We’ve reached that time of year when the clocks go back, the nights draw in and we prepare for the colder months ahead. Winter can be a happy, uplifting time full of cheer and expectation but for many people living in Dorset it will be dark, dispiriting and dangerous.
For thousands of people in our county living in fuel poverty their winter preparations will be accompanied by a feeling of dread and worry over how they will keep themselves and their loved ones warm and safe. That is why we are asking once again for your support for our annual Surviving Winter campaign.
The appeal, run in partnership with Citizens Advice in Dorset, distributes £200 grants to pensioners and vulnerable people aged 50 and over living in fuel poverty who often can only afford to heat one room for a few hours a day and routinely skip meals to save money for their fuel bills. Over the last five years in Dorset, according to the Office For National Statistics, an average of 590 people have died from cold-related illness over the winter.
Donate now to our Surviving Winter appeal here
Follow the link above or send a cheque or bankers draft, made payable to Dorset Community Foundation, to The Surviving Winter Appeal, Dorset Community Foundation, The Spire, High Street, Poole, BH15 1DF. You can also donate through a BACS Transfer via: Charities Aid Foundation Bank, Sort Code: 40-52-40, Account Number:00083897 ( Please use reference – SW)
If you need any help donating call us on 01202 670815.
How your donation will help
We urgently need you to make a donation to provide warmth and comfort for vulnerable older people in our community. People over 60 in fuel poverty can apply for support. Local residents over 50 who meet the winter fuel poverty criteria, have significant health conditions, are on the highest level of benefits and have little current chance of improving life circumstances.
We are working together with Citizens Advice branches across Dorset to disperse donations raised for older people in need across Dorset. If you need support please contact them on 01929 775500 or at energy@edpcitizensadvice.org.uk
How it all started
The Surviving Winter campaign started in 2011 as a vehicle to recycle Winter Fuel Payments that people had received but didn’t feel that they needed. The appeal quickly expanded to take in donations from people of all ages, and of all amounts, which are directed to the local groups supporting vulnerable people in winter. Donations pay for everything from individual grants for fuel bills and hot water bottles to boiler repairs.
Gift Aid your donation
If you are a UK Tax Payer please download, fill in and send to us the Gift Aid Form below.
