Join our Summer Holiday Clubs 2026!

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

‍

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

‍

Full Day Adventure Club

‍

Our Full Day Adventure Club will have you enjoying a jam-packed mixture of activities. From channeling your inner Robin Hood with archery sessions that build confidence and skill, to testing your competitive spirit in rounders, football and pool tournaments, every day brings something new to enjoy.

‍

When:

• Monday 10th August, 9:00am - 4:00pm
• Friday 21st August, 9:00am - 4:00pm

‍

Cost: £30 per person

Book your Full Day Adventure Club here!

‍

‍

Half Day Kayaking

‍

Our Half Day Kayaking session is perfect for beginners and those with a little experience. Spend the session learning about basic paddling techniques and take part in fun, confidence-building games that encourage balance, agility and teamwork!

‍

When:

• Thursday 23rd July, 9:00am - 12:00pm
• Monday 3rd August, 9:00am - 12:00pm
• Monday 17th August, 1:00pm - 4:00pm
• Wednesday 26th August, 1:00pm - 4:00pm
• Wednesday 2nd September, 1:00pm - 4:00pm

‍

Cost: £20 per person

Book your Half Day Kayaking here!

‍

‍

Full Day Wet 'n' Wild

‍

Our Full Day Wet 'n' Wild Adventure will have you channeling your inner Robin Hood as you learn archery skills that will have you hitting a bullseye in no time! You will continue your day on the harbourside, experiencing the aquatic thrills of kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding.

‍

When:

• Tuesday 11th August, 9:00am - 4:00pm
• Tuesday 1st September, 9:00am - 4:00pm

‍

Cost: £45 per person

Book your Full Day Wet 'n' Wild here!

‍

‍

Full Day Wet 'n' Wicked

‍

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!

‍

‍When:

• Friday 24th July, 9:00am - 4:00pm
• Friday 14th August, 9:00am - 4:00pm
• Tuesday 25th August, 9:00am - 4:00pm

‍

Cost: £45 per person

Book your Full Day Wet 'n' Wicked here!

‍

‍

3 Day Wet, Wild and Wicked

‍

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!

‍

‍When:

• Wednesday 29th July - Friday 31st July
• Tuesday 18th August - Thursday 20th August

‍

Cost: £130 per person

Book your 3 Day Wet, Wild 'n' Wicked here!

‍

‍

Half Day Paddleboarding

‍

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!

‍

‍When:

• Tuesday 28th July, 1:00pm - 4:00pm
• Tuesday 4th August, 9:00am - 12:00pm
• Thursday 13th August, 1:00pm - 4:00pm
• Friday 21st August, 1:00pm - 4:00pm
• Friday 28th August, 1:00pm - 4:00pm

‍

Cost: £20 per person

Book your Half Day Paddleboarding here!

‍

We are pleased to announce that booking for our May Half Term Outdoor Activities now live to book!

‍

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

‍

Full Day Archery & Climbing

‍

Our Full Day Archery and Climbing will have you channeling your inner Robin Hood as you learn archery skills that will have you hitting a bullseye in no time! Your adventure will continue as you learn footwork, handholds, body positioning and clipping techniques while tackling climbing routes on the steep faces of the Mendip Hills.

‍

When: Tuesday 26th May 2026, 9:00am - 4:00pm

Cost: £45 per person

Book your Full Day Archery & Climbing here!

‍

‍

Full Day Wet 'n' Wild

‍

Our Full Day Wet 'n' Wild Adventure will have you channeling your inner Robin Hood as you learn archery skills that will have you hitting a bullseye in no time! You will continue your day on the harbourside, experiencing the aquatic thrills of kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding.

‍

When: Wednesday 27th May 2026, 9:00am - 4:00pm

Cost: £45 per person

Book your Full Day Wet 'n' Wild here!

‍

‍

Half Day Kayaking

‍

Our Half Day Kayaking session is perfect for beginners and those with a little experience. Spend the session learning about basic paddling techniques and take part in fun, confidence-building games that encourage balance, agility and teamwork!

‍

When: Thursday 28th May 2026, 9:00am - 12:00pm

Cost: £20 per person

Book your Half Day Kayaking here!

We are pleased to share that the Bristol International Balloon Fiesta has chosen Young Bristol as their official charity partner, marking the beginning of a three‑year partnership that will build towards a pair of landmark anniversaries in 2028.

‍

The partnership will begin in 2026 and will run for three years, until 2028, culminating in the Fiesta’s 50th anniversary, which coincides with Young Bristol’s 100th year of supporting young people across the city.

