Suffolk Community Foundation Launches Urgent 'Surviving Winter Appeal 2023/24 to Combat Alarming Rise in Fuel Poverty – Your Support Can Make a Difference!

Suffolk Community Foundation’s Surviving Winter Appeal last year raised an amazing £340,000 and supported many thousands of people in Suffolk to stay safe and warm in their own homes.

The latest local data shows the sharpest rise in fuel poverty in Suffolk to be witnessed in decades. It is estimated that a further 25,000 households (over 100,000 people in Suffolk) are now struggling to meet their living costs and heat their homes.

In recent years the percentage of income spent on household bills has increased to 70%, a worrying indication that, for many, personal finances are unsustainable. The biggest rises in need are being seen amongst working families and single-income households.

The fundraising message of the Surviving Winter Appeal is simple. If you are in position to give whatever you can afford, are in receipt of a non-means-tested government Winter Fuel Payment that you don’t need, would like to take the challenge of fundraising in your community or business, please do everything you can to support Suffolk Community Foundation’s Surviving Winter Appeal. Money raised will stay local and support other people in Suffolk to heat their homes and stay safe and warm this winter.

This year’s appeal has already received a boost thanks to sponsors MSC and Pound Gates. Suffolk Building Society are once again offering the opportunity for people to make donations across the counter at all their branches and East of England Co-operative continue to raise awareness of the appeal with many other local companies joining them at the launch event offering pledges of support.

As the number of working people living in fuel poverty continue to increase, it is a sad truth that there will now be many more people working alongside us every day in Suffolk who now cannot afford to stay warm this winter.

We ask you please to consider how you might be able to support this year’s Appeal financially as an individual or within your business. We also ask that you let everyone know that help is available in Suffolk from The Surviving Winter Appeal.

To donate or fundraise for this year's Appeal click: I would like to support the Surviving Winter Campaign 23/24 (enthuse.com)

T: (01473) 602 602 (during office hours) Visit any branch of Suffolk Building Society to make a payment over the counter.

To receive support from this year’s Appeal: Surviving Winter – Citizens Advice Ipswich

Together we will make a difference to the lives of people in Suffolk who need it most.

Melanie Craig                                                                                          John Dugmore 

Chief Executive                                                                                       Chief Executive

Suffolk Community Foundation                                                             Suffolk Chamber of Commerce