1. Genuine Futures
  2. About Us

Community Focused Support

Unlocking Peoples Potential
We Know What We Do Works.

Genuine Futures CIC is a purpose-driven social enterprise committed to empowering young people—including those who are justice-experienced and marginalised—aged 10–25 (and up to 30 where appropriate) to realise their potential, re-engage with their communities, and build brighter futures.

Founded and led by individuals with lived experience of the care system and the criminal justice system, our organisation is built on authenticity, trust, and the belief that real change happens when support is shaped with young people, not just for them. We understand the barriers that young people face—because we’ve lived them—and we’re here to break cycles, challenge stigma, and open up new pathways to opportunity.

We deliver innovative, co-designed programmes that combine entrepreneurship, employability, mentoring, and community action. Our pop-up car cleaning enterprise, Meet & Motivate sessions in schools and prisons, and youth ambassador programme are just a few examples of how we provide practical skills, visible achievements, and meaningful connections to the wider community.

We also work with mainstream schools, SEND schools, Pupil Referral Units (PRUs), and young people at risk of exclusion or already excluded from education. By providing early intervention, personalised mentoring, and accessible, hands-on learning experiences, we help prevent escalation into the justice system and re-engage young people with positive, empowering environments.

Through strong partnerships with local businesses, education providers, housing groups, and criminal justice agencies, we’ve built a wraparound support network that is responsive, inclusive, and rooted in lived experience. Every young person we support has the opportunity to grow, lead, and become a changemaker in their own right.

At Genuine Futures, we don’t just support young people to survive—we support them to thrive, to lead, and to shape the future they deserve.

Meet the team behind Genuine Futures

Sam Smith is driven by a deep-rooted passion to support young people, shaped by his own experiences of childhood isolation and a lack of support. Drawing from his personal journey, he channels his story into a powerful force for change—empowering minds and transforming lives through education, entrepreneurship, and social justice. With over 26 years of experience in training, education, and enterprise, Sam’s journey began humbly, launching his first business from the boot of his car with just a bucket and sponge. Today, he uses that same grit and vision to inspire the next generation to believe in their potential and create brighter futures.

Mike Alleyne

Mike Alleyne, with 30 years in business spanning private and public sectors including a significant decade at Manchester City Council, is driven by making a difference, especially in supporting young people with mental health issues.

Gemma Anyon

Gemma is our dedicated health and well-being leader at Genuine Futures. Gemma actively works in schools and universities across the North West, tirelessly advocating for mental health awareness and support.

Julie Wiggs

Julie is a highly motivated professional with over 30 years in Business Administration/Management, Investigation & Intelligence, Legal Services, and Leadership. Her career spans HM Customs & Excise/UK Border Force and the private sector, showcasing her reliability and extensive experience.

Charlotte Hamblet

Charlotte is the Education Programme Lead at Genuine Futures CIC, supports young people in building skills for education and employment, and boosting confidence. A Senior Science Instructor and Lecturer, she upholds trust, equality, and fun in engaging, motivational learning.

Stephen Howard 

Stephen is the Youth Ambassador for Genuine Futures. He passionately supports the next generation, focusing on the homeless and mentoring young adults. Witnessing the transformational journeys at Genuine Futures is a source of great pride and joy for him.

John Wright

John Wright runs All Fired Up, established in 2020, offering handcrafted pizzas from his mobile van. He firmly believes in giving every young person, irrespective of background, the opportunity to reach their full potential with proper guidance.

Sue Willet
Going back to her school days one of the choices that she made was to go down the path of business admin. Sue is extremely helpful and caring, and thrives on this. She helps people in many, many ways and always puts others before herself and goes out of her way to help. She has been running her own business: NW Secretarial & PA Service for nearly 20 years with a variety of clients and over the years has been privy to lots of personal and confidential information working with HR Consultants, Solicitors and Case Managers being just a few. So it made perfect sense for Sue to join the Genuine Futures team helping the young people around us.

I need help