Hands, Hope, and Hard Work: Bolton’s Youth Building Brighter Futures
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Catching up with Luis on the streets of Bolton Town Centre reminded us why Genuine Futures CIC exists and why our work matters now more than ever.
We don’t just run programmes. We walk alongside our young people — literally and figuratively — supporting them as they find their way forward. Every conversation, every step through the heart of Bolton, is part of rebuilding confidence and showing that their past does not define their future.
Seeing Bolton Through New Eyes
As we walked through Bolton Town Centre, Luis, one of the participants on our Boss Your Future Bolton programme, stopped to notice the precinct being jet washed. For him, it wasn’t just a practical observation — it became a metaphor.
“Bolton is built upon stone — and everything needs cleaning.”
Those words capture something profound. Just as the stone pavements need care and attention to shine again, so too do our young people. They aren’t broken. They’re simply waiting for someone to invest in them, to clean away the dirt of past mistakes, trauma, or neglect, and to reveal the value that’s always been there.
The Reality Facing Young People
The challenges for Bolton’s youth are stark. According to ONS figures, almost 12% of young people aged 16–24 in the UK are NEET (not in education, employment, or training). In Bolton, this translates to hundreds of young people without opportunities for progression.
The risks are high:
- Care leavers are twice as likely to be unemployed by age 21.
- School exclusions are increasing, with too many young people left unsupported.
- Thousands enter the youth justice system every year, with 75% reoffending within 12 months.
Without intervention, many young people fall into cycles of unemployment, exploitation, or crime. But Genuine Futures, with the backing of The Scrappers, is proving there’s another way.
The Launch of We Shine Any Car
That’s exactly what our new youth-led enterprise, We Shine Any Car, is all about. Launching this September in association with The Scrappers, the project goes beyond car washing and valeting. It’s about creating futures.
Young people will gain hands-on experience in:
- Car washing & vehicle valeting
- Vehicle maintenance & tyre changes
- Breaking vehicles for parts & recycling
- Enterprise management, customer service & teamwork
These aren’t just trade skills — they are life skills. Timekeeping, resilience, communication, problem-solving, and teamwork are the very foundations of employability across every sector.
A Hub for Hope
The project is made possible by the generosity of Terry Walker, Founder of The Scrappers, who has offered Genuine Futures a five-year lease at The Scrappers’ site. This hub is more than a workplace; it’s a safe space where young people can learn, belong, and thrive.
“If we can turn scrap into value, we can do the same with lives. These young people deserve the same second chances as the cars we recycle,” said Terry Walker.
It’s a partnership that reflects Bolton’s resilience and community spirit — rooted in hard work, innovation, and the belief in second chances.
Voices of Change
The young people themselves are the best advocates for this work. Luis, a participant in the Boss Your Future Bolton programme, explained:
“Before this, I didn’t really know what direction I was going in. Now I’ve found purpose — something to get up for, something that motivates me. I’m looking forward to being part of We Shine Any Car and building a future I can be proud of.”
For Sam Smith, Co-Director of Genuine Futures, Luis’s words sum up the mission:
“This isn’t just about car washing. It’s about giving young people responsibility, purpose, and a sense of belonging. With The Scrappers’ support, we are building something that will transform lives in Bolton.”
Mike Alleyne, Co-Director of Genuine Futures, added:
“Our young people are often written off before they’ve even had a chance. We Shine Any Car proves that with mentoring, enterprise, and opportunity, they can shine. This launch marks the start of something powerful — a movement that shows Bolton cares about its young people’s futures.”
Proven Impact
Though founded in January 2023, Genuine Futures CIC has already made significant strides:
- Its Unlocking Your Potential programme, funded by The National Lottery Community Fund, supported several young people into full-time employment, apprenticeships, and training.
- In 2024, directors worked voluntarily, running pop-up car washes from the boots of their cars with buckets and sponges in business centres across Greater Manchester and Lancashire, giving young people real-world experience and income opportunities.
- In January 2025, Boss Your Future was funded by Salford City Council, achieving outstanding outcomes including job placements and two young people starting their own businesses.
The Bigger Picture: Cost Savings to Society
The value of this work isn’t only social — it’s economic. Youth offending costs the UK an estimated £11 billion annually. Diverting just 10% of young people away from crime would save more than £113 million a year.
For every £1 invested in prevention and opportunity, research shows £7 is saved in long-term costs to public services. By creating pathways into employment, apprenticeships, and entrepreneurship, We Shine Any Car offers both immediate and long-term value.
Invitation to the Community
The success of We Shine Any Car depends on the support of the Bolton community. Local people and businesses can get involved by:
- Offering jobs, apprenticeships, or mentoring to young people.
- Providing in-kind donations, such as tools, equipment, or resources.
- Booking vehicles for cleaning, valeting, or maintenance.
- Spreading the word and championing youth enterprise.
Pre-Launch Event
Thursday 18th September, 10am – 4pm
228 Waterloo Street, Bolton, BL1 8HU
The event will showcase live demonstrations, share stories from the young people, and reveal future plans — including the development of a state-of-the-art MOT centre.
From Stone to Shine
Luis’s words echo as a metaphor for this journey: “Bolton is built upon stone — and everything needs cleaning.”
Just as the streets of Bolton need care and pride to shine, so too do its young people. With the right support, they can rebuild, restore, and reveal the strength and resilience within them.
Together with The Scrappers, and with the support of the community, Genuine Futures is proving that young people — like cars, like communities — can shine again.