Vital Support for Kidney Patients in the South West: Thousands to Benefit from New Partnership

In a major collaboration, Kidney Care UK and South West Water have teamed up to provide crucial support for thousands of kidney patients across the South West. This partnership will help individuals with chronic kidney disease (CKD) access essential services, including South West Water’s Priority Services Register, which offers tailored assistance to vulnerable customers.

Enhanced Support for Kidney Patients

Kidney Care UK, the leading kidney patient support charity in the UK, provides a range of services to help the seven million people living with CKD nationwide. Through this partnership, over 110,000 kidney patients in the South West can benefit from these support services, while also gaining access to South West Water’s Priority Services Register—a free service designed to help customers manage their water bills and offer additional support for those at risk during supply interruptions.

Laurie Cuthbert, Director of Fundraising, Marketing & Communications at Kidney Care UK, emphasised the significance of this partnership:
“This is an exciting partnership to transform the support our kidney community will receive in the South West of England. Around one-third of the customers of South West Water live in some of the most deprived areas of the UK, so we are pleased to be working in partnership to be able to ensure that people with CKD in the South West are able to access all the support they need to live their lives to the full.”

Tailored Services for Vulnerable Customers

South West Water’s Priority Services Register currently supports more than 118,000 customers, offering tailored services for individuals with physical or learning disabilities, illness, or specific communication needs. This partnership is especially focused on ensuring that kidney patients get the assistance they need at a time when many may be struggling.

Dani Twelvetree, South West Water’s Head of Customer Communication and Engagement, shared her enthusiasm for the collaboration:
“We are delighted to be working with Kidney Care UK and supporting the amazing work they do to improve the quality of life for everyone affected by kidney disease. Through our Priority Services Register, we are able to provide support, so no customers affected by CKD have the added worry of how they are going to pay their water bill.”

In addition to financial support, Kidney Care UK is working with South West Water’s customer service teams to help them better understand CKD and identify the best ways to assist vulnerable customers.

How to Access the Priority Services Register

Any South West Water customer who would like more information on the Priority Services Register can visit South West Water’s dedicated webpage or call 0344 346 1010. The helpline is available from 8am-6pm Monday to Friday, and from 9am-1pm on Saturdays, for those who prefer to speak directly to someone.

About Kidney Care UK

Kidney Care UK is the leading charity supporting kidney patients in the UK, providing practical, financial, and emotional assistance to individuals and their families. The charity believes that no one should face kidney disease alone. To find out more, visit their website or call 0808 801 00 00.

This partnership highlights the ongoing commitment to ensuring kidney patients receive the support they need, particularly in challenging times.