Youth charity hails partnership with heating tech giant

YMCA Derbyshire has hailed its growing partnership with heating technology giant Vaillant for making a positive impact on the local community.

Since the collaboration began in August last year, the partnership has delivered meaningful support to the local community offering essential resources and hands on help to those who need it most.

Since partnering Vaillant has donated more than £20,000 to the Padley@YMCA Derbyshire Resilience Hub, supporting individuals and families at risk of homelessness, poverty, and social isolation across Derby to access the support they need to move forward.

It has also provided urgent technical help. When boilers failed at YMCA Derbyshire’s main campus, Vaillant stepped in immediately, supplying essential parts to restore heating and hot water for 87 residents and the on-site staff team.

And a team of dedicated Vaillant volunteers participated in YMCA Derbyshire’s annual Sleep Easy fundraiser, raising nearly £3,000 and contributing to a remarkable total of £37,429 raised overall.

Most recently, Vaillant invited Gillian Sewell, the chief executive of YMCA Derbyshire, to deliver a keynote address at its national conference.

Gillian shared powerful stories about YMCA’s work, the impact of the partnership, and exciting opportunities for the future.

She said: “YMCA Derbyshire is honoured to be chosen as Vaillant’s affiliated charity.

“Their generosity, active involvement, and shared vision for long-term social impact has already made a significant difference and will continue to do so.”

For the last 90 years Vaillant has been part of the local landscape, with its UK headquarters based in neighbouring Belper since 1966.

The company continues to expand its manufacturing footprint locally, most recently opening a new facility at Indurent Park in Derby, a new business park created by Indurent.

Going forward, the partnership is set to grow even further, with Vaillant employees pledging their time and skills to a number of upcoming initiatives.

Henrik Hansen, managing director at Vaillant UK and Ireland, said: “Our partnership with the YMCA is deeply personal to us.

“It reflects our shared commitment to supporting communities, empowering young people and creating lasting, positive change.

“Together, we’re not just providing comfort, we’re helping people feel safe, valued and hopeful. We look forward to expanding our impact in the months ahead.”