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2024-12-31-accounts

Company no. 02777296 Charity no. 1019493

Youth Adventure Trust Report and Audited Financial Statements 31 December 2024

Youth Adventure Trust

Contents

For the year ended 31 December 2024

For the year ended 31 December 2024
Page
Reference and Administrative Details 1
Report of the Trustees
Chief Executive Introduction 2
Objectives and activities 3 - 9
Achievements and performance 10-12
Plans for Future Periods 12-13
Structure, Governance and Management 13
Financial Review 14-16
Chairman's Report 16-17
Statement of responsibilities of the trustees 18
Independent Auditors’ Report 19-22
Statement of Financial Activities 23
Balance Sheet 24
Cash Flow 25
Notes to the Financial Statements 26-41

Youth Adventure Trust

Reference and administrative details

Reference and administrative details Reference and administrative details
For theyear ended 31 December 2024
Company number 02777296
Charity number 1019493
Registered office and Windmill Hill Business Park
operational address Whitehill Way
Swindon
Wiltshire
SN5 6QR
Founder patron Mr David Hempleman-Adams OBE
Patrons Mr Neill Williams
Col Richard Mitchell
Mr Nigel Mitchell
Mr Vaughan Fullager
Trustees Trustees, who are also directors under company law, who served during
the year and up to the date of this report were as follows:
Peter Coleman (Chairman)
Craig Diamond
Lucy Holden
Suzanne McGladdery
Tom McPhail (resigned 5 August 2024)
Peter Redfern
Oliver Robinson
Gabriella Wood
Chief executive officer Mark Davey
Bankers Co-operative Bank
PO Box 250
Delf House
Southway
Skelmersdale
WN8 6WT
Auditors Godfrey Wilson Limited
Chartered accountants and statutory auditors
5th Floor, Mariner House
62 Prince Street
Bristol
BS1 4QD

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Youth Adventure Trust

Report of the trustees

For the year ended 31 December 2024

Chief Executive Introduction

As we reflect on the past year, it is impossible to ignore the increasing challenges facing young people today. Research continues to highlight the growing mental health crisis among children and young people, exacerbated by rising levels of anxiety, stress and social isolation. A recent report from the NHS found that one in five young people aged 8-16 now have a probable mental health disorder, a significant increase from previous years. At the same time, studies reinforce what we at the Youth Adventure Trust have always known: time spent outdoors, engaging in meaningful activities and building resilience through challenge is vital for young people’s wellbeing and future success.

Belinda Kirk, our ambassador and advocate for the transformative power of adventure, sums it up perfectly:

“The understanding that you can do more than you ever believed you could before, is the most important gift you can give any young person as they set off on their journey into adulthood.”

Her research reinforces our commitment to providing adventure-based programmes, combined with one-to-one support, that build resilience, develop confidence and teach skills that enable vulnerable young people to lead positive lives in the future.

Our mission has never been more important, and the impact of our work is evident. Our long-term approach, which includes the Adventure Programme, Resilience Programme, Mentoring Programme, and Bursary Programme, ensures that young people receive the ongoing support they need to successfully navigate the challenges in their lives.

None of this would be possible without our supporters - our volunteers, funders, corporate partners and donors. Together, we are making a lasting difference, providing opportunities that empower young people to achieve their full potential.

Thank you for inspiring young lives!

Mark Davey Chief Executive, Youth Adventure Trust

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Youth Adventure Trust

Report of the trustees

For the year ended 31 December 2024

The trustees present their report along with the financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31 December 2024.

Reference and administrative information set out on page 1 forms part of this report. The financial statements comply with current statutory requirements, the Memorandum and Articles of Association and the Statement of Recommended Practice - Accounting and Reporting by Charities (effective from January 2019).

Objectives and activities

Vision & Mission

Our Vision:

For vulnerable young people to fulfil their potential and to lead positive lives in the future.

Mission statement:

Inspire vulnerable young people to:

Summary of our work

The Youth Adventure Trust is a youth development charity supporting vulnerable 11 to 15 year olds from Wiltshire, Swindon and Somerset. Through our outdoor adventure based programmes, combined with one-to-one support, young people build resilience, develop confidence and learn skills to help them face challenges and lead positive lives in the future.

We offer four programmes designed to provide long-term support and have a lasting impact. The YAT Adventure Programme spans three school years and includes three residential camps, eight one-day activities and targeted one-to-one support to enable the young people to step out of their comfort zones to realise they can achieve more than they think they can. The YAT Resilience Programme, piloted in 2023 and launched in 2024, delivers a structured year-long experience with monthly activity days, an overnight adventure, home-based challenges and one-to-one support. The YAT Mentoring Programme provides more personalised guidance for selected young people who have completed one of the other programmes but need some additional support through fortnightly sessions with a volunteer mentor for up to one year. Finally, the YAT Bursary Programme helps participants access further activities by covering costs such as kit, membership fees or travel expenses.

Each programme focuses on personal development, helping young people become more reflective, set goals and take ownership of their progress. Participants are nominated by our referral partners, ensuring support reaches those who need it most. Our commitment to removing financial barriers means all of our programmes are completely free of charge for the young people and their families.

For over 30 years, the Youth Adventure Trust has inspired young lives, offering over 542,000 hours of activity participation and helping more than 2,100 vulnerable young people broaden their horizons and reach their full potential.

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Youth Adventure Trust

Report of the trustees

For the year ended 31 December 2024

The criteria YAT uses to assess success in achieving goals

Our programmes are continuously evolving to best meet the needs of the young people we work with. However, the core outcomes we strive to achieve remain consistent. We assess success in achieving these outcomes using a range of qualitative and quantitative measures. Specifically, we expect that, as a direct result of our programmes, young people will:

To measure progress and ensure our programmes deliver meaningful impact, we use a combination of structured evaluation tools, participant feedback and ongoing review processes.

▪ MTQ4Cs

▪ Ongoing progress tracking

By using these diverse assessment methods, we ensure that every young person progresses towards their personal objectives, while enabling us to continually refine and improve our programmes.

