Could the 'Green Doctors' help with your energy bills?
NHS Frimley is teaming up with environmental charity Groundwork South to bring their flagship ‘Green Doctor’ scheme to local communities ahead of winter.
Partners within the Frimley Health and Care Integrated Care System, work together to improve the health and wellbeing of local people and to create healthier communities. This initiative offers free, practical support to eligible households struggling with high energy bills and cold, damp living conditions.
The service bolsters existing local authority and community support offers and helps local people create healthier living environments and move towards improving their general circumstances.
Energy specialists known as ‘Green Doctors’, visit the homes of eligible residents to offer energy-saving advice, install small energy-efficient measures, and help residents access additional support services which may include funding for small repairs.
Local people can refer themselves into the ‘Green Doctor’ scheme, but the partnership also offers the opportunity for NHS health workers, statutory authorities or community organisations to refer or signpost people that they feel may be eligible as well.
Jim O’Donnell, GP and Clinical Lead in Slough said:
"We are thrilled to partner with Groundwork and their 'Green Doctor' scheme. Many health issues, including respiratory conditions are linked to cold, damp homes and mental health can be severely impacted by financial struggles.
The most common social issue that brings patients to their GP is accommodation and housing. By addressing these environmental factors and resolving many of the difficulties that are caused by poor standards of accommodation and housing, we are not only preventing hospital admissions but also improving living standards and helping to free up appointments for patients with medical rather than social need.
We have already started to identify patients living with asthma and other respiratory conditions in low energy rated homes in the Slough area and beyond, who may be able to benefit from this programme ahead of winter."
Simon Bryant, Director of Public Health Hampshire said:
“Adding local capacity to existing support services this winter, allows us to address a key social determinant of health - housing conditions, for more of our residents. We know that cold, damp homes can exacerbate a wide range of health issues, from asthma to cardiovascular problems. By helping residents make their homes healthier and more energy-efficient, we’re not just improving their physical health, but also reducing their financial burdens.”
How the Green Doctor Scheme Works:
- Getting in touch: You can visit the Green Doctor website to complete their online form and book a home visit or phone consultation, as well as to receive handy energy saving tips.
- Home Visits: Trained energy specialists known as Green Doctors conduct home visits to assess energy efficiency and offer tailored advice to residents on creating a healthier home and reducing energy use.
- Practical Measures: Free installation of small, energy-saving devices such as draught excluders, radiator reflectors, and energy-efficient lighting.
- Referrals and Support: Green Doctors assist residents in accessing further support, such as grants for home improvements or energy rebates, and link them to additional health and social care services if appropriate.
If you or someone you know might benefit from the Green Doctor programme, please reach out to them today or share this opportunity.