The Cadent Cost of Living Fund, a new programme launched as part of YMCA’s ongoing partnership with Cadent, aims to provide vital support to 32 local YMCAs, helping to address various cost of living challenges in their communities.
The initiative 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 initiative builds upon the successful partnership between Cadent and YMCA, who previously collaborated in the ‘Safe and Well Communities’ project, which will now be extended until March 2026, allowing its positive impact to continue.
One young person positively impacted 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. “Thank you, Cadent,” voiced Nada, a young person at a local YMCA, “The support I received helped to keep my flat warm, and the slow cooker helps me to economise as well as batch cook meals for when I am not feeling so good after chemo, as it makes me feel so poorly.”
Speaking about the new programme, Denise Hatton, Chief Executive, YMCA England & Wales, expressed enthusiasm, stating, “YMCA is committed to helping young people overcome barriers and achieve their full potential. The Cadent Cost of Living Fund will enable us to expand our reach and provide crucial resources to address the diverse needs of the communities we serve.”
Phil Burrows, Head of Customer Vulnerability at Cadent, added, “We are delighted to continue our collaboration with YMCA through the Cadent Cost of Living Fund. In light of ongoing challenges related to the cost of living, we believe this initiative will make a meaningful difference in supporting communities and empowering young people to thrive.”
The impact of the Cadent Cost of Living Fund is expected to be substantial, aiming is to reach more than 200,000 individuals. By helping families face economic challenges, the Cadent VCMA Project Eligibility Assessment shows that the initiative is expected to bring back over £31 million in social benefits over five years.
Through the Cadent Cost of Living Fund, Cadent and YMCA are demonstrating their shared commitment to social responsibility and community empowerment.
Read more here – https://www.ymca.org.uk/accommodation/leading-gas-distributor-and-largest-youth-charity-join-forces-to-tackle-cost-of-living-challenges
