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International Youth Day 2026: Bolton’s Young People Aren’t Waiting for Opportunity – They’re Creating It

12 August 2026

International Youth Day 2026: Bolton’s Young People Aren’t Waiting for Opportunity – They’re Creating It

For Sam Smith, Founder and Co-Director of Genuine Futures CIC, working on the Thornbank Estate and across the wider Deane area of Bolton is personal.

12 August 2026

Police, Prevention & Youth Opportunity: Building Stronger Communities in Bolton

10 August 2026

From Lost for Over Two Years to Improving His Own Community: Cameron’s Journey Through Boss Your Future

Britain doesn't have a youth potential problem—it has an opportunity gap. Discover how the Genuine Futures Model combines prevention, trusted relationships, youth-led enterprise and community partnerships to help young people thrive and why investing in prevention is one of the smartest investments our country can make.

5 August 2026

The Genuine Futures Model: A National Blueprint for Preventing Youth Inactivity and Creating Opportunity

The Daily Mirror visited the Genuine Futures Young Futures Hub in Bolton to see how relationship-led support, youth enterprise and employer partnerships are helping young people move into employment, education and brighter futures.

31 July 2026

National Media Visits Genuine Futures to Showcase a Different Future for Young People

The Missing Piece in Tackling Youth Inactivity: Why Trusted Relationships Lead to Opportunity

31 July 2026

The Missing Piece in Tackling Youth Inactivity: Why Trusted Relationships Lead to Opportunity

Boss Your Future Launches Its First Try a Trade Event with Bolton Brickwork Specialist

29 July 2026

Boss Your Future Launches Its First Try a Trade Event with Bolton Brickwork Specialist

Genuine Futures CIC has welcomed Prime Minister Andy Burnham’s commitment to reducing the number of young people who are not in education, employment or training (NEET), describing the new apprenticeship bursary as a positive step towards removing financial barriers that prevent some young people from accessing employment.

29 July 2026

Burnham’s Plan to Support Young People Not in Education, Employment or Training (NEET) Welcomed, with Call for Broader Support Beyond Financial Incentives

Prime Minister Andy Burnham’s education reforms are a welcome step towards improving technical education. Genuine Futures explores why trusted relationships, prevention, employer partnerships and real-world opportunities are equally essential to reducing youth inactivity.

28 July 2026

Prime Minister Andy Burnham Is Right to Reform Education. But Young People Need More Than Qualifications.

Discover how Genuine Futures is helping young people move into employment, education and enterprise by building trusted relationships, listening first and creating opportunities before crisis.

28 July 2026

Why Listening to Young People Changes Lives: Mike Alleyne on the Genuine Futures Approach

Discover why teachers at Crewe UTC recommend Genuine Futures’ inspiring speakers. Learn how lived experience helps young people build resilience, confidence and positive futures through engaging school workshops.

27 July 2026

Teachers Say It Best: Why Schools Should Invite Genuine Futures to Inspire Their Students

Discover how Blake is rebuilding his confidence, improving his wellbeing and taking positive steps towards his future through Genuine Futures, We Shine Any Car and Iron Minds in Bolton.

21 July 2026

From Isolation to Opportunity: How Blake Is Rebuilding Confidence Through Genuine Futures and Iron Minds

Together, we’re inviting young people to take part in an exciting enterprise project where they will design their own pie, develop practical business skills and see their creation sold at the Bolton Food & Drink Festival over the August Bank Holiday weekend.

21 July 2026

Design a Pie. Build Your Future.

A new Education Policy Institute report shows the education gap is widening. Genuine Futures explores why children aren’t failing—our systems are, and why prevention, belonging and trusted relationships must come first.

21 July 2026

Children Aren’t Falling Behind. The System Is Falling Behind Them.

Sam Smith from Genuine Futures visits The Withins Pub in Breightmet and shares a vision for how Bolton’s Pride in Place investment could create new opportunities for young people and the wider community.

21 July 2026

Could The Withins Pub Become Bolton’s Next Community Hub? Sam Smith Shares a Vision for Breightmet’s Future

Genuine Futures Youth Ambassador Luis Green leads discussions with Bolton Wanderers in the Community CEO Ben Lawton about creating opportunities for young people in Bolton through employability, enterprise, youth leadership, and community engagement initiatives.

20 July 2026

Young People Leading Change: Genuine Futures Meets Bolton Wanderers in the Community CEO

Discover why White Horse landlady Kelly McGreevy partnered with Genuine Futures to support young people through Clean Futures and We Shine Any Car. Read how one community event brought Bolton together through conversation, opportunity and action.

6 July 2026

Why the White Horse Chose to Support Genuine Futures

A BBC investigation raises questions about school isolation. Discover why prevention, trusted adults and real opportunities are key to tackling the UK’s growing NEET crisis.

1 July 2026

Isolation Isn’t Education: How School Isolation Could Be Fueling Britain’s NEET Crisis

The Government has announced an £8.5 million investment to expand work experience for young people in Alternative Provision. Genuine Futures CIC welcomes the announcement while highlighting why earlier intervention, trusted adults and real-world opportunities are the key to reducing NEET numbers.

29 June 2026

£8.5 Million for Work Experience Is Welcome – But We Must Start Before Young People Reach Crisis

Place-based change starts with listening. Discover how Genuine Futures is amplifying youth voice in Bolton, tackling the NEET crisis, and creating opportunities for young people through participation, enterprise and lived experience.

24 June 2026

Place-Based Change Starts With Listening: Why Bolton Needs Young People at the Table

Discover how Paula transformed her life from supported accommodation with Backup North West to independent living, becoming a Youth Ambassador, Creative Lead and artist with Genuine Futures. Explore the launch of her inspiring I Am Not My Past creative collection through the Urban Futures Collective.

22 June 2026

I AM NOT MY PAST

This week, Genuine Futures was out in Breightmet with Youth Voice Ambassador Paula, speaking directly with local residents about the future of their community and the recent £20 million investment being made into the area.

18 June 2026

Breightmet’s £20 Million Investment: What Local Residents Really Want for the Future of One of the UK’s Largest Social Housing Estates

The Government has announced a £132.5 million Every Child Can programme to expand enrichment activities across England. Discover what this means for young people, schools, employability skills, NEET prevention, and how Genuine Futures is already delivering many of these outcomes.

17 June 2026

Every Child Can: A Major Opportunity for Young People — But We Must Make Sure No One Is Left Behind

Genuine Futures is proud to become a full member of Bolton CVS, strengthening partnerships, amplifying youth voices, and supporting young people across Bolton through enterprise, employability, mentoring, and community action.

12 June 2026

Genuine Futures Becomes a Full Member of Bolton CVS

Discover how Clean Futures and Genuine Futures support NEET young people in Bolton through mentoring, enterprise, employability programmes, community action, and real-world opportunities.

12 June 2026

Support for NEET Young People in Bolton: Building Brighter Futures Through Opportunity

ITV's recent report on white working-class boys highlights a national crisis of disengagement, school absence and lost opportunity. Genuine Futures explores why the same challenges exist in Bolton and what can be done to change the story.

11 June 2026

Crime, Nothing to Do, No Opportunity? The Same Questions Are Being Asked Here in Bolton

For decades, warning signs around school exclusions, rising NEET numbers, youth exploitation, and involvement in the youth justice system have been ignored. Discover why prevention, early intervention, and safeguarding young people’s futures must become a national priority.

11 June 2026

Brushed Under the Carpet: The School-to-Youth Justice Pipeline, School Exclusions and the Growing NEET Crisis

Discover how Cameron and Aaron progressed through Genuine Futures’ Boss Your Future programme into Clean Futures, a youth-led social enterprise. Learn how our proven approach has supported young people across Chorley, Salford, and Bolton and why we’re ready to scale our impact nationally.

10 June 2026

From Boss Your Future to Clean Futures: Why Cameron and Aaron Represent What Is Possible When We Invest in Young People

The Milburn Report highlights growing barriers facing young people across the UK. Discover why trusted adults, listening, and meaningful relationships are the key to tackling youth unemployment, school exclusions, poor mental health, homelessness, and social isolation.

10 June 2026

It Starts With Listening: Why Trusted Adults Are the Key to Changing Young Lives Across the UK

Genuine Futures launches Our Bolton. Our Future – a community-wide campaign inviting young people, parents, employers, schools, and residents to help shape the future of Bolton.

4 June 2026

Our Bolton. Our Future.

Following the publication of the Rt Hon Alan Milburn’s report into the growing number of young people not in education, employment, or training (NEET), Cameron wanted to share his experience and his message to MPs, ministers, decision-makers, and the Prime Minister.

3 June 2026

🚨 “Before Genuine Futures, I Was Just Stuck in My Room” | Cameron’s Message to MPs and the Prime Minister

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.

2 June 2026

Blackrod Community Power Event Shows What Happens When Communities Believe in Young People

It might have involved washing cars, cleaning windows, helping on a building site, working in a local shop, delivering newspapers, or learning the ropes from an experienced employer.

