Cumbria launches Winter Warmth Appeal for vulnerable older people

Summarised from 4 outlets · Updated 9 Nov, 06:58 · Archive

The Cumbria Community Foundation has launched its 2026 Winter Warmth Appeal to help vulnerable older residents keep their homes warm as household energy bills rise to £1,723 a year under Ofgem's new price cap. The cost of heating is becoming a growing concern for many older people, especially those on low or fixed incomes.

Jenny Benson, director of Programmes & Partnerships at Cumbria Community Foundation, said: 'Every year we hear from older people who are frightened to put their heating on because they are worried about what the bill will be. For someone living on a low income, particularly with a health condition or in a cold and difficult-to-heat home, that can have serious consequences.'

Last winter, the fund provided 1,167 grants totalling £315,650, reaching 1,474 older people across Cumbria. Of those helped, 75 per cent lived alone, and 69 per cent had a health condition. The impact of cold homes is serious, with as many as 500 older people dying in a bad winter.

One recipient of the support said: 'I cried when I found out I was eligible. It stopped me worrying about how I am going to manage.'

Donations made to the appeal between November 9 and December 20 will be doubled thanks to the foundation's Match Fund Champions, up to a total of £200,000. Supporters include WCF Ltd, the John Laing Charitable Trust, Westmorland & Furness Council, and several other organisations and private donors. Karen Hunter, customer inclusion manager at SP Electricity North West, said the company was 'proud to once again support Cumbria Community Foundation's Winter Warmth Appeal, following the success of last year's partnership'.

How it is being reported

• Cumbria appeal launches to keep vulnerable older people warm this winterOLDER people are facing another difficult winter.Cumberland News · 9 Nov, 05:00
• Cumbria appeal launches to keep vulnerable older people warm this winterOLDER people are facing another difficult winter.NW Evening Mail · 9 Nov, 05:00
• Cumbria appeal launches to keep vulnerable older people warm this winterOLDER people are facing another difficult winter.Westmorland Gazette · 9 Nov, 05:00
• Cumbria appeal launches to keep vulnerable older people warm this winterOLDER people are facing another difficult winter.Whitehaven News · 9 Nov, 05:00

In this story: Cumbria Community Foundation · Jenny Benson · WCF Ltd · John Laing Charitable Trust · Westmorland & Furness Council · SP Electricity North West · Karen Hunter · Cumbria

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