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Over the last few months, Architect students from UWE have gone above and beyond to engage with the community in Ashton Vale. This is the beginning of their masters project. Local Councillor, Tessa Fitzjohn, gave the students a brief to look at the wetlands adjacent to the Longmoor Village development. The brief was written in hopes that it would create sustainability for the area but also create an understanding for the value of the natural environment.
Their first meeting with Young Bristol was on the 5th October. Using Ashton Vale Club for Young People, the University group met with Tessa Fitzjohn and the TVG friends’ group. During this meeting, they discussed the initial aims of the project. This meeting lead to the students being guided around Ashton Vale, familiarising themselves with the area and the context surrounding the wetlands.
On the 25th October, Young Bristol’s Silver Social welcomed the University students to their session. Members of Silver Social were some of the first people to ever live in Ashton Vale. The chat they had was very insightful, finding out how some of the locals may use the wetlands and what improvements could be made to the area so more locals can access it. It was great for everyone at the meeting to learn the history behind Ashton Vale.
All of their findings from meeting with Young Bristol and other organisations such as Ashton Vale Primary School, Manor Woods Valley Group, and Bristol River Avon Trust, were collected together. This gave the group a chance to reflect on all their findings before presenting. They were able to create a number of storyboards and interactive models to present to Ashton Vale’s local community.
Yesterday, 8th December, was the day that the UWE students presented their findings to the local community at Ashton Vale Community Centre. A large group of local residents were able to attend to see their findings, as well as a few people from local trusts and organisations. UWE students proposed that a boardwalk is built around the wetlands. The boardwalk will deter visitors from walking across the wetland, helping preserve the valuable area. Their idea was inspired by Iron Line, located in Cumbria. The local residents engaged with this presentation very well! Some attendants even presented their own ideas to everyone and offered their help to try turn this idea into a reality. From this presentation, a Facebook and email group has been set up, where everyone can continue the conversation and keep the idea alive.
We hope that their development can come to life in the future. The boardwalk and visitor centre will allow us to take young people on nature walks around the local area. This will get them exploring their local community and encouraging healthy activities.
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2025 has been a year full of milestones for Young Bristol. Throughout the year, we have seen amazing opportunities, impactful partnerships and incredible transformations!
As we reflect on an amazing year, we are proud of everything we have achieved over the last 12 months!
January
Celebrating our people and impact. In January, we launched our 'Young Person of the Year' award at our Celebration, Awards and AGM 2025. We were delighted to announce that our first Young Person of the Year was Eve from Sea Mills. The event also featured young people’s achievements, highlighted our impact, shared inspiring stories, and showcased exciting future plans.
To watch the highlights of this years event, click here!
February
Connecting young people across the city. In February, we hosted our annual Interclub Football Tournament, bringing together young people from four different communities across the city. Throughout the year, we delivered and provided tournaments, workshops, and activities that celebrated creativity and sportsmanship, and bridged new friendships outside of their local communities.
If you would like to take part in one of our Interclub tournaments next year, contact your local Club Leader here.
March
Ensuring young people can explore new, exciting possibilities. In March, two trainees from our Outdoor Employment Programme attended the SuperSliders UK Gold Programme in Switzerland, training with Britain’s Olympic and National Ice Sports Squad to complete their certification. This year, 51 trainees on our Outdoor Employment Programme received44 nationally recognised qualifications in outdoor pursuits, enabling them to access future employment prospects.
Interested in joining our Outdoor Employment Programme, click here for more information.
April
Transforming our venues and investing in our infrastructure during 2025! In April, BS14 Youth Club’s Art Room was upgraded, creating a safer, more usable space for young people. This year also saw a number of other exciting developments across our community venues, including improvements to Avon Youth Club’s external facilities, The Grove’s outbuilding and storage, and Ashton Vale’s front door. Since launching our strategy in 2022, an incredible £753,280 has been invested into our buildings.
Find out more about the impact of our investments here.
May
Our fundraisers took on new challenges, ran marathons and volunteered during 2025! May saw 17 runners raise £8,500 by taking part in the Bristol 10k and Half Marathon. During 2025, we supported 29 runners, cyclists and other athletes take part in 11 third party fundraising events. Thank you to the individuals, groups and corporates who pledged to fundraise for us this year!
If you are interested in taking part in a third party fundraising event for Young Bristol, click here for more information and sign up today!
June
Working with organisations to provide further opportunities. In June, we were excited to take 13 young people on the Essex Adventure Weekend residential, which for some was their first time camping and being away from their families. Our partnerships with organisations locally, nationally and internationally supported us to further our reach, expanding our offer for young people, giving them access to new opportunities to learn and develop.
To find out more about local, national and international opportunities, click here!
July
Celebrating 25 years of our outdoor activities centre. In July, Young Bristol celebrated Pooles Wharf Outdoor Activity Centre 25th anniversary. To mark the quarter-century anniversary, we worked in partnership with Burges Salmon to raise money through the '25 for 25 Challenge' which saw employee's of Burges Salmon paddle Bristol's harbourside for 25 continuous hours. With the aim to raise money to support the future of the centre, the team raised an incredible £32,000.
