With the rise of fuel prices and the looming flu season, generous Cumbrians are being asked to help local vulnerable older people keep warm and well this winter.
The annual Winter Warmth Appeal, run by Cumbria Community Foundation, makes sure that older people who may have to choose between heating and eating, can stay warm and well throughout the colder months.
To launch this year’s appeal, some of Cumbria’s most senior figures in business will swap a warm, comfortable bed for Honister Slate Mine to highlight the ongoing struggle many elderly Cumbrians face to keep warm every night.
Andy Beeforth, chief executive of Cumbria Community Foundation will spend a night shivering alongside the High Sheriff of Cumbria, David Beeby, Sarah Dunning, chair of Westmorland, Gary McKeating, head of community and Development at Sellafield Ltd, Richard Rankin, chief executive at H&H Group and Jamie Allison, head of Napthens’ real estate.
Cumbria Community Foundation is the leading independent grant-making charity in the county and its annual Winter Warmth Appeal has raised more than £1.3 million since 2010 in a bid to protect some of the most vulnerable members of communities.
One in 10 households in Cumbria currently live in fuel poverty, meaning that they spend more than 10 per cent of their income on fuel. It is one of the hidden issues in this rural county which greatly affects the health and wellbeing of those who cannot heat their homes.
In most winters, 300 older Cumbrians die because of problems associated with not being able to heat their homes or eat properly. In worse winters, the figure has risen to 500.
Mr Beeforth said: “Fuel poverty has always been an issue and each year, the foundation steps up and raises funds for the most vulnerable in our communities who need help and support during the cold winter months.
“This year will see fuel prices increase and we will unfortunately see more people having to choose whether to heat their homes or cook a hot meal.
“When your income is fixed, as is the case for many retired, older people, rises in energy bills can quickly become unaffordable, and the only choice left in the worst cases is to endure a cold home.
“We are pleading with those who can, to give generously to our Winter Warmth Appeal so we can make sure the funds reach people in need this winter.”
This year, any donation made between Monday November 15 and noon on Monday December 13 will be doubled thanks to the foundation’s match fund pledgers West Cumberland Farmers, the John Laing Charitable Trust, Roselands Trust, The Johnson Fund, Brian and Ann Clark Fund, the Harvey Family Fund and a private donor.
Last year, more than a thousand Cumbrians were helped to keep warm, after Cumbrians donated over £200,000 to the appeal.
Hannah Kitching, client services manager at Age UK South Lakeland, said: “For a high proportion of our clients, receiving the grant has made the vital difference between remaining warm and well at home during the winter months or being admitted to hospital, or worse.
“As many older people are only just managing to get by financially, the slightest rise in their outgoings pushes them in to fuel poverty, and many have to make the heartbreaking decision between eating or keeping warm.
“This is not sustainable and leads to a rise in preventable hospital admissions – a very vicious circle. If you find yourself in a more favourable position, we urge you to donate to the Winter Warmth Fund this year; the difference it makes is simply remarkable.”
To donate online, visit https://cumbriafoundation.enthuse.com/cf/winter-warmth-appeal.
Alternatively, cheques can be made payable to Cumbria Community Foundation (write Winter Warmth on the back) and post to Cumbria Community Foundation, Dovenby Hall, Dovenby, Cockermouth, Cumbria, CA13 0PN.
Donations can also be made over the phone by calling 01900 825760 Monday to Friday between 9am and 5pm.
