YMCA and Cadent Expand Cost-of-Living Support Project to Reach Over 227,000 Vulnerable Individuals Across the UK [NW1] [OG2] [JH3] 

Youth and community charity, YMCA, in partnership with gas distributors Cadent, SGN, and Wales & West Utilities, is proud to announce the expansion of the highly successful ‘Cost of Living Project’ to reach vulnerable individuals across England, Scotland, and Wales. Following a successful six-month pilot with Cadent that reached over 35,000 people, the project will now be extended until March 2026, scaling up its reach to 227,367 individuals through 78 local YMCAs. [NW4][OG5]

The ongoing cost-of-living crisis has had a devastating impact on vulnerable communities, including low-income households, renters, single-parent families, and elderly individuals. Rising food and fuel costs have exacerbated existing social and health inequalities, leaving many struggling to maintain a safe and warm home. Through this initiative, YMCA and its partners aim to provide holistic, place-based support that addresses financial hardship, fuel poverty, and wellbeing.

Project Expansion and Key Objectives

The extended project, backed by a £1.39 million investment from Cadent, SGN and Wales & West Utilities, through the Vulnerability and Carbon Monoxide Allowance (VCMA), will focus on delivering six core energy advice services to vulnerable communities:

• Benefits and welfare support
• Health and wellbeing
• Employment and education/training
• Life skills
• Money management and budgeting
• Cooking and healthy eating

Through this initiative, YMCA will ensure that those in need, including asylum seekers and care leavers, have access to vital resources that enable them to live independently and safely.

Reaching Communities Across the UK

This expansion will bring critical support services to communities in partnership with:

• Cadent – an additional 73,412 individuals across communities served by 32 YMCAs [NW6] [OG7] , with more reached through the ongoing original project launched by Cadent and YMCA in April 2023
• SGN – 95,777 individuals across communities served by 35 YMCAs in Scotland and Southern England
• Wales & West Utilities – 58,177 individuals across communities served by 11 YMCAs

The project aims to improve individuals’ safety and overall wellbeing by raising awareness through offering energy-saving tips, educating individuals on the dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning, and providing key life skills to manage the cost-of-living crisis.

Additionally, staff at YMCAs will receive training to facilitate meaningful conversations with YMCA residents and other members of the community, ensuring tailored support is delivered effectively.

Social and Economic Impact

The project forecasts a significant social return on investment (SROI), with every £1 invested generating £20 in positive impact. This is driven by:

• Income maximisation for vulnerable households
• Increased registrations to the Priority Services Register (PSR)
• Reducing loneliness and social isolation
• Carbon monoxide awareness and harm prevention

A Call for Continued Support

With the cost-of-living crisis continuing to impact thousands of people, YMCA and its partners remain committed to providing essential support. This initiative will ensure that vulnerable individuals receive the help they need to navigate financial challenges and improve their health and wellbeing.

Quote from Denise Hatton, Chief Executive, YMCA England & Wales:“YMCA has always been at the heart of supporting vulnerable communities, and this expansion of the ‘Cost of Living Project’ is a testament to our commitment to ensuring that no one is left to struggle alone. The success of the initial pilot project demonstrated just how vital this support is, and we are incredibly proud to be working alongside Cadent, SGN, and WWU to scale up these efforts. Together, we are making a tangible difference in the lives of thousands, empowering individuals and families to overcome challenges and build a more secure future.”

Quote from Phil Burrows, Head of Customer Vulnerability at Cadent: “We have been working with the YMCA for several years now, reaching hundreds of thousands of young people living in vulnerable situations. However, as the cost of living crisis continues, we know that young people are still struggling. From Cadent’s latest Energy Diaries insights, for example, we know that young people are struggling to pay their energy bills, reducing their heating usage and making significant lifestyle changes to keep warm. These insights highlight the importance of our partnership with YMCA, and we are looking forward to expanding this fantastic initiative.”

For further information, please visit Cadent’s Report.