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.
