Young Bristol are incredibly proud to announce that our young people have been shortlisted in the Bristol Young Heroes Awards 2024!
The Bristol Young Heroes Awards recognises and celebrates the valuable contribution that Bristol’s young people make to the city. The awards shine a light on those who have overcome difficult circumstances, made a difference to the lives of others, or have achieved something extraordinary this year!
Amelia, Hartcliffe Club for Young People - Environmental Hero
Amelia was nominated for the Environmental Hero Award after she helped to drive the importance of looking after local communities at her local Youth Club. She initially joined Hartcliffe Club for Young People in 2022 as a quiet and reserved young person, who had lost her confidence due to the pandemic. The club and staff team that work at her local Youth Club have not only helped her regain confidence, but also experience trips, residentials and the Spacemakers project!
“During lockdown the stresses and strains triggered a disorder called Trichotillomania for Amelia. Over the space of a year or so, this unfortunately got worse for her causing a huge knock in her confidence. Amelia’s confidence has grown so much and I truly feel that she is back to her happy outgoing self."
- Jemma, Amelia's Mum
Dasha, Outdoor Employment Programme, Sports Hero
Dasha was nominated for the Sports Hero Award after overcoming considerable challenges during 2023 while maintaining a focus on helping others and forwarding her own potential through academic studies and sports, highlighted since joining our Outdoor Employment Programme! Dasha has become a real inspiration to all the other young people attending the Young Bristol Outdoor Employment Programme and North Avon Canoe Club!
"Since joining the canoe club, Dasha has demonstrated boundless enthusiasm and resilience. It doesn’t to matter whether it’s raining, the wind is howling, or the water is cold and dirty, her desire to learn and a hunger for adventure means she takes on every challenge with exemplary levels of concentration, bravery, and good humour, we all believe she shows great potential.
- Nigel, North Avon Canoe Club
Hartcliffe 10, Hartcliffe Club for Young People, Team of Heroes
Hartcliffe 10 were nominated for the Team of Heroes Award after the group of young volunteers have chosen to give their time 4 evenings a week to support young people at Hartcliffe Club for Young People. The group have supported the delivery of youth work, community and social action projects across the BS13 area over the last 18 months, and have made a huge impact in the short time they have volunteered so far.
"As Club Leader, their isn’t enough that I can say to praise the commitment and dedication that these young people have demonstrated over the last 18 months. Not only have they made a difference to the lives of other young people in the area, but they have also had a massive impact dispelling the negative stereotypes that surround teenagers."
- Simon, Club Leader at Hartcliffe Club for Young People
Kyle, Hartcliffe Club for Young People - Action Hero
Kyle was nominated for the Action Hero Award after overcoming significant barriers last year. Hartcliffe Club for Young People have seen an amazing and significant transformation in Kyle since joining the club at the start of 2023, initially joining as a young person who was quiet, reserved and struggled to make friends.
“He thoroughly enjoys his volunteer role and supporting other children at the Club to achieve their goals. Volunteering has really helped Kyle to develop and become a stronger individual, as a family we couldn’t be prouder of how far he has come.”
- Kyle's Mum
Looked After Children, BS14 Youth Club- Team of Heroes
The BS14 Looked After Children team were nominated for the Team of Heroes Award after leading Open Access club sessions, specifically targeted at "Looked After Children", which is the only one of it's kind in the local area. The group have welcomed 70 young people since it's launch, with 797 total contacts with these young people!
“We would just like to say well done to the club staff for providing a safe space for our young people to go to. They have benefitted going to club because they get to meet other children, burn off some energy and learn new skills. We have found this to be invaluable as we carers can socialise whilst our young people are enjoying themselves, safe in the knowledge that they are being well looked after by staff who have built up good relationships with them.
- Carer, Looked After Children group
Missie, The Grove @ Bedminster Down - Super Hero
Missie was nominated for the Super Hero Award as she has demonstrated remarkable resilience and dedication as a Young Leader. She has grown to be a beacon of inspiration for all and Missie has been able to build strong relationships with both staff and young people since her time at The Grove. Even in the face of personal loss when her beloved Nan passed, Missie has found solace and purpose in her volunteer work at her local youth club.
“Volunteering at The Grove has helped me in many ways. It’s made me feel connected to my community, it’s helped me conquer troubles of mental health, and volunteering has made me feel less isolated and pushed me out of my comfort zone!”
- Missie, Young Leader and young person at The Grove @ Bedminster Down
Young Bristol would like to recognise Ellis and our Outdoor Activities Team, who have also achieved incredible things during 2023. Thank you Bristol Young Heroes for highlighting everything our young people have achieved! We wish all our shortlisted young people and teams the best of luck at the Bristol Young Heroes Awards on Friday 5th July 2024!
