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More than 500 vulnerable people in Somerset died in the past two winters from causes directly attributable to the cold and poor living conditions - over 90% were aged 65 or over.
Over 33,000 older people in Somerset live in fuel poverty, many in remote rural areas.
It is shocking, in the 21st century, that so many people in our society struggle to stay warm and healthy during the coldest weather. Recent rises in energy prices means more people than ever face considerable hardship this winter.
Over the past two winters, prompted by many of our supporters, the Somerset Community Foundation has called on all who can afford to forego some or all of their Winter Fuel Payment (WFP), to make a donation to help those who need extra help during the difficult months ahead.
Over the past two years over £100,000 has been donated to the fund, and this year was adopted throughout the UK by Community Foundations raising over £2,000,000.
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Michael Eavis, Founder of the Glastonbury Festival
"It's not very often I'm easily persuaded to support other people's ideas of charity giving,” he said. “But on this occasion I could see immediately the sense and logic behind people who are reasonably well off like myself, giving their winter payment to more needy folk in Somerset. So I'm the first person to sign up to the scheme and hope others will follow suit."
Photo by Jason Bryant |
The money raised by the Surviving Winter Appeal is used to support local charities and community organisations who can reach the people most in need of help and make sure they can afford to stay warm, eat well and remain mobile, as well as help them in practical ways such as ensuring they can make doctor's appointments, get to the shops, and maintain an active social life.
Find out more:
Click here the BBC Radio 4 'iPM' interview or here for the BBC Somerset interview.
Click to download a PDF report on the 2010/11 Appeal
Click to download a PDF of Q&As on the Surviving Winter Appeal.
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Peter Price, Bishop of Bath and Wells
“This is a wonderfully imaginative and innovative idea which deserves our full backing. It is a way of helping those in real need,” said Bishop Peter. “There is something slightly uncomfortable about receiving Government support for something as basic as winter fuel when you are not in need. My wife Dee and I will therefore be joining others who have decided to donate their Winter Fuel Payment to the Somerset Community Foundation, who can use the money to help local people in real need.."
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Supported by Churton Inge 
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