A Green Doctor writes …

Free energy advice and measures to save you money and keep you warm – My time as a Green Doctor at Groundwork Leeds

Starting my new role as a Green Doctor at Groundwork Leeds I was excited at the prospect of working for a charity that has worked to help so many communities in the UK and, as a Green Doctor, being able to do this in such a hands-on way.

I have now been in the role just two weeks and it has been full of new and exciting experiences including learning how to make radiator panels, giving advice on energy tariffs, teaching service users how to read their meters and driving a transit van for the very first time! I have attended a Level 3 Energy Awareness course in Manchester which was extremely beneficial in giving me the knowledge and tools to help people to reduce their bills, keep their homes warmer and overall avoid them falling into fuel poverty.

For me one of the most rewarding parts of the role I have found so far is working directly with residents of the South Leeds community. Going into their homes means we are able to talk closely with them about their concerns and see any areas of improvement to their dwelling including draught-proofing doors and windows. It is additionally rewarding when we are able to make them significant savings to their fuel bills, something that almost everyone, including yourselves, can benefit from.

If you want to make use of our valuable and completely free service you can give us a call on 0808 1683547 to arrange a home visit. We can provide support for those of you who have children under 16 living with you, who are aged 60 or over or have a disability or long-term health condition. In addition to qualify for a visit you must be currently in receipt of benefits or have an annual household income of less than £21,000. Do not hesitate to give us a ring if you are unsure if you meet these requirements and we will be happy to help.

In addition if you are living in a privately rented property or own your property we can further help you as part of our recently-launched Warmth for Wellbeing scheme. As well as providing the energy advice and installation of energy-saving devices we can now help with repairs to existing heating and hot water systems, servicing of heating appliances, emergency heating and will provide you with carbon monoxide monitors. This service follows the same criteria as above and is offered by the Green Doctors at Groundwork Leeds in partnership with Care & Repair Leeds.

I am looking forward to getting to meet and help more and more of you to save money and keep warmer this winter.

This post was written by Jessica Brand using our Create an article for South Leeds Life page.