Support that made all the difference

When Anna, from Hammersmith & Fulham, first reached out for help, she was feeling overwhelmed and unwell. Her smart meter monitor, installed by her supplier, wasn’t working properly and a leak had appeared in the cupboard where the meter was stored. Repeated calls to her supplier left her frustrated and distressed:

“They were rude to me on the phone, and I felt so stressed I thought I’d have an asthma attack that day.”

Anna first heard about the H&F Healthy Homes scheme, supported by Green Doctor, through the Citizens Advice Bureau. She decided to get in touch and find out how she could receive help with her energy concerns.

The support Anna received

During her home visit, Anna received a range of practical help and tailored guidance designed to make her home warmer, healthier, and more energy efficient.

One of the first areas addressed was her energy use. The Green Doctor contacted Anna’s supplier to review her tariff. Although she couldn’t switch to a different deal while still under contract, she now has a clear picture of her options and a plan to follow up once her contract ends in 2026.

Improvements were also made to her home itself. Draught-proofing was fitted to her door, immediately helping to reduce heat loss. Alongside this, Anna was provided with useful items to help her stay warm and save energy, including a hot water bottle, a throw, and energy-efficient light bulbs.

Anna was supported to access a £50 energy voucher, provided she meets the eligibility criteria to help ease some of her household costs.

The Green Doctor also highlighted the importance of tackling the bad mould that had developed around her windows and gave some tips on how to prevent mould forming, that was particularly important considering Anna suffers from asthma. Anna was encouraged to contact her council for further support in addressing the issue, ensuring her home environment remains healthy.

Finally, to help Anna keep on top of her energy usage, they checked her smart meter was working properly and set an energy budget. This will make it easier for her to monitor her consumption and stay in control of her bills.

Overall, the visit gave Anna not only practical solutions but also a clearer sense of direction, combining immediate improvements with long-term planning for a healthier, more affordable home.

A turning point

Before the visit, Anna describes herself as feeling “very stressed, depressed, making me ill.” Afterward, she felt reassured and relieved:

“The Green Doctor was very courteous and patient. I’m happy—very happy! I feel relieved now that most of my concerns are addressed. I have peace of mind.”

When asked to sum up the support in three words, Anna chose: “Excellent, courteous, informative.”

Spreading the word

Anna says she would “definitely recommend Green Doctors London” and plans to tell her friends about the service so they can get the same kind of help.

Because of the H&F Healthy Homes scheme (supported by Green Doctors), Anna is now feeling more in control of her home, less anxious about her energy bills, and better prepared for the future.

If you or someone you know could benefit from free, expert advice on how to stay warm, reduce energy bills, and feel more in control at home – get in touch with Green Doctor’s today. Small changes can make a big difference.