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This week, The Grove @ Bedminster Down hosted their second annual Christmas Fair at Bedminster Down Ex Service Club! Over 150 local residents came through the doors, enjoying all of the stalls and activities we had on offer.
Our stalls ranged from Tarot Card readings, wax melts and food stalls. Everyone was also able to enjoy our range of activities such as; guess the sweets and bottle tombola! We were lucky enough to even be visited by Santa and his elves, who hosted a Grotto to help raise money for The Grove!
To finish off the Christmas Fair, the raffle ticket winners were announced, winning some of the amazing prizes, some of which had been kindly donated by some local businesses! Some of these included: Next, Asda and local food restaurants. Thank you to everyone who donated a raffle prize!
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During the Christmas Fair, we even saw an amazing performance from Xtro Illusions Dance Company. Some of the young people that attend this dance club are regular attendants at The Grove. The group wanted to perform in front of the parents and the wider community! It was great to see them put a Christmas routine together and perform this on stage!
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We hope that everyone enjoyed this years Christmas fair. We would like to thank everyone who has helped us to raise over £800, which will all be donated back to The Grove! Thank you to all Young Bristol staff that got involved, you made this event one to remember.
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This week, Young Bristol are supporting Children's Mental Health Week, celebrating young people building resilience, embracing self-awareness and forming connections with others, between Monday 3rd February and Friday 7th February.
This year, Places2Be is exploring the theme 'know yourself, grow yourself', which aims to empower young people to understand their emotions, reactions and motivations, helping them to grow and thrive!
At Young Bristol, we are committed to continuing our Mission by providing safe places, a supportive environment, and activities and opportunities where young people can feel empowered, included and not alone.
Our Youth Mental Health Champions!
A Youth Mental Health Champion plays a key role in advocating for young people's mental health and wellbeing by raising awareness, starting important conversations and signposting to important resources.
Meet Kat, Club Leader at BS14 Youth Club. Kat is one of our Youth Mental Health Champions! As a Youth Worker, Kat is passionate about young people's wellbeing and believes in the importance of supporting their mental health, ensuring they receive the help they need.
"We, as a society, are getting really good at recognising mental health needs in adults but I feel in that process, young people have been forgotten. That's where I believe Youth Workers step in."
Youth mental health is important to her as she believes if you give young people the skills they need to manage their mental health now, you are giving them transferrable skills they can take forwards into their adulthood, which in the long run can help ease the strain on adults mental health services. When working at the club, Kat regularly checks in on young people's mental health and allows them to reflect on their own feelings, behaviours and management tools that work best for them.
Providing safe places for Bristol's young people
Our work provides young people with safe, welcoming, inclusive places where they can be themselves, build friendships, and access support when they need it most.
Our Youth Clubs and services continue be at the core of communities, giving young people the safety and support that they cannot find on the streets, acting as the bridge between home and school life.
1,345 young people were supported through our open access sessions throughout 2023 – 24.
Our 9 community venues in North, East and South Bristol continued to open their doors up to 4 nights per week.
During 2023 – 24, 16 communities were positively impacted by our work, with 3 new communities supported by Young Bristol who had not previously received any youth services.
We’ve invested £528,280 into capital improvements at a number of our community venues since 2022; making improvements that would help to create environments that young people can thrive in.
Where you can find support and advice
Did you know one in five children face mental health issues? Whether you want to access helpful resources, start a conversation about mental health or are seeking professional advice and guidance, there are many ways you can begin to make a difference to a young person's mental health and wellbeing. If you or someone you know needs support, check out the links below for some recommended local and national services.
Young people
Mind - A mental health charity, whose aim is to ensure no one faces mental health alone. Offering online support and guidance that young people that can access on their website 24/7.
Shout - A free, confidential24/7 text support service for anyone in the UK who is struggling with their mental health. To start a conversation, text 'SHOUT' to 85258. Shout's team of trained volunteers are trained to listen at any time, day or night.
Samaritans - Aims to provide support through phone, letter, email or in person. Whatever problem you are facing, Samaritans are available 24/7, 365 days a year!
Kooth - an online wellbeing community where you can get free, safe and anonymous support. The forum is a judgement-free, safe place for anyone to get advice, help others and share their stories.
Parents
Young Minds Parent Helpline - Offering tailored advice to parents, guardians and other family members who are concerned about a child's mental health. Advice for all young people who are under 25 over the phone or through their online chat.
