Unbelievable as it may sound, 753* vulnerable people in Suffolk died in 2014/15 from causes directly attributed to cold and poor living conditions. The vast majority affected were over the age of 75. Sadly, these figures represent the worst levels of fuel poverty in the East of England. 

This is the tip of the iceberg – it is estimated that 43,330** households in Suffolk currently live in fuel poverty. Many suffer in silence during the coldest months, often hidden from view, withdrawn from the world around them. 

Suffolk Community Foundation is asking you to pledge your Winter Fuel Payment to help those older people desperately in need of extra support during the winter. The money raised by the Surviving Winter Appeal will be used in two ways: 

1. As support payments for those in need of additional financial help to heat their homes properly, eat properly, stay active and keep in touch with their family and community. The payments will be distributed in partnership with Citizens Advice Bureau. 

2. As grants for local charities and groups with a track record of looking after older and vulnerable people to ensure they can continue to provide their support and services throughout the winter months. 

*   Office of National Statistics, 2014/15 

** Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy (BEIS), 2017