Oldham businesses urged to support young people through social value partnerships

Spark Oldham event

Businesses met in Fitton Hill to hear how support for Spark Oldham can help young people and strengthen social value commitments.

The networking breakfast was held at The Brew on 30 April by Spark Oldham in partnership with The Casey Group.

Attendees heard how business donations and practical support can be measured through a social value calculator, with Spark saying contributions can generate a higher measurable impact when used to support young people.

Spark Oldham said the approach can help companies show evidence of social impact when bidding for contracts where social value is assessed.

The event also highlighted work to support young people into employment, training and personal development across Oldham.

Three young people have recently been taken on by Spark Oldham through its partnership with The Casey Group, with a fourth due to start in June.

Young people at the event said the support had improved their confidence and helped them feel more ready for work.

Kim Rogers, founder of Spark Oldham, said social value was about real change for young people who need opportunity, guidance and belief.

John Walmsley, social impact executive at The Casey Group, said: "We walked through the spark door & met Kim and saw the passion & energy that they have for the young people and what they were doing was making a big difference and we wanted to be part of it we wanted to be a massive part of it because that is exactly what we are about in our ethos of transforming lives".

Spark Oldham is a community interest company supporting youth development, wellbeing and volunteering in Oldham.

The Casey Group says its social value work includes creating jobs, skills, training and volunteering opportunities in the areas where it works.