Building communities and big opportunities

Young Bristol were pleased to partner with the RYA and Bristol Maritime Academy to pilot a new marine career pathway for young people in Bristol, as part of the 'New Horizons Project'.

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The career pathway is the newest initiative of the 'New Horizons Project', which has been running across the Bristol area for over five years, introducing hundreds of young people from the ages of 10-20 to sailing and water sports, many of whom may not otherwise have had access to the water.

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This year, Young Bristol has supported the first cohort of 11 young adults from our Outdoor Employment Programme to complete its first year, undertaking a structured pathway designed to equip them with industry‑recognised RYA qualifications. Trainees achieved First Aid, Sea Survival, Marine Radio (SRC) and the RYA PPR (Professional Practices and Responsibilities) course alongside their Powerboat Level 2 certificates.

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These qualifications provide the full commercial endorsement, enabling our Trainees to operate powerboats professionally and making them valuable assets to employers across harbours, docks, waterway operations and a wide range of commercial marine environments.

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Work placements and employment pathways are being developed with the Bristol Harbour Master, local docks teams and Bristol Maritime, ensuring real opportunities for young people ready to take their next steps into marine work.

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Phil Harris, Outdoor Employment Programme Lead said:

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“The trainees Young Bristol's Outdoor Employment Programme have benefited immensely from this project. Thirteen young people facing barriers to employment have been given incredible opportunities through this training. Many have already secured job interviews and begun conversations with employers.

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The commitment and hard work shown by the trainees has been truly inspiring. Partnerships like this draw on the strengths of all organisations involved and create outcomes far greater than the sum of their parts. We are proud to be contributing to such an impactful project in Bristol.”

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Chris Eades, Founder of the Bristol Maritime Academy, added:

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“At Bristol Maritime, many of us started without family connections to the water, just a Powerboat Level 2 qualification and a passion for being outdoors on the waterways. Through The New Horizons Project, we’re proud to help people from Bristol and outside the sector get qualified and discover opportunities both globally and, on their doorstep, — from running workboats to supporting environmental projects and teaching others on the water.

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By linking this first cohort with organisations such as the Bristol Harbour Authority and our own water safety company, BM Safety, we’re helping them take their first real steps into careers on the water.”

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Rob Howlett, RYA Regional Manager added:

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“From windsurfing and dinghy sailing to keelboats and yachts, there are so many ways for young people in Bristol to get out on the water. These opportunities build confidence and give them practical skills that can naturally lead into local marine careers. Through the New Horizons Project, we’ve been able to bring community groups, clubs, trainers and employers together, showing that boating is truly accessible and can open doors for young people who might never have considered the sector.

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As interest grows, we’re now looking to expand the project to help even more employers find young people with recognised powerboat qualifications.”

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Young Bristol remains committed to ensuring that all young people can access meaningful opportunities, develop new skills and build brighter futures. If you would like to find out more about our Outdoor Employment Programme, and how you can get involved with projects similar to the 'New Horizons Project', click here!

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On Sunday 15th March, we were pleased to see Oli from Unite Students and four employees from Istoria Group sign up to the Bath Half Marathon to raise money for Young Bristol!

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The Bath Half Marathon is a 13 mile race, with the course following a two-lap route through the heart of Bath. The race is known for its scenic views and great spectator support, being one of the UK's most popular races.

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"This was my first half marathon, so it was brilliant to see how many people came out to support all the runners. Their support (and hi-fives), running with my lovely mum and knowing what an amazing cause I was supporting is what made me achieve a time that was well under my goal."

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said Oli Blacklidge ,Bath Half Marathon runner

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It has been amazing to see the five participants prepare for their exciting challenge, all while fundraising for our young people.

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Thank you to all our participants for taking part in the Bath Half Marathon to raise money for young people across Bristol - we appreciate your incredible support!

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If you are interested in taking part in a third party fundraising event for Young Bristol, click here and learn how you can help fundraise for us!

On Monday, we were delighted to welcome the team from Burges Salmon to Hartcliffe Club for Young People, where seven of their dedicated team members helped us to improve our facilities for young people.

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The group spent their day taking care of the club’s outdoor spaces, helping at the club with weeding, gardening, and litter picking to help keep the space well maintained. Their hard work has made the area cleaner, more welcoming, and ready for young people to enjoy.

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Some of the volunteers also helped us to paint the walls in the main hall space, making sure the walls had a blank canvas for young people to work on new graffiti.

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"We had a fantastic day volunteering with Young Bristol at Hartcliffe Club for Young People. It was really rewarding to make a difference to the outdoor space, and it was great to see the impact we made at the end of the day. 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!

On Saturday 7th March, we were pleased to see James and Olie sign up to the Green Man Ultra Marathon to raise money for Young Bristol!

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The Green Man Ultra is a 30 or 45-mile ultramarathon that loops around the city of Bristol, following the Community Forest Path. The event is ran twice a year, with the winter event often featuring muddy conditions.

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It has been amazing to see James and Olie prepare for this exciting challenge, all while fundraising for our young people.

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Thank you to both of our participants for taking part in the Green Man Ultra Marathon - we appreciate your incredible support!

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If you are interested in taking part in a third party fundraising event for Young Bristol, click here and learn how you can help fundraise for us!

On Friday 6th March, we were delighted to welcome the team from Burges Salmon to BS14 Youth Club, where five of their dedicated team members helped us to improve our facilities for young people.

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The group spent their day taking care of the club’s outdoor spaces, helping at the club with weeding, gardening, and litter picking to help keep the space well maintained. Their hard work has made the area cleaner, more welcoming, and ready for young people to enjoy.