1 June 2026

The Missing First Rung: How Britain Lost Entry-Level Jobs — And How Genuine Futures Is Helping Bring Them Back

More Than One Million Young People Now NEET — How Many More Warnings Do We Need?

1 June 2026

More Than One Million Young People Now NEET — How Many More Warnings Do We Need?

A powerful national conversation is finally beginning.

In a recent BBC interview, Amazon UK Country Manager John Boumphrey spoke openly about the urgent need for meaningful work experience and early opportunities for young people.

26 May 2026

Amazon UK Boss John Boumphrey Is Right — Young People Are Not the Problem

Genuine Futures has officially joined the A Million Acts of Hope campaign, standing alongside organisations across the UK to inspire hope, kindness, youth empowerment, and community action.

20 May 2026

Genuine Futures Joins the “A Million Acts of Hope” Movement

The UK Government’s newly published youth justice white paper has sparked an important national conversation.

For the first time in years, there is growing recognition that childhood criminal records can continue punishing young people long after they have changed their lives.

20 May 2026

A Criminal Record Should Not Be a Life Sentence: Why Youth Justice Reform Must Go Further

Every year during Knife Crime Awareness Week, we see statistics shared, campaigns launched, and conversations taking place across the country.

19 May 2026

Knife Crime Awareness Week: We Don’t Just Need Awareness — We Need Action

Discover how Genuine Futures and Squosh It are working together to create cleaner, safer communities in Bolton while opening real opportunities for young people through enterprise, bin management, and external cleaning services.

13 May 2026

A Shared Vision for Change: How Genuine Futures and Squosh It Are Creating Cleaner, Stronger Communities

Concern about young people in Bolton is rising — but Genuine Futures is turning that concern into action through youth enterprise, alternative provision, and real opportunities.

12 May 2026

“I’m Really Worried About Young People Nowadays…” — Why Bolton Is Turning Concern Into Community Action

Discover how Bolton’s young leaders are driving community change through Genuine Futures and Clean Futures. A powerful example of alternative provision, youth enterprise, and mental health support in action.

11 May 2026

🚀 Community Power in Action: How Bolton’s Young Leaders Are Stepping Up

Last week, the team travelled to Blackpool to take the Clean Futures “Help at Home” internal and external cleaning enterprise van to Fylde Hydraulics — and we were delighted with the support from Kevin and Derek.

7 May 2026

🚐 CLEAN FUTURES IS ON THE ROAD — CLEANING WITH PURPOSE 💧🔥

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7 May 2026

Are Schools Failing Young People? Why Exam Results Alone Won’t Prepare Them for the Future (UK 2026)

Discover how Bolton based Bradkins Commercials and Fylde Hydraulics supported the Clean Futures vehicle fit-out—creating real opportunities for young people in Bolton through youth enterprise, early intervention, and hands-on skills development.

30 April 2026

From NEET to Enterprise: How Bradkins Commercials Helped Power Clean Futures in Bolton

Across the UK, there is growing recognition that children can show signs of being at risk of becoming Not in Education, Employment or Training (NEET) as early as primary school.

27 April 2026

At Risk of NEET by Age 5? Why Early Intervention in the UK Is Failing Young People

Looking for NEET support for young people in Greater Manchester? This 2026 guide highlights trusted youth mentoring programmes in Bolton, job centres, and community hubs helping disadvantaged young people get back on track.

27 April 2026

Where to Find NEET Support for Young People in Greater Manchester (2026 Guide)

At Genuine Futures, we believe young people don’t need more theory — they need real opportunities in real environments.

22 April 2026

From Bolton to Wigan: Young People Helping to Build a Future Community Hub in Ashton-in-Makerfield

Parents, carers, and families across Bolton and beyond are searching for answers—looking for practical support for young people who are not in education, employment, or training. Many feel stuck, frustrated, and unsure where to turn.

20 April 2026

From Bolton Town Centre to Little Lever: Real Opportunities for Young People Through Boss Your Future

Young people who are NEET (Not in Education, Employment or Training) often face systems that don’t connect with their reality. Traditional support can feel disconnected, overly structured, and lacking real opportunity.

15 April 2026

NEET Support Bolton: How Genuine Futures Is Building Community Power Through Enterprise

I don’t just understand the challenges care experienced young people face—I’ve lived them.

15 April 2026

Supporting Care Experienced Young People: Why They’re Falling Through the Gaps—and What We’re Building Instead

Discover how Bolton’s Only Community Car Wash in Little Lever is creating real opportunities for young people through the Youth Matters 2026–2030 strategy. Delivered by Genuine Futures, this youth-led enterprise is building skills, confidence, and employment pathways across Bolton.

14 April 2026

🚗 Bolton’s Only Community Car Wash: How Youth-Led Enterprise is Changing Futures in Little Lever

Delivered by Sam Smith, Founder of Genuine Futures and ambassador with Entrepreneurs Unlocked, the session focused on mindset, ownership, and building a future through self-employment.

13 April 2026

HMP Stafford: Real Conversations That Drive Change

Knife crime in UK schools is rising, with children as young as seven carrying weapons. Discover the latest figures, the causes behind the crisis, and how early intervention through organisations like Genuine Futures can create safer futures.

7 April 2026

UK Knife Crime in Schools: A Crisis We Can No Longer Ignore

Looking for wheelie bin cleaning in Bolton? Discover a youth-led business delivering bin cleaning, pressure washing, and mobile car valeting services, supported by Genuine Futures enterprise training.

7 April 2026

From No Opportunities to a Multi-Service Business in Bolton

Genuine Futures welcomed MP Kirith Entwistle, Member of Parliament for Bolton North East, to showcase how young people are tackling the NEET crisis through real skills and enterprise.

7 April 2026

“We Don’t Just See the Problem – We Are the Solution”

Discover how community-led youth action is driving a youth enterprise revolution in Bolton. Genuine Futures is empowering young people through real-world opportunities, leadership, and local engagement.

7 April 2026

Taking It Back: The Youth Enterprise Revolution Transforming Bolton

Bolton has higher-than-average NEET levels—but that’s only the tip of the iceberg. Discover how Genuine Futures and Bolton Youth Action Group are driving youth-led social action, early referral, and real opportunities.

30 March 2026

Bolton Youth Action Group: Our Future, Our Voice – Turning Talk into Action

Rising rents across the UK are pushing young people into homelessness and instability. Discover the real impact on opportunity-excluded youth and how Genuine Futures is providing practical pathways out of crisis.

26 March 2026

Priced Out and Pushed Out: Why Rising Rents Are Driving Young People Onto the Streets

Genuine Futures welcomes Rebuild With Hope to its Youth Hub, strengthening a two-year partnership focused on youth employment, enterprise, and new retail pathways for young people facing barriers.

24 March 2026

Building Partnerships That Create Real Change

Genuine Futures secures a 5-year partnership with the Co-op Foundation, selected as 1 of only 10 organisations across the UK to support young people leaving the justice system.

24 March 2026

BIG NEWS: Genuine Futures Selected as 1 of 8 Organisations Across the UK

During a recent visit to the Greenway Community Centre in Hall i’ th’ Wood, something powerful stood out—something deeper than just craft, conversation, or community activity.

20 March 2026

Reviving Lost Skills in Bolton: Why Collaboration Is the Key to Stronger Communities

Discover why prisons fail economically and socially — and how youth justice reform and Genuine Futures are reducing reoffending through opportunity.

12 March 2026

Prisons Are Failing the UK: The Economic Case for Youth Justice Reform and Real Opportunity

Genuine Futures has been selected to join the National Lottery Community Fund Community Learning Panel, bringing frontline experience of supporting NEET young people through enterprise programmes like We Shine Any Car and community enterprise initiatives.

12 March 2026

Genuine Futures Joins National Lottery Community Fund Community Learning Panel to Champion Opportunities for Young People

Sometimes the biggest life changes start with the simplest opportunities.

10 March 2026

From Washing Cars at 15 to Changing Lives: Bradley Phelan, Sam Smith and the Vision Behind We Shine Any Car

Discover the history of Little Lever in Bolton and how Genuine Futures is working with the community and Little Lever Working Men’s Club to create opportunities for young people.

9 March 2026

Little Lever, Bolton: Community History and How Genuine Futures Is Supporting the Next Generation

From Blackpool Refuge to Bolton Impact: How Fylde Hydraulics Is Supporting Genuine Futures and Youth Enterprise

9 March 2026

From Blackpool Refuge to Bolton Impact: How Fylde Hydraulics Is Supporting Genuine Futures and Youth Enterprise

Discover how Genuine Futures is leading NEET provision in Bolton through workshop-based learning, vehicle skills training and the Boss Your Future programme.

27 February 2026

Workshop-Based Learning That Works: How Genuine Futures Is Leading NEET Provision in Bolton

Across the UK, thousands of young people are growing up facing systemic barriers that limit access to opportunity. Many are labelled NEET (Not in Education, Employment or Training). Others move through care systems, youth justice pathways, alternative provision, or short-term interventions that promise support but rarely deliver long-term transformation.

