How you can support Young Bristol - Run for charity

Last week, we were delighted to welcome the team from Unite Students to Ashton Vale Club for Young People where eight of their dedicated team members helped us to improve our facilities for young people.

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During their voluntary day, the team from Unite Students helped us with a number of outdoor tasks, where they spent the day in the clubs multi-sports court and around the clubs other external facilities. The team helped us with weeding, cleaning, cutting back brambles and sweeping around the club.

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“Unite Students get involved with volunteering days to support our positive impact goals and give back to local communities. Today’s been brilliant for team building and getting to know people we wouldn’t normally interact with. It felt great to take pride in the space, which we feel will have a great knock-on effect on the young people attending the club!”

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Aaron Ford and Chris Corns, Unite Students

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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!

Young Bristol are supporting World Mental Health Day, highlighting the importance of good mental health and the need to prioritise and invest in good mental health, on Friday 10th October.

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This year, the theme of World Mental Health Day is 'access to services - mental health in catastrophes and emergencies', which explores the importance of people being able to protect their mental health in times of global instability.

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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.

Last week, we were delighted to welcome the team from Computershare to BS14 Youth Club, where four of their dedicated team members helped us to improve our facilities for young people.

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During their voluntary day, the team from Computershare helped us with a number of outdoor tasks, where they spent the day in the clubs garden, car park and around the clubs other external facilities. The team helped us with weeding, cleaning, cutting back brambles and sweeping around the club.

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

Young Bristol are delighted to announce, Chief Executive, Lee Williams DL has been appointed Acting Vice Lord-Lieutenant for the County and City of Bristol.

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The Vice Lord-Lieutenant is appointed by HM Lord Lieutenant Mrs Peaches Golding OBE CStJ RNR and is subject to the approval of the King. The appointment recognises distinguished service to the community, predominately in a voluntary capacity. The Vice Lord-Lieutenant assists the Lord Lieutenant with a range of duties at her request, examples include, representing her to welcome Royal visitors to the County, deputising at formal functions, award ceremonies, citizenship ceremonies to name a few.

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On receiving this honour Lee Williams DL said,

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“Having been appointed a Deputy Lieutenant in July 2020 to now be appointed Acting Vice Lord- Lieutenant of the City you were born, educated and have spent your working life in, is a tremendous honour for myself and my family. I look forward to assisting and supporting HM Lord Lieutenant in performing her duties, deputising for her when required.”

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As Chief Executive of Young Bristol since 2018, Lee has led the Bristol-based youth charity to become a multi-award winning organisation that supports thousands of young people year-on-year; making a lasting and significant contribution to the city of Bristol. With deep corporate and voluntary sector  leadership experience and a passion for serving young people, Lee has been committed to advancing the growth, stability, and impact of our Mission across Greater Bristol communities.

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Lee’s history at Young Bristol stems back far before his role as Chief Executive. His early experiences as a member of a Bristol Boys Club in the1970’s, Lee saw first-hand how important a safe place, with caring adults that provide positive opportunities is in a young person’s life. It is these personal experiences, that has given Lee the insight to lead the charity with unwavering commitment through periods of change and growth, to have an impactful role in communities across Greater Bristol.

Lee’s lifelong passion is supporting community based youth provision; and this can be seen through his commitments outside of Young Bristol. Lee is a Trustee of several charities, member of Youth Organisation Governing Bodies and supports the High Sheriff of the City of Bristol on youth related matters.

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Lee’s appointment as Acting Vice Lord-Lieutenant is a testament to his commitment and dedication to his work with the voluntary sector, and desires for a brighter future for young people. Young Bristol would like to share their congratulations to Lee on this prestigious honour.

We are incredibly proud to announce that Reece Pennington-Field, Young Leader and young person at BS14 Youth Club, was awarded the 'Young Person of the Year' award at the NABGC Awards Evening 2025!

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The 'Young Person of the Year' Award is presented to a young person, aged 11-25, who has displayed a strong committment to their local club, its values, and the programmes they deliver. The award also looks for young people who have volunteered or shown leadership at their club.

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We would like to congratulate Reece from BS14 Youth Club's 'Looked After Children session', who was awarded the 'Young Person of the Year' Award at the NABGC Awards Ceremony 2025!

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Reece is an active member of BS14 Youth Club's 'Looked After Children' sessions, and has acted as a Young Volunteer at the clubs junior sessions since April 2024. Reece was nominated for the 'Young Person of the Year' Award after taking on a natural leadership role, where he has helped staff to run tuck shop and supported his peers. He also lends a listening ear and comforting words to new young people who join the sessions, allowing them a comforting space to talk about their situation, and uses his own experiences as example.

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On busy evenings, the club will always see Reece go above and beyond to help staff at the club, where he will always offer to help set up tuck, hand out or cook food for other members and wash up. Since spending time working with our Juniors, Reece has changed his pathway and is now studying Health and Social Care, working towards completing his Level 1 & 2 Youth Work qualifications. His long-term goal is to become a Youth Worker at his Youth Club!

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Reece's foster carer said:

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"Reece is nothing short of a real-life superhero, and we are beyond proud to have had the privilege of watching him grow into such a compassionate and thoughtful young man. Witnessing Reece walk this remarkable path has been an honour. We couldn’t be prouder of him and all he has accomplished."

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Young Bristol would also like to recognise Owen and Romaine who were nominated for the 'Outstanding Leader of the Year' Award as well as Mason who was nominated for the 'Young Person of the Year' Award this year.

We know that in the coming weeks and months, young people will need our Youth Clubs and programmes more than ever before; providing them with positive activities, support, advice and a safe place to go.

