Winter fuel charity ‘hopes’ to still support people

An annual mission to help pensioners stay warm this winter has been launched amid fears it will be “more difficult than ever” for people.

Somerset Community Foundation’s (SCF) Survival the Winter appeal supported 759 pensioners in 2023.

Since 2010, people have been encouraged to donate unnecessary winter fuel payments. Despite fewer people get government grant this year, the charity is still hoping it will raise enough money.

Kelly Hall, director of the SCF charity, said the appeal was about local people helping “others in their time of need at a vulnerable time”.

Since the first appeal, more than £1.5 million has been donated to Somerset. But this year, organizers have already noticed a drop in donors.

Bosses are now looking for other ways to raise funds. The charity estimates that at least 10,000 pensioners in the county are currently living in fuel poverty, meaning they are likely to avoid turning on the heating or skip meals to pay heating bills.

Frank, who received the grant in 2023, said: “I experienced huge financial difficulties last winter.

“I ran out of oil in the tank and couldn’t heat the water or central heating.”

He added that with the help of the charity he would be able to buy fuel oil and “survive the winter.”

“I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for your support during this difficult time. We will be forever grateful for your help,” he said.

Ms Hall added that the charity fears that “many pensioners on low incomes will struggle more than ever this year.” as millions of people across the country have lost their fuel payments.

Despite this, the charity is “hopeful” it will raise enough money.

“Many people have told us how much it means to them to be able to support those in their community – people who may even be neighbors,” she added.