Support Our BBC Radio 4 Appeal
Donate NowOn Sunday 15 December we launched our recorded charity appeal from musician Professor Green, to ask for your help to fund Groundwork’s Green Doctors initiative, so people living in fuel poverty can stay warm this winter.
In 2021, the number of households living in fuel poverty was 4.5 million. In 2024 that figure now stands at 6 million.* As the cost of our energy bills goes up this winter, even more of us will find it hard to heat our homes.
Groundwork Green Doctors are energy efficiency advisors who provide free, impartial support to vulnerable people and those living in – or at risk of – fuel poverty and social isolation.
They install practical measures to reduce energy use around the home, offer advice on managing energy debt, guidance on referrals to other support services and behaviour change tips to help keep people warm and well.
Support is on hand for those struggling to pay their energy bills or manage fuel debt, are living in a cold or draughty home, have health conditions such as asthma or a persistent cough or are having to make the desperate choice between heating and eating.
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.
The time is now – donate to Groundwork and help those trapped in fuel poverty this winter and beyond.
Meet Sheila
Sheila, 83, found herself in energy debt through no fault of her own when her meter wasn’t working and registering her energy usage.
“I’m an 83 year old woman on my own. I only have my pension coming in. What am I going to do?
Sheila knew that something wasn’t right. Already struggling to live on a pension, she became extremely stressed.
“You hear people say they won’t be able to heat or eat. I wasn’t going to be able to do either.”
Luckily, the Green Doctor was there with Sheila to reassure her and ensure a better outcome.
The Green Doctor spoke with the energy supplier to get to the bottom of the broken meter, resulting in a refund of £2,000!
Having amended the immediate billing issues, the Green Doctor worked with Sheila to prepare for the future. She was advised to leave some of the money from the supplier as credit on her account as a safety net. Sheila also received energy saving advice to help keep her bills down as well as having some small energy saving measures installed.
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.
Sheila is one of the thousands of people we helped to stay warm, stay well and save money this year. But as a charity, we need your help to reach even more people.
- £30 can buy a winter warmer pack of hats, gloves, blankets and hot water bottles for two people that Green Doctors can provide, to help keep people out the cold.
- £50 can pay for energy saving measures throughout the house, allowing Green Doctors to install items such as radiator foils, to ensure more people can afford to put the heating on.
- £200 can fund a visit by one of our Green Doctors to help a household in need.
Graham Duxbury, Groundwork’s 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.