A Yorkshire organisation that tackles fuel poverty has secured a donation for carbon monoxide (CO) alarms.

The Yorkshire Energy Doctor received £1,000 from the Persimmon Homes Community Champions scheme to fund 80 CO alarms for lower income households.

The energy-saving organisation works with vulnerable groups across North Yorkshire, providing advice on energy and heating bills, helping to make households energy efficient. Its latest project is raising awareness of the dangers of carbon monoxide.

Kate Urwin, founder of The Yorkshire Energy Doctor, said: “Alarmingly, research by Northern Gas Networks, revealed only 36 per cent of people recognised that CO can kill. Our recent initiative is working with local organisations to help educate households on the effects of CO. 

“Although a CO alarm may cost around £12, this is not affordable for many of the fuel poor households we support, who are often already having to make decisions around eating or heating. Persimmon Homes’ donation will enable us to provide free CO alarms – we are very grateful.”

Persimmon Homes Yorkshire makes two donations of up to £1,000 every month to grassroots groups and charities across the region.

Scott Waters, managing director of Persimmon Homes Yorkshire, said: “We all should feel safe and warm in our homes, so we are delighted to support the Yorkshire Energy Doctor’s latest initiative. Community Champions has allowed us to support dozens of good causes and we continue to encourage other such groups to apply – as next month they could be the fortunate beneficiaries.”

In addition to the Persimmon Homes’ Community Champions scheme, the housebuilder has launched its Building Futures initiative which supports groups working with under-18s. The scheme will make grants to projects across education & arts, health and sport, with the potential of a £100,000 prize giveaway.

Applications for the Persimmon Homes Community Champions or Building Futures schemes can be made at www.persimmonhomes.com/charity