Find a Youth Club on Wheels session near you this Summer!

This week, Young Bristol has been joining organisations across the country to celebrate Youth Work Week 2026. This year's theme, 'Where Futures Begin', celebrates the people, places and opportunities that help shape young people's lives and futures.

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For nearly 100 years, Young Bristol has been supporting young people across the city, creating safe spaces, building trusted relationships and providing opportunities for young people to discover what they're capable of.

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Youth work can mean different things to different young people. For some, it's somewhere to meet friends, have fun and try something new. For others, it's a trusted adult to talk to, a chance to develop their confidence or an opportunity that helps them take their next steps.

And sometimes, it's all of these things.

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This Youth Work Week, we're celebrating the difference youth work makes across Bristol, and the people who help make it possible.

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Safe places where young people belong

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Every young person deserves somewhere they feel welcome, included and able to be themselves.

Across Young Bristol's Community Youth Clubs, young people aged 8 - 19 can enjoy activities, make friends, learn new skills and access support from youth workers who genuinely care about their wellbeing.

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From cooking and creative activities to sport, games, trips and simply spending time together, our Youth Clubs offer much more than somewhere to go after school. They're places where friendships grow, confidence develops and young people know there's someone there to listen.

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Our Youth Clubs continue to play an important role in communities across Bristol, particularly where young people may face barriers to accessing positive activities and opportunities. During 2025 - 26, Young Bristol delivered 2,228 sessions across its Youth Clubs and wider programmes, creating thousands of opportunities for young people to connect, try new experiences, develop skills and feel part of their communities.

The people who make youth work possible

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Behind every Youth Club, activity and programme are people who believe in the potential of young people. And our youth workers do so much more than organise activities - they listen, encourage, support and build relationships that can make a lasting difference.

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They might be helping someone try something for the first time, offering reassurance during a difficult moment or celebrating a young person's achievement, however big or small. It's often these everyday interactions that mean the most.

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As Jackie, a Youth Worker from Hartcliffe Club for Young People, explains:

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"Youth work helps build resilience and supports young people to become more confident, capable adults with a social conscience. It's about helping young people to feel valued and believe in themselves."

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This Youth Work Week, we're recognising our dedicated youth workers, staff and volunteers who continue to show up for Bristol's young people, creating environments where they feel safe, supported and encouraged to thrive.

Creating opportunities and building brighter futures

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Youth work isn't just about what happens today. It's also about helping young people discover what might be possible tomorrow.

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Through our Outdoor Employment Programme, young people aged 16 - 25 who face barriers to employment can gain practical experience, develop confidence and work towards nationally recognised qualifications in outdoor activities.

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Based at our Pooles Wharf Outdoor Activity Centre, the programme provides opportunities to develop skills, explore career pathways and build connections that can support young people into employment, education or further training.

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Our work also extends beyond our Youth Clubs, with outdoor adventures, holiday activities and community programmes helping young people experience new things and develop skills they can carry into the future.

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And sometimes, the impact of youth work comes full circle.

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Shannon Ringland first joined Young Bristol's Outdoor Employment Programme around 10 years ago, when she was new to Bristol and unsure of her next steps.

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The programme helped her build confidence, find direction and feel that others believed in her potential.

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Today, Shannon is a Young Bristol Trustee, giving her time and experience back to the organisation that once supported her. Her journey is a reminder that the opportunities young people experience today can shape the paths they choose tomorrow.

Giving young people a voice

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At Young Bristol, we believe young people should have a say in the opportunities, activities and services that affect them.

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Through Young Leader roles, Youth Voice, youth forums and volunteering, young people can share their ideas, take on responsibilities and help shape the communities around them.

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Whether that's helping to run activities at their local Youth Club, supporting younger members or speaking up about issues that matter to them, these experiences can help build confidence, independence and leadership skills.

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Our Young Leaders are particularly important role models, showing other young people what they can achieve when given encouragement, responsibility and the opportunity to make a difference.

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By listening to young people and giving them meaningful opportunities to contribute, we can help ensure their voices are heard, valued and reflected in our work.

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Celebrating youth work across Bristol

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Youth Work Week is an opportunity to recognise the difference youth work makes to young people, families and communities, and the importance of continuing to invest in it.

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At Young Bristol, we see that difference every day; in the friendships formed, the confidence gained, the new skills learned and the trusted relationships that help young people feel supported.

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As we look ahead to our centenary year in 2028, our commitment remains the same: to ensure young people across Bristol have access to safe, inclusive spaces, trusted support and opportunities to realise their potential.

