June 2, 2020

Young Bristol receives The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service

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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.

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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

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“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.

For more information on how you can support our work please click here.

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June 13, 2025

Unite Students Volunteer with Young Bristol!

This week, we were delighted to welcome the team from Unite Students to BS14 Stockwood Youth Club, where seven of their dedicated team members helped us to improve our facilities for young people!

During their voluntary day, the team from Unite Students joined us outside, despite the rain, to get stuck in with some outdoors tasks! The volunteers spent the day cleared weeds around the multi-sports court and well-being garden as well as other outdoor maintenance.

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 support!

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.

Stories
June 10, 2025

Fundraising at the Cheddar Gorge 10k 2025!

On Sunday 8th June, we were pleased to see Fabien from Burges Salmon sign up to the Cheddar Gorge 10k to raise money for Young Bristol!

The Cheddar Gorge run is known for its scenic views and stretches over a great variety of terrain, with the route going through a mixture of open meadows, rocky outcrops and cliff edges.

It was amazing to see Fabien from Burges Salmon preparing for his challenge and fundraising for young people across Bristol!

“It was a great experience seeing runners of all levels and ages take on this tough challenge. The terrain and Hell Steps on the course were unforgiving, but it was worth it when taking in the breath-taking views on top of the Gorge!

Thank you to Fabien for taking part in the Cheddar Gorge 10k - we appreciate your ongoing support! If you would like to support his continued fundraising, click here.

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!

Event news
Stories
June 5, 2025

Celebrating Volunteers' Week 2025!

This week, Young Bristol are excited to celebrate Volunteers' Week, recognising the contributions of volunteers across the UK, between Monday 2nd June and Friday 6th June.

Throughout the week, we have been shining light on our amazing volunteers, who support us across the charity to offer a safe and inclusive environments, where young people can feel empowered, included ands not alone!

Our Volunteers: Katie

Meet Katie, a volunteer at BS14 Youth Club's Looked After Children sessions. Katie has volunteered on the sessions since February 2023.

Katie found out about volunteering with Young Bristol through an online search, hoping to volunteer with young people in the Bristol area. She was hoping to get more experience working with young people, as they were going through the adoption process and so wanted to boost her confidence, as well as improve her application.

“I love that we give the foster families the chance to have a break, that the children learn to socialise and have fun. I’ve seen children join the Club being very nervous and socially anxious, and then grow in confidence!”

Since first volunteering, Katie says she has gained a lot of confidence and it has been a great insight into the foster system and how supported the young people are. Katie feels that volunteering has given her a sense of purpose, and would recommend volunteering to anyone as she has found her experience fun and rewarding!

Our Young Leaders: Lola

At Young Bristol, we have a network of 8 Young Leaders, who help staff members to run activities, sell snacks at the Tuck Shop and settle in new young people.

Meet Lola, who is one of our newest Young Leaders to the team across our network. Lola initially joined Sea Mills Boys and Girls Club last year, and loved playing games spending time with others and having fun at the club.

She wanted to become a Young Leader at the club as she believes it is important to help the people around her and enjoys supporting the junior members at the club and residents in her local community. As a Young Leader, Lola has so far enjoyed interacting with both young people and staff.

"One piece of advice I would give to anyone wanting to become a Young Leader is just go for it! Just make sure that you continue to support those around you no matter what!”

Our corporate partners: TLT

TLT is one of our amazing corporate partners, from our number of incredibly generous partnerships we have developed, who have gone above and beyond to voluntarily raise money and support Young Bristol.

Over the last two years, TLT have held a number of fundraising events, including their Christmas Quiz Night, Bingo Night, World Cup Sweepstake and Olympic movement challenge. Each event encouraged their team to get together and raise money for Young Bristol!

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Team news
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June 3, 2025

What's on: June 2025!

Are you looking to take part in exciting activities this month? Young Bristol have a range of activities, events and opportunities for young people and the wider community! Find out below what's on in your local area this month!

Spoken Word Competition

For this months competition, young people will create a video or audio spoken word entry no longer than 2 minutes long, that will follow the theme of ‘young people’.

When: Monday 2nd June - Friday 20th June

For: Ages 8-19

How to enter: email jbt@youngbristol.com

Essex Adventure Weekend

The Essex Adventure Weekend is a residential camping weekend away, filled with a range of exciting activities, that will offer something for all to enjoy!

When: Friday 20th June - Sunday 22nd June

Where: Thriftwood Scout Centre

For: Ages 13+

Also this month...

Community Youth Clubs - For 8 – 19 year olds and are located in many areas across Bristol, open up to 5 nights per week. Each Club offers a safe and inclusive environment, staffed by caring, trained adults. Click here to find out more.

Outdoor Employment Programme - Our free programme for young people aged 16-25 helps to develop new skills and gain nationally recognised qualifications in a variety of outdoor activities. Click here to find out more.

