MP and Plymouth Foodbank join forces to launch electric blanket fundraiser
The campaign aims to buy 100 heated throws, to help people who are struggling to afford their energy bills
Last updated 25th Nov 2022
Luke Pollard MP is launching a joint £2,000 electric blanket fundraiser with Plymouth Foodbank, urging people to “heat the human not the home” and help families struggling to afford their energy bills this winter.
Launched one month before Christmas, the campaign aims to purchase 100 electric blankets (also known as heated throws), which they say are a cheaper way to stay warm and save on energy bills.
The campaign will also raise awareness of the difficult choices people in Plymouth are making between turning their heating on each evening and warming up their food.
Ahead of the launch, Mr Pollard has donated a new electric blanket to Plymouth foodbank.
The charity has seen a marked increase in usage due to the cost-of-living crisis, serving 11,646 extra meals between August - November 2022, compared to the same time period in 2021.
Luke Pollard, Member of Parliament for Plymouth Sutton and Devonport, said:
"The cost-of-living crisis means families in Plymouth will be turning their heating off in the winter because many people simply cannot afford their bills.
"Cold homes are a health risk and could even result in more vulnerable people dying but soaring energy costs means people will turn the heating off no matter what help is provided, so we need to help keep people warm.
"Electric blankets cost little to run so that’s why I am working with Plymouth foodbank to help heat the human not the home.
"In a rich country like Britain, we should not need fundraising campaigns like this, but I simply cannot stand by and do nothing when faced with such a crisis."
As temperatures drop and the cost of living continues to rise, almost one in four adults in the UK will not switch on the heating at all this winter, according to a recent study.
A third of Plymouth children live in poverty, and Mr Pollard said many families have told him they simply won’t be able to turn on their heating this winter.
Andrew Denham, project co-ordinator at Plymouth Foodbank, said:
"At Plymouth Foodbank we have experienced increasing numbers of families needing assistance with fuel costs and despite this help people are still unable to keep themselves warm as well as use their cooking facilities.
"The heat the human not the home initiative will provide electric blankets for people, help to resolve the problem and offer a cost efficient and much needed solution. This offer of electric blankets will help to lift people's spirits and see a way forward to cope with the coming winter months."
Typical household energy prices are currently capped at £2,500 until April 2023. In last week’s Autumn Statement, the Chancellor announced the cap will rise to £3,000.
You can find the electric blanket Crowdfunder here.