Overcoming Youth Challenges in Bolton: Genuine Futures Insights and Solutions
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The employment landscape in Bolton is a challenging one and part of national problem. Many young individuals find themselves ensnared in a web of low-wage, low-skilled jobs, often bound by zero-hour contracts. These limited opportunities not only lead to economic inactivity but are also interlinked with mounting mental health issues. Such circumstances often push the young people towards crime, further hampering their prospects.
The Genuine Futures Survey provides a candid glimpse into the lives of young people in Bolton, revealing the obstacles they face as they navigate the path to adulthood. Here, we explore the personal experiences of four young individuals, highlighting the pressing issues of poverty, violence, employment, and education.
Keegan, 18, Town Centre
Keegan speaks poignantly about the dual challenges of poverty and violence that pervade his environment. His words underscore a pressing need for governmental intervention to alleviate poverty, as he finds it difficult to secure job interviews, particularly for those who, like him, have not completed their schooling. This highlights a significant barrier to employment that many young people encounter.
…It’s hard… hard to get an interview… especially for people who haven’t been to school like me.”
Jason, Bolton
Jason touches on the social challenges faced by young people, emphasizing the influence of peer groups. Even after dedicating time to education, the risk of getting involved with the wrong crowd is substantial. His experience underscores the importance of supporting young people in making positive social choices.
“You go to school, and then after, get involved with the wrong people…”
Alan 24, Bolton
Alan’s observations focus on the scarcity of meaningful employment opportunities. He criticizes the role of educational institutions in preparing students for the job market and points out the prevalence of zero-hour contracts in Bolton. Such contracts offer little job security or career progression, leaving young people feeling trapped in low-skill, low-pay positions with limited prospects for advancement.
“There’s a lot of 0-hour contracts in Bolton… it doesn’t give young people that push to be something more…”
Corbyn, 20, Town Centre
Corbyn’s experience reflects the personal safety concerns faced by young people in Bolton. His account of being robbed by someone he knew illustrates the everyday challenges of trust and security. This incident highlights the broader issue of crime and its impact on the sense of community and safety.
…it’s just hard. I even got robbed the other day by someone I knew.”
Addressing the Challenges: Genuine Futures ‘Unlocking Your Potential’ Programme.
In response to these challenges, the Genuine Futures initiative offers the ‘Unlocking Your Potential’ employability skills program. This program is designed to equip young individuals with the necessary skills, knowledge, and confidence to overcome barriers to employment and sustain themselves in work or training. By focusing on empowering the youth, the program aims to create pathways for personal and professional development, fostering a brighter future for the young people of Bolton.
Through these insights, it becomes evident that addressing the multifaceted challenges faced by youth requires a comprehensive approach that includes education, employment opportunities, and community support. Programs like Genuine Futures are essential in helping young people unlock their potential and navigate the complexities of modern life.