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We are delighted to welcome Mr Jonathan Webb MB ChB FRCS (Orth) as the new President of Young Bristol. Currently working between the Bristol Nuffield Chesterfield Hospital and the Fortius Clinic in London as a consultant orthopaedic surgeon, he specialises in all types of knee surgery.
Jonathan is also kept busy with his varied charitable interests which include the Society of Merchant Venturers, the Society of St Stephens' Ringers, and the University of Bristol campaign for resource.
Whilst training to be a surgeon Jonathan played rugby in the amateur days, winning 33 caps for England, playing for Bristol University, Bristol and Bath. During this time England won 2 grand slams and reached the final of the 1991 Rugby World Cup. In 1992 Jonathan was awarded the Rothmans Player of the Year award. In 2011 Jonathan joined the RFU Council, he is now the World Rugby representative and sits on the Board of the RFU. He also chairs the Medical Advisory Committee and the Concussion Risk Management Group.
The team at Young Bristol are pleased to have Jonathan join us at such an exciting time and we look forward to his involvement in our 90th year and beyond!
Members of our programmes, past and present, are invited to join a flotilla in memory of Eli Sweeting on Saturday 2nd August at 10am to celebrate the life and share memories of Eli.
A flotilla in memory of our friend Eli
When: Saturday 2nd August, 10am
A small trip on Bristol Harbour to share memories of Eli. From Baltic Wharf to the Mshed where we will gather in a circle and throw, if you wish, some flowers into the water. MV Pyronaught will kindly do a water display. Please bring your own flowers that are either real flowers or biodegradable.
Please get in touch with Young Bristol if you would like to join us, our boats will be available for use.
A message from Young Bristol's Outdoor Activity Team
Eli joined Young Bristol through our NCS programme. He had an incredible energy with other participants and staff radiated towards him - he was always eager to learn more. It was therefore a delight, when on return from a residential in the Lake District in 2016, that he decided he wanted to join the Instructor Training Scheme (now the Outdoor Employment Programme) and by spring 2017 he started volunteering on our NCS programme. In May 2017, Eli was part of the annual Canoe Test, kayaking 100 miles along the River Wye. As part of this opportunity, he was interviewed as part of a series for BBC Two, showcasing the 100 mile challenge and sharing with the presenter the importance of getting outdoors.
Eli became an avid member of the programme and alongside his training with City of Bristol College, quickly completed qualifications in Paddlesports, Powerboating and High Ropes. He was employed by Young Bristol and became a reliable Instructor, always brimming with enthusiasm to bring the joy of outdoor activities to the young people he taught.
Eli followed his dreams and went to University where he gained his Outdoor Leadership Degree. Following this, he went on to become a member of the Harbour Master’s team, and we would regularly meet out on the water, pulling up alongside our kayaks for a catch-up and to find out what adventures he had been on! Eli had an enthusiasm and hunger to learn and develop himself through training and adventure. From time to time, he would stop by our Activities Centre at Pooles Wharf and we would hear his distinctive voice calling up the stairs. He would pop in for a catch-up or volunteer on a session, chatting equally to new trainees, participants and familiar faces, telling of his experiences he gained from Young Bristol. Eli was always grounded and humble about his knowledge, skills and ability, but it was a pleasure to see how he was developing into a strong and inspirational leader and a great outdoorsman.
Eli settled in New Zealand; being in the heart of adventure, inspiration and outdoor activities suited him well. Earlier this year, Eli climbed Mitre Peak in Milford Sound but did not return. After extensive efforts from Mountain Rescue, friends, family, acquaintances and many more, he was never found. Our Thoughts and Prayers are with Eli’s family and friends at this time.
Eli will always be a huge part of Young Bristol. He will live on in all those who had the good fortune to meet him, and be inspired by his incredible enthusiasm and dedication to experience new adventures.
We are delighted to announce the appointment of Kayleigh Grunebaum-Webster, Youth Club on Wheels Driver!
