Winter Warmth Fund


Hundreds of older people in Cumbria are in danger of becoming ill or even dying because of the cold.  The Winter Warmth Appeal was launched in 2010 and has literally saved lives. An average of 300 deaths occur in Cumbria each year due to the effects of cold weather.

We collect your generous donations and share them with vulnerable older people who struggle to heat their homes, so they can stay warm and healthy during winter. There are different ways to donate to help older people in Cumbria.

Please take the time to watch our Winter Warmth video here.

Winter 2022-23 was a record-breaking year for the appeal. Thanks to the generosity of our supporters, we raised £661,908, allowing us to make 2,413 grants, benefiting 3,223 people, more than in any year since the appeal started in 2010. To find out the difference the fund made, please read our Winter Warmth Fund Report here.

Hear from our amazing Winter Warmth Appeal supporters here.

“The Winter Warmth Fund money meant I could keep one room warm” Joyce, 81, Carlisle

We’re sharing simple information on ways that people can help keep warm. If you know people who are vulnerable to the cold this winter, please let them know how they can access support.

“It made a definite difference, everyone is looking for money for their bills, being ill you need the heat more, where you can you turn the heat off when you got to bed. My ill health means I can’t” Frank, 84, Barrow

If you know someone aged 60 or over who may need support from the fund, please click here.