News

EDF Directors Donate to Surviving Winter

January 18, 2018

Surviving Winter, the appeal run by Somerset Community Foundation that encourages pensioners who feel they don’t want or need their Winter Fuel Payment to donate it, has just received a welcome boost in the shape of £5000 from EDF Energy – but there is still a little way to go before the appeal reaches its target of £100,000 to help 500 older people this winter.

EDF Energy, which operates Hinkley Point B and is building Hinkley Point C, regularly supports local groups and communities through grants and funding. This includes the Hinkley Point C Community Small Grants Fund which is also administered by Somerset Community Foundation.

David Eccles, Head of Stakeholder Engagement for Hinkley Point C, said: “We are delighted to be able to donate to the Surviving Winter appeal as it benefits local pensioners and provides much needed support for them in the colder months.”

Surviving Winter grants can be put towards things like heating bills, fuel and warm clothing and blankets, and the campaign’s community partners also help make sure vulnerable local older people stay connected within their community.  One in six older people in Somerset say that they feel isolated, and recent national research shows being lonely and isolated is linked to increasing the risk of early death by a third.  Age UK estimates that some 873,000 people aged 65 and over don’t see or hear from anyone for days on end, with over half relying on the television for companionship. The Surviving Winter campaign is working towards reducing isolation among older people in Somerset.

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.

 


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