Just over a month after launching their Surviving Winter appeal Somerset Community Foundation (SCF) has raised over £125,000 thanks to the generosity of local people.

Today, around 10,000 older people in Somerset are living in fuel poverty – almost double the number last year. That means they face the stark choice between heating and eating this winter.

These donations will provide funding and support to older people across Somerset who are struggling to heat their homes. And donations are already being rapidly disbursed across the county in grants of up to £500.

These grants are a lifeline, keeping the county's most vulnerable people warm, safe and well in the face of dropping temperatures and soaring energy bills.

Laura Blake, SCF's Philanthropy Director, thanked everyone for their invaluable support so far: "We've been astounded by the magnitude of support we've received for the Surviving Winter appeal so far this year, particularly in light of the cost-of-living crisis. This year the demand is greater than ever before, and a record number of older people now need our help to cope with the bitter winter months ahead. We're incredibly grateful for every single donation we've received – without your support, we know lots of older people in Somerset would be suffering in silence during these long, cold winter months."

Help Somerset Community Foundation reach their target and help even more vulnerable older people this winter.

If SCF raise £175,000 they can make sure around 800 vulnerable older people across Somerset have the support they need to get through the winter. If you can, donate online by visiting www.somersetcf.org.uk/winter or call 01749 344949 and select option 1 to use your credit or debit card (Mon – Fri, 9am – 5pm). You can also send a cheque made payable to 'Somerset Community Foundation' (write 'SW' on the back) to Somerset Community Foundation, Yeoman House, The Bath & West Showground, Shepton Mallet BA4 6QN.