Surviving Winter 2025 launches
Suffolk Community Foundation has launched its annual Surviving Winter campaign to support older people to stay warm and eat well as the weather turns colder.
Rather than gifting money to individuals to help with fuel costs, this year’s campaign will invite charities to apply for up to £5,000 in funding for practical projects which support older people throughout the winter. This could include paying for:
- warm spaces where people can gather safely and comfortably
- lunch clubs or community meals that bring people together and tackle food insecurity
- fuel support for those aged over 60 who are struggling with energy costs
- winter wellbeing packs with essential items to help people stay healthy and warm, such as bedding, hot water bottles and electric blankets
- stocking food banks
- offering winter-focused advice, for example around debt and energy efficiency
Suffolk Community Foundation is now appealing for donations from anyone who feels able to support the campaign.
Hannah Bloom, chief executive, said: “Over the past 15 years, we have raised a staggering £1.6m through our annual Surviving Winter campaign, which has supported thousands of vulnerable people as the weather turns colder.
“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 we’re inviting charities and community groups to apply for grants of up to £5,000 to deliver practical, impactful projects for older people. By working with organisations rooted in their communities, we’ll make sure that donations reach those most in need — quickly, effectively and compassionately.
“A donation to Surviving Winter can make the difference between hardship and hope while providing 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 will make sure that older people struggling with fuel poverty receive the help they need when they need it most.”
To donate to this year’s appeal, click here.
Case studies – provided by Reach, Haverhill (please note that names have been changed)
Lucy
Lucy, who is in her 60s, kept her thermostat at 8 degrees centigrade 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. Reach is 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.
Sandra
Sandra, who is in her late 60s, has multiple disabilities and lives in supported housing. She relied on a pension of £63 a week to pay for her food and clothing, finding herself having to use her PIP to pay her accommodation service charges.
Staff from Reach visited Sandra at home and arranged emergency food and heating vouchers after watching her cut mould off a bread roll to eat for lunch. They then successfully applied for her to receive an extra £236 a week in pension credit, with backdated payments in excess of £4,000. Sandra was understandably both incredibly grateful and emotional when she heard this news.
The money has given Sandra financial independence for the first time. It has meant she can finally buy curtains for her bedroom and pay for nutritious food and heating while she builds a fulfilling new life for herself.