Surviving Winter Appeal: Help Keep Berkshire’s Most Vulnerable Residents Warm This Winter
As the colder months approach, many people across Berkshire are once again facing difficult choices. While it is welcome news that many older people will receive the Winter Fuel Payment this year, rising household costs continue to place significant pressure on vulnerable residents. For too many, winter still brings the impossible decision between heating their homes and putting food on the table.
At Berkshire Community Foundation, we believe no one should have to face that choice alone.
That is why we are launching our Surviving Winter Appeal, raising funds to support older and vulnerable people across Berkshire and the charities and community groups that work tirelessly to help them.
Winter can be a particularly difficult time for older people, those living with disabilities or long-term health conditions, individuals with life-limiting illnesses, and families already struggling with the cost of living.
As energy bills, food prices and other household expenses continue to put pressure on budgets, demand for support from local charities and voluntary organisations remains high. Yet many of these organisations are facing increasing operational costs themselves, making it harder to continue delivering the vital services that communities rely on.
Across Berkshire, local charities are providing practical help, emotional support and essential advice to people who would otherwise be left vulnerable and isolated during the winter months. The Surviving Winter Appeal ensures these organisations can continue to reach those who need them most.
The hundreds of charities and voluntary organisations working across Berkshire are often the first to respond when people experience hardship. From supporting older residents living alone to helping families under financial pressure, they play a critical role in keeping communities strong and connected.
Every donation to the Surviving Winter Appeal stays local, helping people right here in Berkshire.
"In these times of continuing challenges for people and families trying to make ends meet, the work of the hundreds of voluntary organisations and charities that support them is more important than ever, especially during the winter months.
At Berkshire Community Foundation, we see first-hand how economic pressures have increased demand for support from local charities. At the same time, those organisations are facing many of the same financial challenges themselves.
Through our Surviving Winter Appeal, we are directing resources to support this vital work, helping charities continue to reach those most in need when they need it most. We hope to support as many organisations and as many people as possible and encourage businesses, charitable trusts, statutory organisations and individual supporters to join us if they can."
Geraldine Lejeune OBE DL, Chief Executive of Berkshire Community Foundation
Your Gift Can Make a Difference
A donation of any size can help ensure that older and vulnerable people across Berkshire remain warm, safe and well this winter.
By supporting the Surviving Winter Appeal, you are helping local charities continue their essential work and providing practical support to people facing some of the toughest months of the year.
Whether you are an individual, a business, a charitable trust or a community organisation, your contribution can make a real difference on your doorstep.
Together, we can help reduce financial anxiety, combat isolation and ensure that Berkshire's most vulnerable residents receive the support they need to get through the winter.
Together, we can help keep Berkshire warm this winter.