Mobile Youth Club Launch Night

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.

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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.

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

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

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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.

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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.

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

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.

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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. 

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Find out more here!

We are pleased to announce that booking for our Summer Outdoor Activities are now live!

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Join Young Bristol and Pooles Wharf Outdoor Activity Centre and experience the thrill of the great outdoors! With a range of activities on offer, from paddling Bristol's Harbourside to climbing through an underground adventure, there is something for everyone to enjoy! Book your adventure sessions here!

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3 Day Wet, Wild and Wicked - £130pp

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This is an intensive programme of back to back activities. From navigating through caves to mastering paddleboarding, rock climbing, archery, kayaking, bushcraft, and orienteering challenges, experience a wide range of adventures and activities. Find out more information and book your Wet, Wild and Wicked session here!

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• Wednesday 23rd July - Friday 25th July
• Tuesday 29th July - Thursday 31st July
• Monday 4th August - Wednesday 6th August
• Tuesday 12th August - Thursday 14th August

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Paddlepower Development Course - £85pp

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Two days of back to back activities, embarking on a development course, tailored for young adventurers who are eager to advance their canoeing and kayaking skills. Previous attendance to a Half Day Kayaking session is recommended to make the most of this opportunity. Find out more information and book your Paddle Power Development Course here!

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• Wednesday 20th August - Thursday 21st August

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Full Day Wet and Wicked - £45pp

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Spend the day with us learning about the basic paddling techniques and enjoy playing fun, confidence-building games that encourage balance, agility and teamwork. You will continue to work with your team mates to build a raft and paddle your team to victory. Find out more information and book your Wet and Wicked session here!

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• Friday 1st August
• Thursday 7th August
• Friday 29th August

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Full Day Wet and Wild - £45pp

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Channel your inner Robin Hood as you learn archery skills and embrace the art of bushcraft, alongside cooking over an open fire. Then experience the aquatic thrills with kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding across Bristol's iconic Harbour. Find out more information and book your Wet and Wild session here!

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• Monday 11th August
• Tuesday 19th August
• Wednesday 27th August

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Half Day Kayaking - £20pp

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A perfect session for beginners, and those with a little experience. Spend the session learning about the basic paddling techniques and take part in fun, confidence-building games that encourage balance, agility and teamwork. Find out more information and book your Half Day Kayaking session here!

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• Thursday 24th July
• Tuesday 29th July
• Wednesday 6th August
• Wednesday 13th August
• Friday 15th August
• Friday 22nd August
• Tuesday 26th August

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Half Day Paddleboarding - £20pp

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A perfect session for beginners, and those with a little experience. Spend the session with us learning about the basic paddling techniques and enjoy playing fun, confidence-building games that encourage balance, agility and teamwork. Find out more information and book your Half Day Paddleboaring session here!

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• Friday 25th July
• Wednesday 30th July
• Tuesday 5th August
• Thursday 14th August
• Tuesday 19th August
• Thursday 21st August
• Tuesday 26th August

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Join Young Bristol's FREE Summer 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 Summer 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 Summer. All other delivery will continue as normal in addition to these sessions:

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Ashton Vale Club for Young People

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• Monday 28th July, 5:30pm-8:30pm (Ages 12-19)
• Tuesday 29th July, 5:30pm-8:30pm (Ages 8-11)
• Monday 4th August, 5:30pm-8:30pm (Ages 12-19)
• Tuesday 5th August, 5:30pm-8:30pm (Ages 8-11)
• Monday 11th August, 5:30pm-8:30pm (Ages 12-19)
• Tuesday 12th August, 5:30pm-8:30pm (Ages 8-11)
• Monday 18th August, 5:30pm-8:30pm (Ages 12-19)
• Tuesday 19th August, 5:30pm - 8:30pm (Ages 8-11)
• Tuesday 26th August, 5:30pm -8:30pm (Ages 8-11)

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Please note: we will be closed for the bank holiday on Monday 25th August, all other sessions will continue as normal.

