Like reindeer we are leaping to the rescue. We have been writing a lot about the LEAP service because we are very proud of our Home Energy Advisors that really are making a difference to peoples lives every week. By telling you the stories of the people that we are helping, we hope that more individuals become aware of the services and extra help they can get.
All of our support is free thanks to the LEAP Scheme. The scheme is a free service that is helping people keep warm and reduce their energy bills without costing them any money. The eligibility requirements of LEAP are designed to target households that either are already in, or are at risk of falling in to fuel poverty.
It is open to all types of householders – homeowners, private renters and social housing tenants. According to the official Committee on Fuel Poverty, over 10% of households in England are in fuel poverty.
Back to our Case Study:
Mrs P is blind and retired and lives with her adult son who has mental health conditions. She is on a low income, receives some financial help with her rent and council tax but has been struggling with her water bills. The LEAP Home Energy Advisor visited Mrs P and installed LED bulbs and reflective radiator panels for her – but most importantly, referred her for onward support from IncomeMax. IncomeMax helped Mrs P apply for the Thames Water Customer Assistance Fund and arranged for her arrears to be written off. They also identified some weekly pension credit she could claim for.
We find that each and every individual, family or couple we visit after the initial phone call all have different circumstances. Quite often, our Home Energy Advisors can help people save money by installing easy measures such as draught excluders, radiator panels and LED light bulbs. The thing that strikes us most is that many people are not claiming for everything they are entitled to, or don’t know about additional services that can help with energy bill debt, broken appliances and boilers. Leaping to the rescue of those that need it every day.
As part of our visits we have links to other organisations that could provide additional help. It is often here the biggest wins are made. To find out more and apply for LEAP click here.
