December 4, 2023

BBS 90th birthday raises £5,000!

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Last month, Young Bristol were invited to celebrate BBS Plumbing and Heating Supplies' 90th birthday, with an Anniversary Dinner and Dance.

The evening saw the local business raise money for Young Bristol after, earlier this year, choosing Young Bristol to be their Charity of The Year. We were nominated by their Marketing Manager, Dan McCrum, who is passionate about giving back and supporting Bristol’s local communities.

“I’ve seen youth services across the country continue to shrink and disappear, I don’t feel the average young person today has the same level of support and opportunity that I did as a child – and for disadvantage children things are often even worse. I see Young Bristol as an organisation who pushes back against this saddening trend.”

Dan McCrum, Marketing Manager, BBS

​As part of their 90th birthday celebration, the organisation brought together their valued customers and suppliers, to celebrate this incredible milestone! The evening also saw the business add a charity aspect to the event, with BBS deciding to raise money for Young Bristol, a cause that supports local communities which is something that is close to BBS's ethos. The team did this through a charity raffle and auction, to raise money for our cause.

Following the event, Young Bristol welcomed Jess Tickner, PA to the Managing Director, and Pat O’Donnell, Commercial Director, to BS14 Youth Club, where they presented our team with a cheque for £5,000, which had been raised from their event. During their visit, we spoke to Pat about his experience at youth clubs. Pat attended Pyramid Youth Club during the early 1990’s, where he developed skills he still uses to this day in his role with BBS.

“I attended Pyramid Youth Club when I was around 12. It helped me develop the skills I need for my job today, as it was all about the social side. All those social interactions helped and every step adds to life experience.”

Pat O'Donnell, Commercial Director, BBS

"We walk away today and feel we haven’t done enough, what can we do next?"

We would like to thank BBS Plumbing and Heating Supplies for choosing Young Bristol as their charity of the year and raising an amazing amount of money to benefit young people!

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October 8, 2025

What's on: October 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!

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.

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 - link will be live soon.

When: Friday 31st October, from 11:00am

Where: Merchants Academy, Gatehouse Avenue, BS13 9AJ

For: all the family, Key stage 1 & 2 students

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.

Programmes
Event news
October 6, 2025

Lee Williams DL appointed Acting Vice Lord-Lieutenant!

Young Bristol are delighted to announce, Chief Executive, Lee Williams DL has been appointed Acting Vice Lord-Lieutenant for the County and City of Bristol.

The Vice Lord-Lieutenant is appointed by HM Lord Lieutenant Mrs Peaches Golding OBE CStJ RNR and is subject to the approval of the King. The appointment recognises distinguished service to the community, predominately in a voluntary capacity. The Vice Lord-Lieutenant assists the Lord Lieutenant with a range of duties at her request, examples include, representing her to welcome Royal visitors to the County, deputising at formal functions, award ceremonies, citizenship ceremonies to name a few.

On receiving this honour Lee Williams DL said,

“Having been appointed a Deputy Lieutenant in July 2020 to now be appointed Acting Vice Lord- Lieutenant of the City you were born, educated and have spent your working life in, is a tremendous honour for myself and my family. I look forward to assisting and supporting HM Lord Lieutenant in performing her duties, deputising for her when required.”

As Chief Executive of Young Bristol since 2018, Lee has led the Bristol-based youth charity to become a multi-award winning organisation that supports thousands of young people year-on-year; making a lasting and significant contribution to the city of Bristol. With deep corporate and voluntary sector  leadership experience and a passion for serving young people, Lee has been committed to advancing the growth, stability, and impact of our Mission across Greater Bristol communities.

Lee’s history at Young Bristol stems back far before his role as Chief Executive. His early experiences as a member of a Bristol Boys Club in the1970’s, Lee saw first-hand how important a safe place, with caring adults that provide positive opportunities is in a young person’s life. It is these personal experiences, that has given Lee the insight to lead the charity with unwavering commitment through periods of change and growth, to have an impactful role in communities across Greater Bristol.

