Celebrating the Bristol Young Heroes Awards 2024!

2025 has been a year full of milestones for Young Bristol. Throughout the year, we have seen amazing opportunities, impactful partnerships and incredible transformations!

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As we reflect on an amazing year, we are proud of everything we have achieved over the last 12 months!

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January

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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.

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To watch the highlights of this years event, click here!

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February

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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.

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If you would like to take part in one of our Interclub tournaments next year, contact your local Club Leader here.

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March

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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 received 44 nationally recognised qualifications in outdoor pursuits, enabling them to access future employment prospects.

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Interested in joining our Outdoor Employment Programme, click here for more information.

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April

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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.

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Find out more about the impact of our investments here.

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May

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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!

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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!

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June

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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.

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To find out more about local, national and international opportunities, click here!

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July

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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.

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To find out more about the history of Pooles Wharf Outdoor Activity Centre, click here!

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August

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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.

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Click here to book our upcoming Holiday Clubs.

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September

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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.

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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!

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October‍

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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!

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Find out more about our Holiday Clubs here.

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November

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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.

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Find out more about our awards and recognitions here.

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December

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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!

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Find out more about how you can get involved with our upcoming competitions here.

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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!

Thank you for all your fantastic support!

Are you looking to set a New Years resolution that will make an impact in 2026? As we approach the new year, why not set yourself a resolution that will create lasting change to young people across our city?

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Our vital work relies on the amazing volunteers, corporate partners, donors and fundraisers that go above and beyond to support us each year. By supporting us, your help can provide safe places, a supportive environment and activities which support young people to feel empowered, included and not alone. Here's how you can help:

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Run for us

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Now more than ever before, young people and families across Bristol need the support of local charities!

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In 2026, make a difference by taking on a challenge whilst supporting a local cause. Whether you want to take part in a fun run, build up your physical fitness with a Half Marathon, or push yourself to the limit with an ultra challenge - grab your trainers and get fundraising! Sign up for a running event here!

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Volunteer for us

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Volunteer at our community venues, help us to up-skill young people or support us to raise the profile of our work, volunteering your time as an individual or company will help Young Bristol to broaden the horizons of our young people, offering them even more transformational opportunities.

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Volunteering is an amazing way to give back, make a positive impact and feel great. Your time and support will make a difference, get involved here!

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Fundraise for us

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Come together with other supporters to raise money for Young Bristol through one of our annual fundraising events. Every pound raised will make a huge difference to young people across the city.

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If you would like to host your own event, we have an A-Z guide to fundraising to help you get started or find out more about how you can raise funds here!

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Become a corporate partner

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It is thanks to the generous support of local corporates that Young Bristol is able to develop our provision and thrive in local communities across the city! Making us your chosen charity can be the start of our journey together.

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There are many ways for you to begin a partnership with Young Bristol to support our work, find out more here!

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Make a donation

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As the cost of living continues to rise in 2026, young people continue to need our Youth Clubs and programmes more than ever before; giving them access to positive activities and a safe place they can thrive in!

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With your support, we can continue to provide our vital opportunities to young people across the city! Make a donation here!

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Transform the lives of young people and support a local cause this year! Find out more here and get involved today!

Merry Christmas from the Young Bristol team!

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To everyone celebrating Christmas and other festive traditions at this time of year, we wish you a day full of love, laughter and joy! Thank you to everyone who has supported us in 2025!

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Our Community Youth Clubs, programmes and office will be closing over the Christmas period. Our team are excited for a well-deserved, restful break, and will be back with some exciting activities in the new year! Please see below to find our last days of delivery and when we will reopen:

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Ashton Vale Club for Young People

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Last session on Monday 22nd December

Reopen as normal from Monday 5th January

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Avon Youth Club

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Last session on Thursday 11th December

Reopen as normal from Monday 5th January

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BS14 Youth Club

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Last session on Monday 22nd December

Reopen as normal from Monday 5th January

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Hartcliffe Club for Young People

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Last session on Friday 19th December. The club will also be delivering holiday provision, contact the team for more information..

Reopen as normal on Monday 5th January

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Sea Mills Boys and Girls Club

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Last session on Thursday 18th December

Reopen as normal from Tuesday 6th January

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The Grove @ Bedminster Down

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Last session on Tuesday 23rd December

Reopen as normal from Monday 5th January

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Youth Club on Wheels

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Last session on Tuesday 2nd December

Reopen as normal from Tuesday 6th January

The Youth Club on Wheels is currently undergoing exciting maintenance, to bring young people new opportunities across the city. Please keep an eye on our pages for any changes.

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Outdoor Employment Programme

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Last session on Thursday 11th December

Reopen as normal from Thursday 8th January

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Office

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Last operating day on Tuesday 24th December

Open and operating from Friday 2nd January

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We are delighted to announce that Phia and Eva from The Grove @ Bedminster Down are the winners of the 2025 Christmas Card Competition!

