Aussies asked to dig deep as winter hits

Australians are being asked to dig deep for poor and disconnected people as the bitter cold of winter starts to bite.

The Australian Red Cross has launched its Doing it Tough appeal with the aim of raising funds to support resources for isolated people and families feeling the pinch.

"People of all ages and all walks of life experience loneliness but it's the poorest who suffer most, including young homeless people and families who are struggling to make ends meet," Australian Red Cross chief executive Judy Slatyer said.