STORY: How Green Doctor’s Energy Saving Guidance Helped Ahmed Gain Confidence in Managing His Bills
Green Doctor’s energy saving guidance and “understanding” has helped Ahmed, a young 25 year old refugee from Blackpool living alone to gain confidence in managing his energy bills.
Groundwork’s Green Doctors James and Rachel met Ahmed* at St Teresa’s Church, a community centre in Blackpool which supports refugees that are struggling to adjust to daily life. They provide a weekly food pantry for those in need, like Ahmed.
Despite assistance with food and other essentials, Ahmed was still finding it more and more challenging each month to repay his energy bills. Living by himself meant that there was no one to share this burden with. He had no one to turn to – until the Green Doctors showed Ahmed he was not alone.
When James and Rachel introduced themselves to Ahmed, they explained the range of support that Groundwork’s Green Doctors can provide, and ways can they help with energy affordability. Ahmed eagerly requested a consultation, and a home visit was arranged for later that day with one of the Green Doctors.
During the visit, Green Doctor James advised Ahmed of the various ways he can reduce his energy bills. James told him about the small energy saving measures he would be able to install and Ahmed, wanting to gain a new skill, asked if he could get involved with fitting the measures! James guided Ahmed to install a radiator panel and showed him how to change a lightbulb.
Together they added three radiator panels to improve the heat retention of his room, a draught excluder to a window and door, and four energy saving light bulbs. These simple measures will have a huge and lasting effect on Ahmed’s property, making it warmer, cheaper to run and much more energy efficient – which will put more money back in Ahmed’s pockets for other living essentials.
Ahmed was thrilled with the results of the Green Doctor visit and feels much more confident and in control of his energy bills going forward.
Ahmed said:
Before I received support from the Green Doctors, I was alone. I was cold. I had no one to help me with my problems. When he visited my home, James was kind and understanding of my situation. Now I feel much happier, and I know where to go if I need help in the future.
*A pseudonym is used to maintain anonymity