Surviving Winter Appeal - Cambridgeshire Community Foundation

Huge heating bills shouldn’t leave anyone out in the cold

We’re encouraging those who receive the reinstated Winter Fuel Allowance, but do not need, it to donate it to help vulnerable households stay warm this winter.

Across Cambridgeshire, 32,190 households are living in fuel poverty, according to a recent National Energy Action (NEA) report.

That’s around 1 in 10 households in our county facing the impossible choice between heating and eating this winter.

And with the average annual fuel bill reaching £1,720 – almost £500 more than in 2021 – it’s sadly not surprising that 49% of adults in Great Britain expect to ration their energy this winter, while only 22% say they can comfortably afford their heating bills.

Worryingly, 71% of adults with a heart condition and 64% of those with asthma say they are likely to ration heating this winter.

Research shows that being exposed to cold temperatures can make a range of existing health problems worse, such as diabetes and musculoskeletal or rheumatological conditions (Source: IHE Fuel Poverty report, 2022).

Those affected by fuel poverty cope as best as they can. People cut back on other essentials, such as food, or they ration energy use by heating only one room. Many people will also take respite in other warm places.

However, with high energy costs and other living expenses, low incomes and energy-inefficient homes, these measures only go so far and should not be what anyone has to resort to.

How the Surviving Winter Appeal helps

The funds raised by the Surviving Winter Appeal are being distributed by Cambridgeshire Community Foundation’s nominated charitable partner organisations.

Households who need help to stay warm and have access to energy throughout the winter can apply to these partner organisations, which use the funds raised to make payments or purchases relating to energy and heating, such as topping up pre-payment meters.

Partner charities supporting the distribution of raised funds

How you can help

If you are in a position to help, please consider donating to the Surviving Winter Appeal to help local families and individuals facing a winter in fuel poverty.

If you are receiving support that you do not need, such as the Winter Fuel Payment, we encourage you to please donate the equivalent or part equivalent to help those who will struggle to afford a warm home.

How to donate

Donate online

Donate using the donation form at the top of this page.

Send a cheque

Please send a cheque payable to Cambridgeshire Community Foundation to the following address:

Hangar One, The Airport
Newmarket Road
Cambridge CB5 8TG

Please write ‘Surviving Winter Appeal’ on your envelope or the cheque reverse.

Make a bank transfer

To donate by making a bank transfer, please email info@cambscf.org.uk to receive our bank details.

Thank you to our generous donors:

Julia Cieslak

7 November 2025

Surviving Winter Appeal Amount Donated

£1.00