Older people who are not dependent on their winter fuel payment to heat their homes through the harsh weather are being asked to donate their allowance to elderly people who are less well-off.

A new charitable trust has been set up in a bid to offer extra help to older people who are struggling to keep warm through the winter.

Alliance assembly member Trevor Lunn has set up the Winter Fuel Trust, which will distribute donated winter fuel payments among those who are most in need.

An annual automatic payment of £250 is made to people over the age of 60. This payment can rise to up to £400 for people who are over the age of 80.

Mr Lunn launched the campaign at Stormont yesterday, some months after he first proposed the idea of such a charitable fund in September.

Since then, he has met with a number of organisations regarding the issue.

Mr Lunn appealed for anyone who could help the Winter Fuel Trust, to get in contact.

“There are a considerable number of older people like me, who do not believe they need their Winter Fuel Payment to survive, and I would call on them to donate this money to the Winter Fuel Trust,” he said.

“This fund is not just about receiving donations of people’s Winter Fuel Payments, we will be happy to receive money from any source, including other individuals or businesses.

“We have seen in recent weeks how harsh our winters can be and this enforces the need for a fund like this to provide further assistance for the more vulnerable older people in our society.

“The trust will be working in conjunction with charities including St Vincent De Paul to distribute the money raised, and we are very pleased to have the support of the News Letter and The Irish News.

“The Trust will have no expenses so every penny will go to those in need.”

Mr Lunn said the people of Northern Ireland were “amongst the most generous in the world in terms of giving to worthy causes.

“This is an opportunity for them to show their generosity in this very difficult economic climate,” she said.

“The Stormont executive still has not introduced any measures to tackle fuel poverty. Given that this is so important I believe that any measures like this trust that can combat the effects of the energy crisis on older people will be useful.”

Anyone who wants to make a donation to the Winter Fuel Trust can send cheques made payable to Winter Fuel Trust to 17 Graham Gardens, Lisburn BT28 1XE.

Further information is available by calling 02892 671 177 or 07968 154 099 or 07856 324 319.