At this time of year many people are beginning to receive cheques for their Winter Fuel Allowance. Local charity Fair Frome says that while the allowance is important for some seniors’ lives, for others, it could be used to help those who are worse off.
The charity says, “The government website lists those who qualify and includes people born on or before 5th November 1953, those aged over 80 and/or those on specified benefits. The payments may be received by one or both partners in a household and range from £100 to £300. The website provides all the relevant information and specifies whether you need to apply or if you will receive it automatically. For more information go to: www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/winter-fuel-pay ment-payments-and-rates
“For many local people this allowance will be a vital addition to their income, helping them to keep warm through the winter months.
“However, every year other people prefer to donate it to charity. Fair Frome, the local charity, which delivers projects to improve the lives of local residents such as the Food Bank and Furniture Bank, is asking people, if they can afford it, to consider donating to them. Every penny raised will help a local person through a period of financial hardship or isolation.
“This year has been particularly hard for many residents. Fair Frome has seen an unprecedented increase in demand for services, illustrated by the increasing number of grocery parcels handed out over the summer. The changes in the benefit system, job insecurity and low wages, unexpected bills and homelessness are just a few of the reasons why over 250 people have used the food bank this August alone.
“Now autumn is here, traditionally a time of plenty, it is the “season of mist and mellow fruitfulness”, but for some people living in the BA11 area the season of plenty will pass them by while they worry about how to prioritise a limited budget. Do they pay the bills, or buy groceries, stay warm or turn the heating off? Please help Fair Frome to give these people a breathing space and time to get back on their feet.
“Fair Frome hope that if you are considering donating your fuel allowance to charity you will consider them. Your donation will not be wasted, every penny will go to help some of your fellow residents through a particularly hard time in their lives.”
To make a donation please go to: https://local giving.org/donation/fair frome
Or deliver to Fair Frome Centre, at Frome Town Hall on Park Road, Frome. For more information please call Wendy Miller Williams or Lenka Grimes on 01373 488578.
