Businesses and charities are meeting in Bradford tomorrow to discuss how they can help each other to create better opportunities for young people.

A networking event is being held as part of the United Futures campaign, which aims to increase business involvement with youth charities across England.

United Futures has been running for a year, is Department of Education funded and involves three charities – UK Youth, Business in the Community and the National Children's Bureau.

Around 30 organisations will be at the event including Yorkshire Water, Learn Direct and Hallmark UK – which works with The Foyer, a Bradford scheme for people aged 16 to 25 which offers supported housing and learning.

Corporate social responsibility manager at Hallmark UK Steve Smith said: “Our relationship with The Foyer has enabled staff to develop vital people-management skills in a low-risk environment, whilst raising the aspirations of the young people involved, to help them get back into learning or employment."

Communications and events officer for UK Youth, Lucy Allen, said: “This particular event is about making it easier for charities to get support from the local private sector and for charities to have the chance to get businesses excited about what they do.”

Miss Allen said research for the campaign showed that charities would love to do more with businesses, but some did not know how to go about it.

She said there were several ways businesses could support charities, through mentoring, work experience, work-placed visits and talks, staff volunteering and donation of resources and money.

She said response from companies had been good.

“We’ve had smaller firms get involved, such as housing associations. It’s nice that we attract a mix of national employers who have regional offices and much smaller local businesses who want to be seen to be seen to be doing more for young people,” Miss Allen said.

Charities attending include Dance United, Rathbone UK and North Yorkshire Youth.

The event will be held at Future House, in Bolling Road, Bradford, from 2pm until 4pm.

To attend call Miss Allen on 07432 636618.

e-mail: julie.tickner @telegraphandargus.co.uk