From a Chat to Real Change: How LEAP Helped Brian in Fife Stay Warm, Safe and In Control
Insights
LEAP offers friendly, accessible support that fits real life, especially for people juggling health issues, paperwork barriers or rising winter energy worries.
From benefit support that can boost income, to simple heating habits that cut waste, LEAP focuses on steps that improve comfort, safety and control.
Scottish households can access free energy advice, fuel vouchers (if eligible) and home visits in eligible areas. Help is available to stay warm and safe through winter.
When our team met Brian, 71, at a community event in Fife, he told us he’d never heard of LEAP before. Brian has rented his local authority flat for 18 years and wanted straightforward advice to help him save energy and stay comfortable through the colder months.
Brian is dyslexic, so paperwork can be difficult. He also lives with back pain, which makes moving around the home uncomfortable. Like many people, he didn’t need a presentation or pile of forms; he needed practical support that fits around his real life and needs.
What Brian needed and how LEAP helped
After speaking to Brian, a LEAP advisor arranged tailored support that addressesed the things that make the biggest difference: income, energy use and the right equipment at home.
Help to boost Brian’s income
Our advisor referred Brian for a benefit entitlement check. With support, Brian applied and qualified for Pension Age Disability Payment [open in a new tab] worth over £4,100 per year and also checked his eligibility for Pension Credit.
For many households, this kind of check can be a turning point, especially if you’re missing out on support you’re entitled to.
Simple home energy advice that sticks
Next, the advisor showed Brian practical ways to reduce energy waste and improve comfort, including how to use thermostatic radiator valves and other heating controls more effectively.
Small tweaks like these can help you feel warmer without your heating having to run harder than it needs to.
Replacing a costly, broken appliance
During the conversation, the advisor noticed Brian’s old, noisy fridge had a broken freezer. Older appliances can be expensive to run, and a broken freezer makes everyday life harder.
Brian was referred into the LEAP Appliance Scheme for an energy-efficient replacement fridge freezer.
What support can LEAP offer in Scotland?
LEAP is here to help Scottish households reduce bills, stay safe at home and feel more in control of energy use, especially during winter.
Depending on your situation and area, support may include:
- Free energy advice calls to help you understand your bills, meter, heating and next steps
- Fuel vouchers if you’re in a fuel crisis and can’t afford to top up (for eligible households)
- Home visits in eligible regions, where an advisor can show you how to use heating controls, identify heat-loss problems, and (where available) provide practical items that support warmth and energy efficiency
- Referrals for benefit checks, appliance support and other local help
“Can’t thank u enough…” What Scottish households tell us
Here are a few messages from Scottish households LEAP has supported:
- “Can't thank u enough for ur help… would highly recommend your friendly and helpful staff.” (Resident who received a heated airer, heated throw and air fryer)
- “Graham went above and beyond… so kind and patient,” (Resident with dementia who received a boiler replacement)
- “Really fantastic and helpful. Help was provided instead of digging for it yourself,” (Resident who received support with storage heaters, draught-proofing, remote control plugs and help managing damp)
Need support this winter?
If you’re worried about energy bills, struggling to keep warm, using a prepayment meter or finding forms difficult, LEAP Scotland can help. Call 0800 060 7567 to access free energy advice, ask about fuel vouchers and find out whether home visits are available in your area.