Grant Robson, Director at the Foundation remarked: ’The statistics are shocking and the lost lives behind the figures are very sad – older people dying, here in Dorset, a county considered relatively wealthy, because they cannot afford to heat their homes. We have been campaigning to raise awareness and donations of this issue since 2011 and our efforts have raised just over £250,000 in the last 8 years helping over 1,300 older people. However, despite the overwhelming generosity of donors we need more support to help vulnerable older people – now, probably more than ever.’

Donations raised are directly dispersed through the Citizens Advice Bureaus across Dorset and the Appeal has already helped over 100 people this winter. Older people over 60 in fuel poverty or those 50 and over who meet the winter fuel poverty criteria and have significant health conditions are eligible for support.

To donate please send a cheque to Dorset Community Foundation, The Spire, High Street, Poole, BH15 1DF, (all cheques need to be made out to the Dorset Community Foundation) or alternatively you can donate online by clicking here.