Alternative Provision in Bolton: Why the Young Futures Hub Matters
Posted on:
A Lifeline for Bolton’s Young People
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.
That’s where the Young Futures Hub at The Scrappers comes in.
Run by Community Interest Company Genuine Futures CIC, the Hub is a safe, supportive space designed for young people who need a different route to thrive. Whether they’re aged 12 and at risk of exclusion, or 24 and struggling to find work, the Hub offers alternative provision, mentoring, and hands-on enterprise opportunities.
What Makes the Hub Different?
1. Youth-Led Enterprise
Our flagship project, We Shine Any Car, is more than just a community car wash. It’s a youth-led business where young people learn customer service, teamwork, and real-world business management.
2. Mentoring & Coaching
Through 1:1 mentoring and group workshops, young people develop confidence, resilience, and direction.
3. Alternative Education for 12–15s
The Restore Young Futures programme provides meaningful alternatives for pupils at risk of exclusion — giving them purpose through practical skills and enterprise.
4. Skills for the Future
Digital training, employability workshops, and enterprise development sessions prepare young people for long-term education, jobs, or even starting their own business.
Why Bolton Needs This
- In 2024, there were 10,900 permanent school exclusions in England, the highest in years.
- Around 13% of young people aged 16–24 are NEET (not in education, employment, or training).
- Pupils with SEND or from disadvantaged backgrounds are up to five times more likely to be excluded.
These challenges are real in Bolton too. Without intervention, young people risk being pushed further to the margins — but with the right support, they can build futures full of possibility.
Voices of Change
One of our young people put it best:
“This gave me a reason to get up and connect again. Now I’m helping others find their voice too.”
Stories like these show why the Young Futures Hub matters: it’s not just a building, it’s a blueprint for restoring hope, pride, and belonging.
Get Involved
The Hub is here for young people — but it’s powered by community. Here’s how you can help:
- Refer a young person aged 12–25
- Partner with us to deliver workshops, mentoring, or sponsorship
- Book a car wash or pay it forward to support our youth-led enterprise
👉 Support us here: We Shine Any Car Fundraising Campaign
📍 Genuine Futures Young People’s Hub, The Scrappers, Metro Business Park, 228 Waterloo St, Bolton BL1 8HU
💙 Because no young person in Bolton should be left behind.
#YoungFuturesHub #AlternativeProvision #WeShineAnyCar #YouthLedEnterprise #Bolton #SEND #NEETSupport #GenuineFutures