The Impact: What Our Young People Have Achieved
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The real magic happens when you see a young person walk through the door shy and unsure — and leave standing tall, ready to take on the world. Here’s what our Boss Your Future Salford group achieved in just 12 weeks:
- 2 young people launched their own businesses — one turning a passion for gardening into a local service, and another setting up a scrap metal and house clearance business.
- 2 young people have moved into full-time employment, breaking a cycle of knockbacks and self-doubt.
- 2 young people have started work experience placements, gaining valuable hands-on skills and connections that could lead to permanent roles.
- 1 young person has signed up for a college course, ready to commit to learning and growing their future options.
- All of them have built friendships and peer networks that will last long after the programme ends.
- Most importantly, they’ve found belief in themselves — and belief that there’s a family behind them that won’t give up when life gets tough.
Jason, who dropped out of college and felt completely lost, shared:
“Before Boss Your Future, I was stuck. I’d dropped out of college, I was isolated, depressed, and didn’t want to leave my room. This programme gave me purpose again. It made me feel like I belong somewhere and that I actually matter.”
Alex’s Story: A Professional’s Perspective
We’re also trusted by schools, social workers, and families who see first-hand the difference we make for young people like Alex.
Colin Cooper, Family Practitioner at Salford Children’s Services, shared:
“Alex was struggling with school attendance and everyone was worried he wouldn’t sit his exams. Since being referred to Genuine Futures, he’s developed a much more positive outlook and feels part of something good. He talks about the staff, speakers, and friends he’s made, and the memories like the pop-up car wash and Adventure Now. Now, Alex has registered with two local colleges and has real aspirations for his future. Thank you for being part of the team around him.”
What Families Say
It’s not just the young people whose lives have changed — families feel it too.
Gill, Declan’s mum, said:
“I’ve watched Declan grow into himself through this programme. Before, he had no confidence and didn’t want to leave the house. Now he’s up early, working, and even talking about his future. I can’t thank Genuine Futures enough for what they’ve done for him — and for us as a family.”
Katrina, Jaxon’s mum, shared:
“Jaxon struggled for so long with people giving up on him. This is the first time I’ve seen him really believe he can do something good with his life. Genuine Futures gave him hope and showed him he has a future worth fighting for.”
Our Partner: Entrepreneurs Unlocked
Our partnership with Entrepreneurs Unlocked has strengthened Boss Your Future and helped us make an even bigger impact.
Their commitment to giving people the tools, confidence, and mindset to succeed in self-employment and beyond has been a huge part of the programme’s success.
David Morgan, Founder and Director of Entrepreneurs Unlocked, shared:
“Partnerships like this show what’s possible when we create real, meaningful pathways for people who have been overlooked. It’s been inspiring to see these young people discover their potential and to know that, with the right support, they can build a future they can be proud of.”
Words From Our Team
Mike Alleyne, Director of Genuine Futures, said:
“We’ve always said Genuine Futures isn’t just about programmes — it’s about people. Boss Your Future shows what happens when you stand alongside young people, not in front of them. These young people are brave, talented and determined, and they deserve the best we can give them.”
Sam Smith, Founder of Genuine Futures, added:
“I know what it feels like to feel lost and written off. That’s why Boss Your Future means so much to me. We’ve shown these young people that no one is too far gone to turn things around. Once you’re part of the Genuine Futures Family, you’re family for life.”
More Than a Programme — It’s a Family
One thing that sets Genuine Futures apart is that we never just tick a box and move on. We believe short-term support means nothing without long-term commitment. That’s why we’re building a community — the Genuine Futures Family.
Once you’ve joined us, you’re part of that family for life. We don’t wave young people off with a certificate and a “good luck.” We keep checking in, offering mentoring, signposting, and new opportunities. We’re there to celebrate the wins, but also to stand beside them when things get challenging.
Real change doesn’t happen overnight. But when you know someone’s got your back, it’s so much easier to keep showing up for yourself.
Why This Work Matters Now
Boss Your Future doesn’t just change lives — it lifts up families, strengthens communities, and builds a local economy that works for everyone. For every young person who breaks out of the NEET cycle, the ripple effect is huge.
When young people have the chance to earn, learn, or launch their own ventures, everyone benefits. Employers gain fresh, motivated talent. Local communities see less anti-social behaviour and more positive role models. And young people who once felt like they didn’t belong now feel rooted and hopeful.
Thank You for Believing in Futures Worth Fighting For
None of this happens alone. We’re deeply grateful for the funding and trust from the Salford City Council Employment Hub through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF). Your support makes it possible to reach young people who need us most.
To our delivery partners, employers, funders, volunteers, families, and our partners at Entrepreneurs Unlocked — thank you for believing in what’s possible.
And to our young people — you are the reason we do this. Your resilience, courage, and commitment inspire us every single day.
What’s Next — And How You Can Get Involved
This wrap-up isn’t goodbye. It’s just the beginning. Our Boss Your Future Salford graduates will always be part of the Genuine Futures Family, and we’ll keep walking beside them.
We’re already planning our next Boss Your Future cohort in Bolton, bringing new hope and opportunities to even more young people ready to thrive.
Visit www.genuinefutures.co.uk to learn more about our programmes, our mission, and how you can get involved.
Once you’re Genuine Futures, you’re family for life.
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