The Surviving Winter Appeal, which launched nationwide last month, has been inviting people who can afford to, to donate part or all of their Winter Fuel Payment from the government to help support older people in their local community for whom the Winter Fuel Payment is not nearly enough.
The Community Foundation for Merseyside will be distributing donations received so far to a number of grassroots local organisations who work closely with older people, including:
• Sefton Older Persons Enabling Resource & Action (O. P. E. R. A.) based in Bootle
• St Gabriel’s Community Centre in Huyton.
The money will be used by the groups to provide additional activities throughout the winter months to help reduce the social isolation that is experienced by many older people during this time of year.
For example, St. Gabriel’s will use the funding to hire a minibus to collect local older people with disabilities so that they are able to attend the luncheon club at the community centre, whilst Sefton O.P.E.R.A will be providing ‘Winter Rescue’ packs to local residents that are most in need that they will identify through their networks.
Val Bayliff from Sefton O.P.E.R.A. said, “In Merseyside, an estimated 120,000 people are living in fuel poverty, and almost half are aged over 60. The money that we will be receiving through the Surviving Winter Appeal really will make a huge difference to the lives of many people that we come into contact with in our local community, helping us to ensure that everyone can keep warm and healthy during the coming winter weeks.”
Last winter more than 3,600 vulnerable older people in the North West died from causes directly attributable to the cold and poor living conditions, faced with rising fuel bills and unusually cold weather conditions.
Community Foundation for Merseyside’s Chief Executive Cathy Elliott said: “We have been overwhelmed by the response we have had so far to this appeal. Thanks to the incredible generosity of many people from Merseyside who have already pledged their fuel allowance or made a donation, we are already well on our way to achieving our target of raising £10,000 for vulnerable older people in Merseyside this winter.
“Whilst we understand that not everyone will be in a position to donate part or all of their winter fuel payment to the Appeal this year, for those who are able to do so, there is still the opportunity to give and we would love to hear from them.
“We hope that many local people may wish to give an extra present this Christmas by donating to the appeal and supporting someone in our community in real need.”
To donate to the appeal online now, visit: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.
Moores brothers return home
(Wed 23/05)
Liverpool to set sail with cruise terminal joy
(Tue 22/05)
Post a comment