We continue to make a positive difference to the lives of young people and communities across Bristol. Hear Young Bristol’s biggest developments, incredible achievements and successes for 2023-24.
As we reflect on the past year's journey, we are proud of the progress that we have made across all of our strategic priorities.
These priorities are ultimately all targeted to ensure we have a sustainable, positive impact on young people in an around the Greater Bristol area.
However, we recognise the increasing needs of our young people, the serious challenges caused by the cost-of-living crisis and the epidemic of knife crime and anti-social behaviour.
These are not issues that can be fixed quickly and we believe our long-term commitment to local communities means that we will play a crucial role in supporting young people and the communities that we work in.
To do this, we are committed to continuing our Mission and our continuing strategic investment in our people, our places and partnerships with the vision of ensuring that all young people have access to safe spaces, trusted role models and a diverse range of positive opportunities.
The work we continue to deliver is only possible because of the fantastic work of our dedicated team, trustees, volunteers, supporters and partners and we would like to take the opportunity to thank you all for your fantastic support
Jamie Cameron & Victoria Matthews Co-Chairs of Young Bristol
Our key highlights
Some of our key highlights from this year’s Impact Report include:
715
new participants supported by our programmes
1,855
sessions delivered in and around Bristol
44
qualifications awarded to young people ages 16 – 25 on our Outdoor Employment Programme
16
communities supported across Bristol and the surrounding areas
On Friday 4th July, we were pleased to attend the Bristol Young Heroes Awards to support our four young people who were nominated as finalists.
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!
Alicia, Ashton Vale Club for Young People - Super Hero
Congratulations to Alicia from Young Bristol's Ashton Vale Club for Young People, who was awarded the Super Hero Award at the Bristol Young Heroes!
Alicia was nominated for the Super Hero Award as she has been an inspiration to everyone at the Club; acting as a role model, helping run activities and supporting her peers. Alicia became a member of Ashton Vale Club for Young People in May 2023, and has recently become a Young Leader at her local youth club. After re-building her confidence, Alicia now proudly represents her club at all the opportunities we have hosted and offered to young people.
Cheralee Mckeown, Club Leader at Ashton Vale Club for Young People said,
Alicia is hard-working, dedicated and puts her all into helping at the Youth Club. She has such a positive impact on our young people and they look forward to seeing her each week. I am so proud of how far you have come since joining Ashton Vale Club for Young People - without you we would be absolutely lost! We're excited to see you thrive into the amazing young person you already are.
When receiving her award, Alicia added,
"I feel so happy and proud. I want to thank Young Bristol for the opportunity to come this far!"
Congratulations to Joseph from Young Bristol's Outdoor Employment Programme, who was awarded the Sports Hero Award at the Bristol Young Heroes!
Joseph was nominated for the Sports Hero Award after overcoming significant barriers and adversities, where we have seen a huge development from in the past year. Joseph joined the Young Bristol Outdoor Employment Programme in June 2024, which was a huge step for Joseph, as he stepped outside of his comfort zone! Since joining the programme, he has taken every opportunity that has been offered to him and has started to gain confidence after completing a number of outdoor qualifications!
Phil Harris, Outdoor Employment Lead said,
"Joseph has completed his Paddlesport Rescue Course, Paddlesport Instructor Course and Powerboat Level 2 License as well as abseiled the Avon Gorge and other 90-foot cliffs. He turns up to training every single week in the cold, wet, wind and snow. It fills me with pride to see Joseph come out the other end in such a strong way and I really feel that you are moving towards a fantastic place in your life!"
When receiving his award, Joseph added,
"I'm really surprised, there were some other really good contestants in this category!"
On Sunday 6th July, we were pleased to see six employees from Unite Students sign up to 'The Drop' Bath to raise money for Young Bristol!
Now more than ever before, young people and families across Bristol need the support of charities like Young Bristol. Taking on a fun run, marathon or challenge for charity, not only pushes yourself to new limits, but makes a huge difference to a local cause!
Corporate Partner Unite Students, this month took on 'The Drop' Bath; which sees participants take a blindfolded bus trip to the drop point before completing a 10 mile challenge to get to the finish line, relying solely on their wits - using no technology, maps or watches.
"The 6-strong band of intrepid explorers returned safe and sound from the blindfolded bus trip to nowhere. Their time to finish was 3 hours 1 minute 30 seconds - covering a total distance of 10.3 miles.
The team demonstrated some pretty impressive direction finding - with plenty of highlights including over-curious cattle (Clare revealed her cow-whispering talents), some blood (brambles), sweat (lots of that) and tears (sun-cream in the eyes). Mansun receives the bravery medal having put up a courageous effort in the face of an excruciating blister!'
Well done to the team at Unite Students for taking on this incredible event as part of their ongoing committment to Young Bristol, our young people and the services we provide across the city! To support their fundraising efforts click here.
If you are interested in taking part in a third party fundraising event for Young Bristol, click here to learn how you can help fundraise for us!
Young Bristol's Pooles Wharf Outdoor Activity Centre celebrated its 25th anniversary last week, marking a quarter-century of providing outdoor activities to Bristol's young people.
On Thursday 3rd - Friday 4th July, Burges Salmon took on the 25for25 challenge, raising over £32,000 for Young Bristol in celebration of our Outdoor Activity Centre's 25th anniversary.
Over 240 people from across Burges Salmon, donning sparkles and fancy dress, flocked to the water to undertake a 25-hour continuous canoe relay along the River Avon and Bristol Docks, with the aim to raise money to support the future of the centre. Supporting Burges Salmon was our team of Outdoor Activity Instructors and staff team, who accompanied all paddlers throughout the 25-hour period.