 

Lee’s lifelong passion is supporting community based youth provision; and this can be seen through his commitments outside of Young Bristol. Lee is a Trustee of several charities, member of Youth Organisation Governing Bodies and supports the High Sheriff of the City of Bristol on youth related matters.

Lee’s appointment as Acting Vice Lord-Lieutenant is a testament to his commitment and dedication to his work with the voluntary sector, and desires for a brighter future for young people. Young Bristol would like to share their congratulations to Lee on this prestigious honour.

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October 1, 2025

Young Person awarded 'NABGC Young Person of the Year' 2025!

We are incredibly proud to announce that Reece Pennington-Field, Young Leader and young person at BS14 Youth Club, was awarded the 'Young Person of the Year' award at the NABGC Awards Evening 2025!

The 'Young Person of the Year' Award is presented to a young person, aged 11-25, who has displayed a strong committment to their local club, its values, and the programmes they deliver. The award also looks for young people who have volunteered or shown leadership at their club.

We would like to congratulate Reece from BS14 Youth Club's 'Looked After Children session', who was awarded the 'Young Person of the Year' Award at the NABGC Awards Ceremony 2025!

Reece is an active member of BS14 Youth Club's 'Looked After Children' sessions, and has acted as a Young Volunteer at the clubs junior sessions since April 2024. Reece was nominated for the 'Young Person of the Year' Award after taking on a natural leadership role, where he has helped staff to run tuck shop and supported his peers. He also lends a listening ear and comforting words to new young people who join the sessions, allowing them a comforting space to talk about their situation, and uses his own experiences as example.

On busy evenings, the club will always see Reece go above and beyond to help staff at the club, where he will always offer to help set up tuck, hand out or cook food for other members and wash up. Since spending time working with our Juniors, Reece has changed his pathway and is now studying Health and Social Care, working towards completing his Level 1 & 2 Youth Work qualifications. His long-term goal is to become a Youth Worker at his Youth Club!

Reece's foster carer said:

"Reece is nothing short of a real-life superhero, and we are beyond proud to have had the privilege of watching him grow into such a compassionate and thoughtful young man. Witnessing Reece walk this remarkable path has been an honour. We couldn’t be prouder of him and all he has accomplished."

Young Bristol would also like to recognise Owen and Romaine who were nominated for the 'Outstanding Leader of the Year' Award as well as Mason who was nominated for the 'Young Person of the Year' Award this year.

Awards
Stories
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September 17, 2025

Tockington Manor School select Young Bristol as 'Charity of the Year'!

On Saturday 13th September, Young Bristol were pleased to attend Tockington Manor Schools 'Russell Run', raising money for the young people we support across Bristol!

Tockington Manor Schools 'Russell Run' is a 5km fun run, jog or walk that was open to all members of the family around the schools 28 acres of land. The event was named after a beloved former teacher.

The Russell Run celebrated the start of the school year, inviting the schools students, families, staff, alumni and dogs to come together in fancy dress and take part in the event. It was great to see a day full of excitement, laughter and fun.

Tockington Manor School have kindly chosen Young Bristol as their 'Charity of the Year' for the 2025-26 school year. As part of this partnership, they also plan to host a Christmas Fair, Christmas Jumper Day, Carol Service, a school triathlon day, a Disney Day and a number of non-uniform days.

Thank you to everyone at Tockington Manor School that has helped to make the first fundraising event of the year a success. We look forward to working with you throughout the school year!

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Stories
September 15, 2025

Fundraising at the Bristol Half Ironman Triathlon!

On Sunday 14th September, we were pleased to see Walter Thompson sign up to the Bristol Half Ironman Triathlon to raise money for Young Bristol!

The Ironman 70.3 is a 70.3 mile triathlon that consists of participants swimming 1.2 miles swim, cycling 56 miles and running a half marathon to finish.

"The triathlon went well despite the awful weather! I'm very happy with the achievement and quite relieved it's over - especially the run was very tough indeed."