Shout - A free, confidential24/7 text support service for anyone in the UK who is struggling with their mental health. To start a conversation, text 'SHOUT' to 85258. Shout's team of trained volunteers are trained to listen at any time, day or night.
Samaritans - Aims to provide support through phone, letter, email or in person. Whatever problem you are facing, Samaritans are available 24/7, 365 days a year!
MindEd for Families - A free e-learning portal, offering information and support about mental health and well-being. Available 24/7 on their website!
To find out more about our work with young people and the opportunities we provide click here.
On Wednesday 15th 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.
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.
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.
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.
Lee Williams DL shared his experiences from the past seven years as Chief Executive of Young Bristol.
“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.”
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’!
On Wednesday 15th 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.
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.
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!
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!
Young Person of the Year 2024 Winner - Eve’s story:
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.
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.
Her Club Leaders said:
“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!”
To find out more about our opportunities for young people across Bristol here.
2024 has been a year full of milestones for Young Bristol. Throughout the year, we have seen amazing opportunities, impactful partnerships and incredible transformations!
As we reflect on an amazing year, we are proud of everything we have achieved over the last 12 months!
January
In January, Jesse and Cheralee completed their Level 2 Youth Work qualification!
Throughout 2024, 8 members of staff were supported as they worked towards their Youth Work qualifications. At Young Bristol, we remain committed to supporting our teamspersonal and professional development, prioritising their long-term growth, and ambitions.
February
A year of incredible recognitions! February saw the first of many celebrations, with Kyle from Hartcliffe Club for Young People awarded ‘Volunteer of the Year’ and Hartcliffe Club for Young People winning the ‘Your Park’ Award. Young Bristol, staff and young people received 9 local and national awards.
March
Our website is live! We launched our new website in March, showcasing a new and bright look, with an improved user experience that better allowed us to showcase our impact and work.
And the winner of our competition is… in April we announced the winners of our Creative Writing Competition, Peyton and Orla!
Throughout the year our team developed a programme of exciting opportunities which engaged 464 young people from across the city, taking part in events, activities, competitions and trips away.
May
We built new and existing relationships in 2024, with Computershare volunteering at our Youth Clubs and young people visiting Glastonbury Festival in May!
Corporate partnerships continue to make a huge difference – helping us to develop our provisions through fundraising, volunteering, donating and raising awareness of our work. Thank you to our partners who go above and beyond!
June
Young Leaders were excited to receive their new uniforms in June – making them feel part of the team at Young Bristol!
Throughout the year the number of young people who volunteer across our programmes continued to grow, with 27 young people volunteering their time and giving back to other young people!
July
Another year of amazing opportunities, reaching even more young people!
July saw a jam-packed city-wide programme of activities, workshops and exciting offers during the summer holidays. From caving and kayaking with our Outdoor Activities team to cooking workshops, trips and a sports day at our Youth Clubs.
August
Our fundraisers took on new challenges, ran marathons and competed at our annual Golf Day during 2024!
August saw 8 runners raise over £2,200 by taking on the South West Tough Mudder!Thank you to the individuals, groups and Corporates who pledged to fundraise for us this year.
September
We celebrated our impact in September!
We were proud to share our 2023 – 24 Impact Report which highlighted how we continue to support thousands of young people to feel empowered, included and not alone.
The feature highlighted the profound and life-changing work that the team behind this programme have delivered over the past five years – supporting nearly 1,000 young people across 16 communities.
November
Transforming our venues and investing in our infrastructure during 2024!
November saw the transformation of Ashton Vale Club for Young People, with a new multi-media suite, heating system, flooring and ceiling. Alongside our Clubs, Pooles Wharf Outdoor Activity Centre had exciting developments to the centre’s facilities and outdoor area!
December
As we come to the end of 2024, it has been incredible to look back at another impactful year, as we continued to play a crucial role in supporting young people and their communities!
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.
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.
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!
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!
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!
We are delighted to announce that Esme from Ashton Vale Club for Young People and Maisie from Sea Mills Boys and Girls Club are the winners of the 2024 Christmas Card Competition!
Last month, we hosted a Christmas Card Competition across our Community Youth Clubs. Young people from across network were encouraged to draw a Christmas design that to be featured as this year’s annual Christmas Card!
We were delighted to receive a total of 47 entries from across our Youth Clubs, showcasing lots creativity through some fantastic designs!
