January 7, 2025

Young Bristol's 'Young Person of the Year' finalists!

Awards

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Young Bristol are proud to announce the 10 finalists for our 'Young Person of the Year' Award 2024!

The 'Young Person of the Year' award recognises the amazing achievements of young people across the city, that attend our sessions and programmes. Only ten finalists were chosen for this years Award. Congratulations to all the young people who were selected as finalists this year!

At our Celebration, AGM and Awards Event, the winner of the ‘Young Person of the Year’ Award 2024 will be announced and receive an incredible prize package. This years awards has been sponsored by Clarion Futures.

Our 2024 finalists:

Alicia

Alicia, 11, has attended Ashton Vale Club for Young People since May 2023, after joining The Grove in 2021. Alicia has shown exceptional resilience, confidence, and leadership, taking part in numerous Inter Club Tournaments and winning the NatWest Thrive Award. She’s an inspiring role model, helping run activities and supporting her peers.

Codie

Codie, 16, has been a member of Hartcliffe Club for Young People since 2023. Initially joining for work experience, Codie has grown in confidence, volunteering weekly, supporting Fixx Bikes, and through an opportunity with his Club he has earnt his Level 1 Sailing and Powerboat Certificate. A finalist for the Bristol Young Heroes Awards, Codie is a community role model.

Dimitar

Dimitar, 15, has been a member of Avon Youth Club since2019. Known for his enthusiasm and leadership, Dimitar inspires others by facilitating activities, supporting peers, and leading by example. He is currently pursuing his Duke of Edinburgh Award, is excelling in Cadets, and his Club Leaders are always happy to see when he comes along to Club!

Elhadji

Eli, 16, has been a dedicated volunteer at the Youth Club, contributing two days a week. A skilled footballer and inspiring coach, Eli isa role model who leads by example, supporting younger members and participating actively in all activities. His leadership and commitment have had a profound impact on the Club.

Eve

Eve, 15, has been a member of Sea Mills Boys and Girls Club since 2018. Overcoming initial shyness, Eve now leads the club's Young Leaders with confidence, manages the tuck shop, and inspires others with her dedication. Her compassion, positivity, and commitment make her an outstanding role model for her peers.

Gracie

Gracie, 15, has been a member of BS14 Youth Club since February 2023. Overcoming personal challenges, she has grown into a confident leader, supporting peers, volunteering as a Young Leader, and excelling in Young Bristol’s creative writing and photography competitions. Gracie’s dedication, leadership, and aspirations to serve in the Army and youth work inspire everyone.

Leo

Leo, age 14, has been a member of Sea Mills Boys and Girls Club since 2019. A passionate leader in sports, he organizes football matches, encourages participation, and supports new activities. Leo’s enthusiasm, dedication, and personal growth inspire others, making him a key contributor to the club’s vibrant community.

Mason

Mason, age 12, has been a member of Ashton Vale Club for Young People since 2021. Overcoming challenges, Mason has transformed his behaviour, embraced responsibilities like mentoring peers and helping with the tuck shop, and excelled in sports. His growth, engagement in the Thrive programme, and positive impact inspire everyone at the club.

Owen

Owen, age 25, joined Young Bristol’s Outdoor Employment Programme in 2022. Passionate about watersports and climbing, Owen has trained extensively, including completing a High Ropes course with SS Great Britain, where he’s now employed. He’s been instrumental in delivering summer activities, mentoring others, and bringing new participants into the programme.

Reece

Reece, age 16, joined BS14 Youth Club in 2023. A natural leader, he supports staff, runs the tuck shop, and comforts peers using his own experiences. Now a Young Leader, Reece volunteers weekly, inspiring others and pursuing Health and Social Care studies to achieve his goal of becoming a Youth Worker.

We look forward to welcoming young people to our Celebration, AGM and Awards event on Wednesday 15th January, where we will announce the winner of the 'Young Person of the Year' award!

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November 29, 2024

Youth Clubs on Wheels attends national Youth Work Award!

Young Bristol were thrilled to attend the Children and Young People Now Awards, where our Youth Club on Wheels had been nominated as a finalist in 'The Youth Work Award'!

The Children and Young People Now Awards showcase innovation and outstanding practice across the children’s services sector. Young Bristol joined organisations from across the sector at the Awards gala on Thursday 28th November, at the Novotel London West in Hammersmith, to champion the vital work that our services provide to children, young people and families.

Young Bristol's Youth Club on Wheels was nominated for 'The Youth Work Award', which highlights initiatives that have done the most to promote young people’s personal development and help them achieve their potential. The Young Bristol team were proud to be finalists for the award alongside children's services from across the UK.

Awards
Stories
October 1, 2024

Club Leader awarded 'Outstanding Leader of the Year Award

Young Bristol are incredibly proud to announce that Kat, Club Leader at BS14 Youth Club, was awarded the 'Outstanding Leader of the Year' award at the NABGC Awards Evening 2024.

The 'Outstanding Leader of the Year' Award is presented to a leader at a local youth club, who has helped make the club a special and impactful place for young people over the last year. The successful leader would have helped the club to grow and develop, from raising funds, developing programmes as well as ensuring positive differences are made within young people’s lives and the wider community.

