Rewriting Futures: Empowering Bolton’s Youth to Rise Above the System
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At a recent community meeting in Bolton, police officers raised a grave concern — a rise in the number of young people carrying knives. Behind the headlines lies a deeper issue: trauma, poverty, and a growing number of young people who feel lost, unsupported, and left behind.
Many of those most vulnerable are children in care, care-leavers, and young people aged 15–24 who are unemployed and not in education or training (NEET). These are young people who’ve experienced some of the toughest starts in life — and who have often been failed by the very systems designed to protect them.
A Failing System, a Groundbreaking Solution
The UK’s children’s services are in crisis. From overworked social workers to underfunded aftercare provision, the system is struggling to cope — and it’s the young people who pay the price. Too many leave care without a stable home, access to work, or a trusted adult to guide them.
But one project is stepping up to offer something different.
Genuine Futures, in partnership with Entrepreneurs Unlocked and Recycle IT, is delivering a groundbreaking programme designed to empower vulnerable young people through entrepreneurship, mentoring, and real-world skills. With initial success already seen in Salford, the programme is now launching in Bolton, with a vision to expand across Greater Manchester.
Real Skills, Real Opportunities, Real Change
The Empowering Youth Into Entrepreneurship Programme targets 15–24-year-olds who are often forgotten by traditional support networks. Through:
- Entrepreneurial workshops
- Digital and creative skills development
- Mentoring and business engagement
- Thrilling outdoor activities
- Community involvement
- Support with confidence, wellbeing, and mindset
…young people gain the tools, belief, and support they need to break the cycle — and build a future on their own terms.
“Too many young people are being written off before they’ve had a chance to begin. This programme shows them what’s possible when someone believes in them,” says Sam Smith, Founder of Genuine Futures.
“The care system might stop at 18, but our support doesn’t,” adds Mike Alleyne, Director of Genuine Futures. “We’re filling the gap and giving them the skills to stand tall in a world that often overlooks them.”
The Numbers Tell a Story
According to the latest statistics, youth unemployment in the North West remains significantly above the national average — and care-experienced young people are twice as likely to be NEET by the age of 19. The need for early intervention, tailored support, and long-term opportunity has never been greater.
“This isn’t about a temporary fix — it’s about transformation,” says David Morgan, Director of Entrepreneurs Unlocked. “When we invest in young people’s futures, we invest in safer, stronger communities.”
At the heart of the programme is Recycle IT’s Digi Den, based in Bolton’s Market Place, where young people can gain hands-on digital and IT skills in a welcoming, creative environment.
“The Digi Den gives young people a space to learn, express, and connect. It’s a foundation they can build on,” says John Hastings, Director of Recycle IT.
Expanding Across Greater Manchester
With strong early impact in Salford and new energy building in Bolton, the ambition is bold but clear: to roll this programme out across Greater Manchester, reaching every corner where young people feel forgotten — and giving them the support they deserve to reclaim their futures.
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If you are a young person, parent, carer, or professional working with youth in Bolton…
Visit: www.genuinefutures.co.uk or email hello@genuinefutures.co.uk to find out more and register for one of our upcoming ‘Meet & Motivate’ events.