July 1, 2025

Activity centre celebrates 25 years with epic fundraising challenge

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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.

To mark the centre’s 25th anniversary, Young Bristol has joined forces with independent UK law firm Burges Salmon in the 25 for 25 challenge, which will see more than 200 of the firm’s people challenging themselves to a 25-hour continuous canoe relay along the River Avon and Bristol Docks to raise money to support the future of the centre.

Throughout Thursday 3rd and Friday 4th July, Burges Salmon’s people will canoe back and forth from the firm’s HQ at One Glass Wharf to the Pooles Wharf Outdoor Activity Centre on the historic Harbourside.

Lee Williams DL, Chief Executive at Young Bristol said:

To be celebrating a quarter of a century of Pooles Wharf Outdoor Activity Centre is incredible, and is a testament to the staff, volunteers, and young people past and present who have helped us get to this point.

The centre has played a pivotal role in allowing us to offer outdoor physical activity to so many young people in the city, and to help with their development. To anyone who lives in the city, Pooles Wharf has become a landmark on the Harbourside and one that we are very proud of.

We are very grateful to Burges Salmon and their fantastic team who are taking part in this brilliant challenge to mark the occasion. Support from local businesses such as them is so important to us, and we can’t wait to see them out on the water.”

Jamie Cameron, a director in the Employment team and head of community engagement at Burges Salmon, is one of the canoeists. He commented:

“Participating in the 25 for 25 challenge is a wonderful opportunity for us at Burges Salmon to give back to the community and support the incredible work done by Young Bristol.

This event not only brings our team together for a common cause but also highlights the importance of providing accessible and engaging activities for young people. Seeing our people come together and raising funds to ensure the sustainability of such a vital facility is truly inspiring. We are proud to be part of this initiative and hope our efforts can make a significant difference in the lives of many young individuals.

Pooles Wharf Outdoor Activity Centre will continue to change lives, and it is this that inspires the charity to want to do more for the people of Bristol as they look forward to another 25 years at the centre.”

From Coal Yard to Community Hub

The centre's transformation began in the mid-1990s when Young Bristol, formerly the Avon and Bristol Federation of Youth Clubs, took over the historic coal yard at Browns Sand Yard.

The Duchess of Gloucester officially opened the centre on July 4, 2000, launching new opportunities for Bristol's young people in canoeing, sailing, mountain biking, caving, and climbing. The opening also marked the charity's rebrand to Young Bristol.

Over the following 25 years, the centre has developed numerous programs addressing the evolving needs of Bristol's youth, including:

Outdoor Employment Programme: Since launching in 2013, this initiative has helped over 314 young people aged 16-25 into employment in the outdoor industry, with 80% of trainees entering further education, training, or employment within a year.

Community Inclusion: The DICE programme (2002-2011) supported asylum-seeking and refugee pupils, while the Over-55s Gig Club, launched in 2015, has reduced social isolation among older residents.

Recognition: In 2022, Young Bristol received the prestigious Queen's Award for Voluntary Service, recognizing the outstanding work of the charity's volunteers.

Explore the full history of Pooles Wharf Outdoor Activity Centre's here.

Joseph, 16, a trainee on the Outdoor Employment Pogramme has seen the life-changing impact of the programme; stepping outside of his comfort zone, meeting new people and engaging in new activities. Joseph began to struggle in school when he was eight years old and was diagnosed with dyslexia - when the pandemic hit, Joseph began to shutdown in every way.

Over the next two years life completely overwhelmed him, he stopped going to school, couldn't leave his room and often couldn't get out of bed. He became virtually mute. He was isolated and for a very long time wouldn't engage with family or professionals. But very gradually, Joseph began to re-engage into society, with the help of the programme.

Since joining the centre, Joseph has taken on every opportunity available - completing courses, volunteering, gaining qualifications and achieving his Royal Yachting Power Boat license. His commitment and what he has achieved is considerable, with Joseph even re-engaging with school to focus on his Maths and English.

