Young people recognised for Bristol Young Heroes Award 2024!

Young Bristol are incredibly proud to share that five of our young people have been shortlisted in the Bristol Young Heroes Awards 2026!

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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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Juan, Outdoor Employment Programme - Action Hero

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Juan was nominated for the Action Hero Award as they have faced considerable adversity, prejudice in their community, and financial instability. Since joining the Outdoor Employment Programme, Juan has shown incredible determination to succeed against all odds, where they have already gained a number of qualifications in outdoor pursuits, encouraged and supported others to join and engage with the programme, and enrolled into college to take their GCSEs this year.

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"Juan has grown into an incredibly dedicated, reliable and strong member of the Outdoor Employment Program. A real ‘yes’ person who approaches all challenges with a calm, positive approach. In my 25 years working with young people, I have not met a young person who is more resilient than them!"

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said Phil Harris, Outdoor Employment Programme Lead

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Lucas, Hartcliffe Club for Young People - Community Hero

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Lucas was nominated for the Community Hero as he has grown into one of the most inspiring young leaders within the Hartcliffe community. When Lucas first began attending Hartcliffe Club, he was a quiet and reserved young person. Through consistent engagement, dedication, and a genuine desire to help others, he has transformed into a confident, articulate and deeply respected youth leader.

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"Lucas is an exceptional role model, who leads with empathy, understanding, and integrity. He motivates others not through authority, but through kindness, encouragement and a belief that every young person deserves to be listened to. His impact is significant, and his potential is extraordinary! He uplifts others, strengthens his community, and shows what can be achieved when a young person is empowered to lead."

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said the staff team at Hartcliffe Club for Young People

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Poppy, Hartcliffe Club for Young People - Sporting Hero

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Poppy was nominated for the Sporting Hero Award as she has shown extraordinary courage and maturity, and continues to work hard at school whilst pouring her energy into the sport she loves. Last year, Poppy faced an immense personal heartbreak, with the loss of close family members who were deeply important to her. Even in the face of adversity, Poppy continues to shine and channels her emotions into her dancing. Her positivity, resilience, and dedication inspires everyone around her.

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"Poppy is a young woman whose dedication, resilience, and passion for dance make her an outstanding role model. Her commitment to dance is exceptional and she trains with determination, discipline, and a drive to continually improve. She has been selected to represent Great Britain at the Olympic dance competition. This honour reflects her talent, perseverance and unwavering spirit."

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Rudi-Lee, Avon Youth Club - Learning Hero

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Rudi-Lee was nominated for the Learning Hero Award as Club Leaders have seen increasing improvements in his overall behaviour and perspective; he has grown in confidence and now actively seeks out opportunities to get involved in activities. Rudi-Lee became a member of Avon Youth Club in 2024, where he struggled behaviourally at Club and at school. Rudi-Lee worked really hard to prove himself, and recently started back at his mainstream school, after attending a provision elsewhere and on the verge of permanent exclusion.

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"Having previously finding aspects of school challenging, he is now beginning to approach his learning with renewed focus and resilience, alongside a clear desire to succeed. He is building strong and secure relationships with key trusted adults and is developing friendships with peers. Rudi certainly has a more positive attitude towards school."

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said Alasdair Keys, Associate Assistant Principal at Oasis Brightstowe

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Tico, Hartcliffe Club for Young People - Environmental Hero

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Tico was nominated for the Environmental Hero as he is an outstanding young environmental leader whose passion, commitment, and hands‑on action are transforming the way young people in Bristol understand and care for the natural world. His work goes far beyond personal interest—Tico is actively shaping a greener future for his community by educating, inspiring, and mobilising others.

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"Tico demonstrates every day that young people are not only the future of environmental action—they are the driving force of it right now. His work is already leaving a lasting legacy of increased biodiversity, stronger community engagement, and a generation of young people who feel inspired to care for the planet."

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said the staff team at Hartcliffe Club for Young People

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Young Bristol would also like to recognise Esme, Evie, James and Lola who were nominated and have achieved incredible things during 2025. Thank you Bristol Young Heroes for highlighting everything our young people have achieved in the past year. We wish all the shortlisted young people and teams the best of luck in July 2026!

