YMCA and Cadent join forces to support young people and communities to combat fuel poverty and isolation

    28 June 2023

    Media contacts

    Louise Day

    maillouise.day@cadentgas.com

    Telephone0777 311 8357

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    • Investment of almost £300k from Cadent will fund new ‘Safe and Well Communities Project’,
    • YMCA Housing Workers will be trained to provide practical energy efficiency and financial management advice for young people across the UK

    YMCA, a national charity committed to supporting young people in their time of need, is thrilled to announce a ground-breaking new partnership with Cadent, the UK’s largest gas distribution network.

    As part of its commitment to tackling fuel poverty and supporting the most vulnerable, Cadent has given almost £300k to fund a new ‘Safe and Well Communities Project’, which aims to enhance YMCA’s existing support for young people and families. The initiative will see Cadent training YMCA Housing Workers that support young people; to provide practical advice on energy efficiency, financial management, and safety during the transition from YMCA-supported housing to independent living.

    Denise Hatton, Chief Executive of YMCA England & Wales, said, "We are incredibly excited about this partnership with Cadent. By combining our expertise and resources, we have a unique opportunity to make a profound difference in the lives of those affected by the insecurity of relentlessly rising prices.

    “Young people are facing a significantly challenging financial landscape as they struggle through the cost-of-living crisis. With outgoings outpacing income, many are finding it increasingly difficult to achieve financial stability and plan for their future. Together with Cadent, we can empower individuals and build stronger, healthier communities."

    Philip Burrows, Head of Customer Vulnerability Social Programme Delivery at Cadent, added: “As a brand, YMCA remains one of the most trusted and iconic in the country, particularly within the younger demographic. Therefore, this new partnership will be an important part of our strategy in targeting important energy and financial awareness support where it is needed the most. Sadly, no one has escaped the impact of the past few years, but when it comes to people in vulnerable situations, they have been the ones to take the brunt – so any additional help must be carefully targeted and delivered to ensure it will have the maximum impact.”

    Fuel poverty remains a persistent issue affecting millions of people across the UK, particularly those on low incomes. Through this unique collaboration, YMCA and Cadent will work hand in hand to address this challenge head-on, making a meaningful impact on the lives of those most affected. In addition, YMCA will conduct slow cooking workshops for more than 5,000 young people using slow cookers provided by Cadent. This initiative promotes healthy eating on a budget and will occur in youth centres and housing facilities – YMCA is the largest provider of supported housing, with more than 9,000 beds offered each night.

    - ENDS –

    For more information or interview requests, please contact:

    Jerahl Hall

    Senior Communications Manager

    press@ymca.org.uk

    +44(0) 7508 415 132

    www.ymca.org.uk

    Louise Day

    Head of PR & Communications, Cadent

    0777 311 8357

    Louise.Day@Cadentgas.com

    YMCA England & Wales

    About YMCA England & Wales
    • YMCA England & Wales comprises 83 member YMCAs working to ensure young people have opportunities to thrive and contribute positively to their communities.
    • YMCAs operate in 688 different communities across England and Wales, impacting the lives of more than 375,000 people every year.
    • YMCA is the largest voluntary sector provider of supported housing for young people in England and Wales, providing a bed for 9,400 people each night and collectively helping more than 20,000 people experiencing homelessness each year.
    • YMCA works with 166,000 children, young people, parents and carers to provide the best possible start in life, offering support into their teenage years and beyond.
    • YMCA England & Wales enables more than 20,000 people every year to engage in education and training to enable them to improve their opportunities in the job market.
    • We welcome 63,205 people through our doors to partake in healthy living activities, helping people of all abilities and experiences to look after their health and wellbeing.
    For further information, please visit www.ymca.org.uk.

    Cadent

    Cadent is the UK’s largest gas distribution network with a 200-year legacy. We are in a unique position to build on strong foundations whilst encouraging the curiosity to think differently and the courage to embrace change. Day to day we continue to operate, maintain and innovate the UK’s largest gas network, transporting gas safely and protecting people in an emergency. Our skilled engineers and specialists remain committed to the communities we serve, working day and night to ensure gas reaches 11 million homes from Cumbria to North London and the Welsh Borders to East Anglia, to keep your energy flowing.

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