December 5, 2024

McDonald’s Teams Up with Young Bristol to Create a Safe Haven for Local Young People

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In an inspiring partnership with local youth charity, Young Bristol, Laura Wilder, Franchisee of the Bristol Fishponds McDonald’s, has transformed her restaurant into a safe and welcoming space for young people. This partnership comes as a result of McDonald’s Makin’ it initiative, run in collaboration with BBC Children in Need - to better support young people and unlock genuine opportunity.

Surrounded by several schools, Laura noticed an increasing number of young people gathering at her restaurant after school. Over time, she began to know the regulars by name, fostering relationships that have led to a much greater impact than anticipated. Laura’s presence as a mentor and positive role model grew as she took on a key role of providing reassurance, advice, and support to these young people.

In a bid to extend the positive impact beyond just the students who were visiting her restaurant, Laura formed a partnership with Young Bristol, the city’s leading provider of community-based youth services. The charity is well known for its extensive community youth club network across some of Bristol’s most challenging neighbourhoods and run a variety of initiatives including outdoor activities, holiday clubs and an outdoor employment programme which helps young people develop life skills.

Recognising the potential of combining their strengths, Laura personally funded six youth work sessions, which saw Young Bristol’s innovative Youth Club on Wheels parked outside her McDonald’s for a 3-hour window each week. This mobile youth service created a fun, interactive space for the youth, with various activities designed to engage, inspire, and positively influence their lives.

Over the course of the project, 24 young people from the local Fishponds community took part, solidifying the initiative’s success. This partnership between Young Bristol and McDonald’s has had a profound effect on the local community, all through crucial funding from BBC Children in Need. Not only has Laura’s restaurant become a gathering spot where young people feel safe, but it has also fostered anew, mutual respect between the McDonald’s team and young people in the area. Fishponds McDonald’s and Young Bristol look forward to continuing their partnership, with a new aim to provide employment opportunities for young people.

Local McDonald’s Franchisee, Laura Wilder, who owns and operates McDonald’s Fishponds, says:

“My team at McDonald’s Fishponds and I, together with Young Bristol, are deeply committed to creating lasting change in our community. We see the bright potential in every young person, and it inspires us to create a safe and welcoming space where they can connect, learn, and truly thrive. Together, we've already begun to see the positive impact of our partnership, and we’re excited to build on this foundation. Our goal is to open even more doors for growth and empowerment, ensuring that the youth of Bristol have the opportunities they deserve to shine.”

Shea Stew, Young Bristol Youth Club On Wheels Lead adds:

“Going into the project we did not know what to expect, but I was utterly amazed at the response from the young people and the community. It quickly became clear that there was a genuine need in Fishponds for something for young people. We really enjoyed working with McDonalds, and would love to see a bigger partnership in the future, as we know youth, community, and burgers, is a great combination.”

Since the start of the partnership with BBC Children in Need, McDonald’s has supported more than 185 youth projects employing more than 320 youth workers and improving outcomes for over 42,500 young people .McDonald’s customers can donate to BBC Children in Need by rounding up orders at the kiosk and via the McDonald’s App.

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July 3, 2025

Golf Day & Dinner 2025!

On Thursday 26th June, Young Bristol were delighted to host our annual Golf Day & Dinner. We invited 60 golfers to the Tall Pines Golf Club, all competing to win the trophy on the 18-hole course.

Our Golf Day & Dinner was better than ever this year, with 15 teams taking part in our annual Golf Day & Dinner at the Tall Pines Golf Club, where the event saw teams put their golfing abilities to the test, competing to win a range of amazing prizes!

Guests began their day with a bacon roll, hot drinks and a goody bag, which were filled with Young Bristol branded golf balls, ball markers, score cards, water to keep our golfers hydrated throughout the day, and some other amazing gifts donated by our Title Sponsors, Burges Salmon!

Many of our teams arrived early, excited to kick off the day around the course with a putting competition! Teams also took the opportunity to network with their competitors whilst waiting for their tee time.

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July 3, 2025

What's on: July 2025!

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!

Holiday Clubs

During the Summer, we have a number of Holiday Activities and opportunities on offer for all young people to enjoy, with a focus on those in receipt of free school meals. Each session, all young people will receive a free hot, healthy meal!

When: Monday 28th July - Friday 29th August

Where: Various Community Youth Clubs

For: Ages 8-19

Outdoor Activities

Our Outdoor Activity Programme will be running half day, full day and multi day Holiday Clubs across the Summer! Take part in our offer of up to 16 water and land based activities! Places are limited and need to be booked in advance. Click here to secure your place!

When: Wednesday 23rd July - Friday 29th August

Where: Pooles Wharf Outdoor Activity Centre

For: Ages 8-16

Drawing Competition

Young people will create a masterpiece no bigger than an A4 piece of paper - make sure to be creative, there is no theme for this competition.

When: Monday 7th July - Friday 25th July

For: Ages 8-19

How to enter: email jbt@youngbristol.com

Also this month...

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.

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.

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.

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Young person outside Pooles Wharf
July 1, 2025

Activity centre celebrates 25 years with epic fundraising challenge

Young Bristol's Pooles Wharf Outdoor Activity Centre is celebrating its 25th anniversary this week, marking a quarter-century of providing life-changing outdoor experiences to thousands of young people across Bristol's iconic harbour.

Since opening on July 4, 2000, the award-winning centre has grown to become one of Bristol's premier providers of adventure activities, offering 16 water and land-based activities that support young people's physical and mental wellbeing through free and low-cost outdoor experiences.

