Join us for our Golf Day & Dinner 2026!

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.

On Friday 27th March 2026, we were pleased to host our annual Night Hike. This activity was on offer for all young people across our Community Youth Club network to take part in!

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17 young people participated in our Night Hike from four of our community venues, racing against each other to complete the course. It was great to see teams take part from our Youth Clubs across the city: Ashton Vale Club for Young People, Avon Youth Club, Sea Mills Boys and Girls Club and Youth Club on Wheels Hengrove!

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All young people worked well together in their chosen teams to complete the Night Hike with incredible finish times - with some of these young people having minimal experience in hiking! Congratulations to all the young people who took part and completed this years Night Hike!

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For some of our young people, it was their first time exploring the Mendip Hills, and the challenge gave them the opportunity to try new outdoor activities. It was amazing to see the group develop new skills, take part in experiences they have not tried before, and supporting one another throughout the hike.

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If you are interested in joining one of Young Bristol's programmes, events or competitions, click here to find out more!

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!

On Thursday 26th March, Young Bristol were delighted to host our first 'Dinner for Young Futures, sponsored by Origin Workspace'. We invited over 100 guests to The Pony Chew Valley, to enjoy a delicious dinner.

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This special dining experience brought together over 100 guests from local businesses and supporters, who all helped us to raise £10,000 for our work with Bristol’s children and young people, and to celebrate 98 years of the charity delivering life changing opportunities across the city.

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Our Dinner for Young Futures took place at The Pony Chew Valley, where the event saw an incredible evening featuring a 3-course dinner, inspirational speakers and stories that highlight the impact of our work across the city.

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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 programmes and services. It was great to hear from Dan Lee, Young Person of the Year 2025; Kat Katuszka, Senior Youth Leader at BS14 Youth Club; AJ Holstein, Young Bristol Supporter and Shannon Ringland, Young Bristol Trustee, who all spoke about their experience with Young Bristol.

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"I attended one of Young Bristol’s youth clubs as a young person. I have many fond memories, and most of them involve the pure fun that I had with my friends. The memories that stand out the most is the support I received from the Youth Workers, their guidance and the safe space. So, when I became a Youth Worker it was only natural for me to draw on those positive experiences."

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said Kat Katuszka, Senior Youth Leader at BS14 Youth Club.

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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On Sunday 15th March, we were pleased to see Oli from Unite Students and four employees from Istoria Group sign up to the Bath Half Marathon to raise money for Young Bristol!

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The Bath Half Marathon is a 13 mile race, with the course following a two-lap route through the heart of Bath. The race is known for its scenic views and great spectator support, being one of the UK's most popular races.

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"This was my first half marathon, so it was brilliant to see how many people came out to support all the runners. Their support (and hi-fives), running with my lovely mum and knowing what an amazing cause I was supporting is what made me achieve a time that was well under my goal."

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said Oli Blacklidge ,Bath Half Marathon runner

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It has been amazing to see the five participants prepare for their exciting challenge, all while fundraising for our young people.

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Thank you to all our participants for taking part in the Bath Half Marathon to raise money for young people across Bristol - we appreciate your incredible support!

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If you are interested in taking part in a third party fundraising event for Young Bristol, click here and learn how you can help fundraise for us!

On Saturday 7th March, we were pleased to see James and Olie sign up to the Green Man Ultra Marathon to raise money for Young Bristol!

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The Green Man Ultra is a 30 or 45-mile ultramarathon that loops around the city of Bristol, following the Community Forest Path. The event is ran twice a year, with the winter event often featuring muddy conditions.

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It has been amazing to see James and Olie prepare for this exciting challenge, all while fundraising for our young people.

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Thank you to both of our participants for taking part in the Green Man Ultra Marathon - we appreciate your incredible support!

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If you are interested in taking part in a third party fundraising event for Young Bristol, click here and learn how you can help fundraise for us!

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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