Cumbrian landmarks wrap up warm to launch Christmas and Winter pensioner warmth appeal

Three iconic Cumbrian landmarks have been wrapped in giant scarves to mark the launch of Cumbria Community Foundation’s 2024 Winter Warmth Appeal.

As Cumbria prepares itself for another winter in which many will find it a struggle to heat their homes, the 33-metre scarf was draped around The Hoad in Ulverston, Whitehaven Lighthouse and the rotunda at Tullie in Carlisle, as a giant reminder that many older Cumbrians are facing a winter of potentially deadly cold.

It is hoped Cumbrians will give the appeal their support and help ensure no one has to choose between heating and eating, amid fears there will be extra hardships this winter.

And it's a serious problem. Because every year in Cumbria, between 300 and 500 older people die because of problems related to not being able to afford to heat their homes properly, and this year that number could be even higher, it is feared.

“We’re sending a message to the people of Cumbria,” said Jenny Benson, who is Director of Programmes & Partnerships at Cumbria Community Foundation, the charity which runs the appeal.

“We want to remind everyone not to forget the older, vulnerable members of our community who are facing a winter of suffering because they can't afford to heat their homes adequately.

“As we look towards winter, we know the continued support of our donors will be vital. Pensioners were already due to get less this year as it will be the first time since 2022 that they will not receive an extra winter fuel cost-of-living top-up and energy prices have recently risen by 10%.

In addition, the Government announced only those in receipt of Pension Credit or a means tested benefit, will receive the Winter Fuel Payment.

“We know many pensioners already find winter a struggle. The withdrawal of the winter fuel payment from all but the most vulnerable means this year will be especially difficult for many older Cumbrians.

“Our appeal is therefore more vital than ever before, and we want to ensure no one is forced to struggle during the colder months.

“Please support the Winter Warmth Appeal by making a donation, however large or small, if you can.”

The Winter Warmth Appeal sees money donated by the public redistributed to those most in need, to allow them to stay warm over Chirstmas and the rest of the Winter without worrying about the cost.

Last year over £315,000 was awarded in grants, through delivery partners Age UK and Copeland Age & Advice Service, benefitting a total of 1,941 vulnerable older people across the county of Cumbria.

Someone hoping to receive a payment this year is Shirley McGuire, from Carlisle. She has applied for support after admitting she will not be able to turn on her heating this winter, otherwise.

“I’m about to retire,” the 65-year-old explained, “and I’d said to my sister that at least as a pensioner I’d get the winter fuel payment and finally be able to turn on my heating, and then the Government took it away.

“It’s just wonderful Age UK, through the Winter Warmth Appeal, has been able to help me, it's very much needed.”

Up until now, Miss McGuire has been out at work in some days, and so has managed to survive without switching on her heating, relying solely on hot water bottles and “lots of jumpers”.

She added: “I’m used to always being cold: it’s food or heat for me. This fund is a real lifeline.”

Cumbria Community Foundation has run the appeal every year since 2010 raising over £2.5m in total.

Terrance Abba, 72, from Barrow-In-Furness, received a grant last winter, thanks to the appeal. “There are seven months through the year when it’s cold,” he explained, “so this payment is very helpful to me. Otherwise, for me, it’s a choice to put my heating on or having a warm meal.

“Last year the payment meant I could split it up and have some food and put the heating on when I really need it.”

Donate online using this link: https://cumbriafoundation.enthuse.com/cf/cumbria-winter-warmth-appeal-2024

Alternatively, donations can be made by cheque or phone. To make a phone donation, please ring 01900 825760 between the hours of 9am-5pm.

A match funding challenge will run from Monday 11 November to Friday 13 December. During this period, anyone who donates will have their donation doubled, thanks to the generosity of match funding champions, who this year include Electricity North West, WCF Ltd, and Cumberland and Westmorland and Furness Councils.

Karen Hunter, customer inclusion and partnerships manager at Electricity North West, said: “We’re delighted to be able to support Cumbria Community Foundation’s Winter Warmth Appeal.

“Obviously our customers are at the heart of everything we do and we’re always looking for partnerships that make a difference to communities.