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

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Avon Youth Club

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• Monday 28th July, 10:00am-3:00pm (Ages 8+)
• Tuesday 29th July, 12:15pm-3:00pm (Ages 8+)
• Wednesday 30th July, 10:00am-3:00pm (Ages 8+)
• Thursday 31st July, 10:00am-2:00pm (Ages 8+)
• Monday 4th August, 10:00am-3:00pm (Ages 8+)
• Tuesday 5th August, 10:00am-2:00pm (Ages 8+)
• Wednesday 6th August, 10:00am-2:00pm (Ages 8+)
• Thursday 7th August, 10:00am-2:00pm (Ages 8+)

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Please note: no additional sessions will be running throughout the Summer, the club will reopen on 1st September 2025

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Address: Avon Youth Club, 98a Longcross, BS11 0LP

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BS14 Stockwood Youth Club

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• Monday 28th July, 5:30pm-8:30pm (Ages 11-19)
• Thursday 31st July, 5:30pm-8:30pm (Ages 8-11, booking required)
• Monday 4th August, 5:30pm-8:30pm (Ages 11-19)
• Thursday 7th August, 5:30pm-8:30pm (Ages 8-11, booking required)
• Monday 11th August, 5:30pm-8:30pm (Ages 11-19)
• Thursday 14th August, 5:30pm-8:30pm (Ages 8-11, booking required)
• Thursday 21st August, 5:30pm-8:30pm (Ages 8-11, booking required)
• Thursday 28th August, 5:30pm-8:30pm (Ages 8-11, booking required)

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Please note: we will be closed for the bank holiday on Monday 25th August, all other sessions will continue as normal.

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

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The Grove @ Bedminster Down

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• Monday 28th July, 5:30pm-8:30pm (Year groups 3, 4 and 5)
• Wednesday 30th July, 5:30pm-8:30pm (Year groups 8+)
• Monday 4th August, 5:30pm-8:30pm (Year groups 3, 4 and 5)
• Tuesday 5th August, 5:30pm-8:30pm (Year groups 6 and 7)
• Monday 11th August, 5:30pm-8:30pm (Year groups 3, 4 and 5)
• Tuesday 12th August, 5:30pm-8:30pm (Year groups 6 and 7)
• Monday 18th August, 5:30pm-8:30pm (Year groups 3, 4 and 5)
• Tuesday 19th August, 5:30pm-8:30pm (Year groups 6 and 7)
• Tuesday 26th August, 5:30pm-8:30pm (Year groups 6 and 7)
• Wednesday 27th August, 5:30pm-8:30pm (Year groups 8+)

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Please note: we will be closed for the bank holiday on Monday 25th August, all other sessions will continue as normal.

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

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:

We are delighted to announce that our Chief Executive, Lee Williams DL, has been shortlisted for the 'Public and Third Sector Leader' at the South West Leadership Awards 2025!

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The South West Leadership Awards celebrates leaders across the South West who have demonstrated positive impact and shown extraordinary leadership, with the awards showcasing the achievements and success of businesses across the region.

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Lee was appointed Chief Executive of Young Bristol in 2018 and has seen the charity through a continuous period of change and growth. He has also been instrumental in providing strategic leadership and financial management at Young Bristol.

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Lee was nominated for the 'Public and Third Sector Leader' award as he has provided the strategic direction and financial management required to drive Young Bristol to become a multi award-winning provider of youth services; building brighter futures for young people across Bristol.

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We wish Lee the best of luck at the awards ceremony on Thursday 17th July at the Bristol Harbour Hotel!

We are delighted to announce promotion of Jason Beckhelling-Terry, who is now our Head of Youth Work!

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This promotion comes at an exciting time for Young Bristol as we work towards achieving our 2025-28 strategy and celebrating our 100-year anniversary. At Young Bristol, we continue to prioritise and reinforce our core purpose, putting our people at the heart of everything we do. We remain committed to providing opportunities for personal and social development, skills for life and opportunities to grow!

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Jason has been a member of the Young Bristol team since 2022, where he has delivered programmes for young people and led our youth voice group. Before joining Young Bristol, Jason had worked in the youth work field for 18 years, delivering activities, outreach, centre-based, detached and school-based sessions.

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We are now excited to see Jason take on our newly created role, 'Head of Youth Work', where he will support our delivery team and continue to provide engaging, inspiring opportunities to the young people of Bristol and beyond!

As part of his new role, Jason is looking forward to exploring a digital youth work offer for young people who may not be able to engage with our programmes in a physical youth work setting. He is also excited to work with our partner organisations, young people and staff, helping them to achieve their full potential!

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"As Young Bristol continues to grow as a charity and increase both its contact and impact across the Bristol, it's vitally important we remain focused on providing positive outcomes for children and young people. The Young Bristol team look forward to working with Jason in this newly created role, which is all part of our 2025-28 Strategy, especially investing in Our People."

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said Lee Williams, Chief Executive

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Find out more about our team here!