News, stories & updates

We are delighted to announce promotion of Jason Beckhelling-Terry, who is now our Head of Youth Work!

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This promotion comes at an exciting time for Young Bristol as we work towards achieving our 2025-28 strategy and celebrating our 100-year anniversary. At Young Bristol, we continue to prioritise and reinforce our core purpose, putting our people at the heart of everything we do. We remain committed to providing opportunities for personal and social development, skills for life and opportunities to grow!

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Jason has been a member of the Young Bristol team since 2022, where he has delivered programmes for young people and led our youth voice group. Before joining Young Bristol, Jason had worked in the youth work field for 18 years, delivering activities, outreach, centre-based, detached and school-based sessions.

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We are now excited to see Jason take on our newly created role, 'Head of Youth Work', where he will support our delivery team and continue to provide engaging, inspiring opportunities to the young people of Bristol and beyond!

As part of his new role, Jason is looking forward to exploring a digital youth work offer for young people who may not be able to engage with our programmes in a physical youth work setting. He is also excited to work with our partner organisations, young people and staff, helping them to achieve their full potential!

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"As Young Bristol continues to grow as a charity and increase both its contact and impact across the Bristol, it's vitally important we remain focused on providing positive outcomes for children and young people. The Young Bristol team look forward to working with Jason in this newly created role, which is all part of our 2025-28 Strategy, especially investing in Our People."

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said Lee Williams, Chief Executive

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Find out more about our team here!

On Sunday 11th May, we were pleased to see 17 runners from a number of our valued corporates sign up to the Bristol 10k and Half Marathon to raise money for Young Bristol!

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The Great Bristol runs, set off from the heart of Bristol's City Centre, and lapped around some of the cities most iconic landmarks, with the race being known for its scenic views.

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It was amazing to see teams from our valued corporate partners, including Burges Salmon, Leggwork, Mondaq, Robert Half, Sanderson, and Unite Students preparing and fundraising for their challenges!

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“It was a great day for all of us all and for Bristol, some amazing grit and determination shown by everyone. It was an honour to run for Young Bristol."

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Thank you to the 17 runners who took part in both Bristol 10k and Half Marathons to raise money for Young Bristol - we appreciate your ongoing support!

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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!

This week, Young Bristol are supporting Mental Health Awareness Week, celebrating the power and importance of community, between Monday 12th May and Friday 16th May.

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This year, the theme of Mental Health Awareness Week is 'Community', which explores how being part of a safe and positive environment can provide a sense of belonging, support, give a sense of purpose.

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At Young Bristol, we are committed to continuing our Mission by providing safe places, a supportive environment, and activities and opportunities in Bristol's communities, where young people can feel empowered, included and not alone.

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Our Youth Mental Health First Aider!

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A Youth Mental Health First Aider plays a key role in supporting and providing guidance to young people aged 8-18, who may be experiencing poor mental health. They are committed to recognising signs, offering initial assistance and connecting young people to professional help.

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Meet Jason, our Head of Youth Work. Jason is a trained Youth Mental Health First Aider! Jason is passionate about supporting young people through situations they face around their mental health, and wants to be someone that our young people can trust, talk to and take advice from.

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"One moment that made me feel like I made a difference was when I first engaged with someone who was having a panic attack, and helped them through a grounding method. When a young person is in a crisis moment, being there and knowing you've helped is a great feeling!"

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Mental Health is important to him as he believes looking after your mental state of mind is just as important as looking after your physical health. Jason understands that this is something that everyone can be affected by, and as a young person himself, knew someone close to him that suffered with their own mental health. He saw how much a small amount of support can transform someone's state of mind, which inspired him to learn more!

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One piece of advice Jason would give to anyone struggling with their mental health and well-being would be to reach out and talk to someone - from a friend or family member to a youth worker, teacher or mental health first aider. Let them know how you are feeling and what's going on.

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Providing safe places for Bristol's young people

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Our work provides young people with safe, welcoming, inclusive places where they can be themselves, build friendships, and access support when they need it most.

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Our Youth Clubs, programmes and services continue be at the core of communities, giving young people the safety and support that they cannot find on the streets, acting as the bridge between home and school life.  Since April 2024, we saw:

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• 21,392 attendances with young people ages 8-25.
• Our 8 Community Youth Clubs providing a safe place for 1,121 young people aged 8-19, continuing to open their doors up to 5 nights per week, 48 weeks of the year.  
• 11 rural and urban communities were positively impacted by our work, where there is currently no youth provision.
• More than 2,000 meals provided through our Community Youth Clubs, helping to address food poverty and holiday hunger.
• An investment of £528,280 into capital improvements at a number of our community venues since 2022; making improvements that would help to create environments that young people can thrive in.

