STORY: Neetu – ‘I wanted to help others – like the Green Doctors helped me’
Neetu was finding the winter very hard as she struggled to heat her home. Her house was draughty and she was also living with damp.
Neetu’s energy bill was very high and she was in a lot of debt. Neetu was relieved when a Green Doctor helped her take back control of her energy usage and installed energy saving measures around her home. As a result, she now feels warmer in her home.
As a result of the support she had received, Neetu wanted to give back. She was introduced to to the Stay Warm in Newham initiative, where Green Doctors train local people to be Energy Champions who volunteer as community energy advisors, passing on their new knowledge of energy savings tips and support to friends, family and the wider community.
With the support of Groundwork, Neetu is now an Energy Champion in her local area – supporting other people with how they can stay warm and well. She helps people to understand their tariff, how much energy they are using and offers practical measures, such as heaters, hot water bottles and blankets.
Neetu said:
I wanted to be an Energy Champion because I wanted to help others – like the Green Doctors helped me. There are a lot of people in my community that can’t speak English. I speak three languages so I can interpret. I find my role very rewarding I can’t wait to go to every session. Meeting people and talking to them – it’s brilliant. It’s changed my life.
No-one should ever have to choose between heating and eating, but we know this is the reality for increasing numbers of people. You can find out more information and pledge your support here.
