Nationally 5.4 million households are living in fuel poverty; almost half of those are aged over 60. Older people living alone are most at risk and across the whole of the West of England 559 vulnerable people died from causes directly attributable to the cold and poor living conditions.

The WFP is a universal payment made to everyone over the age of 60 on the electoral roll, during November and December so just a small percentage of these made as donations to the Surviving Winter Appeal would make a huge difference to those in need. 227,200 people in the West of England are eligible to receive the WFP & if 1% of them donated their winter fuel payment (based on lowest amount received e.g. £200) then £454,400 could be raised across West of England.