A warm welcome to our Assistant Youth Leader!

Young Bristol are delighted to announce, Chief Executive, Lee Williams DL has been appointed Acting Vice Lord-Lieutenant for the County and City of Bristol.

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The Vice Lord-Lieutenant is appointed by HM Lord Lieutenant Mrs Peaches Golding OBE CStJ RNR and is subject to the approval of the King. The appointment recognises distinguished service to the community, predominately in a voluntary capacity. The Vice Lord-Lieutenant assists the Lord Lieutenant with a range of duties at her request, examples include, representing her to welcome Royal visitors to the County, deputising at formal functions, award ceremonies, citizenship ceremonies to name a few.

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On receiving this honour Lee Williams DL said,

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“Having been appointed a Deputy Lieutenant in July 2020 to now be appointed Acting Vice Lord- Lieutenant of the City you were born, educated and have spent your working life in, is a tremendous honour for myself and my family. I look forward to assisting and supporting HM Lord Lieutenant in performing her duties, deputising for her when required.”

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As Chief Executive of Young Bristol since 2018, Lee has led the Bristol-based youth charity to become a multi-award winning organisation that supports thousands of young people year-on-year; making a lasting and significant contribution to the city of Bristol. With deep corporate and voluntary sector  leadership experience and a passion for serving young people, Lee has been committed to advancing the growth, stability, and impact of our Mission across Greater Bristol communities.

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Lee’s history at Young Bristol stems back far before his role as Chief Executive. His early experiences as a member of a Bristol Boys Club in the1970’s, Lee saw first-hand how important a safe place, with caring adults that provide positive opportunities is in a young person’s life. It is these personal experiences, that has given Lee the insight to lead the charity with unwavering commitment through periods of change and growth, to have an impactful role in communities across Greater Bristol.

Lee’s lifelong passion is supporting community based youth provision; and this can be seen through his commitments outside of Young Bristol. Lee is a Trustee of several charities, member of Youth Organisation Governing Bodies and supports the High Sheriff of the City of Bristol on youth related matters.

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Lee’s appointment as Acting Vice Lord-Lieutenant is a testament to his commitment and dedication to his work with the voluntary sector, and desires for a brighter future for young people. Young Bristol would like to share their congratulations to Lee on this prestigious honour.

We are incredibly proud to announce that Reece Pennington-Field, Young Leader and young person at BS14 Youth Club, was awarded the 'Young Person of the Year' award at the NABGC Awards Evening 2025!

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The 'Young Person of the Year' Award is presented to a young person, aged 11-25, who has displayed a strong committment to their local club, its values, and the programmes they deliver. The award also looks for young people who have volunteered or shown leadership at their club.

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We would like to congratulate Reece from BS14 Youth Club's 'Looked After Children session', who was awarded the 'Young Person of the Year' Award at the NABGC Awards Ceremony 2025!

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Reece is an active member of BS14 Youth Club's 'Looked After Children' sessions, and has acted as a Young Volunteer at the clubs junior sessions since April 2024. Reece was nominated for the 'Young Person of the Year' Award after taking on a natural leadership role, where he has helped staff to run tuck shop and supported his peers. He also lends a listening ear and comforting words to new young people who join the sessions, allowing them a comforting space to talk about their situation, and uses his own experiences as example.

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On busy evenings, the club will always see Reece go above and beyond to help staff at the club, where he will always offer to help set up tuck, hand out or cook food for other members and wash up. Since spending time working with our Juniors, Reece has changed his pathway and is now studying Health and Social Care, working towards completing his Level 1 & 2 Youth Work qualifications. His long-term goal is to become a Youth Worker at his Youth Club!

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Reece's foster carer said:

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"Reece is nothing short of a real-life superhero, and we are beyond proud to have had the privilege of watching him grow into such a compassionate and thoughtful young man. Witnessing Reece walk this remarkable path has been an honour. We couldn’t be prouder of him and all he has accomplished."

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Young Bristol would also like to recognise Owen and Romaine who were nominated for the 'Outstanding Leader of the Year' Award as well as Mason who was nominated for the 'Young Person of the Year' Award this year.

