Young Enterprise works with young people, teachers and volunteers, with the support of corporate partners, to build better futures for young people.

The Openwork Foundation will hand the charity an annual grant of £50,000 towards its Inspiring Futures programme and provide volunteer time with young people.

The programme provides young people in some of the most deprived constituencies across the country with opportunities.

Young people will be supported to build work-readiness skills, develop enterprising mindsets and raise their aspirations. Ultimately the project will support young people to contribute to their community through increasing their chances in gaining employment.

Inspiring Futures participants start behind their peers in certain measures but are more likely to have accessed opportunities, developed skills, and become better prepared for the world of work by the end of the programme than the average young person.

Last year 100% of participants reported they now understood the value of lessons and 83% had an increased confidence in handling money.

The Openwork Foundation is a registered charity which has donated more than £22m to UK charities supporting vulnerable and disadvantaged people in the UK and overseas since 1981.

The foundation was created as part of Zurich Community Trust and achieved independent charitable status in 2019.

It encourages Openwork Partnership businesses, advisers and workers to fundraise and donate, allowing them to make grant donations to charities supporting local communities.

As part of the grant programme, the Foundation has two, three-year strategic partnerships with national charities. This year’s new partnership was launched today at New College in Swindon.

Lisa Willingham, Openwork Foundation manager, said: “Young Enterprise offers valuable support to young people, by giving them the tools to develop resilience and key life and business skills, enabling them to lead fulfilling lives.”

Russell Winnard, chief operating officer of Young Enterprise, said: “We are looking forward to working with Openwork Foundation and New College in Swindon for the benefit of young people in the Swindon area and other local communities.”

The Openwork Partnership has more than 4,300 financial advisers operating across the UK. It operates as a directly authorised, multi-panel distribution network.