Unite Students Volunteer with Young Bristol!

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.

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."

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!

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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!

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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!

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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 Friday 4th July, we were pleased to attend the Bristol Young Heroes Awards to support our four young people who were nominated as finalists.

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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!

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Alicia, Ashton Vale Club for Young People - Super Hero

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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!

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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.

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Cheralee Mckeown, Club Leader at Ashton Vale Club for Young People said,

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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.

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When receiving her award, Alicia added,

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"I feel so happy and proud. I want to thank Young Bristol for the opportunity to come this far!"

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Joseph, Outdoor Employment Programme - Sports Hero

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Congratulations to Joseph from Young Bristol's Outdoor Employment Programme, who was awarded the Sports Hero Award at the Bristol Young Heroes!

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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!

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Phil Harris, Outdoor Employment Lead said,

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"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!"

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When receiving his award, Joseph added,

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"I'm really surprised, there were some other really good contestants in this category!"

On Sunday 6th July, we were pleased to see six employees from Unite Students sign up to 'The Drop' Bath to raise money for Young Bristol!

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Now more than ever before, young people and families across Bristol need the support of charities like Young Bristol. Taking on a fun run, marathon or challenge for charity, not only pushes yourself to new limits, but makes a huge difference to a local cause!

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Corporate Partner Unite Students, this month took on 'The Drop' Bath; which sees participants take a blindfolded bus trip to the drop point before completing a 10 mile challenge to get to the finish line, relying solely on their wits - using no technology, maps or watches.

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"The 6-strong band of intrepid explorers returned safe and sound from the blindfolded bus trip to nowhere. Their time to finish was 3 hours 1 minute 30 seconds - covering a total distance of 10.3 miles. ‍

‍The team demonstrated some pretty impressive direction finding - with plenty of highlights including over-curious cattle (Clare revealed her cow-whispering talents), some blood (brambles), sweat (lots of that) and tears (sun-cream in the eyes). Mansun receives the bravery medal having put up a courageous effort in the face of an excruciating blister!'

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Well done to the team at Unite Students for taking on this incredible event as part of their ongoing committment to Young Bristol, our young people and the services we provide across the city! To support their fundraising efforts click here.

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If you are interested in taking part in a third party fundraising event for Young Bristol, click here to learn how you can help fundraise for us!

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.

On Thursday 26th June, Young Bristol were delighted to host our annual Golf Day & Dinner. We invited 60 golfers to the Tall Pines Golf Club, all competing to win the trophy on the 18-hole course.

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Our Golf Day & Dinner was better than ever this year, with 15 teams taking part in our annual Golf Day & Dinner at the Tall Pines Golf Club, where the event saw teams put their golfing abilities to the test, competing to win a range of amazing prizes!

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Guests began their day with a bacon roll, hot drinks and a goody bag, which were filled with Young Bristol branded golf balls, ball markers, score cards, water to keep our golfers hydrated throughout the day, and some other amazing gifts donated by our Title Sponsors, Burges Salmon!

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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.

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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.

On Saturday 21st June, we were pleased to see Nick and Tom sign up to 'Chase The Sun North' to raise money for Young Bristol!

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Chase the Sun North is a cycling challenge that saw participants cycle 200 miles from East to West, starting at sunrise in Whitley Bay, and finishing at sunset in Ayr, Scotland! The coast to coast cycle is full of stunning vistas, wilderness, heaths, rivers, lochs, castles and beaches.

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It has been amazing to see Nick and Tom prepare for their second 'Chase the Sun' cycle whilst fundraising to support young people across Bristol. Thank you Nick and Tom for taking part in the 'Chase The Sun North' in aid of Young Bristol this month! Support their fundraising page here.

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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!