Soap star Kym Marsh has spoken about the "misery and upset" of struggling to pay bills as a single parent before she became famous.
The Coronation Street actress said it was difficult to keep her home warm and bring up her two children while living on benefits.
Marsh, who plays barmaid Michelle Connor in the soap, was speaking as she launched a heating helpline for people on low incomes or receiving benefits.
Speaking about the service, she said: "I wanted to get involved because obviously having been a single parent I've lived on benefits. A couple of members of my family have been in that situation as well.
"There were many times when I found it really difficult to pay my bills. I found it hard to heat my home and when you have two small children it's really a worry.
"Had there been a helpline out there at the time when I was struggling, I probably would have been eligible for help. I could have been saved a lot of misery and upset and basically been able to keep ourselves warm."
People can phone the Home Heat Helpline to find out if they are eligible for grants to insulate their homes and free advice on saving energy to cut fuel bills.
Marsh said people should not feel embarrassed about contacting the helpline.
"We are a nation of people who like to save face and unfortunately that tends to mean that we end up struggling and going without and I know which I'd rather do.
"There's no embarrassment. You're literally making the call - see whether you're eligible.
"You do speak to an actual adviser; it's not an automated service. You are speaking one to one with people that know and they do care."
Marsh also spoke to shoppers at a "living room" in the St Enoch Centre in Glasgow city centre.
The Home Heat Helpline, set up by energy companies in the UK, said their research revealed that 48,000 households in Glasgow and 282,000 across Scotland are missing out on savings on energy bills.
Insulation can cut bills by £250 each year, a spokesman for the helpline said.
Christine McGourty, from the helpline, said: "Keeping warm is especially important for older people, families with young children and those with disabilities.
"Today we're urging anyone on a low income and in receipt of benefits to call the Home Heat Helpline to claim the free help they are entitled to in reducing their bills."
People can contact the service free of charge on 0800 336 699.
© UTV News