Building Partnerships That Create Real Change
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At Genuine Futures, we believe that lasting impact is built through strong partnerships, shared values, and a commitment to creating real opportunities for young people.
This week, we were proud to welcome Louise Atherton, CEO of Rebuild With Hope, and Josh Hill, Investor in People at Rebuild With Hope, to the Genuine Futures Hub based at The Scrappers.
Their visit marked another important milestone in a relationship that has been developing over time—over the past two years, this partnership has grown around a shared focus on youth employment, enterprise, and new retail pathways for young people facing barriers.
Showcasing Real Opportunities in Action
During the visit, Louise and Josh were given a full tour of The Scrappers—led by Luis, one of our Youth Voice Community Ambassadors.
Luis played a key role in bringing the environment to life—sharing his journey, experiences, and the opportunities available through Genuine Futures. His leadership and confidence demonstrated exactly what’s possible when young people are given the right support, trust, and platform to grow.
Luis, Youth Voice Community Ambassador, said:
“Before Genuine Futures, I didn’t really see a future for myself. I felt stuck. Now I’m standing here, showing people around, speaking up, and actually believing I can do something with my life. This isn’t just a programme—it’s given me a second chance.”
The tour showcased a real working environment where young people gain hands-on experience, develop practical skills, and build confidence through enterprise activity.
From our Boss Your Future programme to our youth-led social enterprise We Shine Any Car, the visit provided an opportunity to demonstrate how we are creating meaningful pathways into employment, enterprise, and long-term progression.
These aren’t classroom-based simulations—this is real work, real responsibility, and real outcomes.
Jay, programme participant, added:
“I’ve been in places before where people say they’ll help, but nothing really changes. This is different. Here, you’re trusted, you’re pushed in the right way, and you actually start to believe in yourself again. It’s the first time I’ve felt like I’m moving forward.”
Aaron, programme participant, said:
“I didn’t have direction before coming here. I was just going through the motions. Genuine Futures has given me structure, purpose, and people who actually care. Now I’m learning real skills and starting to think about a future I didn’t think was possible.”
Aligned Values, Shared Mission
A key theme throughout the visit was the strong alignment between both organisations.
Rebuild With Hope is about rebuilding hope for individuals facing multiple barriers into employment—supporting people to move forward with purpose and opportunity.
Genuine Futures shares that same commitment, working to restore young futures by providing young people with the tools, support, and belief they need to succeed.
Louise Atherton, CEO of Rebuild With Hope, said:
“What stands out about Genuine Futures is the authenticity of the approach. This is real, hands-on support that meets young people where they are and gives them a genuine chance to move forward.”
Josh Hill, Investor in People at Rebuild With Hope, added:
“You can see the impact straight away. The environment, the energy, and the opportunities being created here are exactly what’s needed to support young people into sustainable futures.”
Growing Pathways Into Retail
One of the key outcomes from the visit was a shared commitment to expand pathways into retail, with this partnership set to further enhance the opportunities available to young people.
This builds on the strength of the existing relationship and creates new routes into employment, enterprise, and long-term progression for those who need it most.
By combining enterprise, practical training, and industry pathways, this collaboration will continue to open doors for young people who are often overlooked.
A Partnership Built Over Time
This visit was not the start of the relationship—it was a continuation of nearly two years of collaboration, conversations, and shared learning.
Over that time, both organisations have worked closely to understand how best to support young people facing complex challenges, recognising that no single organisation can solve these issues alone.
Sam Smith, Co-Director of Genuine Futures, said:
“This partnership has grown organically over the past two years. It’s built on shared values, trust, and a real understanding of what young people need—not just programmes, but opportunities that genuinely change lives.”
Mike Alleyne, Co-Director of Genuine Futures, added:
“We’re not just talking about change—we’re creating it. Working with Rebuild With Hope allows us to expand what’s possible and give young people more routes into employment and enterprise.”
Looking Ahead
As the partnership continues to grow, both organisations are committed to building on this momentum—creating more opportunities, expanding pathways, and ensuring that young people are supported to achieve their full potential.
This is about more than programmes.
It’s about collaboration.
It’s about opportunity.
It’s about restoring futures and rebuilding hope.
Get Involved
If you are an employer, partner, or organisation looking to support young people into employment, enterprise, or training, we’d love to hear from you.
Together, we can create pathways that change lives.