October 18, 2022

Young Bristol host annual NABGC conference 2022

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Young Bristol were delighted to host this year’s NABGC Stronger Together Conference at Broad Plain and Riverside Youth Project and The Bristol Hotel, thanks to our corporate sponsors SR2 and The PG Group.

The conference was the first big event that the NABGC were able to host since the beginning of lockdown and, was an amazing opportunity for everyone to come together, renew their friendships and relationships, listen to inspiring key note speakers and participate in enlightening workshops.

The day started off with the conference, hosted at Broad Plain and Riverside Youth Project. Everyone at this conference were able to hear from inspirational key note speakers Kirk Dominik, CEO of World Federation of Youth Clubs and Leigh Middleton, CEO of National Youth Agency. Kirk had the opportunity to discuss importance of youth work and what it means to young people while they are growing up. He stated that it is vital for young people to have access to youth programmes and support. Leigh was able to discuss the support and resources that NYA have to offer alongside the importance of youth work on a national and local level.

The day then progressed into breakout sessions, where 4 workshops were on offer for everyone to partake and discuss within small groups. A marketing and branding workshop was hosted by Simon Hemus from the World Federation of Youth Clubs. Jessica Kirby and Kelly Leach from Berkshire youth were able to present their workshop on Young People and Mental Health. NABGC Training Committee hosted their own workshop where they were able to review the activities and events that they have ran and are going to run in the future. Finally, key note speaker Leigh Middleton had his own workshop where he was able to brief attendees regarding information on the Youth Sector.

With thanks to the team at The Bristol Hotel, we were able to continue the evening with an awards ceremony and dinner, using their space. The ceremony started off with brief speeches from Lee Williams, CEO of Young Bristol, Joe Sims, compere for the evening, and Mark Brine, Chair of NABGC. After this, young people from across the NABGC network spoke powerfully and eloquently about the need of youth work and importance of getting involved with changes in the youth sector.

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Three awards were presented out on the evening; Young Person of the Year Award, presented by Socially Responsible Recruitment and awarded to Blain Morris; Volunteer of the Year Award, presented by The PG Group and awarded to Chardonnay Rennie; the Outstanding Leader of the Year Award, presented by High sheriff Alex Raikes MBE and awarded to Zoe Buchanan. Congratulations to them for being recognised and winning these awards.

Here at Young Bristol, we would like to thank The PG Group and SR2 for funding the event and allowing us to make this event such an amazing day for all. We would also like to thank Broad Plain and Riverside Youth Project and The Bristol Hotel for being such amazing hosts and allowing us to use their spaces.

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December 1, 2025

Young Bristol President’s Appeal 2025

As one of Young Bristol’s trusted supporters, your generosity has helped us transform the lives of thousands of young people across our city. You have stood with us as we opened new doors, expanded our programmes, and gave young people the chance to feel safe, supported and valued.

This year, Young Bristol was proud to be announced as overall WINNER in the “Community Impact Award” category at the 2025 South West Business Awards. Because of supporters like you, in 2024-2025 we had over 27,215 engagements with young people through Young Bristol’s open-access youth clubs, outdoor activity programmes, and skills and employment training. This was an increase from 21,352 engagements last year, showing the increased need and demand for our services.

Many of these young people were facing challenges no child should have to navigate: poverty, isolation, family difficulties, and the daily effects of the cost-of-living crisis. Our youth workers were there for them – listening, mentoring, and offering opportunities that help build confidence and brighter futures.

However, as you may expect, the cost of delivering this work is rising sharply. Heating, insurance, staffing, and basic utilities have all increased. Demand from young people continues to grow at the same time.

To keep our youth clubs open and accessible to every young person who needs us, we are seeking support with the essential core costs that make our work possible. These aren’t the most visible costs, but they are the most vital. Without a warm, safe building and a trusted youth worker inside it, there is no club, no conversation, no positive change.

We are therefore asking if you would consider renewing your support with a contribution toward our core running costs. A gift from you would help ensure that our doors remain open, our youth workers remain present, and young people continue to have somewhere they belong.

You already know the difference that Young Bristol makes. Your belief in our work has carried us through many years and allowed us to provide a lifeline to those who need it most. With your continued partnership, we can protect these safe spaces and make sure no young person is turned away. Thank you, as always, for standing with our young people. If you would like to talk further or visit one of our clubs, I would be delighted to arrange this.

