About Genuine Futures | NEET Support in Bolton & Greater Manchester

Genuine Futures CIC is a youth-led social enterprise providing NEET support across Bolton and Greater Manchester for young people aged 15–24 who are not in education, employment, or training, or at risk of becoming so.

We support young people who feel stuck, overlooked, or unsure about their future helping them rebuild confidence, gain real-world experience, and move into employment, training, or self-employment.

Because across Bolton and Greater Manchester, too many young people are being left behind.

Not because they lack talent—but because they lack opportunity.

Time frame:

Throughout 2024

Participants:

75 young people

Sites / Reach:

15 different business parks

Our Mission

To deliver high-impact NEET support across Bolton and Greater Manchester, creating real, accessible pathways into employment, self-employment, and personal development through hands-on, enterprise-led experiences. We believe: Talent is everywhere. Opportunity is not.

What Makes Our NEET Support Different

We don’t just offer advice—we provide real opportunities.

Our approach to supporting NEET young people across Bolton and Greater Manchester is built around doing, not just learning.

Young people gain:

  • Practical work experience
  • Confidence and routine
  • Transferable employability skills
  • Exposure to real working environments

Boss Your Future – NEET Programme (Bolton & Greater Manchester)

Our flagship 12-week programme is designed for young people who are NEET or at risk across the region.

Through Boss Your Future, participants:

  • Build confidence and structure
  • Develop employability and enterprise skills
  • Gain hands-on work experience
  • Progress into jobs, education, or self-employment

We Shine Any Car – Youth Enterprise (Bolton)

A youth-led car wash and valeting business giving young people real work experience.

As part of our NEET support in Bolton and Greater Manchester, young people:

  • Learn customer service and teamwork
  • Earn while they learn
  • Develop enterprise and business skills
  • Take responsibility in a live working environment

This is not a simulation—it’s real work.

Youth Enterprise Hub (The Scrappers, Bolton)

Our hub provides a live, hands-on environment where young people access NEET support through real work opportunities.

Activities include:

  • Car washing and valeting
  • Light vehicle maintenance
  • Digital marketing and content creation
  • Pop-up shops and retail experience

We also work with partners across Greater Manchester to expand opportunities and progression routes.

Voices From Our Community

Young People

“I came here with no direction—now I’ve got confidence, skills, and a future.”

“It’s not like college—we’re actually doing real work.”

“I’ve gone from doing nothing to actually working towards something.”

Parents & Families

“For the first time in a long time, my child wants to get up and go somewhere.”
– Parent, Bolton

“We’ve seen a massive change—confidence, routine, and motivation. This has given my son a real chance.”

Schools & Educators

“This is exactly what some of our students need—real-world engagement, not just classroom-based support.”

“We’ve seen students re-engage with their future after attending the programme.”

Practitioners & Professionals

“A much-needed provision that bridges the gap between education and employment.”

“Their approach is practical, relationship-led, and focused on real outcomes.”

Why NEET Support Across Greater Manchester Matters

Across the UK, nearly one million young people are classed as NEET.

Across Bolton and Greater Manchester, many young people:

  • Struggle to access employment opportunities
  • Disengage from education or training
  • Experience low confidence and isolation
  • Face complex barriers including mental health challenges

Without early intervention, these challenges can lead to long-term unemployment and social exclusion.

Genuine Futures exists to change that.

Our Approach

Our model of NEET support across Bolton and Greater Manchester focuses on:

  • Early intervention before crisis
  • Building trust through relationships
  • Removing barriers (travel, food, accessibility)
  • Providing real-world opportunities, not just advice

Everything we deliver is shaped by lived experience and designed to create lasting change.

Our Impact

Through our programmes, young people across Bolton and Greater Manchester have:

  • Moved into employment
  • Started their own businesses
  • Re-engaged with education and training
  • Built confidence, structure, and direction

We measure success by progression—not participation.

Our Partners

We work with organisations committed to improving outcomes for young people across the region.

Together, we are strengthening NEET support across Greater Manchester and creating real opportunities.

Get NEET Support in Bolton & Greater Manchester

For Young People

If you’re aged 15–24 and not in education, employment, or training, we can help you take your next step.

Join a Programme

For Parents & Professionals

Looking for trusted NEET support in Bolton or Greater Manchester?
Refer a young person into our Youth Futures Hub.

Make a Referral

For Businesses & Partners

Support young people while delivering real social impact across your community.

Partner With Us

Final Statement

Genuine Futures is redefining NEET support across Bolton and Greater Manchester.

This is more than a programme.

This is a movement to ensure no young person is left behind.

I need help