NEWS: Professor Green to present Groundwork’s BBC Radio 4 appeal on Sunday 15 December
Musician Professor Green will lead an exciting BBC Radio 4 appeal to raise funds and awareness for Groundwork’s Green Doctor programme and help those living in fuel poverty across the UK.
The recording will go live at 7.54am and at 9.25pm on Sunday 15 December and repeated again at 3.27pm on Thursday 19 December across BBC Radio 4.
The appeal will help to shine a light on the importance of helping those trapped in fuel poverty be warm and well this Christmas and beyond.
Speaking of his involvement in the appeal, Professor Green said:
Groundwork are an incredible charity and their Green Doctors will be out providing support for people who might be struggling with fuel poverty this winter. For people who might not know whether they’re going to be able to pay their bills or eat. No-one should have to juggle the two and it’s not a decision anyone should be making.
In 2021, the number of households living in fuel poverty was 4.5 million. In 2024 that figure now stands at 6 million.
Much-needed donations raised will support Groundwork to offer energy efficiency advice and support to those in need. People like Sheila, 83, who found herself in energy debt through no fault of her own when her meter wasn’t working and registering her energy usage.
Sheila knew that something wasn’t right. Already struggling to live on a pension, she became extremely stressed. Luckily, the Green Doctor was there with Sheila to reassure her and ensure a better outcome.
Speaking of the support she received, Sheila said:
I am so grateful to have had help from the Green Doctor because I would not have been able to do this on my own. She made me feel a lot less stressed and more in control. I was absolutely worried sick about what was going to happen because my supplier had told me I would have thousands to pay. I can’t find words enough to express my gratitude and thanks for all the help and support.
Graham Duxbury, Groundwork’s UK Chief Executive, said:
Fuel poverty is not just a financial issue – it can cause extreme anxiety, make physical health conditions worse and, at its most extreme, can have tragic consequences. As energy prices continue to rise the problem is getting worse, but this isn’t a charitable cause that’s often in the spotlight as much of the work to address it goes on behind the scenes – connecting people with emergency support, negotiating with energy companies and providing practical advice in the home. We’re really pleased and grateful that Professor Green has given his time to support this appeal, which we hope will raise the funds we need to expand our service and help more people in crisis.
Notes to editors
For more information please contact: media@groundwork.org.uk
About Groundwork
Groundwork is a federation of charities with a collective mission to take practical action to create a fair and green future in which people, places, and nature thrive. We support communities and businesses to build capacity and resilience in order to tackle hardship, achieve a just transition to net-zero and help nature recover in a way that reduces inequality and leads to healthier, happier lives for all: www.groundwork.org.uk