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Winter poverty appeal

Thank you for helping local people through the winter months

Our annual Winter Poverty Appeal raises funds to offer a lifeline to local families and vulnerable elderly residents.
With the help of donations from Hertfordshire residents and organisations we provided vital grants to community groups supporting those in need, providing access to fuel and food, activities to reduce loneliness and isolation and support to access specialist services and community groups.

We are so grateful to everyone who supported our 2021/22 appeal, thanks to you many local residents did not have to choose between heating or eating.

Research states that roughly 1 in 11 homes in Hertfordshire is classified as ‘fuel poor’ meaning that the household’s energy costs are above average and their remaining disposable income after paying their bills puts them below the poverty line.

The effects of fuel poverty can be devastating. It can lead to social isolation, poorer physical and mental health, lower educational achievement and rationing of food and other essentials.

Our Winter Appeal 2022 will launch again in the autumn, with skyrocketing fuel and energy costs we know that this year our support will be needed more than ever. Should you wish to make a donation please use the information below:

How to donate:


Every donation, large or small, can make a difference.

Bank transfer:
Account number 28592379, sort code 60-10-39

By cheque:
Payable to ‘Hertfordshire Community Foundation’ and posted to HCF, Foundation House, 2-4 Forum Place, Fiddlebridge Road, Hatfield AL10 0RN

To find out more call 01707 251351 or email marketing@hertscf.org.uk
“I would like to thank you so much for my heating grant. I am 93 and live on my own. I suffer from pain and feel the cold so much. I live on my pension and have to be so careful. Thanks again I do appreciate it.”
Winter appeal grant recipient
“Thank you and your generous donors from the bottom of my heart for this generous contribution. My husband has been unwell for the past three years and, as I work and he was initially misdiagnosed, we have been living solely on my part time earnings, which has been a huge struggle.”
Winter appeal grant recipient
“Thank you for helping me to keep warm. I can now heat my home for myself and my child. Thank you very much, I do appreciate.”
Winter appeal grant recipient
“We have really struggled as my partner is self-employed and has been signed off work awaiting an operation. This has resulted in us having to apply for Universal Credit which is a 5 week wait for the first payment which has caused us much stress with paying our rent, council tax and bills. Your grant has taken so much pressure off us knowing that we will have gas and electricity for the children is massively one less worry at this difficult time. We really do appreciate it.”
Winter appeal grant recipient
“Thank you for my heating grant. I am an 86 year old widow who lives alone. I have mobility issues and various health conditions including Polymyalgia which affects my immune system and is exacerbated by the cold weather which means my heating costs are higher. Thanks to your grant I can continue to stay warm this winter.”
Winter appeal grant recipient
“Thank you so much for the grant I received. It is very much appreciated. It will help me enormously with the winter bills to keep warm and ease my arthritic pains and aches which can be very painful at times. Thank you again.”
Winter appeal grant recipient
“Thank you most sincerely for the recent grant, it was most appreciated and will relieve the worry of how to keep warm this winter.”
Winter appeal grant recipient

Mother worries about keeping children warm

Michelle is a young mum facing a shortfall in her weekly budget. Her biggest fear is ending up on the street with her small children.
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Winter appeal helps reunite father and child

Donations from our winter appeal helped self-employed carpenter, Max* and his 18-month-old daughter Poppy*.
Read more

Help with heating costs for wheelchair user

Tom* is in his forties, is disabled and lives on his own in a one bedroom flat. He really feels the cold at this time of year but is in debt trying to keep his flat warm.
READ MORE

Video: What will you spend £5 on this winter?

Even a small donation can make a big difference to a local person struggling this winter.
PLAY VIDEO

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