On Saturday 13th September, Young Bristol were pleased to attend Tockington Manor Schools 'Russell Run', raising money for the young people we support across Bristol!

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Tockington Manor Schools 'Russell Run' is a 5km fun run, jog or walk that was open to all members of the family around the schools 28 acres of land. The event was named after a beloved former teacher.

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The Russell Run celebrated the start of the school year, inviting the schools students, families, staff, alumni and dogs to come together in fancy dress and take part in the event. It was great to see a day full of excitement, laughter and fun.

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Tockington Manor School have kindly chosen Young Bristol as their 'Charity of the Year' for the 2025-26 school year. As part of this partnership, they also plan to host a Christmas Fair, Christmas Jumper Day, Carol Service, a school triathlon day, a Disney Day and a number of non-uniform days.

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Thank you to everyone at Tockington Manor School that has helped to make the first fundraising event of the year a success. We look forward to working with you throughout the school year!

We are delighted to announce the appointment of Simon Long, Club Leader at The Grove @ Bedminster Down!

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Simon has worked with young people across South Bristol for the past 5 years, where he gave up his career in construction to help inspire young people! During his time supporting young people, he founded Hartcliffe BMX, with the aim of helping to keep young people fit and active, and has also worked with our Hartcliffe Club for Young People, where he progressed from a sessional youth worker to the club’s Leader.

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Simon now joins us as Club Leader at The Grove @ Bedminster Down, where he is excited to engage with young people in a new community!

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We hope you will join us in welcoming Simon to the Young Bristol team! Find out more about our team here!

Young Bristol are delighted to be shortlisted for the 'Community Impact' and 'Business Leader of the Year' categories at the South West Business of the Year Awards 2025!

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The South West Business of the Year Awards celebrates the very best business successes from across the region. The shortlisted and winning businesses are those that are innovating, disrupting and thriving – and want to showcase their achievements.

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Young Bristol has been shortlisted for the 'Community Impact' award for 2025, which highlights businesses or individuals in the region that have demonstrated a commitment to ‘giving something back’, through CSR initiatives or charitable activities. Young Bristol has a legacy spanning nearly a century, and is an organisation that is continually evolving to meet the needs of Bristol’s youth. During the last year, we continued to provide safe spaces, skills training, and life-changing experiences that supported thousands of young people to thrive. 

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We are also thrilled to share that Young Bristol's Chief Executive, Lee Williams DL, has been nominated by the judges of the Awards for the 'Business Leader of the Year', which showcases the most impressive business leaders from nominated businesses. 

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Thank you to the South West Business of the Year Awards for recognising the fantastic work of Young Bristol, and the passionate, hard-working and dedicated people behind the organisation. Our team look forward to attending the Awards Ceremony later this year.

Young Bristol are incredibly proud to share that Charlie Sinclair, Club Leader at BS14 Youth Club has completed her Level 3 Youth Work qualification!

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Charlie completed her Level 3 Youth Work qualification with South Gloucestershire Playscheme in 2025. Since beginning the course, Charlie has learnt how to engage with young people in a youth work setting, and how she can promote young people’s personal and social development, enabling them to have a voice and influence in the community.

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We are proud of Charlie for completing her Youth Work training, as this not only helps her to develop professionally, but has a huge impact on our delivery. Charlie has already used her learning to plan the clubs sessions and has changed the way she engages with our young people. Congratulations!

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- Andy Kimber, Head of Operations & HR

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At Young Bristol, we continue to reinforce our strategy pillars by developing our people and programmes by providing opportunities for personal and professional development, skills for life and opportunities to grow.

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Congratulations Charlie on completing your Level 3 Youth Work qualification!

Members of our programmes, past and present, are invited to join a flotilla in memory of Eli Sweeting on Saturday 2^nd August at 10am to celebrate the life and share memories of Eli. 

