Ahead of Learning Disability Week (15-21 June), Northumbrian Water is highlighting the extra support available to its customers across the North East.
The water company has a range of free services, designed to make managing bills and water services easier and more accessible for those who may need extra help.
Its Priority Services Register, which already has 177,000 customers signed up to it across the region, provides tailored help based on individual needs.
This includes the option to nominate a trusted friend, family member or carer to help manage an account, as well as setting up password protection to provide extra security when speaking to the company.
Customers can also request alternative formats for their bills and communications, such as large print, or other accessible options, helping to make information easier to understand.
As part of its wider commitment to inclusion, Northumbrian Water has also invested in improvements to its website to make it easier to use and navigate, as well as British Sign Language translation and new AI-supported tools to help explain bills more clearly.
The company has been recognised for its excellent customer service, taking the number one spot in the industry’s independent Customer Measure of Experience (C-MeX), which tracks how well water companies support and serve their customers.
Lisa Connell, Customer Service Manager at Northumbrian Water, said: “We know that managing bills can sometimes feel overwhelming, particularly for people with learning disabilities.
“Learning Disability Week is a great opportunity to raise awareness of the support we offer, but we want our customers to know this help is available all year round.
“Sometimes something as simple as receiving information in a format that works better for you or having a little extra time to talk things through, can make a big difference - and it’s completely free to sign up.”
Led by Mencap, the aim of Learning Disability Week is to celebrate the achievements of individuals with learning disabilities, raise awareness of their needs, and challenge the everyday barriers they face.
Anyone who thinks they would benefit from extra support, or knows someone who could benefit, can find out more or sign up at www.nwl.co.uk/priorityservices.