Family’s damp and mould problem solved by Green Doctor

When Alina from Swadlincote asked charity Groundwork Five Counties for support, she had two main concerns: black mould in her home and high energy bills. The Green Doctor, the charity’s fully funded energy advice service, helped Alina tackle both issues during a home visit.

Alina and her family moved to the UK from the Ukraine in 2022 and have lived in their bungalow for three years. In that time, they found damp and mould forming in their home which worried the couple, especially because they have three small children.

Alina attended a community event and met Green Doctor Vanessa – an energy expert who helps households to save money on their bills and reduce unnecessary energy usage. The Green Doctor service is fully funded and available to homes across the East Midlands without eligibility criteria.

Vanessa visited Alina at home and quickly found the reason for the mould to be wet washing hung up to dry in the hallway, which doesn’t have any windows or ventilation. Vanessa advised her to remove the existing mould and put a dehumidifier by her clothes airer to absorb the moisture. This simple solution has stopped further damp and mould from forming, and Alina finds that it helps to dry the washing quicker too.

Together they reviewed the household bills to see where savings could be made. Vanessa advised to switch to a different energy tariff which will work out £200 cheaper a year. Alina also received a free air fryer to save money while cooking, as using an oven is more expensive and takes longer than an air fryer.

Alina says: “Being quite new to the country, I didn’t know I could change energy suppliers, so I was very pleased Vanessa showed me how to do that. Now I understand the way it’s done in the UK, because it is different from what I’m used to in my home country.

“The tip about drying clothes with the dehumidifier has made a huge difference, the mould is gone and I’m no longer worried about it affecting our health. With a family and other things to think about, it’s a weight off my mind.

“Vanessa was very friendly and caring, she understood my worries and gave lots of advice. I highly recommend getting a Green Doctor visit, it’s completely free and so helpful.”

The free Green Doctor service is available in the East Midlands to people of any age and background, whether they own their home, rent, or are a council or social housing tenant. It is funded by local and national funders.

For more information and to get a free home visit, visit the website: https://www.groundwork.org.uk/fivecounties/green-doctor