Donations keep Devon warm through Winter

Almost £8,000 was donated to people in need in Devon over the last year thanks to the generosity of people who gave up their winter fuel payments.

Devon Citizens Advice Bureau partnered with the Devon Community Foundation (DCF) to operate the Surviving Winter campaign over the winter months of 2013-2014.

The campaign saw people who did not require their winter fuel payment donating it via the Devon Community Foundation. Citizens Advice Bureaux across the county then helped allocate the money to people who were most in need. A total of 78 households benefited from the scheme.

The Winter Fuel Payment is a tax-free payment of between £100-£300 from the Government to help pay heating bills for people born before 1952. You usually get a Winter Fuel Payment automatically if you get the state pension and some other social security benefits.

Exeter couple Richard and Pat Clyburn benefited from a grant earlier this year. Mr Clyburn’s poor health meant he has had to give up work, and despite his wife taking a job in a local shop, they were struggling to make ends meet.

He retired from his job as a bus driver after suffering a heart attack and being diagnosed with diabetes, vertigo and the lung disease COPD.

Mr Clyburn said: “We were really pleased when the CAB phoned to tell us that we had been given the grant. This really made a difference to us. It all helps out.

“We were living hand to mouth, wondering where the next penny is coming from. Sometimes we would have to decide whether we could put the heating on or not.”

Dennis Mardon, treasurer of Devon CAB and chair of Exeter CAB, said: "I am delighted at the success of this scheme across the whole of Devon where we have been able to assist those most in need to survive another winter.

‘" hope that our partnership with the Devon Community Foundation can continue in the future and thank all those who have generously donated their own Winter Fuel Payment to assist those most in need."

Three grants were made in the East Devon area, 13 in Exeter, 17 in Plymouth, five in the South Hams area, 13 in Torridge, North Mid and West Devon, 15 in Teignbridge and 12 in the Torbay area.

Laura Hewitt, marketing manager for Devon Community Foundation, added: “We’re absolutely delighted with the generous donations we received this year. Nearly £8,000 is a fantastic achievement and makes a real difference to those most in need in our communities, meaning that those who are often forgotten will receive the attention that could mean the difference between life and death in 2014.”