To find out more about the history of Pooles Wharf Outdoor Activity Centre, click here!
August
Inspiring young people to discover new horizons and unlock their potential. This summer, we delivered 77 Holiday Clubs and Outdoor Activity sessions from Pooles Wharf Outdoor Activity Centre, encouraging young people to get out on the water, and explore local caves and mountains. At Pooles Wharf, we run 16 land and water‑based activities, saw 2,516 total contacts with young people through our Outdoor Activities Holiday Clubs.
We built new and existing relationships in 2025. In September, Tockington Manor School announced Young Bristol as their 'Charity of the Year' for the 2025–26 school year. Students, parents, and teachers are all helping us to make a difference by participating in a range of fundraising events. Throughout 2025, we were proud to work with 34 valued partners, supporting young people to reach their full potential. Thank you to all our supporters who went above and beyond this year.
There are many ways you can work with Young Bristol and support our work. Click here to find out more - start our journey together today!
October
Providing exciting activities and tackling holiday hunger. We delivered another year of amazing opportunities to young people, with October seeing a jam-packed, city-wide programme of activities, events, workshops and other exciting offers through the October Half Term. From a performance of 'Wonderland' by Bristol Old Vic Theatre School, a Well-Being and Social Action event and an annual Halloween Disco, there was something on offer for everyone during the week!
2025 was a year of incredible recognitions! In November, Young Bristol was honoured to receive the 'Community Impact Award' at the South West Business of the Year Awards. Throughout the year, Young Bristol, staff, and young people were recognised for a total of 9 local and national awards, including two young people recognised at the Bristol Young Heroes Awards and our Chief Executive shortlisted for the 'Public and Third Sector Leader' at the South West Leadership awards.
Find out more about our awards and recognitions here.
December
And the winner of our competition is.... In December, we announced the winners of our annual Christmas Card Competition, Phia and Eva, who were awarded an incredible prize package that included a visit to Bristol's Hippodrome to watch the Christmas Pantomime! Throughout the year, our young people took part in a number of creative competitions and exciting opportunities developed by our team, which saw a total of 80 entries from across the city!
Find out more about how you can get involved with our upcoming competitions here.
As we come to the end of 2025, it has been incredible to look back at another impactful year, as we continued to play a crucial role in supporting young people and their communities!
We are delighted to announce that Phia and Eva from The Grove @ Bedminster Down are the winners of the 2025 Christmas Card Competition!
Last month, we hosted a Christmas Card Competition across our Community Youth Clubs. Young people from across network were encouraged to draw a Christmas design that would be featured as this year’s annual Christmas Card!
We were delighted to receive a total of 50+ entries from across our Youth Clubs, showcasing lots creativity through some fantastic designs!
The winner from our junior age group is Phia, aged 8, from The Grove @ Bedminster Down. The winner from our senior age group was Eva, aged 16, from The Grove @ Bedminster Down! The pair have each been awarded a pack of cards that feature their design as well as a £15 Amazon gift voucher!
Thank you to Sarah from Burges Salmon, who selected the winning designs this year!
"We chose Phia's design due to its vibrant colour palette and this being heartwarming; this was conveyed through a festive winter scene. The creativity and attention to detail demonstrated by the young artist was fantastic."
"Eva's card stood out due to its sophisticated and creative design and the clever use of space and elements. The artist's skill in blending traditional festive themes with a modern twist was impressive."
On Saturday 29th November, young people from our Outdoor Employment Programme and Community Youth Club network took part in the Super Sliders Bronze and Silver programmes!
What a great way for our Outdoor Employment Programme and young people from our Community Youth Clubs to start their weekend! Young people travelled to the University of Bath's Training Village, where they took part in the Super Sliders Bronze and Silver programmes. The team from Super Sliders had prepared a day full of activities for young people to get involved with and enjoy!
The programme started off with some "off-track" activities, where the group talked to members from Britain's Olympic Bobsleigh and Skeleton team! During this workshop, the group learnt about different bobsleigh equipment and were taught about a range of bobsleigh techniques!
The workshop continued onto some "on-track" activities, where the group put their learning into practice by using the bobsleigh and skeleton equipment on the track. Young people all had the opportunity to push themselves down the track and improve their techniques! The day ended with young people taking part in a relay race, with the top 3 winners received bronze, silver and gold medals.
It was great to see our group of trainees try out new sports and push themselves out of their comfort zone! A huge thank you to Super Sliders for inviting us along to their most recent programme! We look forward to taking part in the next one soon!
We are delighted to share that Young Bristol has been selected as Istoria Groups 'Charity of the Year'!
Istoria Group is a collective of creative agencies with distinct, complementary skill sets. They offer a fantastic collaborative spirit and the shared ambition to make their clients' brands more visible, more relevant, and more compelling to their customers.
The team at Istoria Group will be supporting Young Bristol through a number of opportunities over the next year, including: fundraising for us through a 'Wing Walk', skills sharing across our network, and volunteering at our Community Youth Clubs.
