A PROGRAMME that supports older and vulnerable people in Salisbury during the coldest months of the year is in need of support.
Wiltshire Community Foundation’s (WCF) Surviving Winter programme began over 14 years ago and provides vital support, such as fuel grants, to thousands of people suffering from fuel poverty each year within Wiltshire and Swindon.
Last year alone the programme supported 2,855 individuals from across the county.
The charity says the need for donations is now greater than ever due to recent rises in energy costs and the loss of Winter Fuel payments for some.
They warn more people could find themselves faced with the difficult decision between heating and eating.
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The programme previously supported Mrs J, who was 75, lived alone and had never asked for help before.
After building her trust, Age UK Wiltshire was able to award Mrs J with a Surviving Winter grant and supported her application for Attendance Allowance, Housing Benefit, Council Tax Rebate and Pension Credit.
Overall, they spent six months supporting her and increased her weekly income by £156 per week.
By working with their partners, the household income of those supported by the programme in 2023/24 increased to a total of £1,524,803 annually, outlining the sheer impact of the programme.
WCF’s joint CEO Fiona Oliver said: “January is often thought of as 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.
“That is why we are once appealing for donations for our Surviving Winter campaign.
“Nobody should be in the position where they are forced to make the heart-breaking decision of choosing between heating or eating, but with our knowledge of local need, this is the sad reality for hundreds of people living within our communities.
“Working alongside our partners, we can help those in fuel poverty through equally valuable financial aid and crucial advice to ease the strain of rising energy costs and ensure that foundations are in place to help people out of, and stay out of, fuel poverty.
“We ask those who are able to, to please donate to the campaign and help us to create a warmer and safer county.”
As well as fuel grants, the foundation works alongside a range of partners – Age UK Wiltshire, Citizens Advice in Wiltshire and Swindon, Wiltshire Centre for Independent Living, and the Centre for Sustainable Energy – to offer valuable guidance, advice and support.
This includes practical information on keeping homes warm, recommendations for boiler replacement, working with energy companies and landlords to manage energy bill debt and, for those who are eligible, income maximisation through identifying and helping to claim benefits.
A spokesperson from Age UK Wiltshire said: “The Surviving Winter programme makes a huge difference to so many people.
“With the ongoing cost-of-living crisis people’s lives and challenges are becoming increasingly complex. Many clients like Ms J are extremely vulnerable when we first meet them and need resource intensive support.
“This is why the combined approach of advice and grants is key.
“Just knowing someone is there to listen, offer guidance, and provide support takes away so much worry.”
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