Background 

The recent cuts to winter fuel payments is expected to affect around 8 million pensioners in the UK. This change has raised concerns about the impact on vulnerable older people, especially those on low incomes who rely on these payments to help with heating costs during the winter months.

This reduction in income will leave many older people, who are on low income unable to pay for their winter fuel bills. This is likely to result in them not putting their heating on even in the colder months or making decisions on other cuts they can make, such as not buying food, to cover the shortfall.

Age Connects North East (ACNEW) was contacted by Edwin Duggan (a local Human Rights Advocate) to discuss support that could be offered locally to ease the impact on older residents in Flintshire and Wrexham.

Winter Assistance Fund

The outcome was to start our Winter Assistance Fund appeal to generate funds needed for ACNEW to offer a tailored package of support to those older people most at risk following the cuts to the winter fuel payments.  Support may include access to warm clothing, blankets, bedding, draft excluders, access food and/or fuel vouchers, information on energy saving measures, benefits checks and more.

In order to be able to provide this support we are asking people to help by donating via our Total Giving page

https://www.totalgiving.co.uk/appeal/WinterAssistanceFund

All donations received will be used to help older people in Flintshire and Wrexham keep warm and stay well this winter.

We would also like people to share our appeal with others via our social media posts https://www.facebook.com/acnewales

or using the printable QR Code poster from Edwin Duggan’s website https://edwinduggan.co.uk/pdf/Winter-Assistance-Fund-Printable.pdf

If you would like any further information please contact us on 01352 753728