THE Herefordshire Community Foundation is launching its Surviving Winter campaign to help residents survive the coldest season.

It is keen to help as many people - and the organisations they rely on in the winter – to survive this year.

According to Herefordshire Healthy Housing report in 2012, 14 per cent of households were considered “fuel poor.”

The campaign originally began as a vehicle for pensioners to ‘recycle’ their winter fuel payments and has now developed into a giving portal for anyone who wants to help support vulnerable people live well during the winter.

The cost to the NHS in Herefordshire owing to cold homes is considerable.

Research from the national charity Age UK suggested that the cost of cold homes to the NHS in England and Wales is £1.36 billion a year.

Considering this national figure, any activity to reduce fuel poverty and its associated effects in Herefordshire is likely to lead to consequential reductions in local health spend, GP referrals and hospital admissions.

Philippa Spens, CEO of the Community Foundation, said: “This fund is vital.

“Community foundations are one of the few organisations that help with responsive crisis payments, when people really have nowhere else to turn and are desperate for help.”

Last year, 59-year-old Jane had recently separated from her husband after 30 years of marriage.

She fell on hard times and had no money for food or bills.

Jane eventually managed to find a job as a receptionist but had to wait a few weeks before being paid.

She approached her Community Foundation and they assisted immediately by providing her with food vouchers and money for her electricity bill.

Winter Fuel Allowance payments are made in November and December to all pensioners across the UK and are not means tested.

If you don’t need yours you can donate it to the Community Foundation.

There isn’t any way to simply divert the payment. Instead, the foundation is asking for a donation of some or all of the benefit.

Even if you don’t qualify for the benefit you can send money.

To donate electronically use reference Surviving Winter, Sort Code: 40-52-40 Account No: 00021470 or online at herefordshirecf.org/donate/#form

Alternatively, you can post a cheque made out to the Herefordshire Community Foundation, The Fred Bulmer Centre, Wall Street, Hereford, HR4 9HP.