April 9, 2021

A warm welcome to Young Bristol's new Trustees

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We are delighted to announce the appointment of four new Trustees to the Young Bristol Board.

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These appointments come at an exciting – as well as challenging time for the charity, supporting Young Bristol's developing work with children and young people across Bristol. We continue to build on the importance that Young Bristol's Board has a broad representation of skills, background and experiences; as well as a shared passion for our mission.

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Meet the Trustees

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Victoria Matthews, Trustee, Victoria joined the Board of Young Bristol in 2021, she currently oversees the management of the Bristol & West of England Initiative at Business West, bringing together city and community leaders. Victoria works with stakeholders across the city, representing employers and key sectors across the economy, to ensure our region is the best place to live, learn and work. Victoria helps shape and influence our city and also sits on the Bristol Women’s Commission. Victoria previously studied politics at Cardiff University and is passionate about ensuring equality and diversity is at the heart of decisions and making sure our city’s young people have a voice. Out of work you can find Victoria walking her dog, baking or cycling. (Image ID: 13337)

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Charles Wyld, Trustee, Charles joined the Board of Young Bristol in 2021, having previously been involved through Bristol Youth and Community Action. He has served as Trustee/Governor for a number of organisations in Bristol and elsewhere, and was Chair of St George’s Bristol for 6 years. Following a career in Law, Charles now acts as Consultant/Adviser/Trustee to a range of businesses, families and charities; helping with governance and strategic planning. He was High Sheriff of the City of Bristol in 2019. As a father of three sons, he knows the value of activities in the outdoors! (Image ID: 13318)

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Marcus Graham, Trustee, Marcus Graham is the head of Transaction Services at Smith & Williamson’s Bristol office. Marcus had various positions in not-for-profit organisations in London before relocating to Bristol with his young family in 2016. He is committed to Bristol and to contributing his skills to support the provision and development of opportunities for young people in the city. (Image ID: 13323)

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Mark Hammond, Trustee, Mark spent four decades working in social and private sector housing and support, focusing particularly on meeting the needs of young people leaving local authority care. He has chaired and served on the governing bodies of a range of community-based charities and voluntary organisations. Growing up in coastal Kent, Mark spent much of his spare time at the local youth club and outdoor pursuits centre. He learned there about the importance of safe, supportive environments that enable young people to be challenged and develop through new activities. Mark moved to Bristol in 2019 to help care for his new granddaughter. (Image ID: 13320)

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A special recognition

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Young Bristol would also like to share our biggest thanks to Trustee Robin Geller, who this year retired from Young Bristol's Board. We would like to thank Robin for dedicating her time, effort, support, and guidance, in particular surrounding her work on Governance, throughout her time as Trustee of Young Bristol. We are thrilled however to be welcoming Robin into her new supporting position of Vice President. (Image ID: 8277)

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Get all the latest updates from Young Bristol, our supporters, and your local community.

October 13, 2026

Young Person awarded 'NABGC Young Person of the Year' 2026!

We are incredibly proud to announce that Izzy, Young Leader and young person at Hartcliffe Club for Young People, was awarded the 'Young Person of the Year' award at the NABGC Awards Evening 2026!

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The 'Young Person of the Year' Award is presented to a young person, aged 11-25, who has displayed a strong commitment to their local club, its values, and the programmes they deliver. The award also looks for young people who have volunteered or shown leadership at their club.

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We would like to congratulate Izzy from Hartcliffe Club for Young People, who was awarded the 'Young Person of the Year' Award at the National Association of Boys and Girls Clubs (NABGC) Awards Ceremony 2026!

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Izzy, aged 18 has been an invaluable member of Hartcliffe Club for Young People, demonstrating exceptional commitment, maturity, and reliability throughout her involvement with the Club since 2025.

 

A key strength of Izzy’s contribution is her mentoring role with young people who experience challenges with confidence, social interaction, and participation. She approaches this responsibility with patience, empathy, and a calm, supportive manner. Her ability to build rapport and encourage others has made her an excellent role model within the Club!

 

Izzy has also taken an active and meaningful role in fundraising efforts, supporting with initiatives that have enabled essential building improvements and expanded the range of activities available to young people. Her involvement reflects a strong sense of responsibility and a genuine commitment to improving opportunities for others.

