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CRFM Local Radio for Carlisle
Tullie House in Carlisle has been adorned with a cozy 33-metre scarf as a giant reminder that many older Cumbrians are facing a potentially deadly winter due to extreme cold.
As Cumbria braces for a winter where many residents will struggle to heat their homes, the scarf was draped around the rotunda to mark the launch of Cumbria Community Foundation’s annual Winter Warmth Appeal.
The hope is that the local community will support the appeal to ensure that no one has to choose between heating their home and buying food, especially amid concerns about increased hardship this winter.
Each year in Cumbria, between 300 and 500 older people die due to issues related to inadequate heating, and this year, that number could be even higher.
“Today, Tullie is sending a message to the people of Cumbria,” said Jenny Benson, Director of Programmes & Partnerships at Cumbria Community Foundation, the charity that runs the appeal.
“We want to remind everyone not to forget the older, vulnerable members of our community who are facing a winter of suffering because they cannot afford to heat their homes adequately.
“As we look ahead to winter, we know that the continued support of our donors will be vital. Pensioners were already slated to receive less support this year, as this will be the first winter since 2022 without an extra cost-of-living top-up for winter fuel, and energy prices have recently risen by 10%.
“Additionally, the government has announced that only those receiving Pension Credit or a means-tested benefit will qualify for the Winter Fuel Payment.
Many pensioners already find winter challenging, and the withdrawal of this payment for all but the most vulnerable will make this winter exceptionally difficult for many older Cumbrians. “Our appeal is therefore more urgent than ever, and we want to ensure that no one is forced to struggle during the colder months.
Please support the Winter Warmth Appeal by making a donation, no matter how large or small, if you can.”
The Foundation’s goal for the 2024 Winter Warmth Appeal is to raise £500,000.
Donations made by the public will be redistributed to those in greatest need, allowing them to stay warm without the burden of worrying about costs. Last year, over £315,000 was awarded in grants—through partners like Age UK and Copeland Age & Advice Service—benefiting a total of 1,941 vulnerable older people across the county.
Among those who received a grant last year was 71-year-old Sandra Parker from Carlisle, who said, “It was really helpful; very, very useful for me. Without it, I would have been struggling—not just with heating, but with life in general.
It made a real difference for me.” Another individual hoping to receive assistance this year is Shirley McGuire from Denton Holme in Carlisle. She has applied for support, admitting she won’t be able to turn on her heating this winter without it.
Cumbria Community Foundation has run the appeal every year since 2010 raising more than £2.5m in total.
