South Yorkshire charity calls for winter fuel donations

People over 65 can get up to £600 as part of the government's Winter Fuel Allowance

A charity is asking people to donate some of their winter fuel payments to help the less fortunate.

South Yorkshire's Community Foundation (SYCF) said if people could afford to they would welcome donations to their Cost of Living Fund, which supports poorer families in the county.

People over the age of 65 can get up to £600 to help towards energy bills.

The money is paid out automatically and is not means-tested, unlike some other allowances.

The charity's chief executive Ruth Willis said she had given £250 from her allowance.

"The cost of living crisis has affected communities across South Yorkshire with people worried about how it will impact them at home, particularly as we approach the cold, winter months," she said.

'Poorest areas'

"People have already given so generously towards our Cost of Living Fund and we're very keen to expand on this by asking, where possible, for households to donate their Winter Fuel Payments which are now being made by the Government."

She added: "With the support of people in South Yorkshire, we could help thousands of pounds to be redistributed to the poorest areas of our region this winter."

The fund was launched in September 2022 to collect donations which are distributed to community groups.

SYCF has been operating for 37 years.

Last year, it dispensed more than £1m to groups and individuals.

Projects funded included a children's club at Barnsley's YMCA and money for telephone support services and counselling sessions at the Sheffield Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre.

In October, they launched an emergency appeal to help flood victims affected by Storm Babet.