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Campaign launched to help Kent’s elderly and isolated survive winter
Kent Community Foundation has launched their 2018 fundraising campaign to support projects which help Kent’s elderly and isolated survive the winter.
As the evenings grow longer and colder, older people are particularly vulnerable, as cold weather increases their risk of illnesses and social isolation.
Josephine McCartney, Chief Executive of Kent Community Foundation comments: “At Kent Community Foundation we want to make winter less lonely for older people as well as helping them stay well, healthy and independent. Our Elderly and Isolated Fund support's local projects that address the everyday challenges faced by elderly people in Kent and Medway.”
“If just 1% of everyone in receipt of the Winter Fuel Payment in Kent and Medway were to donate their £200 to the Surviving Winter Campaign this winter, we would have a Fund of more than £1million to help vulnerable elderly people in the county. We are therefore calling on people who receive the payment but don’t rely on it, to donate it to others in greater need. But anyone of any age who wants to give, even a small amount, will be making a significant difference to vulnerable, elderly people here in Kent and Medway.”
“Money donated to the Fund will contribute to projects that support elderly and isolated people in Kent such as; lunch clubs and other social events, workshops and advice, transport, befriending services and schemes helping elderly residents with tasks such as shopping or gardening, all to help people stay in touch and keep active during the winter.”
Donations can be made online at or via cheque to Kent Community Foundation (FAO Liz Tredget and clearly marked on the back for the Surviving Winter Campaign) to KENT COMMUNITY FOUNDATION, Evegate Park Barn, Evegate Business Park, Ashford, Kent TN25 6SX.
During the winter, many individuals find it difficult to get out and about to access services, buy food or see friends and family. A donation to the Elderly and Isolated Fund helps support organisations that provide much-needed services and give advice or combat isolation.
Josephine McCartney continues: “Loneliness can often be accompanied by depression, and cold wet weather, and shorter days can make it more difficult for older people to leave the house, particularly those with mobility issues. This can mean that people opt to stay indoors, all alone, day after day. And the longer they are isolated, the harder it becomes to leave.”
Statistics for Kent and Medway:
- Approx. 10% of those aged 65 years and over say they feel lonely all or most of the time – this equates to around 52,300 people in Kent and Medway
- One in eight households in Kent is occupied by a pensioner living on their own
- 1 in 10 homes in Kent/Medway are affected by fuel poverty – with 10% of fuel poor households containing a person over the age of 75
Swale CVS received funding through the campaign last winter. Find out what the funding means to them and who it supports in the video below: