In the winter months, should our older and vulnerable neighbours have to choose between heating or eating?

Winter can be a lonely and worrying time with many older and vulnerable residents experiencing financial hardship and having to choose what they can afford to do. One in ten households in our county live in fuel poverty, spending more than 10% of their income on fuel.

With many older and vulnerable people living alone, and due to the ongoing public health crisis, many are still cautious about leaving their homes. The uncertainty of the coming winter months will lead to increased social isolation again this year.

This is an annual appeal that the Foundation has been running since 2010 and which has raised £235,000 during its lifetime to protect some of the most vulnerable members of our local communities. Head to www.ncf.uk.com/give/winter-wellbeing to read about the impact of this funding.

This year, our appeal needs your help more than ever. Due to the pandemic year and high demand for funds Northamptonshire Community Foundation has raised and distributed over £2.5 million to provide a safety net and support for local community funds, however it urgently needs to raise further funds to help tackle fuel poverty this coming winter.

The money raised through this appeal will be awarded to local community groups and charities whose activities protect and help local older and vulnerable people in supported environments.

How can your donation help make a difference?

With your donation we can ensure those who are less fortunate can stay warm, safe and healthy this winter.

All donations will make a big impact to help improve the lives of those in need.

If you are eligible to receive the Governments Winter Fuel Payment and if you can afford to forego this, please consider donating some or all of your payment to our appeal.

A donation of £5 would provide:

a lunch club meal for isolated and lonely older people.

A donation of £10 would provide:

A warm and well pack to provide support over the cold winter months.

A donation of £200 would provide:

20 hours of volunteer support to vulnerable older people including shopping and meals services

Keep three older persons provided with weekly support and calls for 6 months

With your donation we can ensure those who are less fortunate can stay warm, safe and healthy this winter.

Thank you.