Thank you to the team for your support so far! Are you interested in supporting Young Bristol and not sure how? Click here to find out more information.
We are delighted to announce Rosanna from the Avon Youth Club is the winner of our 2025 Film Competition!
Last month, we were pleased to host a Film Competition across our Community Youth Club and Youth Club on Wheels network. Young people from each club were encouraged to create a short film using a mobile phone, tablet or camera, to entered into our competition.
We received a number of entries from across our club network, our judges chose one winner from the range of amazing creative skills that were showcased in the competition!
The winners of our competition is Rosanna, a young person from Avon Youth Club session! In her film, she discussed why she would like to be a xx and xx when she grows up. Rosanna was awarded with a £15 Amazon gift card for winning the competition. Well done to Kyah, Hartcliffe Club for Young People and Tico, Hartcliffe Club for Young People, who were announced as runners up of the competition.
Congratulations Rosanna! During November, we are running a Christmas Card competition! Ask your local Club Leader for more information on how to enter.
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!
Christmas Card Competition
Create a Christmas card on our premade template and submit to a Club Leader. Winners will receive VIP Box Tickets for 4 people to Bristol’s Christmas Pantomime.
When: Monday 3rd November - Friday 14th November
Where: Various Youth Clubs
For: Ages 8-19
Super Sliders Trip
Super Sliders are offering their Bronze and Silver Award, where you will take part in a one-day camp in which you will get the chance to try out skeleton and bobsleigh.
When: Saturday 29th November
Where: Bath University 'Push Track'
For: Ages 16-25
Also this month...
Community Youth Clubs - For 8 – 19 year olds and are located in many areas across Bristol, open up to 4 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.
During the October half term, we were pleased to see Bristol Old Vic Theatre School perform an exclusive 'Wonderland' performance for Young Bristol members at Merchants Academy.
We were thrilled to see a number of families, young people and affiliates come through the doors of Merchants Academy, to enjoy Bristol Old Vic Theatre Schools performance of 'Wonderland', created and performed by their second-year BA Acting students, who debuted their school tour for Young Bristol members!
The story saw Alice tumble down a rabbit hole during a computer lesson, where she discovers a magical Wonderland filled with curious characters who seem strangely familiar. Through encounters with a White Rabbit, Cheshire Cat, and the fearsome Queen of Hearts, she embarks on a musical adventure that teaches her how to navigate her emotions and embrace her true self.
"It was great to see the students stay in character so well throughout the whole performance. They engaged with the kids so well and used humour for all throughout. What an amazing performance, thank you!"
We would like to thank Bristol Old Vic Theatre School for hosting this amazing performance for young people!
During the October half term, Young Bristol were pleased to host a 'Well-being and Social Action Festival' at Admiral House in Fishponds, Bristol, inviting local organisations to share about how the local young people and families can take care of their mental health.
On Thursday 30th October, Young Bristol welcomed young people aged 10–20 and their families from the local community and across the city to engage with a number of exciting activities, encouraging and supporting their mental health and wellbeing.
The event saw a number of local organisations and stallholders attend, who offered tailored support to our attendees — including yoga, boxing, music-making, and mental health service providers. It was also great to see young people from Youth Moves set up and deliver their own social action stall, where they made food and stress balls for everyone to enjoy!
We would like to share a huge thanks to SNG and the #iwill Fund for funding this event and helping us to make it possible. Thank you to The Cause, Off The Record Bristol, Retreat Me Wellness, Youth Moves, NHS Talking Therapies and all the other local organisations that made this event such a success! Thank you to Lush Bristol, who kindly donated us a number of bath bombs that were included in our wellbeing goody bags.
To find out more about accessing our programmes and services, click here!
Are you looking to take part in exciting activities this October Half Term? 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!
Outdoor Activities
Our Outdoor Activity Programme will be running half day and full day Holiday Clubs during the October Half Term! Take part in our offer of up to 16 water and land based activities. Click here to secure your place!
When: Wednesday 29th October-Thursday 30th October
Where: Pooles Wharf Outdoor Activity Centre
For: Ages 8-16
Wellbeing and Social Action Festival
The Wellbeing and Social Action Festival will see a variety of workshops, stalls and activities, including: Talk, Back and Sides; haircuts for young people, Yoga, make your own wellbeing packs and stress balls, wellbeing through music with ‘The Cause’ and stalls from local organisations. Supported by SNG. No booking required, just turn up!
When: Thursday 30th October
Where: Admiral House, Manor Road, BS16 2EN
For: Ages 10-20
Wonderland performance - performed by Bristol Old Vic Theatre School
When Alice tumbles down a rabbit hole during a computer lesson, Alice discovers a magical Wonderland filled with curious characters who seem strangely familiar. Through encounters with a White Rabbit, Cheshire Cat, and the fearsome Queen of Hearts, she embarks on a musical adventure that teaches her how to navigate her emotions and embrace her true self. Booking required, click here to book your place.
Community Youth Clubs - For 8 – 19 year olds and are located in many areas across Bristol, open up to 4 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.
