GrassrootCommunities

The National Youth Strategy is honest: things are tough for teenagers. But this could be a turning point. The risk? Funding missing the grassroots. Full episode: grassrootcommunities.org/national-youth…

“I don’t know how you sleep at night knowing you’ve failed young people.” A young person said this directly to a council leader. The result? £3M a year is now being invested in youth work. Full episode below: grassrootcommunities.org/national-youth…

“At the time I didn’t realise how impactful it was.” Years later, Jayden does. Read his story: grassrootcommunities.org/case-study/cas… #YouthWorkMatters #YouthLed

Creative Club Juniors launched this week and it was ROCKING 💥 Great turnout, loads of energy, and young people already shaping the space through their group agreement and ideas. Still spaces left for Juniors (8–11) & Seniors (14–19). Sign up: grassrootcommunities.org/creative-club 🌱

Young people are refusing surveys. Their question: “What did you do with what I told you last time?” Full episode: grassrootcommunities.org/podcast/local-… #YouthVoice #YouthWork #WhatReallyMatters

“Step away from the office. Get into the field.” Young people can tell when they’re being managed instead of supported. Youth work works; there just aren’t enough of us. grassrootcommunities.org/podcast/local-…

10,000 people packed Bristol Harbour. Businesses built flying machines. Young people benefited. Birdman 2026 is coming 🪽 Enter a team or sponsor the most fun, purpose-led event of the year. grassrootcommunities.org/the-bristol-bi…

Creative Club returns next Tuesday with Drama & Storytelling 🎭 Now with a new junior session: 3:30–4:30pm (ages 8–11) 4:45–6:15pm (ages 14–19) Free, youth-led creative space in BS3 🌱 Sign up: grassrootcommunities.org/creative-club

“Youth work was never about getting rich; it was about serving your community.” Ali Dale & Des Brown on why short-term interventions don’t work, why practitioners are leaving, and why young people need consistency and care, not more managers. grassrootcommunities.org/podcast/local-…

Last Thursday's session was a very positive one, all young people completed questionnaires focusing on education post 16 options & future aspirations, which opened up conversations around families & lifestyles. Today, we will be back to go-kart making!

Great minds take time to find each other… but it was worth the wait. 🤝 Brilliant visit to Arcadia HQ, sharing what we, and sparking ideas for future youth-led builds, creativity and collaboration. From Hartcliffe streets to big stages… watch this space. 🌱🔥 #BristolBirdman

“The cost of living crisis has clearly impacted young people - and we’re not out of it yet.” In this panel moment, Ali Dale and Des Brown reflect on how rising costs are hitting families hardest - especially those already struggling. 🎧 Full episode: grassrootcommunities.org/podcast/local-…

Looking forward to another great Multi-Sports session tonight! 🙌 Last week was full of energy and positivity, with 27 young people getting involved and bringing a great vibe throughout.

@JoeSims10 @BrisBeerFactory Amazing, thanks @JoeSims10 Meeting @GeorgeFergusonx next Thursday 👍🏻 Everyone please share chance to sponsor the #BristolBirdman2026 across your networks ✊🏻🙌🏽🙏🏿 Bristol Birdman 🐦 Supporting young people & communities to fly through transformational youth & community work ❤️

@Grassroot_Comm @BrisBeerFactory Nice one. You guys should look into this too. factoryfoundation.co.uk

Big news 🪽 @BrisBeerFactory are the first official sponsor of #BristolBirdman 2026. Backing a youth & community team to fly on 14 June. Long-time supporters of Grassroot Communities and young people across Bristol. From the grassroots and up. 🔗 grassrootcommunities.org/bristol-birdma…

“We blame young people for issues they’ve inherited from us.” This panel clip challenges adults to stop victim-blaming and start taking responsibility for how young people in this city have been treated - and what we’re asking them to carry. Full episode grassrootcommunities.org/podcast/local-…

Trusted. Supported. Believed in. That’s the power of youth work. #YouthWorkMatters

💪 Gym session today! Young people training in a safe, supportive space — building confidence, strength and understanding. 📍 Merchants Academy Gym, BS13 9BJ ⏰ 3:30–5pm Come get involved 👊 2f4m1m.share-eu1.hsforms.com/2mKo0PjGLSguxd…

“What really matters? Perspective.” Darren reflects on mindset, understanding who you want to be, how you treat the world — and why kindness still matters most. 🎧 Full episode: grassrootcommunities.org/podcast/darren… #WhatReallyMatters #Perspective #Kindness

“Growing up, racism was on the table — and we knew how to stand our ground.” Darren reflects on school, community, and why that mindset helped shape a fairer, more equitable experience. 🎧 Full episode: grassrootcommunities.org/podcast/darren… #WhatReallyMatters #LivedExperience #Equity