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Because every young person deserves the chance to discover what they're capable of.

And youth work is where so many of those futures begin.

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Discover what Young Bristol has to offer

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Whether you're a young person looking for somewhere to go, a parent exploring opportunities for your child, or someone who wants to support youth work in Bristol, there are lots of ways to get involved.

Explore our Community Youth Clubs and programmes to discover the opportunities available to young people across the city.

Young Bristol are supporting World Mental Health Day, highlighting the importance of talking, listening and supporting better mental health together.

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This year, the theme of World Mental Health Day is ‘Lived experiences heard: real voices, real change’, which explores the importance of conversations,especially when we listen to people’s experiences.

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At Young Bristol, we are committed to continuing our Mission of providing safe places, and supportive environments, where both young people and our employees can feel listened too, supported and not alone.

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Prioritising mental health in the workplace

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Our people are central to creating positive outcomes for young people. By listening to, investing in, developing and supporting our staff and volunteers, we can create the most positive and impactful outcomes for our young people.

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In recent years, Young Bristol has focused and prioritised the importance of communication, wellbeing and workplace culture across the organisation.

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Andy, Head of Operations & HR said,

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"One of Young Bristol's key pillars is 'Our People' which relates to the dedicated staff and volunteer teams we have working throughout Young Bristol's operation supporting young people. To ensure young people have an offer they can benefit from it is important our staff and volunteers feel supported. Staff have access to a confidential 24-hour Employee Assistance programme, flexible and hybrid working options, Young Bristol's Right to Disconnect Policy and an extra day annual leave on their Birthday! We are committed to creating a culture where wellbeing matters every day.

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By creating a culture where staff and volunteers thrive, we create a culture where young people thrive."

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Our Youth Mental Health First Aider!

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Our Youth Mental Health First Aiders play a key role in supporting and providing guidance to young people aged 8-18,who may be experiencing poor mental health. They are committed to recognising signs, offering initial assistance and connecting young people to professional help.

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‍Jason, Head of Youth Work is a trained Youth Mental Health First Aider, and is passionate about supporting young people through situations they face around their mental health, and wants to be someone that our young people can trust, talk to and take advice from.

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"One moment that made me feel like I made a difference was when I first engaged with someone who was having a panic attack, and helped them through a grounding method. When a young person is in a crisis moment, being there and knowing you've helped is a great feeling!"

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Mental Health is important to him as he believes looking after your mental state of mind is just as important as looking after your physical health. Jason understands that this is something that everyone can be affected by, and as a young person himself, knew someone close to him that suffered with their own mental health. He saw how much a small amount of support can transform someone's state of mind, which inspired him to learn more!

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One piece of advice Jason would give to anyone struggling with their mental health and well-being would be to reach out and talk to someone - from a friend or family member to a youthworker, teacher or mental health first aider. Let them know how you are feeling and what's going on.

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‍Our Youth Mental Health Champions!

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A Youth Mental Health Champion plays a key role in advocating for young people's mental health and wellbeing by raising awareness, starting important conversations and signposting to important resources.

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Meet Kat, Senior Youth Leader at BS14 Youth Club. Kat is one of our Youth Mental Health Champions! As a Youth Worker, Kat is passionate about young people's wellbeing and believes in the importance of supporting their mental health, ensuring they receive the help they need.

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"We, as a society, are getting really good at recognising mental health needs in adults but I feel in that process, young people have been forgotten. That's where I believe Youth Workers step in."

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Youth mental health is important to her as she believes if you give young people the skills they need to manage their mental health now, you are giving them transferrable skills they can take forwards into their adulthood, which in the long run can help ease the strain on adults mental health services. When working at the club, Kat regularly checks in on young people's mental health and allows them to reflect on their own feelings, behaviours and management tools that work best for them.

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‍Where you can find support and advice

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Did you know one in five children face mental health issues? Whether you want to access helpful resources, start a conversation about mental health or are seeking professional advice and guidance, there are many ways you can begin to make a difference to a young person's mental health and wellbeing. If you or someone you know needs support, check out the links below for some recommended local and national services.

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Young people

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• Mind - A mental health charity, whose aim is to ensure no one faces mental health alone. Offering online support and guidance that young people that can access on their website 24/7.
• Shout - A free, confidential24/7 text support service for anyone in the UK who is struggling with their mental health. To start a conversation, text 'SHOUT' to 85258. Shout's team of trained volunteers are trained to listen at any time, day or night.
• Samaritans - Aims to provide support through phone, letter, email or in person. Whatever problem you are facing, Samaritans are available 24/7, 365 days a year!
• Kooth - an online wellbeing community where you can get free, safe and anonymous support. The forum is a judgement-free, safe place for anyone to get advice, help others and share their stories.