We are delighted to announce that we will be hosting our annual Golf Day & Dinner 2026! If you are a business in the South West with some keen golfers or an ethos for supporting local charities, this is the event for you!

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When: Thursday 18th June 2026, arrival from 8:00am for a 9:30am tee off

Where: Tall Pines Golf Club, Cooks Bridle Path, Bristol, BS48 3DJ

£300 per team of 4 - sponsorship opportunities available!

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After the success of our Golf Day & Dinner 2025, we are pleased to welcome 18 teams to take part in raising vital funds for Bristol's children and young people. Our Golf Day & Dinner offers the perfect opportunity to network with other local businesses, whilst supporting the excellent work that Young Bristol does across the city!

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Ticket prices include a bacon roll and hot drinks on arrival, refreshments at halfway house and a 1 course-meal after the golf. We are also offering a fun package of competitions including Longest Drive, Nearest the Pin and Putting Competition!

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If you would like to sign up your team, please get in touch by emailing info@youngbristol.com!

It has been incredible to see the impact of our Outdoor Employment Programme during 2025–2026, where this year has become one of the most successful years since the programmes pilot in 2013. This year, we have supported more young people than ever before from challenging backgrounds, and many facing significant barriers to education and employment.

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Our Outdoor Employment Programme is an entirely free programme, targetting young people aged 16-25 with barriers to employment. The programme helps young people to develop new skills, gain nationally recognised qualifications and build positive futures into employment.

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Our Impact

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During April 2025 - April 2026, the programme delivered 134 sessions, providing 335 hours of training, to 60 young people, with 42 new trainees joining the programme this year. Our contact and engagement remained strong throughout the year, resulting in 599 session attendances. The programme supported a diverse cohort of young people:

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• 30% from ethnic minority background, including asylum seekers and refugees
• 80% with learning difficulties or barriers to employment
• Majority were not in education, employment or training (NEET), or were at risk of becoming NEET

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Despite their ongoing challenges, over 60% of our trainees have gained nationally recognised qualifications, and more than 70% have achieved a positive progression into employment or education.

Young Bristol are delighted to share that Web Matthews, Volunteer and Manager at Hartcliffe Club for Young Peopl, was awarded the Bristol Lord Mayor's Medal!

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The Bristol Lord Mayor's Medals are awarded to highlight the local, unpaid community work and achievement that's helped to improve the lives of Bristol's citizens.

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Web was nominated for the Bristol Lord Mayor's Medal for his leadership and commitment, that has transformed the opportunities that are available for young people, families and the wider community at Hartcliffe Club for Young People. He leads the team with integrity, compassion, and a deep understanding of the challenges faced by the young people we serve - all in a voluntary capacity. Under his management, the youth club has become a safe, vibrant, and inclusive space where young people feel valued, supported, and empowered to grow.

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He continually goes above and beyond for Hartcliffe Club for Young People, building long-term partnerships, securing resources and advocating for local families. His calm, steady presence has guided the team through difficult moments, and his vision has strengthened our provision in ways that will benefit the community for years to come.

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Web's contribution is not only deserving of recognition — it is a testament to the power of dedicated leadership in shaping a stronger, more hopeful future for our young people and community.

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said Kathryn Dawe, Trustee of the Youth Club Support Group

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Thank you to Cllr Kirsty Tait, Jack Jones, and Kassim Hanid for nominating Web for this incredible recognition - your belief in Web’s impact has helped to highlight work that truly matters. Congratulations to Web on your receipt of this fantastic award, and thank you for your outstanding voluntary service!

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This month, Young Bristol were pleased to receive an egg-staordinary, 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 over 680 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 great tradition we've had at Leggwork since we started over 5 years ago. We want to play a small part in the amazing work that Young Bristol do for young people and the community. It means everything to be able to feel we've played apart in making young people's lives better around Easter time!"

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Justin, Director at Leggwork

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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!

We are recruiting for a Head of Fundraising and Communications to join our Senior Leadership Team. This is an exciting opportunity to join Young Bristol – a multi-award winning charity with an outstanding record of supporting young people in the Bristol.

