STORY: Practical support and emotional encouragement made a huge difference for Farzana and her children
A change in personal circumstance meant Farzana*, aged 38, was fighting to do the best for her kids as a single mother. When she met Groundwork’s Green Doctors everything changed. Hear in Farzana’s own words how her Green Doctor Rob “went above and beyond” to provide her family with extra support.
Farzana said:
“Before I received support from the Green Doctors, I honestly felt lost and exhausted. My home was freezing, full of draughts, and I couldn’t afford to keep the heating on all the time. I was constantly worried about how I was going to keep my kids warm and fed. It felt like I was carrying the weight of the world on my shoulders.
“The Green Doctors were like a light in the dark. From the moment they got involved, I felt seen and supported. They didn’t just fix the draughts in my home – they gave me warmth, peace of mind, and dignity. On top of that, they provided food vouchers which helped me feed my children when I was really struggling. They treated me with so much kindness and respect, and I honestly don’t know what I would have done without them.
“Now, I feel so much lighter. My home is warmer and safer for me and my children, and I no longer dread the cold nights. I can focus on moving forward instead of just surviving day to day. This support changed everything for us. I’ve told so many other families about the Green Doctors because I know firsthand how life-changing their help can be. They gave us more than just practical help, they gave us hope!
“I cannot thank Rob from the Green Doctor team enough for his incredible support during one of the hardest times of my life. He went above and beyond to provide not just practical help but also emotional encouragement when I needed it most. His genuine care, understanding, and expertise made a huge difference, and I’m truly grateful for his kindness.”
Green Doctor Rob said:
“At her home visit Farzana told me she’d been finding it increasingly difficult to keep her house warm enough for her two children. Whilst there, as well as a good chat and some energy efficiency advice, I swapped out numerous inefficient lightbulbs, draughtproofed most of the lower floor windows and installed some radiator panels upstairs. I also arranged for an oil filled radiator, electric blankets and a food voucher to help offset some of the worst of the winter weather. A message from Farzana not long after saying the kids were enjoying their evening meal in a warmer and well-lit room was lovely to receive.”
*A pseudonym is used to maintain anonymity
No-one should ever have to choose between heating and eating, but we know this is the reality for increasing numbers of people. You can find out more information and pledge your support here.
About Stay Warm, Stay Well
Stay Warm, Stay Well is a three-year programme that aims to help those living in fuel poverty by offering tailored energy advice, carried out by Groundwork’s Green Doctors.
Funded by the Cadent Foundation and led in partnership by Groundwork, the programme will invest £6m and support 14,500 households in communities across England.
In addition to the Green Doctor support, the programme is also funding an initiative to support the creation of the next generation of energy advisors via a 12-month traineeship opportunity through the Green Doctor Academy, to create more accessible pathways into work.
Find out more: www.groundwork.org.uk/stay-warm-stay-well
