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The Hoad Wraps Up As Appeal Launches To Save Older Cumbrians Facing Harsh Winter
Whitehaven
Ulverston’s famous Hoad monument has been wrapped in a cosy scarf as a giant reminder that many older Cumbrians are facing a winter of potentially deadly cold.
As Cumbria prepares itself for another winter in which many will struggle to heat their homes, the 33-metre scarf was draped around the Ulverston landmark to hail the launch of Cumbria Community Foundation’s annual Winter Warmth Appeal.
It is hoped that Cumbrians will give the appeal their support and help ensure no one has to choose between heating and eating, amid fears there will be extra hardship this winter.
Every year in Cumbria, between 300 and 500 older people die because of problems related to not being able to afford to heat their home, and this year that number could be higher.
“Today The Hoad is sending a message to the people of Cumbria,” said Jenny Benson, Director of Programmes & Partnerships at Cumbria Community Foundation, the charity which runs the appeal.
“We want to remind everyone not to forget the older vulnerable members of our community who are facing a winter of suffering because they cannot afford to heat their homes adequately.
“As we look towards winter, we know that the continued support of our donors will be vital. Pensioners were already due to get less this year as it will be the first time since 2022 that they will not receive an extra winter fuel cost of living top-up and energy prices have recently risen by 10%.
“In addition, the Government announced that only those in receipt of Pension Credit or a means tested benefit, will receive the Winter Fuel Payment. We know that many pensioners already find winter a struggle. The withdrawal of the Winter Fuel Payment from all but the most vulnerable people means that this year will be especially difficult for many older Cumbrians.
“Our appeal is therefore more vital than ever before, and we want to ensure that no one is forced to struggle during the colder months.
“Please support the Winter Warmth Appeal by making a donation, however large or small, if you can.”
Graham Scrogham, Mayor of Ulverston and Senior Lighthouse Keeper at Sir John Barrow Monument said: “To my knowledge this is the first time that the monument has ever been wrapped in a giant scarf. At 33 metres long, the scarf is as tall as the monument.
“It’s been great to get involved in such a great campaign and we’re delighted to support Cumbria Community Foundation’s appeal this year.”
The Foundation’s 2024 Winter Warmth Appeal target is to raise £500,000.
Money donated by the public to the appeal is then redistributed to those most in need, to allow them to stay warm without worrying about the cost.
Last year over £315,000 was awarded in grants – through delivery partners Age UK and Copeland Age & Advice Service – benefitting a total of 1,941 vulnerable older people across the county.
Among those who received a grant last year was 72-year-old Terrance Abba, from Barrow.
“There are seven months through the year when it’s cold,” he explained, “so this payment is very helpful. Otherwise, for me, it’s a choice to put my heating on or have a warm meal.
“Last year the payment meant I could split it up and have some food and put the heating on when I really need it.”
Rosemary Hargreave also received help last year and, despite the lifeline it offered her, she has chosen not to apply this year, in the hope it will stretch the fund even further for those in need.
The 95-year-old, from Kendal, said: “I used it for electricity and gas, and it was very, very helpful. It meant I didn’t have to worry or think about it.
“This year, after the Government stopped the payment, I think there might be more people who need it. I live on my own so I try to live as carefully as I can”.
Cumbria Community Foundation has run the appeal every year since 2010, raising more than £2.5m in total.
Donate online using this link: https://cumbriafoundation.enthuse.com/cf/48c1/Winter-Warmth-Appeal-24
Alternatively, donations can be made by cheque or phone. To make a phone donation, please ring 01900 825760 between the hours of 9am-5pm.
A match funding challenge will run from Monday 11 November to Friday 13 December. During this period, anyone who donates will have their donation doubled, thanks to the generosity of match funding champions, who this year include Electricity North West, WCF Ltd, and Cumberland and Westmorland and Furness Councils.
Karen Hunter, customer inclusion and partnerships manager at Electricity North West, said: “We’re delighted to support Cumbria Community Foundation’s Winter Warmth Appeal.
“Customers are at the heart of everything we do and we’re always looking for partnerships that make a difference to communities.
“For four weeks from 11 November, as a match funding champion, we’ll double the donations that are made, £1 for £1 up to a total of £20,000. Hopefully, we’ll see new and current donors get involved knowing their donation will be doubled.”
If you know someone aged 60 or over who may need support from the fund,
click here.