On Thursday 26th June, Young Bristol were delighted to host our annual Golf Day & Dinner. We invited 60 golfers to the Tall Pines Golf Club, all competing to win the trophy on the 18-hole course.
Our Golf Day & Dinner was better than ever this year, with 15 teams taking part in our annual Golf Day & Dinner at the Tall Pines Golf Club, where the event saw teams put their golfing abilities to the test, competing to win a range of amazing prizes!
Guests began their day with a bacon roll, hot drinks and a goody bag, which were filled with Young Bristol branded golf balls, ball markers, score cards, water to keep our golfers hydrated throughout the day, and some other amazing gifts donated by our Title Sponsors, Burges Salmon!
Many of our teams arrived early, excited to kick off the day around the course with a putting competition! Teams also took the opportunity to network with their competitors whilst waiting for their tee time.
Are you looking to take part in exciting activities this month? Young Bristol have a range of activities, events and opportunities for young people and the wider community! Find out below what's on in your local area this month!
Holiday Clubs
During the Summer, we have a number of Holiday Activities and opportunities on offer for all young people to enjoy, with a focus on those in receipt of free school meals. Each session, all young people will receive a free hot, healthy meal!
When: Monday 28th July - Friday 29th August
Where: Various Community Youth Clubs
For: Ages 8-19
Outdoor Activities
Our Outdoor Activity Programme will be running half day, full day and multi day Holiday Clubs across the Summer! Take part in our offer of up to 16 water and land based activities! Places are limited and need to be booked in advance. Click here to secure your place!
When: Wednesday 23rd July - Friday 29th August
Where: Pooles Wharf Outdoor Activity Centre
For: Ages 8-16
Drawing Competition
Young people will create a masterpiece no bigger than an A4 piece of paper - make sure to be creative, there is no theme for this competition.
When: Monday 7th July - Friday 25th July
For: Ages 8-19
How to enter: email jbt@youngbristol.com
Also this month...
Community Youth Clubs - For 8 – 19 year olds and are located in many areas across Bristol, open up to 5 nights per week. Each Club offers a safe and inclusive environment, staffed by caring, trained adults. Click here to find out more.
Outdoor Employment Programme - Our free programme for young people aged 16-25 helps to develop new skills and gain nationally recognised qualifications in a variety of outdoor activities. Click here to find out more.
Youth Club on Wheels - Our mobile youth service works with young people aged 8-19 in hard-to-reach areas of the city and rural areas where there is currently no youth provision. Click here to find out more.
Young Bristol's Pooles Wharf Outdoor Activity Centre is celebrating its 25th anniversary this week, marking a quarter-century of providing life-changing outdoor experiences to thousands of young people across Bristol's iconic harbour.
Since opening on July 4, 2000, the award-winning centre has grown to become one of Bristol's premier providers of adventure activities, offering 16 water and land-based activities that support young people's physical and mental wellbeing through free and low-cost outdoor experiences.
Our Outdoor Activity Centre celebrates its 25th anniversary this week, supporting thousands of young people into the outdoors experiencing Bristol’s iconic harbour.
This week Young Bristol's Pooles Wharf Outdoor Activity Centre celebrates 25 years as one of Bristol’s premier providers of adventurous activities!
Pooles Wharf has grown to become a place which fosters a spirit of exploration and camaraderie for Bristol’s youth, providing life-changing outdoor experiences to thousands of young people across Bristol's harbour.
From a coal yard to community hub, over the years the centre has developed numerous programmes and opportunities for schools and colleges, to corporates, families and youth groups - making a difference to even more people across the city.
Take a look back at Pooles Wharf Outdoor Activity Centre's history; from our launch in 2000 to the centre today.
On Saturday 21st June, we were pleased to see Nick and Tom sign up to 'Chase The Sun North' to raise money for Young Bristol!
Chase the Sun North is a cycling challenge that saw participants cycle 200 miles from East to West, starting at sunrise in Whitley Bay, and finishing at sunset in Ayr, Scotland! The coast to coast cycle is full of stunning vistas, wilderness, heaths, rivers, lochs, castles and beaches.
It has been amazing to see Nick and Tom prepare for their second 'Chase the Sun' cycle whilst fundraising to support young people across Bristol. Thank you Nick and Tom for taking part in the 'Chase The Sun North' in aid of Young Bristol this month! Support their fundraising page here.
If you are interested in taking part in a third party fundraising event for Young Bristol, click here and learn how you can help fundraise for us!
On Saturday 21st June, we were pleased to see Amber Chubb sign up to the Morzine-Avoriaz Ultra Trail to raise money for Young Bristol!
The Morzine - Alvoriaz Ultra Trail is located in the French Alps and is home to an extensive network of incredible slopes. The race saw participants run 100km and climb 5,726 meters in elevation whilst discovering beautiful landscapes and breathtaking views over the Portes du Soleil.
"I chose Young Bristol because many young people face challenges like poverty and limited access to resources - factors often beyond their control. Having been fortunate to have strong support and opportunities, I want to give back and help young people build confidence and resilience, knowing how much youth shapes our future."
"It was an amazing challenge, lots of highs and lots of lows, and all for a great cause!"
It has been amazing to see Amber prepare for her first ever Ultra Marathon whilst fundraising to support young people across Bristol. Thank you Amber for taking part in the Morzine-Avoriaz Ultra Trail in aid of Young Bristol this month! Support her fundraising page here.
If you are interested in taking part in a third party fundraising event for Young Bristol, click here and learn how you can help fundraise for us!
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Our programmes
From youth clubs and outdoor activities to informal education and training opportunities, we offer a wide range of programmes for young people aged 8–25.
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