From Bolton FM to the Heart of the Community: A Powerful Week for Bolton’s Young People
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This week has been a powerful reflection of what happens when young people, community partners, and lived-experience leadership come together with purpose.
At Genuine Futures, our work is rooted in relationships, trust, and belief. Over the past week, those values have been visible across Bolton—from media platforms to community spaces, from local decision-makers to young people stepping forward with confidence.
Giving Young People a Voice That Matters
A standout moment was our visit to Bolton FM, where our Youth Voice Ambassador, Luis, spoke with clarity, honesty, and confidence about what young people need and what is possible when they are genuinely supported.
Luis summed it up powerfully:
“For a long time, I felt left behind. Being given a voice like this shows young people that we do matter, and that our experiences count.”
Opportunities like Bolton FM are not just visits—they are moments of recognition. For many young people, being listened to is the first step toward believing in themselves again.
Community, Leadership, and Real Engagement
Back at the hub, we were proud to welcome Cllr Andrea Taylor-Burke, alongside Wendy from the Life Support Group and her son Jason, who is keen to take positive next steps. These conversations matter. Seeing the work in action builds understanding and strengthens collaboration.
We also welcomed Alex Warburton from Bolton at Home, who visited with Cameron, one of the young people we support. Cameron stayed with us for the rest of the day—getting involved, contributing, learning, and growing in confidence. He left not only with £10 for his time, but with something far more important: a sense of purpose and belonging.
Creating Spaces That Inspire Belief
Our environment plays a crucial role in this journey. Our in-house artist Paula continues to transform our space, creating a setting that feels welcoming, creative, and aspirational. When young people walk through the door, they immediately know this is a place where they are respected and valued.
Based at The Scrappers, our Genuine Futures Hub and MOT centre continue to develop, with new spaces opening and the headquarters becoming a true community anchor. This is more than a building—it is a place of opportunity, learning, and hope.
Youth Leadership in Action
Another powerful voice this week was Keir, who spoke eloquently about what it means to be trusted and supported through youth-led enterprise:
“When someone believes in you and gives you real responsibility, it changes how you see yourself. This isn’t just about work—it’s about confidence and having a future.”
Keir’s journey reflects what we see time and time again: when young people are trusted, they rise to the challenge.
Lived Experience Leadership
At the heart of Genuine Futures is a leadership team shaped by lived experience. Mike, our Director, captured the essence of our approach:
“We know what it feels like to be written off. That’s why we do things differently here. We don’t see problems—we see potential.”
This perspective shapes everything we do, from programme design to partnerships, ensuring our work remains grounded, authentic, and effective.
Bolton’s Legacy — and Its Future
Bolton was once the diamond centre of the North, built on innovation, industry, and skilled working people. That legacy still matters—but today, the greatest untapped resource is our young people.
With over 1,700 young people in Bolton currently NEET, the challenge is urgent. Behind every statistic is a young person with talent, ambition, and potential that risks being lost without the right support.
Our mission is clear: reach every corner, every street, and every young person who feels forgotten—and do it alongside partners who are ready to work collaboratively and differently.
Capturing the Movement
Throughout the week, we’ve been capturing these moments on video—not for promotion, but to show what’s possible when community comes first. The conversations, the energy, and the progress all tell the same story: change is happening in Bolton.
A Call to Action
For young people (15–24):
If you’re feeling stuck, unheard, or unsure about your next step—come and meet us. Whether you’re interested in enterprise, skills, confidence, or simply finding your place, we’re here.
For organisations, businesses, and partners:
If you want to create real social impact, support local young people, and be part of Bolton’s future, we want to work with you.
Bolton’s next chapter will be written by its young people.
Our role is to make sure they have the opportunity, support, and belief to lead it.
Visit the hub. Watch the video. Get involved.
Let’s build Bolton’s future—together.