VCMA Projects - Fuel Poverty Awareness Training, Green Doctors Energy Matters and GEMS - Groundworks Energy Management Services.

Groundwork have been delivering the project - Energy Matters Yorkshire which was submitted by Groundwork as a unique service requirement in that nothing currently exists in the region. Over past years they have established a strong Energy Matters service in West Yorkshire and grown this into wider areas of Yorkshire. A Green Doctor visit includes: income saving and advice, energy use and health. Stakeholder engagement throughout GD2 told us that access to many of these services is becoming increasingly difficult (energy advice/small measures) and has been compounded by the pandemic. Green Doctors are well established in Yorkshire and NGN has a long standing relationship with Groundwork/Green Doctors as previously provided funding (jointly) for a Comfortable Living project. The project looks at delivery in Yorkshire of 1000 Green Doctor visits over 2 years. In addition, the Green Doctors provide follow up advocacy and support through: - Referrals to other services such as Fire Service, Adult Social Care, Food Banks, Health care professionals, Housing support teams, Debt support charities - Liaising and negotiating with energy suppliers to switch tariffs, remove or reduce existing fuel debt - Access to grants for debt relief to tackle ongoing fuel debt issues - Access to grants for white goods and other home appliances for the most vulnerable households - Liaising with Local Authorities for tenants in poor quality private sector housing where the landlords are unwilling to make improvements to the property • PSR signs up: 300 each year • CO awareness surveys: 300 each year