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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 Strategyoutlines 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 Changeallows 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.
Last week was the first week of Young Bristol's Summer Holiday Provision. We saw delivery from six of Young Bristol’s Community Youth Clubs, Youth Club on Wheels and Outdoor Activity Centre, working with new and existing young people, providing them with exciting and enriching opportunities, access to a free hot meal and the opportunity to build new friendships.
The first week of our Summer Holiday Provision saw:
346 contacts with young people across our Holiday Clubs and Open Access provision
25+ sessions across the city
9 communities supported through our Community Youth Clubs and Youth Club on Wheels.
Key highlights of the week:
Avon Youth Club hosted a wide range of workshops and trips during their first week of summer delivery, including an archery day, BMX workshops, a visit from SS Great Britain as well as a trip to Blaise Court, the clubs local residential home, where the group took part inintergenerational activities..
Hartcliffe club for Young People ran a number of playscheme sessions throughout the week, offering a number of sports and creative activities for young people to enjoy. This included football, dreamcatcher decorating and plant pot making!
Our Youth Club on Wheels has resumed delivery in Brislington, Henbury, Hengrove and Horfield for young people aged 8-19. Our team offer a wide range of activities for young people to enjoy throughout the year including sports, arts, cooking and discussion based activities. To find out more about your local Youth Club on Wheels session, click here!
Young Bristol would like to thank our staff team, partner organisations, and funders for helping make last week part of the summer of a lifetime. We would also like to thank the Your Holiday Hub Bristol Programme, supported by Bristol City Council and The Department for Education, for supporting our Holiday Clubs at our city-wide Community Youth Club venues.
Last week, we were delighted to welcome the team from Rebus Medical to Ashton Vale Club for Young People, where 16 of their dedicated team members helped us to improve our facilities for young people!
During their voluntary day, the team from Rebus Medical joined us outside in the sunshine to get stuck in with some outdoors tasks! The volunteers spent the day trimming back hedges and clearing weeds from around the multi-sports court. The team also helped us with painting around the club, where they painted the walls in the clubs entranceway, helping the Ashton Vale Club for Young People to look more bright and welcoming!
Thank you to everyone at Rebus Medical 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.
Members of our programmes, past and present, are invited to join a flotilla in memory of Eli Sweeting on Saturday 2nd August at 10am to celebrate the life and share memories of Eli.
A flotilla in memory of our friend Eli
When: Saturday 2nd August, 10am
A small trip on Bristol Harbour to share memories of Eli. From Baltic Wharf to the Mshed where we will gather in a circle and throw, if you wish, some flowers into the water. MV Pyronaught will kindly do a water display. Please bring your own flowers that are either real flowers or biodegradable.
Please get in touch with Young Bristol if you would like to join us, our boats will be available for use.
A message from Young Bristol's Outdoor Activity Team
Eli joined Young Bristol through our NCS programme. He had an incredible energy with other participants and staff radiated towards him - he was always eager to learn more. It was therefore a delight, when on return from a residential in the Lake District in 2016, that he decided he wanted to join the Instructor Training Scheme (now the Outdoor Employment Programme) and by spring 2017 he started volunteering on our NCS programme. In May 2017, Eli was part of the annual Canoe Test, kayaking 100 miles along the River Wye. As part of this opportunity, he was interviewed as part of a series for BBC Two, showcasing the 100 mile challenge and sharing with the presenter the importance of getting outdoors.
Eli became an avid member of the programme and alongside his training with City of Bristol College, quickly completed qualifications in Paddlesports, Powerboating and High Ropes. He was employed by Young Bristol and became a reliable Instructor, always brimming with enthusiasm to bring the joy of outdoor activities to the young people he taught.
Eli followed his dreams and went to University where he gained his Outdoor Leadership Degree. Following this, he went on to become a member of the Harbour Master’s team, and we would regularly meet out on the water, pulling up alongside our kayaks for a catch-up and to find out what adventures he had been on! Eli had an enthusiasm and hunger to learn and develop himself through training and adventure. From time to time, he would stop by our Activities Centre at Pooles Wharf and we would hear his distinctive voice calling up the stairs. He would pop in for a catch-up or volunteer on a session, chatting equally to new trainees, participants and familiar faces, telling of his experiences he gained from Young Bristol. Eli was always grounded and humble about his knowledge, skills and ability, but it was a pleasure to see how he was developing into a strong and inspirational leader and a great outdoorsman.
