Young Futures Hub Pre-Launch: Youth Empowerment, Enterprise, and Opportunity in Bolton
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A Lifeline for Bolton’s Young People
Last Thursday, Bolton celebrated a major milestone with the pre-launch of the Young Futures Hub and youth-led car care enterprise We Shine Any Car, based at The Scrappers site in Metro Business Park.
The event, delivered by Genuine Futures CIC in partnership with The Scrappers, Entrepreneurs Unlocked, Recycle IT, Elite Community Hub, Quicklaunch Websites Made Simple, Bolton Fund, Bolton CVS, and HM Pasties Foundation, was more than just a showcase. It was proof of how youth empowerment in Bolton can transform lives and create opportunities for those who need them most.
The Young Futures Hub is designed as a safe, welcoming space — a Bolton alternative education hub that supports young people at risk, including those who are NEET, SEND, care leavers, or vulnerable to exclusion. Youth voice and youth leadership remain at the centre of our work, shaping every programme, every opportunity, and every future.
Youth-Led Enterprise in Action
The pre-launch put young people in charge — giving them the chance to shine, lead, and show their community what’s possible when trust and opportunity meet.
B, our cheesecake entrepreneur – turned her passion for baking into a thriving youth-led enterprise, selling out of her Kinder cheesecakes.
Luis, our community youth voice champion – once isolated in his bedroom, now spoke with confidence about how the Hub gave him purpose and belonging.
J, our in-house artist – unveiled new murals and artwork that now bring life and colour to the Young Futures Hub.
P and the car cleaning team – showcased professional standards at We Shine Any Car, a car wash enterprise built by and for young people.
This wasn’t just a car wash — it was a display of youth enterprise programmes in Bolton giving young people a chance to turn skills into futures.
Voices of the Young People
The day was filled with authentic stories that captured the heart of the Hub:
- “I’ve had so much motivation from speaking to people. A lot more opportunities have come to light – it wouldn’t have happened if I wasn’t here. It’s been amazing.” – Jennifer, In-House Artist
- “It’s been incredible seeing such a turn out from the community.” – Luis, Community Youth Voice Champion
- “I think it went really well – we had a lot of cars coming in today and they are all clean now.” – Paula, Car Cleaning Team
- “It’s been great – I sold a lot of my Kinder cheesecakes. It’s been fabulous, I’ve loved it.” – Brianna, Cheesecake Entrepreneur
Their words show why support for NEET young people in Bolton and SEND youth support matter so deeply.
Community Partnerships Driving Change
- The success of the pre-launch came down to collaboration and a shared vision.
- Representatives from Bolton Council attended, seeing first-hand how the Young Futures Hub is creating change.
- HM Pasties Foundation provided pies made with purpose, while Amy from The Scrappers prepared a buffet for guests.
- Quicklaunch Websites Made Simple supported us in strengthening our digital presence and sharing the young people’s stories online.
- Special thanks went to Bradley from Phelan Joinery, who generously donated a van to support We Shine Any Car, expanding opportunities for training and work experience.
These partnerships show how Bolton Fund youth support, Bolton CVS community projects, and local businesses can work together to create meaningful opportunities.
Leadership Reflections
The pre-launch was also a moment for reflection from those leading the project:
Sam Smith, Co-Director of Genuine Futures CIC:
“The Young Futures Hub is about belonging. It’s about making sure no young person feels forgotten or left behind. Yesterday showed just how powerful it is when we create a space where young people can shine.”
Mike Alleyne, Co-Director of Genuine Futures CIC:
“This is the start of something transformational. With trust and opportunity, young people in Bolton can achieve incredible things.”
David Morgan, Entrepreneurs Unlocked:
“This is enterprise with purpose. Genuine Futures has created a platform where young people don’t just learn skills — they discover self-belief, and that will stay with them for life.”
John Hastings, Recycle IT:
“Through our START programme, we’ve given young people hands-on experience and responsibility. Yesterday showed the creativity, passion, and resilience alive in Bolton’s next generation.”
Why the Young Futures Hub Matters
The Hub and We Shine Any Car are more than projects. They are:
- A lifeline for Bolton’s young people
- A space for youth empowerment and youth voice in Bolton
- A provider of alternative provision for excluded students
- A hub for SEND youth support in Bolton
- A platform for skills development, work experience, and youth enterprise
By improving mental health through connection and conversation, and by giving young people real responsibility, the Hub is changing futures.
Looking Ahead: Shine for Bolton
The official launch of the Young Futures Hub and We Shine Any Car will take place on:
Thursday 30 October 2025
10am – 4pm
Young Futures Hub, Metro Business Park, 228 Waterloo St, Bolton
We are also recruiting:
- The next cohort of the Boss Your Future Bolton Programme (ages 15–24, supporting NEET young people, and up to 25 with SEND).
- The Restore Young Futures School Programme (ages 12–15, providing early intervention and alternative education).
Contact: hello@genuinefutures.co.uk | 07809 486931
Website: www.genuinefutures.co.uk
Support us: We Shine Any Car Fundraising Campaign
The pre-launch proved that this is more than a car wash. It’s a movement for youth empowerment in Bolton, built on a foundation where youth voice and youth leadership remain at the centre of our work.
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