Help Suffolk’s most vulnerable to Survive Winter
Suffolk Community Foundation has launched its annual Surviving Winter appeal to raise vital funds to help vulnerable older people to stay warm and well when the cold weather hits.
The Foundation is asking anyone who feels able to make a donation to get in touch and support the growing number of pensioners who are struggling to heat their homes.
The campaign has taken on even more importance than ever this year as an estimated 90% of older people living in the county are due to lose the winter fuel payment following changes to government policy. This also means Suffolk Community Foundation can no longer raise funds by asking people who do not need the payment to consider donating it to help others instead.
Anna Hughes, Interim Chief Executive at Suffolk Community Foundation, said: “Surviving Winter is now in its 14th year and has raised more than £1.5m so far. This has provided a lifeline for many thousands of people by helping them to stay safe and warm as the weather turns colder.
“However, the changes which are being made nationally mean that the need for support is now even greater than ever. Many older people are extremely anxious about the high cost of energy and are having to make difficult choices between heating and eating every single day.
“But Surviving Winter can help – which is why we are appealing to anyone who feels able to donate to consider doing so. By working together, we can make a real difference to some of the most vulnerable members of our community.”
A gift of £175 could help someone pay for gas or electricity, while £350 could provide 500 litres of heating oil. To make a donation, you can click here, call 01473 602602 or visit any branch of Suffolk Building Society to make a payment over the counter.
Anyone aged 66 and above who lives in Suffolk and is not receiving pension credit will be eligible to apply for a grant. To do so, click here or contact one of the charity partners who will be managing applications and payments (see notes to editors for more information).
Case studies – provided by Gatehouse, Bury St Edmunds
Jennifer
Jennifer (whose name has been changed) visited Gatehouse’s community café regularly in early 2024 so that she could stay warm and enjoy a bowl of hot soup without needing to put the heating on at home. As fuel prices have soared, she has had to restrict how often she puts on the heating, which in turn has made her long-term health conditions worse.
After hearing about the issues Jennifer was facing, Gatehouse helped her to get a Surviving Winter payment. This reduced her monthly fuel costs, which made a significant and positive difference to her physical and mental health.
Gatehouse was also able to give Jennifer blankets, a hot water bottle and electric radiator, which has helped her to keep warm, especially at night.
Brian and Susan
Brian and Susan’s health was deteriorating rapidly as they were unable to afford to keep their heating on, despite working full time their whole lives. They asked for help from Gatehouse after seeing an advert on Facebook.
The couple (whose names have been changed) agreed to let the charity look for a better electricity deal for them, while Gatehouse was also able to make a one-off payment using the Surviving Winter fund. They are now in a much better place financially and on a good, fixed-price deal.
Surviving Winter helped to vastly improve their situation and Brian and Susan are now able to enjoy their retirement.
Ends
Note to editors: Anyone aged 66 and above who lives in Suffolk and is not receiving pension credit will be eligible to apply for a Surviving Winter grant. You must have an income of no more than £20,000 (single) or £24,000 (double) and savings of no more than £5,000.
About Suffolk Community Foundation
Suffolk Community Foundation is the largest independent grant maker to the voluntary sector in Suffolk. It is a registered charity which was set up in 2005 and is part of a national family of 47 community foundations across the UK.
The foundation works closely with stakeholders to increase understanding of need and raise essential funds to support local charities and community groups. It does not compete with other charities, but instead acts as a philanthropic hub to channel funds directly to them.
For more information, visit www.suffolkcf.org.uk
About our charity partners
Three charity partners are working with Suffolk Community Foundation to manage the applications and payments. They are:
Ipswich and East Suffolk – East Suffolk Citizens Advice
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 0808 278 7866
Babergh and Mid Suffolk – Sudbury and District Citizens Advice
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 01787 321400
West Suffolk – Gatehouse Caring
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 01284 703835