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This week, The Grove @ Bedminster Down hosted their annual Christmas Fair at Bedminster Down Ex Service Club! Over 100 local residents came through the doors, enjoying all of the stalls and activities we had on offer.
This year, our young people led a social action project, where their voices were integral to shaping the stalls and activities. They even ran their own stall at the fair.
The fair featured a range of other stalls, including tarot card readings, jewellery, a lucky wheel, and food stalls. Visitors also enjoyed activities such as a raffle and bottle tombola. We were even lucky enough to welcome Santa and his elves to the fair, who hosted a grotto to help raise funds for The Grove!
To finish the Christmas Fair, the raffle ticket winners were announced, with some incredible prizes on offer, many of which were kindly donated by local businesses. These included a family pass to visit the SS Great Britain, go-karting tickets, and food vouchers. A big thank you to everyone who donated a raffle prize!
We hope everyone enjoyed this year’s Christmas Fair. We are incredibly grateful to everyone who helped us raise significant funds, which will all be donated back to The Grove. Thank you to all the Young Bristol staff and young people who got involved—you made this event one to remember!
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Young Bristol are delighted that our Outdoor Employment Programme has been shortlisted as a finalist for the 'Tackling Youth Inactivity Award' at the Children and Young People Now Awards 2026!
The Children and Young People Now Awards showcase innovation and outstanding practice across the children’s services sector. The Awards champion the vital work of services supporting children, young people and families across the UK.
Our Outdoor Employment Programme (OEP) was nominated for the Tackling Youth Inactivity Award - recognising the programmes pivotal work across Bristol for the last 13 years. The OEP supports young people aged 16-25 who are not in employment, education or training (NEET), and those who face significant barriers to employment.
The OEP acts as a vital lifeline and key steppingstone for young people who have experienced times of homelessness, young carers who have responsibility of looking after parents, those with refugee or asylum seeker status or have learning difficulties, and struggle with the structure of a traditional school or education environment.
Since the launch of the programme in 2013, it has transformed the lives of hundreds of young people from across Bristol:
Over 360 young people age 16 – 25 years old supported since 2013.
Over 250 hours of training provided each year.
Nearly 1000 Instructor and NGB Qualifications awarded to trainees since 2013
50 young people supported by Redpoint Bristol’s volunteering scheme, with 7 trainees undergoing the mentoring programme this year alone.
Over 100 trainees employed through the Go Aloft! Programme with SS Great Britain. Over 98% of those employed through the partnership remain in employment or have moved into full time education.
7 NEET trainees volunteered at the Glastonbury Festival (2 of those have returned for 2 years and volunteers are managed by 2 more OEP alumni)
Thank you to the Children and Young People Now Awards for recognising the fantastic work of our Outdoor Employment Programme. We look forward to celebrating alongside services from across the UK later this year.
This month, we were excited to invite 6 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 Ashton Vale Club for Young People, Avon Youth Club, BS14 Youth Club and the Youth Club on Wheels Hengrove session take part in a jam-packed weekend full of activities at Thriftwood Scout Camp Site, from Friday 3rd July - Sunday 5th July 2026!
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!
"She hasn’t stopped taking about it since coming home. She loved the Essex Adventure Weekend!"
said parent of a young person
"As a Youth Worker, it's always an amazing feeling when you take young people who don’t know each other away and starting to see them forming friendships. It’s great to see that, even though we had young people from four different areas of Bristol, they were able to come together and form a strong-bonded group for this weekend."
said Jason Beckhelling-Terry, Head of Youth Work
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!
Young Bristol and members of our Outdoor Employment Programme were delighted to take part in the 2026 Bristol Rotary Dragon Boat Race, joining teams from across the city on Bristol's Harbourside.
The Bristol Rotary Dragon Boat Race is an annual event organised by the Bristol Breakfast Rotary Club. The event aims to raise money for local charities, and is open to everyone, regardless of experience, to take part in. The day is well known for its fun atmosphere and community spirit.
The Dragon Boat Race was an incredible opportunity for Young Bristol and our Outdoor Employment Programme Trainees to meet local organisations, build new connections and raise awareness of the vital work we provide young people across the city.
"I had an amazing time taking part in the Dragon Boat race, I'm excited to come back next year to win!"
said Outdoor Employment Programme Trainees
Our team also enjoyed speaking with local businesses, charities and groups who wanted to learn more about Young Bristol, and how we support young people across the city, providing them with a safe space and caring, trusted adults.
We would like to share thanks to the Bristol Rotary Club for hosting an incredible event, we look forwards to hopefully joining again next year! If you would like to find out about accessing opportunities through our Outdoor Employment Programme, click here. If you would like to support Young Bristol, click here and find out how to get started.
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.
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.