Kayleigh is new addition to the team at Young Bristol, as driver for our Youth Club on Wheels. Most recently, Kayleigh has been self-employed as a Handywoman, after taking a break from supporting individuals and families in the community for over 10 years! Kayleigh has a passion for helping people to identify and develop skills to meet their needs, by providing them with practical support and advice. Outside of work Kayleigh enjoys attending live music events and gardening.
Kayleigh joins the Young Bristol team to ensure our Youth Club on Wheels safely arrives to the locations we deliver in, our vehicle is well-maintained, and our equipment is cared for and set up for every session.
We hope you will join us in welcoming Kayleigh to the Young Bristol team!
We are delighted to announce that we are recruiting for a number of roles for Young Bristol’s growing Programme and Delivery team. This is an exciting opportunity to join Young Bristol – a multi-award winning charity with an outstanding record of supporting young people in the Greater Bristol area.
As an organisation, our mission is to be an outstanding provider of high-quality, community-based youth services and innovative programmes that positively and sustainably impact the lives of young people.
In our 2024 staff survey:
95% of our staff team believe all cultures and backgrounds are valued
80% of would recommend Young Bristol as a great place to work
95% trust Young Bristol to treat employees fairly
85% say leaders communicate effectively about the organisation.
By joining our dedicated team, you can help make positive impact on the lives of young people, please see below our current opportunities:
YB Youth Club on Wheels - Driver
Our Youth Club on Wheels project is like no other project. We develop and engage young people on their own turf and work really hard doing so. We work with the hardest to reach young people and create amazing relationships; providing opportunities that empower and enrich communities who do not have any other provision for Young People. Recently featuring on The One Show and nominated as a finalist for the Children and Young People Now Awards, the opportunity to work on our Youth Club on Wheels is not one to miss!
The YCOW Driver is a key role, ensuring our engaging, educational and energising programmes can continue to be delivered to our young people . The driving role will make sure our Youth Club on Wheels gets to the locations required in a safe and timely manner, the vehicle is well-maintained, and our equipment is cared for and set up for every session.
Shifts and hours: Mondays and Wednesdays, 6 hour shifts from 2:30pm - 8:30pm
Send your CV and cover letter, referencing why you would think you'd be a great fit to hr@youngbristol.com.
YB Youth Club on Wheels - Senior Youth Leader
Our Youth Club on Wheels project is like no other project. We develop and engage young people on their own turf and work really hard doing so. We work with the hardest to reach young people and create amazing relationships; providing opportunities that empower and enrich communities who do not have any other provision for Young People. Recently featuring on The One Show and nominated as a finalist for the Children and Young People Now Awards, the opportunity to work on our Youth Club on Wheels is not one to miss!
The YCOW Senior Youth Leader will work on our unique mobile provision to deliver engaging, educational and energising programmes to young people. They will work to deliver best opportunities to our young people by leading youth sessions, being a positive presence and having real conversations that matter, as well as helping to maintain our equipment, recording key information and helping us to raise the bar!
Shifts and hours: Choose 2 or 4 weekday evenings; Tuesday and Thursday or Monday and Wednesday (2:30 PM – 8:30 PM)
Send your CV and cover letter, referencing why you would think you'd be a great fit to hr@youngbristol.com.
YB Programmes and Youth Voice Assistant
Our YB Programmes and Youth Voice Assistant will join our growing Programmes and Delivery team to ensure young peoples views, thoughts and interests are heard! You will work across our Community Youth Club network to help deliver engaging, energising and educational activities!
The role will work closely with our Head of Youth Work and Club Leaders to empower youth voices, build real connections and offer trusted support to young people across the number of communities we work in. This is an exciting time to join an award-winning Bristol-based charity with a long and proud history - championing the power of youth work, especially for those young people who need us most.
Hours and shifts: 9 hours a week, evening sessional work Monday to Thursday (6:00 PM – 8:30 PM)
Send your CV and cover letter, referencing why you would think you'd be a great fit to hr@youngbristol.com.
YB Youth Club Leader
As a Club Leader, you will be at the centre of our delivery, bringing energy, creativity and purpose to every session for our young people. You’ll lead exciting activities, co-create plans with young people, and help to build a space where they feel seen, heard, and ready for life.