Support the work of Young Bristol

We know that in the coming weeks and months, young people will need our Youth Clubs and programmes more than ever before; providing them with positive activities, support, advice and a safe place to go. With your support now, we can continue to provide vital opportunities for young people.

Our vital work relies on your kind donations, big or small. With your help we can continue to improve the lives of young people across Bristol and beyond.

  • £7 a week for a year pays for one evening of Youth Work for 35 young people with our trained Youth Leaders.
  • £50 pays for a young person to go on a residential experience
  • £500 will provide a young person on our Outdoor Employment Programme with a Paddlesport Instructor qualification
  • £1,450 allows the Youth Club on Wheels to deliver sessions in a community with no provision for a whole month
  • £4,300 will keep one of our Community Youth Clubs open for a whole month, offering 3 nights of provision a week

If you would like to make a donation, click here!

Announcements
Awards
November 28, 2025

Our Impact Report 2024-25!

We are delighted to announce that we have officially published our 2024-25 Impact Report!

This years Impact Report demonstrates our growth, success and impact for the 2024–25 period. The report reflects on how we have provided safe spaces, trusted role models, and positive opportunities, as we continue to support young people to gain the confidence, skills and belief that they can achieve great things.

"Our collaboration with Young Bristol brings colleagues together to socialise and have fun through volunteering, fundraising and awareness sessions while making a real difference locally.

Unite Students, Corporate Partner

Announcements
Stories
November 25, 2025

A warm welcome to BS14 Youth Club's Club Leader!

We are delighted to announce the appointment of Archie Jefferies, Club Leader at BS14 Stockwood Youth Club!

Archie has previously worked with young people through his voluntary role as a football coach over the last few years. With a background in art, sculpturing, and sports, Archie brings his passion for moving people together through creativity. He is excited to join the Young Bristol team where he hopes to bring a safe, fun, and energetic environment to the club and to help young people explore their skills, gain confidence, and unlock their potential.

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

Announcements
Team news
November 17, 2025

Istoria Group select Young Bristol as 'Charity of the Year'!

We are delighted to share that Young Bristol has been selected as Istoria Groups 'Charity of the Year'!

Istoria Group is a collective of creative agencies with distinct, complementary skill sets. They offer a fantastic collaborative spirit and the shared ambition to make their clients' brands more visible, more relevant, and more compelling to their customers.

The team at Istoria Group will be supporting Young Bristol through a number of opportunities over the next year, including: fundraising for us through a 'Wing Walk', skills sharing across our network, and volunteering at our Community Youth Clubs.

Thank you to the team for your support so far! Are you interested in supporting Young Bristol and not sure how? Click here to find out more information.

Announcements
Event news
Stories
November 14, 2025

Young Bristol recognised at South West Business Awards!

Young Bristol are incredibly proud to announce that we have been awarded the 'Community Impact' Award at the South West Business of the Year Awards 2025. We are also delighted to see our Chief Executive, Lee Williams DL, shortlisted for the 'Business Leader of the Year' Award.

On Thursday 13th November, the Young Bristol team attended the South West Business of the Year Awards, where it was great to be recognised for our hard work and dedication to young people across Bristol.

The South West Business of the Year Awards celebrates the very best business successes from across the region. The shortlisted and winning businesses are those that are innovating, disrupting and thriving - and want to showcase their achievements.

Young Bristol were awarded the 'Community Impact' award for 2025, which highlights businesses or individuals in the region that have demonstrated a commitment to ‘giving something back’, through CSR initiatives or charitable activities. Young Bristol has a legacy spanning nearly a century, and is an organisation that is continually evolving to meet the needs of Bristol’s youth. During the last year, we continued to provide safe spaces, skills training, and life-changing experiences that supported thousands of young people to thrive. 

Young Bristol's Chief Executive, Lee Williams DL, was nominated by the judges of the Awards for the 'Business Leader of the Year', which showcases the most impressive business leaders from nominated businesses.

Awards
Announcements
Team news
November 11, 2025

Young Bristol's Film Competition winner 2025!

We are delighted to announce Rosanna from the Avon Youth Club is the winner of our 2025 Film Competition!

