This winter, we’re casting a spotlight on SHINE, Islington Council’s Seasonal Health Intervention Network, which offers free energy advice and practical support to residents across London. We recently joined Simon Connor, one of SHINE’s Energy Doctors, on a visit to the home of Marie Doogan, a pensioner and long-time resident of Stroud Green.

Marie has lived in her unique home for 24 years. “It was converted from an old Victorian stable,” she says, explaining the unique, long shape of the rooms, and the high ceilings.

A cosier home, one visit at a time

Simon has been an Energy Doctor for two years. Before this, he installed solar panels. He tells us he finds his current work more rewarding. “I get to see the smiles on people’s faces when I leave their house, and it already feels cosier.”

On every visit, Simon assesses the property energy efficiency. This includes checking for drafts, insulation, boiler condition, windows and sunlight access. Simon typically sees three clients a day and travels with “a sack full of goodies, like Santa.”

During Marie’s visit, Simon replaced outdated insulation, installed aluminium backing behind radiators to make them more efficient, inflated a chimney balloon to block cold air and fitted foam strips around the front door to keep the warmth in.

More than just energy advice

While making these upgrades, Simon chatted with Marie and explained each step and checked whether she needed further support. He describes his job as ‘part handyman, part social worker’ – energy doctors fix things, assess their clients for grants, and check on the general state of things in case the client needs additional support, such as signposting to food banks or debt relief services.

Sometimes, he adds it’s about being a friendly face. “People are dealing with more loneliness, and a lot more debt these days. They feel alienated from their energy bills and need someone to talk them through it.” He describes, with a warm smile, helping a client write off four-and-a-half thousand pounds of debt the other week. The job’s personal touch is the highlight for him.

The energy-saving princess of Stroud Green

Marie first heard about SHINE through a talk hosted by AGE UK. “I rung up right away” she says, thoroughly impressed by their tips. Marie has accessed food banks before and tries to save money wherever she can. Her energy supplier offers half price energy on Saturday afternoons, so she can run her dishwasher and washing machine then.

She’s already told all her friends about SHINE and wants to help spread the word: “It’s a fantastic service – more people should know.”

Before leaving, Simon asks Marie to take the Energy Saving Pledge, which includes tips like:

• turn your thermostat down by 1° to save £140 annually.

• reduce to 4 minutes per shower to save £82 annually.

Marie looked over the list and declared: “I’m the energy-saving princess, because I do all of them!” Simon smiled: “That you are, Marie!”

Need support this winter?

SHINE is here to help residents across London stay warm, save money, and feel supported. Whether it’s practical upgrades, energy-saving tips, or help with bills, their friendly team is just a call or text away.

Call: 0800 953 1221 or 020 7527 2121 (Mon–Fri, 9am–5pm)
Text: 07800 006 143
🌐 Visit SHINE London