Purpose

A decision was taken at Cabinet on the 7th
March 2023 in relation to the Future of Youth Services in Bristol
which delegated authority to the Executive Director Children and
Education to take all steps required to agree terms and enter into
grant agreements to award grants for youth services across the
following 7 years at a total cost of £6m. This decision
relates to the award of grant funding to providers to deliver
services in South Bristol which aligns with the South Bristol
Locality Youth and Play Development Plan (2026–27). The
funding supports delivery across Priority 1–3 wards and
underpins the successful implementation of the South Bristol Area
Action Plan, ensuring continuity of youth and play services
including open access youth work, play ranger sessions and targeted
provision. This programme is designed to operate in conjunction
with the new Youth Zone (224), aligning local delivery with the
Area Plan’s strategic intention for 224 to act as a major hub
for inclusive, high-quality youth provision, expanding access,
strengthening early-help pathways and reducing inequalities across
neighbouring Priority 1 wards including Knowle West, Hartcliffe,
Bishopsworth and Hengrove.

Content

To award multi-year grant funding (1 April
2026 – 31 March 2029) totalling £514,800 to the
following providers:
- Young Bristol: £360,000 over 3 years
- Learning Partnership West: £102,000 over 3 years
- Carers Support Bristol: £51,000 over 3 years

Alternative options considered

No viable alternative options were identified.
A partnership-led model remains the preferred approach due to
alignment with the South Bristol Play and Youth Partnership
governance, evidence base, and local need.