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Youth Adventure Trust

Report of the trustees

For the year ended 31 December 2024

Significant activities undertaken and how they contribute to the achievement of its aims and objectives

▪ Adventure Programme

In 2024 the YAT Adventure Programme continued to support vulnerable young people through immersive outdoor experiences, including delivering 2 Coastal, 2 Mountain and 2 Forest Camps, along with 11 Pathway Days, 18 Activity Days, and 4 Explore Days. Young people were encouraged to build their resilience through expanding their comfort zones in a supportive and encouraging environment. They participated in activities ranging from canoeing and climbing to caving and bushcraft, all of which served as a platform for personal growth, allowing young people to break through their perceived barriers and discover their full potential. The Adventure Programme’s core focus was on building resilience, confidence, and essential life skills such as working with others, communicating their issues and needs, taking responsibility for themselves and making good decisions. As young people faced challenges, whether it be staying away from home, navigating friendships or tackling an adventurous activity, they developed the ability to manage stress, overcome fears, communicate and persevere; skills that are essential for their future success. These experiences will help them build the confidence and self esteem needed to engage meaningfully and positively in home, school and tackle challenges in all areas of their lives.

In 2024 we responded to an identified dip in attendance and engagement over the winter months by introducing the YAT Boost Challenge. Working with young people to set their own mini challenge away from their time on the YAT programme, we were able to support personal growth through setting and accomplishing a goal, whilst also using the opportunity to strengthen relationships with the young people and their families. Indeed across the year we worked closely with families, schools, and Social Care outside of the main programme delivery to provide additional support for those young people most in need.

Over the course of 2024 more than 200 young people have benefited from the impactful experiences of the Adventure Programme. We received a huge amount of positive feedback across the year from current and previous programme participants, their families and schools, highlighting the personal impact the Adventure Programme had had on them, and the positive opportunities they are now involved with as a result.

▪ Mentoring Programme

2024 saw the charity support 40 young people across two cohorts of our Mentoring Programme. With the dedicated support of a mentor, young people had the opportunity to focus on personal objectives in fortnightly mentoring sessions. Individual aims varied but included building confidence in social situations, working on communication skills and developing strategies to manage the challenges they faced at school and in the community. The tailored sessions also provided opportunities to expand leisure experiences, encouraging young people to explore hobbies and activities they might not have tried.

As the mentoring relationship develops, the mentors are well-placed to challenge any preconceived narratives that may exist which may limit the young person’s potential, encouraging them to explore new possibilities and push perceived boundaries. This new-found confidence extends beyond the sessions and parents have fed back that the mentoring experiences have enhanced their child’s ability to engage with a wider range of opportunities during mentoring and beyond.

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Youth Adventure Trust

Report of the trustees

For the year ended 31 December 2024

Another key benefit we have witnessed over the year has been the growth of independence skills, where we have observed young people learning how to problem-solve, make decisions, and navigate challenges on their own. An example of this was an increased confidence for many in using public transport, a vital skill especially for those living in rural areas without access to a car, increasing their ability to visit friends, access leisure activities and widening the possibilities for their future education, training and employment. In addition, understanding about budgeting and having the skills to plan and take responsibility for expenditure has been a really valuable life experience for many.

Over the course of the year some young people have had difficult, complicated and upsetting life events, which have impacted on their wellbeing, self esteem and at times safety. Due to the mentoring relationship being established, we have been ideally positioned to help support these young people, and have also worked closely with families, schools, social workers and other professionals to ensure young people’s needs are understood and met.

The programme has helped young people in their current lives, and played a crucial role in empowering them to build the skills and confidence they need for positive future lives.

▪Resilience Programme

2024 saw the launch of our Resilience Programme in Somerset, representing the first roll out of the programme since the 2023 pilot, and our first ever work in Somerset. The start of the year was a chance to learn about the county, its challenges and opportunities, and identify our first 6 Somerset referral schools. We reviewed our learning from the pilot programme, holding focus groups for young people who participated, asking for their feedback and reflections. We also spoke with families to gather their views, and asked our referral schools for their input into reviewing and planning for the future of the programme. We collated this feedback to look at changes to things like group size, some of the activities and the reflective work away from the main parts of the programme. It was evident that the programme had been highly valued by parents, carers and teachers, who reported seeing noticeable positive differences in the young people as a result of attending. Young people also reported on the benefits they had experienced from participating.

Through running the pilot and looking at outcomes and feedback we were able to understand that the programme format and experiences were most suited and beneficial to young people who were experiencing low self confidence, anxiety and school related issues such as low attendance, social issues and bullying. These young people benefited from the supportive smaller group format, the regularity of activities, the continuity of staff and volunteers, the additional support and activities away from the main days, the local nature of the bulk of the programme and the variety of activities including adventurous, creative and team challenges.

After consolidating plans for the Resilience Programme format and selecting our referral schools, we concentrated on identifying appropriate locally based activities for our two cohorts of 15 young people. The programme launched in September 2024, with monthly Activity Days seeing out the remainder of the year. During the initial days we saw the group positively forming, young people becoming more confident in working together, and sharing any issues or concerns from their lives with the staff and volunteers.

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For the year ended 31 December 2024

Young people started to build their resilience through setting their own aims, understanding the different elements of Mental Toughness, reflecting on their strengths and areas for development, participating in challenging and new activities, working in teams and with new people, and working on challenges away from the Activity Days to embed their learning. This new YAT programme has been a response to an emerging need in the young people schools refer to us, and we are confident the lasting impact will be evident for our first cohort when they finish in the autumn of 2025.

▪ Bursary Programme

In 2024 we focused on increasing the awareness of and promoting our Bursary Programme with our families and young people. This has been achieved by ensuring the programme is regularly highlighted with families, within schools, and with young people whilst on the programme. We are also encouraging volunteers on Pathway Days to have these conversations with young people whilst helping on the final stages of the Adventure Programme.

This has resulted in an increase in bursary applications and more understanding and appropriateness of requests.

Our Bursary Programme is usually available after young people finish the Adventure Programme, but this year we facilitated two early applications from young people still on the programme, enabling them to face specific and time relevant challenges, such as learning to swim. We feel it is important to be responsive and needs led putting the bursary opportunity to best use.

