BOOK NOW: May Outdoor Activities 2025!

This year, Young Bristol were pleased to organise the NABGC Canoe Test, celebrating the 60th year of paddling with young people down the River Wye!

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Across the bank holiday weekend, 32 young people from Young Bristol as well as young people associated with the National Association of Boys and Girls Clubs took part in The Canoe Test 2025. The challenge took place over four days, with participants paddling up to 100 miles down the River Wye.

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Young people taking part in The Canoe Test showed incredible dedication across the weekend, with the majority completing the full 100 miles! The event saw the group learn life-changing skills, grow their confidence and make friends for life!

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The four days of canoeing down the River Wye were all under the expert guidance of Young Bristol's Commercial Activities team, ably supported by a number of volunteers, all giving up their bank holiday weekend to ensure all young people participating in this years Canoe Test had an incredible experience!

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Thank you to everyone who helped to make this years Canoe Test a truly unforgettable event, celebrating its 60th anniversary. It was amazing to see a weekend full of learning, laughter and friendship-building!

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If you would like to find out more about our upcoming opportunities that are available across our network, visit our 'What's On' page here!

Young Bristol were pleased to see BS14 Youth Club go through a number of recent refurbishments, with exciting developments to the clubs art room!

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As part of Young Bristol's 2025-28 Strategic Priorities, the charity continues to focus on investing in our infrastructure and resources, giving young people and their local communities an environment they can thrive in!

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The work at BS14 has most recently seen a huge improvement to the clubs art room, with new equipment, supplies and mural all being added to create a more inspiring, creative space for our young people. We hope that these improvements will improve the creative opportunities we can offer from the club!

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We would like to thank Lauren Sinclair for creating our mural and bringing our young peoples visions to life in the art room! A huge thank you to Masters for installing our new equipment!

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We are committed to continuing our mission and strategic investment by providing safe, welcoming spaces for young people, where they can build friendships, access support and be themselves!

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Before:

Young Bristol were pleased to see Avon Youth Club go through a number of recent refurbishments, with exciting developments to a number of the clubs facilities.

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As part of Young Bristol's 2025-28 Strategic Priorities, the charity continues to focus on investing in our infrastructure and resources, giving young people and their local communities an environment they can thrive in!

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The work at Avon Youth Club has hugely improved the clubs external appearance and safety, with a new front door and a magnetic lock, fire exits and roller shutter being installed at the club. We hope that the improvements will benefit both our young people and the wider community who wish to use our club during the daytime!

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We would like to thank The Asda Foundations Places and Spaces grant scheme for funding our recent refurbishments, helping us to maintain high-quality facilities across our network! A huge thank you to Masters for installing all our new refurbishments!

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We are committed to continuing our mission and strategic investment by providing safe, welcoming spaces for young people, where they can build friendships, access support and be themselves!

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Before:

This week, Young Bristol are supporting Mental Health Awareness Week, celebrating the power and importance of community, between Monday 12th May and Friday 16th May.

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This year, the theme of Mental Health Awareness Week is 'Community', which explores how being part of a safe and positive environment can provide a sense of belonging, support, give a sense of purpose.

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At Young Bristol, we are committed to continuing our Mission by providing safe places, a supportive environment, and activities and opportunities in Bristol's communities, where young people can feel empowered, included and not alone.

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Our Youth Mental Health First Aider!

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A Youth Mental Health First Aider plays a key role in supporting and providing guidance to young people aged 8-18, who may be experiencing poor mental health. They are committed to recognising signs, offering initial assistance and connecting young people to professional help.

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Meet Jason, our Head of Youth Work. Jason is a trained Youth Mental Health First Aider! Jason is passionate about supporting young people through situations they face around their mental health, and wants to be someone that our young people can trust, talk to and take advice from.

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"One moment that made me feel like I made a difference was when I first engaged with someone who was having a panic attack, and helped them through a grounding method. When a young person is in a crisis moment, being there and knowing you've helped is a great feeling!"

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Mental Health is important to him as he believes looking after your mental state of mind is just as important as looking after your physical health. Jason understands that this is something that everyone can be affected by, and as a young person himself, knew someone close to him that suffered with their own mental health. He saw how much a small amount of support can transform someone's state of mind, which inspired him to learn more!

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One piece of advice Jason would give to anyone struggling with their mental health and well-being would be to reach out and talk to someone - from a friend or family member to a youth worker, teacher or mental health first aider. Let them know how you are feeling and what's going on.

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Providing safe places for Bristol's young people

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Our work provides young people with safe, welcoming, inclusive places where they can be themselves, build friendships, and access support when they need it most.

