THE DORSET branch of a national charity is throwing its support behind a county-wide appeal to help to keep elderly people warm this winter.

Age UK Bournemouth, which also covers Poole, Christchurch and East Dorset, is backing the Dorset Community Foundation’s Surviving Winter Campaign, which aims to prevent the 500 cold weather-related deaths in Dorset each year.

Research from a recent survey by the charity shows that one in three pensioners across the country fear that they will not be able to afford to heat their homes this winter.

However, the charity says that billions of pounds worth of benefits and support is being left unclaimed due to ‘long and complicated forms’.

Judith Livingstone, information and advice manager, said: “Too many older people are put off claiming benefits they may be entitled to by the long and complicated forms. “Our benefits advisor can not only fully check whether someone is entitled to additional financial help but can also assist with the completion of the form in a calm and relaxed environment.”

The Dorset Community Foundation’s Surviving Winter Campaign encourages residents who do not need their winter fuel allowance to donate it to help those in need, who may only feel they can heat one room over the festive period.

Tracy Melling, appeal manager from the foundation, says that 500 cold weather-related deaths is a ‘shocking’ number of lives being taken from the county that together residents can help to avoid.

She added: “Poorly insulated homes, fuel poverty and social isolation are a few of the many reasons why winter is a silent killer for many older people.

“I hope readers in the community will help us put a stop to these deaths by making a donation to the appeal.”

To make a donation to the Surviving Winter Campaign via text message, send Warm15 £5 to 70070 to donate £5 or go online to Localgiving.com/charity/dorsetcommunityfoundation Alternatively, cheques can be made payable to: Surviving Winter, Dorset Community Foundation, 24 St Peters Road, Bournemouth, BH1 2LN.