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"We had a fantastic day volunteering with Young Bristol at BS14 Youth Club. It was incredibly rewarding to make a difference to the outdoor space, and it was great to see the impact we made at the end of the day. 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!

Join Young Bristol's FREE Easter Holiday Clubs! We are open to all young people aged 8-19 across a number of our Community Youth Clubs. From sports activities to creative workshops, we have something for everyone to enjoy!

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Our Easter Holiday Activities across our Community Youth Club network are kindly funded by the Holiday Activity Fund, supported by Bristol City Council, The Department of Education and Your Holiday Hub.

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We are pleased to share a confirmed list of dates for all our sessions that will happen throughout Easter. All other delivery not listed below will continue as normal:

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Ashton Vale Club for Young People

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• Tuesday 7th April, 5:30pm - 8:30pm (Ages 8-11)
• Monday 13th April, 5:30pm - 8:30pm (Ages 12-19)
• Tuesday 14th April, 5:30pm - 8:30pm (Ages 8-11)

Please note: we will be closed for the bank holiday on Monday 6th April.

Address: Ashton Vale Club for Young People, Silbury Road, BS3 2QE

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BS14 Youth Club

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• Tuesday 7th April, 6:30pm - 8:30pm (Looked After Children session)
• Thursday 9th April, 5:30pm - 8:30pm (Ages 8-11)
• Monday 13th April, 5:30pm - 8:30pm (Ages 12-19)
• Tuesday 14th April, 5:30pm - 8:30pm (Looked After Children session)
• Thursday 16th April, 5:30pm - 8:30pm (Ages 8-11)

Please note: we will be closed for the bank holiday on Monday 6th April.

Address: BS14 Youth Club, Stockwood Lane, BS14 8SJ

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The Grove @ Bedminster Down

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• Tuesday 7th April, 6:30pm - 8:30pm (Year groups 5 and 6)
• Wednesday 8th April, 5:30pm - 8:30pm (Year groups 7+)
• Monday 13th April, 6:30pm - 8:30pm (Year groups 3 and 4)
• Tuesday 14th April, 5:30pm - 8:30pm (Year groups 5 and 6)
• Wednesday 15th April, 5:30pm - 8:30pm (Year groups 7+)

Please note: we will be closed for the bank holiday on Monday 6th April.

Address: The Grove @ Bedminster Down, 27a Cheddar Grove, BS13 7EN

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Find out more about our Holiday Clubs, including our Outdoor Activities here!

We are pleased to announce that booking for our Easter Half Term Outdoor Activities now live to book!

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Join Young Bristol and experience the thrill of the great outdoors! With a range of activities on offer, from paddling Bristol's own Harbourside to climbing through an underground adventure, there is something for everyone to enjoy! Book your Outdoor Activities sessions here!

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Half Day Kayaking

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Our Half Day Kayaking session is perfect for beginners and those with a little experience. Spend the session learning about basic paddling techniques and take part in fun, confidence-building games that encourage balance, agility and teamwork!

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When:

• Wednesday 8th April 2026, 1:00pm - 4:00pm
• Monday 13th April 2026, 9:00am - 12:00pm
• Thursday 16th April, 9:00am - 12:00pm

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Cost: £20 per person

Book your Half Day Kayaking here!

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Half Day Paddleboarding

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This Holiday Club on the harbourside will teach you the basic skills needed to enjoy paddleboarding! The session includes a range of games that will test your balance and skills. This activity is perfect for beginners!

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When:

• Friday 10th April 2026, 9:00am - 12:00pm
• Tuesday 14th April 2026, 1:00pm - 4:00pm
• Thursday 16th April 2026, 1:00pm - 4:00pm

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Cost: £20 per person

Book your Half Day Paddleboarding here!

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Full Day Archery & Climbing

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Our Full Day Archery and Climbing will have you channeling your inner Robin Hood as you learn archery skills that will have you hitting a bullseye in no time! Your adventure will continue as you learn footwork, handholds, body positioning and clipping techniques while tackling climbing routes on the steep faces of the Mendip Hills.

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When: Wednesday 15th April 2026, 9:00am - 4:00pm

Cost: £45 per person

Book your Full Day Archery & Climbing here!

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Full Day Wet 'n' Wild

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Our Full Day Wet 'n' Wild Adventure will have you channeling your inner Robin Hood as you learn archery skills that will have you hitting a bullseye in no time! You will continue your day on the harbourside, experiencing the aquatic thrills of kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding.

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When:

• Thursday 9th April 2026, 9:00m - 4:00pm
• Friday 17th April 2026, 9:00am - 4:00pm

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Cost: £45 per person

Book your Full Day Wet 'n' Wild here!

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Full Day Wild Adventure

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Our Full Day Wild Adventure is the perfect  challenge for those looking to climb a series of waterfalls in the picturesque  Mendip Hills. You will continue your day channeling your inner Robin Hood  as you learn archery skills that will have you hitting a bullseye in no time,  as well embracing the art of bushcraft  and cooking over an open fire!

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When: Tuesday 7th April 2026, 9:00am - 4:00pm

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Cost: £45 per person

Book your Full Day Wild Adventure here!

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On Wednesday 18th and Thursday 19th February, we were delighted to welcome the team from Burges Salmon to Ashton Vale Club for Young People, where 12 of their dedicated team members helped us to improve our facilities for young people.

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Two groups spent their days repainting the club’s walls, ensuring the same emerald colour continues throughout the building. The team also helped us rearrange our upstairs classroom and helped with some general tidying, making sure the space feels bright, welcoming, and ready for young people to enjoy.

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"We had a fantastic day volunteering with Young Bristol at Ashton Vale Club for Young People. It was incredibly rewarding to help transform the space with fresh paint, bringing a new colour and energy into the areas young people use every day. 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!

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!