Community Foundation for Merseyside is part of the Surviving Winter Appeal which is being launched across the UK today with the support of Saga to help thousands of vulnerable and older people affected by fuel poverty.
In Merseyside, an estimated 120,000 households are living in fuel poverty, and almost half of those are aged over 60. Last winter more than 3,600 vulnerable people in the North West died from causes directly attributable to the cold and poor living conditions - and with rising fuel bills and the prospect of another cold winter, older and vulnerable people are at risk again this winter.
The Surviving Winter Appeal was inspired by people who wanted to donate their Winter Fuel Payments from the government to support older people who are less fortunate than themselves.
Commenting on the challenge to the local community, Community Foundation for Merseyside’s Chief Executive Cathy Elliott said: “Surviving Winter is a campaign to encourage those who are willing and able to pledge part or all of their Winter Fuel Payment to help support those in their local community who desperately need extra support during the winter months, or for whom the Winter Fuel Payment is not nearly enough.” All funds pledged and donated to the Surviving Winter Appeal, thanks to the generosity of the British public, will be directly targeted back into local communities to provide extra support to those older people who need it most.
The Community Foundation for Merseyside will be distributing donations received from across Merseyside via local organisations who work with older people, particularly small grassroots groups on the front line. The money will be used to provide additional financial help to enable older, vulnerable people to heat their homes properly, eat properly, stay active and keep in touch with their family and community. It will also provide charitable grants to local charities and groups with a strong track record of looking after older people.
To donate to the appeal, please donate online at: www.localgiving.com/communityfoundation/merseyside.
Alternatively donations can be sent to: Surviving Winter Appeal, Community Foundation for Merseyside, Third Floor, Stanley Buildings, 43 Hanover Street, Liverpool, L1 3DN. Please make cheques payable to Community Foundation for Merseyside.