Bolton Faces Rising Ketamine Use as NEET Crisis Deepens
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Rising Concerns in Bolton & Greater Manchester
Bolton and Greater Manchester are facing a dual crisis: ketamine use among young people is increasing, while record numbers of young people are not in education, employment or training (NEET).
Recent figures show a sharp rise in young people entering treatment where ketamine is a problem substance. Nationally, almost one million young people aged 16–24 are NEET — the highest level in over a decade. Local boroughs, including Bolton, are recording above-average NEET rates, leaving too many young people disconnected from education, work and opportunity.
The combination of substance misuse and disengagement is fuelling a cycle of isolation, harm and hopelessness.
Experts warn that ketamine misuse is no longer confined to nightlife culture. Increasingly, school-aged young people are being exposed to serious risks to both mental and physical health.
At the same time, being NEET often leads to low confidence, lack of routine, and vulnerability to risky behaviours, including drug misuse. Together, these issues form a dangerous feedback loop that can trap young people for years.
Against this backdrop, Genuine Futures CIC, based in Bolton, is stepping in to break the cycle.
Led by Co-Directors Sam Smith and Mike Alleyne, Genuine Futures creates pathways from isolation to belonging, and from disengagement to employment. Through programmes such as Boss Your Future and the Youth Empowerment Programme, run in partnership with Entrepreneurs Unlocked, Recycle-IT and The Scrappers, the organisation is making a tangible difference.
These initiatives provide:
- 1:1 mentoring, life skills, enterprise and digital training
- Recognised qualifications such as Level 2 in Enterprise & Employability
- Hands-on work experience via social enterprises like We Shine Any Car
- A focus on belonging, resilience and identity
Sam Smith, Co-Director of Genuine Futures, said:
“When young people feel invisible, doors close, and too often they fall through the cracks into cycles of disadvantage, drugs, or the justice system. Genuine Futures exists to open those doors again – to create pathways into employment, training, and above all, belonging.”Co-Director Mike Alleyne added:
“We know the challenges are real. But so is the potential of our young people. With the right support, they can thrive – and together we can reduce the risks posed by rising drug misuse and youth disengagement.”
A Call to Action
Genuine Futures is calling on:
- Local businesses to partner in creating opportunities and social value
- Funders and community organisations to support programme delivery and scaling
- Young people in Bolton & Greater Manchester who are NEET or at risk, to join programmes that can transform their future
By bridging the gap between isolation and opportunity, Genuine Futures is proving that with the right support, young people can build brighter, healthier, and more hopeful lives.
About Genuine Futures
Genuine Futures CIC is a Bolton-based community interest company working to empower young people aged 15–24 who are not in education, employment or training. Through mentoring, enterprise and social impact projects, Genuine Futures creates opportunities for growth, work, and belonging.