Club Leader receives Youth Work qualification

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!

We are delighted to announce the appointment of Isaac Duckers, Senior Youth Leader on our Youth Club on Wheels!

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Isaac is a Philosophy graduate, with a history of travel and adventure. His experiences range from working with young people as an outdoor activity instructor in Finland and the UK, to international community volunteering with the Red Cross, alongside play and theatre based relief work with the Flying Seagull Project. Isaac will forever cherish the opportunities he has had to live and work abroad; however, has realised that investing into local communities is something he finds incredibly important. He is hugely excited to join Young Bristol as part of the Youth Club on Wheels team, going out to find young people where they are, and helping create a fun, safe, and inclusive space, wherever the team goes.

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

We are delighted to announce the appointment of Archie Jefferies, Club Leader at BS14 Stockwood Youth Club!

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Archie has previously worked with young people through his voluntary role as a football coach over the last few years. With a background in art, sculpturing, and sports, Archie brings his passion for moving people together through creativity. He is excited to join the Young Bristol team where he hopes to bring a safe, fun, and energetic environment to the club and to help young people explore their skills, gain confidence, and unlock their potential.

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

Young Bristol are incredibly proud to announce that we have been awarded the 'Community Impact' Award at the South West Business of the Year Awards 2025. We are also delighted to see our Chief Executive, Lee Williams DL, shortlisted for the 'Business Leader of the Year' Award.

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On Thursday 13th November, the Young Bristol team attended the South West Business of the Year Awards, where it was great to be recognised for our hard work and dedication to young people across Bristol.

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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.

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Young Bristol were awarded 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. 

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Young Bristol's Chief Executive, Lee Williams DL, was nominated by the judges of the Awards for the 'Business Leader of the Year', which showcases the most impressive business leaders from nominated businesses.

This week, Young Bristol is celebrating National Trustee Week, which is an annual celebration of the achievements and incredible work Trustees offer to our charity, between Monday 3rd November - Friday 7th November.

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Young Bristol's Board of Trustees are a group of volunteers who help to drive our developing work with children and young people across Bristol. We are pleased to work with 11 trustees, who are responsible for the strategic direction and development of the charity.

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Meet our Trustee's - Cathy Dodsworth

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Cathy Dodsworth is a HR Director living in Bristol. She initially heard about Young Bristol through one of the coaches at my son’s rugby club, Owen, who is also an Outdoors Activity Instructor at Young Bristol.

She wanted to become a Trustee to combine her passion for volunteering and utilising her business experience, with learning about the charity sector. The work that Young Bristol does in supporting young people is something that she felt she could really add value to.

Over the past year, Cathy has really enjoyed visiting our youth clubs, meeting a number of young people we work with across the city, and witnessing how children benefit, grow and thrive as a result of our programmes and services. Cathy has also attend regular Trustee meetings, supporting with our finances, fundraising and future developments.

“A key highlight for me was being able to attend the Awards, AGM and Celebration event. Being able to recognise and celebrate the achievements of so many young people and staff was just fabulous to see. It was a great start to being a trustee and really brought home what Young Bristol can offer to our young people.”

One piece of advice Cathy would give to anyone looking to become a Trustee would be to be prepared to make the commitment to get involved and attend meetings or activities. Finding a charity that you feel passionate about, can really help you to feel like you can make a difference with your contribution.

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Meet our Trustee's - Shannon Ringland

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Shannon moved to Bristol in 2015 and began working at Bristol Zoo Gardens as part of the high ropes instructor team. This is where Shannon first heard about Young Bristol, with her colleagues speaking highly of the Outdoor Employment Programme (better known as the Instruictor Training Scheme at the time). Shannon joined the programme and found it a fantastic opportunity to meet like-minded people and develop new skills. A year later, she began working at the SS Great Britain, leading the “Go Aloft!” climbing experience, and has since continued to work in visitor attractions across the South West.

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Having experienced the positive impact of Young Bristol first hand, Shannon was excited to become a Trustee, and saw the role as a chance to give something back to a charity she respected, while also gaining valuable insight into how charities operates at a strategic level.

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Since joining the Board less than a year ago, Shannon has focused on learning more about Young Bristol’s programmes and priorities, while contributing to discussions about the charity’s future plans. She has particularly enjoyed celebrating the successes of the team and the young people we support.

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“Seeing the impact of the team’s hard work, through the success of fundraising events and the positive outcomes for young people, is incredibly motivating. Those moments of shared achievement really capture what makes Young Bristol so special.”

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For Shannon, becoming a Trustee has been both rewarding and inspiring, helping her to build confidence, broaden her perspective, and learn from fellow Trustees and the wider staff team. One piece of advice Shannon would give to anyone looking to become a Trustee would be to find a charity you feel passionate about, as that passion will make your contribution all the more meaningful.

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Thank you to our Board of Trustees for your continued support and voluntary efforts to support Young Bristol and the young people of Bristol! Find out more about our Board of Trustees here!

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.

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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.

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On receiving this honour Lee Williams DL said,

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“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.”

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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.

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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.

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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.

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

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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.

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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!

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

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!

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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.

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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. 

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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. 

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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.

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

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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.

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

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