STORY: Pratima – ‘I have regained a bit of trust back in people now’
Pratima, 64, lives alone in Luton. She was looking for ways to reduce her energy bills to keep costs down when heating her home, which she was finding to be increasingly unaffordable on a low income.
Pratima remembered Groundwork’s Green Doctors from when she lived in London previously and she decided to reach out, to see if they could help.
During a phone consultation, Pratima was introduced to Kealey, a Green Doctor, who arranged a home visit to see Pratima in person so she could offer some practical energy help.
Having previously fallen victim to being overcharged for home repairs, Pratima was reluctant to invite someone she didn’t know into her home to provide support, for fear of being taken advantage of again. She had lost trust in nearly everyone.
However, Pratima soon realised that Kealey was someone who would help.
During the visit, the Green Doctor switched out old lightbulbs for new, more efficient LEDs and installed some reflective foil behind the radiators to prevent heat loss. Pratima needed some new thermostatic radiator valves; however, she had been quoted £40 to have a few valves fitted that cost half the price! Kealey was able to provide and install some for free.
When Kealey discovered that Pratima struggles to read instructions due to trouble processing, the Green Doctor was able to explain how to set up and use Pratima’s carbon monoxide monitor as well as the new, fully funded de-humidifier.
Kealey also boosted the home’s energy efficiency by giving Pratima some behavioural energy-saving advice, such as tips to not dry clothing on radiators, and to turn lights off in rooms Pratima isn’t using instead of leaving them on all day – as was habit.
As a final gesture of support, and to help Pratima meet new people and get involved in her local area, Kealey recommended some local community groups including those run by Groundwork.
Pratima said:
“I’m so glad to have had this support as I just wasn’t aware of the range of advice and help the Green Doctor service actually offered. When we had our consultation, it was really nice to know there was all this potential help out there I could access, to help me with things.
“I didn’t think it would really make much of a difference, putting that foil behind the radiator in the kitchen. But when I come downstairs in the morning to make my breakfast, it’s not as cold anymore. It’s been really cold recently too. When Kealey said to me, ‘you will feel a difference’, I didn’t really think I would – but I have and it has made a real difference to how I feel daily, in the mornings.
“I feel better in myself. It makes me feel good to do something to help the planet and you as Green Doctors have a nice way with people, making them feel at ease and listened to and not out to take advantage. I can tell the work you do, you love it and it comes from the heart.
“I am so grateful for all this help, I just didn’t expect it, and this is why I need to give something back, by talking about my expertise and hoping others will read this and find this support too.
I have regained a bit of trust back in people now too as this service is truly here to help and support.