A CHARITY windfall will help elderly people to thrive, not just survive, during the bleak mid winter.

A grant from County Durham Community Foundation will enable the Jubilee Fields Community Association, in Shildon, to offer free hot meals to older residents this winter.

The community association runs a year-round luncheon club every Wednesday, at noon, for around 20 people and usually charges £3 each for a nutritious two-course meal.

But the £1,500 donation from the Surviving Winter campaign will cover room hire and catering costs so elderly residents can enjoy the weekly dinner date for free for 12 weeks.

It was launched with a Christmas lunch on Wednesday, December 18 and will resume after a festive break on Wednesday, January 8.

Barbara Fuller, development worker at Jubilee Fields, said: “We are delighted with the funding for 12 weeks of the luncheon club as it really helps people to not only survive, but also thrive this winter.

“The Christmas lunch this year was the start of the funding and a great way to help the community gel together and ensure that everyone is well, happy and cared for this winter.

“Winter is a difficult time for many people and we try, with the help of grants such as these to do what we can to help.

“Some people have to make a decision between heating and eating so it is good to know we can offer them both at the club.

“There is also a lot of loneliness about and some people don’t get out much when it is cold so the club is a chance for them to socialise too.”

The UK-wide Surviving Winter campaign urges those in receipt of a winter fuel payment to donate the money if they can afford to so it can be donated to groups and individuals in fuel poverty, helping thousands of people who suffer during cold weather.

It is managed locally by County Durham Community Foundation and last year awarded more than £17,000 in grants across County Durham and Darlington.

To donate online visit cdcf.org.uk or justgiving.com/Surviving Winter13 or send a cheque made payable to County Durham Community Foundation to FREEPOST CDCF.

To attend the Jubilee Fields club call 01388-775425 to book a place around two days in advance.