Road to River - Bristol Circular 2025!

At Young Bristol, we are committed to continuing our mission and are proud to celebrate our incredible people, achievements, and impact we make across Bristol's communities.

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Our programmes provide a safe place, supportive environment, and activities and opportunities where young people can feel empowered, included and not alone

However, our vital work could not have been achieved without the dedication of our amazing volunteers, corporate partners, donors and fundraisers who go above and beyond to support us each year.

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On Wednesday 15^th January, Young Bristol welcomed our supporters, staff team, and young people and their families to our Celebration, AGM and Awards Event. The event celebrated a year of growth and impact, and highlighted stories from individuals across the organisation.  

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‍The event took place at one of Young Bristol’s Community Youth Clubs, Broad Plain & Riverside Youth Project, with a jam-packed evening which saw speakers, performances and a presentation of awards.  

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We were thrilled to have young people from The Grove @ Bedminster Down and Youth Worker, Cassidy Cockram open the event. It was amazing to see the young people share their talents with the 100 people who attended.

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We heard from Young Bristol’s President, Jonathan Webb and Co-Chairs Victoria Matthews and Jamie Cameron, who outlined the charity’s impact over recent years, our key achievements and focuses for 2025 – 2028.  

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Lee Williams DL shared his experiences from the past seven years as Chief Executive of Young Bristol.  

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“Leading Young Bristol has been the honour of a lifetime. In those past seven years, I’ve witnessed incredible transformations: a shy teenager finding their voice as a leader, a struggling child discovering their passion through STEM programmes and countless young people who once faced uncertainty now stepping into bright futures with confidence. These moments remind me daily of why we do what we do.”

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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 Bristol’s support. Alumni Junior Saunders spoke about his experience of Young Bristol as a young person, and how the support of Youth Workers can have a transformative impact on a young persons life. Junior welcomed the High Sheriff of Bristol Richard Cole, Lord Mayor Andrew Varney and Councillor Patrick McAllister to answer a series of questions focusing on the importance of youth work and its impact in communities across the city.  

Young Bristol are incredibly proud to announce that Eve, member of Sea Mills Boys and Girls Club, was awarded our 2024 ‘Young Person of the Year’!

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On Wednesday 15^th January, Young Bristol welcomed our supporters, Patron, President, Board of Trustees, staff team, and young people and their families to our Celebration, AGM and Awards Event. The event celebrated a year of growth, impact and stories from individuals across the organisation.

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As part of the event, ten 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 and award sponsor Clarion Future’s, Laura East. A gold envelope revealed that Eve, age 15 from Sea Mills Boys’ and Girls Club was this years winner! She was presented with a trophy, voucher from Browns Brasserie and iPad. Congratulations Eve!

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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!

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Young Person of the Year 2024 Winner - Eve’s story:

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Eve, aged 15, became a member of Sea Mills Boys and Girls Club in 2018. When Eve first joined the club, she was very shy, only joining activities with her existing friends, taking a while to warm up and talk to new young people.

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Since joining the club, the team has seen her confidence flourish, where she now leads the club's Young Leaders with confidence, manages the tuck shop, and inspires others with her dedication.  

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Her Club Leaders said:

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“We couldn't be more proud of her dedication to Sea Mills. She has shown how much the Club means to her and has had such a large effect on the other young people, which has meant more senior members at the club are now wanting to step up and have a similar role and impact as Eve!”

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To find out more about our opportunities for young people across Bristol here.  

This week, The Grove @ Bedminster Down hosted their annual Christmas Fair at Bedminster Down Ex Service Club! Over 100 local residents came through the doors, enjoying all of the stalls and activities we had on offer.

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This year, our young people led a social action project, where their voices were integral to shaping the stalls and activities. They even ran their own stall at the fair.

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The fair featured a range of other stalls, including tarot card readings, jewellery, a lucky wheel, and food stalls. Visitors also enjoyed activities such as a raffle and bottle tombola. We were even lucky enough to welcome Santa and his elves to the fair, who hosted a grotto to help raise funds for The Grove!

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To finish the Christmas Fair, the raffle ticket winners were announced, with some incredible prizes on offer, many of which were kindly donated by local businesses. These included a family pass to visit the SS Great Britain, go-karting tickets, and food vouchers. A big thank you to everyone who donated a raffle prize!

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We hope everyone enjoyed this year’s Christmas Fair. We are incredibly grateful to everyone who helped us raise significant funds, which will all be donated back to The Grove. Thank you to all the Young Bristol staff and young people who got involved—you made this event one to remember!

Computershare employees took part in the organisation’s annual ‘On Yer Bike’ fundraising event to raise money for Young Bristol!

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‘On Yer Bike’ has been successfully running for a number of years from Computershare's Bedminster Down office.

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The event saw just under 30 employees take on the challenge of cycling routes of 20, 55 or 70 miles in changeable weather across North Somerset in aid of the organisation.

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Lucy Newcombe, Chief Peopleand ESG officer at Computershare, said:

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“Our annual On Yer Bike event is hugely popular with employees who every year set themselves the challenge of riding some of the steepest hills in the area to raise money for an organisation that provides vital services for young people aged 8-24 in the city. We’re proud to support an organisation that aims to make a difference to the lives of local young people. Our employees enjoyed the experience, which included an after-event BBQ where they spoke to representatives from the charity and learned more about the important work it does.”

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Young Bristol was pleased in 2021 to be selected as Computershare's official regional charity for the company’s workplace giving programme Change a Life, which aims to empower people and communities facing economic and social challenges around the world. 

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Since then the partnership has helped to raise thousands of pounds, organised fundraising events and has seen Computershare employees volunteering their time at a number of the charity’s Bristol-based community venues.