The winner from our junior age group is Esme, aged 12, from Ashton Vale Club for Young People. The winner from our senior age group was Maisie, aged 13, from Sea Mills Boys and Girls Club! The pair have each been awarded a pack of cards that feature their design as well as a £15 Amazon gift voucher!
In an inspiring partnership with local youth charity, Young Bristol, Laura Wilder, Franchisee of the Bristol Fishponds McDonald’s, has transformed her restaurant into a safe and welcoming space for young people. This partnership comes as a result of McDonald’s Makin’ it initiative, run in collaboration with BBC Children in Need - to better support young people and unlock genuine opportunity.
Surrounded by several schools, Laura noticed an increasing number of young people gathering at her restaurant after school. Over time, she began to know the regulars by name, fostering relationships that have led to a much greater impact than anticipated. Laura’s presence as a mentor and positive role model grew as she took on a key role of providing reassurance, advice, and support to these young people.
In a bid to extend the positive impact beyond just the students who were visiting her restaurant, Laura formed a partnership with Young Bristol, the city’s leading provider of community-based youth services. The charity is well known for its extensive community youth club network across some of Bristol’s most challenging neighbourhoods and run a variety of initiatives including outdoor activities, holiday clubs and an outdoor employment programme which helps young people develop life skills.
Recognising the potential of combining their strengths, Laura personally funded six youth work sessions, which saw Young Bristol’s innovative Youth Club on Wheels parked outside her McDonald’s for a 3-hour window each week. This mobile youth service created a fun, interactive space for the youth, with various activities designed to engage, inspire, and positively influence their lives.
Over the course of the project, 24 young people from the local Fishponds community took part, solidifying the initiative’s success. This partnership between Young Bristol and McDonald’s has had a profound effect on the local community, all through crucial funding from BBC Children in Need. Not only has Laura’s restaurant become a gathering spot where young people feel safe, but it has also fostered anew, mutual respect between the McDonald’s team and young people in the area. Fishponds McDonald’s and Young Bristol look forward to continuing their partnership, with a new aim to provide employment opportunities for young people.
Local McDonald’s Franchisee, Laura Wilder, who owns and operates McDonald’s Fishponds, says:
“My team at McDonald’s Fishponds and I, together with Young Bristol, are deeply committed to creating lasting change in our community. We see the bright potential in every young person, and it inspires us to create a safe and welcoming space where they can connect, learn, and truly thrive. Together, we've already begun to see the positive impact of our partnership, and we’re excited to build on this foundation. Our goal is to open even more doors for growth and empowerment, ensuring that the youth of Bristol have the opportunities they deserve to shine.”
Shea Stew, Young Bristol Youth Club On Wheels Lead adds:
“Going into the project we did not know what to expect, but I was utterly amazed at the response from the young people and the community. It quickly became clear that there was a genuine need in Fishponds for something for young people. We really enjoyed working with McDonalds, and would love to see a bigger partnership in the future, as we know youth, community, and burgers, is a great combination.”
Since the start of the partnership with BBC Children in Need, McDonald’s has supported more than 185 youth projects employing more than 320 youth workers and improving outcomes for over 42,500 young people .McDonald’s customers can donate to BBC Children in Need by rounding up orders at the kiosk and via the McDonald’s App.
Computershare employees took part in the organisation’s annual ‘On Yer Bike’ fundraising event to raise money for Young Bristol!
‘On Yer Bike’ has been successfully running for a number of years from Computershare's Bedminster Down office.
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.
Lucy Newcombe, Chief Peopleand ESG officer at Computershare, said:
“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.”
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.
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.
Thank you to Computershare for arranging this incredible event in aid of Young Bristol.
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!
Young Bristol were pleased to see Ashton Vale Club for Young People go through a number of refurbishments this month, with exciting developments to the clubs main, open space.
As part of Young Bristol's 2022-25 Strategic Priorities, the charity has focused on investing in our infrastructure and resources to give young people and their local communities an environment they can thrive in.
The work at Ashton Vale Club for Young People has hugely improved our former Silver Social room, which will now be used as a multi-media suite, helping our team expand the opportunities they can now provide for young people who attend our sessions. Improvements to the club have also seen the installation of a new heating system, new flooring and new ceiling. The improvements will also benefit the wider community who utilise our Community Youth Club during the daytime.
We are committed to continuing our mission and stratgeic investment by providing safe, welcoming spaces for young people, where they can build friendships, access support and be themselves.
