Stay Well This Winter

Bedfordshire and Luton Community Foundation are supporting their second Surviving Winter Campaign with the 2020 appeal: “Stay Well This Winter”.  

At this crucial time of Lockdowns and uncertainty, more people than ever are expected to face financial difficulties during the colder months.  

The campaign aims to raise money to help vulnerable individuals and families, and potentially isolated people stay warm and well over winter. We believe that no one should ever face a choice between eating and heating in the coldest months of the year.

The campiagn will run from mid November until the end of March 2021.
Make a donation?

We are happy to accept online donations via our Total Giving Site.
 

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Local Statistics
  • The government estimates that over 2.38 million households live in fuel poverty every winter in England alone.  In May this year, Bedford Today reported that 1 in 10 Bedford households suffer from fuel poverty. Sadly, these figures represent one of the worst levels of fuel poverty in the East of England.  
  • We believe that no one should ever face a choice between eating and heating in the coldest months of the year. This is the tip of the iceberg – we know that households in Bedfordshire, Central Bedfordshire and Luton are in the top third of fuel poverty in the East of England 
  • Recent research shows that the number of households (HHs) in fuel poor homes in Bedfordshire is as follows:  
    • Bedford Borough – 6,763 homes affected; this is equivalent to 10% of HHs
    • Central Beds – 8,792 homes affected; this is equivalent to 8% of HHs
    • Luton – 9,242 homes affected; this is equivalent to 11.8% of HHs

How Do We Identify And Reach Those Most In Need?

We work with key Community Partners across each of the local authority areas who use their local expertise to help identify vulnerable families and people facing financial hardship and poverty. 

We distribute funds raised through the dedicated Community Partners to ensure that support for those most in need at this time is given quickly over the coming colder months. 

Working in this collaborative, joined-up way means that not only do those struggling receive vital financial support, but they are also put in touch with a local charity that can help direct them to additional longer-term support throughout the winter. 

Isolation and loneliness are an ever-increasing issue, and not just in the rural areas of our county. With the added pressure and limits of the Coronarvirus restrictions, mental health and wellbeing for all ages is a growing concern. By linking vulnerable families and older people with other organisations delivering essential care packages, we hope to be able to extend the impact being delivered past the timeframe of the campaign itself. 

How Can I Help?

If you are moved to help us help raise vital funds to support those LOCALLY who are facing financial hardship across Bedfordshire this winter your donation via our Total Giving site is greatly appreciated.

Please click HERE to donate.  

If you are able to donate, the following amounts will secure the following:  

  • £30 helps towards electricity for a vulnerable person for up to 1 month
  • £50 helps towards gas for a family of 4 for up to 1 month
  • £100 helps towards 2 essential winter care packs for a vulnerable individual, an elderly couple and towards gas bills for a family of 4 for 1 month
  • Please consider donating some, or all, of your Winter Fuel Allowance if you do not need it yourself this winter


Sadly, not everyone has the luxury of being able to afford to heat their homes or warm their food – together we hope to change that throughout Bedfordshire.

Thank you for your support. 

 

Our Community Partners 2020
 

We are delighted to be working with the following 7 local organisations to help us support each part of the county. If you need support this winter, please click on the links below to take you directly to our partners websites to find their contact details and how to get in touch.

  1. Bedford Foodbank
  2. Faces
  3. Queens Park Community Organisation
  4. Home-Start
  5. Level Trust
  6. Luton Irish Forum
  7. Luton Foodbank


Thank you for your commitment to this appeal and to helping us fight fuel poverty for the most vulnerable residents in Bedfordshire.