We would like to congratulate Kat from BS14 Stockwood Youth Club, who was awarded the 'Outstanding Leader of the Year'' Award at the NABGC Awards Ceremony 2024!

Kat was nominated as 'Outstanding Leader of the Year' award as she has acted as a rock and constant positive role model to the 305 young people attending BS14 Stockwood Youth Club over the past year. Her main focus at the club is how she can create a wide and diverse offer for young people, and has done amazingly well in doing so by leading the only Looked After Children provision in Bristol, being involved in Holiday Club activities, ensuring young people receive a hot meal each day and has undertaken a Level 2 and 3 qualification in Youth Work to help develop her skills.

Andy Kimber, Head of Operations said:

Kat has been an amazingly positive influence on the Club. She has taken on leading the Club with such energy and professionalism that the sessions have increased in numbers; as well as engaging and developing a diverse offer for young people and their families. Young people have been able to take part in such a range of activities this year, thanks to Kat’s activeness in ensuring young people know about external offers to broaden their horizons.”

Young Bristol would like to recognise Cheralee, Jesse and Natasha, who were also nominated for the 'Outstanding Leader of the Year' award as well as Eli and Gracie, who were nominated for the 'Young Person of the Year' award.

Awards
Stories
August 13, 2024

Youth Club on Wheels finalist in this year’s Children and Young People Now Awards!

Young Bristol are delighted that our Youth Club on Wheels has been shortlisted as a finalist for The Youth Work Award at the Children and Young People Now Awards 2024!

The Children and Young People Now Awards showcase innovation and outstanding practice across the children’s services sector. The Awards champion the vital work of services supporting children, young people and families across the UK.

Our Youth Club on Wheels was nominated for The Youth Work Award, which highlights initiatives that have done the most to promote young people’s personal development and help them achieve their potential.

Announcements
Awards
Programmes
July 9, 2024

Celebrating the Bristol Young Heroes Awards 2024!

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!

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!

Dasha, Outdoor Employment Programme - Sporting Hero

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

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.

Phil Harris, Outdoor Employment Programme Lead said,

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.

When receiving her award, Dasha added

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

Missie, The Grove @ Bedminster Down - Super Hero

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

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

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

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!

When receiving her award, Missie added,

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.

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

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!

Andy Kimber, Head of Operations said,

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.

When receiving the teams award, Kat added,

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

Tremaine, Hartcliffe Club for Young People - High Sheriffs Award

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.

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.

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

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.

When receiving his award, Tremaine added,

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.

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!

Awards
Stories
May 15, 2024

Young people attend Bristol Young Heroes Nominee Reception!

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!

Awards
Stories
May 7, 2024

Young Bristol’s Chief Executive recognised for Most Influential CEO Awards

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.

Announcements
Awards
Team news
April 30, 2024

Young people recognised for Bristol Young Heroes Award 2024!

Young Bristol are incredibly proud to announce that our young people have been shortlisted in 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 a light on those who have overcome difficult circumstances, made a difference to the lives of others, or have achieved something extraordinary this year!

Amelia, Hartcliffe Club for Young People - Environmental Hero

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!

“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."

- Jemma, Amelia's Mum

Dasha, Outdoor Employment Programme, Sports Hero

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!

"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.

- Nigel, North Avon Canoe Club

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

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.

"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."

- Simon, Club Leader at Hartcliffe Club for Young People

Kyle, Hartcliffe Club for Young People - Action Hero

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.

“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.”

- Kyle's Mum

Looked After Children, BS14 Youth Club- Team of Heroes

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!

“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.

- Carer, Looked After Children group

Missie, The Grove @ Bedminster Down - Super Hero

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.

“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!”

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

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!

Awards
Announcements
Team news
April 2, 2024

Young Bristol awarded Charity of the Year!

We are incredibly proud to announce that Young Bristol have been awarded "Charity of the Year" award at the Bristol Life awards!

On Wednesday 27th March 2024, our team attended the Bristol Life Awards and it was great to be recognised for our hard work and dedication to young people across Bristol!

In the last year, Young Bristol has seen an incredible amount of change and success! 2023 was a year of investment, development and growth at Young Bristol, where we have had an expansion in delivery for young people, an increase in partnerships with new youth organisations and businesses both locally and nationally, the securing of long-term funding for our vast programme of services, the introduction of innovative programmes that have transformed communities across the city, as well as significant investment in our people and our buildings.

Announcements
Awards
March 1, 2024

Young volunteer awarded Bristol Social Impact Award!

Young Bristol would like to extend a huge congratulations to Kyle from Hartcliffe Club for Young People, who was awarded “The Volunteer of the Year Award” at the Bristol Social Impact Awards this week!

The Volunteer of the Year Award at the Bristol Social Impact Awards is awarded to individuals for making notable differences and inspiring contributions through volunteering in their community!

Hartcliffe Club for Young People chose to nominate Kyle after he had overcome significant barriers to become a driving force at his local Youth Club! Kyle became a young volunteer at Hartcliffe Club over one year ago, as a junction to continue his mental health journey.

Since joining the group, he has been involved in organising a charitable event on behalf of a homeless charity, coached a junior football team to enter into our Interclub football tournament and so much more to support other young people

Awards
Stories