News and stories

Hear about our latest news, our impact and exciting upcoming events.

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This week is Volunteer Week, and Young Bristol would like to share a special thanks to everyone who has chosen to support Young Bristol in each and every capacity. One group we would like to shine a light on is our Board of Trustees!

Our Board of Trustees are a group of volunteers who help to drive our developing work with children and young people across Bristol.  We are pleased to work with 11 trustees, who are responsible for the strategic direction and development of Young Bristol.

We asked our Trustees why they chose to support Young Bristol. Jonathan Webb, President, said:

"Young Bristol is a wonderful charity. Its impact goes way beyond all the things it does for the young people of Bristol and the wider area. Whenever I meet people who have had their lives improved for the better through YB  I am reminded what a privilege and pleasure it is to be involved. "

Carolyn Jenkins, Trustee, added:

"Everyone at Young Bristol works hard to support young people, providing opportunities and experiences to enhance and transform lives - from youth clubs to outdoor activities and employment schemes. It is an honour to be part of such a committed charity and team, and so rewarding to see the many stories of positive impact across the city"

Thank you to our Board of Trustees for your continued support and voluntary efforts to support Young Bristol and the young people of Bristol!

If you would like to support Young Bristol but unsure where to start, click here and read more on how you can support us!

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This week, we finished off the May Half term by hosting an Interclub Dodgeball tournament for young people across our Community Youth Club network to enjoy!

Avon Youth Club kindly facilitated our Dodgeball tournament, where we saw representatives from Avon Youth Club, Hartcliffe Club for Young People and The Grove @ Bedminster Down, to compete and win this years dodgeball competition.

The day saw young people take part in a junior and senior category, with a round-robin format. Each round consisted of 3 games, where young people competed against each other to win the most points and secure a place in the final!

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This year, Young Bristol organised NABGC's 58th annual Canoe Test!

Through the bank holiday weekend, young people from Young Bristol and those associated with the National Association of Boys and Girls Clubs took part in The Canoe Test 2024. The challenge took place over four days, with participants paddling down the River Wye.

Young people completed this challenging event, with some achieving up to 100 miles of canoeing! The event taught all participants some life-changing skills in addition to canoeing, such as preparing their own food and setting up their own tents to camp in, which they can continue to use on future adventures.

The four days of canoeing down the River Wye was all under the expert guidance of Young Bristol's Commercial Activities team, ably supported by a number of volunteers, all giving up their bank holiday weekend to to ensure all young people participating in this years Canoe Test had an amazing experience!

Thank you to everyone who helped to make this years Canoe Test a truly unforgettable event full of learning, laughter and friendship-building!

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Last week, Young Bristol were pleased to be in attendance at World Youth Clubs Leadership Institute 2024 in Atlanta, alongside some other great youth organisations from NABGC, Puerto Rico, Mexico, Canada, Liberia and Georgia as well as states across USA!

During the first few days at World Youth Clubs Leadership Institute, attendees were given the opportunity to explore the facilities on offer for young people across Atlanta! Our team were also able to meet and connect with individuals from across the globe, who shared their experiences of youth work from different countries!

Later in the week, World Youth Clubs Leadership Institute delegates and 14 other nations were recognised at the Boys & Girls Club of America's 118th Annual Conference! It was amazing to connect with youth working peers to explore strategies and share insights. Later in the conference, we heard from some of Atlanta's alumni, including singer-songwriter Usher, who had previously attended youth clubs in Atlanta as a teenager.

We would like to thank World Youth Clubs for hosting another great conference this year. Young Bristol representatives enjoyed their time in Atlanta and have brought all their learning and growth back to Bristol, ready to apply and benefit our young people! We are excited to hopefully attend next years conference.

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This month, we were pleased to take a number of young people who attend our Community Youth Clubs and Outdoor Employment Programme to visit Glastonbury Festivals site!

We are pleased to be partnered with Glastonbury Festival this year, with a number of our trainees attending the Outdoor Employment Programme volunteering at the festival!

Last week, Glastonbury invited a number of our young people to join them on the festivals site! Young people received a full site tour and were able to see behind the scenes as well as the iconic stages being built!

After an amazing tour of the site, the group then went on to paint bins that are planned to be used across the site! Young people and staff got stuck in and painted some incredible and creative designs.

I knew bin painting would get the young ones really engaged but I was also pleasantly surprised to see how much the older trainees and enjoyed getting stuck in. It was really great to hear the comments on the coach home about how much they really enjoyed the day!

We would like to extend a huge thank you to Glastonbury Festival for inviting our young people to leave their mark at this years festival. We hope to continue working together and hope to get involved with future activities on offer!

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On Sunday 19th May, 9 runners signed up to run the AJ Bell Great Bristol run, to raise money for Young Bristol!

Our 9 runners set off from the heart of Bristol City Centre and lapped around some of Bristol's most iconic landmarks and enjoyed the scenic views. The group that chose to fundraise for Young Bristol, set off from the starting line in the morning, and crossed the finish line with impressive lap times. Each of our runners pledged to raised a set amount, and each one smashed this target! Thank you to the group for all your fundraising efforts!

Thank you to our 9 runners who took part in the Half marathon in aid of Young Bristol!

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

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Young Bristol are proud to announce that our young people have been shortlisted for the Bristol Young Heroes Awards 2024!

The Bristol Young Heroes Awards recognises and celebrates the valuable contribution that Bristol's young people make to the city. The awards shine light on those who have overcome difficult circumstances, made a difference to the lives of others, or have achieved something extraordinary this year!