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Where you can find support and advice

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Did you know one in five children face mental health issues? Whether you want to access helpful resources, start a conversation about mental health or are seeking professional advice and guidance, there are many ways you can begin to make a difference to a young person's mental health and wellbeing. If you or someone you know needs support, check out the links below for some recommended local and national services.

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Young people

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• Mind - A mental health charity, whose aim is to ensure no one faces mental health alone. Offering online support and guidance that young people that can access on their website 24/7.
• Shout - A free, confidential24/7 text support service for anyone in the UK who is struggling with their mental health. To start a conversation, text 'SHOUT' to 85258. Shout's team of trained volunteers are trained to listen at any time, day or night.
• Samaritans - Aims to provide support through phone, letter, email or in person. Whatever problem you are facing, Samaritans are available 24/7, 365 days a year!
• Kooth - an online wellbeing community where you can get free, safe and anonymous support. The forum is a judgement-free, safe place for anyone to get advice, help others and share their stories.

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Parents

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• Young Minds Parent Helpline - Offering tailored advice to parents, guardians and other family members who are concerned about a child's mental health. Advice for all young people who are under 25 over the phone or through their online chat.
• Shout - A free, confidential24/7 text support service for anyone in the UK who is struggling with their mental health. To start a conversation, text 'SHOUT' to 85258. Shout's team of trained volunteers are trained to listen at any time, day or night.‍
• Samaritans - Aims to provide support through phone, letter, email or in person. Whatever problem you are facing, Samaritans are available 24/7, 365 days a year!‍
• MindEd for Families - A free e-learning portal, offering information and support about mental health and well-being. Available 24/7 on their website!

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To find out more about our work with young people and the opportunities we provide click here.

This week, we were delighted to welcome the team from Bristol City Leap to Sea Mills Boys and Girls Club, where four of their dedicated team members helped us to improve our facilities for young people!

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During their voluntary day, the team from Bristol City Leap joined us outside in the sunshine and got stuck in with some outdoors tasks! The volunteers spent the day trimming back the hedges around the sports court, helping us to maintain a tidy, clean and welcoming space for young people.

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Thank you to everyone at Bristol City Leap for helping us to create a safe, positive place where our young people can thrive! We appreciate your support!

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There are many ways you can work with Young Bristol and support what we do. As a charity, we are committed to building long-term, mutually beneficial relationships with corporate organisations in Bristol and surrounding areas. Find out how you can support us today! Click here for more information.

Young Bristol are proud to announce that our young people have been shortlisted for the Bristol Young Heroes Awards 2025!

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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 6th May, our four 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 4th July:

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• Alicia, Super Hero - Ashton Vale Club for Young People
• Iris, Creative Hero - The Grove @ Bedminster Down
• Joseph, Sports Hero - Outdoor Employment Programme
• Mayan, Action Hero - BS14 Stockwood Youth Club

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Young Bristol would also like to recognise Amelie, Eli, Gracie, Mason, Reece and The Grove's Social Action group, who have also achieved incredible things during 2024. To find out more information about their nominations, click here!

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!

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The Canoe Test

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Young Bristol are hosting the NABGC Canoe Test, open to young people of all ability levels. The Canoe Test will be full of canoeing challenges and activities.

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When: Friday 23rd May - Tuesday 27th May

Where: River Wye

For: Ages 13+

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Interclub Dodgeball

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Our Interclub Dodgeball Tournament will see young people from our Community Youth Clubs go head-to-head to win this years Dodgeball trophy!

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When: Thursday 29th May

Where: Avon Youth Club

For: Ages 8-16

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Outdoor Activities

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Our Outdoor Activity Programme will be running half day and full day Holiday Clubs across April's Half Term. Take part in our offer of up to 16 water and land based activities! Places are limited and will need booking in advance. Click here to secure your place!

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When: Monday 26th May - Friday 30th May

Where: Pooles Wharf Outdoor Activity Centre

For: Ages 8-16

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Also this month...

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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.

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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.

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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 were thrilled to attend the Age-Friendly Awards, where Shea Stew and Youth Club on Wheels were nominated for the 'Youth Worker' Award

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The Age-Friendly Awards, hosted in collaboration with InCommon and Clarion Futures, celebrates intergenerational social action in communities and shines a light on the groups and individuals that are making this happen. Young Bristol joined organisations from across a number of sectors at the Awards evening on Wednesday 30th April, at ApplebyBlue Almshouse in London, to champion the vital work that our services provide to children, young people and their families across communities.

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Shea Stew was nominated for the "Youth Worker" Award for his work in Brislington and Speedwell. Until recently, these were two areas within Bristol that didn't have access to youth provision and had no support in place. The Young Bristol team were proud to see Shea recognised as a nominee alongside 45 other youth workers from across the UK.