Awards
Stories
Announcements
October 7, 2026

A warm welcome to Zulaikha!

We are pleased to share we have welcomed to our team Zulaikha Afsar, a Social Work student completing her placement with Young Bristol.

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Zulaikha is a Social Work student at the University of the West of England and is currently completing her placement with Young Bristol from September 2026 to February 2027. She is passionate about working alongside young people and supporting their wellbeing.

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Zulaikha was drawn to Young Bristol's commitment to empowering young people, building confidence, and creating safe, inclusive spaces across the city. She is particularly looking forward to meeting young people from different backgrounds, hearing their stories, and learning from the staff and volunteers who make such a positive difference.

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Through her placement, Zulaikha hopes to develop her skills in communication and relationship-building while supporting Young Bristol's ongoing work. She is keen to bring enthusiasm, a willingness to learn, and a social work perspective to the team and be part of helping young people feel heard, valued, and supported.

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Find out more about our opportunities to volunteer and get involved with Young Bristol here.

Announcements
Team news
October 6, 2026

Bringing food skills for life to Stockwood's young people!

‘Food Skills for Life’ project launched at our BS14 Youth Club in partnership with Square Food Foundation, bringing vital skills and learning to young people in Stockwood.

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Young Bristol were thrilled to launch our new partnership project with Square Food Foundation this autumn, inviting members of BS14 Youth Club to engage with an exciting new programme - giving them valuable life-long cooking skills, as well as confidence and independence in the kitchen.

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The 6-week programme is open to young people ages 12+ and will explore basic cooking skills, as well as learning about how to budget and plan healthy, balanced meals. The programme aims to support young people to make informed food choices both now and in the future.

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During the first session, 6 young people aged 12 – 19 got involved from the Youth Club’s Seniors and Looked After Children group – making spaghetti bolognese with garlic butter rolls. It was brilliant to see everyone taking part; learning new techniques and trying new things. At the end of the session, young people had the opportunity to sit down together to enjoy what they had created. We cannot wait to hear what they cook next!

Announcements
Programmes
August 18, 2026

A warm welcome to our Head of Fundraising and Communications!

We are delighted to announce the appointment of Paul Lawrence, Head of Fundraising and Communications.

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Paul joined Young Bristol in July 2026 as Head of Fundraising and Communications. Prior to joining Young Bristol, the majority of his 30 year career has been spent in the voluntary youth sector, having come through similar organisations to Young Bristol in London and Essex. Paul was also CEO for Oxfordshire Association for Young People for six years. Recently, he was Head of Fundraising for a global charity and CEO of a large youth centre in London. Paul has over 20 years of experience with charity fundraising, with a particular focus on events and has taken part in many fundraising events that include climbing Mount Kilimanjaro and running the London Marathon.

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Paul’s passion for this work comes from seeing young people have the opportunity to fulfil their potential. He strongly believes that youth clubs and activity-based programmes are powerful ways to achieve this, shaped by his own experience of youth networks and activities as a young person, which set him on his chosen career path.

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We hope you will join us in welcoming Paul to the Young Bristol team! To find out more about our team click here.

Team news
Announcements
August 6, 2026

Celebrating Bristol's young people at the Bristol International Balloon Fiesta

We are pleased to share that the Bristol International Balloon Fiesta has chosen Young Bristol as its official charity partner, marking the start of a three-year partnership from 2026 to 2028.

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United by a shared commitment to opportunity, belonging and community connection, the three-year collaboration will build towards a pair of milestone anniversaries. In 2028, the Fiesta will celebrate its 50th year, while Young Bristol reaches 100 years of supporting young people across the city.

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Across the partnership, Young Bristol will work alongside the Fiesta to open doors for young people to explore opportunities. From engineering and logistics to creative production and live events, the collaboration will shine a light on the pathways that sit behind one of Bristol’s most distinctive global industries.‍

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Together, we aim to broaden horizons, raise aspirations and create a lasting impact that extends far beyond the moment the balloons take flight.