26 February 2026

Youth-Led Change: Breaking Barriers and Rebuilding Trust with Systems That Have Failed Young People

We are proud to announce that Genuine Futures CIC has successfully secured funding to launch our new youth-led Pop-Up Art Shop.

20 February 2026

🎨 Funding Secured: Launching Our Youth-Led Pop-Up Art Shop

In the 2023–24 academic year, there were nearly 11,000 suspensions involving reception-age children in England — almost double the 5,993 recorded just two years earlier.

17 February 2026

Nearly 11,000 Reception Suspensions: A National Warning Sign We Cannot Ignore

Nearly one in five pupils in England now receive SEN support. With EHCPs doubling and tribunals rising, this Youth Matters 2026 policy blog explores what reform must include for Bolton and Greater Manchester.

12 February 2026

Fix the SEND System — Or Face a Lost Generation

Through our Meet & Motivate School Speakers Programme, we deliver powerful, real-life assemblies designed to engage students, raise aspiration, and shift mindsets.

12 February 2026

Achieve. Believe. Succeed. – Inspiring the Next Generation Through Lived Experience

That was the stark warning from Alan Milburn as he leads the Government’s review into why nearly one million young people are not in education, employment or training.

10 February 2026

Alan Milburn Warns of a “Social Catastrophe” as Youth Worklessness Nears One Million

We hear the same stories again and again. Boys excluded from school. Boys labelled as “high risk”. Boys who become known to services only once something has already gone wrong.

10 February 2026

It’s Not ‘County Lines’. It’s Organised Child Abuse.

Across Greater Manchester, there is no shortage of strategies, consultations, needs assessments, and reports.

10 February 2026

From Consultation to Collaboration: Why Lived Experience Must Shape Decisions in Real Time

Nearly eight in ten councils in England warn they could face insolvency unless there is a long-term solution to mounting deficits linked to supporting children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). This stark conclusion from a recent survey by the Local Government Association (LGA) is more than a financial warning—it is a clear signal that the SEND system, as currently designed and funded, is no longer sustainable.

6 February 2026

SEND Funding Crisis: Most Councils Face Insolvency Without Long-Term Fix, Warns LGA

We recently welcomed Jen Clarkson, Senior Development Officer at Bolton CVS, to the Genuine Futures Youth Enterprise Hub to see our youth-led We Shine Any Car in action.

4 February 2026

Opening Doors Where Education Falls Short

Autosmart’s mobile shop visit to the Genuine Futures Youth Enterprise Hub in Bolton gave young people hands-on enterprise learning, employability skills, and insight into professional systems, products, and business models.

4 February 2026

Real-World Enterprise in Action: Autosmart Inspires Young People at the Genuine Futures Hub

Discover how Terry Walker and The Scrappers are backing Genuine Futures’ youth-led enterprise We Shine Any Car — providing tools, skills, and real opportunities that help young people like Keir build confidence and start their own businesses.

3 February 2026

How Local Business Support Is Powering Youth Enterprise in Bolton: Terry Walker, The Scrappers and Genuine Futures Back the Next Generation

Helen Clayton, Interim Deputy CEO of Bolton CVS, visits Genuine Futures CIC to see how Sam Smith and Mike Alleyne are unlocking the potential of young people through early intervention, employability and enterprise pathways

27 January 2026

Bolton CVS Visits Genuine Futures: Unlocking Potential for Young People in Bolton

Discover how Blackpool business owner Steve Barrot, who once worked with Genuine Futures founder Sam Smith on national construction cleaning contracts, is now giving back to support NEET young people in Bolton.

27 January 2026

From National Contracts to Giving Back: Supporting the Next Generation in Bolton

Learn how National Lottery funding helps Genuine Futures support NEET young people in Bolton through mentoring, enterprise and real pathways to work.

27 January 2026

How National Lottery Funding Is Changing Young Lives in Bolton

We became lost quietly — through a series of small disappearances that no one seemed to notice at the time.

26 January 2026

The Lost Boys UK: School Exclusion, Care Breakdown and the Cost of Late Intervention

Aligned with Youth Matters 2026, discover how Genuine Futures helps young people get started in business — featuring Keir, a Bolton College student developing a smart vehicle repairs idea through the UK’s only youth-led car wash and the Boss Your Future programme.

23 January 2026

From Skills to Start-Up: How Genuine Futures Is Building Youth Enterprise Pathways

A System That Failed Them First: The Complete Collapse of Services Protecting Children in the UK

22 January 2026

A System That Failed Them First: The Complete Collapse of Services Protecting Children in the UK

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.

21 January 2026

From Doubt to Belief: How Genuine Futures Helped Jay Find Confidence and Purpose

Britain is facing a growing epidemic of fatherlessness. With 2.5 million children living without a father figure, we explore the causes, consequences, and what must change.

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21 January 2026

Britain Is Facing an Epidemic of Fatherlessness — And the Cost Is Being Paid by Our Children

Across the UK, a quiet but devastating crisis is unfolding — one that disproportionately affects young boys, particularly those from disadvantaged, care-experienced, and marginalised backgrounds.

20 January 2026

Lost Boys: How the System Is Failing Young Boys – and Why Government Must Listen

People talk about resilience like it’s something you’re born with.
Like some young people are just stronger than others.

19 January 2026

“I Wasn’t Resilient Until Someone Stayed”

Greater Manchester has been selected as one of eight national Trailblazer areas within the Government’s Get Britain Working White Paper, setting out reforms to employment support across the country. This designation provides a unique opportunity to test and embed new ways of supporting people furthest from the labour market to move towards employment and training.

15 January 2026

Genuine Futures Secures Funded Placement Through Bolton’s Economic Inactivity Trailblazer

A Bolton-based youth enterprise is celebrating after a customer praised both the quality of service and the positive learning environment created for young people at the Genuine Futures Youth Enterprise Hub.

14 January 2026

Young People Shine as Customer Praises Youth-Led Valeting Service at Genuine Futures in Bolton

On 11 January 2026, the Children’s Commissioner for England published a follow-up report that should stop policymakers, commissioners, and providers in their tracks. One year on from first exposing the use of illegal children’s homes, the conclusion is stark: too little has changed.

14 January 2026

Children Living in Illegal Children’s Homes: A System Still Failing Its Most Vulnerable

The government has announced an independent investigation into the rising number of young people who are not in education, employment or training (NEET), acknowledging what many communities already know: this is not a failure of young people — it is a failure of opportunity.

14 January 2026

Youth Inactivity Is a Crisis of Opportunity — Why Genuine Futures Must Be Part of the Solution

Young people at the Genuine Futures Youth Enterprise Hub showcased confidence, skills, and real-world pathways during a visit from a Greater Manchester education partner.

6 January 2026

Young People Showcase Confidence and Skills During Visit to Bolton Youth Enterprise Hub

Youth Matters 2026

6 January 2026

Youth Matters 2026

The decline of the Saturday job is not a failure of young people — it is a failure of opportunity.

5 January 2026

The Decline of the Saturday Job: Why Youth Opportunity Matters More Than Ever

Bolton councillors visit the Genuine Futures Youth Enterprise Hub and see how the Boss Your Future programme, funded by Bolton Council and Bolton CVS through the Bolton Fund, is transforming outcomes for young people across Bolton.

17 December 2025

Bolton Councillors Inspired by Youth Enterprise: How Listening to Young People Is Changing Futures

With over 1 million young people NEET and rising risks of exploitation, the Government’s Youth Matters strategy must move from policy to action. Here’s why local, enterprise-led delivery is critical now.

17 December 2025

Youth Matters Now More Than Ever: Why Britain’s Young People Cannot Wait

This week has been a powerful reflection of what happens when young people, community partners, and lived-experience leadership come together with purpose.

12 December 2025

From Bolton FM to the Heart of the Community: A Powerful Week for Bolton’s Young People

From dropout to future broadcaster — and why youth-led action is changing lives in Bolton

10 December 2025

“I Felt Left Behind” to Live on Air: How Youth Voice Is Shaping the Future in Bolton

Across Bolton, thousands of young people are carrying hopes that feel increasingly out of reach. With 1,770 young people now NEET (Not in Education, Employment or Training), the borough is facing a youth crisis that we can no longer ignore.

10 December 2025

What Do You Hope For? Why Bolton’s Young People Need Us More Than Ever

Across Salford, Bolton — and communities all over the UK — too many young people feel forgotten, unsupported, and left behind by systems that were meant to protect them. We see it every day — isolation, low confidence, no direction, and futures that feel out of reach.

9 December 2025

Changing Young Lives From the Ground Up: Youth Enterprise, NEET Reduction & Community Leadership

When Jaxon first connected with Genuine Futures, he didn’t see much ahead of him.
Home-educated and isolated, his days all looked the same. He told us it felt like time was slipping away.

9 December 2025

From Stuck Indoors to a Future in Mechanics: Jaxon’s Journey With Genuine Futures

Ofsted reveals 680 illegal children’s homes charging up to £30,000 a week as councils struggle with an £8bn residential care crisis. Watchdogs say urgent action is needed to stop unsafe unregulated placements.

5 December 2025

Illegal Children’s Homes & £30,000 Fees — Ofsted Warns of “National Crisis”

The government has unveiled £820 million of new funding to guarantee paid work placements for 18- to 21-year-olds who have been “not earning or learning” for over 18 months. Announced by Chancellor Rachel Reeves in the Budget, the investment will fund a three-year Youth Guarantee scheme offering young people an apprenticeship, accredited training, education, or structured support to find employment.

5 December 2025

£820m Boost for NEET Youth: Will Reeves’ New ‘Youth Guarantee’ Finally Deliver Real Jobs for Young People?

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.

3 December 2025

How an Empty Room Became Bolton’s Youth Hub of Hope in 90 Days | Genuine Futures

Across the UK today, one million young people are being left behind — slipping through the cracks of care, education, justice, and housing. They are labelled, overlooked, misunderstood, and often forgotten long before they ever get the chance to show who they are.

26 November 2025

One Million Young People Lost: Why “We Rise, We Shine” Is the Anthem They Deserve

Discover how Terry Walker — founder of The Scrappers scrap yard, an award-winning TV series uses his lived experience, care background, and hard-earned success to support Genuine Futures.

25 November 2025

From Scrap Yard Graft to Youth Opportunity: Why Terry Walker and The Scrappers Stand With Young People

The Gingerbread Man, Care Leavers & NEET Young People: Why We Must Stop Ignoring the Warning Signs

25 November 2025

🍪 The Gingerbread Man Isn’t Just a Fairytale — It’s a Warning Society Keeps Ignoring

New research has uncovered a deeply concerning trend in England’s education landscape:
three-quarters of disadvantaged pupils fear their chances of getting into university, securing an apprenticeship, or finding a job after school.

25 November 2025

Three-Quarters of Disadvantaged Pupils Fear Their Future — Here’s Why Youth Opportunity Must Change

18 November 2025

Standing Together for Futures That Shine: Our New Boss Your Future Banner Has Arrived

At Genuine Futures, we can talk about our programmes, our approach, and our commitment to young people — but nothing is more powerful than what the professionals supporting them say about the difference our work is making.

18 November 2025

“Genuine Futures Has Changed Alex’s Life” — What Family Practitioners Are Saying About Our Impact

Last week was a milestone moment for Genuine Futures CIC as we welcomed Safer Handling International to The Scrappers in Bolton — a visit that sparked a powerful new safeguarding partnership focused firmly on prevention, safer practice, and creating better futures for young people.

18 November 2025

Building Safer Futures: When Genuine Futures Met Safer Handling International

The call for urgent reform in England’s youth justice system has reached a critical point. In her latest report, England’s children’s commissioner, Dame Rachel de Souza, has demanded the complete closure of Young Offender Institutions (YOIs) — describing them as unsafe, ineffective, and deeply damaging for vulnerable children.

14 November 2025

England’s Children’s Commissioner Calls for Closure of Young Offender Institutions — Why Prevention and Opportunity Must Replace Youth Custody

Sometimes the best connections happen by chance. What started as a simple cold call turned into an inspiring and meaningful meeting at The Well Centre in Farnworth — a place full of warmth, community spirit, and opportunity.

12 November 2025

Connecting Futures in Farnworth: Building Hope and Opportunity for Bolton’s Young People

Every journey starts with a spark — and for Keir, that moment came at a Meet & Motivate event hosted at Be The Change Youth Project, delivered through the Inspiring Speakers Programme by Genuine Futures CIC.

10 November 2025

Luis, Keir & the Young People of We Shine Any Car | From Car Washing to Polishing with Genuine Futures Bolton

The UK government has launched an independent inquiry into rising youth inactivity, led by former Health Secretary Alan Milburn, as levels of young people not in education, employment, or training (NEET) continue to climb.

10 November 2025

Crisis of Opportunity: Government Launches Youth Inactivity Inquiry as Genuine Futures Leads the Response in Bolton 🚀

Bolton, Greater Manchester — In a time when too many young people feel unheard or left behind, Genuine Futures CIC is leading a powerful movement built on belief, belonging, and second chances.

10 November 2025

“We’re Not Waiting for Change — We’re Building It.”

At Genuine Futures, we’re passionate about working with partners who turn second chances into lasting change — and few embody that better than HMPasties.

4 November 2025

🥧 From Prison to Purpose: Co-op Partners with HMPasties in Landmark Deal Supporting Prison Leaver Employment

Discover how Genuine Futures’ Boss Your Future programme, its youth-led social enterprise We Shine Any Car, and UK Youth’s national RISE UP initiative are helping young people in Bolton and Salford to raise aspirations, develop enterprise skills and build a brighter future through social action and enterprise.

4 November 2025

Building Brighter Futures: How Boss Your Future, We Shine Any Car and UK Youth’s RISE UP Initiative Are Empowering Young People

On Thursday 30th October, Genuine Futures’ Youth Voice Ambassadors led youth-led social action across Bolton — promoting We Shine Any Car and engaging with Greater Manchester Police, who praised the enterprise and may even bring a police vehicle down for a wash!

4 November 2025

Standing Firm in Power and Pride: How Youth Voice Ambassadors Are Shaping the Future

Genuine Futures, Entrepreneurs Unlocked, and Recycle IT — supported by Bolton Council through Bolton CVS — are standing together to empower young people through enterprise, entrepreneurship education, mentoring and community action across Bolton and Oldham.

3 November 2025

Standing Together for Bolton’s Young People: Our Halfway Impact

“When We Shine, Bolton Shines” is more than a song — it’s a celebration of hope, unity, and transformation led by the young people of Genuine Futures CIC.

31 October 2025

When We Shine, Bolton Shines | Genuine Futures Anthem of Hope & Community 🌟🎶

Genuine Futures & Youth-Led Social Action during #iWillWeek 2025: “What Do You Stand For?”

31 October 2025

Genuine Futures & Youth-Led Social Action during #iWillWeek 2025: “What Do You Stand For?”

Discover how Genuine Futures’ Boss Your Future, Restore Young Futures, and We Shine Any Car programmes are empowering NEET and SEND young people across Greater Manchester, Cheshire & Lancashire.

31 October 2025

From Car Washes to Confidence – Programmes That Change Lives

🎨 Creative Drawings That Inspire Change: Jennifer’s Journey from Self-Doubt to the Makers Market.

30 October 2025

🎨 Creative Drawings That Inspire Change: Jennifer’s Journey from Self-Doubt to the Makers Market.

Learn how Sam and Mike launched Genuine Futures in January 2023 with just buckets, sponges, and belief — sparking a youth-led enterprise that’s transforming lives.

30 October 2025

Sponges & Belief – The Early Days of Genuine Futures

Over 40% of children in Bolton live in poverty. Genuine Futures CIC calls on business leaders to act now — supporting care leavers, NEET young people, and SEND youth through the Young Futures Hub and youth-led enterprise. Together, we can bridge the gap between talent and opportunity.

29 October 2025

Bolton’s Child Poverty Crisis: Why Businesses Must Act Now to Support Young People

Discover how Sam Smith and Mike Alleyne came together in 2023 with a shared vision to stop young people falling through the cracks — the birth of Genuine Futures CIC.

29 October 2025

From Vision to Reality – The Beginning

From Care to Crisis: Why Too Many Looked-After Children End Up Homeless — And How Genuine Futures Is Bridging the Gap

29 October 2025

From Care to Crisis: Why Too Many Looked-After Children End Up Homeless — And How Genuine Futures Is Bridging the Gap

The Annual County Lines Report 2025, released by the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) and the National County Lines Coordination Centre (NCLCC), reveals that while the overall County Lines threat remains stable, the business model used by perpetrators continues to evolve.

24 October 2025

County Lines Report 2025: Stable Threat, Rising Social Media Exploitation, and the Urgent Need for Prevention

Discover how Genuine Futures CIC and the Young Futures Hub provided business support and mentoring to help Brianna turn her love for cheesecakes into BloomiesBaked. From homelessness to hope, her journey shows the power of youth empowerment, enterprise, resilience, and safe spaces for young people.

24 October 2025

From Homeless to Business Owner: Brianna’s Incredible Journey with Genuine Futures

Breightmet, one of Europe’s biggest council estates, faces high levels of child poverty, abandoned schools, and limited safe spaces. With a £20m Pride in Place investment on the table, young voices must lead the way to meaningful change.

21 October 2025

£20m Pride in Place Fund: Why Breightmet’s Young People Must Be at the Heart of Change

The government’s introduction of V-Level qualifications is a game-changer for young people from disadvantaged backgrounds. Discover how Genuine Futures in Bolton is ready to bridge the gap and help them thrive through enterprise, digital, and automotive pathways

20 October 2025

Welcoming V-Levels: Opening New Doors for Bolton’s Young People at Genuine Futures

Hope, Skills, and Opportunity: Boss Your Future Bolton Delivers Real Change

17 October 2025

Hope, Skills, and Opportunity: Boss Your Future Bolton Delivers Real Change

Rising Demand for SEND Support: Why Nearly One in Five Pupils in England Need More Help
Meta Description: Nearly one in five pupils in England now need SEND support. Genuine Futures is stepping up with alternative provision, enterprise, and mentoring to ensure no young person is left behind

17 October 2025

Nearly One in Five Pupils in England Now Need Special Educational Needs Support

When Alex joined the Boss Your Future Salford programme, he was at a crossroads. Disengaged from school and unsure about his next steps, the future felt uncertain. Like so many young people, Alex needed more than advice — he needed opportunity, encouragement, and a space to belong.

16 October 2025

Alex’s Story: From Uncertainty to a Future in College

Brandon said attending a Boss Your Future – Meet & Motivate session at Swinton Gateway “put life into perspective.” Inspired by lived experience, he regained motivation and is now thriving in full-time employment. Genuine Futures’ programme is restoring hope and opportunity for young people across Greater Manchester.

16 October 2025

Brandon’s Story: From Giving Up to Gaining Motivation and Employment

Genuine Futures delivered a Restore Young Futures Meet & Motivate event at Park School Bolton. Teachers praised the session as inspiring, knowledgeable, and true to life. Pupils will soon visit the Young Futures Hub to experience youth-led enterprise, mentoring, and belonging.

15 October 2025

Restore Young Futures Inspires at Park School, Bolton

Bolton’s new Young Futures Hub of Hope launches with a £1 car wash event by We Shine Any Car. Discover how youth-led enterprise, therapy-led programmes, and community support are transforming lives of NEETs, care leavers, and vulnerable young people.

14 October 2025

🌟 Young Futures Hub of Hope Launches in Bolton with £1 Car Wash Event

Last Tuesday, our co-directors Sam Smith and Mike Alleyne from Genuine Futures CIC were invited to the Be The Change Youth Project in Bolton to deliver our Inspiring Speakers: Meet & Motivate session.

9 October 2025

United for Bolton’s Youth: Inspiring the Next Generation Together

Ending Long-Term Youth Unemployment: What Rachel Reeves’ New Plans Mean for Young People

9 October 2025

Ending Long-Term Youth Unemployment: What Rachel Reeves’ New Plans Mean for Young People

When the BBC visited Bolton this month, they came to see something powerful in action: the Boss Your Future Bolton Programme and the launch of We Shine Any Car.

3 October 2025

BBC Highlights Impact of Boss Your Future and We Shine Any Car in Bolton

Bolton-born AO CEO John Roberts is calling for £1bn in youth investment through a national Youth Infrastructure Fund. With AO based at Parklands in Horwich, Genuine Futures CIC in Bolton says this vision could transform futures locally and beyond.

1 October 2025

AO’s John Roberts Calls for £1bn Youth Investment — Bolton at the Heart of the Vision

The UK Covid Inquiry heard that school closures damaged the “very fabric of childhood.” Genuine Futures explores the lasting impact and how community support can repair the loss.

1 October 2025

Covid School Closures: How a Lost Childhood Still Hurts Young People

Walk through any school corridor, youth centre, or community space in Bolton and you’ll see it — creativity, resilience, and ideas bubbling just beneath the surface.

29 September 2025

Talent Is Everywhere. Opportunity Is Not. Changing Futures in Bolton

Across Bolton, too many young people are falling through the cracks. School exclusions are rising, SEND support is stretched, and young people not in education, employment or training (NEET) face uncertain futures.

29 September 2025

Alternative Provision in Bolton: Why the Young Futures Hub Matters

Too many young people, especially those with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), are falling through the cracks.

23 September 2025

No Young Person Should Be Left Behind: Young Futures Hub Bolton & SEND Support

Last Thursday, Bolton celebrated a major milestone with the pre-launch of the Young Futures Hub and youth-led car care enterprise We Shine Any Car, based at The Scrappers site in Metro Business Park.

23 September 2025

Young Futures Hub Pre-Launch: Youth Empowerment, Enterprise, and Opportunity in Bolton

Bolton Faces Rising Ketamine Use as NEET Crisis Deepens

17 September 2025

Bolton Faces Rising Ketamine Use as NEET Crisis Deepens

At just 13 years old, Oscar’s education pathway had already taken a difficult turn. He was at risk of becoming one of many young people who slip through the cracks of the education system. But thanks to the Restoring Young Futures alternative education programme, delivered by Genuine Futures, Oscar has been able to find his footing again—discovering new opportunities, new skills, and a renewed sense of hope.

15 September 2025

Oscar’s Incredible Journey with Genuine Futures

At Genuine Futures, we believe that when young people are given the opportunity to lead, they can transform not only their own lives but also the communities around them. Over the past seven weeks, we’ve seen this vision come to life through our Boss Your Future Programme and our partnership with The Scrappers – Bolton’s number one car breakers and the award-winning television series.

12 September 2025

🚀 Youth Voice in Action: Building Futures with We Shine Any Car

In the UK, car washes are everywhere — but none quite like this. This September, Bolton will become home to something truly unique: We Shine Any Car, the only car wash in the country that is both youth-led and dedicated to giving back. This isn’t just about clean cars. It’s about clean slates.

9 September 2025

We Shine Any Car: The UK’s First Youth-Led Car Wash That Gives Back

Safeguarding is at the heart of every child’s education. It goes beyond protecting pupils from obvious dangers—it’s also about ensuring they feel safe, respected, and supported in school. Recently, a situation highlighted how playground conversations and behaviours, even when not malicious, can leave some children feeling anxious or uncomfortable.

9 September 2025

Safeguarding in Schools: Boundaries, Respect, and Working Together

Too often, justice-experienced young people are written off because of their past. At Genuine Futures CIC, we believe in doing the exact opposite. We know that with the right support, trust, and opportunities, these young people can become the leaders and changemakers of tomorrow.

8 September 2025

Breaking the Cycle: How Genuine Futures Supports Justice-Experienced Young People

Every year, thousands of children in the UK enter the care system. They are placed in foster families, children’s homes, or supported accommodation because their families cannot look after them safely. For many, it’s the start of a journey marked by trauma and instability.

8 September 2025

How to Fix Children’s Social Care and Restore Care Leavers’ Life Chances

As the 2025–26 school year begins, the familiar excitement of new uniforms, fresh timetables, and sharpened pencils is accompanied by a sobering reality. Across the UK, more parents are turning to homeschooling—and at the same time, suspensions and exclusions are climbing.

3 September 2025

Back to School 2025: Homeschooling on the Rise, Exclusions Climb — and How R.E.S.T.O.R.E. is Changing the Story

At Genuine Futures, we believe every young person has the potential to turn their passion into a pathway. Through our Boss Your Future Bolton programme, we’re seeing that belief come to life in extraordinary ways — and Brianna’s story is a perfect example.

1 September 2025

From Passion to Business: Brianna’s Cheesecake Journey

Across the UK, more and more young people are struggling with depression. Behind the faces we see every day—at school, in town, or online—many are quietly battling hopelessness, isolation, and a future they can’t picture for themselves.

1 September 2025

The Silent Struggle: Rising Depression in Young People Feeling Hopeless

At Genuine Futures, we often say that small acts of kindness can create life-changing moments. Recently, we witnessed that truth first-hand through Paula, one of the inspiring young people taking part in our Boss Your Future programme in Bolton. Her story is a reminder of why we do what we do, and how a single act of generosity can ripple out and transform a young person’s journey.

1 September 2025

When Community Comes Together, Futures Shine Brighter

Hands, Hope, and Hard Work: Bolton’s Youth Building Brighter Futures

28 August 2025

Hands, Hope, and Hard Work: Bolton’s Youth Building Brighter Futures

At Genuine Futures, we believe every young person deserves a chance to be seen, heard, and valued — especially those who’ve been pushed to the margins, misunderstood, or simply left behind by systems that fail to support them.

14 August 2025

“You’re Changing Lives” – A Mum’s Powerful Message About Her Son’s Journey

Last week’s Genuine Futures Boss Your Future Programme, in partnership with Entrepreneurs Unlocked and Recycle IT, took place down at the Digi Den, with the focus on Personal Responsibility and Being Your Own Boss.

13 August 2025

Sparks of Success: Young People Taking Responsibility & Winning Big!

At Genuine Futures, we believe every young person deserves a chance to shape their own future. For too many in Bolton, that chance has been missing. Whether they’re in care, have SEND, are at risk of exclusion, or are struggling to find work, their potential often goes unseen.

13 August 2025

We Shine Any Car: The Bolton Youth Enterprise Restoring Hope and Building Futures

At Genuine Futures, we’re focused on creating real opportunities for young people across Bolton. Our We Shine Any Car youth‑led car cleaning enterprise is one such initiative

5 August 2025

Bolstering Local Youth: How B‑Nice Charity and Martin McLoughlin Are Empowering Genuine Futures’ We Shine Any Car

What began as a spark in a school classroom has grown into a powerful initiative aiming to transform young lives across Bolton—turning lived experience into leadership and second chances into brighter futures.

5 August 2025

Giving Bolton’s Forgotten Young People the Future They Deserve

Every day in England, dozens of young people are permanently excluded from school. Last year alone, 7,900 students were removed from classrooms—pushed to the margins of society long before they’ve had a fair chance to build their futures.

30 July 2025

From Excluded to Empowered: How Oscar is Proving Potential Can’t Be Written Off

This week, our Boss Your Future programme took a giant leap—literally—into the treetops of Go Ape Blackburn for an unforgettable activity day with our young people from Bolton.

30 July 2025

Swinging into Success: Boss Your Future Takes on Go Ape Blackburn

At Genuine Futures, we believe in second chances, fresh starts, and the power of community to change lives. That’s why the support we received for our recent Big Charity Pop-Up Car Wash in Oldham meant so much—especially from a family-run business that understands the value of opportunity and hard work.

25 July 2025

From Security to Second Chances: How Secure Entrance Systems Backed the Future in Oldham

Stuck in a cycle of inactivity, 20-year-old Luis didn’t see a way forward—until he joined the Boss Your Future programme. From hands-on teamwork to learning the power of mindset, discover how one event helped him shift from surviving to thriving. Featuring insights from Mike Alleyne, Director of Genuine Futures.

24 July 2025

From the Bedroom to the Big Car Clean: Luis Discovers His Potential on Boss Your Future

At Genuine Futures, we believe every young person has potential — sometimes, they just need the right environment to see it for themselves.

21 July 2025

From Hesitant to Empowered: Paula’s Journey with Boss Your Future Bolton

Last Thursday, during the Boss Your Future programme with Genuine Futures, I found myself back in a place I’d tried for years to leave behind. Not physically, but deep in my mind. Terry Walker, founder of The Scrappers, stood up and shared his story with a room full of young people who know more about survival than most adults ever will.

16 July 2025

Giving a Voice to the Voiceless: Reflections on Red Bank Secure Unit

At Genuine Futures, we believe that every young person deserves a future they can be proud of — and there’s no better proof than hearing directly from the families whose lives have been changed.

16 July 2025

Parent Testimonial: Genuine Futures Boss Your Future Programme

Recently, Genuine Futures had the privilege of delivering an inspiring motivational talk to the young people at Ellesmere Park School — a powerful session made possible thanks to funding from MC Manchester Cheshire Construction Company and organised by Siobhan Murphy, Business Development Manager at MC Construction, as part of their commitment to meaningful social value.

15 July 2025

Genuine Futures Inspires Young Minds at Ellesmere Park School Salford.

At Genuine Futures, we’ve always stood on the frontlines with young people — listening, learning, and acting on what’s really happening behind closed doors. But there’s a growing crisis that’s tearing through communities right now: the so-called Ket-ademic — a surge in ketamine misuse among teenagers that too many parents still don’t understand.

15 July 2025

The Teen Ket-ademic: How Parents Are Walking Into a Crisis They Don’t Even See

The real magic happens when you see a young person walk through the door shy and unsure — and leave standing tall, ready to take on the world.

8 July 2025

The Impact: What Our Young People Have Achieved

School exclusions are rising fast. NEET numbers are soaring. But for the young people caught in the middle — this is more than statistics. It’s their future at stake.

7 July 2025

Exclusions Are Rising. NEET Numbers Are Soaring. Here’s How We’re Restoring Young Futures.

This week, we heard from a mum in Bolton who is fighting to save her son.

4 July 2025

They’re Not the Problem — The System Is

Too many young people believe their story is already written and that poverty, trauma, or prison will define them forever. This week in Stockport, I proved them wrong. Here’s how a brutally honest conversation opened eyes, broke down barriers, and reminded these young people that their stories can still change.

2 July 2025

“Your Story Isn’t Finished Yet: How a Brutally Honest Talk This Week in Stockport Is Changing Young Lives”

What happens when young people are seen, heard, and believed in?

At Genuine Futures, we believe that one visit, one conversation, and one experience can change the direction of a young person’s life — especially for those who’ve been disenfranchised by the education system and told they have nothing to offer.

30 June 2025

♻️ From Scrap to Success: Building Brighter Futures Together

At the start of 2025, Cayden, aged 17, had made the difficult decision to leave college. Having realised that a course in physical education wasn’t the right fit, he found himself unsure of what to do next.

27 June 2025

Success Story Case Study: Cayden’s Journey – From Lost to Leading His Future

At Genuine Futures, we’re proud to stand alongside organisations across the UK in support of ASB Awareness Week 2025, a national campaign running from 30 June – 6 July that takes a stand against antisocial behaviour (ASB) and promotes safer, stronger communities.

27 June 2025

Genuine Futures Backs National Effort to Address Antisocial Behavior During ASB Awareness Week 2025

From school exclusions to the school-to-prison pipeline, too many SEND and care-experienced young people are being abandoned by a system that should protect them. Genuine Futures is changing the narrative—offering safety, opportunity, and belonging when it matters most.

25 June 2025

Lost No More: How Genuine Futures Is Turning Struggle into Strength for SEND and Care-Experienced Young People

Success Story: From Disengagement to Determination – Alex’s Journey with Genuine Futures

25 June 2025

Success Story: From Disengagement to Determination – Alex’s Journey with Genuine Futures

25 June 2025

Partner Spotlight: Quicklaunch – Turning Our Vision into a Digital Reality

Trades That Transform: How Fresh Colours & Genuine Futures Are Changing Young Lives in the UK

23 June 2025

Trades That Transform: How Fresh Colours & Genuine Futures Are Changing Young Lives in the UK

One Day, One Purpose: Why I’ll Never Forget This Journey Through Bolton

20 June 2025

One Day, One Purpose: Why I’ll Never Forget This Journey Through Bolton

Boss Your Future: Sparking Hope and Building Futures at Asda Farnworth

18 June 2025

Boss Your Future: Sparking Hope and Building Futures at Asda Farnworth

From Punishment to Progress: Rethinking Crime Through Opportunity

17 June 2025

From Punishment to Progress: Rethinking Crime Through Opportunity

They’re Not Just Numbers: Why We Must Rethink How We Support Young People with SEN

17 June 2025

They’re Not Just Numbers: Why We Must Rethink How We Support Young People with SEN

From Disengaged to Determined: A Mum’s View on How Belief Transformed Her Son’s Future

16 June 2025

From Disengaged to Determined: A Mum’s View on How Belief Transformed Her Son’s Future

A Lovely Ethos, An Outstanding Service: Why Businesses Like Ascenti Are Backing Second Chances

16 June 2025

A Lovely Ethos, An Outstanding Service: Why Businesses Like Ascenti Are Backing Second Chances

From Abuse to Ambition: Shell’s Story of Overcoming Self-Doubt | Genuine Futures Boss Your Future

16 June 2025

From Abuse to Ambition: Shell’s Story of Overcoming Self-Doubt | Genuine Futures Boss Your Future

For generations, young people have been told: study hard, stay out of trouble, get your qualifications — and the opportunities will follow.

9 June 2025

No Way Out: Why Young People Are Struggling

London, 9 June 2025 – Vulnerable families and young people across England are set to benefit from an unprecedented £440 million funding boost, thanks to the UK’s first-ever Dormant Assets Scheme Strategy.

9 June 2025

Forgotten Assets to Help Families and Young People Thrive

Hope Funded: Genuine Futures Wins National Lottery Backing to Empower Youth

3 June 2025

Hope Funded: Genuine Futures Wins National Lottery Backing to Empower Youth

At the heart of this blog — and at the heart of our mission — is a very real, very urgent appeal.

29 May 2025

A Personal Appeal to Mayor Andy Burnham: Let’s Turn One Vehicle Into a Future

Child poverty remains one of the UK’s greatest and most urgent social challenges. Despite living in one of the wealthiest nations in the world, millions of children in Britain are being denied the most basic necessities of life.

28 May 2025

Ending Child Poverty: Why the UK Needs Radical Action and Social Outcomes Partnerships Now

As youth unemployment and college dropouts rise, Genuine Futures is helping young people like Jason rediscover confidence, build skills, and believe in a brighter future.

27 May 2025

One in Eight Left Behind: How Jason Found Hope and Purpose Through Boss Your Future

Rewriting Futures: Empowering Bolton’s Youth to Rise Above the System

27 May 2025

Rewriting Futures: Empowering Bolton’s Youth to Rise Above the System

From the Classroom to the Community: How Young Entrepreneurs Are Shining Through Enterprise

21 May 2025

From the Classroom to the Community: How Young Entrepreneurs Are Shining Through Enterprise

We recently had the pleasure of meeting Jacs and his support worker, Helen, at the exciting pre-launch event of We Shine Any Car — the new social enterprise born from the Genuine Futures Taste of Enterprise program at Aurora Woodlands School in Darwen. What an inspiring day it was!

16 May 2025

Empowering the Next Generation: The Pre-Launch of We Shine Any Car at Aurora Woodlands School

At Genuine Futures, we believe that preparing young people for their futures is about more than just qualifications and technical skills.

16 May 2025

Bossing Your Future: How Alice Built Confidence Through Connection

In a bright corner of the Aurora Woodlands School, you’ll find something stirring beyond the usual hum of school life.

12 May 2025

Catching Up with Evan and Michael: Shining Bright with “We Shine Any Car”

Darwen, Lancashire — A new partnership between Genuine Futures and Aurora Woodlands School is helping young people unlock their potential through a hands-on entrepreneurship program designed to build confidence, spark ambition, and prepare students for life beyond school.

12 May 2025

Genuine Futures and Aurora Woodlands School Join Forces to Empower Young Entrepreneurs in Darwen

Clean Cars, Brighter Futures: Supporting Youth Through Social Enterprise

8 May 2025

Clean Cars, Brighter Futures: Supporting Youth Through Social Enterprise

From No Qualifications to Business Owner: Bradley’s Journey and the Power of Genuine Futures

6 May 2025

From No Qualifications to Business Owner: Bradley’s Journey and the Power of Genuine Futures

Young People Empowered for Success

28 April 2025

Young People Empowered for Success

Dan's Remarkable Achievement

23 April 2025

Dan’s Remarkable Achievement

Homeschooling on the Rise due Classroom Behavioral Problems

22 April 2025

Homeschooling on the Rise due Classroom Behavioral Problems

Genuine Futures Boss Your Future Programme: Alice's Experience

16 April 2025

Genuine Futures Boss Your Future Programme: Alice’s Experience

Are Pupil Referral Units Breeding Grounds for Gangs?

16 April 2025

Are Pupil Referral Units Breeding Grounds for Gangs?

How the Genuine Futures Boss Your Future Programme is Helping Jaxon

16 April 2025

How the Genuine Futures Boss Your Future Programme is Helping Jaxon

Rising Costs of Imprisonment: A Call for Change

15 April 2025

Rising Costs of Imprisonment: A Call for Change

Genuine Futures: Empowering Cayden's Journey

15 April 2025

Genuine Futures: Empowering Cayden’s Journey

Can you help Leon start his own gardening business?

15 April 2025

Can you help Leon start his own gardening business?

How the Genuine Futures Boss Your Future Programme is Empowering Individuals Like Jason

15 April 2025

How the Genuine Futures Boss Your Future Programme is Empowering Individuals Like Jason

Thank You, Lidl: A Heartfelt Appreciation

15 April 2025

Thank You, Lidl: A Heartfelt Appreciation

Shine Bright at the Genuine Futures Pop Up Car Cleaning Event!

14 April 2025

Shine Bright at the Genuine Futures Pop Up Car Cleaning Event!

Meet Declan: A Shining Star on the Genuine Futures Programme 🌟

14 April 2025

Meet Declan: A Shining Star on the Genuine Futures Programme 🌟

Genuine Futures Grateful for Support from Secure Entrance System

9 April 2025

Genuine Futures Grateful for Support from Secure Entrance System

Young People with SEND: Breaking the Chains of a Broken System

8 April 2025

Young People with SEND: Breaking the Chains of a Broken System

Feeling Grateful 🙏✨

7 April 2025

Feeling Grateful 🙏✨

Declan's Journey: A Mother's Reflection.

7 April 2025

Declan’s Journey: A Mother’s Reflection.

🌟 Inspiring Young Minds at Aurora Woodlands School 🌟

7 April 2025

🌟 Inspiring Young Minds at Aurora Woodlands School 🌟

Genuine Futures' Boss Your Future Programme

7 April 2025

Genuine Futures’ Boss Your Future Programme

Fueling Up the Energy! 🚀

2 April 2025

Fueling Up the Energy! 🚀

Salford, watch out! A new star might just be rising. 🌟

1 April 2025

Salford, watch out! A new star might just be rising. 🌟

🌱 Meet Salford’s Young Entrepreneur: Leon Ralph! 🌟

31 March 2025

🌱 Meet Salford’s Young Entrepreneur: Leon Ralph! 🌟

From Terraces to Triumph: A Lifelong Manchester United Fan's Call for Support from the Class of '92

31 March 2025

From Terraces to Triumph: A Lifelong Manchester United Fan’s Call for Support from the Class of ’92

Bridging the Gap: We Must Work Together to Empower Vulnerable Young People

24 March 2025

Bridging the Gap: We Must Work Together to Empower Vulnerable Young People

Reflecting on the Journey: A Day at the Poverty Truth Commission in Salford

24 March 2025

Reflecting on the Journey: A Day at the Poverty Truth Commission in Salford

Empowering the Future: Believe in Your Potential

24 March 2025

Empowering the Future: Believe in Your Potential

Challenges Facing Young People in Bolton

18 March 2025

Challenges Facing Young People in Bolton

Renowned Chef Jamie Oliver Calls for More Support for Dyslexic Children

18 March 2025

Renowned Chef Jamie Oliver Calls for More Support for Dyslexic Children

Empowering Young People in Action: Genuine Futures Meet & Motivate Event

12 March 2025

Empowering Young People in Action: Genuine Futures Meet & Motivate Event

Ignite Your Future: A Recap of Our Genuine Futures Meet & Motivate Session

12 March 2025

Ignite Your Future: A Recap of Our Genuine Futures Meet & Motivate Session

Empowering Bolton's Youth: A Community Partnership

12 March 2025

Empowering Bolton’s Youth: A Community Partnership

Genuine Futures: Empowering Young People

5 March 2025

Genuine Futures: Empowering Young People

Genuine Futures Secures Funding for

19 February 2025

Genuine Futures Secures Funding for “Unlocking Your Potential” Program from Salford City Council’s Employment Hub

Injustice That Needs to Change

18 February 2025

Injustice That Needs to Change

Business Owners tell us why it’s important to support young people

13 February 2025

Business Owners tell us why it’s important to support young people

Genuine Futures CIC is committed to unlocking the potential of individuals and communities within Salford. We believe in creating opportunities for young talents to thrive in their desired fields.

13 February 2025

Meet Mason: A Dedicated Construction Enthusiast

Children Trapped in Care for the Rest of Their Lives

11 February 2025

Children Trapped in Care for the Rest of Their Lives

Empowering Futures with Secure Entrance Systems

6 February 2025

Empowering Futures with Secure Entrance Systems

How Genuine Futures Is Driving Change Through Charity Car Washes

5 February 2025

How Genuine Futures Is Driving Change Through Charity Car Washes

Empowering Salford's Youth: Genuine Futures in Action

5 February 2025

Empowering Salford’s Youth: Genuine Futures in Action

What’s the Life Expectancy of a Young Person Who Is NEET?

30 January 2025

What’s the Life Expectancy of a Young Person Who Is NEET?

Alfie's Remarkable Journey: Turning Adversity into Hope

28 January 2025

Alfie’s Remarkable Journey: Turning Adversity into Hope

Youngsters Not in Work or Education Rise to 870,000: A Call to Action

28 January 2025

Youngsters Not in Work or Education Rise to 870,000: A Call to Action

The Rising Tide of School Exclusions and NEET Youth: A Societal Challenge

22 January 2025

The Rising Tide of School Exclusions and NEET Youth: A Societal Challenge

Overcoming Youth Challenges in Bolton: Genuine Futures Insights and Solutions

16 January 2025

Overcoming Youth Challenges in Bolton: Genuine Futures Insights and Solutions

Celebrating Two Years of Empowering Youth and Transforming Lives

11 January 2025

Celebrating Two Years of Empowering Youth and Transforming Lives

Genuine Futures CIC Launches Innovative Fleet Cleaning Service to Transform Youth Employment

7 January 2025

Genuine Futures CIC Launches Innovative Fleet Cleaning Service to Transform Youth Employment

Genuine Futures: A Year of Growth and Empowerment in 2024

6 January 2025

Genuine Futures: A Year of Growth and Empowerment in 2024

The destiny of excluded teenagers in the UK is a life of crime.

23 December 2024

The destiny of excluded teenagers in the UK is a life of crime.

How negative labels can affect children and young people for life.

20 December 2024

How negative labels can affect children and young people for life.

Alfie’s Story: Children uprooted and torn from homes and communities sent hundreds of miles away from home.

20 December 2024

Alfie’s Story: Children uprooted and torn from homes and communities sent hundreds of miles away from home.

Bolton's Got Talent: Paving the Way for Young People

17 December 2024

Bolton’s Got Talent: Paving the Way for Young People

Royal Mail worker supports Genuine Futures

17 December 2024

Royal Mail worker supports Genuine Futures

Lancaster University: Inspiring Change with Meet & Motivate

17 December 2024

Lancaster University: Inspiring Change with Meet & Motivate

Targeting, negative labelling and stigma: challenging the criminalisation of children and young people in care.

10 December 2024

Targeting, negative labelling and stigma: challenging the criminalisation of children and young people in care.

BIG POP UP CHARITY CAR WASH 🧽🚗

3 December 2024

BIG POP UP CHARITY CAR WASH 🧽🚗

Genuine Futures In The Press - Bolton News

29 November 2024

Genuine Futures In The Press – Bolton News

Greater Manchester Social Enterprise Summit 2024.

22 November 2024

Greater Manchester Social Enterprise Summit 2024.

