Cadent, the largest gas distribution network in the UK, and YMCA, a renowned youth charity dedicated to supporting young people and communities, are proud to announce the launch of a new programme in their existing partnership, the Cadent Cost of Living Fund.

This initiative aims to provide vital support to 32 local YMCA branches across the country, empowering them with £10,000 each to enhance their community outreach programmes, focusing on various cost-of-living-related challenges.

The Cadent Cost of Living Fund is designed to address key areas of concern for communities, including benefits and welfare support signposting, mental health and wellbeing support, access to academic or technical education and training, life skills for independent living, money management and budgeting, and healthy living activities.

This critically timed partnership follows the success of the ‘Safe and Well Communities’ project, which Cadent Gas and YMCA launched in April 2023. As a result of its positive impact to date, the ‘Safe and Well Communities’ project will also be extended until March 2026. It will continue to provide young people with valuable skills through slow cooking workshops to help them maximise their budgets during the cost-of-living crisis while promoting energy efficiency.

One young person was Nada, who, after a series of chemotherapy, was supported through fuel vouchers and provided with a slow cooker, which helped her through financial difficulties and gave her the opportunity to batch cook.