Building communities and big opportunities

This February Half Term, Young Bristol offered a wide range of activities for all young people to take part in. From sporting to creative activities, we’ve had something for everyone!

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This week, we hosted an Interclub Football Tournament at St Brendan's Rugby Football Club, welcoming over 70 young people from across our club network to take part. The day brought together young people from Ashton Vale Club for Young People, BS14 Youth Club, Hartcliffe Club for Young People and The Grove @Bedminster Down.

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The Interclub tournament started with teams playing 4-5 minute matches in a round-robin format, with supporters cheering on their teams from the sidelines.

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After some intense matches, it was announced that BS14 Youth Club and The Grove @ Bedminster Down would play against each other for the junior trophy and both teams from Ashton Vale Club for Young People for the senior trophy!

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We are proud to announce that BS14 Youth Club won our junior trophy and Ashton Vale Club for Young People were awarded our senior trophy. Well done to all the young people who took part. It was fantastic to see them interacting and making new friends, as well as engaging other young people from across the city!

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At Young Bristol, young people are at the heart of everything we do. By continuing to offer youth‑led programmes across the city, we’re able to open doors, build confidence, and create long‑lasting trust with the thousands of young people we support every day.

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We would like to thank St Brendan's Rugby Football Club for facilitating our football tournament. To find out more about our Community Youth Clubs, click here!

We are thrilled to share that three trainees from our Outdoor Employment Programme have successfully passed their 'Go Aloft!' Instructor Training programme!

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Our Outdoor Employment Programme is an entirely free programme, targetting young people aged 16 - 25 with barriers to employment. The programme helps young people to develop new skills, gain nationally recognised qualifications and build positive futures into employment.

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After considerable training with Young Bristol's Outdoor Employment Programme, a group of three trainees have passed their High Ropes Instructor Assessment and will now work with SS Great Britain's 'Go Aloft! experience, supporting thousands of people to climb the rigging of the ship!

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'It's fantastic to be working with Young Bristol again to bring Go Aloft back to Brunel's SS Great Britain. Not only is this a unique and awe-inspiring outdoor experience for seafarers and landlubbers alike, it's also a long-lasting partnership between two Bristol charities which continues to enable young people to gain qualifications, skills and experience in the world of work.'

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said Liam Tolhurst, Deputy Director - Commercial & Operations at the SS Great Britain Trust

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Our partnership with SS Great Britain

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We know that through real collaborations and partnerships, initiatives such as the Outdoor Employment Programme continue to change the lives of young people across Bristol.

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Following our 10+ years of collaboration, the SS Great Britain have directly supported over 70 of our Trainees through the 'Go Aloft! programme, which has seen around 15,000 people climb the rigging of the iconic ship!

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Through our collaboration with the Go Aloft programme, we have seen over 90% of those employed through the partnership remain in employment or move into full time education, which is an incredible testament to both the programme and our partnership!

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"Working with Young Bristol on the SS Great Britain is by far one of the most rewarding training programmes I have been part of over the last 10 years. This programme has been created by one of the most energized and empathetic charities there is.

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Phil, who leads the programme, provides the inspiration and support to make it succeed. I have seen young adults find a footpath into outdoor education and then going on to flourish and grow both professionally and as individuals. Well done SSGB and young people for providing this opportunity to work on Go Aloft."

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said Rod Baber, Owner of RDB High Ropes Operation Services, providing training on SS Great Britains 'Go Aloft!' programme.

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The Outdoor Employment Programmes impact!

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Since the launch of our Outdoor Employment Programme in 2013, we have changed the lives of over 300 young people from ‘NEET’ (Not in Education, Employment,or Training) backgrounds or those ‘at risk’. Over 80% of trainees, since joining the programme, have started further education or employment within the first year – an incredible accomplishment.

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The Outdoor Employment Programme has provided a vital lifeline for young people from many backgrounds, including during times of homelessness, and young carers who have the responsibility of looking after family members. Our programme gives young people the mentoring, skills and tools they need to successfully navigate their way back into education or employment; through long term, stable support they can rely on.

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“The programme definitely came at the right time. It helped me to experience what it was like to hold down a job and raised my self-confidence.” 

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said Dan, former Outdoor Employment Programme Trainee

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The hundreds of young people that have passed through this programme will agree that the programme is truly life-changing! If you would like to join our Outdoor Employment Programme, click here to find out more information and sign up!

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This week, Young Bristol are supporting Children's Mental Health Week, giving a voice to all young people and raising awareness of children's mental health, between Monday 9th February - Sunday 15th February.

