Here, you’ll find everything you need to on advice and support on saving money on your energy bills and operating your heating system efficiently.
You’ll also find information on upcoming community events where you can get advice, warm spaces in your area, and financial assistance schemes available.
As energy costs continue to remain high, ensuring energy efficiency in homes has become increasingly important. Efficient energy use can help you reduce heating costs, making it more affordable to keep homes warm and comfortable during the colder months.
Additionally, it plays a vital role in reducing carbon emissions, contributing to environmental sustainability.
Groundwork’s Green Doctor service provides free, impartial advice to help UK residents save energy, reduce household bills, and stay warm.
The Green Doctors are energy efficiency experts who offer personalised support through home visits, phone consultations, and workshops. They also assist residents in managing energy debt, finding affordable energy providers, and accessing grants and schemes. This service is particularly beneficial for vulnerable individuals, helping them to improve their living conditions, reduce financial stress, and contribute positively to the environment.
Visit the ‘Get Energy Help Resources Hub’ which provides a wealth of useful energy saving information and where you can enter your postcode to access the most local ‘Green Doctor’ service where you live.
Warm spaces are invaluable to the community, especially during the winter months. They provide a safe and welcoming environment where residents can stay warm, reducing the risk of cold-related health issues.They also offer social interaction, helping to combat loneliness and improve mental well-being.
Warm spaces also provide relief from high energy costs, support services, and a sense of community, making them essential for overall community resilience and support.
The Warm Welcome Campaign is an invaluable online resource which allows you to identify the facilities close to you that are designated community ‘warm spaces’, from over 6000 which have been registered all across the UK. Pop your postcode into the search bar to locate the venues and timings that are convenient to you.
Over the coming months, we’ll also be running a number of community events across all our regions. Dates and times will appear on this page.
We can also provide user guides for your heating system. Just make a note of the name and model and then contact us, we’ll send you information.
Solar panels
Do you have solar panels on your roof? If so take a look at our solar panel guide to find out how to make the most of the generated electricity.
If you have a Dimplex Quantum Heater visit their videos on YouTube for guidance on how to use and get the most from your heater.
Do you have an Air Source Heat Pump? We have information on how it works and the benefits it brings and a step by step guide on setting the programmer.
For more home hints and tips, including information on electric storage heaters, visit:
You can also visit Energy Saving Trust where you will find lots of useful information on how run your home energy efficiently.
Do you have electric panel heating? If so, do you know how to set the programmer so the heating comes on and goes off when you need it to? If not, have a look at this video clip which explains everything you need to know about Rointe, our most common electric panel heater.
To ensure you are always getting the best value for your energy bills, it is always worth checking prices. Switching to a new provider or tariff could save you money.
In certain circumstances you can switch even if you have a pre-payment meter or have a debt.
The energy regulator, Ofgem, has useful information on how to switch and switching companies that are accredited.
Great Places install low-flow showers and dual-flush toilets in all our properties. This cuts energy bills and reduces water which will save you money, particularly for customers who have a water meter. Tips for reducing how much water you use include:
Great Places is working in partnership with United Utilities and Cenergist who are funded to carry out home visits, installing water efficiency devices within properties to reduce energy and costs. They will be contacting customers who reside within eligible postcodes but you can communicate your interest by emailing moneymatters@greatplaces.org.uk
You’d be surprised how much of your waste, is someone else’s treasure. You can avoid a lot of waste by simply passing items on through apps and websites that specialise in reselling or by donating to local charities.
Of the items that are left, reducing waste to landfill is easier than ever. All local authorities provide kerbside recycling schemes. If you are not sure of your collection day or which bin to use, check your local council website or www.recyclenow.com.
Did you know the average family spends £700 every year on food which then goes to waste? There are lots of easy ways to reduce food waste and save money including:
At Great Places we have a dedicated team to help you with any money related issues you might be having. Whether you could do with support around benefits entitlement, debt issues, budgeting or accessing available council grants/funds, the Money Matters Team are on hand to provide you with assistance.
If you are struggling with any aspect of managing your money you can self-refer by sending an email to moneymatters@greatplaces.org.uk or speak to your Neighbourhood Services Manager and ask them to make a referral into the team on your behalf.
If you have a have an Energy Advice question you’d like to get in touch with us about, please complete the online form below providing as much information as possible and a member of the team will look to get back in touch with you within 3 working days.
If you have a have an Energy Advice question you’d like to get in touch with us about, please complete the online form below providing as much information as possible and a member of the team will look to get back in touch with you within 3 working days.
