Groundwork’s Green Doctors can help Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire residents save on energy costs and keep homes warmer

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Households across Hertfordshire and Bedfordshire can benefit from free one-to-one energy efficiency and money saving advice from community charity, Groundwork.

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.

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Figures show that 14.2% of households in Bedford are living in fuel poverty, compared to a national average of 13.06% (13.2% across the East of England).[1] Last year, gas consumption of Bedford residents fell by 10.6%[2], the largest decrease in domestic gas usage since comparable records began in 2006. With the cut to winter fuel support, more people than ever are finding themselves struggling to heat their homes.

Terence Carty, Green DoctorTerence Carty, Green Doctor
Terence Carty, Green Doctor

Alongside self-referrals, local agencies such as Councils, housing associations, charities and foodbanks can signpost residents to the Green Doctor service through promotion and referrals.

Support from Groundwork’s Green Doctors is completely free and available to those who are:

  • Over 65Households with children under the age of 5In receipt of benefitsStruggling to pay energy billsFinding it hard to manage fuel debtGetting confused by energy billsOwing money to energy suppliersUsing alternative methods to stay warm – such as staying in bed or wearing lots of clothes indoorsWorrying about keeping warm or choosing between eating and heatingFeeling that the home is cold, damp, mouldy or draughtySuffering with respiratory problems e.g. asthma or a persistent coughLiving with physical or mental health conditions.

Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire residents can complete a quick enquiry form on the Green Doctor website

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Terence Carty, Bedfordshire Green Doctor said: “We are needed more so now than ever, more people are suffering from the effects of rising energy prices, which is also having a knock-on effect on their wellbeing, including physical and mental health.

“What we do initially all depends on the resident’s concerns and situation. Many people are finding themselves struggling for the first time, and it’s always good to be able to see the immediate effects of Green Doctor support in people’s homes. There is so much we can do to help people reduce their energy spend and also help them with other issues.”

In 2024 Groundwork Green doctors visited more than 15,000 homes across the country, identifying savings worth £2.45m, and more than 5000 tonnes of carbon from reduced energy use. In some instances, Green Doctors can install energy saving measures such as radiator panels and insulation and provide equipment such as air fryers, dehumidifiers and food vouchers.

Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire residents can book a free consultation online, or by emailing [email protected] or calling 01707 260129. To find out more about Groundwork East’s Green Doctor service, watch this video.

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Find out more about Groundwork Green Doctors: https://www.groundwork.org.uk/east/what-our-green-doctors-do/

How to get support from a Green Doctor: https://groundwork.my.salesforce-sites.com/CadentEnquiryForm/

[1] https://www.nea.org.uk/constituencies/bedford/

[2] https://www.bedfordtoday.co.uk/business/consumer/cost-of-living/record-fall-in-domestic-gas-consumption-in-bedford-as-energy-prices-and-cost-of-living-soar-4509484

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