Community Foundation for Merseyside is part of the Surviving Winter Appeal which is being launched across the UK today with the support of Saga to help thousands of vulnerable and older people affected by fuel poverty.
In Merseyside, an estimated 120,000 households are living in fuel poverty, and almost half of those are aged over 60.
Last winter more than 3,600 vulnerable people in the North West died from causes directly attributable to the cold and poor living conditions - and with rising fuel bills and the prospect of another cold winter, older and vulnerable people are at risk again this winter.
The Surviving Winter Appeal was inspired by people who wanted to donate their Winter Fuel Payments from the government to support older people who are less fortunate than themselves.
Commenting on the challenge to the local community, Community Foundation for Merseyside’s Chief Executive Cathy Elliott said: “Surviving Winter is a campaign to encourage those who are willing and able to pledge part or all of their Winter Fuel Payment to help support those in their local community who desperately need extra support during the winter months, or for whom the Winter Fuel Payment is not nearly enough.”
All funds pledged and donated to the Surviving Winter Appeal, thanks to the generosity of the British public, will be directly targeted back into local communities to provide extra support to those older people who need it most.
The Community Foundation for Merseyside will be distributing donations received from across Merseyside via local organisations who work with older people, particularly small grassroots groups on the front line.
The money will be used to provide additional financial help to enable older, vulnerable people to heat their homes properly, eat properly, stay active and keep in touch with their family and community. It will also provide charitable grants to local charities and groups with a strong track record of looking after older people.
Over the past few days many pledges have already been received from members of the public and celebrities – ahead of the campaign’s official launch date today. This includes BBC Radio Merseyside’s Roger Phillips who has already offered to sign over his winter fuel payment.
He said, "I'm delighted to be able to donate my Winter Fuel Payment to Surviving Winter. This appeal is an excellent way for local people to donate their payment to help older people and the vulnerable in Merseyside who may struggle through the winter months. If you are in a position to do so, please help by donating all or part of your winter fuel payment to this very worthwhile cause."
Dame Lorna Muirhead, Lord Lieutenant of Merseyside also said, “I fully support the Surviving Winter Appeal to assist older people and the vulnerable in Merseyside to keep warm and healthy during our cold winters. If you are in a position to do so please help by donating all or part of your winter fuel payment to this very worthwhile cause.”
The Community Foundation’s for Merseyside’s strong network of relationships with charity and community leaders across Merseyside means it is well placed to identify those in greatest need this winter and to target the money raised with speed and efficiency.
To donate to the appeal, please donate online at: www.localgiving.com/communityfoundation/merseyside
Alternatively donations can be sent to: Surviving Winter Appeal, Community Foundation for Merseyside, Third Floor, Stanley Buildings, 43 Hanover Street, Liverpool, L1 3DN. Please make cheques payable to Community Foundation for Merseyside.
Post a comment