“We hope you can deliver more smiles to families who desperately need support” – Maryam’s Story

Maryam’s husband Harib has a skin condition which becomes agitated in cold weather. The effects can be minimised if he can maintain his body temperature, however with increased fuel prices this has become a challenge in the past year.

Due to inefficiencies within their home, the energy used to heat it was quickly being lost due to drafts from single glazed windows and doors. Harib was relying on blankets and duvets to keep himself warm and the effects were impacting wider family too, who were constantly having cold related illnesses.

Maryam took out a loan to convert one of her windows and a door in the house from single glazed to double glazed to reduce the effect of drafts they felt however, as a low income household this was all they could afford.

The improvements were not enough to make a difference to their home. Maryam searched for 3 months for someone who could until finally, thanks to support from Rochdale Borough Council, they found Groundwork’s Green Doctors.

Following an initial visit from one of the Green Doctors they found out they qualified for the Warm Homes programme. From there Groundwork sourced suitable contractors who changed six single glazed windows and a wooden framed door to UVPC double glazing, at no cost to Maryam and her family.

Following the completed works, Maryam and her family contacted Babatunde, the Green Doctor supporting her throughout the project to say:

“I would like to thank you for all the hard work you have done to get the help and funding for my family which can keep us safe and warm this winter and in the future. You have no idea how much this means to me and my family and the positive impact this can make on our lives. We hope you can deliver more smiles to more families who are desperately in need of support just like us.”