Announcements
Event news
Stories
July 28, 2026

Outdoor Employment Programme: FREE Introductory Session

Join Young Bristol's Outdoor Employment Programme for a free Introductory Session on Thursday 10th September 2026.

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Aged 16 - 25? Interested in gaining new qualifications, learning new skills and improving your future work opportunities?

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Young Bristol's Outdoor Employment Programme is running an Introductory Session for young people to come along and find out more about the programme and outdoor industry. The free programme supports young people aged 16 - 25 with barriers to employment, by developing skills and gaining qualifications in a variety of outdoor activities, including kayaking, canoeing, powerboating, rock climbing, archery, bushcraft, first aid and high ropes.

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Based from our Pooles Wharf Outdoor Activity Centre, young people aged 16 - 25 will have the opportunity to take part in paddling sessions on Bristol's iconic harbourside, find out more about the programme and sign up for 2026. Parents, carers and support workers are also welcome to attend alongside their young person.

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Paddle sessions will take place from 2:00pm - 4:30pm and 5:30pm - 8:00pm. Young people are welcome to attend one or both sessions. You can find our Pooles Wharf Outdoor Activity Centre on Hotwells Road, Hotwells, Bristol, BS8 4RU.

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To sign up to our Introductory Session please click here to complete a consent form and email ph@youngbristol.com to confirm your attendance.

Announcements
Programmes
July 27, 2026

Outdoor Employment Programme recognised as finalist in Children and Young People Now Awards!

Young Bristol are delighted that our Outdoor Employment Programme has been shortlisted as a finalist for the 'Tackling Youth Inactivity Award' at the Children and Young People Now Awards 2026!

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The Children and Young People Now Awards showcase innovation and outstanding practice across the children’s services sector. The Awards champion the vital work of services supporting children, young people and families across the UK.

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Our Outdoor Employment Programme (OEP) was nominated for the Tackling Youth Inactivity Award - recognising the programmes pivotal work across Bristol for the last 13 years. The OEP supports young people aged 16-25 who are not in employment, education or training (NEET), and those who face significant barriers to employment.

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The OEP acts as a vital lifeline and key steppingstone for young people who have experienced times of homelessness, young carers who have responsibility of looking after parents, those with refugee or asylum seeker status or have learning difficulties, and struggle with the structure of a traditional school or education environment.

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Since the launch of the programme in 2013, it has transformed the lives of hundreds of young people from across Bristol:  

  • Over 360 young people age 16 – 25 years old supported since 2013.
  • Over 250 hours of training provided each year.  
  • Nearly 1000 Instructor and NGB Qualifications awarded to trainees since 2013
  • 50 young people supported by Redpoint Bristol’s volunteering scheme, with 7 trainees undergoing the mentoring programme this year alone.  
  • Over 100 trainees employed through the Go Aloft! Programme with SS Great Britain. Over 98% of those employed through the partnership remain in employment or have moved into full time education.
  • 7 NEET trainees volunteered at the Glastonbury Festival (2 of those have returned for 2 years and volunteers are managed by 2 more OEP alumni)

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Thank you to the Children and Young People Now Awards for recognising the fantastic work of our Outdoor Employment Programme. We look forward to celebrating alongside services from across the UK later this year.

Announcements
Awards
Programmes
July 24, 2026

A warm welcome to Destiny!

We are pleased to share we have recently welcomed to our team Destiny Barwe, a university student undertaking a placement year with us.

Destiny is a psychology student, studying at the University of Plymouth, working with us Young Bristol between her second and third year of study. She was born and raised in Bristol and is pleased to take this opportunity to give back to the city she loves. Throughout her education so far, she has established a particular interest in child developmental psychology. She is conscious of the value of creating and nurturing spaces and relationships for young people, in terms of their social and cognitive development.

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Destiny is eager to get to know the young people, looking forward to both having fun with and providing support for them. During her time with Young Bristol, she hopes to gain a deeper professional understanding of youth work, both in terms of delivery and the work that enables youth charities to be able to provide these programmes. She aims to use the skills gained through her degree and apply her psychological knowledge to real-world situations, in a way that will make a tangible difference.

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Find out more about our opportunities to volunteer and get involved with Young Bristol here.

