AN appeal to raise funds to help 1,000 older people in Somerset stay warm this winter has reached its half-way mark.

Somerset Community Foundation (SCF) set a target of £100,000 for its ‘Surviving Winter Appeal’ and has so far raised £50,000,

The foundation is continuing to urge local people and businesses to get behind the appeal, which helps older people living in fuel poverty to stay warm, safe, and well during the coldest months.

It provides grants to cover heating costs, support to make homes more energy efficient, and activities which reduce isolation and improve wellbeing for older people.

SCF chief executive Justin Sargent said: “Around 10,000 older people in Somerset are living in fuel poverty, with many facing stark choices between heating and eating.

“The support raised so far is already making a difference, but with the coldest months of the year ahead, there is still huge demand for our support, particularly grants to help with fuel bills.

“While changes to the Winter Fuel Payment have helped, we know the poorest older people in the county are still struggling.

“Many live alone, with health conditions or in poor-quality housing, which makes winter even tougher.”

SCF has more than 15 years of experience running the ‘Surviving Winter Appeal’ and works alongside local partners to provide targeted support for people on low incomes, those living alone, or those with health conditions making cold weather particularly risky.

Sixty-four-year-old Carol was supported last year and has a severe medical condition which causes her chronic pain and limits her mobility.

She said: “My condition is terrible all year round, but worse in winter.

“I am at home all day and it gets really, really cold.

“You need heat, you need to be able to dry clothes on the radiators and get on with your life.

“But I had to have the heating off in the daytime.

“I just could not have it on because it cost too much money.

“It was so cold, you cannot imagine.”

With several weeks of winter still to come, SCF is encouraging those who can to continue to support the local effort.

Mr Sargent said: “Every donation, whether a one-off gift or a regular payment, helps reach somebody else who may be struggling with rising costs and fuel poverty.”

Supporters can find out more or make a donation via the SCF website or by calling 01749 344949.

The foundation is a grant-making charity which helps build strong communities where everybody can thrive.

It does so by funding local charities and facilitating local giving, providing simple, rewarding, and impactful ways for donors to give locally, guided by research and SCF’s local knowledge.

Small charities, community groups, and social enterprises receive funding and support to help their organisations flourish.

SCF provides more than £4 million of funding to local groups every year.

Inspiring local giving and funding social action supports communities to drive change and realise their dreams.

Since being founded in 2002, more than £31 million has been awarded, changing thousands of lives across Somerset.