Young Bristol's 2025 Highlights: A Year to Remember!

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

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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!

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Full Day Archery & Climbing

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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.

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When: Tuesday 26th May 2026, 9:00am - 4:00pm

Cost: £45 per person

Book your Full Day Archery & Climbing here!

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Full Day Wet 'n' Wild

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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.

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When: Wednesday 27th May 2026, 9:00am - 4:00pm

Cost: £45 per person

Book your Full Day Wet 'n' Wild here!

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Half Day Kayaking

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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!

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When: Thursday 28th May 2026, 9:00am - 12:00pm

Cost: £20 per person

Book your Half Day Kayaking here!

We are pleased to share that the Bristol International Balloon Fiesta has chosen Young Bristol as their official charity partner, marking the beginning of a three‑year partnership that will build towards a pair of landmark anniversaries in 2028.

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The partnership will begin in 2026 and will run for three years, until 2028, culminating in the Fiesta’s 50th anniversary, which coincides with Young Bristol’s 100th year of supporting young people across the city.

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To celebrate the start of this incredible partnership, a hot air balloon visited BS14 Youth Club, offering young people from across our Community Youth Club network and Outdoor Employment Programme, families, local ward councillors and staff a rare, behind‑the‑scenes introduction to the world of ballooning. Young people and their families helped tether the balloon, pack it away, and spoke directly with pilots and crew about ballooning as both a sport and a potential career pathway.

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“We’re incredibly grateful to have been chosen as the Bristol International Balloon Fiesta charity partner for the next three years, which will see us celebrate both Young Bristol’s 100^th and the Fiesta’s 50^th anniversaries.

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Young Bristol is dedicated to enabling young people to build brighter futures, and is rooted in some of Bristol’s most deprived communities. The partnership will allow us to open doors for young people to discover new career opportunities, grow their confidence and develop essential life skills through structured visits in our community venues and on-site engagement at the Fiesta.

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We’re excited to see what’s to come across the three‑year partnership, and look forward to broadening horizons, raising aspirations and creating a lasting impact during Bristol’s famous heritage event.”

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said His Majesty's Vice Lord Lieutenant Lee Williams DL, Chief Executive at Young Bristol

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In 2026, our partnership with Bristol International Balloon Fiesta will focus on opening doors for young people to gain experiences within the ballooning industry, helping them understand how the sport works and the many roles involved beyond the moment of flight. From engineering and logistics to creative production and live events, the collaboration will shine a light on the pathways that sit behind one of Bristol’s most distinctive global industries.

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During the Fiesta on Friday 7th August - Sunday 9th August, Young Bristol plan to create a brand‑new 'Young Bristol Hub', where we hope to feature our Youth Club on Wheels, a climbing wall, live performances, creative workshops and sport taster sessions, offering hands‑on activities for young people and families throughou tthe three‑day event.

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We would like to share a huge thanks to the Bristol International Balloon Fiesta for their incredible support. Find out other ways that you can support Young Bristol here!

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Photographs taken by Linda Meaton Photography

Young Bristol are proud to announce that our young people have been shortlisted for the Bristol Young Heroes Awards 20256!

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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 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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On Tuesday 5th May, our five shortlisted nominees attended the Bristol Young Heroes Awards Nominee reception at City Hall, hosted by Community of Purpose.

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The evening was an amazing event for all finalists of the award to meet the other nominees, collect their finalists certificates and were introduced to the awards fantastic supporters who can offer young people potential life changing opportunities.

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We wish shortlisted nominees the best of luck at the Bristol Young Heroes Awards in July:

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• Juan, Action Hero - Outdoor Employment Programme
• Lucas, Community Hero - Hartcliffe Club for Young People
• Poppy, Sports Hero - Hartcliffe Club for Young People
• Rudi-Lee, Learning Hero - Avon Youth Club
• Tico, Environmental Hero - Hartcliffe Club for Young People

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Young Bristol would also like to recognise Esme, Evie, James and Lola who were nominated and have achieved incredible things during 2025. To find out more information about their nominations, click here!

On Sunday 26th April, we were pleased to see Aaron from Unite Students sign up to the London Marathon to raise money for Young Bristol!

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The London Marathon is a 26.2 mile annual marathon held in London, and is a largely flat course is set around the River Thames, starting in Blackheath and finishing at The Mall.

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"The London Marathon was amazing! I think the best experience of my life. I got my sub-5 hour target and I'm so happy with the £1,000 I raised - thank you for the support behind the scenes!"

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said Aaron Ruse, London Marathon runner

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It has been amazing to see Aaron prepare for his exciting challenge, all while fundraising for our young people. Thank you to Aaron for taking part in the London Marathon to raise money for young people across Bristol - we appreciate your incredible support!

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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!