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As an organisation, our mission is to be an outstanding provider of high-quality, community-based youth services and innovative programmes that positively and sustainably impact the lives of young people.

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In our 2024 staff survey:

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• 95% of our staff team believe all cultures and backgrounds are valued
• 80% of would recommend Young Bristol as a great place to work
• 95% trust Young Bristol to treat employees fairly
• 85% say leaders communicate effectively about the organisation.

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By joining our dedicated team, you can help make positive impact on the lives of young people, please see below our current opportunities:

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About the Head of Fundraising and Communications role

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Our Head of Fundraising & Communications will play a vital role in helping young person discover what they’re capable of. You’ll lead on generating income for the charity and partnership work as well as helping us to ensure we can continue delivering high‑quality, community‑based youth services across Bristol.

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Working closely with our Chief Executive, Senior Leadership Team and Trustees, you’ll shape and deliver our fundraising strategy, grow a diverse income portfolio and build long‑term relationships with funders, businesses and supporters. You’ll also guide our communications activity, helping us tell powerful stories that highlight the impact of our programmes.

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With the charity approaching our 100-year anniversary in 2028, you will work to secure trust and foundation funding, develop corporate partnerships, steward major donors and support a small team.

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Hours and shifts: 37.5 hours per week, Monday - Friday

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How to apply:

1. Download the Head of Fundraising and Communications Job Pack and Young Bristol’s 2024-25 Impact Report‍
2. Send your completed application form via email to hr@youngbristol.com

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Alternatively, post an application to the address below:

Young Bristol

BS14 Youth Club

Stockwood Lane

Bristol

BS14 8SJ

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Closing date:

Wednesday 22nd April 2026, 5:00pm

Young Bristol were pleased to partner with the RYA and Bristol Maritime Academy to pilot a new marine career pathway for young people in Bristol, as part of the 'New Horizons Project'.

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The career pathway is the newest initiative of the 'New Horizons Project', which has been running across the Bristol area for over five years, introducing hundreds of young people from the ages of 10-20 to sailing and water sports, many of whom may not otherwise have had access to the water.

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This year, Young Bristol has supported the first cohort of 11 young adults from our Outdoor Employment Programme to complete its first year, undertaking a structured pathway designed to equip them with industry‑recognised RYA qualifications. Trainees achieved First Aid, Sea Survival, Marine Radio (SRC) and the RYA PPR (Professional Practices and Responsibilities) course alongside their Powerboat Level 2 certificates.

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These qualifications provide the full commercial endorsement, enabling our Trainees to operate powerboats professionally and making them valuable assets to employers across harbours, docks, waterway operations and a wide range of commercial marine environments.

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Work placements and employment pathways are being developed with the Bristol Harbour Master, local docks teams and Bristol Maritime, ensuring real opportunities for young people ready to take their next steps into marine work.

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Phil Harris, Outdoor Employment Programme Lead said:

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“The trainees Young Bristol's Outdoor Employment Programme have benefited immensely from this project. Thirteen young people facing barriers to employment have been given incredible opportunities through this training. Many have already secured job interviews and begun conversations with employers.

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The commitment and hard work shown by the trainees has been truly inspiring. Partnerships like this draw on the strengths of all organisations involved and create outcomes far greater than the sum of their parts. We are proud to be contributing to such an impactful project in Bristol.”

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Chris Eades, Founder of the Bristol Maritime Academy, added:

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“At Bristol Maritime, many of us started without family connections to the water, just a Powerboat Level 2 qualification and a passion for being outdoors on the waterways. Through The New Horizons Project, we’re proud to help people from Bristol and outside the sector get qualified and discover opportunities both globally and, on their doorstep, — from running workboats to supporting environmental projects and teaching others on the water.

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By linking this first cohort with organisations such as the Bristol Harbour Authority and our own water safety company, BM Safety, we’re helping them take their first real steps into careers on the water.”

