YOUTH charity leader Saeed Atcha has joined HRH The Prince of Wales to urge Bolton businesses to get involved in a nationwide initiative.

The pair are encouraging more young people to take part in social action, from volunteering to fundraising, in order to develop vital employability skills.

A dozen leading UK organisations were among the first to sign up to the #iwill campaign three years ago. Since then hundreds of businesses across the country have pledged their support.

The initiative promotes social action among 10-20 year-olds. This includes activities such as campaigning, fundraising and volunteering, all of which create a double-benefit – to communities and young people themselves. So far 700 business, education and voluntary sector partners have committed to taking action that will help build social action into the lives of young people.

To support the call to action, Step up to Serve, the charity behind #iwill, launched a guide at Buckingham Palace to encourage more businesses to participate.

HRH Prince of Wales, Patron of Step Up To Serve and the #iwill campaign, said at the launch of the guide: “This campaign will not succeed without the drive of organisations and individuals from every sector. I am incredibly proud of the young people across the UK who are doing marvellous things, which are not only benefitting their communities, but are also helping them to develop their own skills and character.”

The #iwill initiative also inspired Saeed Atcha to set up Bolton-based youth charity Xplode Magazine in 2011. He said: “O2, one of #iwill’s business participants, gave me the initial funding and support to make my dreams a reality.

“The company’s Think Big programme gave me the motivation and drive, at 15 years old, to change my community with not just funding but a mentor too, and when I saw business backing me, I felt an unparalleled amount of trust and belief propelled into me. I’m a huge believer that confidence delivers change and I developed so much self-confidence to help me give other young people an opportunity to develop their life skills.

“I think it’s hugely important for businesses to support youth social action because it’s supporting the future. It’s ensuring sustainability in the workforce, it’s helping future employees and employers – young people may be 20% of the population, but they’re 100% of our future and that’s how it should be seen.”

The #iwill guide is free of charge and can be downloaded at: http://www.iwill.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/download-manager-files/iwill_employerguide_Feb17_final.pdf