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Our Youth Clubs, programmes and services continue be at the core of communities, giving young people the safety and support that they cannot find on the streets, acting as the bridge between home and school life.  Since April 2024, we saw:

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• 21,392 attendances with young people ages 8-25.
• Our 8 Community Youth Clubs providing a safe place for 1,121 young people aged 8-19, continuing to open their doors up to 5 nights per week, 48 weeks of the year.  
• 11 rural and urban communities were positively impacted by our work, where there is currently no youth provision.
• More than 2,000 meals provided through our Community Youth Clubs, helping to address food poverty and holiday hunger.
• An investment of £528,280 into capital improvements at a number of our community venues since 2022; making improvements that would help to create environments that young people can thrive in.

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Where you can find support and advice

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Did you know one in five children face mental health issues? Whether you want to access helpful resources, start a conversation about mental health or are seeking professional advice and guidance, there are many ways you can begin to make a difference to a young person's mental health and wellbeing. If you or someone you know needs support, check out the links below for some recommended local and national services.

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Young people

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• Mind - A mental health charity, whose aim is to ensure no one faces mental health alone. Offering online support and guidance that young people that can access on their website 24/7.
• Shout - A free, confidential24/7 text support service for anyone in the UK who is struggling with their mental health. To start a conversation, text 'SHOUT' to 85258. Shout's team of trained volunteers are trained to listen at any time, day or night.
• Samaritans - Aims to provide support through phone, letter, email or in person. Whatever problem you are facing, Samaritans are available 24/7, 365 days a year!
• Kooth - an online wellbeing community where you can get free, safe and anonymous support. The forum is a judgement-free, safe place for anyone to get advice, help others and share their stories.

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Parents

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• Young Minds Parent Helpline - Offering tailored advice to parents, guardians and other family members who are concerned about a child's mental health. Advice for all young people who are under 25 over the phone or through their online chat.
• Shout - A free, confidential24/7 text support service for anyone in the UK who is struggling with their mental health. To start a conversation, text 'SHOUT' to 85258. Shout's team of trained volunteers are trained to listen at any time, day or night.‍
• Samaritans - Aims to provide support through phone, letter, email or in person. Whatever problem you are facing, Samaritans are available 24/7, 365 days a year!‍
• MindEd for Families - A free e-learning portal, offering information and support about mental health and well-being. Available 24/7 on their website!

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To find out more about our work with young people and the opportunities we provide click here.

Are you looking to take part in exciting activities this month? Young Bristol have a range of activities, events and opportunities for young people and the wider community! Find out below what's on in your local area this month!

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The Canoe Test

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Young Bristol are hosting the NABGC Canoe Test, open to young people of all ability levels. The Canoe Test will be full of canoeing challenges and activities.

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When: Friday 23rd May - Tuesday 27th May

Where: River Wye

For: Ages 13+

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Interclub Dodgeball

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Our Interclub Dodgeball Tournament will see young people from our Community Youth Clubs go head-to-head to win this years Dodgeball trophy!

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When: Thursday 29th May

Where: Avon Youth Club

For: Ages 8-16

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Outdoor Activities

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Our Outdoor Activity Programme will be running half day and full day Holiday Clubs across April's Half Term. Take part in our offer of up to 16 water and land based activities! Places are limited and will need booking in advance. Click here to secure your place!

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When: Monday 26th May - Friday 30th May

Where: Pooles Wharf Outdoor Activity Centre

For: Ages 8-16

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Also this month...

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Community Youth Clubs - For 8 – 19 year olds and are located in many areas across Bristol, open up to 5 nights per week. Each Club offers a safe and inclusive environment, staffed by caring, trained adults. Click here to find out more.

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Outdoor Employment Programme - Our free programme for young people aged 16-25 helps to develop new skills and gain nationally recognised qualifications in a variety of outdoor activities. Click here to find out more.

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Youth Club on Wheels - Our mobile youth service works with young people aged 8-19 in hard-to-reach areas of the city and rural areas where there is currently no youth provision. Click here to find out more.

During the Easter half term, Young Bristol were pleased to deliver two weeks of Open Access and Holiday Clubs across our youth provision. We worked with new and existing young people, providing them with enriching opportunities and a hot, healthy meal!

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Young Bristol's Easter Holiday Clubs for young people aged 8-19 were located in 4 locations across the city, where our Community Youth Club staff and Outdoor Activities team ran a number of sessions for young people to enjoy! Our team provided young people with a number of exciting and enriching activities, a free prepared meal and a safe place, where they can have fun! Our programmes are all free to attend, with a focus on those in receipt of free school meals!

