A warm welcome to Young Bristol's new Trustees!

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.  

2024 has been a year full of milestones for Young Bristol. Throughout the year, we have seen amazing opportunities, impactful partnerships and incredible transformations!

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As we reflect on an amazing year, we are proud of everything we have achieved over the last 12 months!

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January

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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 teams personal and professional development, prioritising their long-term growth, and ambitions.

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February

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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.

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March

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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.

Check out our website to find out how you can support us, hear what’s on and read our latest news!

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April

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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.

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May

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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!

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June

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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!

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July

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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.

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August

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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.

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September

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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.

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October

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Our Youth Club on Wheels featured on the BBC One Show in October!

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.

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November

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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!

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December

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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!

Thank you for all your fantastic support!

Merry Christmas from the Young Bristol team!

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To everyone celebrating Christmas and other festive traditions at this time of year, we wish you a day full of love, laughter and joy! Thank you to everyone who has supported us in 2024!

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Our Community Youth Clubs, programmes and office will be closing over the Christmas period. Please see below to find our last days of delivery and when we will reopen:

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Ashton Vale Club for Young People

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Last session on Monday 23rd December

Reopen as normal from Monday 6th January

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Avon Youth Club

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Last session on Friday 13th December

Reopen as normal from Monday 6th January

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BS14 Youth Club

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Last session on Thursday 19th December

Reopen as normal from Monday 6th January

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Hartcliffe Club for Young People

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Last session on Friday 20th December

Reopen as normal on Monday 6th January

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Sea Mills Boys and Girls Club

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Last session on Thursday 19th December

Reopen as normal from Tuesday 7th January

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The Grove @ Bedminster Down

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Last session on Wednesday 18th December

Reopen as normal from Monday 6th January

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Youth Club on Wheels

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Last session on Monday 23rd December

Reopen as normal from Monday 6th January

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Outdoor Employment Programme

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Last session on Thursday 12th December

Reopen as normal from Thursday 9th January

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Office

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Last operating day on Tuesday 24th December

Open and operating from Thursday 2nd January

This week, Young Bristol is celebrating National Trustee Week, which is an annual celebration of the achievements and incredible work Trustees offer to our charity, between Monday 4th November - Friday 8th November.

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Young Bristol's 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 the charity.

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Here are some stories directly from our Trustee's:

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Jamie Cameron has been a Trustee for Young Bristol since 2011! He was initially attracted to work with us as he wanted to be a part of our commitment to providing new opportunities for all young people!

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Since becoming a Trustee, Jamie has been involved in a wide variety of projects, from fundraising events and developing partnerships to large-scale volunteering projects and working on the development of our strategy.

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Jamie has had many highlights during his time as a Trustee. However, a stand out memory was witnessing, first-hand, the true, positive impact that we have on the lives of young people! When his son tried kayaking for the first time, he was nervous to sit inside a kayak. Now, he proudly considers himself a kayaker, after just a few sessions.

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"Since becoming a trustee at Young Bristol, I have developed a really interesting network of people and who I have been able to get to know and learn from. I have also gained really valuable experiences of working in different ways."

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Kassim Hanid has been a Trustee for Young Bristol since 2011! With a background in youth work, Kassim was initially attracted to join us as he wanted to help keep youth work alive in Bristol and support our offer to be accessible to a diverse group of young people living in Bristol.

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Since becoming a Trustee with Young Bristol, Kassim has been involved with supporting our strategic development, recruiting other Trustees, providing advice and offering a listening ear to our staff regarding the issues that young people face and youth work.

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A key highlight for Kassim whilst working with Young Bristol has been seeing the immense progress the charity has made since he started with us as a Trustee. He has been part of the many highs and lows that we have experienced over the years, and has thoroughly enjoyed being on board for our journey so far.

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"Through serving on Young Bristol's Board, I have met other Trustees who I would never have met, or worked alongside in my life."

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

We are delighted to announce that are recruiting for Young Bristol’s growing Programme and Delivery team! This is an exciting opportunity to be part of a Bristol-based, well-respected, growing and dynamic charity, with a long and proud history!