Last month, we were pleased to host a Film Competition across our Community Youth Club and Youth Club on Wheels network. Young people from each club were encouraged to create a short film using a mobile phone, tablet or camera, to entered into our competition.

We received a number of entries from across our club network, our judges chose one winner from the range of amazing creative skills that were showcased in the competition!

The winners of our competition is Rosanna, a young person from Avon Youth Club session! In her film, she discussed why she would like to be a xx and xx when she grows up. Rosanna was awarded with a £15 Amazon gift card for winning the competition. Well done to Kyah, Hartcliffe Club for Young People and Tico, Hartcliffe Club for Young People, who were announced as runners up of the competition.

Congratulations Rosanna! During November, we are running a Christmas Card competition! Ask your local Club Leader for more information on how to enter.

Programmes
Announcements
November 7, 2025

What's on: November 2025!

Are you looking to take part in exciting activities this month? Young Bristol have a range of activities, events and opportunities for young people and the wider community! Find out below what's on in your local area this month!

Christmas Card Competition

Create a Christmas card on our premade template and submit to a Club Leader. Winners will receive VIP Box Tickets for 4 people to Bristol’s Christmas Pantomime.

When: Monday 3rd November - Friday 14th November

Where: Various Youth Clubs

For: Ages 8-19

Super Sliders Trip

Super Sliders are offering their Bronze and Silver Award, where you will take part in a one-day camp in which you will get the chance to try out skeleton and bobsleigh.

When: Saturday 29th November

Where: Bath University 'Push Track'

For: Ages 16-25

Also this month...

Community Youth Clubs - For 8 – 19 year olds and are located in many areas across Bristol, open up to 4 nights per week. Each Club offers a safe and inclusive environment, staffed by caring, trained adults. Click here to find out more.

Outdoor Employment Programme - Our free programme for young people aged 16-25 helps to develop new skills and gain nationally recognised qualifications in a variety of outdoor activities. Click here to find out more.

Youth Club on Wheels - Our mobile youth service works with young people aged 8-19 in hard-to-reach areas of the city and rural areas where there is currently no youth provision. Click here to find out more.

Programmes
Event news
November 2, 2025

Bristol Old Vic Theatre School perform 'Wonderland' for Young Bristol!

During the October half term, we were pleased to see Bristol Old Vic Theatre School perform an exclusive 'Wonderland' performance for Young Bristol members at Merchants Academy.

We were thrilled to see a number of families, young people and affiliates come through the doors of Merchants Academy, to enjoy Bristol Old Vic Theatre Schools performance of 'Wonderland', created and performed by their second-year BA Acting students, who debuted their school tour for Young Bristol members!

The story saw Alice tumble down a rabbit hole during a computer lesson, where she discovers a magical Wonderland filled with curious characters who seem strangely familiar. Through encounters with a White Rabbit, Cheshire Cat, and the fearsome Queen of Hearts, she embarks on a musical adventure that teaches her how to navigate her emotions and embrace her true self.

"It was great to see the students stay in character so well throughout the whole performance. They engaged with the kids so well and used humour for all throughout. What an amazing performance, thank you!"

We would like to thank Bristol Old Vic Theatre School for hosting this amazing performance for young people!

Event news
Programmes
Stories
October 30, 2025

Young Bristol host Well-being and Social Action Festival!

During the October half term, Young Bristol were pleased to host a 'Well-being and Social Action Festival' at Admiral House in Fishponds, Bristol, inviting local organisations to share about how the local young people and families can take care of their mental health.

On Thursday 30th October, Young Bristol welcomed young people aged 10–20 and their families from the local community and across the city to engage with a number of exciting activities, encouraging and supporting their mental health and wellbeing.

The event saw a number of local organisations and stallholders attend, who offered tailored support to our attendees — including yoga, boxing, music-making, and mental health service providers. It was also great to see young people from Youth Moves set up and deliver their own social action stall, where they made food and stress balls for everyone to enjoy!

We would like to share a huge thanks to SNG and the #iwill Fund for funding this event and helping us to make it possible. Thank you to The Cause, Off The Record Bristol, Retreat Me Wellness, Youth Moves, NHS Talking Therapies and all the other local organisations that made this event such a success! Thank you to Lush Bristol, who kindly donated us a number of bath bombs that were included in our wellbeing goody bags.

To find out more about accessing our programmes and services, click here!

Event news