A charity combating fuel poverty-related deaths in the county has put out an appeal for donations to help people facing crisis.

Hertfordshire Community Foundation launched its Winter Appeal again this year to help people stay warm and well after Government statistics suggested almost 2,000 people in the county died due to the cold between August 2013 and July 2016.

The charity says more than 32,000 homes in Hertfordshire live in fuel poverty, 10 per cent of the county’s population live in a deprived area and over 30,000 Hertfordshire children live below the poverty line.

Hertfordshire Community Foundation is encouraging those who can to consider donating their Winter Fuel Payment to ease the burden of others.

Donations of any size will go toward tackling social issues such as feeding a child, providing a meal to a homeless person, keeping an elderly person warm or buying a family an essential item such as a washing machine or a child’s bed.

Helen Gray, director for Hertfordshire Community Foundation, said: “It is not only people experiencing homelessness who are affected by the colder weather. A redundancy, benefit change or delay or even an unexpected bill can be devastating for anyone who is struggling to make ends meet. The freezing temperatures bring added pressures and many may be forced to choose between heating or eating.

“Our Winter Appeal is an easy way to help local people who are facing a difficult and stressful time. Hertfordshire Community Foundation uses it local knowledge and research to ensure that all donations go where they are needed most.”

To make a donation visit Hertfordshire Community Foundation’s website http://www.hertscf.org.uk/ or send a cheque made out to ‘Hertfordshire Community Foundation’ to: HCF Winter Appeal, Foundation House, 2-4 Forum Place, Fiddlebridge Lane, Hatfield, Hertfordshire, AL10 0RN

For more information please contact Helen Gray, at helen.gray@hertscf.org.uk or call 01707 251 351