The Appeal raises donations from unwanted Winter Fuel Allowances to help local older people at risk during the winter months because of the combined effects of fuel poverty and social isolation. Statistics released last year reveal that during the winter of 2014/15 336 vulnerable people died from cold related deaths in our county. Currently in Dorset, one in 10 households is in fuel poverty and in parts of the county that goes up to one in four.

Bishop Karen Gorham explained: ‘I’m backing this wonderful initiative which raises donations from those not in need of their winter fuel allowances by ‘recycling’ them to help older people who really need additional support – Dorset people supporting Dorset people in need. It is a good way of sharing our resources around the county as those better off help those less fortunate.’

Last year the Foundation raised nearly £20,000 helping nearly 200 local older residents. Since the launch of the Appeal in 2010 the Foundation has raised and distributed over £80,000 in help.

To donate to the Surviving Winter Appeal and help an older person in Dorset please send a cheque made out to Dorset Community Foundation to Surviving Winter, The Spire, High Street, Poole, BH15 1DF. Alternatively, click on the link here or contact us on 01202 670815.