Bristol Future Talent Partnership: building a brighter future for underrepresented youth

Jaque Taylor spoke to Robert Muranda, Operations Manager for Bristol Future Talent Partnership (BFTP) about how the charity is empowering young people from underrepresented backgrounds to realise their potential, unlock their talent, and build a future that can bring change not only to their own lives but to their families and communities as well.  

BFTP is currently organising small-group placements with Yeo Valley and The Community Farm, where young people from underrepresented backgrounds have the opportunity to learn first-hand what goes into creating healthy, local food. These multi-day placements provide the young people with the lifelong skills and knowledge necessary to positively impact their communities long after the experience is over.  

Creating a lasting community legacy 

‘Food is powerful’, says Robert. He stresses how important it is to expose young people to the benefits of healthy eating and creating an early connection with food. ‘When they understand what they consume and how it’s grown, they can make decisions for themselves that will directly benefit them’.  

Showing young people how to make healthy food choices early on can set them up for lifelong success. Cooking healthy meals at home for their families and understanding the value of supporting local farm shops provides enormous benefits not only for themselves, but for their local communities, too.  

When young people are being taught to pick up fresh fruit and vegetables instead of processed food, everyone’s a winner. It’s the hope of Robert and everyone at BFTP that the placements at Yeo Valley and The Community Farm will kickstart this positive relationship with food and healthy eating. 

Lessons from the land  

At The Community Farm, young people are warmly welcomed to the grounds by volunteers who show them the important year-long work that goes into growing food. This hands-on, three-day placement gives them a deep understanding of where their food comes from as well as the confidence to make better decisions when it comes to healthy eating.  

‘They have the answer themselves’, says Robert, ‘they just need the right guidance’. 

This experience also has the added benefit of opening their eyes to the powerful sense of community and belonging that volunteer work can bring about. Robert says that there are so many opportunities available to young people, but that they just may not know about them. BFTP’s placements can show them what’s out there.  

‘We plant the seed and let it grow’, says Robert. 

More than just yoghurt 

The Yeo Valley team is keen to show young people that they’re about much more than just yoghurt.  

‘There’s so much going on at Yeo Valley’, says Robert. Sure, they’re developing products, but there are also opportunities in financing, engineering, marketing, and so much more.  

By bringing young people on-site, they’re able to see the full range of possibilities available to them, as well as learn about the necessary next steps they need to seize them — whether that be pursuing a new qualification or completely shifting their education path. Beyond that, they learn how important character and personal drive are in shaping their futures, a lesson that is continually reinforced at Yeo Valley. 

Future plans 

BFTP now serve 1,000 young people annually through 40 partner organisations. In three years time, they hope to serve 3,000 by continually expanding their partnership network and adding new opportunities.

The aim is to go beyond placements and take part in city council activities, influencing larger policy-making decisions and eventually beyond the boundaries of Bristol. 

Get involved 

BFTP is currently looking for bespoke workshops and mentors to support their guided empowerment sessions. If you’re a business or individual who would like to support this work, please get in touch with Robert at rob@bristolfuturetalent.co.uk.  

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