RESIDENTS are being asked to get behind a campaign to prevent elderly people dying from cold this winter.

Dorset Community Foundation, a charity dedicated to strengthening communities and enriching local life, is running its Surviving Winter Campaign for the fourth year.

Fuel poverty and social isolation means that once the cold weather comes, many elderly residents are trapped in their own homes, the charity says. They find getting to the shops difficult so quickly run out of basic food.

Since the rise in domestic energy prices, many will not be able to afford the large fuel bills, so for many this means living in room temperatures detrimental to their health.

Research shows that in the year 2011-12 there were 500 cold weather-related deaths in Dorset alone.

The foundation says the majority of cold weather related deaths are prevent-able, if vulnerable people are given the information and support they need.

Appeal manager Tracy Melling said: “Poorly insulated homes, fuel poverty and social isolation are a few of the many reasons why winter is a silent killer for many older people.

“I hope readers in the community will help us put a stop to these deaths by making a donation to the appeal or by simply just looking out for their elderly neighbours.”

Mrs Gale, a 69-year-old recipient from last year’s appeal, said; “I was very ill last year and without the grant from the Surviving Winter Campaign from Dorset Community Foundation I don’t know what I would have done.

“It really made the difference between keeping my heating off and being able to turn it on.”

The foundation is encouraging people who receive, but do not need, Winter Fuel Allowance to donate it to the appeal to help an elderly person struggling to survive.

To donate to the Surviving Winter Appeal, text WARM15 £5 to 70070 or visit https://loc algiving.com/charity/dorset communityfoundation.

Alternatively, send a cheque made payable to: Surviving Winter, Dorset Community Foundation, 24 St Peters Road, Bournemouth, BH1 2LN.

If paying by cheque, insert a note stating whether you are a taxpayer, so the charity can claim gift aid on your behalf.