What does it really take to transform a neglected communal bin store?
In this special behind-the-scenes film, Ashley Kinsella, volunteer with Clean Futures, joins Stuart from Squosh It to explain the process, the equipment and, most importantly, why this work matters.
But this is about much more than cleaning bins.
Clean Futures is a Genuine Futures initiative, created because we recognised a growing need within our communities.
We saw neglected communal spaces, environmental health concerns and young people who felt disconnected from education, work and society.
Instead of seeing problems, we saw opportunities.
Developed by graduates of our flagship Boss Your Future Bolton programme, Clean Futures is a youth-led social enterprise and social action movement, giving young people the opportunity to build confidence, belonging and practical skills while making a real difference where they live.
Alongside our partners at Squosh It, we’re helping create:
Cleaner streets.
Healthier communities.
Greater community pride.
Better futures for young people.
Our work includes:
Community clean-up events.
Bin store cleaning and restoration.
Resident education campaigns.
Youth-led environmental action.
Pop-up charity and community car wash events.
Volunteering and employability opportunities.
Working alongside housing providers, local authorities and businesses to create lasting social impact.
This video showcases how Ashley and Stuart work together to professionally clean and sanitise communal bin stores, while also demonstrating the power of collaboration between local businesses, volunteers and young people.
A huge thank you to:
Ashley Kinsella
Stuart and the Squosh It team
Eric McBean, Founder of Squosh It
Terry Walker and The Scrappers
David Morgan and Entrepreneurs Unlocked
Bradkins Commercial Vehicles
Fylde Hydraulics
Co-op Foundation
National Lottery Community Fund
And, most importantly, our incredible young people and volunteers.
Because this isn’t simply about cleaning.
It’s about showing that young people aren’t the problem—they’re part of the solution.
At Genuine Futures, we believe that when communities come together and give young people opportunities to lead, incredible things happen.
It Starts With Listening.
Our Bolton. Our Future. Our Voice. Our Opportunity.
Help shape the future of our communities by taking part in our survey:
https://forms.gle/