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Parents

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• Young Minds Parent Helpline - Offering tailored advice to parents, guardians and other family members who are concerned about a child's mental health. Advice for all young people who are under 25 over the phone or through their online chat.
• Shout - A free, confidential24/7 text support service for anyone in the UK who is struggling with their mental health. To start a conversation, text 'SHOUT' to 85258. Shout's team of trained volunteers are trained to listen at any time, day or night.‍
• Samaritans - Aims to provide support through phone, letter, email or in person. Whatever problem you are facing, Samaritans are available 24/7, 365 days a year!‍
• MindEd for Families - A free e-learning portal, offering information and support about mental health and well-being. Available 24/7 on their website!

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To find out more about our work with young people and the opportunities we provide click here.

‘Food Skills for Life’ project launched at our BS14 Youth Club in partnership with Square Food Foundation, bringing vital skills and learning to young people in Stockwood.

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Young Bristol were thrilled to launch our new partnership project with Square Food Foundation this autumn, inviting members of BS14 Youth Club to engage with an exciting new programme - giving them valuable life-long cooking skills, as well as confidence and independence in the kitchen.

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The 6-week programme is open to young people ages 12+ and will explore basic cooking skills, as well as learning about how to budget and plan healthy, balanced meals. The programme aims to support young people to make informed food choices both now and in the future.

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During the first session, 6 young people aged 12 – 19 got involved from the Youth Club’s Seniors and Looked After Children group – making spaghetti bolognese with garlic butter rolls. It was brilliant to see everyone taking part; learning new techniques and trying new things. At the end of the session, young people had the opportunity to sit down together to enjoy what they had created. We cannot wait to hear what they cook next!

This month, Young Bristol's Programmes Team and Youth Workers were invited to a number of staff training opportunities - providing them with the valuable tools and insight, as well as the opportunity to discuss and improve on how we better support the young people we work with.

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Training highlights included:

- Dr. Roz Stewart-Hall delivered Evaluation Framework training, on 'Creative and Inclusive Evaluation' through the Bristol Play and Youth Alliance. Staff learned how to gather meaningful feedback, ask better questions, and create safe spaces for reflection - ensuring young people's voices remain at the heart of everything we do.

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- Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) awareness training was delivered by Senior Youth Leader, Kat from BS14 Youth Club. Training explored how SEND can present in young people, shared experiences from our clubs, and discussed practical ways to adapt our approach to better support individual needs. The session reinforced our commitment to creating welcoming, accessible, and inclusive environments.

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- Trauma-Informed Practice training was provided through the National Youth Agency's training platform, gaining valuable insight into how trauma can impact the lives of young people. The course explored practical ways to recognise and respond to trauma with empathy,creating more supportive spaces across our youth clubs and services. The training also encouraged staff to reflect on their own well-being, recognising that supporting others starts with looking after ourselves too.

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At Young Bristol our people are central to everything we do, and it is important to us to provide everyone with the best and most relevant training to them to ensure they feel confident and comfortable in their youth work delivery. To find out more about what we do click here.

On Thursday 3rd September, Young Leaders Lola & Eve from Sea Mills Boys' and Girls Club, alongside Young Bristol's Matt Donnelly and Andy Kimber were invited onto Joe Sims' Breakfast Show on BBC Radio Bristol.

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It was fantastic to hear Young Leaders Lola, aged 15 and Eve, aged 16 from Sea Mills Boys' and Girls Club, alongside Young Bristol's Head of Commercial Activities, Matt Donnelly and Head of Operations & HR, Andy Kimber on BBC Radio Bristol this week - sharing about our services and our Young Leaders once in a lifetime opportunity at the Bristol International Balloon Fiesta last month.

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It was a great opportunity to raise awareness of the variety of opportunities that Young Bristol provides to young people across the city, as well as the importance of safe, welcoming spaces where young people can thrive in local communities. Highlights from the show included:

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"It was honestly the best experience I ever had!" Lola, aged 15

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"People are recognising the value, recognising the gaps that not having Youth Clubs and provisions for young people has created - but what we really need to celebrate and realise, is the longevity that Clubs like Sea Mills Boys' and Girls Club have." Andy Kimber, Head of Operations & HR

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A huge thank you to BBC Radio Bristol for allowing us to share the importance of our work across the city! If you would like to listen to the full interview, you can listen in on BBC iPlayer or click here [starting from 02:08:40].