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This Easter, Young Bristol saw:

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• 792 contacts with young people
• 40+ open access and holiday club sessions delivered from our youth clubs
• 175 meals provided to our young people

This week, Young Bristol were pleased to receive a 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 600 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 cherished annual tradition for us at Leggwork since 2021. Seeing the children's excitement and happy faces is such a great feeling! Supporting Young Bristol is really important to us, and this is definitely one of the best parts of our ongoing partnership!"

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Justin, Director at Leggwork

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It was incredible to see the excitement from young people when the team distributed some of the Easter Eggs to young people taking part in Grassroots Sports Holiday Clubs, who use our BS14 Youth Club during half terms!

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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!

Are you looking to take part in exciting activities this month? Young Bristol have a range of activities, events and opportunities for young people and the wider community! Find out below what's on in your local area this month!

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Holiday Clubs

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During the Easter Half term, we have a number of Holiday activities and opportunities on offer for young people to enjoy, with a focus on those who receive free school meals. Each session, all young people will receive a free hot meal!

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When: Monday 7th April - Thursday 17th April

Where: Various Community Youth Clubs

For: Ages 8-16

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Outdoor Activities

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Our Outdoor Activity Programme will be running half day and full day Holiday Clubs across April's Half Term. Take part in our offer of up to 16 water and land based activities! Places are limited and will need booking in advance. Click here to secure your place!

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When: Monday 7th April - Thursday 17th April

Where: Pooles Wharf Outdoor Activity Centre

For: Ages 8-16

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Kayak Club

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Our Kayak Club is a weekly drop-in session that provides the opportunity to improve physical fitness and confidence, learn new paddle skills across Bristol’s harbourside and have fun! The sessions are for young people of all abilities!

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When: Every Monday, 4:30pm-6:30pm

Where: Pooles Wharf Outdoor Activity Centre

For: Ages 8-16

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Also this month...

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Community Youth Clubs - For 8 – 19 year olds and are located in many areas across Bristol, open up to 5 nights per week. Each Club offers a safe and inclusive environment, staffed by caring, trained adults. Click here to find out more.

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Outdoor Employment Programme - Our free programme for young people aged 16-25 helps to develop new skills and gain nationally recognised qualifications in a variety of outdoor activities. Click here to find out more.

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Youth Club on Wheels - Our mobile youth service works with young people aged 8-19 in hard-to-reach areas of the city and rural areas where there is currently no youth provision. Click here to find out more.

Join Young Bristol's FREE Easter Holiday Clubs! We are open to all young people aged 8-19 across our Community Youth Clubs. From sports activities to creative workshops, we have something for everyone to enjoy! A free hot, healthy meal will be provided to all young people.

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Our Easter Holiday activities across our Community Youth Clubs are kindly funded by the Holiday Activity Fund, supported by Bristol City Council, The Department of Education and Your Holiday Hub!

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We are pleased to share a confirmed list of dates for our sessions throughout the Easter period. All of our other deliver will continue to run as normal:

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Ashton Vale Club for Young People

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• Monday 7th April, 5:30pm-8:30pm (Ages 12-19)
• Tuesday 8th April, 5:30pm-8:30pm (Ages 8-11)
• Monday 14th April, 5:30pm-8:30pm (Ages 12-19)
• Tuesday 15th April, 5:30pm-8:30pm (Ages 8-11)

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Address: Ashton Vale Club for Young People, Silbury Road, Bristol, BS3 2QE

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BS14 Stockwood Youth Club

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• Monday 7th April, 5:30pm-8:30pm (Ages 12-19)
• Thursday 10th April, 5:30pm-8:30pm - booking required for this session (Ages 8-11)
• Monday 14th April, 5:30pm-8:30pm (Ages 12-19)
• Thursday 17th April, 5:30pm-8:30pm - booking required for this session (Ages 8-11)

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Address: BS14 Youth Club, Stockwood Lane, Bristol, BS14 8SJ

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The Grove @ Bedminster Down

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• Monday 7th April, 5:30pm-8:30pm (Year groups 3, 4 and 5)
• Tuesday 8th April, 5:30pm-8:30pm (Year groups 6 and 7)
• Monday 14th April, 5:30pm-8:30pm (Year groups 3, 4 and 5)
• Tuesday 15th April, 5:30pm-8:30pm (Year groups 6 and 7)

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Address: The Grove @ Bedminster Down, 27A Cheddar Grove, Bristol, BS13 7EN

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To find out more about our other holiday activities, including outdoor activities, click here!