Blackrod Community Power Event Shows What Happens When Communities Believe in Young People
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A Day of Hope, Opportunity and Community Spirit at Hill Tops Sports and Social Club
On Thursday 21st May 2026, something special happened in the heart of Blackrod.
What started as a charity pop-up car wash became a powerful demonstration of community spirit, youth leadership, and the difference that can be made when people come together with a shared purpose.
Hosted at Hill Tops Sports and Social Club, the event brought together residents, families, businesses, volunteers, community leaders, and young people from the Genuine Futures Boss Your Future Programme.
There were cars being washed, conversations taking place, donations being made, and friendships being formed.
But beneath the surface, something much more important was happening.
Young people were being seen.
Young people were being heard.
Young people were leading.
And perhaps nobody summed up the day better than local resident Susan.
When asked to describe the event in just one word, she replied:
“Hope.”
That one word captured everything the day represented.
More Than a Charity Car Wash
The Blackrod Community Power Event was never just about washing cars.
It was about creating opportunities.
It was about building confidence.
It was about showing young people that they matter.
Across the UK, too many young people feel disconnected from education, employment, and their communities. Many struggle with confidence, mental health, and a lack of opportunity.
At Genuine Futures, we believe that every young person has potential.
Sometimes they simply need someone to believe in them.
On Thursday, we witnessed exactly what can happen when that belief is combined with opportunity.
Luis Green: A Young Leader Inspiring His Community
The event was particularly special because it took place in the community of Genuine Futures Youth Ambassador Luis Green.
Just twelve months ago, Luis struggled with confidence and communication.
Today, he is helping lead community events, conducting interviews, creating content, and inspiring other young people to step forward.
Reflecting on the day, Luis said:
“A year ago I never thought I’d be doing something like this. To have everyone come together in Blackrod and support us means a lot. It shows what can happen when people believe in young people.”
Watching Luis confidently welcome visitors and represent Genuine Futures was one of the proudest moments of the day.
His journey demonstrates exactly why the Boss Your Future Programme exists.
Not to change young people.
But to help them discover the strengths that already exist within them.
Brian: “It’s Helped Him Build Confidence in All Walks of Life”
One of the most touching moments of the day came from Luis’s grandfather, Brian.
Brian has witnessed first-hand the transformation in his grandson over the last year.
Reflecting on Luis’s journey, he said:
“This programme has helped him build confidence in all walks of life. There was a time when he would spend most of his time in his bedroom. To see him now, leading events in his own community, speaking to people and helping others, is incredible.”
Brian continued:
“What Genuine Futures has done is give him belief in himself. It’s given him purpose, direction and the confidence to step forward. That’s something every young person deserves.”
His words reminded everyone that when a young person’s life changes, the impact reaches far beyond the individual.
Families benefit.
Communities benefit.
Everyone benefits.
Cameron: “People Actually Listen To Us”
Youth Ambassador Cameron also played an important role throughout the event.
Reflecting on his experience, he said:
“People actually listen to us here. We get opportunities to try things, meet people and make a difference. It’s made me believe more in myself.”
For many young people, that feeling of being listened to can be life-changing.
The event provided a platform for young people to contribute, lead, and feel valued by their community.
Mayor Richard Harrison: “Every Voice Should Be Heard”
A highlight of the day was welcoming Mayor Richard Harrison to the event.
His attendance sent a powerful message that young people’s voices matter.
When asked why he had chosen to support the event, he said:
“It’s important that every voice is heard and I think it is important to give opportunities to all ages and I know that some struggle.”
His words resonated with everybody present.
At a time when many young people feel unheard or overlooked, his message reinforced the importance of listening, supporting, and investing in future generations.
The Mayor spent time speaking with participants, hearing their stories, and learning more about the impact Genuine Futures is having across Bolton.
Sam Smith: “Young People Are Not The Problem”
For Genuine Futures Founder Sam Smith, the event represented everything the organisation stands for.
Reflecting on the day, Sam said:
“For 26 years I’ve worked alongside young people who have been written off, labelled or forgotten. The truth is young people are not the problem. The problem is a lack of opportunities. When communities come together like they did in Blackrod, amazing things happen.”
He added:
“We don’t see problems. We see potential. We see future business owners, future leaders, future parents and future role models. Sometimes all they need is someone to believe in them.”
Mike Alleyne: “Belonging Changes Lives”
Genuine Futures Director Mike Alleyne spoke about the importance of belonging.
He said:
“Belonging changes lives. When a young person feels they belong somewhere, when they know people care about them, everything starts to change. That’s what we saw in Blackrod.”
Mike continued:
“The community welcomed our young people with open arms. That sends a powerful message that they matter and that their future matters.”
Creating that sense of belonging remains central to everything Genuine Futures does.
Community Feedback: Hope for the Future
Throughout the day, residents repeatedly commented on how inspiring it was to see young people taking the lead.
One resident said:
“It’s great seeing young people doing something positive for the community. They should be very proud of themselves.”
Another visitor commented:
“This is exactly what communities need more of. Bringing generations together and giving young people a chance.”
The overwhelming feeling throughout the day was positivity.
People didn’t just see a car wash.
They saw confidence.
They saw leadership.
They saw possibility.
Most importantly, they saw hope.
Community Power in Action
The Blackrod Community Power Event demonstrated exactly what Genuine Futures means by Community Power.
It is not about one organisation working alone.
It is about communities working together.
Residents supporting young people.
Businesses supporting communities.
Volunteers supporting local initiatives.
Young people supporting each other.
Together, they create change.
Together, they create opportunity.
Together, they create hope.
A Special Thank You to Hill Tops Sports and Social Club
We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone at Hill Tops Sports and Social Club.
From the management team to the staff and volunteers, we were welcomed with warmth, kindness, and genuine community spirit.
Your support helped create an environment where young people could thrive, connect with residents, and demonstrate their potential.
Thank you for opening your doors to the community and supporting a vision that puts young people at the heart of positive change.
Your generosity and encouragement played a significant role in making this event such a success.
Thank You to Our Supporters
A huge thank you also goes to:
- The Co-op Foundation
- National Lottery Community Fund
- Mayor Richard Harrison
- Every volunteer
- Every resident who attended
- Every donor and customer
- Every young person who took part
Without your support, events like this would not be possible.
Looking Ahead
The Blackrod Community Power Event may have lasted one day, but its impact will be felt for much longer.
The confidence gained will continue.
The relationships built will continue.
The opportunities created will continue.
And the hope that Susan spoke about will continue.
For Luis, it was a chance to lead in his own community.
For Brian, it was proof of how far his grandson has come.
For Mayor Richard Harrison, it was about ensuring every voice is heard.
For Genuine Futures, it was another reminder that when communities invest in young people, incredible things happen.
As Susan so perfectly said:
“Hope.”
And that is exactly what we will continue to build.
One opportunity.
One young person.
One community.
One future at a time.
About Genuine Futures
Genuine Futures CIC supports young people aged 15–24 through enterprise, employability, youth voice, mentoring, social action, and community-led opportunities.
Through programmes including Boss Your Future, We Shine Any Car, Clean Futures, and Restore Young Futures, we are bridging the gap to opportunity and helping young people build brighter futures.
hello@genuinefutures.co.uk
01204 954 200
www.genuinefutures.co.uk
We Rise. We Shine. We Stand Together. 