The YB Youth Club Leader will ensure that we continue to empower youth voices, create programmes that reflect young peoples wants, needs and interests, and act as a positive role model. This is an exciting time to join an award-winning Bristol-based charity with a long and proud history - championing the power of youth work, especially for those young people who need us most.
Shifts and hours: 15 hours a week, evening sessional work Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday (6:00 PM – 9:00 PM), with 6 hours planning and admin time to be taken on one of the days.
Send your CV and cover letter, referencing why you would think you'd be a great fit to hr@youngbristol.com.
Young Bristol's Pooles Wharf Outdoor Activity Centre celebrated its 25th anniversary last week, marking a quarter-century of providing outdoor activities to Bristol's young people.
On Thursday 3rd - Friday 4th July, Burges Salmon took on the 25for25 challenge, raising over £32,000 for Young Bristol in celebration of our Outdoor Activity Centre's 25th anniversary.
Over 240 people from across Burges Salmon, donning sparkles and fancy dress, flocked to the water to undertake a 25-hour continuous canoe relay along the River Avon and Bristol Docks, with the aim to raise money to support the future of the centre. Supporting Burges Salmon was our team of Outdoor Activity Instructors and staff team, who accompanied all paddlers throughout the 25-hour period.
Young Bristol's Pooles Wharf Outdoor Activity Centre is celebrating its 25th anniversary this week, marking a quarter-century of providing life-changing outdoor experiences to thousands of young people across Bristol's iconic harbour.
Since opening on July 4, 2000, the award-winning centre has grown to become one of Bristol's premier providers of adventure activities, offering 16 water and land-based activities that support young people's physical and mental wellbeing through free and low-cost outdoor experiences.
Our Outdoor Activity Centre celebrates its 25th anniversary this week, supporting thousands of young people into the outdoors experiencing Bristol’s iconic harbour.
This week Young Bristol's Pooles Wharf Outdoor Activity Centre celebrates 25 years as one of Bristol’s premier providers of adventurous activities!
Pooles Wharf has grown to become a place which fosters a spirit of exploration and camaraderie for Bristol’s youth, providing life-changing outdoor experiences to thousands of young people across Bristol's harbour.
From a coal yard to community hub, over the years the centre has developed numerous programmes and opportunities for schools and colleges, to corporates, families and youth groups - making a difference to even more people across the city.
Take a look back at Pooles Wharf Outdoor Activity Centre's history; from our launch in 2000 to the centre today.
At Young Bristol, we continue to reflect the what, how and why in order to improve our services, better support our people and develop our facilities.
To ensure we deliver against our outcomes and aims, Young Bristol has implemented an Operations Plan for 2025 - 26. The strategic plan identifies our five key pillars from Our Strategy for 2025 - 28, assigning objectives and outputs that can be measured throughout the operating period.
We introduced our Operations Plan to work alongside Our Strategy and Theory of Change. Our Strategyoutlines five key pillars to focus on during 2025 - 28: - Our Partnerships, Our People, Our Places, Our Power to and Our Programmes. We aim during this period to create safe, fit-for-purpose buildings to support our delivery of high-quality services, providing service users and our employees with opportunities to grow and thrive. Our Theory of Changeallows us to reflect on our work and the impact we have, it establishes a framework, and ensures our work aligns with our vision.
By continuing to review our work, reflect on our impact and consult with our stakeholders we can continue to have a clear, demonstratable vision which aligns with our values and goals, for ever young person.
We are pleased to announce that booking for our Summer Outdoor Activities are now live!
Join Young Bristol and Pooles Wharf Outdoor Activity Centre and experience the thrill of the great outdoors! With a range of activities on offer, from paddling Bristol's Harbourside to climbing through an underground adventure, there is something for everyone to enjoy! Book your adventure sessions here!
3 Day Wet, Wild and Wicked - £130pp
This is an intensive programme of back to back activities. From navigating through caves to mastering paddleboarding, rock climbing, archery, kayaking, bushcraft, and orienteering challenges, experience a wide range of adventures and activities. Find out more information and book your Wet, Wild and Wicked session here!
