The Vulnerability Registration Service (VRS), which is the UK’s central database for alerting companies to customer vulnerability, has launched a support network that allows people to access help in one place.
The initiative aims to simplify finding relevant assistance without needing to search multiple websites.
VRS enables individuals to notify banks, utilities, government departments, housing providers, insurers, and financial services about their circumstances and the support they require which would allow organisations to provide appropriate and personalised responses.
The consumer portal brings together a range of support services in one place including access to debt advice from StepChange, help with home energy and heating, registering for Priority Services or guidance on care options through My Care Consultant. Tools like I E Hub and Money Carer help with managing finances, and the Inbest Benefits Calculator shows eligibility for benefits, grants, and social tariffs.
Registration is free and users can highlight the challenges they face, including mental or physical health, financial difficulties, bereavement, unpaid caregiving, or accessibility issues such as hearing, sight, dyslexia, or digital skills. They can share how they want to be supported, including their preferred way to receive help and assistance with managing finances.
Vulnerability Registration Service CEO Helen Lord says: “It is difficult to use labels when it comes to why an individual is vulnerable – it is usually a complicated mix of mental and physical health, accessibility challenges, financial difficulty and life events, all combined with a dose of human emotion. People identify with an average of five characteristics of vulnerability when registering with VRS.
“We believe that people should be able to freely and easily find discounts, benefits and the help they need when they are possibly overwhelmed and struggling. Through our partnership collaborations, we are leading people to help that includes debt management and income and expenditure, identifying eligibility for benefits, specialist assistance for unpaid carers and linking to a host of support groups, all in one place”.
National Support Network founder and CEO Cat Divers says: “When a customer registers their vulnerable circumstances, it is powerful to know that, in that very moment, they can be connected to trusted support to help them resolve or better manage their situation. We are proud to be working with VRS to extend their offering and help those in need.”
Healthy Home Solutions managing director Derek Owen says: “At HHS our goal is simple: make it easier for people to get the right help, first time. Partnering with the VRS means residents don’t have to repeat their story – we can securely register their need once and ensure they’re prioritised and protected across our essential services partner network.”
My Care Consultant founder Jacqueline Berry says: “Families are having to navigate the plethora of ever complex rules and processes across the UK care systems, at a time when most are trying to address urgent needs, have no prior experience of doing so and are often in a state of stress and anxiety. My Care Hub enables us to make the extensive knowledge we have built up over time available to a far greater number of people. It provides valuable support for individuals, offering 24/7 access to much needed online information and guidance.”