'No-one should choose between heating or eating'

Wiltshire Community Foundation is seeking donations from the public to support their 'Surviving Winter' programme

The boss of a charity which supports older and vulnerable people during the winter has said nobody should choose between heating and eating.

Wiltshire Community Foundation's Surviving Winter programme helps thousands of people hit by fuel poverty.

In 2024 the programme supported 2,855 individuals through fuel grants and advice, working with a range of partners - including Age UK and Citizens Advice.

Chancellor Rachel Reeves has said a change to winter fuel payments is necessary to repair a "hole" in the public finances left by the previous government.

Winter fuel payment is a lump-sum amount of £200 a year for pensioners under 80, increasing to £300 for over 80s, paid in November or December.

From this winter, it will be restricted to those who qualify for pension credit and other means-tested help, meaning an estimated 10 million pensioners will no longer be eligible to receive it.

Wiltshire Community Foundation's joint chief executive Fiona Oliver said: "No-one should be in the heartbreaking position of choosing between heating and eating.

She said January was "one of the darkest and coldest months of the year.

"We know that there are older and vulnerable who are too scared to put on their heating to keep themselves safe and warm," she added.

'Someone to listen'

Alongside partners, the foundation offers practical information on keeping homes warm.

This includes recommendations for boiler replacement, working with energy companies and landlords to manage energy bill debt and helping those who are eligible to apply for benefits.

One woman, aged 75, who lives alone, was helped after Age UK Wiltshire were able to award her with a Surviving Winter grant and also helped her with applications for attendance allowance, housing benefit, a council tax rebate and pension credit.

The charity said it supported the woman for six months and increased her weekly income by £156.

An Age UK Wiltshire spokesperson: "The Surviving Winter programme makes a huge difference to so many people.

"Just knowing someone is there to listen, offer guidance, and provide support takes away so much worry."