STORY: Les – ‘This has changed my life. I like to look out my window and see the steam coming off the boiler flue on cold days’
When Les, 60, from Hull was first introduced to Groundwork’s Green Doctors, they found he was using his kitchen gas cooker for his only source of warmth during winter.
Thanks to support from Green Doctor Christopher, Les is no longer confined to a corner of the kitchen. Now, he can keep warm throughout his home with the reassurance and comfort of a new, reliable heating system.
Les often volunteers at his local food bank in Hull to help out. One day, he told the person in charge of running the food bank that he felt quite cold at home and further revealed that he didn’t have any central heating in his property. Instead, he tried to warm up by turning his gas cooker rings on to heat the kitchen. Les would end up sitting there for most of the day as it remained the warmest spot in his house.
This information was passed on to Groundwork’s Green Doctors who immediately booked in a home visit to support Les with his heating situation and further wellbeing. During this visit, Green Doctor Christopher assessed Les’ home, noting there was a gas connection and meter, but no other form of heating. They were able to get in touch with Hull Warm Homes, a team belonging to Hull City Council, to discuss the possibility of first-time central heating.
After answering a series of questions, Les passed the eligibility for assistance and was equipped with a completely free full central heating system – which included radiators, a boiler and all associated heating controls – so he can enjoy living at home at a comfortable and consistent temperature throughout.
Christopher also advised Les on how to best manage his energy bill costs and other small measures for saving money and energy throughout the home.
During the heating installation, the fitter had carried out a gas test to check the gas was working soundly and found there was a leak on the cooker, which meant it had to be capped off for safety. Thanks to Groundwork funding, the Green Doctor team were able to provide Les with a new gas cooker, including delivery and installation.
Les is overjoyed with the ‘life-changing’ service he has received from Groundwork’s Green Doctors, one that has enabled him to cook hot meals and live in a healthy, warm home.
Les said:
“I spent most of the winter months in the kitchen with the gas hob lit as it was my only source of heating. The Green Doctor was friendly, polite and professional and also helped me greatly with the heating, cooker, advice and support during and after the work was completed. This has changed my life. I like to look out my window and see the steam coming off the boiler flue on cold days.”
Green Doctor Christopher said:
“Being a Green Doctor means we help people on a daily basis, whether it’s through small measures like light bulbs, radiator panels and draught proofing. Or helping to set up payment plans for gas and electric or getting a water bill reduced with a water support application. Then there are the jobs like Les, when we were able to follow referral paths and funding options to get the very best results for this individual, at no cost, making a massive difference to how someone lives and improving their overall quality of life.”