“For four weeks from 11 November, as a match funding champion, we’ll double the donations that are made, £1 for £1 up to a total of £20,000. Hopefully, we’ll see new and current donors get involved knowing their donation will be doubled.”

If you know someone aged 60 or over who may need support from the fund, click here https://www.cumbriafoundation.org/winter-warmth-fund/apply-now

Looking Out for the Vulnerable This Christmas: A Call for Compassion and Support

As the festive season approaches, our hearts naturally turn to the spirit of giving and togetherness. For many, Christmas is a time of warmth, family gatherings, and festive joy. 

However, for some of the most vulnerable members of our society, this time of year can bring additional challenges, particularly with the government’s recent decision to cancel the Winter Fuel Allowance, a move that will affect many pensioners, including 1.6 million disabled pensioners. 

This drastic cut in support places elderly and disabled individuals in even more precarious positions, and it falls upon all of us to help where we can.

The Importance of Community Support

The elderly, especially those who are disabled or living alone, are often at risk of isolation during the winter months. The cancellation of the Winter Fuel Allowance may leave many facing difficult choices: do they heat their homes, or do they put food on the table? No one should be forced into such dire circumstances, but unfortunately, this will become the reality for many. Without the vital financial support that the allowance provided, energy bills will likely become unmanageable, exacerbating an already challenging cost-of-living crisis.

This Christmas, we must come together as a community to ensure that our elderly and disabled neighbours are not left behind. While the government may have withdrawn this crucial support, we can still make a difference by extending a hand of friendship, warmth, and compassion.

Practical Ways to Help

Here are some practical steps we can take to support the elderly and vulnerable in our communities:

Check in on Neighbours: A simple knock on the door or a phone call can make a world of difference. Ask if they need help with grocery shopping, picking up prescriptions, or even just a chat to break the loneliness.

Offer to Help with Heating Costs: If you're able to, consider donating to local charities that provide assistance with heating bills. Many organisations are stepping up to fill the gap left by the cancelled allowance, and every little bit helps. If you know someone personally who may be struggling, a discreet offer of help could ease their burden.

Donate Warm Clothing and Blankets: As temperatures drop, access to warm clothing and blankets can make a significant difference for those who are struggling to keep their homes heated. Local shelters, churches, and community centres often organise winter clothing drives, and your contributions could provide much-needed comfort.

Volunteer Your Time: Many local charities are running programmes to support the elderly during winter. From delivering hot meals to providing transport for medical appointments, there are numerous ways to get involved. Your time could be the greatest gift of all.

Spread Awareness: With the cancellation of the Winter Fuel Allowance, it’s important that we raise awareness about the plight of vulnerable individuals. Use social media to share information about local initiatives and encourage others to get involved.

The Impact of the Winter Fuel Allowance Cancellation

The loss of the Winter Fuel Allowance will hit some of the most vulnerable the hardest. For 1.6 million disabled pensioners, this financial lifeline helped them manage the cost of heating during the coldest months. Without it, many will face a greater risk of health complications related to cold weather, such as hypothermia, respiratory infections, and exacerbated conditions like arthritis or cardiovascular disease.

The lack of government support highlights the need for a stronger community response. While it’s easy to feel helpless in the face of such a large-scale issue, collective action can make a real difference. Every small act of kindness, every donation, and every effort to check in on a vulnerable person contributes to a safer, more supportive environment for those in need.

The True Spirit of Christmas

At its core, Christmas is about giving, kindness, and bringing light to those in dark times. This year, more than ever, we must embody that spirit by ensuring that the elderly, disabled, and vulnerable members of our society are not forgotten. Whether it’s through a simple gesture of friendship or a larger effort to support charities and organisations, every action counts.

In the face of government cutbacks, our communities must rise to the challenge of supporting one another. As we celebrate the festive season, let’s remember that the greatest gift we can offer is our care and compassion for those who need it most.

This Christmas, let’s look out for one another, ensuring that no one has to choose between warmth and well-being. Together, we can make this season a little brighter for everyone.

https://www.disabilityrightsuk.org/news/16-million-disabled-pensioners-set-lose-winter-fuel-payments

https://www.ageuk.org.uk

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