On Tuesday 14th May, our six shortlisted nominees attended the Bristol Young Heroes Awards Nominee reception at City Hall, hosted by Community of Purpose.

The evening was an amazing event for all finalists of the award to meet the other nominees, collect their finalists certificates and were introduced to the awards fantastic supporters who can offer young people potential life changing opportunities.

We wish shortlisted nominees the best of luck at the Bristol Young Heroes Awards on Friday 5th July:

  • Amelia, Environmental Hero - Hartcliffe Club For Young People
  • Dasha, Sporting Hero - Outdoor Employment Programme
  • Hartcliffe 10, Team Award - Hartcliffe Club For Young People
  • Kyle, Action Hero - Hartcliffe Club For Young People
  • Looked After Children group, Team Award - BS14 Stockwood Youth Club
  • Missie, Super Hero - The Grove @ Bedminster Down

Young Bristol would also like to recognise Ellis and our Outdoor Activities team, who have achieved incredible things during 2023! To find out more information about their nominations, click here!

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We are pleased to announce that booking for our May and Summer Outdoor Activities is now live!

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!

3 Day Wet, Wild and Wicked - £120pp

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 24th July 2024 - Friday 26th July 2024
  • Tuesday 30th July 2024 - Thursday 1st August 2024
  • Monday 12th August 2024 - Wednesday 14th August 2024
  • Tuesday 20th August 2024 - Thursday 22nd August 2024

Paddle Power Development Course - £80pp

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.

  • Monday 5th August 2024 - Tuesday 6th August 2024
  • Tuesday 20th August - Wednesday 21st August 2024

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.

  • Thursday 8th August 2024
  • Tuesday 13th August 2024

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.

  • Tuesday 23rd July 2024
  • Friday 2nd August 2024
  • Friday 9th August 2024
  • Thursday 15th August 2024
  • Thursday 22nd August 2024

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 session here.

  • Friday 31st May 2024, 1:00pm - 4:00pm
  • Wednesday 24th July 2024, 1:00pm - 4:00pm
  • Monday 29th July 2024, 9:00am - 12:00pm
  • Tuesday 30th July 2024, 1:00pm - 4:00pm
  • Monday 5th August 2024, 1:00pm - 4:00pm
  • Wednesday 7th August 2024, 1:00pm - 4:00pm
  • Monday 12th August 2024, 1:00pm - 4:00pm
  • Monday 19th August 2024, 1:00pm - 4:00pm
  • Friday 23rd August 2024, 1:00pm - 4:00pm

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.

  • Wednesday 29th May 2024, 9:00am - 12:00pm
  • Thursday 30th May 2024, 9:00am - 12:00pm
  • Tuesday 23rd July 2024, 1:00pm - 4:00pm
  • Monday 29th July 2024, 1:00pm - 4:00pm
  • Wednesday 31st July 2024, 1:00pm - 4:00pm
  • Wednesday 7th August 2024, 9:00am - 12:00pm
  • Monday 12th August 2024, 9:00am - 12:00pm
  • Wednesday 14th August 2024, 1:00pm - 4:00pm
  • Monday 19th August 2024, 1:00pm - 4:00pm
  • Friday 23rd August 2024, 9:00am - 12:00pm

Half Day Caving - £20pp

A perfect session for beginners, and those with a little experience. Explore an underground labyrinth with lots of twists and turns, gentle and more challenging climbs and crawls. From large inviting entrances to a superman’s squeeze, Adventure underground while having fun, building confidence and seeing unique rock formations all under the illumination of nothing but your head torch. Find out more information and book your Half Day Caving session here.

  • Monday 29th July 2024, 1:00pm - 4:00pm
  • Thursday 8th August 2024, 1:00pm - 4:00pm

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Young Bristol are pleased to announce that our Chief Executive, Lee Williams DL, has been recognised in the CEO Monthly Magazine Awards 2024 as the ‘Most Influential CEO – South West England (Youth Charity)'.

The CEO Monthly Magazine looks to globally highlight the inspiring stories of award-winning CEO’s, who have proven to be outstanding, brilliant leaders within their sectors. The magazine showcases Lee’s 40 years’ experience, working in both private and public sectors, and explores how Lee has used this experience to drive Young Bristol forward over the past five years.

Lee was appointed as Young Bristol’s CEO in 2018, and since then has played an instrumental role in providing the charity with strategic leadership and financial management. Lee’s dedication has seen the charity achieve its collective goals, with growth in programmes and services for young people; as well as an increase in the charity’s annual income.

On being recognised for the ‘Most Influential CEO – South West England (Youth Charity)’ Award, Lee Williams DL said,

"We live in a forever changing world and I have no intention of slowing down or retiring. There is still so much I want to achieve personally and professionally. I intend to keep pushing the boundaries, trying new things, and continuously learning from those around me.”

Jamie Cameron, Co-Chair of Young Bristol adds to this,

This award recognises the huge developments that Lee has overseen since he took over as Chief Executive at Young Bristol. The charity really was in a very different place five years ago, and I don’t think many can imagine the journey that we have been on as an organisation. The Board of Trustees are really pleased to see Lee recognised in this fantastic way.”

The staff team and Board of Trustees at Young Bristol would like to congratulate Lee on this amazing achievement. We look forward to sharing the many exciting developments that lay ahead for the organisation over the upcoming 18 months, as we continue to grow our offer of high-quality services for young people.

You can read the full article from the CEO Monthly Magazine here.

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