‘BABY IT’S COLD OUTSIDE!’ – HOW TO KEEP YOUR HOUSE WARM THIS WINTER

Are you worried about keeping your home warm this winter? If yes, then LEAP (Local Energy Advice Partnership) may be able to help you.

LEAP is a free-of-charge support service (working with Local Authorities and Social Housing Providers) to provide fuel support to poor and vulnerable households.

More than 10 per cent of households in England are in ‘fuel poverty’; this is defined as a situation where someone who has a relatively low income is living in a property that cannot be kept warm at a reasonable cost.

LEAP has a wide network of referral organisations who will refer anyone who is in (or at risk of falling into) fuel poverty, such as food banks, Citizens Advice and more.

You can also apply directly. Simply phone 0800 060 7568 or email support@applyforleap. org.uk. LEAP may be able to help you with energy saving and energy switching advice, refer you for money saving and debt advice, and assess your eligibility for insulation and other larger energy efficiency measures.

Sarah recently found herself in need of support.

She said: ‘I live in a privately rented house.

‘It's a good place overall but draughty and hard to keep warm in winter.

‘I heard about LEAP and gave them a call. There was a quick check to see if I was eligible and then had my home check over the phone.

‘A week later I received a box of energy saving items through the post. I was able to fit them myself and now my home is less draughty and much warmer. I would certainly recommend everyone having a home energy check.’