WHEN David Steed was diagnosed with a rare genetic disorder his whole world was turned upside down.

Adrenoleukodystrophy is a life limiting condition affecting mainly boys and men that damages the nervous system, with no known cure. And although it has had a considerable impact on his day-to-day life, David has been determined to live an independent life as possible.

However, David’s mobility rapidly deteriorated and after also battling depression, he sadly had to give up his job in 2020.

With no regular income other than his monthly benefit payment, David worried about how he would be able to afford his bills or pay for home improvements in flat, with an ageing boiler that urgently needed replacing.

After hearing about Home Energy Scotland through one of his friends, David contacted his local advice centre to see if they could help.

David spoke with a friendly advisor over the phone who asked him a few questions about his property and current circumstances. He explained his boiler must be at least 15 years old and was afraid it could break down at any moment.

After chatting through some options, the advisor explained that he might be eligible for funding support from the Scottish Government under the Warmer Homes Scotland scheme and completed an application on his behalf.  

Warmer Homes Scotland is designed to help vulnerable people make their homes warmer and more affordable to heat by installing a range of energy saving measures including insulation, efficient heating, and renewable technologies at no cost.

Soon after, David was told the good news that his application was successful, and a surveyor would soon arrange to visit his property ahead of the installation. Although some preparatory work would be required, the installation team took care of everything with minimal upheaval to David’s home.

David said: “The support I have received has been absolutely fantastic; I couldn’t fault it. From start to finish, the whole thing took about two months and the installation was completed in just a couple of days. They kept in touch throughout the process so I knew what would be happening for the duration of the work, which took a lot of the stress out of everything.”

David received a brand-new gas boiler and five new radiators, plus a carbon dioxide detector and new fitted smoke alarms, completely free of charge, and is already enjoying a much cosier home.

“I don’t need to worry about my old boiler packing in now which is a big weight off my mind and I’m paying less for my energy bills now as the new system is much more efficient.”

David has just recently started volunteering for the Citizens Advice Bureau which he does remotely from home so will be telling all his clients about the support available through Home Energy Scotland.  

“I’d definitely recommend getting in touch with the team to see if you could get some help – I’m so glad I did!”

Give Home Energy Scotland a call today on 0808 808 2282 and speak to a friendly, expert advisor, or visit Home Energy Scotland online for more information on saving on your energy bills.