Young Bristol awarded Charity of the Year!

Thanks to Bristol City Council Community Infrastructure Levy Fund, we are pleased to see Pooles Wharf Outdoor Activity Centre under refurbishment, with exciting developments to the centre’s facilities and outdoor area!

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Since its inception in 2000, our Pooles Wharf Activity Centre has evolved to become one of Bristol’s premier providers of outdoor pursuits. The vibrant hub is home to a broad range of water-based opportunities for Bristol’s young people and the wider community, as well as hosting Young Bristol’s Outdoor Employment Programme, Kayak Club, Holiday Clubs and more!

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As part of the charity’s 2022-25 Strategic Priorities, we have focused on investing in our infrastructure, resources and buildings, ensuring young people and their communities have an environment that they can thrive in.

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The centre’s refurbishments have been made possible by Bristol City Council's Community Infrastructure Levy Fund as well as matched investment from Young Bristol, which has enabled us to give a much-needed modernisation to the centre. The refurbishments to the centre include slip resistant safety flooring, energy efficient lighting throughout, fully accessible bathroom, as well as the addition of double glazing to further boost our energy efficiency, helping to bring down the cost of utilities.

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The funding from Bristol City Council as well as our investments, have allowed us to transform the space, giving young people, schools, youth groups and the wider community an improved experience when accessing and using the facilities at the centre.

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The improvements, which began earlier this year, have also seen the installation of a new kitchen, toilets, interior and exterior lighting, windows and flooring, as well as an expansion of the downstairs entranceway.

On Friday 5th July, we were pleased to attend the Bristol Young Heroes Awards to support our 6 young people and teams who were nominated as finalists. Young Bristol would like to congratulate all the nominees and winners at the Bristol Young Heroes Awards 2024!

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

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Dasha, Outdoor Employment Programme - Sporting Hero

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Congratulations to Dasha from Young Bristol's Outdoor Employment Programme, who was awarded the Sporting Hero Award at the Bristol Young Heroes!

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Dasha was nominated for the Sporting Hero after overcoming considerable challenges during 2023 whilst maintaining a focus on helping others and forwarding her own potential through sports and academic studies, which has been highlighted since joining our Outdoor Employment Programme. Dasha has become a real inspiration to all the other young people attending both the Outdoor Employment Programme and The North Avon Canoe Club.

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Phil Harris, Outdoor Employment Programme Lead said,

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You are an inspiration to the sport, you are an inspiration to us and you are an inspiration to all the other young people on the Outdoor Employment Programme. I’m really excited to see where this journey takes you in the future.

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When receiving her award, Dasha added

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A big thank you to everyone for supporting me through my paddling journey!

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Missie, The Grove @ Bedminster Down - Super Hero

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Congratulations to Missie from The Grove @ Bedminster Down, who was awarded the Super Hero Award at the Bristol Young Heroes!

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Missie was nominated for the Super Hero Award as she has demonstrated remarkable resilience and dedication as a Young Leader. She has grown to be a beacon of inspiration for all and Missie has been able to build strong relationships with both staff and young people since her time at The Grove. Even in the face of personal loss when her beloved Nan passed, Missie has found solace and purpose in her volunteer work at her local youth club

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Jesse Payne, Club Leader at The Grove @ Bedminster Down said,

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Missie, you are an inspiration to everyone here at The Grove, from the staff, the young people and even myself – this is why I love doing my job is because of young people like you!

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When receiving her award, Missie added,

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Volunteering gives me a reason to be who I am and to help others. I would encourage others to volunteer. A massive thank you to everyone for pushing me to get to the stage I am at today.

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Looked After Children Group, BS14 Youth Club - Team of Heroes

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The BS14 Looked After Children team were nominated for the Team of Heroes Award after leading Open Access club sessions, specifically targeting "Looked After Children", which is the only session of it's kind in the local area. The group have welcomed 70 young people since it's launch, with 797 total contacts with these young people!

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Andy Kimber, Head of Operations said,

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I just want to thank you for the work that you do. Your commitment to young people, your commitment to BS14 Youth Club – the centre could not run without you.

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When receiving the teams award, Kat added,

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We love our jobs and you guys are all just so inspiration. This is why we do what we do as Youth Workers.

