Winter Assistance Fund
The vote on the winter fuel payments took place on September 9, 2024. The government won the vote, allowing the cut to the winter fuel payments to proceed.
The cut to winter fuel payments is expected to affect around 8 million pensioners in the UK. This change has raised concerns about the impact on vulnerable elderly individuals, especially those on low incomes who rely on these payments to help with heating costs during the winter months.
Campaign:
Since the announcement I have been asked by many people in the area what can be done? I think the reason many have approached me in particular is mainly due to them knowing of my previous campaigning endeavors. During the last couple of weeks, I have deliberated many different ideas on how we as a community could assist in some capacity, the following is what I see as the best approach:
I have linked up with a local charity Age Connects North East Wales and after a constructive meeting, it was decided that we could provide viable channel where people in Flintshire and Wrexham will be able to seek real assistance in the coming winter.
Age Connects NE Wales is a local charity serving the Counties of Flintshire and Wrexham, with funds raised during the campaign, they are strategically placed so that people who ask for assistance in these areas will be afforded such assistance.
So, things like warm clothing, extra bedding, cost effective heaters, food, information on local 'Warm Hubs', assistance in Social Services and/or benefits that individuals can apply for, or just a friendly conversation by someone to make sure a person is ok, this is what the charity will provide with available funds.
I feel that as a community we should be seen to be doing something in order that the most venerable within our community know that they have not been forgotten.
Action Plan:
Initially, the idea of asking for blankets, food, heating solutions etc to be donated soon became moot as it was recognised that there would not be suitable storage if we were inundated with the kindness that people show with such campaigns.
It has been decided that cash donations are the best way forward. Anyone wishing to donate to this campaign can do so by clicking the link provided, this will take them directly to the charity payment page on the website: TotalGiving™ - Winter Assistance Fund.
Residents of Flintshire and Wrexham will also be provided with a QR Code PDF which can be printed and then posted in local shop windows. I would also ask if any Newspapers could publish this in any physical publications as it makes it a lot easier for people to access;
Tap img or Download a Printable Copy (opens a pdf)
Both Age Connects NE Wales and I will be more than happy to be interviewed further on this at your convenience.
It is also my hope that others in the wider community will see this as a spearhead campaign and follow suit across the entire nation.
You can contact me either via the email I have sent this, or if you wish to contact me by phone please do, my contact details are:
Edwin Duggan - 07506340494
If you wish to contact the charity Age Connects NE Wales direct, then please do:
Maria Heron or Kathryn Cramer - 01352 753728
Charity no. 1126170
Company limited by Guarantee no. 06655221
Other media resources, photos, available if required.
If any Newspaper or Network wishes to attend the Charity premises for interview/photos/filming, please liaise with any of the above contacts to arrange a mutual time.
Edwin Duggan LLB (Hons)
Published 14th October 2024