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Thank you to Computershare for arranging this incredible event in aid of Young Bristol.

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All donations raised from the On Yer Bike event will help us to support young people across Bristol to discover what they are capable of!

Now more than ever before, young people and families across Bristol need the support of charities like Young Bristol.

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Next year, you can make a difference by taking on a challenge whilst supporting a local cause. Whether you want to take part in a fun run, build up your physical fitness with a half marathon, or push yourself to the limits with an Ultra challenge - grab your trainers and get fundraising!

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"The day was perfect for running and it was great to meet everyone running for Young Bristol - the build up was made easier knowing you're raising money for a worthwile cause.”

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Justin, Bath Half Marathon runner

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Calendar of 2024 events:

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• The Winter Green Man Ultra - Saturday 1st March 2025, Bristol
• Bath Half Marathon - Sunday 16th March 2025, Bath
• AJ Bell Bristol Run - Sunday 11th May 2025, Bristol
• Cheddar Gorge Challenge - Sunday 8th June 2025, Bristol
• Tough Mudder - Saturday 16th August 2025, Gloucester

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Running for Young Bristol is straightforward - and FREE! We'll cover the place cost for you, and you will get your own complimentary Young Bristol branded vest. All we ask is that you pledge to fundraise for us!

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If you would like to find out more information about these events, click here!

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"Fundraising for Young Bristol was a real privilege. What’s more, as soon as I explained to people what the charity does, and how it does it, they immediately “got it” and could see how their financial support would make a real difference in a real community.”

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Erik, London Marathon runner

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‍How your support will make a difference.

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Here in Bristol, Young Bristol continues to respond at the frontline with great initiatives to keep young people engaged, inspired, empowered and active. 

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• £50 pays for a young person to go on a residential experience
• £260 pays for two evenings of Youth Work for 50 young people with a qualified youth worker
• £350 pays for one young person on our Outdoor Employment Programme to gain a First Aid qualification‍
• £1,250 allows the Youth Club on Wheels to deliver sessions in a community with no provision for a whole month

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Our Fundraising Team are here to support you! If you are interested in signing up to run for Young Bristol, or take part in a race not listed above then please contact our friendly team. Get in touch with our Fundraising Team on 0117 929 2513 or email info@youngbristol.com.

Last week, we were delighted to support three teams from Unite Students as they took part in their first walking half marathon fundraising event, in aid of Young Bristol.

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We were pleased to see 25 staff members from Unite Students take part in their first walking Half Marathon, raising money for Young Bristol. The teams completed their walk from Bath to Bristol on the Bristol and Bath Railway Path in under 5 hours! In total, the team have raised over £3,800 so far!

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Unite Students has been supporting Young Bristol since 2023. Last year, they helped us by running a survey, which provided evidence for Bristol City Council to help secure funding for additional services at the Hartcliffe Club for Young People.

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This year, Unite Students continue to offer their support in various ways. Their support includes participating in voluntary days, with an upcoming date set at Ashton Vale Club for Young People this week. The team are also working on a photography project, helping us develop our growing image library to help showcase our programmes.

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"This marks the second year of our partnership with Young Bristol and after helping last year by running a survey for Hartcliffe Club for Young People, we have really enjoyed having a more hands on approach by hosting fundraising events, the walk being the first to take place. The response we had to the half marathon walk was fantastic, and it was especially great that everyone walking knew the funds were going straight to Young Bristol before we set off. "

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Emma Powell, Insight Analyst at Unite Students

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A huge thank you to the Insight & Analytics, Procurement, and Transformation teams from Unite Students for your continued support this year! If you would like to donate to Unite Student's fundraiser, click here!

On Saturday 10th August, eight runners signed up to run the South West Tough Mudder, to raise money for Young Bristol!

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The eight participants chose to fundraise for us at the South West Tough Mudder from a number of our partner organisations, including BBS Plumbing and Heating, SR2 as well as 50 Ways To Cook!

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Runners took part in both the 5 and 15 kilometer races, battling through mud pits and over various terrains across Badminton Estate.

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Thank you to our eight runners who took part in the Tough Mudder in aid of Young Bristol this year! If you would like to support our participants, check out their fundraising pages:

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• Alex - 50 Ways To Cook
• Alice and Caitlin - SR2
• Ben, Dan, Ben, Jack and Jess - BBS Plumbing and Heating

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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.

This month, Young Bristol were pleased to attend 299 Lighting's Padel, Pizza and Pints fundraising event, with all money raised at the event being kindly donated to Young Bristol!

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Our Fundraising Team were pleased to join the team at 299 Lighting for their Padel, Pizza and Pints fundraising event, based at Rocket Padel Bristol.

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Attendee's at the event enjoyed a coached padel session, playing against opponents of various abilities. During the two hour session, players had the choice to play continuously for the whole session, or to rotate on and off the court.

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After the amazing coached session of padel, the group had he opportunity to network with other players, who represented a number of different organisations. The group enjoyed pizza and pints whilst relaxing and networking.

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"For the past 15 years, while leading 299 Lighting, I’ve held a strong conviction that the youth of our city are the bedrock of its success. This belief led me to seek out a charity that shares these values. We take great joy in seeing our team develop skills and aspire to great heights, and it is our hope that we can contribute to the exceptional work being done by Young Bristol."

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said James, Founder at 299 Lighting

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Thank you to the team at 299 Lighting for organising the incredible Padel, Pizza and Pints event and raising significant funds for Young Bristol. We are excited to join the next event in September.

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If you would like to organise a fundraising event to raise money for Young Bristol, click here and find out how we can support you!