Somerset Community Foundation has launched their latest annual Surviving Winter appeal, raising vital funds to keep our county’s vulnerable older people warm, safe and well.
More older people will receive the Winter Fuel Payment this year thanks to changes to government policy. But the charity knows many will still have to make the impossible choice between heating and eating this winter.
Justin Sargent, Chief Executive at Somerset Community Foundation, said: “While changes to the Winter Fuel Payment have provided some hope in Somerset, right now around 10,000 older people are living in fuel poverty. Many live alone, or with poor health or poor-quality housing which makes living through a cold winter even tougher.
“We’ve been blown away by the support for our Surviving Winter appeal over the last 15 years and know many of our neighbours want to help others in need. Donations make a fast and direct local impact, funding Winter Fuel Grants, practical home improvements to reduce energy bills, and access to specialist support and social activities. Together, this support keeps older people warm, safe and well through the long, hard winter.”
Spreading warmth in Somerset
Since the appeal launched in 2010, Surviving Winter has raised over £1.6 million for Somerset with over 100,000 residents receiving a cash grant to help with energy bills. Plus, the grant has also helped people buy essential items to stay warm and access specialist support and social activities in their communities.
68-year-old Kathleen* received a Surviving Winter grant last year. She lives on a tight fixed income, struggling to afford the basics – including heat.
“It got to the point where I wasn’t using the cooker,” she told us.
“I turned the radiators off to save money and it got so cold all the time. I thought ‘how am I going to live?’”.
She calls her Surviving Winter grant a “blessed relief” which helped her pay overdue bills.
“I’m so grateful for the people who donated,” she says.
“It’s not just money – I feel my life is being recognised, and people understand there are lots of others in situations just like mine.”
Help Somerset Community Foundation support more vulnerable older people to stay warm, safe and well this winter.
To make a donation visit somersetcf.org.uk/winter or call 01749 344949 today.
*We’ve changed their name for privacy reasons.
