News, stories & updates

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!

We are pleased to announce that booking for our May and Summer Outdoor Activities is now live!

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Join Young Bristol and experience the thrill of the great outdoors! With a range of activities on offer, from paddling Bristol's own Harbourside to climbing through an underground adventure, there is something for everyone to enjoy! Book your Outdoor Activities sessions here!

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3 Day Wet, Wild and Wicked - £120pp

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This is an intensive programme of back to back activities. From navigating through caves to mastering paddleboarding, rock climbing, archery, kayaking, bushcraft, and orienteering challenges, experience a wide range of adventures and activities. Find out more information and book your Wet, Wild and Wicked session here.

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• Wednesday 24th July 2024 - Friday 26th July 2024
• Tuesday 30th July 2024 - Thursday 1st August 2024
• Monday 12th August 2024 - Wednesday 14th August 2024
• Tuesday 20th August 2024 - Thursday 22nd August 2024

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Paddle Power Development Course - £80pp

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Two days of back to back activities, embarking on a development course, tailored for young adventurers who are eager to advance their canoeing and kayaking skills. Previous attendance to a Half Day Kayaking session is recommended to make the most of this opportunity. Find out more information and book your Paddle Power Development Course here.

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• Monday 5th August 2024 - Tuesday 6th August 2024
• Tuesday 20th August - Wednesday 21st August 2024

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Full Day Wet and Wild - £45pp

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Channel your inner Robin Hood as you learn archery skills and embrace the art of bushcraft, alongside cooking over an open fire. Then experience the aquatic thrills with kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding across Bristol's iconic Harbour. Find out more information and book your Wet and Wild session here.

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• Thursday 8th August 2024
• Tuesday 13th August 2024

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Full Day Wet and Wicked - £45pp

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Spend the day with us learning about the basic paddling techniques and enjoy playing fun, confidence-building games that encourage balance, agility and teamwork. You will continue to work with your team mates to build a raft and paddle your team to victory. Find out more information and book your Wet and Wicked session here.

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• Tuesday 23rd July 2024
• Friday 2nd August 2024
• Friday 9th August 2024
• Thursday 15th August 2024
• Thursday 22nd August 2024

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Half Day Kayaking - £20pp

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A perfect session for beginners, and those with a little experience. Spend the session learning about the basic paddling techniques and take part in fun, confidence-building games that encourage balance, agility and teamwork. Find out more information and book your Half Day Kayaking session here.

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• Friday 31st May 2024, 1:00pm - 4:00pm
• Wednesday 24th July 2024, 1:00pm - 4:00pm
• Monday 29th July 2024, 9:00am - 12:00pm
• Tuesday 30th July 2024, 1:00pm - 4:00pm
• Monday 5th August 2024, 1:00pm - 4:00pm
• Wednesday 7th August 2024, 1:00pm - 4:00pm
• Monday 12th August 2024, 1:00pm - 4:00pm
• Monday 19th August 2024, 1:00pm - 4:00pm
• Friday 23rd August 2024, 1:00pm - 4:00pm

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Half Day Paddleboarding - £20pp

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A perfect session for beginners, and those with a little experience. Spend the session with us learning about the basic paddling techniques and enjoy playing fun, confidence-building games that encourage balance, agility and teamwork. Find out more information and book your Half Day Paddleboaring session here.

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• Wednesday 29th May 2024, 9:00am - 12:00pm
• Thursday 30th May 2024, 9:00am - 12:00pm
• Tuesday 23rd July 2024, 1:00pm - 4:00pm
• Monday 29th July 2024, 1:00pm - 4:00pm
• Wednesday 31st July 2024, 1:00pm - 4:00pm
• Wednesday 7th August 2024, 9:00am - 12:00pm
• Monday 12th August 2024, 9:00am - 12:00pm
• Wednesday 14th August 2024, 1:00pm - 4:00pm
• Monday 19th August 2024, 1:00pm - 4:00pm
• Friday 23rd August 2024, 9:00am - 12:00pm

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Half Day Caving - £20pp

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A perfect session for beginners, and those with a little experience. Explore an underground labyrinth with lots of twists and turns, gentle and more challenging climbs and crawls. From large inviting entrances to a superman’s squeeze, Adventure underground while having fun, building confidence and seeing unique rock formations all under the illumination of nothing but your head torch. Find out more information and book your Half Day Caving session here.

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• Monday 29th July 2024, 1:00pm - 4:00pm
• Thursday 8th August 2024, 1:00pm - 4:00pm

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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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Last week, we were delighted to invite the "Internal Audit" team from Computershare to Ashton Vale Club for Young People. The group of generous volunteers dedicated their day to help improve our facilities for the benefit of young people.

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After a long winter, with some severe weather conditions, Ashton Vale needed a makeover, making sure our youth club was ready for young people use and enjoy throughout the upcoming Summer months!

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Eight incredible staff members from Computershare joined us at Ashton Vale, where they helped us to created a safer and cleaner environment. During the day, the team got involved with a number of indoor and outdoor tasks. The group started the day outside, helping us to rake grass, clearing leaves from the drive, jet washing the drive, cutting hedges and weeding any unwanted or dead plants around the club.

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!

Over the weekend, young people from our Outdoor Employment Programme took part in the Super Sliders Bronze and Silver programmes!

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What a great way for our Outdoor Employment Programme to start their weekend! A small group of our trainees travelled to the University of Bath's Training Village, where they took part in the Super Sliders Bronze and Silver programme. The team from Super Sliders had prepared a day full of activities for young people to get involved with and enjoy!

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The programme started off with some "off-track" activities, where the group talked to Tabitha Stoecker and Patrick Atkin from Britain's Olympic Bobsleigh team! During this workshop, the group learnt about different bobsleigh equipment and were taught about a range of bobsleigh techniques!

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The workshop continued onto some "on-track" activities, where the group put their learning into practice by using the bobsleigh equipment on the track. Young people all had the opportunity to push themselves down the track and improve their bobsleigh technique!

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It was great to see our group of trainees try out new sports and push themselves out of their comfort zone! A huge thank you to Super Sliders for inviting us along to their most recent programme! We look forward to taking part in the next one soon!

This Easter half term, we saw two weeks of Open Access and Holiday Clubs delivered across our Community Youth Clubs and Outdoor Activity Centre. We worked with new and existing young people, providing them with enriching opportunities and a hot, healthy meal!

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Young Bristol's Easter Holiday Clubs, for young people aged 8-19, were located in 6 locations across the city, where our Community Youth Club staff and Outdoor Activities team ran extended evening sessions for young people! Our team were able to provide young people with a number of exciting activities, a free prepared meal and a safe space to have fun! Our programmes were free for all to attend, with a focus on those in receipt of free school meals!

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This Easter, Young Bristol saw:

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• 482+ contacts with young people
• 29+ open access and holiday club sessions delivered
• 50+ Free School Meals young people engaged with

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!