It has been amazing to see Walter prepare for the triathlon by running a number of half marathons whilst wearing a Young Bristol running vest, to raise extra awareness for our work! Thank you Walter for taking part in the Bristol Half Ironman Triathlon in aid of Young Bristol this month! Support his 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
Event news
September 13, 2025

A warm welcome to The Grove's Club Leader!

We are delighted to announce the appointment of Simon Long, Club Leader at The Grove @ Bedminster Down!

Simon has worked with young people across South Bristol for the past 5 years, where he gave up his career in construction to help inspire young people! During his time supporting young people, he founded Hartcliffe BMX, with the aim of helping to keep young people fit and active, and has also worked with our Hartcliffe Club for Young People, where he progressed from a sessional youth worker to the club’s Leader.

Simon now joins us as Club Leader at The Grove @ Bedminster Down, where he is excited to engage with young people in a new community!

We hope you will join us in welcoming Simon to the Young Bristol team! Find out more about our team here!

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September 11, 2025

Shortlisted for the South West Business of the Year Awards 2025

Young Bristol are delighted to be shortlisted for the 'Community Impact' and 'Business Leader of the Year' categories at the South West Business of the Year Awards 2025!

The South West Business of the Year Awards celebrates the very best business successes from across the region. The shortlisted and winning businesses are those that are innovating, disrupting and thriving – and want to showcase their achievements.

Young Bristol has been shortlisted for the 'Community Impact' award for 2025, which highlights businesses or individuals in the region that have demonstrated a commitment to ‘giving something back’, through CSR initiatives or charitable activities. Young Bristol has a legacy spanning nearly a century, and is an organisation that is continually evolving to meet the needs of Bristol’s youth. During the last year, we continued to provide safe spaces, skills training, and life-changing experiences that supported thousands of young people to thrive. 

We are also thrilled to share that Young Bristol's Chief Executive, Lee Williams DL, has been nominated by the judges of the Awards for the 'Business Leader of the Year', which showcases the most impressive business leaders from nominated businesses. 

Thank you to the South West Business of the Year Awards for recognising the fantastic work of Young Bristol, and the passionate, hard-working and dedicated people behind the organisation. Our team look forward to attending the Awards Ceremony later this year.

Awards
Announcements
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September 1, 2025

What's on: September 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!

Film Competition

Create a short film, no longer than 5 minutes long, following the theme of ‘when I grow up’. Maximum of 4 young people per entry. Prizes include a private screening of your film in October at The Sheds, a tour of The Sheds media facilities, £15 Amazon gift voucher and your film to be shared on Young Bristol's social media.

When: Monday 1st September-Saturday 27th September

For: Ages 8-19

How to enter: email your video to jbt@youngbristol.com via WeTransfer or Drop Box

Outdoor Employment Programme Introduction Evening

Our Outdoor Employment Programme are recruiting for new trainees! This session will be a classroom based information evening to explain more about the Outdoor Employment Programme and working in the outdoors industry. There will be an opportunity to sign up to the programme during the evening.

When: Thursday 4th September

Where: Pooles Wharf Outdoor Activity Centre

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 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
Event news
August 22, 2025

A warm welcome to our Assistant Youth Leader!

We are delighted to announce the appointment of Lucrezia Chiarle, Youth Club on Wheels Assistant Youth Leader!

Lucrezia has worked with young people through creative, community and care-based roles over the years. With a background in the arts, she brings a passion for self-expression, DIY crafts, and inclusive spaces into her youth work. As a multidisciplinary artist and community organiser, she uses creativity as a tool for connection, storytelling, and identity exploration. Since 2017 Lucrezia has led workshops, participatory events, and group sessions focused on ecological and social issues, through art and collective making, often working with themes of transition, empowerment, and emotional wellbeing.

She joined Young Bristol with a strong belief in the power of community spaces to support young people in discovering their voice and potential.

We hope you will join us in welcoming Lucrezia to the Young Bristol team! Find out more about our team here!

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