Surviving Winter

Older people across Dorset need your help.

Unless we all respond quickly, this coming winter will be the silent killer of many vulnerable older people in our community.

Surviving Winter

Our annual Surviving Winter Appeal raises donations for local older people suffering during the winter months from the combined effects of fuel poverty and social isolation. Many self-reliant older people are at risk, particularly if they turn down their heating to save money or become trapped indoors due to bad weather and icy road conditions. This year, more than ever, we expect to see increased demand for our support throughout the cost-of-living crisis.

TO DONATE NOW CLICK HERE

The most recent Office for National Statistics statistics show were 260 cold-related deaths in Dorset in 2020/21

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.

The Foundation is working together with the local 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

Donate to Support a Local Older Person in Need this Winter

To find out more about our Surviving Winter appeal and its impact, please click HERE.

Below are the ways you can make a difference:

Cheque or bankers draft to: The Surviving Winter Appeal, Dorset Community Foundation, The Spire, High Street, Poole, BH15 1DF
(all cheques need to be made out to the Dorset Community Foundation)

Alternatively, you can donate online HERE.

You can also donate via BACS Transfer: Charities Aid Foundation Bank, Sort Code: 40-52-40, Account Number:00083897 ( Please use reference – SW)

If you need any help donating, please do not hesitate to contact us on 01202 670815.

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.

The Surviving Winter Appeal is country wide initiative run by community foundations like ourselves in each county. Since the launch in 2011 a total of £4.7 million raised helping 65,000 older people.