There’s still time to donate your Winter Fuel Payment to the Surviving Winter campaign.

East Anglian Daily Times: Surviving Winter donation formSurviving Winter donation form (Image: Archant)

The scheme which is run by the Suffolk Community Foundation, and supported amongst others by the EADT, uses donations to help keep people across Suffolk warm during the winter months.

Last year 600 people were helped by the scheme to improve heating in their homes.

This year the foundation are hoping to reach even more people.

One of the scheme’s newest partners is Citizen’s Advice.

Ipswich Citizen’s Advice’s Chief Officer, Nicky Willshire, says that they are already hearing from concerned elderly people on the issue.

“In the headlines we have all been reading about changes in welfare benefits.

“Financial support for the elderly has changed with the move away from Personal Independence payments and caps on housing benefits.

“We are already hearing from older people about the impact this is having on them and the worries they have around affording to stay warm this winter.

“The worry is that people will try and save money by heating fewer rooms in their home.

“Often the daytime living space seems to take priority during the winter with many older people not being aware that their health is at even greater danger during the night.

“When the combination of reductions in their own body temperature during sleep combined with the drop in air temperature, it’s vital to stay warm at night too.”

The importance of staying warm during the winter months is something that Dr Ed Garratt the, chief officer, NHS Ipswich and East Suffolk and NHS West Suffolk clinical commissioning group agrees with.

He said: “Both our CCGs support the Surviving Winter campaign to help vulnerable people stay well and healthy. Lower temperatures can lead to an increased risk of stroke and heart attack and the deterioration of long term health conditions.

“Keeping warm will reduce a person’s chance of becoming ill and ending up in hospital unnecessarily, helping alleviate the pressure experienced by NHS staff during this very busy time of year.”

Over £10,000 has been donated so far this year.

To take part simply fill in the coupon in the paper.