Dorset Community Foundation relaunch Surviving Winter appeal

Dorset Community Foundation (DCF) is launching its 13th Surviving Winter appeal and warns that older local people are at greater risk this winter season than any previously due to the cost-of-living crisis.

The appeal works with Citizens Advice to distribute £200 grants to help to identify 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 bills.

DCF director Grant Robson said the appeal, which last year raised £86,400 and helped 420 people, is desperately needed.

“We are launching this year’s appeal at a time shopping bills and rents are rising every week and everyone knows about the terrifying hike in fuel bills that worry older people,” he said.

“Yes, people are receiving more government help but in real terms they are worse off than they were last year and older people are too scared and too proud to run up a debt.

“They would rather go without food at a time of year when they need all the nourishment they can get. It’s well known that colder weather exacerbates respiratory and circulatory diseases and the most recent government figures tell us that in Dorset 260 people died of cold-related illness. How can that be acceptable in a civilised country?”

Members of Dorset Community Foundation's Surviving Winter appeal team (Image: DCF)

East Dorset and Purbeck Citizens Advice helps DCF identify people who meet the winter fuel poverty criteria, which includes significant health conditions, being on the highest level of benefits or having little current chance of improving their life circumstances.

Its business development manager Katrina Ford said the charity has seen enquiries about help with fuel bills spike. “I think it is fair to say we have not seen anything like this before and demand is not slowing,” she said.

“We are concerned with what the demand is going to be like this winter and more than ever the funding from Surviving Winter is going to be vitally important.”

One recipient of a grant last year told the charity: “It was hugely beneficial to me and my household. The worry I have over heating my flat every winter is enormous and weighs heavy on me each year. I have been scared to put my heaters on due to the cost.”

Mr Robson added: “No one needs explaining why it is going to be so tough and we will be relying on the wonderful donors who given us such generous support over the last 12 years to do so again.”

Donate to Surviving Winter online at dorsetcommunityfoundation.org and find out more about applying for help by calling Citizens Advice on 01929 775500.