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To find out more about our opportunities for young people across Bristol click here.

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Join Young Bristol's Outdoor Employment Programme for a free Introductory Session on Thursday 10th September 2026.

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Aged 16 - 25? Interested in gaining new qualifications, learning new skills and improving your future work opportunities?

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Young Bristol's Outdoor Employment Programme is running an Introductory Session for young people to come along and find out more about the programme and outdoor industry. The free programme supports young people aged 16 - 25 with barriers to employment, by developing skills and gaining qualifications in a variety of outdoor activities, including kayaking, canoeing, powerboating, rock climbing, archery, bushcraft, first aid and high ropes.

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Based from our Pooles Wharf Outdoor Activity Centre, young people aged 16 - 25 will have the opportunity to take part in paddling sessions on Bristol's iconic harbourside, find out more about the programme and sign up for 2026. Parents, carers and support workers are also welcome to attend alongside their young person.

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Paddle sessions will take place from 2:00pm - 4:30pm and 5:30pm - 8:00pm. Young people are welcome to attend one or both sessions. You can find our Pooles Wharf Outdoor Activity Centre on Hotwells Road, Hotwells, Bristol, BS8 4RU.

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To sign up to our Introductory Session please click here to complete a consent form and email ph@youngbristol.com to confirm your attendance.

Young Bristol are delighted that our Outdoor Employment Programme has been shortlisted as a finalist for the 'Tackling Youth Inactivity Award' at the Children and Young People Now Awards 2026!

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The Children and Young People Now Awards showcase innovation and outstanding practice across the children’s services sector. The Awards champion the vital work of services supporting children, young people and families across the UK.

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Our Outdoor Employment Programme (OEP) was nominated for the Tackling Youth Inactivity Award - recognising the programmes pivotal work across Bristol for the last 13 years. The OEP supports young people aged 16-25 who are not in employment, education or training (NEET), and those who face significant barriers to employment.

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The OEP acts as a vital lifeline and key steppingstone for young people who have experienced times of homelessness, young carers who have responsibility of looking after parents, those with refugee or asylum seeker status or have learning difficulties, and struggle with the structure of a traditional school or education environment.

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Since the launch of the programme in 2013, it has transformed the lives of hundreds of young people from across Bristol:  

• Over 360 young people age 16 – 25 years old supported since 2013.

• Over 250 hours of training provided each year.  

• Nearly 1000 Instructor and NGB Qualifications awarded to trainees since 2013

• 50 young people supported by Redpoint Bristol’s volunteering scheme, with 7 trainees undergoing the mentoring programme this year alone.  

• Over 100 trainees employed through the Go Aloft! Programme with SS Great Britain. Over 98% of those employed through the partnership remain in employment or have moved into full time education.

• 7 NEET trainees volunteered at the Glastonbury Festival (2 of those have returned for 2 years and volunteers are managed by 2 more OEP alumni)

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Thank you to the Children and Young People Now Awards for recognising the fantastic work of our Outdoor Employment Programme. We look forward to celebrating alongside services from across the UK later this year.

This month, we were excited to invite 6 young people from across our Community Youth Club network to join us at the NABGC Essex Adventure Weekend!

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We were pleased to see young people from Ashton Vale Club for Young People, Avon Youth Club, BS14 Youth Club and the Youth Club on Wheels Hengrove session take part in a jam-packed weekend full of activities at Thriftwood Scout Camp Site, from Friday 3rd July - Sunday 5th July 2026!

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Across the weekend, young people were involved with a number of sports activities, including axe throwing, archery, rifle shooting, Jacob's ladder, postmans mate, kayaking, raft-building, cresta run and bush craft. Our young people were also involved in a variety of other group activities including tug of war, assault courses and smores making. During each activity across the weekend, we saw our group meet new people from across the country, try new opportunities and build friendships for life!

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"She hasn’t stopped taking about it since coming home. She loved the Essex Adventure Weekend!"

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said parent of a young person

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"As a Youth Worker, it's always an amazing feeling when you take young people who don’t know each other away and starting to see them forming friendships. It’s great to see that, even though we had young people from four different areas of Bristol, they were able to come together and form a strong-bonded group for this weekend."

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said Jason Beckhelling-Terry, Head of Youth Work

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Thank you NABGC and Essex Boys and Girls Clubs for arranging an amazing weekend, giving young people the opportunity to try new things and learn life skills!

Join Young Bristol's FREE Summer Holiday Clubs! We are open to all young people aged 8-19 across our Community Youth Clubs. From sports activities to creative workshops, we have something for everyone to enjoy! A free hot, healthy meal will be provided to all young people.

