AN appeal to help elderly people in fuel poverty across Somerset ‘survive the winter’ was launched this week.

Somerset Community Foundation hopes to help about 1,000 older people stay warm, safe, and well this winter.

The charity’s annual appeal is now in its 16th year and raises vital funds to provide winter fuel grants, home energy improvements, and access to local support and social activities for vulnerable older people.

Changes in Government policy mean more older people will receive a Winter Fuel Payment this year, but the charity knows many will still have to make the ‘impossible choice’ between heating and eating this winter.

Foundation chief executive Justin Sargent said: “While changes to the Winter Fuel Payment have provided some hope in Somerset, right now around 10,000 older people are living in fuel poverty.

“Many live alone, or with poor health or poor-quality housing which makes living through a cold winter even tougher.

“We have been blown away by the support for our ‘Surviving Winter’ appeal over the last 15 years and know many of our neighbours want to help others in need.

“Donations make a fast and direct local impact, funding Winter Fuel Grants, practical home improvements to reduce energy bills, and access to specialist support and social activities.

“Together, this support keeps older people warm, safe, and well through the long, hard winter.”

More than £1.6 million has been raised since the launch of the foundation’s ‘ Surviving Winter’ appeal in 2010, with more 100,000 residents receiving a cash grant to help with energy bills.

The grant has also helped people buy essential items to stay warm and access specialist support and social activities in their communities.

Mr Sargent said the grant-making charity helps to build strong communities across Somerset where everybody can thrive.

He said it funded local charities and facilitated local giving, providing simple, rewarding, and impactful ways for donors to give locally, guided by research and the foundation’s unrivalled local knowledge.

More than £31 million has been awarded since the foundation was formed in 2002.

The ‘Surviving Winter’ appeal started as one man’s original idea to donate the equivalent of his Winter Fuel Payment to help others in greater need, and has since grown into a successful, award-winning nationwide campaign.

One 68-year-old Somerset woman who was helped last year while living on a tight, fixed income, struggling to afford the basics such as heating said: “It got to the point where I was not using the cooker.

“I turned the radiators off to save money and it got so cold all the time.

“I thought, how am I going to live?”

Her ‘Surviving Winter’ grant was a ‘blessed relief’ which helped her to pay overdue bills.

She said: “I am so grateful for the people who donated.

“It is not just money, I feel my life is being recognised, and people understand there are lots of others in situations just like mine.”

Donations to the Somerset Community Foundation ‘Surviving Winter’ appeal can be made by visiting the charity’s website or calling 01749 344949.