Championing young people since 1928

Young Bristol is a mission-led, values driven charity, with a focus on supporting young people aged 8-25 during their critical out of school hours.

We believe that every young person has the right to discover what they are capable of.

Today, we’re recognised as Bristol’s leading provider of community-based youth services, through our community youth club network based in some of Bristol’s most challenging communities, and a valued provider of outdoor activities, holiday clubs, mobile youth services, as well as outdoor employment and informal educational opportunities.

Through safe, fun, and supportive community spaces, it’s our mission to create a positive and sustainable impact, building brighter futures for our young people.

OUR MISSION: 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.

Our values

Responsible

We help young people to develop a sense of responsibility by providing opportunities to volunteer, explore employment and further education possibilities, and become more involved with their local community.

Resilient

We believe in helping young people develop the skills to cope and thrive through life’s challenges.

Confident

By empowering young people to be themselves, we give them the tools and life skills to improve their confidence and reach for the stars.

Healthy

Through fun activities and access to community spaces, we support and encourage young people to improve their mental and physical health and wellbeing.

Successful

We raise aspirations among the young people that we work with, providing opportunities to help them to succeed in life, and in employment.

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.

View all programmes
Outdoor Activities
Outdoor Employment Programme
NCS – Community Experiences
Community Youth Clubs
Holiday Clubs
Youth Club on Wheels
Kayak Club
Youth Voice
Supporting the wider community

“Every community needs a provision for young people. Youth work is the bridge between school and home life – making a world of difference in a young person’s life.”

Strategic priorities 2022-25

Our strategic priorities

Young Bristol consulted with children and young people, their supporters, national bodies and stakeholders, together with the wider community. The aim was to explore how we can improve our services for young people, aligning with national and city-wide youth service strategies.

We launched the strategy in 2022, and continue to deliver according to the five key strategic priorities we identified, ensuring Young Bristol plays a leading and expanding role within Bristol’s voluntary sector.

Strategic Priorities 2022–2025

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Our history

1928

Following World War 1, Boys’ Clubs formed to keep a sense of comradely for those who had served in the war. The vast majority of boys had left formal education at the age of14 and began life in employment. To many, the street were the only place available to socialise once they had finished work, which became seen as a social problem. The Boys Clubs from across the city signed the original document forming the Bristol & District Federation of Boys Clubs in a building in Nelson Street.

1939

Despite numerous obstacles, Boys Clubs continue to deliver through World War II and contribute to the war effort. Many members are involved with fire-watching duties across the city.

1953

Chris Wilcox becomes General Secretary of the Bristol & District Federation of Boys Clubs – a role he’ll dedicate 35 years to.

1961

Thanks to the recommendations of the Albemarle Report, new clubs appear in Bristol over the next few years, including Bedminster Down Boys Club, Sea Mills Boys & Girls Club, Filwood Boys Club, Ashton Vale Club for Young People, Bristol Five Boys Club (Harry Crook Youth Activity Centre), Black Horse Boys Club and Teyfant Boys Club.

1989

A sponsored Sportsmobile becomes our first mobile youth club, before funds are raised for our own van –‘The Roadshow’ – thanks to an HTV telethon.

1995

The Federation votes to formally start working with girls as well as boys, and the name of the organisation is changed to the Avon & Bristol Federation of Clubs for Young People.

2000

Following successful volunteering projects throughout the 1990s (and beyond), including Bristol Young Volunteer and Millennium Volunteers, the Federation becomes Young Bristol.

2009

Young Bristol leads the Bristol application of the National Myplace Programme, securing £5 million to build a world-class central youth centre, now known as The Station.

2013

The Instructor Training Scheme pilot launches, which is now known as the Outdoor Employment Programme - the first of its kind in the South West. Young Bristol's Creative Programme launched later in the year.

2018

Young Bristol celebrates its 90th anniversary, raising £90,000 through our Youth Bus for Young Bristol campaign – with the Youth Club on Wheels launching in 2019.

2020

Young Bristol is given The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service – the highest award a voluntary group can receive in the UK.

2022

Young Bristol headquarters moves into its current premises, BS14 Youth Centre in Stockwood.

2024

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