Lost No More: How Genuine Futures Is Turning Struggle into Strength for SEND and Care-Experienced Young People
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From school exclusions to the school-to-prison pipeline, too many SEND and care-experienced young people are being abandoned by a system that should protect them. Genuine Futures is changing the narrative—offering safety, opportunity, and belonging when it matters most.
SEND, Care, and the Crisis of Belonging
Every year, thousands of young people leave school without a plan—and for those with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) or in care, that gap can become a life-defining chasm. School exclusions, gang exploitation, mental health struggles, and the looming threat of NEET (Not in Education, Employment or Training) status don’t just appear—they’re symptoms of deeper systemic neglect.
At Genuine Futures, we work with these young people before the labels define their future. We focus on those who are falling through the cracks:
- SEND learners who’ve been excluded or disengaged
- Young people in care and those leaving care
- Those being pulled into county lines, gangs, and criminal exploitation
- Those trapped in the school-to-prison pipeline long before their potential is ever seen
The School-to-Prison Pipeline: A Broken Track
Children in care are more likely to be excluded from school and far more likely to end up in custody. SEND students face the same pattern—routinely pushed out of mainstream education due to unmet needs, only to become targets for grooming, drugs, gangs, or criminalisation.
1 in 4 young people in the youth justice system has been in care.
More than half of those in custody have SEND.
This isn’t a coincidence. It’s a pipeline—created by systemic gaps, not personal choices.
Belonging Changes Everything
At Genuine Futures, we believe belonging is the antidote to exclusion. When young people feel heard, seen, and safe, they don’t just survive—they build futures.
As our founder Sam Smith says:
“These young people aren’t the problem—they’re the product of systems that weren’t built for them. We offer what many of them have never had: belief, structure, and consistent support. That’s where the change begins.”
Real Lives. Real Change.
Alex – “You Can Start a Business From Nothing”
Alex was on the brink. Struggling in school, and was at risk of not sitting his exams, and with professionals from children’s services worried about his future. That’s when a Child Protection Coordinator referred him to Genuine Futures.
Through workshops, mentoring, and hands-on learning, Alex found confidence—and community. A pop-up car cleaning business launched from the boot of a car helped him realise his potential:
“Wow—all that’s come from the boot of that car? It’s true—you can start a business from nothing.”
Within weeks, Alex had:
- Built strong friendships
- Attended an outdoor expedition with Adventure One
- Registered for two local colleges
“He feels part of something positive and welcome… Your service has given Alex memories and momentum.”
—Colin Cooper, Child Protection Coordinator
Declan – From NEET to CEO
Once disengaged and unemployed, Declan, 18, transformed his life through Genuine Futures. With mentoring and enterprise coaching, he launched Mottershead’s Metals & Movers, now a growing clearance business in Salford and Bolton.
Maria – Unlocking Confidence
Maria, a care-experienced young woman, struggled with early starts and confidence. Through Unlock Your Potential, she discovered a safe, consistent environment—and found her voice and drive.
Laura – Finding Her Place
Laura joined a Meet & Motivate event quietly, not expecting much. But hearing stories from peers and mentors sparked something in her:
“I’ve really enjoyed sitting and listening to other people’s experiences… I feel now comfortable here.”
That comfort became a catalyst for change.
What Makes Our Approach Different
Hands-On Enterprise – We teach young people how to turn ideas into action, and nothing into something.
Wraparound Support – From emotional well-being to housing referrals, we walk with young people as part of their team.
Outdoor Learning & Expeditions – Nature builds resilience, teamwork, and self-discovery.
Belonging Before Behaviour – Every behaviour tells a story. We listen before we judge.
Lived Experience Leadership – Our mentors have lived what these young people are living. We don’t preach—we relate.
Our Impact
80%+ progression rate into employment, education or self-employment
100% report improved confidence and feeling of being part of something
Multiple referrals from schools, PRUs, youth justice teams and children’s services
Young people returning to mentor others—turning recovery into leadership
A Call to Action: Help Us Break the Cycle
We cannot tackle this alone.
If you’re a:
- School, PRU, or SEND lead working with a struggling learner
- Social worker, youth offending officer or children’s home manager trying to prevent another young person from being criminalised
- Employer ready to offer real-world experience or apprenticeships
- Funder or commissioner looking to invest in proven, impactful interventions
Partner with us.
Together, we can build an alternative to the school-to-prison pipeline. A bridge to opportunity. A community where young people in care and SEND learners are no longer statistics—they’re stories of resilience and success.
Join our Meet & Motivate sessions – grassroots inspiration with practical outcomes
Scan the QR code to register or refer a young person
Learn more at: www.genuinefutures.org
Contact: hello@genuinefutures.
Let’s build a world where no young person is forgotten. Because when we change the system—we change lives.