28-01-2025
Surviving Winter: Wiltshire charity asks for public donations
A charity is appealing for donations to a programme which supports older and vulnerable people during the Community Foundation's 'Surviving Winter' programme helps thousands of people hit by fuel 2024 the programme supported 2,855 individuals through fuel grants and advice, working with a range of partners - including Age UK and Citizens Advice. Wiltshire Community Foundation's joint Chief Executive Fiona Oliver said: "No-one should be in the heartbreaking position of choosing between heating and eating."
She said January was "one of the darkest and coldest months of the year"."We know that there are older and vulnerable who are too scared to put on their heating to keep themselves safe and warm," she added."That is why we are once appealing for donations for our Surviving Winter campaign."
'Someone to listen'
Alongside partners, the foundation offers practical information on keeping homes warm. This includes recommendations for boiler replacement, working with energy companies and landlords to manage energy bill debt and helping those who are eligible to apply for woman, aged 75, who lives alone, was helped after Age UK Wiltshire were able to award her with a Surviving Winter grant and also helped her with applications for attendance allowance, housing benefit, a council tax rebate and pension charity said it supported the woman for six months and increased her weekly income by £ Age UK Wiltshire spokesperson: "The Surviving Winter programme makes a huge difference to so many people. "Just knowing someone is there to listen, offer guidance, and provide support takes away so much worry."
