The Surviving Winter Appeal - Staffordshire Community Foundation

Staffordshire Community Foundation is part of the Surviving Winter Appeal, with the support of Saga to help thousands of vulnerable and older people affected by fuel poverty.  The national campaign is backed by Baker Tilly, NEA and Saga, as well as celebrities such as Sir Terry Wogan and Sir David Jason.  Download a poster here

With rising fuel bills and the prospect of another cold winter, older and vulnerable people are at risk.  In Staffordshire nearly half a million households are living in fuel poverty – nearly a quarter of all households.  As an average of the last 3 years, Excess Winter Deaths in Staffordshire amounted to nearly 700 deaths.

Community Foundations all over the UK are co-ordinating the campaign.  What they collect, thanks to the generosity of the British public, can then be directly targeted to help those locally who struggle to get through the winter.

The Surviving Winter Appeal run by Staffordshire Community Foundation will channel all the funds raised to provide support to older and vulnerable people who are suffering because of fuel poverty.  The money will be directed to those most in need of help and make sure they can afford to stay warm, eat well and remain mobile, as well as help them in practical ways such as ensuring the can make doctor’s appointments, get to the shops and maintain an active social life.

Commenting on the challenge to the local community, Chair of Staffordshire Community Foundation, Jacqueline Farrell said: “Surviving Winter is a UK-wide co-ordinated campaign to encourage people to make donations to support those in need for whom the Winter Fuel Payment is not nearly enough. It is vitally important to provide a channel for those who want to help the most vulnerable members of our community to get through the winter with dignity.  We hope others will see what is being done and also wish to lend their support.”

Support across Staffordshire has already been gained from many of the counties MP’s, from both sides of the political spectrum.  Staffordshire Community Foundation is the main channel for individuals and families to invest in local charities and community groups which address pressing social issues.  Last year alone, Staffordshire Community Foundation supported over 500 grass-roots charities and community groups with grants. 

The Community Foundation’s network of relationships with charity and community leaders across Staffordshire means that we are well placed to identify winter need and to target the money raised with speed and efficiency.

Download a media briefing here

To donate on line visit: http://localgiving.com/survivingwinter

or speak to the Staffordshire Community Foundation on 01782 683000, or see the Surviving Winter webpage at http://www.staffsfoundation.org.uk/survivingwinter/