Over the year a range of applications have been approved enabling young people to continue to build their confidence and resilience after their main programmes have ended. We supplied sports kit allowing a young person to continue accessing an all-girls football programme; specific revision supplies to support a young person with autism; equipment and courses helping two looked after children spend time in the outdoors with peers; art and design materials for a young person passionate about pursuing this in their future career; and a musical instrument and guides to support a GCSE course.

▪ Young Leaders Programme

The Young Leaders Programme further evidences the impact legacy of our Adventure Programme and also highlights the important role volunteers have. Our Young Leaders champion volunteering, understanding the benefits for all, demonstrating its value in society, and firmly placing the idea within the aspirations and reach of the young people we support.

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Youth Adventure Trust

Report of the trustees

For the year ended 31 December 2024

We were supported in 2024 by our Volunteering Committee, a group of experienced volunteers, who assisted us by organising our volunteer socials and Reel Adventures film screening event. These events provided us with an opportunity to celebrate the dedication and commitment of our volunteers and to take time away from their roles to reflect, socialise and to feel part of a wider volunteering community.

Throughout the year we published a quarterly Volunteering Newsletter specifically for existing and previous volunteers, and posted regular news articles on our website celebrating their impact. In addition we supported the wider volunteering community and increased our profile through our Volunteering Lead chairing meetings of the Wiltshire Forum for Volunteer Managers in partnership with Wessex Community Action. As always we diligently deployed processes to ensure all our volunteers received and accessed the required training, briefings and debriefs and coaching, and ensured that our safer recruitment processes were strictly adhered to. As a result we received a great deal of positive feedback from our volunteers about the level of training and support on offer to them, and also put them in the best possible position to ensure young people gained the maximum benefit from their programme opportunities. Volunteers are key to the success of our programme outcomes, and without their huge contributions we would not be able to provide our invaluable and impactful programmes.

▪ Outcomes that relate to our mission

We believe that vulnerable young people should be given the opportunity to fulfil their potential and be able to lead positive lives in the future. Through our various programmes, we help them to build resilience, confidence, learn valuable life skills and achieve their full potential. In 2024 we saw every year group’s overall Mental Toughness increase across all parts of the programme. We measure the concept of Mental Toughness through a quantitative impact measurement tool called the MTQ4Cs, a psychometric questionnaire assessing four key areas: Control, Commitment, Challenge, and Confidence. The data collected at the start, middle and end of programmes helps staff and volunteers identify areas where young people need the most support, set personalised objectives and track progress over time.

As well as seeing progress for all groups, we were interested to note that the overall starting measure for the 2024 intake was our lowest ever; out of a scale of 1-10 with 1 being the lowest, the 2024 cohort measured at 2.8 compared to 3.28 in 2023 and 3.77 in 2024. We feel this is a reflection of the increasing low resilience in young people who schools are identifying as in need of additional support.

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Youth Adventure Trust

Report of the trustees

For the year ended 31 December 2024

In addition to our outcomes measurement tool, we collect direct feedback from young people and parents/carers. In 2024 96.5% of young people told us they felt more resilient, 98.6% felt more able to challenge themselves, 100% felt more confident and 100% felt they were better at getting on with others. Over 98% of parents/carers felt YAT had helped their child build resilience, confidence, social and interpersonal skills, broaden their horizons, challenge themselves more and learn to take responsibility for themselves and make good decisions. 100% said they would recommend the Youth Adventure Trust.

Throughout the year we continued to receive feedback from participants and their parents months and years after their time with YAT came to an end. A young person 2 years after his programme ended told us;

“I think I would have been a different person if I didn’t do it for sure, 100% I think it has helped me massively. I would not be the person I am if I didn’t go on it because I wouldn’t be as confident, now I’m just not fazed by stuff.”

And a parent messaged to say;

“Thank you to the YAT team for investing time and effort into a programme that undoubtedly helped my son through a period of anxiety and low self esteem, and made him into a confident young man today. It's really nice to know there are charities like yours that are there to help kids, because he definitely needed the help, so thank you!”

▪ Public benefit.

The Youth Adventure Trust delivers public benefit by providing challenging outdoor adventure programmes and one to one support for vulnerable young people. These programmes build resilience, confidence, and essential life skills, empowering participants to improve their lives and contribute positively to their communities. By fostering personal development and social inclusion, the Trust helps young people overcome adversity and reach their full potential, thus benefiting society as a whole.

The trustees of the Youth Adventure Trust confirm that they have had due regard to the Charity Commission’s guidance on public benefit when planning and delivering the Trust's activities. They have ensured that the Trust's aims are for the public benefit, that the benefits are clear, and that they are delivered in a way that is accessible to vulnerable young people.

▪ Long-term goals

The long term goal of the Youth Adventure Trust is to provide a range of suitable programmes to a significant number of young people in both Wiltshire and Somerset whilst laying the foundations for expansion into new counties in the South West of England. In the short term this will require the balancing of programmes across both counties and the investment in the fundraising resource ready to grow the numbers of young people supported. Over the next 5 years we are aiming to grow the number of programme places offered from 335 to 448.

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Youth Adventure Trust

Report of the trustees

For the year ended 31 December 2024

Achievements and performance

Fundraising

fundraising objective set

Fundraising plays a crucial role in enabling the Youth Adventure Trust to provide life-changing experiences for those who need it most. We do not charge for any of our activities and have no service-delivery contracts, so as such we rely on the generosity of individuals, companies, community organisations and grant-makers to deliver our programmes.

Whilst 2024 presented significant challenges - economic uncertainty, global instability, a change in government and the ongoing cost-of-living crisis - leading to a more challenging fundraising climate, we continued to build relationships, develop our networks and make the most of the opportunity for fundraising within Somerset as we launched our Resilience Programme in the county. Although we didn’t reach our income targets, we are entering 2025 with renewed resilience, optimism and determination. At the time of writing over 40% of our 2025 income is secure, providing a strong foundation for the year ahead.

