Surviving Winter Appeal

Across Norfolk, there are fantastic local charities, community groups and voluntary organisations ready to step up with vital support this winter, but they can only do it with our help.

The spiralling cost of living is putting added financial strain on people this winter, especially those who are ‘just getting by’. These rising costs will once again mean many people will be making difficult decisions this winter, choosing between cooking hot meals, putting the heating on, or leaving the refrigerator running. Even with the the slight reduction in the fuel price cap this winter, people will be feeling the pinch of energy bills that are still almost double what they were two years ago. Many people will seek assistance from local charities, but charities, too, are voicing their concerns about the surge in demand for their services and and expressing fears around their increased running costs.

Picture of a person sitting on a chair. They are made from felt. Text overlay reads Surviving Winter Appeal
Izzy Foss from Norfolk Community Foundation talks to a older woman whilst taking part in an activity. Rv Annie sits behind talking to another person at the Community Hot Spot in the church.

Thank you!

We’d like to say a high thank you to all those who donated their winter fuel allowance to the programme, which has so far helped to create over 115 Hot Spots. We also extend our heartfelt gratitude to Norfolk County Council, Breckland Council, West Norfolk Council, and Equitix for their invaluable contributions in making these Community Hot-Spots a reality. Their dedication and support has been instrumental in creating safe havens where individuals can find warmth, connection, and respite during challenging times.

Take a look at the impact that Community Hot-Spots had last year on people all over Norfolk.

“As a nearly 75-year-old, I’m lucky to be working, active and financially secure. But I know only too well that thousands of people in Norfolk struggle with ill-health, loneliness and being forced to choose between heating and eating. So when I got the government letter telling me I was about to get a £500 winter fuel payment, I quickly decided I would put it to good use and donate it to the Hot Spots programme.”

Rt Hon Patricia Hewitt, Chair, Norfolk & Waveney NHS

How can I help?

For too many households in Norfolk, this winter could be one of the toughest, coldest and most worrying.

We appreciate that budgets will be tighter for many people this year, but for those that want to help, we’re calling on you to donate what you can. Whether it’s your unneeded winter fuel payment or simply what you can afford, we need Norfolk to help Norfolk this winter. Helping to keep communities warm, fed and together, the Surviving Winter appeal will transform local lives. The more support we have, the more we can help communities in our county.

Make your donation now via the form – every penny counts, no matter how small, and will enable local charities to provide essential help to some of the most vulnerable people in Norfolk from right now, through to spring.

Donate online quickly and securely, or alternatively please make a cheque payable to Norfolk Community Foundation (referencing ‘Surviving Winter’ on the reverse) and send it to Norfolk Community Foundation, First Floor, Carmelite House, 2 St James Court, Norwich, NR3 1SL.

“We are finding that people are having to decide whether they pay for fuel or food.”

Marie Burr, The Salvation Army