A CAMPAIGN has been launched to help vulnerable older people who are facing fuel poverty in the cold winter months.

The Dorset Community Foundation's Surviving Winter Appeal has received the support of the right reverend Karen Gorham, the Bishop of Sherborne.

Statistics show that one in 10 households in Dorset is currently in fuel poverty and in parts of the county this goes up to one in four houses who have to choose between heating and hot water or putting food on the table.

Each year, the appeal aims to collect donations from older members of the public who receive their winter fuel allowance but do not need it.

The money can then be passed onto older people within the county who are at risk during the colder winter months because of the combined effects of fuel poverty and social isolation. Residents will be able to apply for grants through the Citizens Advice Bureaus to pay their fuel bills and for cold weather essentials.

Right reverend Karen Gorham, the Bishop of Sherborne, said: "I am backing this wonderful initiative which raises donations from those not in need of their winter fuel allowances by ‘recycling’ them to help older people who really need additional support."

She said that it is a chance for people within Dorset to help their fellow residents within the county.

"It is a good way of sharing our resources around the county as those better off help those less fortunate."

Research by the Dorset Community Foundation shows that during the winter of 2014/15, a total of 336 vulnerable people died from cold weather-related deaths.

Last year the Dorset Community Foundation raised nearly £20,000 to help nearly 200 older residents in the county.

Since the appeal was launched in 2010, the Foundation has raised and distributed over £80,000 of help to those who need it most.

To donate to the Surviving Winter Appeal and help an older person in Dorset, send a cheque made out to Dorset Community Foundation to: Surviving Winter, The Spire, High Street, Poole, BH15 1DF.

Alternatively, go to Dorsetcommunityfoundation.org or call the charity on 01202 670815.