The fundraising performance in 2024 reinforced the importance of maintaining a diverse income portfolio. Over the past decade, we have focused on building a well-balanced fundraising strategy designed to withstand financial uncertainties and have had to bear relatively high fundraising costs as a result. This approach proved its value, as the unexpected decline in challenge event revenue was significantly offset by stronger than anticipated income from trusts and individual donors. We remain confident that this strategic diversification is the right approach, ensuring resilience and stability in an ever-changing fundraising environment.

We have taken proactive steps to strengthen our fundraising efforts, including expanding our fundraising team, launching a new PR campaign and conducting a strategic review of areas where performance fell short of objectives. These measures, alongside the continued support of our incredible supporters, give us confidence as we move forward into 2025 with ambitious goals and a clear plan to achieve them.

▪ Challenge Events

Challenge events are an important element of our fundraising portfolio, not only because of the significant amount of income they generate, but also because there is a real synergy with our programmes. These events encourage participants to step out of their comfort zones and reinforce the same sense of resilience and achievement that our young people feel.

Historically, challenge events have contributed 40 to 50% of our total revenue. However, in 2024 this dropped to 34%. This was, in part, due to one of our corporate partners unexpectedly reducing their event budget, which did not affect our overall net income, but did impact total revenue. Furthermore, event participation numbers dropped from 679 in 2023 to 555 in 2024 (an 18% reduction). Despite this, there were some encouraging signs which have given us confidence in our 2025 event schedule, most notably an increase of 3% in the average amount raised per participant compared to the previous year.

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Youth Adventure Trust

Report of the trustees

For the year ended 31 December 2024

Recognising the need to strengthen our challenge events, we undertook a comprehensive review at the end of the year. As a result we have made several key changes for 2025:

With these strategic adjustments, we are optimistic about the year ahead and confident that challenge events will continue to play a vital role in our fundraising success.

We were delighted to exceed our Trusts fundraising target in 2024, thanks to the ongoing support of our multi-year funders and new partnerships. The launch of the Resilience Programme in Somerset not only allowed us to engage new funders but also provided tangible progress to share with existing supporters. Furthermore, as our programmes continue to evolve and become more refined, we have been able to craft even more compelling narratives and clearly demonstrate the significant impact of funding on the vulnerable young people we support.

It is clear that trusts and foundations are highly aware of the challenges facing our young people and their families. As such, it is always a pleasure to share end-of-project reports and periodic updates that highlight the successes of the young people on our programmes, as well as welcome our funders on programme visits. The consistent generosity and support of our grantmakers has been instrumental in ensuring we can deliver our programmes as planned and continue to meet our commitment to the young people we are working with.

▪ Corporate

We are extremely proud of our corporate partnerships, with local and regional businesses as well as bigger PLCs. The current economic climate has encouraged us to think creatively about our partnerships and come up with innovative ideas to facilitate staff engagement, fundraising, volunteering and general awareness of the importance of our work in the community. Staff teams have climbed mountains, been ‘netwalking’ and competed in quizzes to support us as their charity of the year. We have benefitted from cause-related marketing campaigns, gifts-in-kind and sponsorship arrangements. It has been a pleasure to get to know many of the businesses local to Somerset and we’re grateful for their support as we begin working with young people from the county.

▪ Individuals

We have worked hard to expand our networks and build meaningful relationships with individuals who share our passion for supporting young people. In 2024, we were thrilled to see a 59% increase in individual donations, a testament to our growing community of committed supporters who are helping us to reach more vulnerable young people.

A key part of our approach has been peer-to-peer networking, with existing supporters introducing us to others who may be interested in our work. This has helped us develop strong, personal connections with donors and ensure they see the life-changing impact of their support.

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Youth Adventure Trust

Report of the trustees

For the year ended 31 December 2024

We are continually inspired by those who discover us through social media or our e-newsletter and choose to give. It’s also encouraging to see the continued growth of Sponsor An Adventure, our regular giving scheme that provides ongoing programme support.

The Adventure Dinner was another resounding success, raising more than any previous event thanks to the generosity of attendees who bid on the auction, bought raffle tickets, played Tree Top Trumps and pledged to fund places on our Forest Camp.

We are especially pleased to welcome new supporters from Somerset, where we recently launched our Resilience Programme. The warm reception highlights the generosity of those eager to support young people in their community.

At a time when many are thinking carefully about their charitable donations, we are incredibly grateful to everyone who has supported us over the past year. Your generosity is truly changing young lives.

▪ Trading Company

We established our Trading Company to manage the flow of income and expenditure between our clients and the suppliers engaged to deliver their events. This keeps our trading activity distinctly separate from our charitable activities and reduces any inherent risks.

The Youth Adventure Trust has faced a challenging environment marked by economic uncertainty. The cost-of-living crisis and increased demand for services, while funding becomes more strained due to rising operational costs and competition for donations. This necessitates a delicate balance between meeting growing needs and managing limited resources.

▪ Staff

During 2024 our Resilience Programme Lead and Trust Fundraising Officer moved on. We have now replaced both of these positions.

We also recruited an additional Adventure Programme Manager, an Adventure Programme Support Manager and a Regional Fundraiser to lead our move into Somerset.

▪ Trustees

There were no new appointments in 2024 although it was agreed that the charity should recruit an additional trustee from one of our referral schools as we have always had in the past. This will be undertaken in 2025.

All board appointments are discussed by current serving trustees and a confirmation decision is taken at a board meeting.

There is a robust succession plan in place that ensures a regular turnover of board members that promotes good governance and fresh ideas.

Plans for Future Periods

The Youth Adventure Trust is restructuring its programmes to evenly distribute its adventure, resilience, mentoring and bursary initiatives across Wiltshire and Somerset. This strategic shift addresses newly identified needs amongst vulnerable young people, enables the Trust to develop its operational team and build the fundraising resource for future growth.

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Youth Adventure Trust

Report of the trustees

For the year ended 31 December 2024

The Youth Adventure Trust has discovered that some vulnerable young people benefit more from our Resilience Programme than the traditional Adventure Programme. This learning, gained from our Somerset experience, will now be applied across both Somerset and Wiltshire, ensuring the most effective support is provided to all young people.

