Concern over Dorset's Surviving Winter appeal demand

With just weeks to go before the launch of the 13th Surviving Winter appeal, Dorset Community Foundation and its partners at Citizens Advice have said demand for its grants will likely be at record level.

The warning comes as the community foundation’s report into last year’s appeal showed its positive impact on people struggling with fuel poverty in Dorset.

But with the rising cost of living and energy prices projected to rocket again in October and January, the advice charity says more people are coming to it for help.

“I think it is fair to say we have not seen anything like this before and demand is not slowing,” said Katrina Ford, business development manager for Citizens Advice East Dorset & Purbeck.

“We are concerned with what the demand is going to be like and more than ever the funding from Surviving Winter is going to be vitally important.”

Energy bill woes. Picture: PA

Last year, Citizens Advice distributed almost £86,400 raised by Dorset Community Foundation. It awarded £200 fuel grants to 432 older and vulnerable people across the county.

Katrina added: “We are seeing younger clients coming through, more younger families and people who are in full-time work.

“It is great that there is targeted help for the most vulnerable, but we are seeing this different demographic coming through for help and the costs they face are impossible to meet.”

Dorset Community Foundation director Grant Robson said: “No one needs explaining why it is going to be so tough and we will be relying on the wonderful donors who given us such generous support over the last 12 years to do so again.”

As well as grants, the Surviving Winter appeal gives struggling people general energy advice and support.

Last year the Citizens Advice team was able to help some people switch to cheaper tariffs, but with the collapse of dozens of smaller companies that option has gone.

Visit dorsetcommunityfoundation.org/appeals/surviving-winter for more information.