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Tremaine, Hartcliffe Club for Young People - High Sheriffs Award

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Tremaine was nominated for the High Sheriffs award as he has helped to make a massive impact at his local youth club and in the local Hartcliffe community! He has delivered social action projects, which has helped to improve the lives of local families and and residents as well as increasing the number of opportunities on offer in the area.

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Despite his own personal issues as well as the additional pressures of being a young carer at home, Tremaine has been involved with a number of groups, which have influenced major decisions that have been made for Bristol's young people city-wide. These groups include advisory panels, Young Bristol's Youth Voice and he has also met with Avon and Somerset Police, discussing ways to educate young people about prevention of involvement ingangs and knife crime.

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Web Matthews, Trustee at Hartcliffe Club for Young People said,

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When Tremaine started to volunteer, we had to put a cap on how much he attended. He wanted to be here 5 nights a week and weekends. I would be proud to have you as a son anytime. Here at the club, you have a big opportunity to grow and develop. Dare I say it, one day you will replace me - but not quite yet.

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When receiving his award, Tremaine added,

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The award itself, it’s fantastic I am grateful for it and it has touched me at the bottom of my heart, but there is something else more than that. I want to say it’s the people I have with me. They have supported me through everything. There wouldn’t be a Tremaine without them, even when I am down at my lowest, they help me.

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We would also like to extend a huge congratulations to Kyle, Amelia and Hartcliffe 10 who attended the Bristol Young Heroes Awards and were nominated as finalists in a number of categories. It was amazing to hear about the inspirational young people in Bristol who are making differences to the city everyday!

Young Bristol are excited to announce that we have received grant funding from the KFC Youth Foundation!

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Ashton Vale Club for Young People, Hartcliffe Club for Young People, Sea Mills Boys' and Girls' Club and The Grove @ Bedminster Down were all selected amongst various other local organisations across KFC restaurant communities in the UK. Our aim with the funding will be to empower young people to reach their full potential!

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At Young Bristol, we believe that every young person has the right to discover what they are capable of. We work with young people aged 8 - 19 (up to 25 for those with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities) in 16 communities in and around Bristol, in-turn, supporting their families and wider communities. The funding received from the KFC Youth Foundation is vital as it will allow us to continue our work with Bristol’s young people by supporting their clubs core needs.

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Young Bristol would like to extend a huge thank you to the KFC Youth Foundation for recognising the work we do to help build positive futures for the young people of Bristol!

We are delighted to announce the appointment of India Crawford, Fundraising Coordinator and Louis Goldspring, Fundraising Coordinator!

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India has experience of working with young people as both a Teaching Associate and a doctor based in Bristol. She has also previously helped with fundraising, supporting educational opportunities in the UK and abroad. India is looking forward to working with the Fundraising Team, ensuring Young Bristol can continue to make a positive impact through its programmes and services. Outside of work, India loves to cook and bake – and tries to balance this with a mix of long walks, cycling and Pilates!

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Louis recently graduated University, studying Politics and International Relations. He has also worked in the charity sector since graduating, where he has worked as a Street Fundraiser for a homelessness and housing charity. Louis also had experience coaching young people in cricket. Louis is excited to join us as part of the Fundraising Team, where he plans to help us to secure funding for our current and future projects, as well as helping us to continue supporting young people. Outside of work, Louis enjoys sports - in particular cricket!

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We hope you will join us in welcoming India and Louis to the Young Bristol team!

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

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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!

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

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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.

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

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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!

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

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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.

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

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• 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

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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!

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)'.

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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.

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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.

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

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"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.”

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

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“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.”

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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.

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

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

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

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Amelia, Hartcliffe Club for Young People - Environmental Hero

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Amelia was nominated for the Environmental Hero Award after she helped to drive the importance of looking after local communities at her local Youth Club. She initially joined Hartcliffe Club for Young People in 2022 as a quiet and reserved young person, who had lost her confidence due to the pandemic. The club and staff team that work at her local Youth Club have not only helped her regain confidence, but also experience trips, residentials and the Spacemakers project!

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“During lockdown the stresses and strains triggered a disorder called Trichotillomania for Amelia. Over the space of a year or so, this unfortunately got worse for her causing a huge knock in her confidence. Amelia’s confidence has grown so much and I truly feel that she is back to her happy outgoing self."

