WITH the temperature set to plummet in the next few weeks, a campaign to help older and vulnerable people stay warm this winter has been launched for the third year running.

The Community Foundation for Wiltshire and Swindon is launching its Surviving Winter appeal, which takes donations from people who want to give up their Winter Fuel Payment for people who are in greater need of it.

Nearly 400 people died in Wiltshire last year due to the cold weather but people who donate in the coming months could help to reduce the number of casualties this year.

Rosemary Macdonald, chief executive of The Community Foundation for Wiltshire and Swindon, said “Winter is a dangerous time for older people. There are 35,500 households in fuel poverty in Wiltshire which is 12.4 per cent of the county’s population. More than half include someone over the age of 60.”

The national campaign, which is backed by SAGA and endorsed by numerous celebrities, comes as people over the age of 60 start to receive the Government’s univeral Winter Fuel Payment.

The Community Foundation collects donations, and in partnership with other local agencies such as Age UK and the Citizens Advice Bureau, distributes them as grants to people across the county.

Fuel poverty, defined as needing to spend more than 10 per cent of household income on fuel, causes and exacerbates serious health problems. According to the Office of National Statistics, more people die in the UK due to cold weather than in many other European countries including Finland.

Rosemary said: “Older people can become more cut off and struggle to leave the house in the colder months. Last year we distributed over £63,000 in grants and this year we hope to help even more. If you are not fuel poor, please think about donating some or all of your Winter Fuel Payment.

“You could help an older person survive this winter. Any donation is welcomed, whether you receive the Winter Fuel Payment or not, and all donations will be distributed locally.”

To donate, call 01380 729284 or go to www.wscf.org.uk and click on the Surviving Winter link.