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:
Ashton Vale Club for Young People
Monday 27th July, 5:30pm - 8:30pm (Ages 12-19)
Tuesday 28th July, 5:30pm - 8:30pm (Ages 8-11)
Monday 3rd August, 5:30pm - 8:30pm (Ages 12-19)
Tuesday 4th August, 5:30pm - 8:30pm (Ages 8-11)
Monday 10th August, 5:30pm - 8:30pm (Ages 12-19)
Tuesday 11th August, 5:30pm - 8:30pm (Ages 8-11)
Monday 17th August, 5:30pm - 8:30pm (Ages 12-19)
Tuesday 18th August, 5:30pm - 8:30pm (Ages 8-11)
Monday 24th August, 6:30pm - 8:30pm (Ages 12-19)
Tuesday 25th August, 6:30pm - 8:30pm (Ages 8-11)
Please note: we will be closed for the bank holiday on Monday 31st August,all other sessions will continue as normal.
Address: Ashton Vale Club for Young People, Silbury Road, BS3 2QE
BS14 Stockwood Youth Club
Monday 27th July, 5:30pm - 8:30pm (Ages 11-19)
Tuesday 28th July, 6:30pm - 8:30pm (Looked After Children session, referral only)
Thursday 30th July, 5:30pm - 8:30pm (Ages 8-11)
Monday 3rd August, 6:30pm - 8:30pm (Ages 12-19)
Tuesday 4th August, 5:30pm - 8:30pm (Looked After Children session, referral only)
Thursday 6th August, 5:30pm - 8:30pm (Ages 8-11)
Monday 10th August, 5:30pm - 8:30pm (Ages 11-19)
Tuesday 11th August, 6:30pm - 8:30pm (Looked After Children session, referral only)
Thursday 13th August, 5:30pm - 8:30pm (Ages 8-11)
Monday 17th August, 6:30pm - 8:30pm (Ages 11-19)
Tuesday 18th August, 5:30pm - 8:30pm (Looked After Children session, referral only)
Thursday 20th August, 5:30pm - 8:30pm (Ages 8-11)
Monday 24th August, 6:30pm - 8:30pm (Ages 11-19)
Tuesday 25th August, 6:30pm - 8:30pm (Looked After Children session, referral only)
Thursday 27th August, 6:30pm - 8:30pm (Ages 8-11)
Please note: we will be closed for the bank holiday on Monday 31st August,all other sessions will continue as normal.
On Thursday 18th June, Young Bristol were delighted to host our annual Golf Day & Dinner. We invited golfers to the Tall Pines Golf Club, all competing to win the trophy on the 18-hole course.
Our Golf Day & Dinner saw a number of golfers taking part in our annual Golf Day & Dinner at the Tall Pines Golf Club. 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 golf tees, golf markers, balls, snack bars, 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.
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 sessionshere!
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.
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!
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.
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!
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!
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!
On Sunday 24th May, BBS Plumbing and Heating Supplies hosted a Charity Football Match at Ashton Gate Football Stadium to raise money for Young Bristol!
BBS Plumbing and Heating Supplies are one of our incredible, valued supporters, who have previously supported us through donations of sanitaryware, bake sales as well as through their 90th birthday dinner!
The Charity Football Match saw BBS staff and customers come together at Ashton Gate Football Stadium, competing head-to-head to raise money for Young Bristol! The day ended with a delicious meal and an awards ceremony for all the players that took part.
The incredible event raised £1,100, which will help us to further support young people to improve their wellbeing, increase their physical activity, develop teamwork and communication skills, and build long-term confidence.
We would like to say a huge thank you to BBS Plumbing and Heating, as well as everyone that took part, donated and helped make the event a fantastic success!
Looking to support a charity but not sure where to start? Click here to learn more how you can support Young Bristol - our fundraising team are able to support you every step of the way!
On Sunday 10th May, we were pleased to see 45 runners from a number of our valued corporates sign up to the Bristol 10k and Half Marathon to raise money for Young Bristol!
The Great Bristol runs, set off from the heart of Bristol's City Centre, and lapped around some of the cities most iconic landmarks, with the race being known for its scenic views.
“Taking part in the Bristol Half / 10k was a brilliant day for everyone at Leggwork. We wanted to support YB because the work you do with young people in the city has a real, lasting impact on their futures, and it is important for us to give something back to the communities we work in. The atmosphere on the day was amazing, and it was great to see our team come together for such a positive cause.”
said Justin, Director from Leggwork
“Proud to have taken part alongside some of our team members at The Bristol in the Bristol 10K and Half Marathon in support of YB. We’re excited to be working with them this year, with our team able to use their Step Forward day to support charitable causes; whether that’s spending time at their centres or getting involved in fundraising activities.”
added Mehmet Kandemir, General Manager, The Bristol
Thank you to the 45 runners who took part in both Bristol 10k and Half Marathons to raise money for Young Bristol - we appreciate your ongoing support!
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!
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 sessionshere!
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.
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.
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!
