From Doubt to Belief: How Genuine Futures Helped Jay Find Confidence and Purpose
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When Jay first arrived at Genuine Futures, he was only there because his mum encouraged him to come along.
Like many young people who have been told too often what they can’t do, Jay expected it to be just another activity he was being pushed into. Head down, hands in pockets, and not expecting much, he didn’t believe this experience would be any different from the support he had received before.
But something changed — and it happened quickly.
A Different First Impression
From the moment Jay met the team and spent time with other young people, he began to engage. He started asking questions, joining in, and helping with set-up alongside the group. What started as reluctance turned into curiosity, and then into real involvement.
Instead of being spoken about, Jay was spoken to.
Instead of being told his limits, he was trusted with responsibility.
That shift matters.
Small Changes That Mean Everything
Within days, Jay’s mum began to notice changes at home as well as at the programme.
Jay started getting up early because he wanted to be there. He looked forward to attending. His motivation and independence began to grow — including doing things he had never chosen to do before.
These may sound like small steps, but for families who have spent years battling disengagement, anxiety, and low confidence, they are powerful signs of progress.
“The change in him has been amazing. He’s now up early every morning because he wants to be there and can’t wait to go. He even went to the shop first thing in the morning to get me milk — something he has never done before.
For Jay, the biggest difference is that someone finally believes in him. Doctors, teachers, and others have often told him what he can’t do. But at Genuine Futures, they tell him he can — and they genuinely believe in him. You can see the difference that makes.
He’s happier, more confident, and starting to do more — all because someone finally believes in him and tells him he can do it.”
— Wendy, Jay’s mum
When Young People Are Surrounded by “Can’t”
Jay’s experience is not unique.
Many of the young people who arrive at Genuine Futures come with long histories of being labelled, excluded, or underestimated. Often, support systems focus on managing behaviour rather than building belief. Over time, young people internalise the message that success is not for them.
That’s not a motivation problem.
That’s a systems problem.
At Genuine Futures, we work differently. Our approach is built around:
- trusted relationships
- practical, hands-on learning
- positive role models with lived experience
- consistent encouragement and clear expectations
Young people are not treated as problems to fix, but as people with potential to unlock.
Confidence Comes Before Qualifications
Before young people can move into education, employment, or enterprise, they need confidence, trust, and a sense of belonging.
For Jay, being welcomed, listened to, and believed in became the foundation for growth. Through teamwork, responsibility, and encouragement, he began to see himself differently — not as someone who always struggles, but as someone who can contribute and succeed.
That mindset shift is often the turning point.
Why This Matters
Stories like Jay’s remind us that early engagement and family encouragement matter — but so does what happens when young people walk through the door.
If they are met with judgement, low expectations, or box-ticking interventions, nothing changes.
If they are met with belief, patience, and opportunity, everything can change.
Jay’s journey shows what is possible when young people are given space to grow at their own pace, without being written off.
Our Commitment
At Genuine Futures, our mission is to create environments where young people feel:
- safe
- respected
- capable
- supported to build real futures
We work alongside families, schools, and community partners to help young people move forward with confidence — not fear.
Jay is one of many young people proving that when belief replaces doubt, progress follows.
And that is why this work matters.