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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!

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We were delighted to receive a total of 50+ entries from across our Youth Clubs, showcasing lots creativity through some fantastic designs!

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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!

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Thank you to Sarah from Burges Salmon, who selected the winning designs this year!

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"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."

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"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!

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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!

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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!

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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.

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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!

As one of Young Bristol’s trusted supporters, your generosity has helped us transform the lives of thousands of young people across our city. You have stood with us as we opened new doors, expanded our programmes, and gave young people the chance to feel safe, supported and valued.

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This year, Young Bristol was proud to be announced as overall WINNER in the “Community Impact Award” category at the 2025 South West Business Awards. Because of supporters like you, in 2024-2025 we had over 27,215 engagements with young people through Young Bristol’s open-access youth clubs, outdoor activity programmes, and skills and employment training. This was an increase from 21,352 engagements last year, showing the increased need and demand for our services.

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Many of these young people were facing challenges no child should have to navigate: poverty, isolation, family difficulties, and the daily effects of the cost-of-living crisis. Our youth workers were there for them – listening, mentoring, and offering opportunities that help build confidence and brighter futures.

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However, as you may expect, the cost of delivering this work is rising sharply. Heating, insurance, staffing, and basic utilities have all increased. Demand from young people continues to grow at the same time.

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To keep our youth clubs open and accessible to every young person who needs us, we are seeking support with the essential core costs that make our work possible. These aren’t the most visible costs, but they are the most vital. Without a warm, safe building and a trusted youth worker inside it, there is no club, no conversation, no positive change.

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We are therefore asking if you would consider renewing your support with a contribution toward our core running costs. A gift from you would help ensure that our doors remain open, our youth workers remain present, and young people continue to have somewhere they belong.

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You already know the difference that Young Bristol makes. Your belief in our work has carried us through many years and allowed us to provide a lifeline to those who need it most. With your continued partnership, we can protect these safe spaces and make sure no young person is turned away. Thank you, as always, for standing with our young people. If you would like to talk further or visit one of our clubs, I would be delighted to arrange this.

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Support the work of Young Bristol

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We know that in the coming weeks and months, young people will need our Youth Clubs and programmes more than ever before; providing them with positive activities, support, advice and a safe place to go. With your support now, we can continue to provide vital opportunities for young people.

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Our vital work relies on your kind donations, big or small. With your help we can continue to improve the lives of young people across Bristol and beyond.

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• £7 a week for a year pays for one evening of Youth Work for 35 young people with our trained Youth Leaders.
• £50 pays for a young person to go on a residential experience
• £500 will provide a young person on our Outdoor Employment Programme with a Paddlesport Instructor qualification
• £1,450 allows the Youth Club on Wheels to deliver sessions in a community with no provision for a whole month
• £4,300 will keep one of our Community Youth Clubs open for a whole month, offering 3 nights of provision a week

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If you would like to make a donation, click here!

We are delighted to announce that we have officially published our 2024-25 Impact Report!

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This years Impact Report demonstrates our growth, success and impact for the 2024–25 period. The report reflects on how we have provided safe spaces, trusted role models, and positive opportunities, as we continue to support young people to gain the confidence, skills and belief that they can achieve great things.

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"Our collaboration with Young Bristol brings colleagues together to socialise and have fun through volunteering, fundraising and awareness sessions while making a real difference locally.

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Unite Students, Corporate Partner

We know that in the coming weeks and months, young people will need our Youth Clubs and programmes more than ever before; providing them with positive activities, support, advice and a safe place to go.

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By leaving a gift in your will to Young Bristol, you will provide a child or young person with a safe place and positive opportunities when they need it most. After your family, friends and loved ones have been provided for, we hope that you may consider finding a place in your will for Young Bristol, your local charity.

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How your support can make a difference to young people across the city:

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• £360 pays for one evening of Youth Work for 35 young people with our trained Youth Leaders.
• £500 will provide a young person on our Outdoor Employment Programme with a Paddlesport Instructor qualification.
• £4,300 will keep one of our Community Youth Clubs open for a whole month, offering 3 nights of provision a week.
• £17,400 allows the Youth Club on Wheels to deliver sessions in a community with no provision for a whole year.

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The generous support of people like you makes it possible for Young Bristol to exist and to continue to be an outstanding provider of high-quality community-based youth services and innovative programmes, that positively and sustainably impact the lives of children and young people.

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With your help, we can continue to improve the lives of young people of Bristol and beyond! Click here to find out more!

We are delighted to share that Young Bristol has been selected as Istoria Groups 'Charity of the Year'!

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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.

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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.

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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.