With a surge in inflation and energy prices also now impacting peoples ability to also recover from the ongoing effects of the Coronavirus Pandemic, this years Surviving Winter Appeal will play an even more vital role in supporting those in need to stay safe and well this winter.

At this time of year, for the team at the Foundation and all our annual Surviving Winter Appeal partners and existing donors, thoughts inevitably turn to the coming months and the impact that shorter days and colder nights may have on the health and wellbeing, particularly of vulnerable older people and others experiencing deprivation or serious issues affecting their physical or mental health.

With winter almost upon us, Suffolk is bracing itself for a dramatic increase in need. Last year our annual Surviving Winter Appeal raised enough money to heat over 1,500 homes and connected many hundreds of people to other services to help tackle isolation, address physical and mental health challenges, improve their living conditions, solve debt problems and assist with access to services to help them stay safe and well.

This year, we are expecting more people to need our help than ever before and ask everyone to consider donating whatever they can afford to this appeal. Together, we can help many more people in need in Suffolk..

Our pledge:

Stay Warm - The appeal will support vulnerable individuals and families to heat their homes

Stay Well - As we process requests for help with winter fuel, we will also ask questions about general health and wellbeing, living conditions, energy tariffs, review benefit options and provide advice around debt and other financial concerns. We will also offer to connect people to support from other charities and organisations in Suffolk who can help with other immediate concerns and provide longer term solutions wherever possible.

Stay Connected - Suffolk Community Foundation is collaborating with the voluntary sector in Suffolk. It is the trusted relationships that they build that can make all the difference in encouraging those most in need to access this service and the help that is provides.