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This year, Places2Be is exploring the theme 'This is My Place', which aims to support the systems around children and young people to help them feel they belong.

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At Young Bristol, we are committed to continuing our Mission by providing safe places, a supportive environment, and activities and opportunities where young people can feel empowered, included and not alone.

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‍How we have supported our young people: Kyah's story

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Young people across the country continue to face mounting pressures, largely impacting their mental and physical health, with many being denied access to critical activities. At Young Bristol, young people are at the forefront of everything we do, and we understand the importance of always being there for young people when they need us most.

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Meet Kyah, a young person attending Hartcliffe Club for Young People. When Kyah first joined the club over two years ago, she was navigating daily challenges with her mental health and wellbeing, alongside ongoing health conditions. When she first joined the club, she was a quiet, reserved individual, taking her time to settle in.

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Since joining her local youth club, the team at Hartcliffe Club for Young People have seen Kyah consistently attend sessions, participate in every opportunity available to her, and face her challenges with determination, positivity, and a smile on her face! Over the last two years, the team have seen her grow in confidence, build strong relationships with staff and peers, and push herself out of her comfort zone.

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Kyah has now become someone who inspires others, and is seen as a role model to everyone at the club. She was recently recognised as 'Highly Commended' for Young Bristol's 'Young Person of the Year Award', for her inspiring journey, where she has shown incredible resilience and strength of character.

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Providing safe places for Bristol's young people

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Our work provides young people with safe, welcoming, inclusive places where they can be themselves, build friendships, and access support when they need it most.

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Our Youth Clubs and services continue be at the core of communities, giving young people the safety and support that they cannot find on the streets, acting as the bridge between home and school life.

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• We had 27,215 contacts with 1,832 young people, who were supported through our sessions throughout 2024 – 25.
• Our 9 community venues in North, East and South Bristol continued to open their doors up to 4 nights per week.  
• During 2024 – 25, 20 communities were positively impacted by our work.
• Since the launch of our strategy in 2022, we’ve invested £753,280 into capital improvements at a number of our community venues; making improvements that would help to create environments that young people can thrive in.

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Where you can find support and advice

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Did you know one in five children face mental health issues? Whether you want to access helpful resources, start a conversation about mental health or are seeking professional advice and guidance, there are many ways you can begin to make a difference to a young person's mental health and wellbeing. If you or someone you know needs support, check out the links below for some recommended local and national services.

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Young people

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• Mind - A mental health charity, whose aim is to ensure no one faces mental health alone. Offering online support and guidance that young people that can access on their website 24/7.
• Shout - A free, confidential24/7 text support service for anyone in the UK who is struggling with their mental health. To start a conversation, text 'SHOUT' to 85258. Shout's team of trained volunteers are trained to listen at any time, day or night.
• Samaritans - Aims to provide support through phone, letter, email or in person. Whatever problem you are facing, Samaritans are available 24/7, 365 days a year!
• Kooth - an online wellbeing community where you can get free, safe and anonymous support. The forum is a judgement-free, safe place for anyone to get advice, help others and share their stories.

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Parents

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• Young Minds Parent Helpline - Offering tailored advice to parents, guardians and other family members who are concerned about a child's mental health. Advice for all young people who are under 25 over the phone or through their online chat.
• Shout - A free, confidential24/7 text support service for anyone in the UK who is struggling with their mental health. To start a conversation, text 'SHOUT' to 85258. Shout's team of trained volunteers are trained to listen at any time, day or night.‍
• Samaritans - Aims to provide support through phone, letter, email or in person. Whatever problem you are facing, Samaritans are available 24/7, 365 days a year!‍
• MindEd for Families - A free e-learning portal, offering information and support about mental health and well-being. Available 24/7 on their website!

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To find out more about our work with young people and the opportunities we provide click here.

We are delighted to announce the appointment of Lauren Hunt, our Youth Engagement Worker!

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Lauren has always felt passionate about supporting and engaging with people. She began working in care at the age of 16, and has since gained experience in mental health settings through volunteering in a prison and supporting the rehabilitation of individuals. Alongside this, Lauren is currently completing a Psychology degree. She is looking forward to supporting young people across our Community Youth Club network to help build confidence and hear their voices.

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We hope you will join us in welcoming Lauren to the Young Bristol team! Find out more about our team here!

Young Bristol are delighted to have been shortlisted for the 'Charity' category at the Bristol Life Awards 2026!