Young Bristol have been pleased to work in partnership with Ecosafe Group and SNG, as part of two recent social value projects, making a difference to our places and our people!

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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!

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Last month, Ecosafe Group visited BS14 Youth Club, where they completed essential fire safety at our youth club, improving the protection of our busy community venue, used by children and young people, staff members and other service users. This work will help us to continue providing safe spaces to young people, staffed with trusted adults, encouraging young people to build confidence, engage in healthy relationships and develop new skills.

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"SNG have been a great supporter of Young Bristol for a number of years. Ecosafe Group and the SNG team have come in to replace the smoke seals in all the fire doors. To get a group to come and do this for us free of charge, allows us to invest more money into our end product - servicing young people in the city!"

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said Andy Kimber, Head of Operations and HR

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Young Bristol also to continue to focus on investing in our people as part of our 2025-28 strategic priorities, building sustainable roles and careers within a structure that supports long-term growth and ambitions.

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The social value support from Ecosafe Group and SNG has also seen Ellie Kershaw, Marketing, Communications and Programme Administrator, undergo mentoring support with Carly Gray, Marketing Manager at Ecosafe Group, providing Ellie with practical guidance, confidence-building and professional development in her role.

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"Carly's mentoring has really been helping me with my confidence, as this is something I have always struggled with in the past. Working with her on aspects of marketing I haven't been able to delve into before has helped me to make more informed decisions, and feel as though I am creating content that resonates with our audiences and makes greater impact!"

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said Ellie, Marketing, Communications and Programmes Administrator

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We would like to share a huge thank you to both Ecosafe Group and SNG for their incredible social value work at our buildings and with our team, helping us to continue to achieve our 2025-28 strategy. Watch more about the work here. To find out more about supporting Young Bristol, click here and visit our 'Support Us' page.

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We know that in the coming weeks and months, young people will need our Youth Clubs and programmes more than ever before; providing them with positive activities, support, advice and a safe place to go.

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This year, Young Bristol are excited to host a calendar of amazing fundraising events! There is something for everyone to get involved with around the city, from our Golf Day to talks with inspiration speakers!

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With your support at one of the following events, we can continue to provide vital opportunities for young people:

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• Golf Day & Dinner 2026 - Thursday 18th June 2026, Tall Pines Golf Club, Bristol, BS48 3DJ. £300 per team of 4. Are you a keen golfer? Put your golfing abilities to the test at our annual charity Golf Day.
• Welsh 3 Peak Challenge - Friday 11th September - Saturday 12th September 2026, starting from Pooles Wharf Outdoor Activity Centre. £250 minimum pledge, transport and logistics provided. Fundraise for Young Bristol by climbing the 3 highest mountains in Wales within 24 hours!
• Road to River 2026 - Friday 2nd October 2026, starting from Pooles Wharf Outdoor Activity Centre. £200 minimum pledge. Cycle, canoe and walk your way across Bristol to raise vital funds for Young Bristol!

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You can also set up your own fundraising event to raise vital funds for young people across the city! Not sure where to start? We have an A-Z of Fundraising Ideas to get you started!

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With your help, we can continue to improve the lives of young people of Bristol and beyond! Click here to find out more and sign up to one of our events this year!

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‍What our previous teams had to say about our events...

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"Young Bristol's Golf Day is a really fun event, I would encourage anyone to come along. We have been playing at the event for a number of years now, and have always enjoyed it. It's brilliantly organised and well worth coming!"

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Henry, Hydes of Bristol

Young Bristol are incredibly proud to share that five of our young people have been shortlisted in the Bristol Young Heroes Awards 2026!

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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 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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Juan, Outdoor Employment Programme - Action Hero

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Juan was nominated for the Action Hero Award as they have faced considerable adversity, prejudice in their community, and financial instability. Since joining the Outdoor Employment Programme, Juan has shown incredible determination to succeed against all odds, where they have already gained a number of qualifications in outdoor pursuits, encouraged and supported others to join and engage with the programme, and enrolled into college to take their GCSEs this year.

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"Juan has grown into an incredibly dedicated, reliable and strong member of the Outdoor Employment Program. A real ‘yes’ person who approaches all challenges with a calm, positive approach. In my 25 years working with young people, I have not met a young person who is more resilient than them!"

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said Phil Harris, Outdoor Employment Programme Lead

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Lucas, Hartcliffe Club for Young People - Community Hero

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Lucas was nominated for the Community Hero as he has grown into one of the most inspiring young leaders within the Hartcliffe community. When Lucas first began attending Hartcliffe Club, he was a quiet and reserved young person. Through consistent engagement, dedication, and a genuine desire to help others, he has transformed into a confident, articulate and deeply respected youth leader.

