Bristol businesses are being urged to invest in the city’s future workforce by getting behind a £1m appeal to boost support services for children and young people.
The target has been set to coincide with a ground-breaking approach in Bristol with the long-term goal of ensuring no child or young person in the city is ever more than a mile from the nearest play or youth facilities as well as targeted support seven days a week.
Bosses of some of Bristol’s largest firms heard first-hand about the trailblazing plan at a special event hosted by the Origin Foundation, which supports charities that get children and young people off to the best possible start in life.
The event, pictured, marked the unveiling of the strategy for children and young people co-produced Bristol City Council and youth and play charities in the city.
Playful Bristol and Youth Work Alliance is a collaboration by 45 charities and not-for-profit bodies with the aim of establishing a clear picture of where gaps exist in provision across the city. The alliance is now seeking to address these gaps and match council investment.
Businesses of all sizes are being invited to back the partnership, either through financial support or by sharing an array of skills, services and expertise.
Along with donations, organisers will welcome hands-on shows of support ranging from painting and decorating, fence-mending and roof repairs to professional services such as marketing support, legal advice and accountancy.
A joint statement by co-ordinators Rachel Robinson, Kirsty Wilson and Matt Justice read out at the event said: “Bristol’s children and young people have a right to top-quality play and youth facilities and targeted support within reach of their homes.
“These are essential to physical, mental and social development which is why they matter so much.
“By uniting with Playful Bristol and Youth Work Alliance, and sharing their skills and resources, our business community will ensure children and young people thrive in the here-and-now and into the future.”
Serial entrepreneur and Origin Foundation trustee Heather Frankham, pictured, added: “It’s great to see a sector that has created a vision for what it wants to achieve.
“These organisations understand their communities and are passionate about making a positive difference.
“Funding is challenging so we must work creatively and through partnerships. Investing in children and young people will ensure Bristol can prosper for years to come, by bringing vitality and opportunity to our city.”
The appeal, which was launched at the Origin Workspace co-working hub, has been made against a backdrop of sweeping changes in Bristol’s population.
According to the 2021 Census, the city has a younger age profile than the national average for England and Wales with almost one in five aged under 16.
Bristol also has more children and young people aged up to 15 than those aged 65, which bucks the national trend towards an ageing population.
Any business interested in contributing to the alliance’s plans should contact hello@childrenandyoungpeoplebristol.co.uk