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The Bristol Life Awards celebrates organisations in Bristol under 22 nomination categories. These are the most prestigious, most tightly contested Awards with the greatest number of local companies involved.

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Young Bristol have been shortlisted for the 'Charity' category in 2026, which highlights local, independent registered charities to showcase their cause and the great contribution that they make locally.

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We were nominated and shortlisted for the 'Charity' category as we stand as a beacon of empowerment, opportunity and community for young people. Our work has not only impacted young people, but the communities our services are based in. Many of our services remain situated in areas of high deprivation, where young people are cut off from the things that they need and care about most.

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"The youth club means everything to me, it literally saved me!"

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Young Bristol transformed young people lives during 2025:

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• 23,743 attendances with 8-25 year olds
• 8 Youth Clubs provided safe spaces for 1,340 young people within some of Bristol's most underserved communities
• Over 1,172 meals and food workshops provided through School Holiday Clubs, helping to address food poverty
• 50 participants aged 16-25 from our Outdoor Employment Programme achieved a number of National Governing Body qualifications Over 80% of participants went into employment or full time education within the first year

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Thank you to the Bristol Life Awards for recognising the incredible work of Young Bristol, and the dedication and hard-work of the team behind the organisation. Our team look forward to attending the awards ceremony on Thursday 26th March. A huge congratulations to all the other amazing charities that were shortlisted in the category.

On Wednesday 28th January, Young Bristol were excited to welcome our supporters, staff team, young people, and their families to our 2025 Awards and Celebration Evening.

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The annual celebration saw stories shared from our staff, volunteers, and the young people we work with, highlighted our growth and impact, and guests enjoyed fantastic entertainment performed by young people from our Youth Clubs.

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Our Awards and Celebration Evening took place at the Burges Salmon offices, one of Young Bristol's valued supporters; the event saw a jam‑packed evening full of inspiring speakers, performances and a presentation of awards.

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To kick off the event, it was great to hear from Young Bristol's President, Jonathan Webb, and Chair, Jamie Cameron, who outlined our charity's impact over the last year and our key achievements and focuses for 2025 - 2028.

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The event welcomed supporters and key individuals who have been impacted by, and seen first-hand, the long-term positive effects of Young Bristols services. Trustee Shannon Ringland spoke about her experience of Young Bristol as a teenager, and how our Outdoor Employment Programme transformed her life, and supported her to gain the skills that she still uses today.

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I took part in the Outdoor Employment Programme around 10 years ago, at a point in my life where I was new to the City, finding my feet and not entirely sure where I was heading. The programme gave me confidence, direction and a sense that there were people willing to invest their time and belief in me. Becoming a Trustee felt like a full-circle moment. I wanted to give back to an organisation that gave so much to me, to help ensure the same opportunities I benefited from are available to young people across Bristol.

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Alongside Shannon, were thrilled to welcome a number of young people from across a number of our Youth Clubs and programmes to the stage during the event. Eight young people from Avon Youth Club performed a dance, two young people read a poem about their experience at their local Youth Club. Attendees also heard from trainees from our Outdoor Employment Programme, who showcased their recent involvement in a sustainability project. All of these young people proudly shared their experiences, talents and stories with the 100 people that attended!

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One of the key highlights of the evening was the presentation of Awards throughout the evening, which recognised the fantastic achievements of our staff and the young people we support.

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We welcomed our 2025 Competition Winners, young people who engaged in our Inter Club programmes and opportunities. Young people were recognised for their involvement in sports tournaments and creative competitions. We were excited to announce Hartcliffe Club for Young People, this years winner of our Young Bristol Shield, which is awarded to the Youth Club who received the most points for entering and winning our events and competitions throughout the year. Congratulations!

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Our Long Service Award presentation brought together Young Bristol staff, Trustees and supporters, who were recognised for their incredible contribution to the charity over the years. The awards were presented by Lord Mayor, Councillor Henry Michallat to Corinne Ludwell, celebrating 15 years, Jack Jones, celebrating 15 years, as well as Sue Williams, celebrating a staggering 25 years as our longest serving staff member!

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To round-up the awards, we were thrilled to invite the twelve finalists of this years 'Young Person of the Year' award to the stage. This award recognises the amazing achievements of young people across the city, that attend our sessions and programmes.

