Forms of business support for youth sector identified
Neil Puffett
Friday, May 4, 2012
A range of different types of support that businesses can provide youth organisations have been identified as part of a project to strengthen links between commerce and the youth sector.
United Futures – a consortium comprising of Business in the Community, the National Children’s Bureau and UK Youth – is working to develop a model for brokering relationships between businesses and the youth sector by March next year.
As part of its work it has identified seven key areas where collaboration can help support services.
The models include employees of businesses volunteering to work with charities either in mentoring or other roles, businesses providing work experience placements for young people, arranging visits for young people to employers, and training and support for youth organisations.
The provision of help in the governance and management of youth organisations is also identified, as well as "in kind" donations and straight financial support.
The key areas, settled on following consultation, will be promoted at a series of “marketplace events” being held between now and February.
Meanwhile, a pilot group designed to match youth organisations to businesses has been launched in the south west of England, involving five charities and five companies.
As a result, one pairing has already been made between the YMCA in Plymouth and pasty company Ginsters.
“United Futures is really getting going now,” Dominic Cotton, director of communications and business development at UK Youth, said.
“Both businesses and youth sector organisations are buying into the idea of forming new partnerships.
“That said, the research we’ve done highlights there isn’t really any structure or system available to help bring these about. We have lots more work to do.”
Mark Rowles, business and development manager at Plymouth YMCA, said: "In order to continue to provide services for young people we need to work with local businesses and tap into their skills and expertise.
“We are delighted with the potential of working with Ginsters, one of the major employers in the South West.
“Their support of our work will enable many young people to gain really useful experiences and opportunities.”
News of the progress comes after senior figures from business joined children’s minister Tim Loughton on a visit to St Andrews youth club in Westminster last week.
“In a tough economic climate, bringing in charities and businesses to help develop and provide youth services is the way forward,” Loughton said.
