From Car Washes to Confidence – Programmes That Change Lives
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Boss Your Future: Creating Pathways
From those grassroots beginnings grew the structured Boss Your Future programme, designed for young people aged 15–24 (and up to 25 with SEND) who are not in education, employment, or training (NEET).
The programme combines:
- One-to-one coaching and mentoring
- Enterprise and motivational workshops
- Accredited digital skills and employability training
- Hands-on enterprise experience through We Shine Any Car and Recycle IT
Impact so far:
In Salford, two young people started college, two launched businesses, and two entered full-time employment.
In Bolton, the programme — funded through the Bolton Fund and delivered with partners like Entrepreneurs Unlocked, Recycle IT, and Elite Community Hub — supported 40 young people in just six months.
Restore Young Futures: Alternative Provision in Schools
Recognising the need to intervene earlier, Sam and Mike launched Restore Young Futures, an alternative provision for schools across Bolton, Greater Manchester, and Cheshire.
Targeted at 12–15-year-olds (and up to 25 with SEND), Restore offers:
- Motivational talks from lived-experience mentors
- Workshops on resilience, purpose, and enterprise
- Taster sessions in baking, car care, and creative arts
- A safe, supportive environment where young people can rebuild confidence and belonging
Feedback:
Rachel Toole, Deputy Head at Park School Bolton, said
“Really good, really knowledgeable, the kids were really engaged. I will definitely be recommending you to our other schools.”
We Shine Any Car: Enterprise That Shines Lives
At the heart of it all is We Shine Any Car, the youth-led car care and maintenance enterprise at The Scrappers.
Every Monday and Thursday from 10am–4pm, cars roll out clean — but more importantly, young people leave with confidence, skills, and purpose.
Sam says:
“When we shine cars, we shine lives. It’s about giving young people a chance to be seen, valued, and believed in.”
Mike adds:
“Boss Your Future and Restore Young Futures are pathways to belonging, purpose, and success. Together, we’re showing what’s possible.”
With support from partners including Entrepreneurs Unlocked, Recycle IT, HM Pasties Foundation, Elite Community Hub, and The Scrappers, the Young Futures Hub has become a lifeline for young people — bridging the gap between talent and opportunity.