“I Felt Left Behind” to Live on Air: How Youth Voice Is Shaping the Future in Bolton
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From dropout to future broadcaster — and why youth-led action is changing lives in Bolton
For one young man in Bolton, sitting inside a live radio studio was more than a visit.
It was a moment that changed how he saw himself — and his future.
Last week, Luis, one of our Youth Voice Ambassadors, stepped inside the studios of Bolton FM for the very first time. Invited in by Tony, he sat surrounded by microphones, mixing desks and presenters broadcasting live to the community.
For Luis, this wasn’t just a tour.
It was a powerful turning point.
“We’ve been told how it all works… I’m a bit lost for words because I’ve never seen something like this before. I’ve always wanted to know what it’s like behind the scenes — and now, yeah, I do. It’s just incredible to see an actual studio like this.”
Those words carried weight — because not long ago, Luis felt left behind.
“I Felt Left Behind”: The Reality Too Many Young People Face
Before joining Boss Your Future, Luis had dropped out of college.
He spent 17 months applying for job after job, receiving no replies, no interviews, and no direction.
In his own words, he felt “left behind.”
Like thousands of young people across the UK, he was sat at home, watching time pass, confidence drain, and opportunities feel further out of reach with every unanswered application.
Eventually, Luis was referred to the Boss Your Future programme by his Jobcentre Work Coach — a referral that marked the beginning of real change.
Boss Your Future: Where Confidence Is Rebuilt
Through Boss Your Future Bolton, Luis didn’t just gain employability skills — he found his voice.
He grew in confidence.
He stepped into leadership.
He became a Youth Voice Ambassador, representing young people who so often feel unheard.
And then came Bolton FM.
Sitting in the Studio. Seeing What’s Possible.
As Luis sat inside the Bolton FM studio, taking in the atmosphere, professionalism and pace, something shifted.
Bolton is a town that has produced some of the UK’s best-known broadcasting talent —
Peter Kay, Vernon Kay, Sara Cox, Paddy McGuinness — all voices that started locally before reaching national audiences.
Sitting there, Luis felt that same spark of possibility.
When asked if he could ever imagine hosting his own show, his answer was immediate:
“Yeah, I definitely would.”
That moment matters.
Because youth voice isn’t about hypothetical futures — it’s about unlocking belief right now.
Youth-Led Social Action in Real Time
Luis left the studio buzzing with ideas for a youth-led radio feature or show — one that would showcase real stories from young people across Bolton, including:
- We Shine Any Car (youth-led enterprise)
- Boss Your Future Bolton & Salford
- Taste of Enterprise
- Youth Voice Ambassadors
- Youth-led community action across Bolton
This is what youth-led social action looks like in practice.
Young people co-creating ideas, shaping platforms, and leading conversations — not being spoken about, but being listened to.
At Genuine Futures, this is exactly what we stand for.
We’re Not Waiting for the Future — We’re Building It
At Genuine Futures, we believe young people are not a problem to be fixed — they are the solution.
We don’t design programmes for young people.
We build them with young people.
From youth-led enterprise to youth voice, from community engagement to real-world opportunities, we are leading the way in showing what happens when belief, lived experience and action align.
Bolton FM didn’t just open a studio door for Luis.
It reflected what’s possible when communities work together and trust young people with responsibility, platforms and purpose.
Watch Luis’s visit to Bolton FM here:
https://youtu.be/5kYEsvBYH3E
A Call to Action: We’re Recruiting Now
For Young People
If you’re aged 15–24, feeling stuck, unheard, or left behind — we’re here.
We are now recruiting for Boss Your Future Bolton.
This programme supports young people to:
- Build confidence
- Develop employability and enterprise skills
- Lead social action
- Find their voice
- Shape their future
For Parents
If you’re worried about your child’s future, confidence or direction — reach out. Early support changes lives.
For Organisations & Businesses
We’re actively inviting schools, employers, councils and businesses to get involved by:
- Supporting youth-led enterprise
- Signing up to our Youth Charter
- Partnering on social action projects
- Helping answer one key question:
“What Do You Hope For?”
Because real change happens when the whole community steps in.
Get Involved | Visit Us | Refer a Young Person
Genuine Futures Youth Enterprise Hub
Metro Business Park
228 Waterloo Street
Bolton
BL1 8HU
hello@genuinefutures.co.uk
01204 954200