ELDERLY and vulnerable Dorset residents are being urged to take advantage of a grant to help them to keep warm and safe in the cold weather.

Dorset Community Foundation is offering individuals grants for heating repairs, fuel and electric bills, buying warm clothes and anything to do with preventing potential cold related deaths, fuel poverty and social isolation.

Community groups can get help towards the cost of social inclusion activities, good neighbour projects and gritting. The Dorset Community Foundation is working together with Synergy Housing, Dorset Energy Advice Centre, the Citizens Advice Bureau, the NHS and Dorset Fire and Rescue Service with the aim of reducing cold related deaths, fuel poverty and social isolations amongst the elderly and vulnerable in Dorset this winter.

For more information or to apply for a grant visit www.dorsetcommunityfoundation.org