Young Bristol have today been honoured with The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service, the highest award a voluntary group can receive in the UK.
Young Bristol is an outstanding provider of community-based youth services that positively and sustainably impact the lives of young people aged 8 – 24 years.
Founded in 1928, Young Bristol has evolved into one of Bristol’s leading youth charities, providing 9 Community Youth Clubs and a Youth Club on Wheels, Outdoor Activities, as well as Sports, Creative, Employment and Educational programmes in communities across the city.
Volunteers are at the centre of our work; working with young people during their critical non-school hours to offer a choice of opportunities, experiences, education, training and accredited learning.
Lee Williams, CEO of Young Bristol commented, “On behalf of everyone connected with Young Bristol, including the many volunteers who support our work in so many ways, we are deeply honoured to receive this prestigious Award.
"Our army of volunteers make a profound and lasting impact on the lives of the children and young people we work with, supporting, inspiring and empowering them to succeed.”
There are so many ways individual volunteers support the work of Young Bristol. These range from being part of our Fundraising Committee and Trustee Board, volunteering at one of our Community Youth Clubs or Programmes, through to individuals and Corporate Partners raising much needed funds for the charity.
However, at the core of Young Bristol’s volunteers are young people who have previously benefited from the charity’s work.
Rob stands out as a volunteer because he understands that young people are all different, supporting them to find what they are good at and works with this to build their self-confidence.
“Young Bristol offers an opportunity for young people to succeed in talents not recognised and taught at school. This can be a lifeline to some kids,” says Robs mum.
She went onto say, “Rob shines because he responded to the volunteering opportunities afforded to him by Young Bristol and is keen to make sure that they are offered to others.”
Young Bristol is one of 230 charities, social enterprises and voluntary groups nationally to receive the prestigious Award this year.
The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service aims to recognise the outstanding work of voluntary groups who benefit their local communities. It was created in 2002 to celebrate the Queen’s Golden Jubilee.
CEO Lee Williams commented, “Unfortunately due to Corona Virus we will not be able to host a Volunteer Celebration Event today. However, subject to Government guidance we plan to celebrate with our many volunteers in the Autumn where we will formally receive the Award from the Lord-Lieutenant of Bristol, Mrs Peaches Golding OBE.”
Messages of support
“I could not be more delighted to hear that Young Bristol have been awarded The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service. We all need to hear good news, in these difficult times, in particular a recognition such as this award of the fantastic work of volunteers." Charles Wyld, former High Sheriff of Bristol.
“Huge congratulations to Young Bristol on being awarded the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service the highest recognition for the organisation and its volunteers dedication and incredible work in supporting our young people right across Bristol." James Durie, Chief Executive of the Bristol Chamber of Commerce & Initiative at Business West.
"I’d like to offer huge congratuations to Young Bristol for receiving this hugely significant award. The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service goes to groups who show consistent, outstanding service. Young Bristol have shown immense dedication to Bristol’s young people for many years - since being founded in 1928." Councillor Anna Keen, Cabinet Member with responsibility for Education and Skills.
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