Standing Together for Bolton’s Young People: Our Halfway Impact
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A Movement of Hope and Opportunity
At Genuine Futures, we believe that lasting change happens when communities stand together.
Through the Standing Together Partnership Fund a collaboration between Genuine Futures, Entrepreneurs Unlocked, and Recycle IT, supported by the Youth Diversion Partnership Grant Fund — we’re helping young people aged 15–24 across Bolton and neighbouring areas who are not in education, employment, or training (NEET).
This funding is provided by Bolton Council and administered by Bolton CVS on the Council’s behalf.
We’re now at the halfway point of the project, and the impact is clear young people are gaining confidence, direction, and employability through hands-on experience, entrepreneurship, and community action.
Read more about our impact so far: https://bossyourfuture.net/bol
Halfway There Real Impact, Real Change
Since launching, the Standing Together Partnership Fund has supported of young people to discover new purpose and build positive futures.
Our work under the Youth Diversion Partnership Grant Fund aims to divert children and young people away from formal criminal-justice outcomes, reducing youth violence and antisocial behaviour through opportunity, education, and enterprise.
Participants are:
- Gaining hands-on work experience through our youth-led enterprise We Shine Any Car in Bolton.
- Taking part in entrepreneurship education, exploring how to start and run small businesses.
- Learning through outdoor activities that build teamwork, wellbeing, and confidence.
- Building professional CVs and taking part in business engagement sessions with local employers.
- Accessing group and one-to-one mentoring that supports personal development and goal setting.
- Exploring career and education pathways — with success stories like Jaxon, now in full-time college studying Vehicle Maintenance.
“This programme helps you see what you’re capable of,” said one participant. “It’s not just about work it’s about finding direction.”
Taking Enterprise on the Road — Oldham Pop-Up Car Wash Event
One highlight of the past few months was our Pop-Up Car Wash Event in Oldham, where our young people took We Shine Any Car on tour. The event showcased youth-led enterprise in action, giving participants the chance to meet local residents, manage customers, and work as a professional team.
The Oldham day was more than just car washing — it was entrepreneurship education in practice, helping participants apply skills such as teamwork, communication, money handling, and customer service in a live setting.
“We learned how to run a business for a day and it felt amazing to see people support us,” said one young person.
Standing Together: Collaboration in Action
The project’s success reflects the strength of partnership between:
- Genuine Futures CIC – empowering young people through enterprise, mentoring, and lived-experience leadership.
- Entrepreneurs Unlocked – David Morgan providing entrepreneurship and enterprise education for those with barriers to employment or justice involvement.
- Recycle IT & The Digi Den – John Hastings offering digital repair, recycling, and IT training that turns waste into opportunity.
Together, and with the support of Bolton Council and Bolton CVS, we’re proving that collaboration and early intervention can transform potential into purpose.
Stories That Inspire
Each young person’s journey tells a powerful story of what can happen when a community stands together.
From those gaining qualifications in college, to others building mini-enterprises, or discovering leadership through mentoring and outdoor teamwork, every success shows the value of positive opportunity over punishment.
“When we stand together, we don’t just help young people find opportunities — we help them find themselves.”
Powered by Community
Beyond our core partners, a wider network helps make this work possible:
- The Scrappers – Terry and Lindsey Walker, providing the home for We Shine Any Car and the Young Futures Hub.
- Craftprint – Andrew and Martin Tait, producing high-quality materials that bring our campaigns to life.
- Secure Entrance Systems – ensuring safe, inclusive training spaces for all.
- HM Pasties, Elite Community Hub, and B-Nice Charity – supporting second chances, sport, and community wellbeing.
Together, this Standing Together Partnership proves that when enterprise, opportunity, and compassion align — young people thrive.
Looking Ahead
As we move into the second half of our project, we’ll continue to:
Prevent youth violence and antisocial behaviour through inclusive enterprise and mentoring.
Deliver even more entrepreneurship education, business engagement, and CV-building workshops.
Expand outdoor activities and wellbeing sessions to strengthen teamwork and resilience.
Grow community and business partnerships that open doors for Bolton and Oldham’s next generation.
With continued support from Bolton Council, Bolton CVS, and our valued partners, we’ll keep standing together to help young people shine — in business, in education, and in life.
Join the Movement
Are you a business, educator, or community leader who wants to make a difference?
Join our Standing Together Partnership and help us create more opportunities for young people in Bolton and Oldham.
Contact: hello@genuinefutures.co.uk
Visit: www.genuinefutures.co.uk
Find us: The Scrappers, Bolton
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