Somerset Community Foundation (SCF) is making an urgent plea for donations to its annual Surviving Winter Appeal, a campaign dedicated to ensuring the county's older and most vulnerable residents can stay warm, safe, and healthy during the coldest season.
The Stark Reality of Winter for Somerset's Elderly
The charity has revealed a sobering statistic: approximately 10,000 older people in Somerset are currently living in fuel poverty. For many, this forces an impossible daily decision between turning on the heating and affording a proper meal. Justin Sargent, Chief Executive of Somerset Community Foundation, emphasised the severity of the situation. "Many live alone, with health conditions or in poor-quality housing, which makes winter even tougher," he stated.
Thanks to the generosity of local individuals and businesses, the appeal has already secured £50,000 in vital funding. This money is being used to provide direct grants to help with soaring fuel bills, support for making homes more energy-efficient, and funding for activities designed to combat the isolation that often worsens for older people in winter.
Grants Making a Tangible Difference
Despite the progress, SCF warns that with the coldest weeks of winter still ahead, demand for support remains critically high. The foundation, which has over 15 years of experience running the appeal, works with local partners to target help to those on low incomes, living alone, or with health conditions exacerbated by the cold.
The real-life impact of this support is illustrated by the story of Carol, a 64-year-old Somerset resident helped last year. Suffering from a severe medical condition that causes chronic pain and limits her mobility, Carol described the brutal choice she faced. "My condition is terrible all year round, but worse in winter. I'm at home all day and it gets really, really cold," she explained. "But I had to turn the heating off in the daytime. I just could not have it on because it cost too much money."
How the Public Can Help
SCF is encouraging anyone who is able to contribute to this local effort. Every donation, whether a single gift or a regular payment, can directly assist someone struggling with rising costs. While recent changes to the national Winter Fuel Payment have provided some relief, the foundation stresses that the poorest pensioners in the county continue to face immense hardship.
Supporters can find out more information or make a secure donation by visiting the dedicated appeal website at somersetcf.org.uk/winter or by calling the foundation directly on 01749 344949.
