A warm welcome to Young Bristol's new Trustees!

Young Bristol are incredibly proud to share that Charlie Sinclair, Club Leader at BS14 Youth Club has completed her Level 3 Youth Work qualification!

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Charlie completed her Level 3 Youth Work qualification with South Gloucestershire Playscheme in 2025. Since beginning the course, Charlie has learnt how to engage with young people in a youth work setting, and how she can promote young people’s personal and social development, enabling them to have a voice and influence in the community.

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We are proud of Charlie for completing her Youth Work training, as this not only helps her to develop professionally, but has a huge impact on our delivery. Charlie has already used her learning to plan the clubs sessions and has changed the way she engages with our young people. Congratulations!

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- Andy Kimber, Head of Operations & HR

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At Young Bristol, we continue to reinforce our strategy pillars by developing our people and programmes by providing opportunities for personal and professional development, skills for life and opportunities to grow.

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Congratulations Charlie on completing your Level 3 Youth Work qualification!

Members of our programmes, past and present, are invited to join a flotilla in memory of Eli Sweeting on Saturday 2^nd August at 10am to celebrate the life and share memories of Eli. 

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A flotilla in memory of our friend Eli

When: Saturday 2^nd 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.

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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.

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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!

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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.

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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.

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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!

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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 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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Reflecting on his nomination and the event, Lee said:

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"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."

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.

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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.

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In our 2024 staff survey:

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• 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.

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By joining our dedicated team, you can help make positive impact on the lives of young people, please see below our current opportunities:

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YB Youth Club on Wheels - Driver

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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!

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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.

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Shifts and hours: Mondays and Wednesdays, 6 hour shifts from 2:30pm - 8:30pm

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Send your CV and cover letter, referencing why you would think you'd be a great fit to hr@youngbristol.com.

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YB Youth Club on Wheels - Senior Youth Leader

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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!

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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!

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Shifts and hours: Choose 2 or 4 weekday evenings; Tuesday and Thursday or Monday and Wednesday (2:30 PM – 8:30 PM)

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Send your CV and cover letter, referencing why you would think you'd be a great fit to hr@youngbristol.com.

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YB Programmes and Youth Voice Assistant

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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!

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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.

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Hours and shifts: 9 hours a week, evening sessional work Monday to Thursday (6:00 PM – 8:30 PM)

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Send your CV and cover letter, referencing why you would think you'd be a great fit to hr@youngbristol.com.

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YB Youth Club Leader

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Send your CV and cover letter, referencing why you would think you'd be a great fit to hr@youngbristol.com.

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How to apply:

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1. Download the YB Youth Club Leader and Young Bristol’s 2023-24 Impact Report
2. Send your CV and cover letter, referencing why you would think you'd be a great fit to hr@youngbristol.com.

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Alternatively, post an application to the address below:

Young Bristol

BS14 Youth Club

Stockwood Lane

Bristol

BS14 8SJ

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Closing date:

These are rolling adverts and will be filled when we find the right candidates.

Young Bristol's Pooles Wharf Outdoor Activity Centre celebrated its 25th anniversary last week, marking a quarter-century of providing outdoor activities to Bristol's young people.

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On Thursday 3rd - Friday 4th July, Burges Salmon took on the 25for25 challenge, raising over £32,000 for Young Bristol in celebration of our Outdoor Activity Centre's 25th anniversary.

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Over 240 people from across Burges Salmon, donning sparkles and fancy dress, flocked to the water to undertake a 25-hour continuous canoe relay along the River Avon and Bristol Docks, with the aim to raise money to support the future of the centre. Supporting Burges Salmon was our team of Outdoor Activity Instructors and staff team, who accompanied all paddlers throughout the 25-hour period.

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!