Sam Smith returns to his home town Bolton to speak to young people
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The employment landscape in Bolton is a challenging one. Many young individuals find themselves ensnared in a web of low-wage, low-skilled jobs, often bound by zero-hour contracts. These limited opportunities not only lead to economic inactivity but are also interlinked with mounting mental health issues. Such circumstances often push the youth towards crime, further hampering their prospects.
Our initiative, Genuine Futures, aims to address this. We aspire to elevate these young individuals, guiding them towards sustainable employment, be it through training, direct employment, or even aiding them in launching their businesses. By fostering local entrepreneurial spirits and collaborations, we hope to transform Bolton’s employment scenario.
Here’s a glimpse into the realities of Bolton’s youth:
- Keegan, 18: “…It’s hard… hard to get an interview… especially for people who haven’t been to school like me.”
- Jason: “You go to school, and then after, get involved with the wrong people…”
- Alan Crompton, 24: “There’s a lot of 0-hour contracts in Bolton… it doesn’t give young people that push to be something more…”
- Corbyn, 20: “…it’s just hard. I even got robbed the other day by someone I knew.”
From the perspective of care providers, the sentiment echoes. Katy Hopley remarks, “They don’t have aspirations because there are no boundaries for young people… We need to give them opportunities… it’s not sustainable.”
The message is clear: Bolton’s youth needs support, guidance, and opportunities now more than ever.