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- Jemma, Amelia's Mum

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Dasha, Outdoor Employment Programme, Sports Hero

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Dasha was nominated for the Sports Hero Award after overcoming considerable challenges during 2023 while maintaining a focus on helping others and forwarding her own potential through academic studies and sports, highlighted since joining our Outdoor Employment Programme! Dasha has become a real inspiration to all the other young people attending the Young Bristol Outdoor Employment Programme and North Avon Canoe Club!

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"Since joining the canoe club, Dasha has demonstrated boundless enthusiasm and resilience. It doesn’t to matter whether it’s raining, the wind is howling, or the water is cold and dirty, her desire to learn and a hunger for adventure means she takes on every challenge with exemplary levels of concentration, bravery, and good humour, we all believe she shows great potential.

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- Nigel, North Avon Canoe Club

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Hartcliffe 10, Hartcliffe Club for Young People, Team of Heroes

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Hartcliffe 10 were nominated for the Team of Heroes Award after the group of young volunteers have chosen to give their time 4 evenings a week to support young people at Hartcliffe Club for Young People. The group have supported the delivery of youth work, community and social action projects across the BS13 area over the last 18 months, and have made a huge impact in the short time they have volunteered so far.

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"As Club Leader, their isn’t enough that I can say to praise the commitment and dedication that these young people have demonstrated over the last 18 months. Not only have they made a difference to the lives of other young people in the area, but they have also had a massive impact dispelling the negative stereotypes that surround teenagers."

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- Simon, Club Leader at Hartcliffe Club for Young People

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Kyle, Hartcliffe Club for Young People - Action Hero

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Kyle was nominated for the Action Hero Award after overcoming significant barriers last year. Hartcliffe Club for Young People have seen an amazing and significant transformation in Kyle since joining the club at the start of 2023, initially joining as a young person who was quiet, reserved and struggled to make friends.

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“He thoroughly enjoys his volunteer role and supporting other children at the Club to achieve their goals. Volunteering has really helped Kyle to develop and become a stronger individual, as a family we couldn’t be prouder of how far he has come.”

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- Kyle's Mum

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Looked After Children, BS14 Youth Club- Team of Heroes

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The BS14 Looked After Children team were nominated for the Team of Heroes Award after leading Open Access club sessions, specifically targeted at "Looked After Children", which is the only one of it's kind in the local area. The group have welcomed 70 young people since it's launch, with 797 total contacts with these young people!

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“We would just like to say well done to the club staff for providing a safe space for our young people to go to. They have benefitted going to club because they get to meet other children, burn off some energy and learn new skills. We have found this to be invaluable as we carers can socialise whilst our young people are enjoying themselves, safe in the knowledge that they are being well looked after by staff who have built up good relationships with them.

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- Carer, Looked After Children group

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Missie, The Grove @ Bedminster Down - Super Hero

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Missie was nominated for the Super Hero Award as she has demonstrated remarkable resilience and dedication as a Young Leader. She has grown to be a beacon of inspiration for all and Missie has been able to build strong relationships with both staff and young people since her time at The Grove. Even in the face of personal loss when her beloved Nan passed, Missie has found solace and purpose in her volunteer work at her local youth club.

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“Volunteering at The Grove has helped me in many ways. It’s made me feel connected to my community, it’s helped me conquer troubles of mental health, and volunteering has made me feel less isolated and pushed me out of my comfort zone!”

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- Missie, Young Leader and young person at The Grove @ Bedminster Down

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Young Bristol would like to recognise Ellis and our Outdoor Activities Team, who have also achieved incredible things during 2023. Thank you Bristol Young Heroes for highlighting everything our young people have achieved! We wish all our shortlisted young people and teams the best of luck at the Bristol Young Heroes Awards on Friday 5th July 2024!

We are delighted to announce that Peyton from Hartcliffe Club for Young People and Orla from The Grove @ Bedminster Down are the winners of our 2024 Creative Writing competition!

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Last month, we hosted a Creative Writing competition across our Community Youth Club network. Young people from each club were encouraged to write a short poem or story to be entered into our competition. The creative pieces were shortlisted by Club Leader's and submitted to our judges

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We received 8 shortlisted entries from across our club network, our judges chose a senior and junior winner from the range of amazing creative writing skills that were showcased in the competition!

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The winner from our junior age group is Orla from The Grove @ Bedminster Down and the winner of our senior age group is Peyton from Hartcliffe Club for Young People! The pair were awarded with a framed and printed copy of their written piece and a £15 Amazon gift card each. Congratulations both!