Norfolk Green Doctors – Free advice to help residents take control of their energy bills, save money and keep warm
Households across Norfolk can benefit from free one-to-one energy efficiency and money saving advice & practical support from community charity, Groundwork East.
Groundwork Green Doctors are energy efficiency experts who provide free support to individuals and households struggling to heat their homes. They can provide advice over the phone or arrange a home visit to offer practical guidance on energy saving, draught proofing, help to understand bills and they can make referrals to other local support services, including debt advice and food banks.
Lots of people are eligible, including people over 65, households with children under 5, those in receipt of benefits and people with physical or mental health conditions.
Figures show that 12.4% of households in South West Norfolk are living in fuel poverty [1] and with previous cuts to winter fuel support, more people are struggling to heat their homes. The service helps residents to keep warmer and reduce their heating costs. Alongside self-referrals, local agencies such as Councils, housing associations, charities and foodbanks can signpost residents to the Green Doctor service referral form.
Support from Groundwork’s Green Doctors is completely free and available to those who are:
- Over 65
- Households with children (any age)
- In receipt of benefits
- Struggling to pay energy bills
- Finding it hard to manage fuel debt
- Getting confused by energy bills
- Owing money to energy suppliers
- Using alternative methods to stay warm – such as staying in bed or wearing lots of clothes indoors
- Worrying about keeping warm or choosing between eating and heating
- Feeling that the home is cold, damp, mouldy or draughty
- Suffering with respiratory problems e.g. asthma or a persistent cough
- Living with physical or mental health conditions.
Eve Lucas, Green Doctor for Groundwork East said: “People in Thetford and surrounding areas are impacted by the rising energy prices, which has a knock-on effect on their wellbeing, including physical and mental health.
“Our Green Doctors provide FREE independent and impartial support to help people stay warm in their homes and help to reduce their utility bills as well as assist with other issues such as mould and condensation, installing energy efficiency measures, and accessing financial support. Anyone struggling with their gas, electricity and water bills or struggling to keep their home warm can receive a pre-booked consultation, either a telephone consultation or an in-home consultation.”
Thetford residents can complete a quick enquiry form online or agencies can refer residents by contacting Eve Lucas, email: [email protected] or call 07736132497 for the next steps. There is more information on the Green Doctor website too.
Green Doctors in Norfolk are supported by Norfolk County Council and Norfolk Community Foundation
[1] https://www.nea.org.uk/constituencies/south-west-norfolk/