The Community Foundation for Surrey is taking part in the National "Surviving Winter" Appeal launched across the UK this week with the support of Saga, to help thousands of vulnerable and older people affected by fuel poverty. Individuals who can afford to are being asked to donate their winter fuel payment from the government to support older and vulnerable people in Surrey who will struggle to afford to look after themselves during the coldest months.

With rising fuel bills and the prospect of another cold winter, older and vulnerable people are at risk. 5.4 million households are living in fuel poverty and almost half of those living in fuel poverty are aged over 60.

Although Surrey is a relatively affluent county, last year 528 deaths in Surrey were directly attributable to winter weather and 39,414 households (nearly 8.7% of households) currently live in "fuel poverty". There is a real concern that these figures will increase as heating costs escalate and elderly people struggle to look after themselves during the winter.

Community Foundations all over the UK are co-ordinating the campaign. What they collect, thanks to the generosity of the British public, can then be directly targeted in their own geographical areas to help those locally who struggle to get through the winter.

The Surviving Winter Appeal run by The Community Foundation for Surrey will channel all the funds raised in Surrey to provide support to older and vulnerable people in the county who are suffering because of fuel poverty. The money will be directed to those most in need of help and make sure they can afford to stay warm, eat well and remain mobile, as well as help them in practical ways such as ensuring they can make doctor's appointments, get to the shops and maintain an active social life.

Commenting on the challenge to the local community, Professor Patrick Dowling, Chair of The Community Foundation for Surrey, said:

"I would encourage anyone that can afford it, to donate their winter fuel allowance to support others in Surrey that need additional help during the winter. The money raised locally will be used to support local charities and community organisations in Surrey to help the most vulnerable members of our communities and make sure that they receive the help they need."

Bernard Cribbins, a much loved children's and television celebrity, has also offered to support the campaign and sign over his winter fuel payment. He said: "This is a simple but very effective idea and I am delighted to be supporting it. With the help of the Community Foundation, the money raised will quickly find its way to those needing help with their winter bills this year."

The Community Foundation for Surrey is the main channel for individuals and families to invest in local charities and community groups which address pressing social issues. In the last six years the Community Foundation has succeeded in building a £4.1 million permanent Fund and awarded grants to support 850 community and voluntary groups throughout Surrey. This work has been recognised with a visit from HRH the Earl of Wessex who visited the Foundatiion's headquarters in Guildford to hear more about their achievements earlier this year.

To donate to the Surviving Winter appeal individuals can give directly to the Community Foundation by writing a cheque donating their fuel allowance. Alternatively, they can go online and donate direct to Surrey via www.localgiving.com. The aim is for every penny to go to where it is needed and this can be done by the Community Foundation covering its administration costs through the additional gift aid claimed on donations received.