Energy-saving charity offers translation to support more communities

Green Doctor Kirsty and beneficiary Neena (Credit: Groundwork Five Counties)

East Midlands-based charity Groundwork Five Counties is supporting more communities than ever by offering language translations during Green Doctor home visits, a free energy and money-saving advice service that saves households £180 a year on average.

The Green Doctor offers fully funded in-person home visits across the East Midlands to help households to become more energy efficient and save money by reviewing energy bills and finding better tariffs, applying for supplier discounts, benefits and government grants, and encouraging easy behavioural changes to save gas, electricity and water at home.

They also provide and install free energy-saving items such as LED bulbs, radiator foil, and draught proofing measures. Where a need is identified they can give out larger items such as air fryers, electric blankets, oil radiators and more.

Dawn Williams, Partnership & Delivery Manager for the Green Doctor, said: “Often, the people who need us the most are those with a language barrier. Many find it hard to get support or communicate with energy suppliers, so they are more likely to be overspending on their bills

“During our home visits, we have a telephonic translation service available for any language and a video service for British Sign Language (BSL). It is always done by a real person that can help facilitate the communication between the Green Doctor and the resident, ensuring a smooth conversation and real help

“People with translation needs usually use a family member or friend to support during the visit, but this provides an alternative if they have no one to assist. We understand how difficult getting the right support can be and we’re pleased to have this translation provision available so we can help more communities.”

Last year, the charity’s team of Green Doctors supported over 4,100 households to save a total of £730,000. By becoming more energy efficient, these households also saved a total of 1.5 million kilos of CO2, the equivalent of driving 4.5 million miles.

This service is available in the East Midlands to people of all ages, incomes and backgrounds, whether they own their home, rent, or a social housing tenant. All aspects of the service are free of charge as it is a fully funded charity programme.

To find out more and book a home visit, go to the Green Doctor website.