Youth Club on Wheels - Our mobile youth service works with young people aged 8-19 in hard-to-reach areas of the city and rural areas where there is currently no youth provision. Click here to find out more.

Programmes
Event news
May 30, 2025

Young Bristol host interclub dodgeball tournament 2025!

This May half term, Young Bristol have offered a wide range of activities for all young people to take part in. From sporting to creative activities, we’ve had something for everyone!

This week, we hosted an Interclub Dodgeball Tournament at Avon Youth Club, welcoming over 33 young people from across our club network to take part. The day brought together young people from Avon Youth Club, Hartcliffe Club for Young People and The Grove @ Bedminster Down.

After some intense matches, it was announced that Hartcliffe Club for Young People were awarded the junior trophy, and Avon Youth Club were awarded the senior trophy!

Well done to all the young people who took part. It was fantastic to see them interacting and making new friends, as well as engaging other young people from across our network.

We would like to thank Avon Youth Club for facilitating our dodgeball tournament, who provided activities for our young people when they were not taking part in matches. To find out more about our Community Youth Clubs, click here!

Programmes
Stories
May 28, 2025

Young people take part in Young Bristol's Canoe Test 2025!

This year, Young Bristol were pleased to organise the NABGC Canoe Test, celebrating the 60th year of paddling with young people down the River Wye!

Across the bank holiday weekend, 32 young people from Young Bristol as well as young people associated with the National Association of Boys and Girls Clubs took part in The Canoe Test 2025. The challenge took place over four days, with participants paddling up to 100 miles down the River Wye.

Young people taking part in The Canoe Test showed incredible dedication across the weekend, with the majority completing the full 100 miles! The event saw the group learn life-changing skills, grow their confidence and make friends for life!

The four days of canoeing down the River Wye were all under the expert guidance of Young Bristol's Commercial Activities team, ably supported by a number of volunteers, all giving up their bank holiday weekend to ensure all young people participating in this years Canoe Test had an incredible experience!

Thank you to everyone who helped to make this years Canoe Test a truly unforgettable event, celebrating its 60th anniversary. It was amazing to see a weekend full of learning, laughter and friendship-building!

If you would like to find out more about our upcoming opportunities that are available across our network, visit our 'What's On' page here!

Event news
Programmes
May 26, 2025

Investing in BS14 Youth Clubs facilities!

Young Bristol were pleased to see BS14 Youth Club go through a number of recent refurbishments, with exciting developments to the clubs art room!

As part of Young Bristol's 2025-28 Strategic Priorities, the charity continues to focus on investing in our infrastructure and resources, giving young people and their local communities an environment they can thrive in!

The work at BS14 has most recently seen a huge improvement to the clubs art room, with new equipment, supplies and mural all being added to create a more inspiring, creative space for our young people. We hope that these improvements will improve the creative opportunities we can offer from the club!

We would like to thank Lauren Sinclair for creating our mural and bringing our young peoples visions to life in the art room! A huge thank you to Masters for installing our new equipment!

We are committed to continuing our mission and strategic investment by providing safe, welcoming spaces for young people, where they can build friendships, access support and be themselves!

Before:

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May 23, 2025

Investing in Avon Youth Clubs facilities!

Young Bristol were pleased to see Avon Youth Club go through a number of recent refurbishments, with exciting developments to a number of the clubs facilities.

As part of Young Bristol's 2025-28 Strategic Priorities, the charity continues to focus on investing in our infrastructure and resources, giving young people and their local communities an environment they can thrive in!

The work at Avon Youth Club has hugely improved the clubs external appearance and safety, with a new front door and a magnetic lock, fire exits and roller shutter being installed at the club. We hope that the improvements will benefit both our young people and the wider community who wish to use our club during the daytime!

We would like to thank The Asda Foundations Places and Spaces grant scheme for funding our recent refurbishments, helping us to maintain high-quality facilities across our network! A huge thank you to Masters for installing all our new refurbishments!

We are committed to continuing our mission and strategic investment by providing safe, welcoming spaces for young people, where they can build friendships, access support and be themselves!

Before:

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May 21, 2025

BOOK NOW: May Outdoor Activities 2025!

We are pleased to announce that booking for our May Half Term Outdoor Activities is now live!

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 sessions here!

Full Day Wet and Wild - £45pp

Channel your inner Robin Hood as you learn archery skills and embrace the art of bushcraft, alongside cooking over an open fire. Then experience the aquatic thrills with kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding across Bristol's iconic Harbour. Find out more information and book your Wet and Wild session here.

  • Thursday 29th May 2025

Half Day Kayaking - £20pp

A perfect session for beginners, and those with a little experience. Spend the session learning about the basic paddling techniques and take part in fun, confidence-building games that encourage balance, agility and teamwork. Find out more information and book your Half Day Kayaking session here.

  • Friday 30th May 2025, 1:00pm -4:00pm

Half Day Paddleboarding - £20pp

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 Paddleboarding session here.

  • Thursday 29th May 2025, 9:00am - 12:00pm

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