BIG NEWS: Genuine Futures Selected as 1 of 8 Organisations Across the UK
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This is a defining moment for Genuine Futures.
We are incredibly proud to announce that we have been selected as 1 of only 8 organisations across the UK to receive funding from the Co-op Foundation.
Out of a highly competitive national process, involving organisations from across the country, Genuine Futures has been chosen to be part of this programme — a huge achievement and a powerful recognition of the work happening on the ground.
This isn’t just funding.
This is national recognition.
This is belief.
And this is the start of something bigger than we’ve ever done before.
A 5-Year Partnership That Changes Everything
This award marks the beginning of a 5-year partnership with the Co-op Foundation — giving us the opportunity to build, grow, and deepen our impact over the long term.
This isn’t short-term support.
This is sustained investment in young people.
In communities.
And in a model that is built on lived experience and real opportunity.
Sam Smith, Co-Director of Genuine Futures, said:
“To be selected as one of just eight organisations in the UK is something we’re incredibly proud of. This isn’t just recognition of what we’ve done — it’s belief in what’s possible.”
Over the next five years, this partnership will allow us to expand our reach, strengthen our programmes, and create more opportunities for young people who need it most.
Built on Lived Experience
Genuine Futures was never built in a boardroom.
It was built through lived experience.
Through understanding what it feels like to be written off.
To be overlooked.
To not see a clear path forward.
That’s why this moment matters so much.
Sam Smith added:
“Everything we do comes from real life. We know what these young people are facing because we’ve lived it. This funding allows us to turn that experience into real opportunities for others.”
We don’t just deliver programmes.
We build trust.
We create belonging.
And we help young people rebuild their confidence and their future.
Supporting Young People Leaving the Justice System
A key focus of this funding is supporting young people who have already had involvement with the justice system.
This is one of the most critical — and often overlooked — stages in a young person’s journey.
Too many leave the system without:
- Clear direction
- Strong support networks
- Access to real opportunities
At Genuine Futures, we are changing that.
We provide structured, hands-on pathways that help young people:
- Rebuild confidence
- Develop practical skills
- Gain real work experience
- Move towards employment or self-employment
Sam Smith said:
“Every young person deserves a second chance. This partnership allows us to stand alongside them at a time when it matters most — and help them build something better.”
Real Opportunities Through Enterprise
Our approach is simple: we create real opportunities, not just programmes.
Through initiatives such as:
- Boss Your Future – building confidence, teamwork, and employability
- We Shine Any Car – a youth-led valeting and cleaning enterprise
- We Scrap Anything – a recycling and environmental enterprise
Young people gain hands-on, real-world experience.
They learn by doing.
They earn.
They grow.
Mike Alleyne, Co-Director of Genuine Futures, said:
“This funding gives us the platform to go further and reach more young people. It’s about turning potential into progress — and creating pathways that genuinely lead somewhere.”
Mike Alleyne added:
“Mentoring is at the heart of what we do. It’s not just about skills — it’s about showing young people that someone believes in them, stands with them, and is committed to their journey long-term.”
Creativity and Digital Pathways
Alongside enterprise, we are continuing to expand opportunities through creativity and digital innovation.
Pop-Up Art and Craft Shop
Our pop-up art and craft shop gives young people the chance to design, create, and sell their own products.
It builds confidence.
Encourages creativity.
And introduces enterprise in an accessible way.
Digital Youth Enterprise Project
We are also developing a digital pathway focused on:
- Content creation
- Social media
- Digital marketing
- Online enterprise
These are the skills of the future — and we are ensuring young people are equipped to succeed in a changing world.
A Culture of Kindness, Belonging and Progression
At the heart of Genuine Futures is something simple, but powerful:
Belonging.
Many of the young people we work with have felt excluded, judged, or unsupported.
We are creating a different environment.
A space where:
- Kindness is the culture
- Everyone is valued
- Effort is recognised
- And progression is possible
Because when young people feel they belong — everything changes.
A Huge Achievement — Powered by Belief
Being selected as 1 of 8 organisations across the UK is not something we take lightly.
We know how many organisations applied.
We know how competitive the process was.
And we know what this opportunity represents.
We also want to recognise the people behind this moment.
A huge thank you to the Co-op Foundation for believing in us, backing our vision, and investing in the young people we support.
And importantly — thank you to the young people who were part of the process, including those who interviewed and engaged with us along the way.
This was more than an application.
It was a shared belief in what’s possible.
What Happens Next
This is just the beginning.
As we move through 2026 and beyond, we are focused on:
- Expanding our programmes
- Reaching more young people
- Creating stronger pathways into employment and enterprise
- Building long-term, sustainable impact
This partnership gives us the foundation to grow — but our mission remains the same.
To support young people.
To create opportunity.
And to change lives.
Final Word
This is big news for Genuine Futures.
But more importantly, it’s big news for the young people we serve.
Because behind this funding is something much bigger:
A second chance.
A fresh start.
And a future worth building.
And this is only the beginning.