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Cost of Living
Support through the cost of living crisis
If you’re finding it hard to keep up with the cost of living, you’re not alone. Food, rent and bills have all gone up, and for many young people it’s becoming difficult to cover even the basics. Around 16% of 16–24-year-olds are spending more than a third of their income on housing*, leaving little left over.
Wages haven’t kept pace with rising costs, and support like Universal Credit often doesn’t stretch far enough. Add student debt into the mix, and it can feel like there’s no room to get ahead or make longer-term plans.
There is help out there with things like food, housing and money advice, and reaching out for support can make a real difference.
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Help with the cost of living crisis
We know how much of an impact it can have when you’re struggling to pay for essentials like energy, fuel, homes and food. Your local YMCA can help.
How YMCA can help
We believe everyone deserves access to food, whatever their circumstances. Across England and Wales, many local YMCAs run food banks and community pantries that offer practical support to people facing food insecurity. Alongside emergency food, they often help people find wider support with things like finances, housing and wellbeing.
For example, YMCA North Staffordshire’s “Your Local Pantry” gives members access to affordable groceries on a regular basis, making it easier to manage food costs and plan ahead. Pantries like this are usually set up as membership schemes, which can also include opportunities to volunteer, learn new skills or take part in training.
By linking food support with these wider opportunities, they help ease immediate pressure while also supporting people to feel more stable over time.
You might be feeling overwhelmed and unsure where to turn, or just need some clear, practical guidance to help you think things through and make decisions.
YMCA offers a safe, supportive space to talk and get help. Through guided groups, mentoring, counselling and mental health services, you can get the support you need to feel more in control of your situation and your finances.
Having somewhere safe to call home is an essential cornerstone to living well. YMCA is the largest provider of safe, affordable housing for young people in England and Wales.
We offer 10,432 beds, including emergency housing, supported longer-term housing, and supported hostels and foyers. These services provide not just a place to stay, but stability and support to help young people move forward.
Local Council Support: Many councils offer local welfare assistance for essential items like food, energy, and household goods.
16-19 Education Support: The Residential Support Scheme (RSS) and Residential Bursary Fund (RBF) provide financial assistance for students living away from home to study.
Universal Credit (Under 25s): Young people can claim, though the standard allowance is lower than those 25+. It is available to some 21-year-olds or under who are studying, in exceptional circumstances.
Energy and Food Assistance: Organisations such as the Fuel Bank Foundation offer emergency energy help.
Apps like Olio: Help secure free food from your local shops and discover things your neighbours are giving away for free – books, toys, toiletries and more!
Everyone should have a fair chance to discover who they are and what they can become.
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people receive qualified guidance and support from YMCA
Cost of Living Support
If you need help with the cost of living crisis, please visit our support and advice page
YMCA Help & Advice
Here you’ll find a wealth of advice on matters related to the cost of living
Cost of Living FAQs
Frequently asked questions relating to the cost of living
“Cost of living” is the total amount of money you need to cover basic life expenses like rent, food, travel, phone bills and going out. In England and Wales, this can vary a lot depending on where you live. For example, the cost of living is higher in London compared to smaller towns.
Housing, whether it be rent or mortgage payments, is usually the largest cost, followed by energy bills, food and transport.
Rising energy prices, inflation, housing demand and global economic factors have all contributed to higher everyday costs.
*Source: figures from The Health Foundation, report into inequalities in housing affordability, first published 24 July 2024