Wednesday 23rd July - Friday 25th July
Tuesday 29th July - Thursday 31st July
Monday 4th August - Wednesday 6th August
Tuesday 12th August - Thursday 14th August
Paddlepower Development Course - £85pp
Two days of back to back activities, embarking on a development course, tailored for young adventurers who are eager to advance their canoeing and kayaking skills. Previous attendance to a Half Day Kayaking session is recommended to make the most of this opportunity. Find out more information and book your Paddle Power Development Course here!
Wednesday 20th August - Thursday 21st August
Full Day Wet and Wicked - £45pp
Spend the day with us learning about the basic paddling techniques and enjoy playing fun, confidence-building games that encourage balance, agility and teamwork. You will continue to work with your team mates to build a raft and paddle your team to victory. Find out more information and book your Wet and Wicked session here!
Friday 1st August
Thursday 7th August
Friday 29th August
Full Day Wet and Wild - £45pp
Channel your inner Robin Hood as you learn archery skills and embrace the art of bushcraft, alongside cooking over an open fire. Then experience the aquatic thrills with kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding across Bristol's iconic Harbour. Find out more information and book your Wet and Wild session here!
Monday 11th August
Tuesday 19th August
Wednesday 27th August
Half Day Kayaking - £20pp
A perfect session for beginners, and those with a little experience. Spend the session learning about the basic paddling techniques and take part in fun, confidence-building games that encourage balance, agility and teamwork. Find out more information and book your Half Day Kayaking sessionhere!
Thursday 24th July
Tuesday 29th July
Wednesday 6th August
Wednesday 13th August
Friday 15th August
Friday 22nd August
Tuesday 26th August
Half Day Paddleboarding - £20pp
A perfect session for beginners, and those with a little experience. Spend the session with us learning about the basic paddling techniques and enjoy playing fun, confidence-building games that encourage balance, agility and teamwork. Find out more information and book your Half Day Paddleboaring session here!
Join Young Bristol's FREE Summer Holiday Clubs! We are open to all young people aged 8-19 across our Community Youth Clubs. From sports activities to creative workshops, we have something for everyone to enjoy! A free hot, healthy meal will be provided to all young people.
Our Summer Holiday Activities across our Community Youth Clubs are kindly funded by the Holiday Activity Fund, supported by Bristol City Council, The Department of Education and Your Holiday Hub.
We are pleased to share a confirmed list of dates for our sessions throughout the Summer. All other delivery will continue as normal in addition to these sessions:
Ashton Vale Club for Young People
Monday 28th July, 5:30pm-8:30pm (Ages 12-19)
Tuesday 29th July, 5:30pm-8:30pm (Ages 8-11)
Monday 4th August, 5:30pm-8:30pm (Ages 12-19)
Tuesday 5th August, 5:30pm-8:30pm (Ages 8-11)
Monday 11th August, 5:30pm-8:30pm (Ages 12-19)
Tuesday 12th August, 5:30pm-8:30pm (Ages 8-11)
Monday 18th August, 5:30pm-8:30pm (Ages 12-19)
Tuesday 19th August, 5:30pm - 8:30pm (Ages 8-11)
Tuesday 26th August, 5:30pm -8:30pm (Ages 8-11)
Please note: we will be closed for the bank holiday on Monday 25th August,all other sessions will continue as normal.
Address: Ashton Vale Club for Young People, Silbury Road, BS3 2QE
Avon Youth Club
Monday 28th July, 10:00am-3:00pm (Ages 8+)
Tuesday 29th July, 12:15pm-3:00pm (Ages 8+)
Wednesday 30th July, 10:00am-3:00pm (Ages 8+)
Thursday 31st July, 10:00am-2:00pm (Ages 8+)
Monday 4th August, 10:00am-3:00pm (Ages 8+)
Tuesday 5th August, 10:00am-2:00pm (Ages 8+)
Wednesday 6th August, 10:00am-2:00pm (Ages 8+)
Thursday 7th August, 10:00am-2:00pm (Ages 8+)
Please note: no additional sessions will be running throughout the Summer, the club will reopen on 1st September 2025. The Holiday Club sessions are open to Club members. To find out more contact admin@avonyouthclub.com.
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