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Our Summer Holiday Activities across our Community Youth Clubs are kindly funded by the Holiday Activity Fund, supported by Bristol City Council, The Department of Education and Your Holiday Hub.

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We are pleased to share a confirmed list of dates for our sessions throughout the Summer. All other delivery will continue as normal in addition to these sessions:

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Ashton Vale Club for Young People

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• Monday 27th July, 5:30pm - 8:30pm (Ages 12-19)
• Tuesday 28th July, 5:30pm - 8:30pm (Ages 8-11)
• Monday 3rd August, 5:30pm - 8:30pm (Ages 12-19)
• Tuesday 4th August, 5:30pm - 8:30pm (Ages 8-11)
• Monday 10th August, 5:30pm - 8:30pm (Ages 12-19)
• Tuesday 11th August, 5:30pm - 8:30pm (Ages 8-11)
• Monday 17th August, 5:30pm - 8:30pm (Ages 12-19)
• Tuesday 18th August, 5:30pm - 8:30pm (Ages 8-11)
• Monday 24th August, 6:30pm - 8:30pm (Ages 12-19)
• Tuesday 25th August, 6:30pm - 8:30pm (Ages 8-11)

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Please note: we will be closed for the bank holiday on Monday 31st August, all other sessions will continue as normal.

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Address: Ashton Vale Club for Young People, Silbury Road, BS3 2QE

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BS14 Stockwood Youth Club

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• Monday 27th July, 5:30pm - 8:30pm (Ages 11-19)
• Tuesday 28th July, 6:30pm - 8:30pm (Looked After Children session, referral only)
• Thursday 30th July, 5:30pm - 8:30pm (Ages 8-11)
• Monday 3rd August, 6:30pm - 8:30pm (Ages 12-19)
• Tuesday 4th August, 5:30pm - 8:30pm (Looked After Children session, referral only)
• Thursday 6th August, 5:30pm - 8:30pm (Ages 8-11)
• Monday 10th August, 5:30pm - 8:30pm (Ages 11-19)
• Tuesday 11th August, 6:30pm - 8:30pm (Looked After Children session, referral only)
• Thursday 13th August, 5:30pm - 8:30pm (Ages 8-11)
• Monday 17th August, 6:30pm - 8:30pm (Ages 11-19)
• Tuesday 18th August, 5:30pm - 8:30pm (Looked After Children session, referral only)
• Thursday 20th August, 5:30pm - 8:30pm (Ages 8-11)
• Monday 24th August, 6:30pm - 8:30pm (Ages 11-19)
• Tuesday 25th August, 6:30pm - 8:30pm (Looked After Children session, referral only)
• Thursday 27th August, 6:30pm - 8:30pm (Ages 8-11)

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Please note: we will be closed for the bank holiday on Monday 31st August, all other sessions will continue as normal.

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Address: BS14 Youth Club, Stockwood Lane, BS14 8SJ

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The Grove @ Bedminster Down

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• Monday 27th July, 5:30pm - 8:30pm (Year groups 3 and 4)
• Tuesday 28th July, 6:30pm - 8:30pm (Year groups 5 and 6)
• Wednesday 29th July, 5:30pm - 8:30pm (Year groups 7+)
• Monday 3rd August, 6:30pm - 8:30pm (Year groups 3 and 4)
• Tuesday 4th August, 5:30pm - 8:30pm (Year groups 5 and 6)
• Wednesday 5th August, 5:30pm - 8:30pm (Year groups 7+)
• Monday 10th August, 5:30pm - 8:30pm (Year groups 3 and 4)
• Tuesday 11th August, 6:30pm - 8:30pm (Year groups 5 and 6)
• Wednesday 12th August, 5:30pm - 8:30pm (Year groups 7+)
• Monday 17th August, 6:30pm - 8:30pm (Year groups 3 and 4)
• Tuesday 18th August, 5:30pm - 8:30pm (Year groups 5 and 6)
• Wednesday 19th August, 5:30pm - 8:30pm (Year groups 7+)
• Monday 24th August, 6:30pm - 8:30pm (Year groups 3 and 4)
• Tuesday 25th August, 6:30pm - 8:30pm (Year groups 5 and 6)
• Wednesday 26th August, 6:30pm - 8:30pm (Year groups 7+)

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Please note: we will be closed for the bank holiday on Monday 31st August, all other sessions will continue as normal.

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Address: The Grove @ Bedminster Down, 27a Cheddar Grove, BS13 7EN