On Wednesday 15th January, Young Bristol welcomed our supporters, staff team, and young people and their families to our Celebration, AGM and Awards Event. The event celebrated a year of growth and impact, and highlighted stories from individuals across the organisation.
The event took place at one of Young Bristol’s Community Youth Clubs, Broad Plain & Riverside Youth Project, with a jam-packed evening which saw speakers, performances and a presentation of awards.
We were thrilled to have young people from The Grove @ Bedminster Down and Youth Worker, Cassidy Cockram open the event. It was amazing to see the young people share their talents with the 100 people who attended.
We heard from Young Bristol’s President, Jonathan Webb and Co-Chairs Victoria Matthews and Jamie Cameron, who outlined the charity’s impact over recent years, our key achievements and focuses for 2025 – 2028.
Lee Williams DL shared his experiences from the past seven years as Chief Executive of Young Bristol.
“Leading Young Bristol has been the honour of a lifetime. In those past seven years, I’ve witnessed incredible transformations: a shy teenager finding their voice as a leader, a struggling child discovering their passion through STEM programmes and countless young people who once faced uncertainty now stepping into bright futures with confidence. These moments remind me daily of why we do what we do.”
The event welcomed supporters and key individuals who have been impacted by, and seen first-hand, the long-term positive effects of Young Bristol’s support. Alumni Junior Saunders spoke about his experience of Young Bristol as a young person, and how the support of Youth Workers can have a transformative impact on a young persons life. Junior welcomed the High Sheriff of Bristol Richard Cole, Lord Mayor Andrew Varney and Councillor Patrick McAllister to answer a series of questions focusing on the importance of youth work and its impact in communities across the city.
A key highlight of the evening was the presentation of awards, which recognised the many achievements of our staff and young people that we support.
To kick off the presentations we welcomed our 2024 Competition Winners who had won a variety of sports tournaments and creative competitions throughout the year as part of our Inter Club offer. Payton, aged 16, winner of our Creative Writing Competition shared her winning submission on the evening, ‘Family’.
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. Long Service Awards were presented by His Majesty's Lord-Lieutenant Mrs Peaches Golding OBE CStJ to Hannah Somers, Tracy Williams, Duncan Williams, Jayne Donnelly, Web Matthews, Mark Hammond, Kassim Hanid and Lindy Tasker MBE.
To round-up the awards, we were thrilled to have ten finalists attend the event for the 'Young Person of the Year' award. The 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 and award sponsor Clarion Future’s, Laura East presented finalists with a certificate and voucher. A gold envelope revealed that Eve, age 15 from Sea Mills Boys’ and Girls Club was this years winner! She was presented with a trophy, voucher and iPad. Congratulations Eve and to all finalists who were selected for this years award!
Young Bristol were thrilled and surprised to received the ‘High Sheriff of Bristol’ Award! The award recognises individuals and organisations that make great and valuable contributions to their communities, and to those who have shown exceptional dedication to serving young people in Bristol.
A series of exciting announcements were made during the event, including new partnerships with youth organisations, exciting future developments for our Pooles Wharf Activity Centre, and plans for our upcoming centenary in 2028. We celebrated retiring Trustees, the appointment of new Vice Presidents and four Trustees who will be joining the charity for 2025.
As the evening came to a close, we were joined by Alumni and Avon Youth Club Chair Man, Steve Price who shared his journey from attending the Club as a young boy. He had the whole room singing and on their feet!
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 the Greater Bristol area. To find out how you can support us click here.
Photographs taken by Made For Impact!
