Charity calls for help to warm thousands of elderly in Wiltshire
Around 29,000 households in the county are said to be living in fuel poverty
A Wiltshire charity is appealing for help to support the county's most vulnerable during the winter months.
Wiltshire & Swindon Community Foundation (WSCF) says it needs donations to its Surviving Winter Fund, which allow it to provide life-changing assistance to people across the county.
Last year the fund provided aid to more than 3,200 people with fuel grants in forms such as pre-payment meter top-ups, heating oil and direct payments to suppliers.
Since being established in 2011, originally intended to provide one-off fuel payments for the elderly and those most at risk, it has grown significantly thanks to partnerships with Age UK Wiltshire, Warm and Safe Wiltshire, Wiltshire Citizens Advice and Swindon Citizens Advice, meaning it can now support people with a range of complex needs.
One person who was helped last year was Mrs L, whose pension credit claim unexpectedly ran out. In a bid to manage rising costs, she had been underheating her home significantly, despite health conditions making it harder to stay warm.
A Surviving Winter grant allowed her immediate relief providing the confidence to properly heat her home, , while Age UK Wiltshire also helped to successfully challenge her Pension Credit decision and apply for Attendance Allowance, giving her long-term financial security.
WSCF says the need for help remains urgent, with 29,000 households across Wiltshire living in fuel poverty and unable to heat their homes.
Wiltshire & Swindon Community Foundation’s Joint Chief Executive Fiona Oliver said: “No one in Wiltshire or Swindon should have to choose between heating their home or putting food on the table. Our Surviving Winter campaign shows the power of local giving – with the support of our community, we can make sure older and vulnerable people stay warm, well and cared for this winter.
“Thanks to our wonderful partners, Surviving Winter has become more than a fuel grant programme. Each year, it demonstrates how community generosity and local expertise can create lasting change. We appreciate any support, large or small, and assure donors that their kindness will be distributed swiftly and effectively through trusted local partners working at the heart of our communities.”