The trustees fully support the rebalancing of the programmes across both counties and can see the benefits in these five areas:

Structure, Governance and Management

Youth Adventure Trust is a limited liability company and a registered charity governed by its Memorandum and Articles of Association of 5 January 1993, revised 8 February 2013 for the charity’s change of name. Charity number: 1019493. Company number: 02777296.

Trustees and trustee recruitment

Potential Trustees will be interviewed by members of the current board and the Senior Leadership Team and will be invited to attend a board meeting as a visitor. A decision will then be made by the entire board.

The background of the candidate is assessed to see if they meet the current needs of the board and fit within the ‘Trustee Skills, Knowledge & Experience Matrix’.

For a successful candidate we implement a full ‘Safer Recruitment’ process to ensure they are suitable for the role and we have a comprehensive induction process that ensures new Trustees have a clear idea of their role and responsibilities.

The Youth Adventure Trust, a registered charity, is structured with a trustee board for governance, a fundraising team for financial support, and an operations team that directly delivers programmes to vulnerable young people.

Staffing

The Youth Adventure Trust conducts annual pay reviews in April each year, with periodic benchmarking. The board of trustees make all final decisions regarding salary increases.

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Youth Adventure Trust

Report of the trustees

For the year ended 31 December 2024

Financial Review

Fundraising plays a crucial role in enabling the Youth Adventure Trust to provide life-changing experiences for those who need it most. We do not charge for any of our activities and have no government contracts, so as such we rely on the generosity of individuals, companies, community organisations and grant-makers to deliver our programmes.

A second year of lower funds raised has been noted and the fundraising strategy adjusted to account for this as we move into 2025.

Fundraising accounts for 88% of our total income with a further 2% raised through attracting sponsorship of the Beacons Challenge and the auction at the Adventure Dinner which also benefited from some corporate sponsorship. We have a diverse fundraising mix which reflects our recent efforts to minimise the risk of income shocks. 39% of total income is derived from Trusts & Foundations, 23% from fundraising events and challenge, 15% from individuals, fundraisers and gift aid, 8% from corporate partnerships and 5% from other fundraising activities. The remaining 10% comes from our trading activity as an event management provider.

This well balanced fundraising mix puts us in a strong position, less susceptible to financial shocks. However, it is worth noting that in order to achieve this position and continue to see growth in the funds we raise, we have invested in fundraising staff. We acknowledge that the strategic decision to build a sustainable and diverse fundraising portfolio comes with necessary fundraising costs.

Income, Expenditure and Deficit

This year the charity raised £1,017k, an £80k decrease on funds raised in 2023. The deficit in 2024 was £40k compared to £20k in the prior year. £39k of the current year deficit was due to a corporate partner reducing their event budget for 2024.

The Trustees expect a return to surplus during 2025 and an improvement in financial resilience. The 2025 budget has now been formally adopted by the Board of Trustees and shows a strong cash flow and continuing growth in surplus and an improving financial position through 2025 and 2026.

Charitable spending this year increased by 6% from 59% of total expenditure to 65%.

Going Concern Statement

The Group achieved a deficit for the financial year of £40k and had net assets of £258k as at 31 December 2024.

The Group meets its day-to-day working capital requirements through its existing cash reserves. 40% of the projected turnover for 2025 (£1,253,500) has already been received or confidently secured, and cost control is being rigorously managed. The Trustees are satisfied that the draft budget for 2025 showing a £11k surplus will be achieved, thereby building reserves towards 6 months of charitable spending levels.

The Group has adopted a ‘Financial Scenario Plan’ where we have modelled best, worst and emergency options to ensure that we have options if restrictions are placed on our ability to fundraise. As we demonstrated during 2020 we can dramatically reduce costs at short notice should there be a significant and unexpected reduction in income.

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Youth Adventure Trust

Report of the trustees

For the year ended 31 December 2024

Based on the liquid assets held by the Group as at 31 December 2024, the budgeted cash flows and the Trustees’ assessment of the Group’s ability to maintain satisfactory reserves and cash, the Trustees believe it is appropriate to adopt the going concern basis in preparing the Group’s financial statements.

Reserves

Total funds held at 31st December 2024 were £258k (2023: £298k) of which £128k were restricted (2023: £78k). Some of the increase in restricted funds will be allocated towards staff salaries in 2025.

Our current level of free reserves, defined as unrestricted current net assets is £127k (2023: £219k) and equates to less than 3 months expenditure at 2025 budgeted levels* of £274k.

The board of trustee directors have decided that the charity should once again work towards a level of reserves that should equate to six months of total charity expenditure.*

Principal Risks and Safeguarding

The Youth Adventure Trust's main risks are:

The Trustees review our risk register at every board meeting ensuring that all mitigating steps have been taken.

Fundraising

The Youth Adventure Trust strives to maintain the highest standards of fundraising and comply with industry best practices. We do all we can to ensure that fundraisers and volunteers working with us to raise funds embody the organisation's values and comply with our best practices. We have not engaged the services of any fundraising contractors.

The charity has voluntarily registered with the Fundraising Regulator and complies with the Code of Fundraising Practice.

All members of the fundraising team and the trustee board receive training on the Code of Fundraising Practice and its importance.

There have been no failures to comply with fundraising standards.

Fundraising practices are constantly monitored by the Senior Management Team and reported on to the board of trustees. We continue to encourage all fundraising members of staff to undertake relevant training, keep up to date with the not for profit sector developments and network with their peers from other organisations to ensure best practice.

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Youth Adventure Trust

Report of the trustees

For the year ended 31 December 2024

We have not received any complaints about fundraising activities carried out by the charity or by anybody acting on behalf of the charity.

The charity has a Gift Policy in place which guides the solicitation, acceptance and stewardship of all charitable gifts. Fundraising staff and trustees are regularly asked to review the Gift Policy and compliance is monitored by the Director of Fundraising. All fundraising practices are GDPR compliant.

Chairman's Report

On behalf of the Trustees of the Youth Adventure Trust, I am pleased to present our Report and Audited Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2024.