Phil Harris, Outdoor Employment Programme Lead at Young Bristol said: “It has been wonderful to see Joseph take huge steps forward, forging friendships with others on the training programme, and overcome these huge mental barriers.”

Growing Demand

What began as a response to the increasing demand for accessible activities, has blossomed into a haven for outdoor activities.

"Young people continue to face mounting pressures, largely impacting their mental and physical health," explained Matt Donnelly, Head of Commercial Activities at Young Bristol.

The harbour is the heartbeat of Bristol, so to be able to bring young people here to engage in physical activity and help improve both their physical and mental health is fantastic. Over the last 25 years, Pooles Wharf has allowed us to bring that opportunity to so many from across our city."

Today the Centre not only delivers 16 water and land-based activities, programmes and opportunities for young people, but works with schools, colleges, pupil referral units, youth groups and corporates. With an increased reach the centre hopes to make a difference to even more people across the city.

To support the 25 Hours for 25 Years challenge click here.

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July 8, 2025

Burges Salmon raises £32,000 to celebrate 25 years of activity centre

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.

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July 3, 2025

Golf Day & Dinner 2025!

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.

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July 3, 2025

What's on: July 2025!

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.

Programmes
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June 30, 2025

The 25 year history of Pooles Wharf: 2000 - 2025

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.

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Fundraising at Chase the Sun North!

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!

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June 26, 2025

Fundraising at the Morzine-Avoriaz Ultra Trail!

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!

Stories
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Young people attend Essex Adventure Weekend 2025!

This month, we were excited to invite 8 young people from across our Community Youth Club network to join us at the NABGC Essex Adventure Weekend!

We were pleased to see young people from Avon Youth Club, BS14 Youth Club, The Grove @ Bedminster Down and Youth Club on Wheels Oatlands Avenue take part in a jam-packed weekend full of activities at Thriftwood Scout Camp Site, from Friday 20th June - Sunday 22nd June 2025!

Across the weekend, young people were involved with a number of sports activities, including axe throwing, archery, rifle shooting, Jacob's ladder, postmans mate, kayaking, raft-building, cresta run and bush craft. Our young people were also involved in a variety of other group activities including tug of war, assault courses and smores making. During each activity across the weekend, we saw our group meet new people from across the country, try new opportunities and build friendships for life!

"I had loads of fun. Thank you lots for the weekend, it was a great experience and I would really recommend it."

Thank you NABGC and Essex Boys and Girls Clubs for arranging an amazing weekend, giving young people the opportunity to try new things and learn life skills!

Programmes
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Rise HR Volunteer with Young Bristol!

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During their voluntary day, the team from Rise HR joined us outside in the sunshine to get stuck in with some outdoors tasks! The volunteers spent the day cleared weeds around the multi-sports court, entrance way and rest of the building. The team also helped us with painting around the club, where they painted the ceilings, which helped The Grove look more bright and welcoming!

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

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.

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Operations Plan for 2025 -26: Better never stops!

At Young Bristol, we continue to reflect the what, how and why in order to improve our services, better support our people and develop our facilities.

 

To ensure we deliver against our outcomes and aims, Young Bristol has implemented an Operations Plan for 2025 - 26. The strategic plan identifies our five key pillars from Our Strategy for 2025 - 28, assigning objectives and outputs that can be measured throughout the operating period.

 

We introduced our Operations Plan to work alongside Our Strategy and Theory of Change. Our Strategy outlines five key pillars to focus on during 2025 - 28: - Our Partnerships, Our People, Our Places, Our Power to and Our Programmes. We aim during this period to create safe, fit-for-purpose buildings to support our delivery of high-quality services, providing service users and our employees with opportunities to grow and thrive. Our Theory of Change allows us to reflect on our work and the impact we have, it establishes a framework, and ensures our work aligns with our vision.

By continuing to review our work, reflect on our impact and consult with our stakeholders we can continue to have a clear, demonstratable vision which aligns with our values and goals, for ever young person. 

Find out more here!

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