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Team news
Announcements
June 23, 2026

Join our Summer Holiday Clubs 2026!

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.

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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.

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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:

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Ashton Vale Club for Young People

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  • Monday 27th July, 5:30pm - 8:30pm (Ages 12-19)
  • Tuesday 28th July, 5:30pm - 8:30pm (Ages 8-11)
  • Monday 3rd August, 5:30pm - 8:30pm (Ages 12-19)
  • Tuesday 4th August, 5:30pm - 8:30pm (Ages 8-11)
  • Monday 10th August, 5:30pm - 8:30pm (Ages 12-19)
  • Tuesday 11th August, 5:30pm - 8:30pm (Ages 8-11)
  • Monday 17th August, 5:30pm - 8:30pm (Ages 12-19)
  • Tuesday 18th August, 5:30pm - 8:30pm (Ages 8-11)
  • Monday 24th August, 6:30pm - 8:30pm (Ages 12-19)
  • Tuesday 25th August, 6:30pm - 8:30pm (Ages 8-11)

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Please note: we will be closed for the bank holiday on Monday 31st August, all other sessions will continue as normal.

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

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BS14 Stockwood Youth Club

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  • Monday 27th July, 5:30pm - 8:30pm (Ages 11-19)
  • Tuesday 28th July, 6:30pm - 8:30pm (Looked After Children session, referral only)
  • Thursday 30th July, 5:30pm - 8:30pm (Ages 8-11)
  • Monday 3rd August, 6:30pm - 8:30pm (Ages 12-19)
  • Tuesday 4th August, 5:30pm - 8:30pm (Looked After Children session, referral only)
  • Thursday 6th August, 5:30pm - 8:30pm (Ages 8-11)
  • Monday 10th August, 5:30pm - 8:30pm (Ages 11-19)
  • Tuesday 11th August, 6:30pm - 8:30pm (Looked After Children session, referral only)
  • Thursday 13th August, 5:30pm - 8:30pm (Ages 8-11)
  • Monday 17th August, 6:30pm - 8:30pm (Ages 11-19)
  • Tuesday 18th August, 5:30pm - 8:30pm (Looked After Children session, referral only)
  • Thursday 20th August, 5:30pm - 8:30pm (Ages 8-11)
  • Monday 24th August, 6:30pm - 8:30pm (Ages 11-19)
  • Tuesday 25th August, 6:30pm - 8:30pm (Looked After Children session, referral only)
  • Thursday 27th August, 6:30pm - 8:30pm (Ages 8-11)

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Please note: we will be closed for the bank holiday on Monday 31st August, all other sessions will continue as normal.

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

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The Grove @ Bedminster Down

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  • Monday 27th July, 5:30pm - 8:30pm (Year groups 3 and 4)
  • Tuesday 28th July, 6:30pm - 8:30pm (Year groups 5 and 6)
  • Wednesday 29th July, 5:30pm - 8:30pm (Year groups 7+)
  • Monday 3rd August, 6:30pm - 8:30pm (Year groups 3 and 4)
  • Tuesday 4th August, 5:30pm - 8:30pm (Year groups 5 and 6)
  • Wednesday 5th August, 5:30pm - 8:30pm (Year groups 7+)
  • Monday 10th August, 5:30pm - 8:30pm (Year groups 3 and 4)
  • Tuesday 11th August, 6:30pm - 8:30pm (Year groups 5 and 6)
  • Wednesday 12th August, 5:30pm - 8:30pm (Year groups 7+)
  • Monday 17th August, 6:30pm - 8:30pm (Year groups 3 and 4)
  • Tuesday 18th August, 5:30pm - 8:30pm (Year groups 5 and 6)
  • Wednesday 19th August, 5:30pm - 8:30pm (Year groups 7+)
  • Monday 24th August, 6:30pm - 8:30pm (Year groups 3 and 4)
  • Tuesday 25th August, 6:30pm - 8:30pm (Year groups 5 and 6)
  • Wednesday 26th August, 6:30pm - 8:30pm (Year groups 7+)

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Please note: we will be closed for the bank holiday on Monday 31st August, all other sessions will continue as normal.

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

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