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Rob Howlett, RYA Regional Manager added:

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“From windsurfing and dinghy sailing to keelboats and yachts, there are so many ways for young people in Bristol to get out on the water. These opportunities build confidence and give them practical skills that can naturally lead into local marine careers. Through the New Horizons Project, we’ve been able to bring community groups, clubs, trainers and employers together, showing that boating is truly accessible and can open doors for young people who might never have considered the sector.

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As interest grows, we’re now looking to expand the project to help even more employers find young people with recognised powerboat qualifications.”

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Young Bristol remains committed to ensuring that all young people can access meaningful opportunities, develop new skills and build brighter futures. If you would like to find out more about our Outdoor Employment Programme, and how you can get involved with projects similar to the 'New Horizons Project', click here!

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We are thrilled to share that three trainees from our Outdoor Employment Programme have successfully passed their 'Go Aloft!' Instructor Training programme!

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Our Outdoor Employment Programme is an entirely free programme, targetting young people aged 16 - 25 with barriers to employment. The programme helps young people to develop new skills, gain nationally recognised qualifications and build positive futures into employment.

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After considerable training with Young Bristol's Outdoor Employment Programme, a group of three trainees have passed their High Ropes Instructor Assessment and will now work with SS Great Britain's 'Go Aloft! experience, supporting thousands of people to climb the rigging of the ship!

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'It's fantastic to be working with Young Bristol again to bring Go Aloft back to Brunel's SS Great Britain. Not only is this a unique and awe-inspiring outdoor experience for seafarers and landlubbers alike, it's also a long-lasting partnership between two Bristol charities which continues to enable young people to gain qualifications, skills and experience in the world of work.'

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said Liam Tolhurst, Deputy Director - Commercial & Operations at the SS Great Britain Trust

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Our partnership with SS Great Britain

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We know that through real collaborations and partnerships, initiatives such as the Outdoor Employment Programme continue to change the lives of young people across Bristol.

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Following our 10+ years of collaboration, the SS Great Britain have directly supported over 70 of our Trainees through the 'Go Aloft! programme, which has seen around 15,000 people climb the rigging of the iconic ship!

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Through our collaboration with the Go Aloft programme, we have seen over 90% of those employed through the partnership remain in employment or move into full time education, which is an incredible testament to both the programme and our partnership!

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"Working with Young Bristol on the SS Great Britain is by far one of the most rewarding training programmes I have been part of over the last 10 years. This programme has been created by one of the most energized and empathetic charities there is.

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Phil, who leads the programme, provides the inspiration and support to make it succeed. I have seen young adults find a footpath into outdoor education and then going on to flourish and grow both professionally and as individuals. Well done SSGB and young people for providing this opportunity to work on Go Aloft."

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said Rod Baber, Owner of RDB High Ropes Operation Services, providing training on SS Great Britains 'Go Aloft!' programme.

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The Outdoor Employment Programmes impact!

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Since the launch of our Outdoor Employment Programme in 2013, we have changed the lives of over 300 young people from ‘NEET’ (Not in Education, Employment,or Training) backgrounds or those ‘at risk’. Over 80% of trainees, since joining the programme, have started further education or employment within the first year – an incredible accomplishment.

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The Outdoor Employment Programme has provided a vital lifeline for young people from many backgrounds, including during times of homelessness, and young carers who have the responsibility of looking after family members. Our programme gives young people the mentoring, skills and tools they need to successfully navigate their way back into education or employment; through long term, stable support they can rely on.

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“The programme definitely came at the right time. It helped me to experience what it was like to hold down a job and raised my self-confidence.” 

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said Dan, former Outdoor Employment Programme Trainee

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The hundreds of young people that have passed through this programme will agree that the programme is truly life-changing! If you would like to join our Outdoor Employment Programme, click here to find out more information and sign up!

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We are delighted to announce the appointment of Lauren Hunt, our Youth Engagement Worker!

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Lauren has always felt passionate about supporting and engaging with people. She began working in care at the age of 16, and has since gained experience in mental health settings through volunteering in a prison and supporting the rehabilitation of individuals. Alongside this, Lauren is currently completing a Psychology degree. She is looking forward to supporting young people across our Community Youth Club network to help build confidence and hear their voices.

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