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June 30, 2025

The 25 year history of Pooles Wharf: 2000 - 2025

Our Outdoor Activity Centre celebrates its 25th anniversary this week, supporting thousands of young people into the outdoors experiencing Bristol’s iconic harbour.  

This week Young Bristol's Pooles Wharf Outdoor Activity Centre celebrates 25 years as one of Bristol’s premier providers of adventurous activities!

Pooles Wharf has grown to become a place which fosters a spirit of exploration and camaraderie for Bristol’s youth, providing life-changing outdoor experiences to thousands of young people across Bristol's harbour.

From a coal yard to community hub, over the years the centre has developed numerous programmes and opportunities for schools and colleges, to corporates, families and youth groups - making a difference to even more people across the city.

Take a look back at Pooles Wharf Outdoor Activity Centre's history; from our launch in 2000 to the centre today.

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June 30, 2025

Fundraising at Chase the Sun North!

On Saturday 21st June, we were pleased to see Nick and Tom sign up to 'Chase The Sun North' to raise money for Young Bristol!

Chase the Sun North is a cycling challenge that saw participants cycle 200 miles from East to West, starting at sunrise in Whitley Bay, and finishing at sunset in Ayr, Scotland! The coast to coast cycle is full of stunning vistas, wilderness, heaths, rivers, lochs, castles and beaches.

It has been amazing to see Nick and Tom prepare for their second 'Chase the Sun' cycle whilst fundraising to support young people across Bristol. Thank you Nick and Tom for taking part in the 'Chase The Sun North' in aid of Young Bristol this month! Support their fundraising page here.

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!

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June 26, 2025

Fundraising at the Morzine-Avoriaz Ultra Trail!

On Saturday 21st June, we were pleased to see Amber Chubb sign up to the Morzine-Avoriaz Ultra Trail to raise money for Young Bristol!

The Morzine - Alvoriaz Ultra Trail is located in the French Alps and is home to an extensive network of incredible slopes. The race saw participants run 100km and climb 5,726 meters in elevation whilst discovering beautiful landscapes and breathtaking views over the Portes du Soleil.

"I chose Young Bristol because many young people face challenges like poverty and limited access to resources - factors often beyond their control. Having been fortunate to have strong support and opportunities, I want to give back and help young people build confidence and resilience, knowing how much youth shapes our future."
"It was an amazing challenge, lots of highs and lots of lows, and all for a great cause!"

It has been amazing to see Amber prepare for her first ever Ultra Marathon whilst fundraising to support young people across Bristol. Thank you Amber for taking part in the Morzine-Avoriaz Ultra Trail in aid of Young Bristol this month! Support her fundraising page here.

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!

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June 23, 2025

Young people attend Essex Adventure Weekend 2025!

This month, we were excited to invite 8 young people from across our Community Youth Club network to join us at the NABGC Essex Adventure Weekend!

We were pleased to see young people from Avon Youth Club, BS14 Youth Club, The Grove @ Bedminster Down and Youth Club on Wheels Oatlands Avenue take part in a jam-packed weekend full of activities at Thriftwood Scout Camp Site, from Friday 20th June - Sunday 22nd June 2025!

Across the weekend, young people were involved with a number of sports activities, including axe throwing, archery, rifle shooting, Jacob's ladder, postmans mate, kayaking, raft-building, cresta run and bush craft. Our young people were also involved in a variety of other group activities including tug of war, assault courses and smores making. During each activity across the weekend, we saw our group meet new people from across the country, try new opportunities and build friendships for life!

"I had loads of fun. Thank you lots for the weekend, it was a great experience and I would really recommend it."

Thank you NABGC and Essex Boys and Girls Clubs for arranging an amazing weekend, giving young people the opportunity to try new things and learn life skills!

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June 20, 2025

Rise HR Volunteer with Young Bristol!

This week, we were delighted to welcome the team from Rise HR to The Grove @ Bedminster Down, where six of their dedicated team members helped us to improve our facilities for young people!

During their voluntary day, the team from Rise HR joined us outside in the sunshine to get stuck in with some outdoors tasks! The volunteers spent the day cleared weeds around the multi-sports court, entrance way and rest of the building. The team also helped us with painting around the club, where they painted the ceilings, which helped The Grove look more bright and welcoming!

Thank you to everyone at Rise HR for helping us to create a safe, positive place where our young people can thrive! We appreciate your support!

There are many ways you can work with Young Bristol and support what we do. As a charity, we are committed to building long-term, mutually beneficial relationships with corporate organisations in Bristol and surrounding areas. Find out how you can support us today! Click here for more information.

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June 19, 2025

Operations Plan for 2025 -26: Better never stops!

At Young Bristol, we continue to reflect the what, how and why in order to improve our services, better support our people and develop our facilities.

 

To ensure we deliver against our outcomes and aims, Young Bristol has implemented an Operations Plan for 2025 - 26. The strategic plan identifies our five key pillars from Our Strategy for 2025 - 28, assigning objectives and outputs that can be measured throughout the operating period.

 

We introduced our Operations Plan to work alongside Our Strategy and Theory of Change. Our Strategy outlines five key pillars to focus on during 2025 - 28: - Our Partnerships, Our People, Our Places, Our Power to and Our Programmes. We aim during this period to create safe, fit-for-purpose buildings to support our delivery of high-quality services, providing service users and our employees with opportunities to grow and thrive. Our Theory of Change allows us to reflect on our work and the impact we have, it establishes a framework, and ensures our work aligns with our vision.

By continuing to review our work, reflect on our impact and consult with our stakeholders we can continue to have a clear, demonstratable vision which aligns with our values and goals, for ever young person. 

Find out more here!

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