YMCA and Utility Aid Join Forces to Power Young People’s Futures

YMCA is proud to announce a powerful new partnership with Utility Aid, the UK’s leading energy broker and consultancy for the voluntary sector.

This new strategic collaboration aims to strengthen the sustainability of YMCA as a youth charity which supports more than 20,000 each year with housing services across England and Wales while helping young people thrive in an evolving energy economy.

At a time when the cost-of-living crisis continues to affect the most vulnerable, this partnership brings critical expertise to local YMCAs, helping them reduce energy costs, operate more sustainably, and free up resources to reinvest in life-changing youth and community services.

Through this collaboration, Utility Aid will deliver a range of support services tailored to the unique needs of YMCA settings. From energy-saving strategies and bespoke sustainability guidance to the launch of a free Energy Clinic, Utility Aid is committed to helping a network of YMCAs build resilience and work towards net zero.

But this collaboration is about more than just energy savings. Utility Aid’s staff will also volunteer with local YMCAs, mentoring young people, offering work experience, and helping them explore pathways into careers within the fast-growing energy and sustainability sector. This blend of professional insight and community investment aligns directly with YMCA’s mission to equip young people with the tools and opportunities they need to belong, contribute, and thrive.

Key components of the partnership include:

• Sponsorship of two major YMCA events: the YMCA National Conference and the YMCA Leadership Conference, bringing together staff, volunteers and partners to share knowledge and inspire change.
• Delivery of a free Energy Clinic to upskill YMCA teams in energy efficiency and sustainable practice.
• Volunteering and mentoring by Utility Aid staff to support employability skills development and open up new futures for young people.
• Tailored advice and resources to help local YMCAs begin or advance their net-zero journey.

“This partnership embodies the values of collaboration, innovation, and youth empowerment,” said Denise Hatton, Chief Executive of YMCA England & Wales. “Together with Utility Aid, we are unlocking vital support to enhance our green ambitions while investing in the potential of the young people we serve.”

“Utility Aid are thrilled to be partnering with YMCA. It is an invaluable opportunity for us to support on a national level, whilst seeing the impact in local communities. We are passionate about sustainability, education and saving the sector money, which can then go back into the vital services YMCA provides,” said Stephanie Steele, Partnerships Manager at Utility Aid.

With more than 400,000 young people supported by YMCA services each year, and growing momentum behind green transformation, this partnership is poised to create a lasting impact across the 708 communities served by the charity.