Hope, Skills, and Opportunity: Boss Your Future Bolton Delivers Real Change
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Transforming Futures in Bolton
At the halfway point, the Boss Your Future Bolton programme, delivered by Genuine Futures CIC in partnership with Entrepreneurs Unlocked, Recycle IT, and The Scrappers, is already making a measurable impact. Funded through the Bolton Fund (a Bolton Council initiative managed by Bolton CVS), this programme is designed to support young people aged 15–24 (and up to 25 with SEND) who are not in education, employment, or training (NEET). By combining enterprise, employability, and real-world opportunities, Boss Your Future is helping young people in Bolton find hope, purpose, and practical pathways into brighter futures.
Key Achievements So Far
- 40 young people engaged, 10 recruited into the full programme
- 100% of participants were NEET at entry
- 60% care-experienced or justice-involved
- 2 young people progressed into full-time college
- 2 new business start-ups – Bloomies Bakes launched by our cheesecake entrepreneur, and our in-house artist who has already started receiving orders. Both are now developing their business plans at the Young Futures Hub, where they continue to be supported beyond the programme. Thanks to our open-door policy, they can access mentoring, workspace, and guidance whenever they need it.
- Pre-launch of our youth-led enterprise, We Shine Any Car, offering car care and valeting services with an open-door policy every Monday and Thursday
- Generous donation of computers by Recycle IT – enabling digital learning in the new Digi Den
- Young people represented Genuine Futures at MP Kirith Entwistle’s Careers Fair in Bolton, speaking directly to peers – a huge confidence boost
Beyond the Classroom: Real-World Experiences
Our programme goes far beyond workshops. We’ve taken young people into the community, giving them confidence and real-life experiences through activities such as:
Pop-up car wash events in Bolton and Oldham
Go Ape outdoor adventure
Go-karting & crazy golf team building
Pop-up pie shops with HM Pasties Foundation
Fitness and nutrition sessions at Elite Community Hub
Each activity is designed to build teamwork, resilience, and transferable life skills — showing young people that learning can happen anywhere.
The Voices That Matter
We measure success by what our young people say:
“This gave me a reason to get up and connect again. Now I’m helping others find their voice too.”
“I’ve had so much motivation from speaking to people. A lot more opportunities have come to light – it wouldn’t have happened if I wasn’t here.”
“It’s been great – I sold a lot of my cheesecakes. I’ve loved it.”
“I think it went really well. We had a lot of cars coming in today and they’re all clean now.”
Partner Voices
Collaboration is at the heart of Boss Your Future Bolton. Here’s what our partners had to say:
Sam Smith, Co-Director, Genuine Futures CIC
“For me, this is personal — to be back in Bolton delivering hope and opportunity on the very streets I grew up on. Boss Your Future is about showing young people that no matter their background, they can build a future they are proud of.”
Mike Alleyne, Co-Director, Genuine Futures CIC
“This programme proves what can happen when you combine enterprise, mentoring, and real-world opportunities. We’re seeing young people grow in confidence every week, and that’s just the start.”
David Morgan, Founder, Entrepreneurs Unlocked
“As a delivery partner, I’ve seen first-hand the power of this programme. This is enterprise with purpose. Genuine Futures has created a platform where young people don’t just learn skills — they learn self-belief, and that will stay with them for life.”
John Hastings, Founder, Recycle IT
“Through our START programme and donation of IT equipment for the Digi Den, we’ve been able to give young people hands-on experience, responsibility, and digital skills. It’s about building futures worth fighting for.”
Terry Waller & Family, The Scrappers
“We’re proud to stand alongside Genuine Futures and Bolton’s young people. Providing space, resources, and opportunities at our site is about more than business — it’s about building a community where young people can shine.”
Why This Matters
The need in Bolton is urgent. With youth unemployment, rising NEET numbers, and gaps in SEND support, too many young people are at risk of being left behind. By offering alternative provision, enterprise opportunities, and mentoring, Boss Your Future Bolton is bridging the gap between young people and meaningful opportunities — reducing isolation, improving mental health, and building real futures.
Looking Ahead
This is only the midway point. Over the coming months, we will:
- Recruit 10 more young people into the programme
- Expand the work of We Shine Any Car with monthly community car wash events
- Continue delivering hands-on enterprise opportunities at the Young Futures Hub
- Strengthen partnerships across Bolton to ensure every young person has access to hope, skills, and opportunity
Are you a teacher, youth worker, or parent who knows a young person aged 15–24 (or up to 25 with SEND) who could benefit?
Refer today: Boss Your Future Referral Form
Are you a local business that wants to get involved or support our work?
Contact us: www.genuinefutures.co.uk
Because in Bolton, when young people shine, the whole community shines.
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