As a national operator rooted in towns and villages across the UK, our sites, projects and people are part of the communities we serve. As an organisation woven into local communities, we have both the opportunity, and the responsibility, to create social value and contribute positively beyond our operational role. Our Tackling Loneliness initiative brings this purpose to life by empowering colleagues to support connection, confidence and wellbeing in the places they know best.

Our impact so far  

Since launching in 2024, the initiative has contributed over:  

• 1,830 hours of volunteering
• 3,348 people supported  
• 917 employees involved  
• 83 community activities hosted  

These numbers represent time given, skills shared and relationships built, often in places where a small gesture can make a meaningful difference. 

How we’re tackling loneliness

The Tackling Loneliness initiative is designed to make it easier for National Gas colleagues to support people who may feel isolated or disconnected. By combining national partnerships with locally led activities, the programme helps communities access the social connections that strengthen wellbeing, resilience and belonging.

It is built on a simple belief: when colleagues use their time, skills and local understanding to create welcoming spaces, the impact can be felt one conversation at a time.  

To maximise impact, National Gas partners with three leading charities that support people experiencing loneliness at different life stages.  

1.UK Youth – Creating experiences for young people  

Through UK Youth’s Adventures Away from Home programme, National Gas funded:

• 237 bursaries funded for outdoor learning and day trips near six National Gas Hub locations.  
• Activities to help build confidence, socioemotional skills, and positive relationships.  
• Sponsorship of a Belong Collective celebration event recognising youth practitioners who champion connection.

2.Age UK - Offering conversation and companionship  

Up to 30 National Gas employees volunteer weekly with Age UK’s Telephone Friendship Service, providing regular conversation and company for people aged 50+ who may otherwise feel isolated.

3.WaveLength - Helping people reconnect digitally  

To help reduce digital isolation, National Gas has donated:

• 52 tablets  
• 3 TVs  

These resources help people stay connected, informed and engaged with the world around them.  

Community Hubs: Local teams responding to local needs

Community Hubs sit at the heart of the Tackling Loneliness initiative. Each Hub is shaped by local colleagues who understand their area best - choosing activities, building relationships and creating spaces where everyone feels welcome.  

Just a few examples of what teams have delivered:

• Peterhead: The Monthly Mission Café in Peterhead brings people together over warm meals, conversation and community connection, supporting more than 50 people experiencing isolation, bereavement or addiction.
• Livingston: Weekly “Soup Social” for adults with learning difficulties, and friendship brunches for parents.  

• Peterborough: Christmas celebration for 30 older residents with games, food and festive activities.  

• Hatton: Remembrance Day event attended by 190+ veterans and residents, featuring music and personal storytelling.  

  

• Bacton: Community bingo evenings bringing together 100+ locals, praised widely on local radio.  
• Carnforth: A community lunch hosted with the Town Council to discuss mental health and wellbeing.  

• Warwick: Afternoon tea for 60 older guests, along with volunteering with Helping Hands, which provides essential support to people experiencing homelessness, poverty and hardship in Leamington through soup kitchen and breakfast services.
• Ambergate: Supporting BlueBox Belpar’s coffee and cake mornings in addition to co-hosting wreath making workshops during the festive season. 

These activities demonstrate the power of colleagues working with, not just in, their communities.

What communities are saying

• “Meeting up with old and new friends has been brilliant… I have met with friends I have not seen in ages!”  - Mission Café attendee  
• “I don’t think I’ve ever laughed so much in my whole entire life.”  - Bacton bingo participant  
• “It’s not just about the meal; it’s about feeling seen and valued.” - Helping Hands beneficiary

Reflections from our CEO

Jon Butterworth, CEO, said: “I believe that everyone has the potential to make change in their community and extend their impact beyond their valued contribution at work. That’s why being involved in charitable initiatives matters so much to us all at National Gas.  

"National Gas is putting a smile on hundreds of faces which is a great thing and I’m grateful to every partner, volunteer and colleague who is helping to turn awareness into action.”

Connecting communities, one conversation at a time

Up and down the UK, hundreds of National Gas colleagues are helping create spaces where people feel welcome, supported and connected. Their time, commitment and local understanding are at the heart of the Tackling Loneliness initiative, and its impact is being felt one conversation, one event and one community at a time.