The Gas Distribution Networks (GDN’s) across the UK have launched their Carbon Monoxide (CO) Charity Fund, inviting UK charities and organisations to apply for funding to support CO related initiatives.
Following the fund’s successful launch last year the GDN’s are pleased to once again launch this year’s fund. The GDN’s will consider applications on an annual basis and award one-off grants up to the value of £10,000 from the fund.
Northern Gas Networks, in partnership with Cadent, SGN and Wales & West Utilities, are hopeful the fund will encourage new and innovative ideas around raising awareness of the risks, dangers and symptoms of CO and the prevention of further CO poisoning cases in the UK.
Tom Bell, Head of Social Strategy at Northern Gas Networks and Chair of the GDN CO Best Practice Group, said: “We are pleased that GDN’s across the UK have collaborated to set up this important fund, providing support to charities and other organisations who already work on CO related initiatives and engaging new charities with fresh ideas to get involved.
“After the launch today, we look forward to receiving and considering all applications over the next few months.”
The deadline for application submissions is Friday 31 August. Following the deadline, the GDN’s will meet in October to review the applicants. Anyone wishing to find out more, or to download an application form, should visit: www.energynetworks.org/gas/she/co-charity-fund-2018.html
CO is a poisonous, colourless and odourless gas that can lead to dizziness, nausea, tiredness, loss of breath and potential death.
The Department of Health estimates around 4,000 people attending accident and emergency departments in the UK are diagnosed with CO poisoning. Accurate numbers are however difficult to determine because the signs and symptoms of CO poisoning are very similar to other common illnesses and so can often be misdiagnosed by health professionals.
The Carbon Monoxide Charity Fund has been established off the back of NGN’s Community Promises Fund framework. The fund offers grants of between £1,000 and £10,000 to third sector organisations and community groups with innovative approaches to delivering sustainable initiatives associated with energy saving, fuel poverty, Carbon Monoxide awareness, raising the profile of the Priority Services Register (PSR) and STEM (science, technology, engineering and maths) subjects across areas of the North of England.
Anyone that smells gas or suspects carbon monoxide should call the National Gas Emergency Service immediately on 0800 111 999. This line is in operation 24-hours a day, seven days a week.