Youth Workers attend Age-Friendly Awards!

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!

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!

During the Easter half term, Young Bristol were pleased to deliver two weeks of Open Access and Holiday Clubs across our youth provision. 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 4 locations across the city, where our Community Youth Club staff and Outdoor Activities team ran a number of sessions for young people to enjoy! Our team provided young people with a number of exciting and enriching activities, a free prepared meal and a safe place, where they can have fun! Our programmes are all free 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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• 792 contacts with young people
• 40+ open access and holiday club sessions delivered from our youth clubs
• 175 meals provided to our young people

This week, Young Bristol were pleased to receive a generous donation from local construction recruitment company, Leggwork!

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Leggwork have been a valued supporter of Young Bristol since 2021. They have provided financial donations, in-kind support and have regularly volunteered at our Community Youth Clubs. The team have also kindly supported us through numerous fundraising events.

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Young Bristol were amazed to receive a generous donation of 600 Easter eggs from Leggwork. These Easter eggs will be distributed to young people across our Community Youth Club network, including those attending our Holiday Clubs and Open Access sessions this month!

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"Donating Easter eggs to Young Bristol has been a cherished annual tradition for us at Leggwork since 2021. Seeing the children's excitement and happy faces is such a great feeling! Supporting Young Bristol is really important to us, and this is definitely one of the best parts of our ongoing partnership!"

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Justin, Director at Leggwork

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It was incredible to see the excitement from young people when the team distributed some of the Easter Eggs to young people taking part in Grassroots Sports Holiday Clubs, who use our BS14 Youth Club during half terms!

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Thank you to Leggwork for your kind donation! If you would also like to help us support young people across Bristol, click here and find out more!

This month, we were delighted to welcome groups from Burges Salmon across our Community Youth Club network, where 50 of their people team helped us to improve our facilities for young people!

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The Burges Salmon team were split across three of our Community Youth Clubs: Ashton Vale Club for Young People, BS14 Stockwood Youth Club and The Grove @ Bedminster Down.

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Ashton Vale Club for Young People

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The team at Ashton Vale Club for Young people focused their efforts on transforming the main space and media suite at the club. Using colours chosen by our young people, the team at Ashton Vale worked together to give the club a vibrant refresh with a new coat of paint. Their work has created a brightened space in the club, making a well-respected place for our young people to enjoy!

Young Bristol are delighted to share that Shea Stew, Youth Club on Wheels Lead, has been shortlisted for the "Youth Worker" Award at the Age-Friendly Awards 2025!

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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.

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Shea and the Youth Club on Wheels were nominated by SNG for the "Youth Worker" Award for his work with young people in Brislington and Speedwell. The Youth Worker Award recognises an outstanding youth worker who has worked hard to make connections with people in their community. Until recently, these were two areas within Bristol that didn't have access to youth provision and had no support in place.

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"Shea's energy is renowned, and our residents have seen improvements in their confidence, feeling of being connected to the community, volunteering experience, and feeling empowered."

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Henry Palmer, SNG