Photo: Sheila, 83, is supported to reduce her energy bills by her Green Doctor, Rachel
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. 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鈥檛 find words enough to express my gratitude for all the help and support.鈥�
Groundwork is incredibly grateful to the generous Radio 4 Appeal listeners who helped raise 拢22,000 for our Green Doctor programme. This is a transformative amount which will make a real difference to people who find themselves in 鈥� or at risk of 鈥� fuel poverty.
In our winter appeal, rapper Professor Green told listeners about Sheila, who at 83, suddenly found out she owed her energy company thousands of pounds because her smart meter hadn鈥檛 been working properly. Struggling to survive on her state pension, Sheila was worried sick and didn鈥檛 know where to turn.
Luckily, Groundwork鈥檚 Green Doctors (energy efficiency advisors who provide free, impartial support to vulnerable people) were on hand to reassure Sheila and achieve a better outcome for her. Our Green Doctor Rachel visited Sheila in her home to install small energy saving measures such as LED lightbulbs and draught excluders, contacted the energy company to set up a payment plan, and managed to wipe off Sheila鈥檚 entire debt.
In 2024 alone, Groundwork supported over 50,000 people to save 拢2.5 million on their utility bills.
Since our appeal, Green Doctors have been working hard to support even more people like Sheila across the country to stay warm, stay well and save money. With the energy price cap continuing to rise, your support for Green Doctor is needed now more than ever.
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Groundwork UK The rapper Professor Green makes the Radio 4 Appeal on behalf of Groundwork.