As we reflect on the past year, it is impossible to ignore the increasing challenges facing young people today, with research highlighting growing mental health crises and rising levels of anxiety and stress. Amidst a challenging environment marked by economic uncertainty, global instability, and the ongoing cost-of-living crisis, the Youth Adventure Trust's mission to support vulnerable 11 to 15 year olds by building resilience, developing confidence, and teaching valuable life skills has never been more important. We believe time spent outdoors, engaging in meaningful activities, and building resilience through challenge is vital for young people's wellbeing and future success.

In 2024, we continued to deliver our impactful, long-term outdoor adventure programmes, combined with one-to-one support. Our core offering includes the YAT Adventure Programme, the YAT Resilience Programme (launched in 2024 in Somerset after a 2023 pilot), the YAT Mentoring Programme, and the YAT Bursary Programme. Participants are nominated by our referral partners, ensuring support reaches those who need it most, and critically, all our programmes are completely free of charge for the young people and their families. We also launched a brand new Young Leaders Programme in 2024, providing development opportunities for previous participants. Over 200 young people benefited from the Adventure Programme in 2024, and we supported 40 young people through the Mentoring Programme.

We measure success through a range of qualitative and quantitative measures, including the MTQ4Cs psychometric questionnaire and feedback from participants and parents/carers. We were particularly encouraged to see that in 2024, 96.5% of young people felt more resilient, 100% felt more confident, and over 98% of parents/carers felt YAT had helped their child build confidence, social skills, and challenge themselves. Testimonials from young people and parents years after participation continue to underscore the lasting impact of our work.

None of this would be possible without our incredible community of supporters, including volunteers, funders, corporate partners, and donors. Our volunteers, 108 individuals in 2024 (43 new), are instrumental, contributing over 9,000 hours across various roles. They provide crucial support for our programmes and events, acting as positive adult role models who broaden young people's views and aspirations. We simply could not operate without their huge contributions.

Financially, 2024 presented challenges. The charity raised £1,017k, an £80k decrease compared to the £1,097k raised in 2023. Total expenditure for the year was £1,057k, down from £1,116k in 2023. This resulted in a deficit of £40k in 2024, an increase from the £20k deficit in the prior year.

16

Youth Adventure Trust

Report of the trustees

For the year ended 31 December 2024

Despite not reaching our income targets in 2024, our focus on building a diverse income portfolio over the past decade proved invaluable. Fundraising accounted for 88% of our total income. While challenge events, historically contributing a significant portion of revenue, dropped to 34% in 2024 due to a corporate partner reducing budget and an 18% reduction in participation, this was significantly offset by stronger than anticipated income from trusts and individual donors. We were delighted to exceed our Trusts fundraising target and saw a remarkable 59% increase in individual donations in 2024. Our trading activity also contributed 10% of income. Charitable spending increased in 2024, rising from 59% to 64.4% of total expenditure.

Our total funds held at 31 December 2024 were £258k (2023: £298k). Our free reserves, defined as unrestricted current net assets, stood at £127k, equating to less than 3 months of expenditure at 2025 budgeted levels. The board of trustee directors has decided to work towards a level of reserves that should equate to six months of total charity expenditure.

Looking ahead, we are entering 2025 with optimism and renewed determination. We are undertaking a strategic restructuring to evenly distribute our programmes across Wiltshire and Somerset, ensuring we provide the most suitable support to more young people. This strategic move is expected to boost the charity's financial health, returning to significant annual surpluses. At the time of writing, over 40% of our 2025 income is already secure, providing a strong foundation. The adopted 2025 budget shows a strong cash flow and continued growth in surplus, indicating an improving financial position through 2025 and 2026. We have also implemented strategic changes to our challenge events for 2025 to strengthen performance, and plan to grow the number of programme places offered over the next 5 years.

We remain confident in our strategic diversification of income and our ability to manage costs effectively. Our focus remains steadfast on delivering life-changing experiences to vulnerable young people and empowering them to fulfil their potential.

We are incredibly grateful to everyone who has supported us over the past year. Your generosity is truly changing young lives.

Peter Coleman

Peter Coleman - Chairman

17

Youth Adventure Trust

Report of the trustees

For the year ended 31 December 2024

Statement of responsibilities of the trustees

The trustees (who are also directors of the charity for the purposes of company law) are responsible for preparing the trustees' report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards, including Financial Reporting Standard 102: The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).

Company law requires the trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year, which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charity and of the income and expenditure of the charity for that period. In preparing those financial statements the trustees are required to:

The trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records which disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charity and which enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Companies Act 2006. The trustees are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charity and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.

In so far as the trustees are aware:

The trustees are responsible for the maintenance and integrity of the corporate and financial information included on the charitable company's website. Legislation in the United Kingdom governing the preparation and dissemination of financial statements may differ from legislation in other jurisdictions.

Members of the charity guarantee to contribute an amount not exceeding £10 to the assets of the charity in the event of winding up. The trustees are members of the charity but this entitles them only to voting rights. The trustees have no beneficial interest in the charity.

Auditors

Godfrey Wilson Limited were re-appointed as auditors to the group and parent charity during the year and have expressed their willingness to continue in that capacity.

Approved by the trustees on 23 June 2025 and signed on their behalf by

Peter Coleman

Peter Coleman - Chairman

18

Independent auditors' report

To the members of

Youth Adventure Trust

Opinion

We have audited the financial statements of Youth Adventure Trust (the 'parent charity') and its subsidiary (the 'group') for the year ended 31 December 2024 which comprise the consolidated statement of financial activities, consolidated and parent's balance sheets, consolidated statement of cash flows and the related notes to the financial statements, including a summary of significant accounting policies. The financial reporting framework that has been applied in their preparation is applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards, including Financial Reporting Standard 102: The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and the Republic of Ireland (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).

In our opinion, the financial statements:

Basis for opinion

We conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (UK) (ISAs (UK)) and applicable law. Our responsibilities under those standards are further described in the Auditor’s responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements section of our report. We are independent of the group and parent charity in accordance with the ethical requirements that are relevant to our audit of the financial statements in the UK, including the FRC’s Ethical Standard, and the provisions available for small entities, in the circumstances set out in note 6 to the financial statements, and we have fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance with these requirements. We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion.