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With your support now, we can continue to provide vital opportunities for young people:

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• £4 a month pays for a young person to go on a residential experience
• £30 a month pays for one evening of Youth Work for 35 young people with our trained Youth Leaders
• £40 a month will provide a young person on our Outdoor Employment Programme with a Paddlesport Instructor qualification

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Our vital work relies on your kind donations, big or small. With your help we can continue to improve the lives of young people across Bristol and beyond. Help to create a better future for our young people. Click here to make a donation today!

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Tremaine's Story

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Tremaine was 8 when he moved to Bristol from Scotland with his brother to live with his grandparents. At age 11, he joined his local secondary school but was bullied due to his dual heritage and Scottish accent. This caused Tremaine to struggle to fit in and make friends, not socialising outside of school and spending most of his time with his grandparents. During this time, his grandad's health declined, also making Tremaine a young carer.

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Tremaine started coming to an after-school project in 2018 with his cousin at Hartcliffe Club for Young People to help with his low confidence and social skills. Within a few weeks of attending the club, Tremaine had started to make friends and join in with activities. During this time, he build up a strong relationship with a black youth worker who supported him through discussions and information about race, culture and heritage.

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Over the following 6 years, Tremaine has continued to grow in confidence and popularity, where in 2022, he took part in a young leaders course covering the issues of equality, teamwork and public speaking. He completed the course with flying colours and went on to complete volunteer course. Since then, he has also been voted 'Young Leader of the Year' by his peers and staff, attended residentials abroad and won the 'High Sheriff' Award at the Bristol Young Heroes Awards 2024.

This month, we were pleased to take nine young people from Young Bristol's Outdoor Employment Programme to RSPB's Cameron's Cottage in the New Forest!

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Cameron’s Cottage was created as a legacy to Cameron Bespolka who died in 2013, aged sixteen. Cameron had a deep passion for nature, which began as a young child and developed further as he got older. The groups residential week was designed for the group to engage with the natural world in a number of exciting and unique ways, including outdoor cooking, survival skills, shelter building and learning conservation skills.

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"I learnt so much and gained a lot of new skills. This week have been amazing and a great experience that I'll remember forever!"

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Tuesday

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Once the group settled and unpacked in the cottage, their first activity of the week was setting up camera traps. The RSPB team taught our Outdoor Employment Trainees why they use camera traps, and how to set them up. Trainees then explored the reserve, searching for signs of animal activity such as footprints, droppings or disturbed wildlife. This allowed them to figure the best places to set up their camera traps, which they reviewed later in the week.

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Their first evening was finished with a barbecue, with the whole group sitting round the fire, making new friendships and playing card games!

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Wednesday

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The trainees first day in the cottage began with a conservation workshop, where young people explored the idea that dogs ahve an imapct on New Forest's environment. They did this by looking at the potential positve and negative imapcts that they have, and then mind-mapped ways that this could potentially be resolved.

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After lunch, the group ventured out onto an extended walk, where they explored the reserved, learnt about the types of plants and fungi that grew in the local environment and enjoyed a session of pond dipping at the lake.

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During the evening, participants got together to discuss a workshop that they are currently working on, which is planned to be delivered across our Community Youth Club network over the next couple of months!

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Thursday

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The groups second full day at the cottage was all about survival and bushcraft skills. Young people started the day by learning the basics of bushcraft, where they learnt how to light fires, use kelly kettles to boil water, and carve wooden pegs that would later be used in shelter building.

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The group then spent their afternoon building their own shelters, where they used all the skills that they had learnt during the mornings session to build a shelter that would hopefully protect them from the rain!

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The day wrapped up with an evening adventure outside the cottage, where the group searched for bats and enjoyed star-gazing around the reserve.

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Friday

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During the final day, trainees took on a final task of clearing rhododendrons, an invasive species that causes a reduction in the forests natural biodiversity. Our group spent the morning learning how to safely use loppers and gardening knives as well as collecting wood that could later be used for fires and carving activities by future visitors. This voluntary session was a way for our group to give back and say thanks to RSPB and Cameron's Cottage for for hosting and funding an amazing residential.

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We would like to thank RSPB and the Cameron Bespolka Trust for hosting an incredible week away for our Outdoor Employment Programme. Well done to all the trainees that took part, it was amazing to see their passion and curiosity for conservation be highlighted throughout the week.

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To find out more about how you can get involved with our Outdoor Employment Programme, click here.

Last week, we were delighted to welcome the team from Computershare to The Grove @ Bedminster Down, where 7 of their dedicated team members helped us to improve our facilities for young people!

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During their voluntary day, the team from Computershare joined us outside in the sunshine to get stuck in with some outdoors tasks! The volunteers spent the day in the clubs garden helping us with outdoor maintenance, which included cutting the grass, weeding, cutting back brambles and sweeping around the club.

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

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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.

On Saturday 13th September, Young Bristol were pleased to attend Tockington Manor Schools 'Russell Run', raising money for the young people we support across Bristol!

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Tockington Manor Schools 'Russell Run' is a 5km fun run, jog or walk that was open to all members of the family around the schools 28 acres of land. The event was named after a beloved former teacher.

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The Russell Run celebrated the start of the school year, inviting the schools students, families, staff, alumni and dogs to come together in fancy dress and take part in the event. It was great to see a day full of excitement, laughter and fun.

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Tockington Manor School have kindly chosen Young Bristol as their 'Charity of the Year' for the 2025-26 school year. As part of this partnership, they also plan to host a Christmas Fair, Christmas Jumper Day, Carol Service, a school triathlon day, a Disney Day and a number of non-uniform days.

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Thank you to everyone at Tockington Manor School that has helped to make the first fundraising event of the year a success. We look forward to working with you throughout the school year!