Now in it's fourth year, Surviving Winter is an annual campaign that raises money to help older and vulnerable people stay warm and well. Winter is a dangerous time for the UK's most vulnerable people, and it is estimated that there are over 100,000 households in Tyne & Wear and Northumberland living in fuel poverty.

Through Surviving Winter 2014, we encourage those that are in receipt of a winter fuel payment who do not need it, and members of the wider public, to donate to our campaign and help those who are suffering from fuel poverty in our local community.

If you don't need it, donate it!

Last year Surviving Winter raised over £22,000 to support local people such as Mrs G, who had difficulty in paying her everyday bills during the winter, affecting her mental health through anxiety.

Anxiety was a constant issue within Mrs G's life, meaning that she would not leave the house on her own. Mrs G's social life was dramatically curtailed due both to her anxiety, and lack of funds to use to pursue social activities.

Through Surviving Winter funding, Age UK Gateshead ran an entitlement check for Mrs G. As a result of the check, the client was awarded an additional Pension Credit, and Attendance Allowance per week. As a knock-on effect of Age UK Gateshead and Surviving Winter, the client's pre-existing Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit claims were increased to cover their entire rental and Council Tax liabilities.

Julie Latimer, Head of Customer Services at Age UK Gateshead said: “Surviving Winter had a very positive effect on our client's anxiety and social life. By working closely with our client, Mrs G now feels she is not only able to pay her bills, but has some money left over for social events. We would like to thank everyone who has donated to Surviving Winter and has allowed us to give independence back to local people.”

If you do not need your winter fuel allowance then please donate today. Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving – they’ll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they’ll send your money directly to the Community Foundation and make sure Gift Aid is reclaimed on every eligible donation by a UK taxpayer. So it’s the most efficient way to donate - we raise more, whilst saving time and cutting costs for the Foundation.