Helping Those in Need This Winter

As winter approaches, we face another challenging season of supporting those most in need. With energy prices remaining high and the cost of living continuing to squeeze household budgets, the importance of community-led initiatives has never been greater. But this year, we are confronted with a new pressure: the cut to the universal Winter Fuel Payment.

The Winter Fuel Payment has been a vital support for many older people for years, helping them meet the additional costs of heating their homes through the coldest months. While pensioners receiving Pension Credit will still receive assistance, and pensions themselves are set to rise, there is a growing concern for those who will fall through the cracks—people who don’t quite qualify for additional support but are still struggling to make ends meet. For them, this winter will be even harder.

Each day as Chief Executive of Norfolk Community Foundation, I hear from charities who are concerned about the impact these pressures will have on individuals and families. In times of crisis, it’s often these local charities that step in to fill the gaps. We saw this clearly last winter when our data revealed that more than 2,000 people visited our 110 Community Hot-Spots across Norfolk each week. These spaces—community centres, village halls, and other local hubs—provided not just warmth, but a vital source of connection and support for those coping with the rising cost of living.

It’s important to remember that financial strain isn’t the only reason people are seeking help, however. Isolation and loneliness are persistent and, in fact, they remain the key driver for people coming to our warm spaces, especially in rural areas where loneliness is an ongoing issue. Last winter, over 70% of those who visited our warm spaces came primarily because they were lonely or isolated.

That’s why Community Hot-Spots are more important than ever, offering both a refuge and a social lifeline. Last year, we saw older people, young families, and individuals of all ages coming together in these spaces. People who might otherwise be isolated found companionship, and those facing financial pressures discovered a supportive community on their doorstep.

But this winter, we face an added challenge. We have worked with the EDP for years, appealing to people who didn’t need their Winter Fuel Payment to generously donate it to help others. This gave us a crucial boost, allowing us to extend our services to even more people. This year, that option is no longer available. As a result, the charities we support will be under even greater pressure to meet rising demand with fewer resources.

The truth is, while government support will continue to protect the most vulnerable, there are always those who are just on the wrong side of eligibility criteria, or who don’t know they can access help. These are the people our local charities worry about most, and this is where we know local communities have a vital role to play.

Norfolk has always been a place where neighbours look out for one another, and this winter will be no different. We’re calling on the people of Norfolk to continue supporting our warm spaces and community initiatives in any way they can. Whether it’s by making a donation, volunteering, or simply spreading the word about the services available – every bit of help counts.

This winter will be hard for many, but together we can ensure that no one is left to face the cold alone. By stepping in, our communities can make a real difference. Together, we can ensure that Norfolk remains a place where everyone has the chance to stay warm, connected, and supported this winter.

Claire Cullens MBE

Cuts to vital winter fuel payments mean thousands of older people who were ‘just getting by’ could be pushed into fuel poverty. With older residents on the edge of fuel poverty, our Surviving Winter Appeal is sounding the alarm louder than ever. We are raising funds to keep Community Hot-Spots open and help thousands stave off freezing temperatures and loneliness.

This article originally appeared in the Eastern Daily Press 04.11.2024