From Bolton to Wigan: Young People Helping to Build a Future Community Hub in Ashton-in-Makerfield
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Creating Real Opportunities for Young People in Wigan
At Genuine Futures, we believe young people don’t need more theory — they need real opportunities in real environments.
That belief is being brought to life in Ashton-in-Makerfield, Wigan, where young people are actively supporting the transformation of a building that will soon become a thriving community hub. Delivered in partnership with the Rebuild With Hope Foundation, this work reflects what is possible when organisations come together with a shared purpose.
“We’re in Wigan today — a different place to Bolton — but the opportunity is the same. You come down, you get involved, and you never know what’s going to happen.”
— Luis, Youth Voice Community Champion
From Rip-Out to Rebuild: Hands-On Skills That Matter
The young people have been fully immersed in the early stages of renovation, contributing directly to the development of the site.
This is not simulated learning. This is real work, with real responsibility.
So far, the group has:
- Dismantled a full kitchen
- Scraped back old plaster
- Removed bricks and cleared rubble
- Filled 15 rubble sacks through teamwork and effort
This kind of hands-on training for young people is critical in building practical skills, resilience, and a sense of ownership.
“It’s not just about cleaning or fixing things — it’s about learning how to work, how to turn up, and how to be part of something.”
— Aaron, Young Person
Building Confidence, Teamwork, and Work Readiness
The impact of the project goes far beyond the physical progress on site.
Feedback from every young person involved was overwhelmingly positive, with all describing the experience as both valuable and enjoyable. Throughout the day, there were clear improvements in confidence, teamwork, communication, and overall work ethic.
“I didn’t think I’d enjoy something like this, but once you get stuck in, it actually feels good. You feel like you’ve done something proper.”
— Jay, Young Person
This is what effective youth empowerment in the UK looks like — practical, engaging, and rooted in real-world experience.
The Power of Recognition: Small Moments, Lasting Impact
Alongside the hard work, the day also highlighted the importance of recognition and encouragement.
Thanks to Louise Atherton and the team at Rebuild With Hope Foundation, the young people were supported with lunch and rewards.
“The lads done well — they got stuck in, worked hard, and showed a great attitude throughout the day.”
— Louise Atherton, CEO, Rebuild With Hope Foundation
For Jay, receiving a bike was a standout moment — one that meant a great deal and will stay with him.
“That meant everything. It’s not something I expected — it just shows people are noticing what we’re doing.”
— Jay, Young Person
From Boss Your Future Bolton to Wigan: Expanding Opportunity
This project represents a significant step in expanding the Boss Your Future programme into Wigan.
Through this collaboration, Genuine Futures and Rebuild With Hope Foundation are exploring how to establish a base for delivery in the area, creating long-term opportunities for young people.
“From Bolton to Wigan, this is about building pathways — giving young people the chance to step into real environments, gain real skills, and see a future for themselves.”
— Sam Smith
The programme provides:
- Structured, hands-on learning
- Enterprise opportunities through We Shine Any Car
- Pathways into employment, education, and self-employment
Community Collaboration in Action
This partnership is about more than one project — it’s about building a connected, community-driven approach.
Plans being explored include:
- A joint pop-up car wash event
- A community retail pop-up, led by Genuine Futures
- Ongoing delivery across Bolton, Wigan, and surrounding communities
“This is what collaboration should look like — organisations coming together, not competing, to create real opportunities for young people.”
— Sam Smith
Building Momentum: What Comes Next
With strong feedback and visible progress, the focus now is on sustaining momentum and building a long-term presence in Wigan.
Next steps include:
- Progressing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU)
- Securing funding to support delivery
- Planning further events and community engagement
“We want to work with partners who believe in young people — because when you give them a chance, they show you exactly what they’re capable of.”
— Sam Smith
Why This Work Matters
Across the UK, many young people are still searching for opportunity, direction, and support.
This project highlights a simple but powerful truth:
When young people are given real responsibility, a supportive environment, and the opportunity to contribute — they rise to it.
“You never know who’s going to walk through the door — but when they do, you’ve got to be ready to give them that chance.”
— Luis, Youth Voice Community Champion
A Shared Vision for the Future
The collaboration between Genuine Futures and Rebuild With Hope Foundation is built on a shared vision:
Create opportunities. Build confidence. Change futures.
From Bolton to Wigan, that vision is becoming reality — through action, partnership, and belief in young people.
Get Involved
If you are a:
- School or education provider
- Youth organisation or referral partner
- Local business or employer
- Parent seeking support for a young person
We welcome the opportunity to connect.
Together, we can continue building pathways that lead to real outcomes and lasting change.