We are delighted to announce that we are recruiting for a number of roles for Young Bristol’s growing Programme and Delivery team to deliver engaging, energising and educational programmes to young people on our unique mobile provision, the Youth Club on Wheels!

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As an organisation, our mission is 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

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This is an exciting opportunity to join an award-winning, Bristol-based charity with a long and proud history - championing the power of youth work, especially for those young people who need us most. By joining our dedicated team, you can help make positive impact on the lives of young people:

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YB Youth Club on Wheels -Senior Youth Leader

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Our Youth Club on Wheels is like no other project. We develop and engage young people on their own turf and work really hard doing so. We work with the hardest to reach young people and create amazing relationships with them; providing opportunities that empower and enrich their communities who do not have any other youth provision for young people. Recently featured on BBC's 'The One Show' and nominated as a finalist for the Children and Young People Now Awards, the opportunity to work with the Youth Club on Wheels is not one to miss!

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The YCOW Senior Youth Leader will work on our Youth Club on Wheels to deliver engaging, educational and energising programmes to the young people we work with. They will work to deliver the best opportunities for young people, broadening their horizons and supporting them to become more successful, resilient andconfident members of their community. The post holder will act as a role model for young people, encompassing the values of Young Bristol tohelp young people make positive choices.

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YB Youth Club on Wheels - Driver

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Our Youth Club on Wheels project is like no other project. We develop and engage young people on their own turf and work really hard doing so. We work with the hardest to reach young people and create amazing relationships; providing opportunities that empower and enrich communities who do not have any other provision for Young People. Recently featuring on The One Show and nominated as a finalist for the Children and Young People Now Awards, the opportunity to work on our Youth Club on Wheels is not one to miss!

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The YCOW Driver is a key role to ensure the delivery of our engaging, educational and energising programmes to young people can continue to be delivered. The driving role acts to ensure our YCOW gets to the locations required in a safe and timely manner, the vehicle is maintained, when using it, to an appropriate standard.

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There is no expectation to deliver youth work during sessions, but this can be incorporated into the role for the right applicant.

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How to apply for our roles:

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1. Download the  and Young Bristol’s 2023-24 Impact Report
2. Download the Young Bristol Application Form
3. Email your application form to hr@youngbristol.com. We will confirm receipt of your application within 3 working days.

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Closing date:

These are rolling adverts and will be filled when we find the right candidates.

Young Bristol are incredibly proud to share that our young people have been shortlisted in the Bristol Young Heroes Awards 2025!

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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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Alicia, Ashton Vale Club for Young People - Super Hero

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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.

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Alicia has always been willing to help others and will go above and beyond to make others feel welcomed at the Club. She now acts as an incredible role model for other young people at Ashton Vale - we really couldn’t be more proud of Alicia!

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Iris, The Grove @ Bedminster Down - Creative Hero

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Iris was nominated for the Creative Hero Award as she consistently shows passion for art, dedication to her youth club, and ability to inspire and uplift others at The Grove during our junior sessions. Iris has been a member at The Grove since 2023, and attends every Monday session without fail! She plays an active role in shaping our arts programme, and played a key part in a singing project, which saw her group perform infront of 100 people at our Awards, AGM and Celebration event!

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Iris is more than just a talented creative — she is an inspiration to those around her. Her dedication, kindness, and enthusiasm make her truly exceptional and she has made a lasting impact on The Grove!

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Joseph, Outdoor Employment Programme - Sports Hero

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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 well 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!

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"It has been wonderful to see Joseph make huge steps forward. It is clear to me that Joseph’s desire to be brilliant at sports and his drive to become an outdoor instructor, has encouraged him to overcome the barriers that he faces."

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Mayan, BS14 Youth Club - Action Hero

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Mayan was nominated for the Action Hero Award after overcoming personal adversities, challenging her confidence and exploring how she better expresses herself. Mayan attends Young Bristol’s BS14 Youth Club, and has been a valued member since February 2023. Since joining the club, Mayan has been instrumental in creating a space that would benefit young people at the Club and acts as a role model for other young people – inspiring others at her Club to get involved with creative activities.

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Mayan is hardworking; giving her passion for swimming one thousand percent and the progress that she has made is amazing. Her creativity and free-spirit at the Club is incredible to witness – and to see her explore and celebrate her identity as a young person has been a privilege to witness and be a part of.”

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Young Bristol would also like to recognise Amelie, Eli, Gracie, Mason, Reece and The Grove's Social Action group, who have also achieved incredible things during 2024. Thank you Bristol Young Heroes for highlighting everything our young people have achieved in the past year. We wish all our shortlisted young people and teams the best of luck on Friday 4th July!