STORY: Carol – ‘My Green Doctor reassured me I was not alone’
Carol, 69, received life-changing support from the Green Doctor team when rain started pouring in through her roof.
Carol’s first encounter with Green Doctor occurred a year before, when she had referred herself to the service for energy advice. She was working part-time and struggling financially. Green Doctor reached out again after noticing the property lacked an Energy Performance Certificate and asked if they could carry one out – with hopes this inspection might open up pathways for Carol to receive further support and funding for retrofit opportunities.
Earlier this year, when the Green Doctor returned to Carol’s property to undertake the energy-efficiency rating, Carol’s situation had worsened and her mental health was deteriorating as a result.
They listened while Carol explained her worries about a leaking conservatory roof – she feared water constantly coming in and affecting the electrical appliances in the property – and her ongoing struggles with affording energy costs and with staying warm. There wasn’t anything Carol could do to stop the heat escaping; her conservatory back door had been removed by the original builders, and with it a layer of thermal separation, making the house extremely cold in winter.
The Green Doctor secured funding to ensure that the repairs were completed in Carol’s home. The roof leak was rectified, insulation had been installed, and the space was made completely usable again. Carol was over the moon.
Carol said:
“I didn’t realise then that my Green Doctor would give me, a total stranger, so much at a time when I had hit rock bottom, given up and been let down by so many. At 69, I have worked all my life and been very responsible. I felt very vulnerable, alone and scared.
“Last week my roof was replaced to the highest standard – giving me a safe, warm, comfortable and economical space.
“The rain was relentless pouring in onto my boiler and plug sockets. I was worried sick that the whole roof would come in. When my Green Doctor confirmed they would sort it for me, I broke down and sobbed. They reassured me I was not alone and that they were always there if I needed to talk, or needed help. The Green Doctor team have gone above and beyond.
No-one should ever have to choose between heating and eating, but we know this is the reality for increasing numbers of people. You can find out more information and pledge your support here.
About Stay Warm, Stay Well
Stay Warm, Stay Well is a three-year programme that aims to help those living in fuel poverty by offering tailored energy advice, carried out by Groundwork’s Green Doctors.
Funded by the Cadent Foundation and led in partnership by Groundwork, the programme will invest £6m and support 14,500 households in communities across England.
In addition to the Green Doctor support, the programme is also funding an initiative to support the creation of the next generation of energy advisors via a 12-month traineeship opportunity through the Green Doctor Academy, to create more accessible pathways into work.
Find out more: www.groundwork.org.uk/stay-warm-stay-well
