STORY: Green Doctor on the Ground – Janet
Meet Janet from London, who joined the Green Doctor team when the global pandemic took her career in a new direction.
Before becoming a Green Doctor, Janet’s work had spanned several decades and sectors, including public, private and voluntary. She supported people to improve their lives and was successful in her efforts to advocate for diverse communities to be empowered in national and local voluntary community organisations. Most recently, Janet’s employment brought her to Groundwork London, where she had been working as a Water Advisor since 2016.
Then a global pandemic changed everything. During this time, Janet received an email advertising a Green Doctor position. This seemed like the right moment to consider navigating a new sector and advance her career, and Janet knew she had the skills and experiences to support people.
Janet had often heard members of Groundwork staff conversing about the impactful role of a Green Doctor and the type of work they performed in the energy sector.
It was an exciting, yet scary challenge – but Janet was eager to take it on.
Two and a half years later, Janet still remembers her first welcome email to the Green Doctor team. Her journey has been both enriching and rewarding, and she puts her all into supporting communities and advocating to lay the groundwork for a more equitable energy environment within the industry.
Speaking of her role, Janet said:
“The best part of this job as a Green Doctor is the privilege of meeting some of the most amazing resilient individuals from all walks of life. It’s incredibly rewarding to help individuals move from financial hardship and energy debt to a place of stability and gain a better comprehension of their circumstances, thus reclaiming their lives in a fulfilling and productive manner.
“Working alongside supportive teams in this space has enriched my journey. I have gained a wealth of knowledge, grown in confidence, developed a deep understanding of the energy industry and built productive relationships across various organisations, cultures and communities. I have also had the chance to advocate for Green Doctors through public educational events and creating video content so the public can learn about the benefits of our service.
“One of the most defining issues of the 21st Century is the environment and energy. Green Doctor is at the heart of that mission, striving to end fuel poverty and support our communities. I hope this project’s work leaves a legacy that reflects a commitment to cleaner, more equitable energy, one that keeps homes warmer, improves vulnerable communities’ health and ensures a better quality of life for all.
“In the summer of 2023, I was asked to support a vulnerable elderly woman in her 60s, living alone and struggling with mental issues. Our primary goal was to reduce her financial debt, address her energy inefficiencies and enhance her living conditions.
“We achieved substantial outcomes for her, securing financial reduction in her water bill and reducing her energy debt significantly, saving her hundreds. Additionally, we arranged insulation for her home, reducing both the energy and consumption which enabled her to live in a comfortable warmer home.
“Although filled with anxiety, she grew more confident as we worked together. We created a plan focused on energy and financial budgeting which changed the trajectory of her life. She eventually enrolled on our training course to become a Voluntary Energy Champion offering energy advice and has become the ‘face’ of the project, featuring in many videos and media interviews about the service provision from a user’s perspective. Giving back in this way has bought her purpose and inner peace.
“Seeing her find fulfilment and joy in this role has been incredibly rewarding for me.”