One Million Young People Lost: Why “We Rise, We Shine” Is the Anthem They Deserve
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Across the UK today, one million young people are being left behind — slipping through the cracks of care, education, justice, and housing. They are labelled, overlooked, misunderstood, and often forgotten long before they ever get the chance to show who they are.
At Genuine Futures, we refuse to let those young people become statistics.
Their stories matter. Their futures matter. They matter.
And that’s why we created “We Rise, We Shine” — a powerful youth-led anthem built from lived experience, raw truth, and the resilience of young people who deserve to be seen.
Watch the anthem here:
https://youtu.be/qXUeKzQcWu8?
The Reality Behind One Million Lost
One million young people in the UK are disconnected from education, employment, safety, or support.
Behind that number are:
- Care-experienced young people
- NEET young people
- Youth justice-involved young people
- Young people struggling with mental health
- Those sofa-surfing or at risk of homelessness
- Teens excluded from school or stuck in unsuitable provision
For many, childhood was marked by cold nights, closed doors, and long walks under streetlights trying to cope with heavy thoughts no young person should have to carry.
The opening lyrics of the anthem capture these truths:
“We came from broken systems, cold nights, closed doors,
Trying to find a way through a world that didn’t clap anymore.
Care homes, classrooms, streetlights, long walks home,
Trying to carry heavy stories no kid should carry alone.”
Young people tell us they hear labels instead of their names — “too much,” “too loud,” “too late.” But the truth is simple:
They never needed judgment.
They needed a chance.
A Moment of Change — When Someone Finally Sees You
Everything shifts when a young person meets someone who genuinely believes in them.
“Then someone looked us in the eyes and said,
‘We see you. You matter. There’s power in your head.’
Placed a sponge in our hands, a mic on the desk,
A paintbrush, a camera, a chance to progress.”
For young people facing trauma, instability, or life’s toughest barriers, a moment of belief can be transformative.
It’s not the tools — the sponge, the camera, the paintbrush — that matter.
It’s the message: You belong. You have worth. You can shine.
This is what Genuine Futures offers every day.
The Anthem of a Rising Movement
The chorus of “We Rise, We Shine” captures the transformation that happens when young people are finally given the platform they deserve:
“We rise — we shine —
We’re building our future line by line.
From nothing to something, from shadows to light,
We’re turning our struggle into strength tonight.”
This anthem isn’t just a song.
It’s a declaration.
A promise.
A movement rooted in hope, opportunity, and belonging.
Every day, young people arrive at Genuine Futures carrying experiences that could have pushed them into crisis.
But together — through enterprise, creativity, community, and youth leadership — we help them turn struggle into strength.
One Million Lost… But They Don’t Have to Stay Lost
When society looks at this million, it often sees risk.
We see talent.
Potential.
Leaders.
Creators.
Future parents, business owners, and community builders.
Every young person who walks through our doors teaches us the same truth:
When you give young people belonging, purpose, and opportunity, they rise. And when they rise, they shine.
This anthem reflects their courage.
Their resilience.
Their hope.
And the future they deserve.
Sign the Young Futures Charter — Stand With Us
If this story moves you — if you believe every young person deserves to be seen, heard, and supported — then join our movement by signing the Young Futures Charter.
The Young Futures Charter is our shared commitment to:
- Putting young people’s voices at the heart of decisions
- Ensuring no young person is left behind or overlooked
- Creating safe, meaningful pathways to opportunity
- Building communities where young people feel they belong
- Championing hope, resilience, and futures that shine
By signing, you’re not just adding your name.
You’re taking a stand for every young person who feels lost, alone, or unheard.
You’re helping reshape systems, shift culture, and open doors for the next generation.
Sign the Young Futures Charter
Join the Movement — Help Rewrite the Story
If this message resonated with you, don’t stop here.
Be part of the change young people desperately need and deserve.
Watch the video
https://youtu.be/qXUeKzQcWu8?
Share it
Help raise awareness for the young people who are too often unheard and unseen.
Sign the Young Futures Charter
Become an advocate for hope, support, and second chances.
Support the mission
Spread the word. Partner with us. Stand with the youth who need us most.
One million young people may be lost…
But together, they can be found.
And once they rise — they shine.