Helping Hull Residents Improve Their Homes – Malcolm’s Story
Background
In January 2025, Groundwork’s Green Doctor and Retrofit teams supported Malcolm (name changed to protect identity), a vulnerable homeowner in Hull, to make his home warmer, safer, and more energy efficient.
Malcolm was living on a low income, receiving benefits, and managing serious health condition, including cancer treatment. His home was in very poor condition, with no heating and no hot water due to a broken immersion heater. He was referred to Groundwork by his local Citizens Advice team for help with energy advice and support.
First Visit – Green Doctor Support
Hull-based Green Doctor, Chris, visited Malcolm’s home and immediately saw the challenges he was facing. The cold home and state of disrepair were having a real impact on Malcolm’s health and wellbeing.
During the visit, Chris was able to:
- Check Malcolm’s energy supplier tariff and meter type
- Discuss Warm Homes Discount eligibility
- Register Malcolm for the Priority Services Register
- Talk through the pros and cons of water meters
- Review his heating (only one small oil-filled radiator)
- Highlight the lack of smoke alarms in the property
- Raise concerns about the volume of possessions (hoarding risk)
- Make onward referrals to support services
Chris referred Malcolm to the Retrofit team for an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) assessment, to the fire service for a Safe and Well visit, and to Age Concern to see if they could help repair the immersion heater.
Unlocking Funding – Retrofit Assessment
Fiona, a Domestic Energy Assessor from Groundwork’s Retrofit team, then visited Malcolm’s home. Thanks to Northern Powergrid Low Carbon Technologies funding, she was able to carry out a fully funded EPC.
Malcolm’s home had never had an EPC before, meaning he had missed out on previous funding opportunities. Fiona completed and lodged the EPC, which came back at a G-1 rating, one of the lowest possible.
With this in place, Groundwork Yorkshire was able to pass Malcolm’s details to trusted partner Pure Atom Energy to begin accessing funded measures. Fiona also completed the data match for ECO4 funding, which showed Malcolm was eligible for:
- A new heating system (air source heat pump)
- Loft insulation
- Cavity wall insulation
- A new hot water cylinder
- Ventilation upgrades in line with building regulations
- Solar panels
A Life-Changing Transformation
All of the work was funded through ECO4 and installed to government PAS2035 and PAS2030 standards. The installation was carefully scheduled around Malcolm’s chemotherapy appointments to ensure minimal disruption.
Once complete, Malcolm’s property was transformed from a G-1 to an A-93 energy rating!
The improvements included:
- A reliable heating system and hot water supply
- A warmer, more comfortable home with insulation
- Better indoor air quality and reduced condensation risk
- Solar panels to help future-proof the home and reduce energy costs
The Impact
For Malcolm, the changes have been life-changing. He now has a safe, warm, and efficient home, which not only improves his day-to-day comfort but also supports his health and recovery.
Groundwork would like to thank funders Northern Powergrid and Northern Gas Networks, along with trusted partner Pure Atom, for making Malcolm’s transformation possible.