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"Lucas is an exceptional role model, who leads with empathy, understanding, and integrity. He motivates others not through authority, but through kindness, encouragement and a belief that every young person deserves to be listened to. His impact is significant, and his potential is extraordinary! He uplifts others, strengthens his community, and shows what can be achieved when a young person is empowered to lead."

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said the staff team at Hartcliffe Club for Young People

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Poppy, Hartcliffe Club for Young People - Sporting Hero

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Poppy was nominated for the Sporting Hero Award as she has shown extraordinary courage and maturity, and continues to work hard at school whilst pouring her energy into the sport she loves. Last year, Poppy faced an immense personal heartbreak, with the loss of close family members who were deeply important to her. Even in the face of adversity, Poppy continues to shine and channels her emotions into her dancing. Her positivity, resilience, and dedication inspires everyone around her.

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"Poppy is a young woman whose dedication, resilience, and passion for dance make her an outstanding role model. Her commitment to dance is exceptional and she trains with determination, discipline, and a drive to continually improve. She has been selected to represent Great Britain at the Olympic dance competition. This honour reflects her talent, perseverance and unwavering spirit."

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Rudi-Lee, Avon Youth Club - Learning Hero

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Rudi-Lee was nominated for the Learning Hero Award as Club Leaders have seen increasing improvements in his overall behaviour and perspective; he has grown in confidence and now actively seeks out opportunities to get involved in activities. Rudi-Lee became a member of Avon Youth Club in 2024, where he struggled behaviourally at Club and at school. Rudi-Lee worked really hard to prove himself, and recently started back at his mainstream school, after attending a provision elsewhere and on the verge of permanent exclusion.

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"Having previously finding aspects of school challenging, he is now beginning to approach his learning with renewed focus and resilience, alongside a clear desire to succeed. He is building strong and secure relationships with key trusted adults and is developing friendships with peers. Rudi certainly has a more positive attitude towards school."

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said Alasdair Keys, Associate Assistant Principal at Oasis Brightstowe

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Tico, Hartcliffe Club for Young People - Environmental Hero

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Tico was nominated for the Environmental Hero as he is an outstanding young environmental leader whose passion, commitment, and hands‑on action are transforming the way young people in Bristol understand and care for the natural world. His work goes far beyond personal interest—Tico is actively shaping a greener future for his community by educating, inspiring, and mobilising others.

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"Tico demonstrates every day that young people are not only the future of environmental action—they are the driving force of it right now. His work is already leaving a lasting legacy of increased biodiversity, stronger community engagement, and a generation of young people who feel inspired to care for the planet."

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said the staff team at Hartcliffe Club for Young People

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Young Bristol would also like to recognise Esme, Evie, James and Lola who were nominated and have achieved incredible things during 2025. Thank you Bristol Young Heroes for highlighting everything our young people have achieved in the past year. We wish all the shortlisted young people and teams the best of luck in July 2026!

It has been incredible to see the impact of our Outdoor Employment Programme during 2025–2026, where this year has become one of the most successful years since the programmes pilot in 2013. This year, we have supported more young people than ever before from challenging backgrounds, and many facing significant barriers to education and employment.

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Our Outdoor Employment Programme is an entirely free programme, targetting young people aged 16-25 with barriers to employment. The programme helps young people to develop new skills, gain nationally recognised qualifications and build positive futures into employment.

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Our Impact

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During April 2025 - April 2026, the programme delivered 134 sessions, providing 335 hours of training, to 60 young people, with 42 new trainees joining the programme this year. Our contact and engagement remained strong throughout the year, resulting in 599 session attendances. The programme supported a diverse cohort of young people:

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• 30% from ethnic minority background, including asylum seekers and refugees
• 80% with learning difficulties or barriers to employment
• Majority were not in education, employment or training (NEET), or were at risk of becoming NEET

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Despite their ongoing challenges, over 60% of our trainees have gained nationally recognised qualifications, and more than 70% have achieved a positive progression into employment or education.

On Friday 27th March 2026, we were pleased to host our annual Night Hike. This activity was on offer for all young people across our Community Youth Club network to take part in!

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17 young people participated in our Night Hike from four of our community venues, racing against each other to complete the course. It was great to see teams take part from our Youth Clubs across the city: Ashton Vale Club for Young People, Avon Youth Club, Sea Mills Boys and Girls Club and Youth Club on Wheels Hengrove!

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All young people worked well together in their chosen teams to complete the Night Hike with incredible finish times - with some of these young people having minimal experience in hiking! Congratulations to all the young people who took part and completed this years Night Hike!

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For some of our young people, it was their first time exploring the Mendip Hills, and the challenge gave them the opportunity to try new outdoor activities. It was amazing to see the group develop new skills, take part in experiences they have not tried before, and supporting one another throughout the hike.

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If you are interested in joining one of Young Bristol's programmes, events or competitions, click here to find out more!