After the increasingly long 'Black Friday' comes #GivingTuesday

As the biting cold sets in, County Durham Community Foundation are making a stand for those facing fuel poverty in County Durham and Darlington.

This #GivingTuesday we launch our #WinterWarmthCDCF appeal – asking our supporters to help those who are left in the cold this winter. Could you:

• Donate your Winter Fuel Allowance?
• Forego Christmas cards and help a child, family or older person in need?

The North East has one of the highest levels of fuel poverty in the country. This appeal exists to raise much needed funds for those facing hardship. Your donations will help us reduce possibly even prevent illness, misery and isolation this Christmas and instead bring some cheer and happiness to those in desperate need living in your community.

Last year generous donations were used by groups to:

• Buy winter coats for children who’d never had their own
• Provide urgent support for older people without food or money
• Help families with no heating

Many of us look forward to winter; it brings festivities and the opportunity to spend time with family and friends. But it can be an awful time for many. 335 excess deaths occur during the winter in County Durham – 22% related to the cold and 10% to fuel poverty.

For the sixth richest country in the world, we find this shameful.

As a Community Foundation, we are working towards the Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations, including No.1 No Poverty and No.7 Affordable and Clean Energy.

By joining us this year, you can be part of a global movement that we can bring to our local problems, so that we can unite and make life better for everyone. Starting with those who are most in need.

A FEW FACTS THAT MAY SURPRISE YOU......

• 335 excess deaths occur during winter in County Durham. 22% are related to the cold and 10% to fuel poverty
• In 2018 to 2019, the North East had the highest regional excess winter mortality, caused by a prolonged spell of extreme cold, and where fuel poverty, uninsulated housing and poor social care played major parts
• 24% of people have a limiting long-term illness in County Durham compared with 18% across England. Their tough lives get even tougher in winter

• 21% of children are living in poverty in County Durham compared with 17% across England
• 29% of children (600,000) in the North East lack two or more of basic necessities such as a warm winter coat, fresh fruit and vegetables once a day and new, properly fitting shoes

A little gift can make a big difference

Lifeline Community Action, which supports families in desperate need, were awarded ￡750 last winter. One dad asked for help to buy warm clothes for his four children. The children were used to hand-me-downs but some of their coats had simply worn out. One of his younger daughters had never owned a new coat before and was thrilled to have her own for the very first time. Lifeline Community Action were also able to give this family warm socks, gloves, fleecy pyjamas and dressing gowns for the children and a heater to keep the living room while the boiler could be fixed.

Another family were helped by Lifeline Community Action when the father was referred by his grandmother. Recovering from bone cancer affecting his knee, this man was struggling to find work because of the pain he was in. With his partner’s children from a previous relationship and his own child to care for, things were looking grim and the family could not afford their heating bills. Lifeline Community Action stepped in and provided several thick fleece blankets, warm bedding and pyjamas for the children. Again, the youngest child was given a warm winter coat, and the older children were kitted out with hats, socks and gloves. The grandmother has since become a devoted volunteer for the charity.

Age Concern Durham County were awarded ￡750 last year, which they sued for their Keep Warm, Keep Well project. Ernest, 76, got involved as a volunteer by helping to plan one of the hot dinner events and playing Christmas music on the keyboard as people arrived. He then became a regular attendee at the lunch club and reports that his loneliness has lifted.

Florence was 84, and lonely. Living in a village with no day activities for older people was getting her down. Age Concern Durham County started a new lunch club through the Winter Warmth appeal funding and Florence began to attend. A neighbour now collects her and they attend often, giving Florence the chance to socialise, keep warm and enjoy a hot meal.