The East Anglian Daily Times is today relaunching the Surviving Winter campaign in a bid to help some of the most vulnerable people in Essex cope with the cold months ahead.

We are asking those who can afford to do so to make donations and for those who feel they do not need their Winter Fuel Allowance to give it to the cause. The money will be passed on to organisations who help elderly and vulnerable people keep warm and provide services to tackle the social isolation that can occur during the colder months.

With rising fuel prices causing anxiety among many people on fixed incomes, any help we can offer in combatting fuel poverty could literally be the difference between life and death.

According to the UK Community Foundations, there is an average of around 190 excess deaths each day in the UK among people aged 65 or over during the winter months. This is the third year the EADT has helped with the campaign in partnership with charitable trust, the Essex Community Foundation, and Age UK Essex. The campaign originated during the cold winter of 2011/12 and last year £38,000 was raised through donations from members of the public.

The cash was used to fund and distribute 500 warm packs and 400 food parcels to older, vulnerable people across the county, as well as help pay heating bills and provide services for isolated people.

Caroline Taylor, Essex Community Foundation programmes director, said: “It is great news that the East Anglian Daily Times is joining forces with us again this year in the campaign to bring much needed help to vulnerable and elderly people during the worst of the winter weather.

“Last year we raised £38,000 with the support of the EADT and we are delighted that they are on board for this year‘s campaign.

“The aim of the Surviving Winter Appeal is to help keep elderly and vulnerable people warm, safe and well during the winter months.

“Winter can be a very isolating time and even if we don’t have heavy snow, conditions can make life very difficult. Also, elderly people, particularly, are worried about the messages coming out about the rise in fuel prices and many of them fear they will have to skimp on heating their homes.”

She added: “Essex Community Foundation will work with a range of organisations, including Age UK Essex to provide help and support to elderly and vulnerable people who are at risk during the winter.

“The EADT will be a very strong partner for the campaign and we are confident that the Surviving Winter Appeal will be an even greater success this year.”

Terry Hunt, EADT editor, said: “The campaign is more important than ever this year, with soaring fuel bills making life even tougher for many vulnerable people.

“Our readers have been incredibly generous in the last two years, and we are asking anyone who can help to do so again.”