Charity appeals for support to help Hertfordshire families struggling to afford fuel and food this winter

Hertfordshire Community Foundation is raising money to help residents across the county who are suffering this winter.

Grant making charity Hertfordshire Community Foundation (HCF) is expecting this winter to be exceptionally tough for many local people, especially for those facing food and fuel poverty or feeling isolated.

HCF aims to encourage local philanthropy, the giving of time, resources, or both by local people to help support their communities.

Helen Gray, foundation director for Hertfordshire Community Foundation said: “Each year Hertfordshire Community Foundation runs a winter appeal to help local people who are faced with choosing between heating and eating.

"We have seen an increase in the demand for support from this appeal year on year, however this year we know that the pandemic has had a serious impact on a lot of people’s finances leaving many more local people struggling to make ends meet.

"It has also left countless more people feeling lonely and experiencing isolation and mental health problems.

“The consequences of the pandemic cannot be underestimated as people experience food and fuel poverty, having to go without hot meals or living in dangerously cold conditions. People are also feeling increasingly isolated.”

“HCF’s winter appeal will ensure support gets to the people and families who really need it, particularly over the festive period.

"We are so grateful to the people in Hertfordshire who have given to our appeal in the past, and this year their support is needed more than ever to help people survive this winter.

"Statistics show that an estimated 8.4 million people in the UK struggle to get enough to eat. In Hertfordshire we know that more than 200 people sleep rough every night and an estimated 25,000 children live in poverty*. In 2017/18 there were 795 excess winter deaths** due to poor living conditions. Each of these issues have been exacerbated by the ongoing pandemic.”

Donations to the appeal will be used to provide vital grants to cover fuel and food costs, grants towards activities to reduce loneliness and isolation and grants to provide support to help those in need to access specialist services and community groups.

To make a donation visit Hertfordshire Community Foundation’s website: www.hertscf.org.uk.