BLOG: A message from Groundwork's UK Chief Executive, Graham Duxbury
Meet Cath – 57, who was working as teacher when she was recommended by her neighbours to receive a free home visit from Green Doctor’s energy saving service.
During the visit, Cath was really impressed by the advice provided by the Green Doctor – which included tips to save energy and a thorough check of her property’s insulation and Cath’s usage.
Cath had been working in education for over 15 years but was considering a change of career. After a conversation with the Green Doctor who was supporting her, Cath learned more about the role and found the idea of working in communities appealing. As a result, she took a career leap and joined Groundwork as a Green Doctor!
Cath soon realised she could still use her teaching and communication skills as a Green Doctor by educating and supporting people to make positive choices for their home.
Starting as a Green Doctor across Derbyshire in March 2024, Cath then passed exams in energy awareness and began conducting home visits and events months later. She loves being a Green Doctor, incorporating elements of her old job in education to ensure people are getting the support they need.
Speaking of her role, Cath said:
“I really enjoy meeting a wide variety of people and helping them to save energy and money. I also enjoy being able to help signpost people to other support agencies such as community pantries or benefits advisors to ensure that they are getting all the help that they need. I am currently supporting young people who are leaving care and living on their own for the first time. They can find managing a home quite difficult so I can help them with this which is very satisfying.
“We do a lot of events throughout the year to promote the service as well, including delivering online or in person presentations to local authorities and community voluntary sector groups. I have designed sessions on energy saving and budgeting to adult learners too.
“One client who really stuck with me was a pensioner who was on the incorrect tariff and I helped them to get switched on to the correct tariff. Her meter readings were not being recorded accurately. She was paying a large amount every month and being told by the energy company that she owed them a large sum. This was causing her a lot of distress and she had been struggling to sort it out herself. After I advocated with the company on her behalf, she was refunded more than £1000 which she had overpaid over four years. She is now able to go to India with her sister without worrying how she will pay for the flight. That was a fantastic outcome for her and for me too.”