News

Successful Surviving Winter Campaign Now Over Half Way To £100k Target

December 14, 2017

Generous Surviving Winter supporters in Somerset have already donated over £70,000 to the campaign, which aims to help keep isolated older people who are living in fuel poverty warm and connected this winter.

However, fuel prices are on the rise, and an increasing number of older people living in Somerset are worried about how they will heat their homes again this winter. Somerset Community Foundation’s (SCF) annual Surviving Winter appeal encourages local pensioners who feel they don’t want or need their Winter Fuel Payment to donate some or all of it to the campaign. Vulnerable older people living in fuel poverty and social isolation in Somerset are identified by SCF’s community partners, where they are given a Surviving Winter grant which helps them keep their home warm and safe. They are also connected to community projects that help keep them socially engaged during the long, cold winter months.

Last winter a Surviving Winter grant was made to an elderly couple who live in a mobile caravan in a more remote part of Somerset. The caravan had no mains water and the couple relied on gas bottles for cooking and a generator for their electricity. With declining physical health as well as mental health problems, the husband’s wellbeing depended on them being able to heat their home, which was an ongoing challenge. Their Surviving Winter grant helped alleviate the pressure of finding money to pay for fuel and the Surviving Winter community partner was also able to give the couple information about local services and other help and support that was available to them.

Christmas is just around the corner and most people are starting to think about spending time cozying up in front of the fire with their nearest and dearest, munching on a mince pie and watching the Christmas television. Please spare a thought for your neighbours who won’t have any family members visiting this year and help SCF reach their target of £100,000 to help at least 500 struggling pensioner households heat their homes, stay healthy and stay connected to their communities this winter. 

To donate some or all of your Winter Fuel Payment, or to make a donation of any size to the Surviving Winter appeal, please send a cheque made payable to Somerset Community Foundation (writing SW on the reverse), Yeoman House, Bath and West Showground, Shepton Mallet, BA4 6QN; or call 01749 344949; or you can donate online here.

Gift Aid forms are available to download here.

  • SCF’s community partners for Surviving Winter 2017/18 are:
    • Age UK Somerset
    • Citizens Advice Mendip
    • Citizens Advice Bureau – South Somerset
    • Community Council for Somerset
    • Forum 21
    • Knightstone Housing Assoication
    • Mendip Community Credit Untion
    • Wincanton Live At Home
    • Yarlington Housing Group 

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