Ideal Heating extends support to vulnerable residents through Hull City Council partnership

From left, Joe Yeardley and Mel Hudson of Ideal Heating, Thomas Eastwood of Hull City Council, and Reverend Rich Phillips and Development Minister Dan Broom of St Aidan’s Church.

IDEAL has provided a significant sum of money to the Council’s Money Matters and Affordable Warmth schemes, directly benefiting local charities, organisations and community groups.

The schemes are designed to alleviate financial hardship and promote wellbeing during challenging times, particularly through the colder months.

The Affordable Warmth scheme, which enables charities to apply for grants to support energy efficiency and warm spaces, has helped many organisations to continue providing essential services to Hull’s most vulnerable residents.

Similarly, the Money Matters fund has offered critical financial guidance and training, helping residents manage budgets, access counselling and gain practical skills.

As one of Hull’s biggest employers and longest-established businesses, with a history going back well over 100 years, Ideal is deeply committed to supporting the local community.

Joe Yeardley, Key Account Executive for Social Housing at Ideal Heating, said: “We’re incredibly proud to partner with Hull City Council to deliver meaningful support to the local community.

“Through the Affordable Warmth and Money Matters schemes, we’ve been able to help charities and organisations provide warm, welcoming spaces and vital training to those who need it most.

“Our visits to some of the funded projects have highlighted just how impactful this support has been. It’s inspiring to see how organisations are making a real difference to peoples’ lives.”

Ideal’s funding has supported several high-impact initiatives, including The Warren Youth Project on Queens Dock Avenue in Hull city centre.

The Warren provides counselling, digital facilities and creative spaces for vulnerable young people, helping them build confidence and skills.

Another recipient of funding is St Aidan’s Church on Southcoates Avenue. St Aidan’s offers a range of community services, including life skills sessions focused on gardening and maintenance, fellowship gatherings around shared meals, and recovery courses for those struggling with addiction – all designed to provide purpose, connection and support for vulnerable residents in the area.

The Reverend Rich Phillips of St Aidan’s Church said: "The support from Ideal Heating and Hull City Council has been invaluable to our community work.

"As a church, our goal is to provide a warm, safe space where people can connect, feel valued, and find purpose. This partnership has enabled us to reach more vulnerable individuals who might otherwise never come through our doors."

For many people, this support has been life-changing.

Geoff, a bereaved widower who has benefited from the schemes, said: “These projects have made a massive difference to me. Having somewhere to go keeps my mind occupied and has helped me no end. Meeting new friends and becoming healthier has made me feel more positive about the future.”

Councillor Jack Haines at Hull City Council, said: “The contribution from Ideal Heating has been transformative for our warm spaces initiative across Hull. Their significant investment has allowed us to fund numerous community hubs that would otherwise have struggled to keep their doors open this winter.

“We witness firsthand the challenges faced by residents living in fuel poverty, and this partnership has enabled us to extend our reach to those most vulnerable.”

The latest funding builds on Ideal’s long-standing partnership with Hull City Council, which reaches its 15-year milestone this year.

By addressing pressing issues such as energy efficiency, financial literacy and community wellbeing, Ideal continues to demonstrate its commitment to improving lives across Hull.