Surviving Winter appeal

This winter will be desperately hard for thousands of older people across Somerset.

It’s good news that many older people will receive the Winter Fuel Payment this year. But with food and heating costs rising, too many will still face impossible decisions: like choosing between heating and eating.

It doesn’t have to be this way. We know Somerset cares – and with your help we’ll make sure our county’s older residents stay warm, safe and well this winter.

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

households received a Surviving Winter grant or energy-efficiency support in 2024-25

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 1,000 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.

How your donation changes lives.

It got to the point where I wasn’t using the cooker. I turned the radiators off to save money and it just got so cold all the time. My Surviving Winter grant was a lifeline and such a blessed relief. I’m so grateful for the people who donated. They’ve done something really kind.

Kathleen

I had to have the heating off in the daytime. I just couldn’t have it on because it cost too much money. It was so cold, you can’t imagine. We were really grateful for the Surviving Winter grant. The money basically saved us.

Carol

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. We were very thankful for the grant last year and luckily it came at just the right time.

Harry

Last winter I had run out of heating oil and was unable to heat our hot water and central heating. My wife has complex needs, and I have arthritis which gets worse when it’s cold. I want to say thank you from the bottom of my heart for your support in these difficult times.

Frank

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 £1.6 million in Somerset alone*. Over 100,000 older people have had a Surviving Winter grant since the first appeal.

*correct as at September 2025

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.

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.

Other ways you can donate

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

If you’d 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’d like to donate over the phone, 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.