Eli settled in New Zealand; being in the heart of adventure, inspiration and outdoor activities suited him well. Earlier this year, Eli climbed Mitre Peak in Milford Sound but did not return. After extensive efforts from Mountain Rescue, friends, family, acquaintances and many more, he was never found. Our Thoughts and Prayers are with Eli’s family and friends at this time.
Eli will always be a huge part of Young Bristol. He will live on in all those who had the good fortune to meet him, and be inspired by his incredible enthusiasm and dedication to experience new adventures.
We are delighted to announce the appointment of Kayleigh Grunebaum-Webster, Youth Club on Wheels Driver!
Kayleigh is new addition to the team at Young Bristol, as driver for our Youth Club on Wheels. Most recently, Kayleigh has been self-employed as a Handywoman, after taking a break from supporting individuals and families in the community for over 10 years! Kayleigh has a passion for helping people to identify and develop skills to meet their needs, by providing them with practical support and advice. Outside of work Kayleigh enjoys attending live music events and gardening.
Kayleigh joins the Young Bristol team to ensure our Youth Club on Wheels safely arrives to the locations we deliver in, our vehicle is well-maintained, and our equipment is cared for and set up for every session.
We hope you will join us in welcoming Kayleigh to the Young Bristol team!
Young Bristol were thrilled to see our Chief Executive, Lee Williams DL, recognised as a finalist the South West Leadership Awards 2025!
TheSouth 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.
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.
Reflecting on his nomination and the event, Lee said:
"It was an honour to be shortlisted for the Public and Third Sector Leader at the South West Leadership Awards, alongside so many other inspiring leaders in the sector. I’m proud to represent Young Bristol as Chief Executive and am grateful for the continued support from all our staff, funders, partner organisations, and the wider community."
This week, we were delighted to welcome the team from Unite Students to Hartcliffe Club for Young People, where seven of their dedicated team members helped us to improve our facilities for young people!
During their voluntary day, the team from Unite Students joined us outside in the sunshine to get stuck in with some outdoors tasks! The volunteers spent the day planting flowers, clearing weeds and litter picking around the clubs car park and other outdoor facilities. The team also helped us with painting around the club, where they painted the wall in the clubs main area, helping the Hartcliffe Club for Young People to look more bright and welcoming!
Thank you to everyone at Unite Students for helping us to create a safe, positive place where our young people can thrive! We appreciate your ongoing 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.
We are delighted to announce that we are recruiting for a number of roles for Young Bristol’s growing Programme and Delivery 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 Greater Bristol area.
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.
In our 2024 staff survey:
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.
By joining our dedicated team, you can help make positive impact on the lives of young people, please see below our current opportunities:
YB Youth Club on Wheels - Driver
Our Youth Club on Wheels project is like no other project. We develop and engage young people on their own turf and work really hard doing so. We work with the hardest to reach young people and create amazing relationships; providing opportunities that empower and enrich communities who do not have any other provision for Young People. Recently featuring on The One Show and nominated as a finalist for the Children and Young People Now Awards, the opportunity to work on our Youth Club on Wheels is not one to miss!
The YCOW Driver is a key role, ensuring our engaging, educational and energising programmes can continue to be delivered to our young people . The driving role will make sure our Youth Club on Wheels gets to the locations required in a safe and timely manner, the vehicle is well-maintained, and our equipment is cared for and set up for every session.
Shifts and hours: Mondays and Wednesdays, 6 hour shifts from 2:30pm - 8:30pm
Send your CV and cover letter, referencing why you would think you'd be a great fit to hr@youngbristol.com.
YB Youth Club on Wheels - Senior Youth Leader
Our Youth Club on Wheels project is like no other project. We develop and engage young people on their own turf and work really hard doing so. We work with the hardest to reach young people and create amazing relationships; providing opportunities that empower and enrich communities who do not have any other provision for Young People. Recently featuring on The One Show and nominated as a finalist for the Children and Young People Now Awards, the opportunity to work on our Youth Club on Wheels is not one to miss!
The YCOW Senior Youth Leader will work on our unique mobile provision to deliver engaging, educational and energising programmes to young people. They will work to deliver best opportunities to our young people by leading youth sessions, being a positive presence and having real conversations that matter, as well as helping to maintain our equipment, recording key information and helping us to raise the bar!