‍

To celebrate the start of this incredible partnership, a hot air balloon visited BS14 Youth Club, offering young people from across our Community Youth Club network and Outdoor Employment Programme, families, local ward councillors and staff a rare, behind‑the‑scenes introduction to the world of ballooning. Young people and their families helped tether the balloon, pack it away, and spoke directly with pilots and crew about ballooning as both a sport and a potential career pathway.

‍

“We’re incredibly grateful to have been chosen as the Bristol International Balloon Fiesta charity partner for the next three years, which will see us celebrate both Young Bristol’s 100^th and the Fiesta’s 50^th anniversaries.

‍

Young Bristol is dedicated to enabling young people to build brighter futures, and is rooted in some of Bristol’s most deprived communities. The partnership will allow us to open doors for young people to discover new career opportunities, grow their confidence and develop essential life skills through structured visits in our community venues and on-site engagement at the Fiesta.

‍

We’re excited to see what’s to come across the three‑year partnership, and look forward to broadening horizons, raising aspirations and creating a lasting impact during Bristol’s famous heritage event.”

‍

said His Majesty's Vice Lord Lieutenant Lee Williams DL, Chief Executive at Young Bristol

‍

In 2026, our partnership with Bristol International Balloon Fiesta will focus on opening doors for young people to gain experiences within the ballooning industry, helping them understand how the sport works and the many roles involved beyond the moment of flight. From engineering and logistics to creative production and live events, the collaboration will shine a light on the pathways that sit behind one of Bristol’s most distinctive global industries.

‍

During the Fiesta on Friday 7th August - Sunday 9th August, Young Bristol plan to create a brand‑new 'Young Bristol Hub', where we hope to feature our Youth Club on Wheels, a climbing wall, live performances, creative workshops and sport taster sessions, offering hands‑on activities for young people and families throughou tthe three‑day event.

‍

We would like to share a huge thanks to the Bristol International Balloon Fiesta for their incredible support. Find out other ways that you can support Young Bristol here!

‍

Photographs taken by Linda Meaton Photography

Young Bristol are incredibly proud to share that five of our young people have been shortlisted in the Bristol Young Heroes Awards 2026!

‍

The Bristol Young Heroes Awards recognises and celebrates the valuable contribution that Bristol's young people make to the city. The awards shine light on those who have overcome difficult circumstances, made a difference to the lives of others, or have achieved something extraordinary this year!

‍

Juan, Outdoor Employment Programme - Action Hero

‍

Juan was nominated for the Action Hero Award as they have faced considerable adversity, prejudice in their community, and financial instability. Since joining the Outdoor Employment Programme, Juan has shown incredible determination to succeed against all odds, where they have already gained a number of qualifications in outdoor pursuits, encouraged and supported others to join and engage with the programme, and enrolled into college to take their GCSEs this year.

‍

"Juan has grown into an incredibly dedicated, reliable and strong member of the Outdoor Employment Program. A real ‘yes’ person who approaches all challenges with a calm, positive approach. In my 25 years working with young people, I have not met a young person who is more resilient than them!"

‍

said Phil Harris, Outdoor Employment Programme Lead

‍

‍

‍

Lucas, Hartcliffe Club for Young People - Community Hero

‍

Lucas was nominated for the Community Hero as he has grown into one of the most inspiring young leaders within the Hartcliffe community. When Lucas first began attending Hartcliffe Club, he was a quiet and reserved young person. Through consistent engagement, dedication, and a genuine desire to help others, he has transformed into a confident, articulate and deeply respected youth leader.

‍

"Lucas is an exceptional role model, who leads with empathy, understanding, and integrity. He motivates others not through authority, but through kindness, encouragement and a belief that every young person deserves to be listened to. His impact is significant, and his potential is extraordinary! He uplifts others, strengthens his community, and shows what can be achieved when a young person is empowered to lead."

‍

said the staff team at Hartcliffe Club for Young People

‍

‍

Poppy, Hartcliffe Club for Young People - Sporting Hero

‍

Poppy was nominated for the Sporting Hero Award as she has shown extraordinary courage and maturity, and continues to work hard at school whilst pouring her energy into the sport she loves. Last year, Poppy faced an immense personal heartbreak, with the loss of close family members who were deeply important to her. Even in the face of adversity, Poppy continues to shine and channels her emotions into her dancing. Her positivity, resilience, and dedication inspires everyone around her.

