Groundwork Yorkshire Green Doctors are again delighted to be partnering Yorkshire Water. This project aims to provide support, information & practical actions to reduce water costs, offer extra priority services for vulnerable customers & become more water efficient. We're sure this project will be successful & develop our partnership in the future".

Of Yorkshire Water’s services, Ash Roberts added: “Customers on our priority services register can disclose any additional needs they may have, and tailor their account to meet their requirements. We can support customers who have sight problems or are hard of hearing, have home dialysis, use a wheelchair, have mobility concerns, are a new parent, are concerned about unwanted callers, or would like someone else to manage their account.

“Signing up to the priority services register helps us understand day to day customer needs, as well as in the event of planned work, or an emergency repair, so we can make sure they get the assistance they need as soon as possible.

“We’re pleased to be supporting DIAL LEEDS and Groundwork, and look forward to welcoming more customers to our priority services register.”