A few hundred pounds might not just mean an elderly person can afford to heat their home this winter. It could even save their life.

That's the message from two Norfolk charities as they team up with the EDP its sister titles to launch this year's Surviving Winter Appeal.

With a colder-than average winter predicted, the worry has already started for many vulnerable households. When temperatures drop, some are left facing a stark dilemma: Heat or eat.

Jasmine Toombs from Age UK Norfolk said: 'Older people are much more vulnerable to the cold weather and winter can be fatal for those who are unable to afford to heat their homes adequately.

'The Surviving Winter Appeal grants help people to get through the winter safely and the extra support that Age UK Norfolk can give to those in need of a grant can mean longer term solutions to get them out of the fuel poverty trap.'

Graham Tuttle, chief executive of the Norfolk Community Foundation, said. 'The Surviving Winter appeal has grown considerably since its launch in 2011 and over that time, hundreds of people have kindly donated their winter fuel payment which has helped to keep those in need warm over the winter months.

'Whilst the last couple of winters have appeared deceptively mild, there is still a real need for those suffering hardship and we would urge anyone who can afford to forgo their payment to make a donation this year to help to keep the vulnerable in Norfolk warm and healthy.'

Last year's appeal helped more than 100 households across Norfolk. As well as providing money towards fuel bills, grants were also made towards the cost of new cookers, a new boiler and repairs to central heating.

The foundation is appealing for better-off households, which receive the non-means tested winter fuel payment, to donate it to help those who are struggling.

Even if you don't receive a winter fuel payment, you can still make a donation of any size.

There are a number of ways that you can give:

Online

To make an online donation, click here. You can also pay by text or BACS transfer – call 01603 623958 or click here.