‍

"Poppy is a young woman whose dedication, resilience, and passion for dance make her an outstanding role model. Her commitment to dance is exceptional and she trains with determination, discipline, and a drive to continually improve. She has been selected to represent Great Britain at the Olympic dance competition. This honour reflects her talent, perseverance and unwavering spirit."

‍

‍

Rudi-Lee, Avon Youth Club - Learning Hero

‍

Rudi-Lee was nominated for the Learning Hero Award as Club Leaders have seen increasing improvements in his overall behaviour and perspective; he has grown in confidence and now actively seeks out opportunities to get involved in activities. Rudi-Lee became a member of Avon Youth Club in 2024, where he struggled behaviourally at Club and at school. Rudi-Lee worked really hard to prove himself, and recently started back at his mainstream school, after attending a provision elsewhere and on the verge of permanent exclusion.

‍

"Having previously finding aspects of school challenging, he is now beginning to approach his learning with renewed focus and resilience, alongside a clear desire to succeed. He is building strong and secure relationships with key trusted adults and is developing friendships with peers. Rudi certainly has a more positive attitude towards school."

‍

said Alasdair Keys, Associate Assistant Principal at Oasis Brightstowe

‍

‍

Tico, Hartcliffe Club for Young People - Environmental Hero

‍

Tico was nominated for the Environmental Hero as he is an outstanding young environmental leader whose passion, commitment, and hands‑on action are transforming the way young people in Bristol understand and care for the natural world. His work goes far beyond personal interest—Tico is actively shaping a greener future for his community by educating, inspiring, and mobilising others.

‍

"Tico demonstrates every day that young people are not only the future of environmental action—they are the driving force of it right now. His work is already leaving a lasting legacy of increased biodiversity, stronger community engagement, and a generation of young people who feel inspired to care for the planet."

‍

said the staff team at Hartcliffe Club for Young People

‍

‍

Young Bristol would also like to recognise Esme, Evie, James and Lola who were nominated and have achieved incredible things during 2025. Thank you Bristol Young Heroes for highlighting everything our young people have achieved in the past year. We wish all the shortlisted young people and teams the best of luck in July 2026!

We are delighted to announce that we will be hosting our annual Golf Day & Dinner 2026! If you are a business in the South West with some keen golfers or an ethos for supporting local charities, this is the event for you!

‍

When: Thursday 18th June 2026, arrival from 8:00am for a 9:30am tee off

Where: Tall Pines Golf Club, Cooks Bridle Path, Bristol, BS48 3DJ

£300 per team of 4 - sponsorship opportunities available!

‍

After the success of our Golf Day & Dinner 2025, we are pleased to welcome 18 teams to take part in raising vital funds for Bristol's children and young people. Our Golf Day & Dinner offers the perfect opportunity to network with other local businesses, whilst supporting the excellent work that Young Bristol does across the city!

‍

Ticket prices include a bacon roll and hot drinks on arrival, refreshments at halfway house and a 1 course-meal after the golf. We are also offering a fun package of competitions including Longest Drive, Nearest the Pin and Putting Competition!

‍

If you would like to sign up your team, please get in touch by emailing info@youngbristol.com!

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.

‍

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.

‍

Our Impact

‍

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:

‍

• 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

‍

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.

This month, Young Bristol were pleased to receive an egg-staordinary, generous donation from local construction recruitment company, Leggwork!

‍

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.

‍

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!

‍

"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!"

‍

Justin, Director at Leggwork

‍

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!

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.

‍

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:

‍

‍

About the Head of Fundraising and Communications role

‍

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.

‍

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.

‍

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.

‍

Hours and shifts: 37.5 hours per week, Monday - Friday

‍

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

‍

Alternatively, post an application to the address below:

Young Bristol

BS14 Youth Club

Stockwood Lane

Bristol

BS14 8SJ

‍

Closing date:

Wednesday 22nd April 2026, 5:00pm

On Friday 13th March, we were delighted to welcome the team from Leggwork to The Grove @ Bedminster Down, where five of their dedicated team members helped us to improve our facilities for young people.

‍

The group spent their day taking care of the club’s outdoor spaces, helping at the club with weeding, gardening, and litter picking as well as planting new flowers into the clubs planters. Their hard work has made the area cleaner, more welcoming, and ready for young people to enjoy.

‍

“Volunteering at The Grove was a brilliant experience for the Leggwork team. Supporting Young Bristol a great deal to us, the opportunities and support they provide for young people in our community are genuinely life changing. It was a privilege to play a small part in improving a space that will continue to benefit the local community for years to come.”

‍

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