NEWS: Support available to help communities stay warm and well this winter
Communities across the UK are being offered virtual support to help them take back control of their energy bills and help to make their homes more energy efficient to help them stay warm and well.
Groundwork Green Doctors – energy saving experts – are helping those in need of extra support via a free telephone consultation to provide support on how people can save energy, install energy efficiency measures – such as draft proofing – as well as advice on how to change energy suppliers and save money by changing tariffs.
The support is available for a wide range of people, including those who are on a low income, living with debt, have poor housing conditions or those who live with a physical or mental health conditions.
Groundwork Green Doctors typically visit people in their homes to provide bespoke advice but are now offering phone consultations to ensure communities can still access vital support despite limitations caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.
Camil from Blackpool accessed the Green Doctor service in February 2021. He said:
“My partner died just before Christmas and I have been really struggling for money as I’ve been on furlough and so only receiving 80% of my usual wage. At the same time, I found out my benefits had been overpaid and I needed to find the money to repay them. I was really scared and just didn’t know where to turn to.
“My neighbour contacted a local councilor who referred me on to the Green Doctors. The Green Doctor contacted me and not only helped me get the benefits payments written off but gave me an energy consultation to reduce my bills. I’m grateful because the support really took the pressure off and I feel more felt able to cope financially. I feel like a huge weight has been lifted and I can finally get some sleep.”
Our Green Doctors provide support and practical help for those who are most vulnerable, advising on the simple steps we can all take to reduce our bills while staying warm and well. I encourage people to get in touch with us to see how we can support them during winter and beyond.
Find out more about Groundwork Green Doctors
NOTES TO EDITORS
For further information, please contact: media@groundwork.org.uk
About Groundwork
Groundwork is a charity working locally and nationally to transform lives in the UK’s most disadvantaged communities. We’re passionate about creating a future where every neighbourhood is vibrant and green, every community is strong and able to shape its own destiny and no one is held back by their background or circumstances. We help people gain confidence and skills, get into training and work, protect and improve green spaces, lead more active lives and overcome significant challenges such as poverty, isolation, low skills and poor health: www.groundwork.org.uk