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His Majesty's Lord-Lieutenant Mrs Peaches Golding OBE CStJ presented each of the finalists with a certificate and a voucher. We were pleased to announce Kyah, age 12 from Hartcliffe Club for Young People and Lola, age 15 from Sea Mills Boys' and Girls Club, as our highly commended finalists for the awards. Both received headphones and a voucher for their achievement. We were then delighted to reveal Dan, age 20, from the Outdoor Employment Programme as this years winner! He was presented with a trophy, vouhcer and iPad!

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Dan was selected as this years winner for his positivity, determination, and resilience that make him an outstanding role model, and a complete joy for the Outdoor Activities team to work alongside. He is a huge asset at Pooles Wharf and the Outdoor Employment Programme, regularly volunteering at our Gig Club, Holiday Clubs and Kayak Club. His determination has seen him complete SuperSliders Bronze, Silver and Gold, run High Ropes training for trainees, and secure employment with Woodhouse Park.

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We would like to thank our supporters, donors and funders for their continued support of our work with children and young people in and around Bristol. To find out how you can support us, click here!

Young Bristol are incredibly proud to announce that Dan, member of Outdoor Employment Programme, was awarded our 2025 ‘Young Person of the Year’!

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On Wednesday 28th January, Young Bristol welcomed our supporters, Patron, President, Board of Trustees, staff team, and young people and their families to our Awards and Celebration Evening. The event celebrated a year of growth, impact and stories from individuals across the organisation.

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As part of the event, twelve finalists were invited for this years ‘Young Person of the Year’ award, which recognises the amazing achievements of young people across the city, that attend our sessions and programmes. The award was judged anonymously by a panel, with the winner receiving an incredible prize package.

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On the evening, young people were presented with a certificate from His Majesty's Lord-Lieutenant Mrs Peaches Golding OBE CStJ. It was revealed on the evening that Dan, age 20, from the Outdoor Employment Programme was this years winner! He was presented with a trophy, a voucher and an iPad. Congratulations Dan!

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Well done to all finalists who were selected for this years award. You should be incredibly proud of your commitment, growth and impact that you are having in your programmes and communities!

This week, we were delighted to welcome the team from Burges Salmon to The Grove @ Bedminster Down, where five of their dedicated team members helped us to improve our facilities for young people.

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During their voluntary day, the team from Burges Salmon helped us with a number of outdoor and indoor task. The group spent their morning with weeding, cleaning, cutting back brambles and clearing our planters ready for spring plants. During the afternoon, to keep dry and avoid the rain, the team made an incredible impact to the clubs art room, where they ensured all of our arts equipment worked, cleaned the chalkboard, ready for new drawings, and organised the shelves to make equipment easier to access.

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"We had a fantastic day volunteering with Young Bristol at The Grove in Bedminster. It was incredibly rewarding to help transform the garden, yard, and crafts room, and to see the positive difference we could make to the space. The team really appreciated the opportunity to support such a wonderful local cause and contribute to the community.”

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Thank you to everyone at Burges Salmon for helping us to create a safe, positive place where our young people can thrive! We appreciate your ongoing support!

Young Bristol are delighted to be hosting our ‘Dinner for Young Futures’.

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This special dining experience will bring together local businesses and supporters to raise vital funds for our work with Bristol’s children and young people - celebrating 98 years of delivering life changing opportunities.

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More details about the event:

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• Thursday 26th March 2026, 6:45pm
• The Orangery Dining Room at The Pony Chew Magna, BS40 8TQ
• Tickets: £98 per person

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Ticket prices include a selection of canapés on arrival, a delicious three-course dinner and welcome drinks and wine on the table. The evening will include speakers; giving guests the opportunity to hear from those who have been supported and positively impacted by the fantastic work of Young Bristol. The event also offers fantastic networking opportunities with like-minded individuals, in support of a great cause.

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To book your tickets and find out more information, click here!

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Thank you to our headline sponsor, Origin Workspace, and our Gold sponsor, Burges Salmon!

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Why support Young Bristol:

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Our youth workers are there for young people when they need them – listening, mentoring, and offering opportunities that help build confidence and brighter futures.

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Many young people face challenges no child should have to navigate: poverty, isolation, family difficulties, and the daily effects of the cost-of-living crisis. And demand for Young Bristol’s services continues to grow.

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Without a warm, safe building and a trusted youth worker inside it, there is no club, no conversation, no positive change.

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You already know the difference Young Bristol makes; and it is your belief in our work that has carried us through many years and allowed us to provide a lifeline to those who need it most. By supporting Young Bristol, you will help ensure that our doors remain open, our youth workers remain present, and young people continue to have somewhere they belong.