How an Empty Room Became Bolton’s Youth Hub of Hope in 90 Days | Genuine Futures
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Young people in Bolton have transformed an empty room into the Young Futures Hub — a safe, youth-led space built on creativity, resilience, and enterprise. Discover the dynamic impact made in just 90 days through murals, teamwork, and the We Shine Any Car project, and see why this transformation is only the beginning.
Three months ago, the Young Futures Hub in Bolton was just an empty room — four walls, concrete floors, and possibility. Today, it’s a safe space full of energy, creativity, and young people building confidence and purpose every single day.
This transformation began with one generous act: The Scrappers donated the room in kind, giving young people a chance to turn nothing into something meaningful.
“This place makes me feel comfortable.”
We started by asking the young people one question: How do you want to feel when you’re here?
They chose the values that now cover the walls: Comfortable. Relaxed. Focused. Non-judgmental.
A space of hope, determination, resilience, and success.
One young person said:
“I don’t have to pretend when I’m here. I can just be myself.”
That is the foundation everything else has been built on.
A Space Designed and Defined by Youth
This hub wasn’t decorated for young people — it was created by young people.
- Murals painted by hands that didn’t know they could paint
- Furniture moved, fixed and built by young teams working together
- Walls turning into statements of identity, pride, and future goals
One participant shared:
“I never thought I was creative until we started painting. Now I see something I made every time I walk in.”
Enterprise With Purpose: We Shine Any Car
One of the most powerful developments has been the We Shine Any Car youth enterprise.
It’s more than car valeting — it’s discipline, teamwork, customer service, and confidence built through real work.
A young person reflected:
“When I finish a job and hand the keys over, I feel proud. It’s something I did. It matters.”
Another said:
“It’s not just about cleaning cars. It’s about showing up and helping each other.”
These are skills that can’t be taught in a traditional classroom.
Dynamic Impact in Just 90 Days
We’ve seen transformation that is real and measurable:
- Young people supporting young people
- New skills appearing every week
- Conversations turning into ideas, and ideas turning into action
- Confidence replacing self-doubt
- Leadership emerging quietly but powerfully
One young person summed it up perfectly:
“Before this, I was just at home doing nothing. Now I’ve got a reason to get up.”
Another added:
“I used to think no one would give me a chance, but here they do.”
This is dynamic impact — and it’s visible every day in Bolton.
A Hub of Hope, Thanks to The Scrappers
None of this would have been possible without The Scrappers believing in the idea from the beginning. Their donation of the space was more than just a room — it was a message to young people:
You matter. You deserve opportunity. You belong here.
As one young person put it:
“Someone gave us a chance. Now we need to make the most of it.”
We’re Only Just Getting Started
The best part is this: it’s only the beginning.
Over the next few months, we will continue to:
- Expand We Shine Any Car and youth enterprise projects
- Develop creative and wellbeing sessions
- Open more evening and weekend opportunities
- Build leadership pathways for young volunteers
- Create new spaces shaped by young voices
This is not a programme.
This is a movement — built from the ground up by young people who are ready to change their future.
A Final Word From the Hub
“We turned an empty room into a place where people believe in us.”
“It feels like home.”
“I didn’t think I had anything to offer — now I know I do.”
Young voices like these are why the Young Futures Hub exists.
A safe space.
A place to try, fail, try again, and grow.
A hub of hope, determination, resilience, and success.
If you would like to visit, support or get involved with the Young Futures Hub in Bolton, please get in touch.
The future is being shaped here — one young person at a time.
Genuine Futures
Transforming space, building confidence, and creating futures that shine. 
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