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A flotilla in memory of our friend Eli

When: Saturday 2^nd August, 10am 

A small trip on Bristol Harbour to share memories of Eli. From Baltic Wharf to the Mshed where we will gather in a circle and throw, if you wish, some flowers into the water. MV Pyronaught will kindly do a water display. Please bring your own flowers that are either real flowers or biodegradable. 

Please get in touch with Young Bristol if you would like to join us, our boats will be available for use.

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A message from Young Bristol's Outdoor Activity Team 

Eli joined Young Bristol through our NCS programme. He had an incredible energy with other participants and staff radiated towards him - he was always eager to learn more. It was therefore a delight, when on return from a residential in the Lake District in 2016, that he decided he wanted to join the Instructor Training Scheme (now the Outdoor Employment Programme) and by spring 2017 he started volunteering on our NCS programme. In May 2017, Eli was part of the annual Canoe Test, kayaking 100 miles along the River Wye. As part of this opportunity, he was interviewed as part of a series for BBC Two, showcasing the 100 mile challenge and sharing with the presenter the importance of getting outdoors. 

Eli became an avid member of the programme and alongside his training with City of Bristol College, quickly completed qualifications in Paddlesports, Powerboating and High Ropes. He was employed by Young Bristol and became a reliable Instructor, always brimming with enthusiasm to bring the joy of outdoor activities to the young people he taught.

Eli followed his dreams and went to University where he gained his Outdoor Leadership Degree. Following this, he went on to become a member of the Harbour Master’s team, and we would regularly meet out on the water, pulling up alongside our kayaks for a catch-up and to find out what adventures he had been on! Eli had an enthusiasm and hunger to learn and develop himself through training and adventure. From time to time, he would stop by our Activities Centre at Pooles Wharf and we would hear his distinctive voice calling up the stairs. He would pop in for a catch-up or volunteer on a session, chatting equally to new trainees, participants and familiar faces, telling of his experiences he gained from Young Bristol. Eli was always grounded and humble about his knowledge, skills and ability, but it was a pleasure to see how he was developing into a strong and inspirational leader and a great outdoorsman.

Eli settled in New Zealand; being in the heart of adventure, inspiration and outdoor activities suited him well. Earlier this year, Eli climbed Mitre Peak in Milford Sound but did not return. After extensive efforts from Mountain Rescue, friends, family, acquaintances and many more, he was never found. Our Thoughts and Prayers are with Eli’s family and friends at this time.

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Eli will always be a huge part of Young Bristol. He will live on in all those who had the good fortune to meet him, and be inspired by his incredible enthusiasm and dedication to experience new adventures.

We are delighted to announce the appointment of Kayleigh Grunebaum-Webster, Youth Club on Wheels Driver!

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Kayleigh is new addition to the team at Young Bristol, as driver for our Youth Club on Wheels. Most recently, Kayleigh has been self-employed as a Handywoman, after taking a break from supporting individuals and families in the community for over 10 years! Kayleigh has a passion for helping people to identify and develop skills to meet their needs, by providing them with practical support and advice. Outside of work Kayleigh enjoys attending live music events and gardening.

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Kayleigh joins the Young Bristol team to ensure our Youth Club on Wheels safely arrives to the locations we deliver in, our vehicle is well-maintained, and our equipment is cared for and set up for every session.

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We hope you will join us in welcoming Kayleigh to the Young Bristol team!

Young Bristol were thrilled to see our Chief Executive, Lee Williams DL, recognised as a finalist the South West Leadership Awards 2025!

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The South West Leadership Awards celebrates leaders across the South West who have demonstrated positive impact and shown extraordinary leadership, with the awards showcasing the achievements and success of businesses across the region.

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Lee was nominated for the 'Public and Third Sector Leader' award as he has provided the strategic direction and financial management required to drive Young Bristol to become a multi award-winning provider of youth services; building brighter futures for young people across Bristol.

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Reflecting on his nomination and the event, Lee said:

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"It was an honour to be shortlisted for the Public and Third Sector Leader at the South West Leadership Awards, alongside so many other inspiring leaders in the sector. I’m proud to represent Young Bristol as Chief Executive and am grateful for the continued support from all our staff, funders, partner organisations, and the wider community."