Conclusions relating to going concern

In auditing the financial statements, we have concluded that the trustees’ use of the going concern basis of accounting in the preparation of the financial statements is appropriate.

Based on the work we have performed, we have not identified any material uncertainties relating to events or conditions that, individually or collectively, may cast significant doubt on the group and parent charity's ability to continue as a going concern for a period of at least twelve months from when the financial statements are authorised for issue.

Our responsibilities and the responsibilities of the trustees with respect to going concern are described in the relevant sections of this report.

Other information

The other information comprises the information included in the annual report other than the financial statements and our auditor’s report thereon. The trustees are responsible for the other information. Our opinion on the financial statements does not cover the other information and, except to the extent otherwise explicitly stated in our report, we do not express any form of assurance conclusion thereon.

19

Independent auditors' report

To the members of

Youth Adventure Trust

In connection with our audit of the financial statements, our responsibility is to read the other information and, in doing so, consider whether the other information is materially inconsistent with the financial statements or our knowledge obtained in the audit or otherwise appears to be materially misstated. If we identify such material inconsistencies or apparent material misstatements, we are required to determine whether there is a material misstatement in the financial statements or a material misstatement of the other information. If, based on the work we have performed, we conclude that there is a material misstatement of this other information, we are required to report that fact.

We have nothing to report in this regard.

Opinion on other matters prescribed by the Companies Act 2006

In our opinion, based on the work undertaken in the course of the audit:

Matters on which we are required to report by exception

In the light of the knowledge and understanding of the group and parent charity and their environment obtained in the course of the audit, we have not identified material misstatements in the directors’ report included within the trustees’ report. We have nothing to report in respect of the following matters in relation to which the Companies Act 2006 requires us to report to you if, in our opinion:

Responsibilities of the trustees

As explained more fully in the trustees’ responsibilities statement set out in the trustees’ report, the trustees are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements and for being satisfied that they give a true and fair view, and for such internal control as they determine is necessary to enable the preparation of financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.

In preparing the financial statements, the trustees are responsible for assessing the group and the parent charity's ability to continue as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going concern and using the going concern basis of accounting unless the trustees either intend to liquidate the group or the parent charity or to cease operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so.

20

Independent auditors' report

To the members of

Youth Adventure Trust

Our responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements

Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements as a whole are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue an auditor’s report that includes our opinion. Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance, but is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance with ISAs (UK) will always detect a material misstatement when it exists. Misstatements can arise from fraud or error and are considered material if, individually or in the aggregate, they could reasonably be expected to influence the economic decisions of users taken on the basis of these financial statements.

Irregularities, including fraud, are instances of non-compliance with laws and regulations. We design procedures in line with our responsibilities, outlined above, to detect material misstatements in respect of irregularities, including fraud. The procedures we carried out and the extent to which they are capable of detecting irregularities, including fraud, are detailed below:

(1) We obtained an understanding of the legal and regulatory framework that the charity operates in, and assessed the risk of non-compliance with applicable laws and regulations. Throughout the audit, we remained alert to possible indications of non-compliance.

(2) We reviewed the charity’s policies and procedures in relation to:

(3) We inspected the minutes of trustee meetings.

(4) We enquired about any non-routine communication with regulators and reviewed any reports made to them.

(5) We reviewed the financial statement disclosures and assessed their compliance with applicable laws and regulations.

(6) We performed analytical procedures to identify any unusual or unexpected transactions or balances that may indicate a risk of material fraud or error.

(7) We assessed the risk of fraud through management override of controls and carried out procedures to address this risk. Our procedures included:

▪Testing transactions that are unusual or outside the normal course of business.

Because of the inherent limitations of an audit, there is a risk that we will not detect all irregularities, including those leading to a material misstatement in the financial statements or non-compliance with regulation. Irregularities that arise due to fraud can be even harder to detect than those that arise from error as they may involve deliberate concealment or collusion.

21

Independent auditors' report

To the members of

Youth Adventure Trust

A further description of our responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements is located on the Financial Reporting Council’s website at: www.frc.org.uk/auditorsresponsibilities. This description forms part of our auditor’s report.

Use of our report

This report is made solely to the charityʼs members, as a body, in accordance with Chapter 3 of Part 16 of the Companies Act 2006. Our audit work has been undertaken so that we might state to the charityʼs members those matters we are required to state to them in an auditorʼs report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the charityʼs members as a body, for our audit work, for this report, or for the opinions we have formed.

William Guy Blake

Date: 23 June 2025

William Guy Blake ACA (Senior Statutory Auditor)

For and on behalf of:

GODFREY WILSON LIMITED

Chartered accountants and statutory auditors 5th Floor Mariner House 62 Prince Street Bristol BS1 4QD

22

Youth Adventure Trust

Consolidated statement of financial activities (incorporating an income and expenditure account)

For the year ended 31 December 2024

Note
Income from:
Donations
3
Other trading activities:
Youth Adventure Trading
Sponsorship and auction
4
Total income
Expenditure on:
Expenditure on trading
Total income net of trading expenditure
Expenditure on raising funds
Net income available for charitable activities
Expenditure on charitable activities
Total expenditure
5
6
Reconciliation of funds:
Total funds brought forward
Total funds carried forward
Net income / (expenditure)
and movement in funds		 Restricted Unrestricted
£
£
325,580
569,319
-
101,918
-
19,779
325,580
691,016
-
100,791
325,580
590,225
-
268,976
325,580
321,249
275,443
411,493
275,443
781,260
50,137
(90,244)
78,293
219,567
128,430
129,323		 Total
Total
2024
2023
£
£
894,899
865,793
101,918
209,154
19,779
21,947
1,016,596
1,096,894
100,791
205,927
915,805
890,967
268,976
252,199
646,829
638,768
686,936
658,304
1,056,703
1,116,430
(40,107)
(19,536)
297,860
317,396
257,753
297,860
325,580
-
325,580
-
325,580
275,443
275,443
50,137
78,293
128,430

All of the above results are derived from continuing activities. There were no other recognised gains or losses other than those stated above. Movements in funds are disclosed in note 17 to the accounts.

