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

Posted on: 16th June 2025 | 5 min

When Katie from Ascenti pulled up to have her car valeted, she expected a clean vehicle. What she didn’t expect was to leave with a renewed belief in young people, community potential, and the power of second chances.

Ascenti, a leading provider of physiotherapy and mental health support across the UK, isn’t new to backing initiatives that promote wellbeing. But when Katie discovered the ethos behind Genuine Futures, she knew she had come across something special. In her own words:
“I listened to your ethos and thought it was lovely. I really like the idea of helping people from different backgrounds, bringing them up and giving them that opportunity they deserve.”

Her words speak volumes about why Genuine Futures is more than just another youth programme. It’s a movement — one grounded in empathy, opportunity, and real-world action.

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What Is Genuine Futures?

Genuine Futures is a youth empowerment initiative designed to support 15 to 24-year-olds who are not in education, employment, or training (NEET). Many of these young people face barriers such as homelessness, poverty, trauma, or time spent in the care or criminal justice systems. The system often gives up on them. Genuine Futures does the opposite — it meets them where they are and walks alongside them toward something better.
Through community projects, mentoring, hands-on experience, and personal development sessions, the programme empowers young people to build confidence, gain life skills, and reimagine their futures. One key strand of this work is the Boss Your Future programme in Salford.

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Boss Your Future: Real Stories, Real Impact

The Boss Your Future programme focuses on giving young people practical tools to take charge of their own lives — not just by dreaming, but by doing. The results speak for themselves.

“I’ve never been asked what I want to do before. Here, people actually listen and help you get there.” – Jade, 17
Jade joined Boss Your Future unsure of herself and unsure of what came next. Like many others, she’d faced rejection and exclusion from traditional education. But within a few weeks, she had created a personal plan, participated in outdoor activities that helped her confidence grow, and even helped organise a community event.

“It’s the first time I’ve felt like I’m part of something positive. It’s more than just a course — it’s people believing in you.” – Marcus, 20
Marcus was referred to the programme after a period of unemployment and social isolation. With support from mentors, he’s now exploring pathways into youth work and gaining valuable experience by co-facilitating workshops for new participants.
“I used to think my past would always define me. Now I know it doesn’t have to.” – Leah, 18
Leah, who had previously spent time in care, has now completed her first professional certification through the programme and is actively volunteering in her community.

These aren’t just stories — they’re transformations. And behind each transformation is a support network powered by businesses, community leaders, and people who choose to believe in second chances.

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What Katie Saw: A Service That Speaks Volumes

Katie didn’t just appreciate the ethos of the programme — she was blown away by the service she received.
“Lovely, friendly, approachable, kind, easy-going… and the service was amazing. Just look at my car!”
This is key to the Genuine Futures approach: delivering real value. Whether it’s car valeting, digital skills, or event planning, every task is done with pride and professionalism. These aren’t charity handouts — they’re real contributions made by young people who are learning, earning, and growing.

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Why Businesses Should Get Involved

When we asked Katie why businesses should support Genuine Futures, her answer was simple and powerful:
“The question is – why not? It’s such a good cause. I’ve heard great stories of people getting that second chance.”
And she’s right. Here’s why more and more businesses are choosing to back initiatives like Boss Your Future:

1. Creating Real Social Value
Businesses that support youth empowerment programmes aren’t just donating — they’re investing in the future of their communities.

2. Building Stronger Communities
By offering placements, mentorship, or even just engaging with the services, businesses help reduce crime, unemployment, and social disconnection.

3. Improving Brand Reputation
Customers and clients are more loyal to businesses that align with meaningful causes. Supporting Genuine Futures shows that your company walks the talk when it comes to corporate responsibility.

4. Making a Direct Impact
This isn’t abstract charity — it’s direct action. The young people you support could be the ones cleaning your car, designing your flyer, or running your future business.

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Support That Makes a Difference

So what does support look like in practice?

• Using the Services: Book a car valet. Partner for tech recycling. Hire catering from one of our groups. Every pound spent goes back into supporting and training young people.
• Offering Opportunities: Whether it’s work placements, job shadowing, or coming in to speak to a group — your time and experience are powerful tools for change.
• Sponsorship and Collaboration: Help fund a programme, co-host a community event, or become a named supporter of Boss Your Future. We tailor partnerships that align with your goals and amplify your impact.

“People talk about giving back — this is how you actually do it.” – Tom, 22, now employed full-time after completing Boss Your Future
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Turning Belief into Action

Genuine Futures doesn’t just create pathways — it creates belief. And as Katie from Ascenti so beautifully put it, belief is the beginning of real change:
“Helping people from different backgrounds, bringing them up and giving them that opportunity they deserve — that’s what it’s all about.”
If you’re reading this and wondering how you or your business can be part of something meaningful — the answer is simple.
Get in touch: hello@genuinefutures.co.uk
Visit us: www.genuinefutures.co.uk
Support a young person. Back a second chance. Be part of a story worth telling.