How putting negative labels round the necks of children and young people can affect them for life.

22 November 2024

How putting negative labels round the necks of children and young people can affect them for life.

Bridging The Employment Skills Gap To Opportunity For Young People Across Salford

18 November 2024

Bridging The Employment Skills Gap To Opportunity For Young People Across Salford

FORGOTTEN GENERATION

18 November 2024

FORGOTTEN GENERATION

Can you help Moustapha?

13 November 2024

Can you help Moustapha?

New National Youth Strategy to break down barriers to opportunity for young people

13 November 2024

New National Youth Strategy to break down barriers to opportunity for young people

Sponsorship Donations Needed

13 November 2024

Sponsorship Donations Needed

Causes of crime that young people get involved with

31 October 2024

Causes of crime that young people get involved with

From care to where? Care leavers, homelessness and then prison.

25 October 2024

From care to where? Care leavers, homelessness and then prison.

Schools Early intervention & Crime Prevention Initiative Launched in Bolton.

22 October 2024

Schools Early intervention & Crime Prevention Initiative Launched in Bolton.

Storing up real problems for the future

15 October 2024

Storing up real problems for the future

A Night of Inspiration: Festival of Hope 2024

15 October 2024

A Night of Inspiration: Festival of Hope 2024

Empowering Youth for a Brighter Future

14 October 2024

Empowering Youth for a Brighter Future

We were thrilled to be invited as guests to celebrate Recycle-IT's 3-year anniversary—a truly remarkable event filled with inspiration, connection, and a powerful sense of purpose.

11 October 2024

Celebrating Recycle-IT’s Three-Year Anniversary: A Heart-warming Milestone

A Journey from Crime to Community Support.

27 September 2024

A Journey from Crime to Community Support.

Left Behind: Nearly a Million 'Hidden' Young People Struggling Without State Support to Survive and Thrive

27 September 2024

Left Behind: Nearly a Million ‘Hidden’ Young People Struggling Without State Support to Survive and Thrive

Bolton Wanderers In the Community - Inspiring Speakers Meet & Motivate Session

12 September 2024

Bolton Wanderers In the Community – Inspiring Speakers Meet & Motivate Session

Inspiring Young People Of Manchester

22 August 2024

Inspiring Young People Of Manchester

Yvette Cooper announces young futures programme to prevent crime among young people.

22 August 2024

Yvette Cooper announces young futures programme to prevent crime among young people.

Poverty in Bolton and across the UK is getting worse.

16 August 2024

Poverty in Bolton and across the UK is getting worse.

Hitting the streets of Salford.

16 August 2024

Hitting the streets of Salford.

The Voiceless Podcast Episode Three; Fighting for the youth of Bolton 'Unlocking Potential'

24 July 2024

The Voiceless Podcast Episode Three; Fighting for the youth of Bolton ‘Unlocking Potential’

For young people, getting a job is often a major priority when they leave school or college, but for many their ambition remains out of reach as employers remain reluctant to give them a chance.

23 July 2024

Work Experience Programmes Are Driving Positive Change.

Thrilled to announce our Impact and Evaluation report for 2023 - Spring 2024

10 July 2024

Thrilled to announce our Impact and Evaluation report for 2023 – Spring 2024

The Voiceless Podcast Episode Two: We Are Failing Children In Care

4 July 2024

The Voiceless Podcast Episode Two: We Are Failing Children In Care

Societies most vulnerable Young People Hung out to Dry

26 June 2024

Societies most vulnerable Young People Hung out to Dry

Voice For The Voiceless Podcast Episode One: Kids Are Bored And Have Nothing To Do

17 June 2024

Voice For The Voiceless Podcast Episode One: Kids Are Bored And Have Nothing To Do

Young people commit crimes because they have nothing to do

17 June 2024

Young people commit crimes because they have nothing to do

County Lines: Nicole tells her story of being groomed into a drug-running gang aged 11.

23 May 2024

County Lines: Nicole tells her story of being groomed into a drug-running gang aged 11.

Young People Caught Up in a Cycle of Drugs and Crime

23 May 2024

Young People Caught Up in a Cycle of Drugs and Crime

Preston Businesses Rally Behind Genuine Futures

10 May 2024

Preston Businesses Rally Behind Genuine Futures

IN LOVING MEMORY OF JAIMY HAMM

7 May 2024

IN LOVING MEMORY OF JAIMY HAMM

Do the youth of today lack a work ethic?

7 May 2024

Do the youth of today lack a work ethic?

Pass the Parcel: Children passed around the care system

24 April 2024

Pass the Parcel: Children passed around the care system

Making Waves In The Community: Genuine Futures receives overwhelming support from the business community.

3 April 2024

Making Waves In The Community: Genuine Futures receives overwhelming support from the business community.

Teaching young people the importance of customer service.

2 April 2024

Teaching young people the importance of customer service.

Genuine Futures Mobile Valeting School - Launching Spring & Summer 2024

2 April 2024

Genuine Futures Mobile Valeting School – Launching Spring & Summer 2024

Genuine Futures Mobile Valeting School

2 April 2024

Genuine Futures Mobile Valeting School

What Our Customers Say: Frida Hussain from Spray Away Events

12 March 2024

What Our Customers Say: Frida Hussain from Spray Away Events

Local Manchester Business BeechCrown 2k Group Pledge Donation.

12 March 2024

Local Manchester Business BeechCrown 2k Group Pledge Donation.

Genuine Futures CIC Joins Bolton Together, Empowering People and Communities for Positive Change

23 February 2024

Genuine Futures CIC Joins Bolton Together, Empowering People and Communities for Positive Change

Changing Lives and Creating Impact through Collaboration.

19 February 2024

Changing Lives and Creating Impact through Collaboration.

Spray-It, a locally based spray paint company Changes peoples lives

2 February 2024

Spray-It, a locally based spray paint company Changes peoples lives

Message to the Police

31 January 2024

Message to the Police

Supporting underrepresented young people from across Bolton and beyond

23 January 2024

Supporting underrepresented young people from across Bolton and beyond

The UK's Ultimate Wellbeing Experience Event

22 January 2024

The UK’s Ultimate Wellbeing Experience Event

Why entrepreneurship is important for school children to learn in 2024.

2 January 2024

Why entrepreneurship is important for school children to learn in 2024.

Starting the Year on high! Pop-up Car Wash Service in Manchester

2 January 2024

Starting the Year on high! Pop-up Car Wash Service in Manchester

NEW FOR 2024! - HANDCRAFTED PIZZA TRAINING EVENTS

19 December 2023

NEW FOR 2024! – HANDCRAFTED PIZZA TRAINING EVENTS

Social Enterprise Announces Ambassador Programme for People in Prison

12 December 2023

Social Enterprise Announces Ambassador Programme for People in Prison

Disable the Label: From Hopelessness to Transforming Lives.

7 December 2023

Disable the Label: From Hopelessness to Transforming Lives.

The top 10 challenges facing young people today

29 November 2023

The top 10 challenges facing young people today

Forgotten white working-class children let down by decades of neglect

23 November 2023

Forgotten white working-class children let down by decades of neglect

Genuine Futures: A Testimonial of Community Commitment and Impact

6 November 2023

Genuine Futures: A Testimonial of Community Commitment and Impact

Now, more than ever young people feel voiceless.

6 November 2023

Now, more than ever young people feel voiceless.

Five ways we can all work to empower young people and each other.

6 November 2023

Five ways we can all work to empower young people and each other.

From Challenge to Change: A Tale of Entrepreneurial Triumph and Community Impact

3 November 2023

From Challenge to Change: A Tale of Entrepreneurial Triumph and Community Impact

Stephen Howard Completes His First Chester Marathon to Support Genuine Future’s Community Project’s

25 October 2023

Stephen Howard Completes His First Chester Marathon to Support Genuine Future’s Community Project’s

Recent Survey from the Children's Commission: Young Children Groomed Into Gangs for a life of crime, and it is hidden in plain sight.

19 October 2023

Hidden in Plain Sight: Young Children Groomed Into Gangs for a life of crime

Sam Smith returns to his home town Bolton to speak to young people

26 September 2023

Sam Smith returns to his home town Bolton to speak to young people

Genuine Futures CiC Celebrates a Landmark Achievement with

21 August 2023

Genuine Futures CiC Celebrates a Landmark Achievement with “Unlock Your Potential” Programme!

The Forgotten Youth: Addressing the Challenges Faced by Children in the Care System

21 August 2023

The Forgotten Youth: Addressing the Challenges Faced by Children in the Care System

Shaping Bolton's Brighter Tomorrow: How Local Businesses Can Support Genuine Futures and the Unlock Your Potential Program

18 April 2023

Shaping Bolton’s Brighter Tomorrow: How Local Businesses Can Support Genuine Futures and the Unlock Your Potential Program

The true long-term impact of high levels of youth unemployment.

10 October 2022

The true long-term impact of high levels of youth unemployment.

Delivery partner focus: The Anderton Centre

10 October 2022

Delivery partner focus: The Anderton Centre