Friends Of The Elderly’s Winter Appeal Raises £17,261 To Support Vulnerable Older People Over The Winter
Friends of the Elderly, is thanking its donors for their kindness and generosity after its annual Winter Appeal raised £17,261 for its Grants Programme, helping 324 vulnerable older people through the cold winter months.
“Our Grants Programme supports older people on low incomes across England and Wales, helping them afford the basics and stay safe and well. With 1.9 million pensioners living in relative poverty in 2023/24, and this forecast to rise to 3.9 million in the coming years, our Winter Appeal is more important than ever,” said Rachel Hill, the charity’s Chief Executive Officer.
One of those the Grants Programme supported is Helen*, who received a grant through the Winter Appeal.
“The grant has made a huge difference,” said Helen. “I lost over three stone due to medical conditions, none of my clothes fit and I had no money to buy new clothes. Energy bills are so high, I am struggling. I was trying to layer up at home, but I didn’t even have a warm coat.
“Thanks to Friends of the Elderly, I was able to buy a lovely warm winter coat that zips all the way to the top. If I hadn’t received the grant, I probably wouldn’t have
been able to go out much, as I didn’t have a warm coat. I feel so much happier and confident.
“I volunteer for the visually impaired; one day you are helping people and suddenly you are the one that needs help. Things can change very quickly.
“Receiving the grant has made me feel like I am not on my own. You feel worried about getting help but it’s so wonderful to know someone out there cares and can help. It makes you realise how much it is needed and the difference it makes to people’s lives. It’s like being hugged.”
Sadly, Helen’s experience is far from unique.
“In 2023/24, 1.3 million older people were unable to afford basic essentials, and that number grew by 300,000 in the past year alone,” added Rachel.
“It is thanks to the overwhelming support of all those who donated to the Winter Appeal that Friends of the Elderly has been able to help so many older people through the cold, and sometimes unforgiving, winter months,” continued Rachel.
“Supporting older people like Helen is at the heart of Friends of the Elderly’s Winter Appeal. We see every day how even modest amounts of support can make a meaningful difference to people’s lives. …3
“The wide-ranging eligibility criteria of our grants mean we are a lifeline to the most vulnerable people in our communities, and it is clear the impact is real, with 80% of recipients reporting they feel happier after receiving support.”
“The Winter Appeal plays a vital role in helping us support older people who have nowhere else to turn. We are incredibly grateful to everyone who donated, particularly at a time when many people are facing challenges themselves,” concluded Rachel.
