'My life has been transformed by washing cars'

Luis Green, who dropped out of college, has set up his own car-washing business in Bolton

A young man who struggled with his mental health during the Covid lockdowns said setting up his own car-washing business had "filled him with joy".

Luis Green, from Bolton in Greater Manchester, dropped out of college and was unemployed until he was supported by a group of charities which help young people become entrepreneurs.

"When I picked up the sponge on the first day, I found out I enjoyed it," said Luis.

The 20-year-old from Blackrod said: "I have pride in shining every car and when the customers say it has never looked shinier, it fills your heart and I want to do it again."

The valeting business We Shine Any Car is based at a scrapyard near Bolton town centre

Luis's valeting business We Shine Any Car was launched this month and is based at a scrapyard close to Bolton town centre.

The charities which helped Luis included Genuine Futures and Entrepreneurs Unlocked, which provided him with life-coaching as well as practical support on how to deal with customers.

Sam Smith, from Genuine Futures, launched his own car-washing business in 1999 and now mentors young people who want to do the same.

"I spent 10 years in the care system and prison system before I picked up a bucket and sponge, so it's about inspiring young people that they can do it too."

The 53-year-old added: "We believe in the young people because the way out of poverty and hopelessness is actually by creating enterprises."

Sam Smith spent time in prison before setting up his car-washing business in 1999

The youth empowerment programme supported 40 young people in the summer and was made possible due to a £35,000 grant from Bolton Council.

The funding was also used to help young people, aged from 15 to 24, to polish their CVs and hone their interview skills.

David Morgan, from Entrepreneurs Unlocked, said providing this practical support has huge "social value".

"For every young person not in education or training, there is a cost in terms of social services, unemployment benefits and maybe skirmishes with the law," he said.

"What we're doing is helping the young people to contribute to society."

David Morgan from Entrepreneurs Unlocked helps young people to start their own business

Jennifer Young, 18, said she "struggled with her mental health" after she became isolated at home during the Covid pandemic lockdowns.

"I was in a really dark place at the time, so turned to art to help me cope with everything and express my emotions," she said.

It has stood her in good stead.

Jennifer has now launched her own art businesses, painting canvasses and murals on walls.

"I'm like a completely different person now," she said, "and in future I'd like to do more murals."

Jennifer Young received help to launch her career as an artist designing murals