Winter appeal launched to help vulnerable Northamptonshire pensioners struggling with heating costs
“Please consider donating: every gift, whatever its size, will bring comfort and reassurance to someone who needs it most."
A winter fundraising appeal has been launched to help vulnerable older people across Northamptonshire who are struggling with rising energy bills, heating costs and loneliness.
Northamptonshire Community Foundation has launched its annual Surviving Winter Appeal, which has raised more than £285,000 over the past 16 years to support residents facing hardship during the colder months.
The charity says 9.8 per cent of households across Northamptonshire are living in fuel poverty, with the figure exceeding 10 per cent in Kettering, Wellingborough and Oundle.
It has also highlighted concerns about loneliness, with 55.1 per cent of pensioner households in the county consisting of one older person living alone.
The appeal raises money for local charities and community organisations providing practical assistance, including heating support, warm meals, community spaces and emergency help.
Previous beneficiaries include Age UK Northamptonshire, which received £5,000 to improve safety in older residents' homes.
The funding enabled the charity to install 100 smoke detectors and organise electric blanket testing and replacement sessions for 40 residents, helping reduce risks associated with faulty equipment.
Another organisation, BAK UP CIC, received £3,000 towards its community spaces project, which provides around 150 people with somewhere warm and welcoming to meet each week.
The sessions offer refreshments, games, arts and crafts, while helping participants maintain social connections.
Northamptonshire Community Foundation says donations of any size can make a difference to older residents who may otherwise face difficult choices between heating their homes and paying for other essentials.
Rachel McGrath, chief executive of Northamptonshire Community Foundation, said: "As winter approaches, our Surviving Winter Appeal returns to help older and vulnerable neighbours stay warm, safe and connected. Please consider donating: every gift, whatever its size, will bring comfort and reassurance to someone who needs it most."
The foundation works alongside charities and voluntary organisations to direct financial support towards people considered most at risk during winter.
With energy prices rising again, it hopes further donations will help local organisations respond to demand for assistance.
Residents wishing to support the appeal can make a one-off or regular donation through the foundation's JustGiving fundraising page.
Alternatively, anyone interested in contributing can contact donor relationships officer Katie Vickers by emailing [email protected] or calling 07483 428131.
Further information about the appeal is available through Northamptonshire Community Foundation's website.