On Wednesday 28th January, Young Bristol were excited to welcome our supporters, staff team, young people, and their families to our 2025 Awards and Celebration Evening.
The annual celebration saw stories shared from our staff, volunteers, and the young people we work with, highlighted our growth and impact, and guests enjoyed fantastic entertainment performed by young people from our Youth Clubs.
Our Awards and Celebration Evening took place at the Burges Salmon offices, one of Young Bristol's valued supporters; the event saw a jam‑packed evening full of inspiring speakers, performances and a presentation of awards.
To kick off the event, it was great to hear from Young Bristol's President, Jonathan Webb, and Chair, Jamie Cameron, who outlined our charity's impact over the last year and our key achievements and focuses for 2025 - 2028.
The event welcomed supporters and key individuals who have been impacted by, and seen first-hand, the long-term positive effects of Young Bristols services. Trustee Shannon Ringland spoke about her experience of Young Bristol as a teenager, and how our Outdoor Employment Programme transformed her life, and supported her to gain the skills that she still uses today.
I took part in the Outdoor Employment Programme around 10 years ago, at a point in my life where I was new to the City, finding my feet and not entirely sure where I was heading. The programme gave me confidence, direction and a sense that there were people willing to invest their time and belief in me. Becoming a Trustee felt like a full-circle moment. I wanted to give back to an organisation that gave so much to me, to help ensure the same opportunities I benefited from are available to young people across Bristol.
Alongside Shannon, were thrilled to welcome a number of young people from across a number of our Youth Clubs and programmes to the stage during the event. Eight young people from Avon Youth Club performed a dance, two young people read a poem about their experience at their local Youth Club. Attendees also heard from trainees from our Outdoor Employment Programme, who showcased their recent involvement in a sustainability project. All of these young people proudly shared their experiences, talents and stories with the 100 people that attended!
One of the key highlights of the evening was the presentation of Awards throughout the evening, which recognised the fantastic achievements of our staff and the young people we support.
We welcomed our 2025 Competition Winners, young people who engaged in our Inter Club programmes and opportunities. Young people were recognised for their involvement in sports tournaments and creative competitions. We were excited to announce Hartcliffe Club for Young People, this years winner of our Young Bristol Shield, which is awarded to the Youth Club who received the most points for entering and winning our events and competitions throughout the year. Congratulations!
Our Long Service Award presentation brought together Young Bristol staff, Trustees and supporters, who were recognised for their incredible contribution to the charity over the years. The awards were presented by Lord Mayor, Councillor Henry Michallat to Corinne Ludwell, celebrating 15 years, Jack Jones, celebrating 15 years, as well as Sue Williams, celebrating a staggering 25 years as our longest serving staff member!
To round-up the awards, we were thrilled to invite the twelve finalists of this years 'Young Person of the Year' award to the stage. This award recognises the amazing achievements of young people across the city, that attend our sessions and programmes.
His Majesty's Lord-Lieutenant Mrs Peaches Golding OBE CStJ presented each of the finalists with a certificate and a voucher. We were pleased to announce Kyah, age 12 from Hartcliffe Club for Young People and Lola, age 15 from Sea Mills Boys' and Girls Club, as our highly commended finalists for the awards. Both received headphones and a voucher for their achievement. We were then delighted to reveal Dan, age 20, from the Outdoor Employment Programme as this years winner! He was presented with a trophy, vouhcer and iPad!
Dan was selected as this years winner for his positivity, determination, and resilience that make him an outstanding role model, and a complete joy for the Outdoor Activities team to work alongside. He is a huge asset at Pooles Wharf and the Outdoor Employment Programme, regularly volunteering at our Gig Club, Holiday Clubs and Kayak Club. His determination has seen him complete SuperSliders Bronze, Silver and Gold, run High Ropes training for trainees, and secure employment with Woodhouse Park.
We would like to thank our supporters, donors and funders for their continued support of our work with children and young people in and around Bristol. To find out how you can support us, click here!
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