We are based in Selby, North Yorkshire and advise on anything to do with energy, whether it is understanding energy bills, advice on tariffs, problems with an energy supplier, dealing with energy debts, financial grants, schemes for energy efficiency improvements, energy saving tips, the Priority Services Register and help with water bills. Our overall mission is to improve physical health and mental well-being through making homes warmer and energy bills more affordable.
We have been running since 2014 so have extensive experience of supporting people with a range of issues and in many different circumstances.
Who is involved with Yorkshire Energy Doctor CIC?
Kate Urwin: Kate is the founder and a Director of Yorkshire Energy Doctor CIC and is responsible for bringing in funding, developing partnerships with other organisations, and delivering a range of fuel poverty and energy awareness training sessions. She loves the outdoors, climbing mountains, and running and walking with her springer spaniel. Contact Kate: kate@yorkshireenergydoctor.org.uk or 07738 818391.
Dave Mahoney: Dave is one of the Community Energy Advisors for the Warm Homes Healthy People project in East Yorkshire. He loves getting out into the community, meeting people and helping them with their energy bills. Dave is also passionate about Mental Health and is a qualified counsellor, but in his spare time, he does stand up comedy. Whether he’s funny or not is for you to decide! Contact Dave: dave@yorkshireenergydoctor.org.uk or 07353 863657
Mike Johnston: Mike is one of our team of Community Energy Advisors but also brings extensive experience of benefits advice, having worked for 37 years in the advice sector in both paid and voluntary roles for organisations across Yorkshire, such as the Citizen’s Advice Bureau and DIAL Leeds. He is an avid Hull City supporter, and is passionate about social justice, taking an active role in many campaigns. Contact Mike: mike@yorkshireenergydoctor.org.uk
Chris Hailey-Norris: Chris is Chief Officer of Up for Yorkshire but was instrumental in helping our organisation get started in 2014. He now co-facilitates our Energy Ambassador and Climate Ambassador training courses, as well as acting as quiz show host for our Big Energy Saving Gameshow, a role which he was almost born to do.
Nick and Fliss at WILD Studios. Nick and Fliss create content for our social media channels so follow us on Facebook, Instagram and X.
Directors:
We also have three volunteer Directors involved with the organisation: Prof Claire Hughes, Val White and Steve Wren.
What do we offer?
Our main services are:
1) Staff training to equip others with skills and knowledge to advise vulnerable households
2) 1-2-1 advice direct to residents, either remotely by telephone or through a face-to-face visit (depending on needs and location)
3) Talks to community groups, workshops or hosting information stands at local events We are primarily grant-funded so there is usually no charge for these services
Awards
In October 2024, we were awarded the Charity Partner Award by Northern Gas Networks (NGN) who fund two of our main projects through their Vulnerability and Carbon Monoxide Allowance. NGN work with more than 70 charity partners so it was a great honour to be given this award.
In February 2018, Kate was awarded a national Heat Hero award. 15 of these awards are made every year by National Energy Action to people across the country who have gone above and beyond to help residents who are in fuel poverty. Kate collected her award at a special ceremony at the Houses of Parliament
Videos!
Watch the two videos below to get a feel for what we do. Firstly, Chris and I are talking about our Energy Ambassadors project and, secondly, we hear from Ken who we have supported with his energy costs.