Just over a month after launching their Surviving Winter appeal, local charity Somerset Community Foundation (SCF) has raised over £125,000 thanks to the generosity of local people. Today, around 10,000 older people in Somerset are living in fuel poverty – meaning they face the stark choice between heating and eating this winter.

How it all began…

Surviving Winter began in 2010 right here in in Somerset. They were contacted by one of their donors who offered to give his Winter Fuel Payment to help local pensioners struggling with the cost of staying warm and healthy. He wanted his donation to pay for the everyday essentials that most of us take for granted, such as heating, warm clothing and food.

 From this simple idea Surviving Winter has spread across the country, raising millions nationally.

Help Somerset Community Foundation reach their target and help even more vulnerable older people this winter.

If SCF raise £175,000 they can make sure around 800 vulnerable older people across Somerset have the support they need to get through the winter. If you can, donate online by visiting www.somersetcf.org.uk/winter or call 01749 344949 and select option 1 to use your credit or debit card (Mon – Fri, 9am – 5pm). You can also send a cheque made payable to 'Somerset Community Foundation' (write 'SW' on the back) to Somerset Community Foundation, Yeoman House, The Bath & West Showground, Shepton Mallet BA4 6QN.