This is the 14th year we have run the Surviving Winter appeal and sadly the need is greater than ever, with an estimated 20,000+ people in Dorset currently living in fuel poverty. Those on pensions and benefits are less able to keep their homes warm with many living in constant worry about paying bills, regularly skipping meals and being financially restricted to heating just one room for a few hours a day.
With the recent cessation of the Winter Fuel Payment that number looks set to increase with even more people now at risk from succumbing to the cold. Indeed, an average of almost 600 people die of cold-related illness in Dorset each year.
In 2024, we think that is unacceptable.
How your support helps
Our partnership with Citizens Advice in Dorset means we can identify older and vulnerable people at risk and support them with £200 energy grants to ease their anxiety about having the heating on, paying from everything from hot water bottles, warm clothing and electric blankets to fuel and boiler repairs. Additionally, Citizens Advice help identify additional benefits individuals may be entitled to as well as offering supermarket vouchers and energy-saving advice, and signpost to other agencies offering free home insulation and energy-themed help.
How you can help
You can donate:
- Online HERE.
- Send a cheque made payable to Dorset Community Foundation to Surviving Winter Appeal, Dorset Community Foundation, The Spire, High Street, Poole, Dorset, BH15 1DF
- BACS Transfer via: Charities Aid Foundation Bank, Sort Code: 40-52-40, Account Number: 00083897 (Please use reference SW).
- Over the phone by calling our office on 01202 670815. If nobody is available to take your call, please leave a message and we will call you back.
Thank you for caring – your help will make someone’s winter a little warmer and brighter.
** If you need energy support from Citizens Advice, please contact them on 01929 775500 or at energy@edpcitizensadvice.org.uk **
Donate now to our Surviving Winter appeal here
Follow the link above or send a cheque or bankers draft, made payable to Dorset Community Foundation, to The Surviving Winter Appeal, Dorset Community Foundation, The Spire, High Street, Poole, BH15 1DF. You can also donate through a BACS Transfer via: Charities Aid Foundation Bank, Sort Code: 40-52-40, Account Number:00083897 ( Please use reference – SW)
If you need any help donating call us on 01202 670815.
How your donation will help
We urgently need you to make a donation to provide warmth and comfort for older people and vulnerable people over 60 in our community.
We are working together with Citizens Advice branches across Dorset to disperse donations raised for older people in need across Dorset. If you need support please contact them on 01929 775500 or at energy@edpcitizensadvice.org.uk
How it all started
The Surviving Winter campaign started in 2011 as a vehicle to recycle Winter Fuel Payments that people had received but didn’t feel that they needed. The appeal quickly expanded to take in donations from people of all ages, and of all amounts, which are directed to the local groups supporting vulnerable people in winter. Donations pay for everything from individual grants for fuel bills and hot water bottles to boiler repairs.
Gift Aid your donation
If you are a UK Tax Payer please download, fill in and send to us the Gift Aid Form below.
