Surviving Winter Campaign 25/26
For 15 years, Suffolk Community Foundation’s Surviving Winter Campaign has helped protect some of the county’s most vulnerable residents from the harsh realities of winter.
Thanks to the incredible generosity of our donors, the campaign has raised over £1.6m, enabling vital support to reach thousands of people in need.
This year, we’re continuing to evolve our approach to meet the changing needs of our communities. While heating homes remains a priority, we know that staying warm, well, and connected goes beyond fuel support. That’s why, in 2025/26, we’re inviting local charities and community groups to apply for grants of up to £5,000 to deliver practical, impactful projects for older people (60+).
What We Fund
Grants will support a wide range of initiatives, including:
- Warm spaces where people can gather safely and comfortably
- Community meals that bring people together and tackle food insecurity
- Fuel support for those aged over 60 years old who are struggling with energy costs
- Winter wellbeing packs with essential items to stay healthy and warm
- Stocking or distributing through food banks
- Offering winter-focused advice (e.g. debt, energy efficiency)
By working with organisations rooted in their communities, we ensure that donations reach those most in need — quickly, effectively, and compassionately.
“I cannot thank you enough for the Surviving Winter payment; already it has made a difference to my confidence to use the heating, still with care but not in fear!”
‘“Thank you so much or to whom it may concern for my £175 towards my electricity bill. That is certainly a huge, I’m hoping by September I will have paid my balance off and start the winter with a clean slate. Relief I don’t want that hanging over my head!!”
See how your donation helped people like Lucy*
Lucy, who is in her 60s, used to keep her thermostat at 8 degrees C to save on gas, which meant her flat was incredibly cold with mould forming around the windows. A former victim of abuse, she also suffers from deep anxiety and PTSD and is too scared to go out alone.
After visiting Lucy at home, a Reach advisor gave her a heated blanket, energy vouchers and a food box. They also helped her successfully apply for a personal independence payment (PIP) and have since given Lucy one-to-one support to build her confidence so that she can leave the house for short walks and visit the dentist and eye clinic. They are now looking for ways to further reintegrate her into the community.
None of this would be possible without first receiving funding to tackle the heating problem and making sure Lucy’s basic needs were being met.
* name has been changed to protect identity.
Your donation to Surviving Winter can make the difference between hardship and hope. For over a decade, this appeal has channelled the generosity of Suffolk people into practical support for the most vulnerable during the coldest months of the year. From warm clothes and food parcels to safe spaces and energy vouchers, your gift ensures that older people struggling with fuel poverty receive the help they need when they need it most.
HOW YOU CAN HELP
You can donate to the Appeal online by using the button link below or by telephone T. 01473 602 602 (during office hours).
Please do also confirm if we are able to claim Gift Aid as this will boost your donation by a further 25% at no cost to you.