23

Youth Adventure Trust

Consolidated balance sheets

As at 31 December 2024

The group
2024
Note
£
Fixed assets
Tangible fixed assets
9
1,750
Investments
10
-
1,750
Current assets
Debtors
13
113,350
Cash at bank and in hand
194,063
307,413
Liabilities
Creditors: amounts due within 1 year
14
51,410
Net current assets
256,003
Net assets
16
257,753
Funds
17
Restricted funds
128,430
Unrestricted funds
General funds
129,323
Total charity funds
257,753		 The charity
2024
£
1,750
10
1,760
136,635
154,345
290,980
34,987
255,993
257,753
128,430
129,323
257,753		 The group
2023
£
-
-
-
74,051
272,015
346,066
48,206
297,860
297,860
78,293
219,567
297,860		 The charity
2023
£
-
10
10
185,350
145,493
330,843
32,993
297,850
297,860
78,293
219,567
297,860

These accounts have been prepared in accordance with the special provisions applicable to companies subject to the small companies' regime.

Approved by the trustees on 23 June 2025 and signed on their behalf by

Peter Coleman

Peter Coleman - Chairman

24

Youth Adventure Trust

Consolidated statement of cash flows

For the year ended 31 December 2024

For theyear ended 31 December 2024
Cash used in operating activities:
Net movement in funds
Adjustments for:
Depreciation
Increase in debtors
Increase in creditors
Net cash used in operating activities
Cash used in investing activities:
Purchase of tangible fixed assets
Net cash used in investing activities
Decrease in cash and cash equivalents in the year
Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the year
Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the year		 2024
£
(40,107)
350
(39,299)
3,204
(75,852)
(2,100)
(2,100)
(77,952)
272,015
194,063		 2023
£
(19,536)
-
(12,958)
15,408
(17,086)
-
-
(17,086)
289,101
272,015

The charity has not provided an analysis of changes in net debt as it does not have any long term financing arrangements.

25

Youth Adventure Trust

Notes to the financial statements

For the year ended 31 December 2024

1. Accounting policies

a) Basis of preparation and general information

Youth Adventure Trust is a charitable company limited by guarantee registered in England and Wales. The registered office address is Windmill Hill Business Park, Whitehill Way, Swindon, Wiltshire, SN5 6QR.

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities in preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2019) - (Charities SORP (FRS 102)), the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) and the Companies Act 2006.

Youth Adventure Trust meets the definition of a public benefit entity under FRS 102. Assets and liabilities are initially recognised at historical cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant accounting policy notes.

b) Group accounts

These financial statements consolidate the results of the charitable company and its wholly-owned (controlled) subsidiary on a line by line basis. Transactions and balances between the charitable company and its subsidiary have been eliminated from the consolidated financial statements. Balances between the charity and its subsidiary are disclosed in the notes of the charitable company's balance sheet.

c) Going concern basis of accounting

The accounts have been prepared on the assumption that the charity is able to continue as a going concern, which the trustees consider appropriate having regard to the current level of unrestricted reserves. There are no material uncertainties about the charity's ability to continue as a going concern.

d) Income

Income is recognised when the charity has entitlement to the funds, any performance conditions attached to the items of income have been met, it is probable that the income will be received and the amount can be measured reliably.

Income from the government and other grants, whether 'capital' grants or 'revenue' grants, is recognised when the charity has entitlement to the funds, any performance conditions attached to the grants have been met, it is probable that the income will be received and the amount can be measured reliably and is not deferred.

Event management fees received in advance of the event taking place are deferred until the event is held.

e) Donated services and facilities

Donated professional services and donated facilities are recognised as income when the charity has control over the item, any conditions associated with the donated item have been met, the receipt of economic benefit from the use by the charity of the item is probable and the economic benefit can be measured reliably. In accordance with the Charities SORP (FRS 102), general volunteer time is not recognised.

26

Youth Adventure Trust

Notes to the financial statements

For the year ended 31 December 2024

1. Accounting policies (continued)

e) Donated services and facilities (continued)

On receipt, donated professional services and donated facilities are recognised on the basis of the value of the gift to the charity which is the amount the charity would have been willing to pay to obtain services or facilities of equivalent economic benefit on the open market; a corresponding amount is then recognised in expenditure in the period of receipt.

f) Interest receivable

Interest on funds held on deposit is included when receivable and the amount can be measured reliably by the charity: this is normally upon notification of the interest paid or payable by the bank.

g) Funds accounting

Unrestricted funds are available to spend on activities that further any of the purposes of the charity. Designated funds are unrestricted funds of the charity which the trustees have decided at their discretion to set aside to use for a specific purpose. Restricted funds are donations which the donor has specified are to be solely used for particular areas of the charity's work or for specific projects being undertaken by the charity.

h) Expenditure and irrecoverable VAT

Expenditure is recognised once there is a legal or constructive obligation to make a payment to a third party, it is probable that settlement will be required and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably.

Irrecoverable VAT is charged as a cost against the activity for which the expenditure was incurred.

i) Allocation of support and governance costs

Support costs are those functions that assist the work of the charity but do not directly undertake charitable activities. Governance costs are the costs associated with the governance arrangements of the charity, including the costs of complying with constitutional and statutory requirements and any costs associated with the strategic management of the charity’s activities. These costs have been allocated between activities on the following basis, which is an estimate of staff time:

2024 2023
Trading costs 4.7% 4.8%
Raising funds 30.9% 30.4%
Charitable activities 64.4% 64.8%

j) Tangible fixed assets

Depreciation is provided at rates calculated to write down the cost of each asset to its estimated residual value over its expected useful life. The depreciation rate in use is 3 years straight line for event equipment.

Items of equipment are capitalised where the purchase price exceeds £1,000.

k) Investments in subsidiary undertakings

Investments in subsidiaries are measured at cost less impairment.

27

Youth Adventure Trust

Notes to the financial statements

For the year ended 31 December 2024

1. Accounting policies (continued)

l) