Talent Is Everywhere. Opportunity Is Not. Changing Futures in Bolton
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Walk through any school corridor, youth centre, or community space in Bolton and you’ll see it — creativity, resilience, and ideas bubbling just beneath the surface.
Talent is everywhere. But opportunity? Too often, it isn’t.
For many young people — especially those who are NEET (not in education, employment, or training), have SEND, are in care, or at risk of exclusion — the gap between potential and opportunity is wider than ever. The system leaves them behind — not because they lack ability, but because they lack a fair chance.
Changing the Story in Bolton
At Genuine Futures CIC, we believe no young person should be written off. That’s why we created the Young Futures Hub at The Scrappers — a safe space built on trust, belonging, and opportunity.
Our youth-led enterprise, We Shine Any Car, is more than just a car wash. It’s a place where young people learn teamwork, customer service, and responsibility — while proving to themselves and their community that they have value.
We’ve seen:
- Luis go from isolated in his bedroom to becoming our Youth Voice Champion.
- Brianna turn her love for cheesecakes into a thriving micro-business.
- Oscar, once permanently excluded, regaining confidence and purpose through our Restore Young Futures programme.
These aren’t just stories. They’re proof that when opportunity meets talent, futures are transformed.
Beyond Skills — Restoring Hope
It’s not only about practical skills. The Hub is about:
- Connection – conversations that improve mental health and reduce isolation.
- Belonging – knowing there’s a place to be heard, seen, and valued.
- Enterprise – discovering how ideas can become income, and effort can become independence.
Every wash, every mentoring session, every coaching workshop is a step toward restoring hope.
Why This Matters Now
Across the UK, 46,000 young people are trapped in County Lines exploitation. Mental health challenges are rising, and school exclusions remain at record levels. Bolton alone has thousands of young people who are NEET or at risk.
The truth is stark: talent is wasted not because it doesn’t exist, but because opportunities aren’t created.
That’s the gap the Young Futures Hub exists to bridge.
Partner with Genuine Futures
At Genuine Futures, we know that talent is everywhere — but opportunity is not.
Employers have a crucial role to play in changing this. Leading on socioeconomic diversity is not only the right thing to do, it also makes business sense. Greater social mobility means access to the broadest pool of talent, fresh perspectives, and resilience against groupthink.
We collaborate with employers of all sizes to ensure talented young people from every background can get in and get on in the workplace. Through mentoring, enterprise support, placements, and training, we’re opening doors and building futures that last.
A Call to Action
Talent is everywhere. Opportunity is not. But together, we can change that.
- For Schools – Refer pupils aged 12–25 for alternative provision or enterprise placements.
- For Businesses – Partner with us, sponsor equipment, or offer pathways to work.
- For the Community – Support us by using our car wash, spreading the word, or donating.
Young Futures Hub @ The Scrappers, Metro Business Park, 228 Waterloo St, Bolton BL1 8HU
www.genuinefutures.co.uk
hello@genuinefutures.co.uk
Because when young people shine, the whole community shines.
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