Surviving Winter Appeal - Key Questions Answered

Where do your figures come from?
Essex County Council, the NHS and Census 2001.  Deaths by category are recorded throughout the year; there is a notable increase in the winter months, an excess when measured against the norm, which is directly attributable to cold conditions and the inability of older, poorer people in particular, to deal with them.  Rural isolation exacerbates the situation.

To what do you attribute this increase?
A symbiotic combination of poor living conditions, bad diet, and circulatory or respiratory diseases which are worsened by the cold.  Falls, on ice or wet surfaces, compound the problem.

What can the Foundation do about it?
At the last Census in 2001, pensioners made up 25.1% of households in Essex; and it is likely that the ratio has increased given the ageing population.  Many of those deemed at risk either do nor or cannot leave their homes during cold spells, effectively making them invisible if no-one knows of their situation. 

With sufficient funding from donations of the WFP, we can support local charities whose focus is to help elderly and vulnerable people through the winter months.ECF already makes grants to many of these organisations.  We know where and how they help those in greatest need.  We are the natural choice as a link between the clubs and groups and donors who want to support their work on the ground.

Who will qualify for a grant?
Charities, voluntary and community organisations that provide much needed help and support to elderly and vulnerable people at a very local community level as well as the larger organisations such as Age Concern, Alzheimer’s Society and Citizens’ Advice Bureaux.

How much do we expect to raise?
For most people the winter fuel payment works out at around £250 per household, although it goes up to £400 for the over 80s.  It is estimated that there are some 250,000 aged 65 and over living in Essex.  If just 1% of this group were to donate their WFP to the appeal we could raise £625,000.  However, this figure could be increased to £800,000 if individuals gift aid their donation as this will add an additional 28% to the value of their gift.   Click here for Gift Aid Form..... .

Is supporting this Appeal restricted to the over 60’s?
No.  All are encouraged to contribute.  We have made this easy to do by allowing online donations through our website.  Click here to donate.

How much will be spent on administration?
No more than 2% will be spent on administering the Winter Appeal.

Isn’t this the job of Government or Social Services?  Why don’t they just means-test the Winter Fuel Payment?
Government certainly has a role to play to protect the welfare of its citizens, but so does local philanthropy, particularly in an issue as complex as this.  Although poverty is a factor, so also is poor housing and rural isolation.   There are many elderly people who are not necessarily amongst the poorest living in inadequately insulated housing, while many of the poorest older people live in modern social housing accommodation with efficient heating systems.

Our Appeal is one way to target money to where it is most needed.  It is for Parliament to decide on whether to means test Winter Fuel Payments.  Our approach uses existing local knowledge and networks to target support where it is most needed.  It gives local people the opportunity to directly influence how their giving, and through gift aid, their tax, can make a difference on their doorstep.

What will you do with any surplus funds?
Any surplus from the distribution will be used to support our broader work around tackling the needs of the elderly in Essex.

Will donors be able to nominate the recipients of their support?
No, but we will encourage them to tell us of local community organisations that they know of which may qualify for support.

To make a pledge now and donate your Winter Fuel Payment when you have received it, please e-mail Steve Mackenzie : steve@essexcf.org.uk or send a cheque directly to Steve at Essex Community Foundation, 121 New London Road, Chelmsford, CM2 0QT.  Or you can donate on-line by clicking here.