AN APPEAL to help 1,000 older people stay warm this winter has reached the halfway point to its £100,000 target.

The Surviving Winter Appeal, organised by the Somerset Community Foundation (SCF), is calling on people and businesses to help older people living in fuel poverty to stay warm, safe and well during the coldest months.

Thanks to the generosity of supporters, the SCF said the fundraiser has so far raised £50,000, which is providing grants to cover heating costs, support to make homes more energy efficient, and activities that reduce isolation and improve wellbeing for older people.

“Around 10,000 older people in Somerset are living in fuel poverty, with many facing stark choices between heating and eating,” said Justin Sargent, chief executive at SCF.

“The support raised so far is already making a difference, but with the coldest months of the year ahead, there’s still huge demand for our support – particularly grants to help with fuel bills.

“While changes to the Winter Fuel Payment have helped, we know the poorest older people in the county are still struggling. Many live alone, with health conditions or in poor-quality housing, which makes winter even tougher.”

With more than 15 years’ experience running the Surviving Winter Appeal, SCF works alongside partners to provide targeted support for people on low incomes, those living alone, or those with health conditions that make cold weather particularly risky.

Carol, 64, has a severe medical condition that causes her chronic pain and limits her mobility and was among those supported last year.

“My condition is terrible all year round, but worse in winter,” she said. “I’m at home all day and it gets really, really cold. You need heat, you need to be able to dry clothes on the radiators and get on with your life. But I had to have the heating off in the daytime.

“I just could not have it on because it cost too much money. It was so cold, you cannot imagine.”

People can still support the Surviving Winter Appeal via somersetcf.org.uk/winter, or by calling 01749 344949.