Record-Breaking Amount Raised And Distributed

As Felixstowe residents wrapped up against snow, ice and low temperatures, 800 households across the county had reason to be grateful to the generosity of donations made to this year’s Surviving Winter Appeal. 

A record-breaking £275,000 has been raised and over 800 homes heated so far but the organisers of The Surviving Winter Appeal at Suffolk Community Foundation are keen to let everyone know that help is still very much available to those who need it. 

Tim Holder, Head of Public Affairs at Suffolk Community Foundation, says: “Suffolk has been amazing in the way that it has pulled together in so many ways. There is still so much more we can do to help people if they can be brave and step forward and ask for that help. Also, we are still at a very crucial stage in our recovery from the pandemic and it is vital that we keep people safe and warm in their homes and continue to relieve pressure on the NHS.”

Many people have written in praise of the support they have received and the difference that has been made to their lives, including Joan who said:

“Surviving Winter has helped me to keep the heating on at night. I have a condition that gets me up all the time and it’s really freezing cold. Even though I have radiators, I couldn’t afford to put them on so I was struggling to keep a fire going because it was cheaper, but I just can’t get down there to do it now. Your help means I can have my central heating on, it has changed my life. Thank you.”

Andrea Pittock, Head of Grant Programmes, says: ‘’The message for Suffolk is twofold really, please don’t be afraid to put your heating on, it is so important for both your physical and mental wellbeing. Also, if your fuel bill is causing concern, a quick call through to the team at Citizen’s Advice and money could be available to help you with it and there is also expertise within their team to help with energy tariffs and looks at what other hardship support might be available. Over 300 people applying for a grant this year have also been referred on for further assistance. This is often help that can make a longer-term difference to their lives, it can be life-changing!’’ 

If you would like to have support from the Surviving Winter Appeal, you can contact Citizen’s Advice on 01473 298634. 

If you are in receipt of a non-means-tested government Winter Fuel Allowance that you don’t need or if you would like to make a donation or, you can make a donation to the Surviving Winter by calling 01473 602602, online via www.suffolkcf.org.uk, or at any branch of Ipswich Building Society. Cheques made payable to Suffolk Community Foundation can also be sent to The Old Barns, Peninsula Business Centre, Wherstead, Ipswich IP9 2BB.