Shifts and hours: Choose 2 or 4 weekday evenings; Tuesday and Thursday or Monday and Wednesday (2:30 PM – 8:30 PM)
Send your CV and cover letter, referencing why you would think you'd be a great fit to hr@youngbristol.com.
YB Programmes and Youth Voice Assistant
Our YB Programmes and Youth Voice Assistant will join our growing Programmes and Delivery team to ensure young peoples views, thoughts and interests are heard! You will work across our Community Youth Club network to help deliver engaging, energising and educational activities!
The role will work closely with our Head of Youth Work and Club Leaders to empower youth voices, build real connections and offer trusted support to young people across the number of communities we work in. This is an exciting time to join an award-winning Bristol-based charity with a long and proud history - championing the power of youth work, especially for those young people who need us most.
Hours and shifts: 9 hours a week, evening sessional work Monday to Thursday (6:00 PM – 8:30 PM)
Send your CV and cover letter, referencing why you would think you'd be a great fit to hr@youngbristol.com.
YB Youth Club Leader
As a Club Leader, you will be at the centre of our delivery, bringing energy, creativity and purpose to every session for our young people. You’ll lead exciting activities, co-create plans with young people, and help to build a space where they feel seen, heard, and ready for life.
The YB Youth Club Leader will ensure that we continue to empower youth voices, create programmes that reflect young peoples wants, needs and interests, and act as a positive role model. This is an exciting time to join an award-winning Bristol-based charity with a long and proud history - championing the power of youth work, especially for those young people who need us most.
Shifts and hours: 15 hours a week, evening sessional work Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday (6:00 PM – 9:00 PM), with 6 hours planning and admin time to be taken on one of the days.
Send your CV and cover letter, referencing why you would think you'd be a great fit to hr@youngbristol.com.
On Friday 4th July, we were pleased to attend the Bristol Young Heroes Awards to support our four young people who were nominated as finalists.
The Bristol Young Heroes Awards recognises and celebrates the valuable contribution that Bristol's young people make to the city. The awards shine a light on those who have overcome difficult circumstances, made a difference to the lives of others, or have achieved something extraordinary this year!
Alicia, Ashton Vale Club for Young People - Super Hero
Congratulations to Alicia from Young Bristol's Ashton Vale Club for Young People, who was awarded the Super Hero Award at the Bristol Young Heroes!
Alicia was nominated for the Super Hero Award as she has been an inspiration to everyone at the Club; acting as a role model, helping run activities and supporting her peers. Alicia became a member of Ashton Vale Club for Young People in May 2023, and has recently become a Young Leader at her local youth club. After re-building her confidence, Alicia now proudly represents her club at all the opportunities we have hosted and offered to young people.
Cheralee Mckeown, Club Leader at Ashton Vale Club for Young People said,
Alicia is hard-working, dedicated and puts her all into helping at the Youth Club. She has such a positive impact on our young people and they look forward to seeing her each week. I am so proud of how far you have come since joining Ashton Vale Club for Young People - without you we would be absolutely lost! We're excited to see you thrive into the amazing young person you already are.
When receiving her award, Alicia added,
"I feel so happy and proud. I want to thank Young Bristol for the opportunity to come this far!"
Congratulations to Joseph from Young Bristol's Outdoor Employment Programme, who was awarded the Sports Hero Award at the Bristol Young Heroes!
Joseph was nominated for the Sports Hero Award after overcoming significant barriers and adversities, where we have seen a huge development from in the past year. Joseph joined the Young Bristol Outdoor Employment Programme in June 2024, which was a huge step for Joseph, as he stepped outside of his comfort zone! Since joining the programme, he has taken every opportunity that has been offered to him and has started to gain confidence after completing a number of outdoor qualifications!
Phil Harris, Outdoor Employment Lead said,
"Joseph has completed his Paddlesport Rescue Course, Paddlesport Instructor Course and Powerboat Level 2 License as well as abseiled the Avon Gorge and other 90-foot cliffs. He turns up to training every single week in the cold, wet, wind and snow. It fills me with pride to see Joseph come out the other end in such a strong way and I really feel that you are moving towards a fantastic place in your life!"
When receiving his award, Joseph added,
"I'm really surprised, there were some other really good contestants in this category!"
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