Call to support Wiltshire's elderly as winter cold bites
Wiltshire Community Foundation is working across the county to ensure the elderly and vulnerable stay warm
An organisation supporting thousands of elderly people in Wiltshire is calling for our support.
Wiltshire Community Foundation (WCF) is supporting more people than ever with it's Surviving Winter programme.
The fund see's people donate their Winter Fuel Payments to those who need them more. In July 2024, the Government made changes to the eligibility rules for these payments.
Last year, the organisation helped 2,855 people during the coldest months of the year, and says the need is greater in 2025.
WCF Chief Executive, Fiona Oliver, said people were confused and worried when the changes were announced.
"We knew from the start that it was going to cause, it was going to cause quite a lot of upset," she said.
But despite the growing need, Fiona told Greatest Hits Radio that people are still finding ways to help.
"We've seen a 20% reduction in in the number of donations. But we've seen an increase in the value in donations. So actually this year we're able to support people at the same level as we did last year which is great," Fiona said.
She added that she's still amazed at how much people are able to help those in need.
The organisation works closely with it's partners to help people access the support they need, as well as handing out grants and emergency support.
One benefactor of that work is 75-year-old, Mrs J, who had no heating in her home. She was encouraged by her sister to reach out through WCF partner, Age UK Wiltshire.
"She was supported with an emergency fuel payment so she could actually have some immediate warmth going into her home," said Fiona.
Age UK then worked with Mrs J to build trust and find out exactly what she needed.
Fiona says that is vital due to the 'stoicism' of the elderly that they will 'struggle through'.
"But there comes a point where you're putting your health at risk. If you aren't heating your home and you're not having, you know, a warm meal every day, especially when the temperatures drop," she said.
Age UK's work with Mrs J led to a £156 boost to her weekly income.
Fiona told us the Surviving Winter programme can transform the lives of people struggling through winter, which is based on the faith donors have in the organisation to ensure the money going out makes a difference.
More information on the Surviving Winter programme can be found here.