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As an organisation, our mission is to be an outstanding provider of high-quality, community-based youth services and innovative programmes that positively and sustainably impact the lives of young people

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By joining our dedicated team, you can help make positive impact on the lives of young people:

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YB Youth Club on Wheels Youth Leader

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The YB Youth Club on Wheels Youth Leader is part of our growing Programme and Delivery team, where you will deliver engaging, energising and educational programmes to young people on our unique mobile provision. You will act as a role model for young people, encompassing our values and help young people to make positive choices across a number of local Bristol communities we work in.

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The YCOW Youth Leader will report to YB’s Youth Club on Wheels Lead. This is an exciting opportunity to join an award-winning Bristol-based charity with a long and proud history - championing the power of youth work, especially for those young people who need us most.

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Young Bristol are an equal opportunities employer. We are committed to inclusion across race, gender, age, religion, identity and experience.

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We recognise that people with different backgrounds , skills, attitudes and experiences bring fresh ideas and perceptions and we wish to encourage these differences to make our programmes more relevant and approachable, particularly so our young people feel represented within our organisation.

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To find out more about our role and apply, click here!

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.

On Tuesday 15th October, we were delighted to see our Youth Club on Wheels feature on BBC's The One Show, highlighting the profound and life-changing work that the team behind this programme have delivered over the past five years!

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Our Youth Club on Wheels is a mobile youth service, providing detached support to young people aged 8-19 in hard-to-reach areas of the city and rural areas where there is currently no youth provision! Our sessions offer a number of activities to get involved with, including: sports, creative arts and the opportunity to learn new life skills!

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A parent from Speedwell's Youth Club on Wheels session explained:

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"Not only does it get them out the house and keep them off the street, it keeps them busy doing really good, fun and safe activities"

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The feature focuses on the vital work that our Youth Club on Wheels has provided to young people across a number of Bristol communities, offering them a safe space, engaging activities, a free meal, and a sense of belonging!

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Since its launch in 2019, the Youth Club on Wheels has supported nearly 1,000 young people and has become increasing popularity across the eight communities we currently serve. Both young people and parents have responded positively to our sessions, where we have also offered access to positive role models and a space where young people can thrive.

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Shea Stew, Youth Club on Wheels Lead added:

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"We create our own family whereever we are"

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During our sessions, we were joined by presenter Ashley John-Baptiste. From his own experiences growing up in care, Ashley understands the importance of youth work and positive role models, and was amazed to see the life-changing impact a youth provision like ours can have on the lives of young people.

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We were also joined by Leigh Middleton, CEO of NYA, who highlighted that many local youth clubs are closing down and revealed the need for more youth work to be available for young people in their communities.

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Ashley John-Baptiste, presenter from The One Show explained:

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"A warm space, a safe space and a meal here can make the world of difference"

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We would like to thank BBC's The One Show for the amazing opportunity to share the Youth Club on Wheels incredible work! If you missed our piece, you can watch it here!

We are delighted to announce Brandon and Brooke from the Hengrove Youth Club on Wheels session are the winners of our 2024 Film Making Competition!

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Last month, we hosted a Film Making 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.

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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!

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The winners of our competition are Brooke and Brandon, two young people from our Hengrove Youth Club on Wheels session! In their film, the pair discussed urban exploring and the number of issues surrounding it. Both our winners were awarded with a £15 Amazon gift card each.

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Congratulations both! Keep an eye out for our next competition in November!

Community-based youth charity Young Bristol has become the third South West charity to win a place on the region’s Noble Deeds programme.

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Set up in 2021 by Bristol-based SME Noble, the Deeds programme provides digital marketing training & support to not-for-profits, helping them deliver vital services in the area. Increasing in-line with Nobles’ own turnover, this year the support package stands at £25,000. Young Bristol will use this to upskill its marketing team and ensure its services reach the young people who need them the most.

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Supporting children and young adults aged 8-25 during their critical out of school hours in some of the most challenging areas of the city, Young Bristol’s mission is to provide innovative programmes that create a positive and sustainable impact on the lives of young people.

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With eight community youth clubs across Bristol, a mobile youth club on wheels, outdoor activity centres and an employment programme just part of what the charity offers, the support from Noble will help the Young Bristol team prioritise where its digital marketing efforts will make the most impact. As well as helping the team to learn new skills and maximise their knowledge of social media, SEO and other digital promotion techniques for a lasting impact beyond the Deeds programme.