A social enterprise helping young people across East Anglia is encouraging more companies to get their staff involved in volunteering as the country marks National Volunteers Week.

Your Own Place, based in Norwich, provides training for business people to become mentors to the disadvantaged young people it supports to live independently, marketing the scheme as a staff development opportunity.

Since launching the programme in October the community interest company has trained 46 volunteer mentors, many put forward by their employers.

Statistics from Business in the Community show that 87% of employees who are given volunteering opportunities have an improved perception of their employer, while also reporting development of their communication, time management, decision-making and leadership skills.

Your Own Place is hosting a picnic today for new members of its advisory board.