Surviving Winter appeal

Hundreds of older people in Somerset are forced to choose between heating and eating every winter.

With changes to who will receive the Winter Fuel Payment this year, many pensioners on low incomes will struggle more than ever. Around 10,000 Somerset pensioners are already living in fuel poverty this winter. And with energy prices expected to rise again, it’s set to be a tough winter as many of the most vulnerable and poorest older people try not to turn their heating on at all or cut back on food to save money.

This means our Surviving Winter grants are more crucial than ever. 

 

Surviving winter logo

0

low-income pensioners in Somerset will be living in fuel poverty this winter

0

people were helped by a Surviving Winter grant in Somerset in 2023-24

1 in 0

of Somerset’s over 65s live alone

Your gifts make a difference on your doorstep.

Your donations to our Surviving Winter appeal support around 800 vulnerable older people across Somerset every year to stay warm, safe and well through the winter.

Your gifts help to provide:

  • vital grants of up to £500 to cover heating costs
  • community meals, befriending support or other activities to reduce loneliness and isolation
  • advice on benefits and finding local support services and community groups

The difference you’ve made since 2010.

Surviving Winter began in the winter of 2010/11 right here in Somerset. One of our colleagues at that time offered to give his Winter Fuel Payment to help local older people struggling with the cost of heating their homes.

From this simple idea Surviving Winter has spread across the country, raising millions of pounds nationally and over £1.5 million in Somerset alone*. Over 100,000 older people have had a Surviving Winter grant since the first appeal.

*correct as at June 2024

How to get a Surviving Winter grant

Surviving Winter grants are available for older people living in Somerset who can’t  adequately heat their homes. Find more information about how to get a Surviving Winter grant.

How your donation changes lives

I’m a carer for my wife, who has dementia. Last winter I had run out of heating oil and was unable to heat our hot water and central heating. I had no money to pay for more oil which had doubled in price since I’d bought the last tank. My wife has complex needs, and I have arthritis which gets worse when it’s cold. I went to the Citizens Advice for help, and they gave me a Surviving Winter grant, which meant I could buy heating oil and get through the winter. I want to say thank you from the bottom of my heart for your support in these difficult times. We will be forever grateful for your help.

Frank

To be honest I don’t know quite how I manage. I live on my own and I have to be very frugal. I have an old car because I like to be independent and allow myself a limited amount of petrol money a month. I save on my hot water where I can and I’m always careful with my heating – so even though it’s getting colder now, I still don’t put it on. I’m 72 and I really feel the cold in my little place. It was just so fantastic to get the Surviving Winter grant. I really needed that money – and it came at just the right time.

Audrey

Every winter I struggle to pay the increased heating bills. I dread winter. I have poor circulation, brought on by Raynaud’s Disease, and it’s just so difficult to get warm. In the winter my fingers and toes go nearly black with the cold. I need to make sure my little two-bedroom bungalow is heated in the winter, so I won’t go out, or I cut down on food. My Surviving Winter grant stopped all my worry. It was such a great help and for me it meant a winter without stress for once.

Joyce

We have oil heating in our home, we’re not connected to the mains. It’s a huge amount of money to pay out in one go and price is going up all the time. Last winter the oil got very low and we just didn’t have the money to top up the tank. Luckily, we found Surviving Winter. The money went straight towards paying for oil. The people at Citizens Advice helped us fill in forms and made sure we’re getting all the benefits we qualify for. We were very thankful for the grant last year and luckily it came at just the right time.

Harry

Help us keep older people warm, safe, and well.

If you can afford to, please make a personal gift to support our Surviving Winter appeal. Your gift will be used to provide vital Surviving Winter grants and support. Together, we can reduce financial anxiety and make sure people can keep themselves warm, safe and well this winter. Due to recent changes in Winter Fuel Payments, this year we’re asking supporters to consider setting up a monthly donation of £25 – or an amount of your choice. Alternatively, there is an option to make a one-off donation. 

Other ways you can donate

The quickest and most cost-effective way to donate is online.

If you would prefer to donate by cheque or CAF voucher, please complete and return this donation form if you’re able, to our postal address at the bottom of this page. Please remember to write ‘SW’ on the reverse of your cheque.

If you would like to donate over the phone, please call us on 01749 344949 (please note setting up a regular donation can only be done online). Lines are open Monday to Friday, 9am – 5pm.

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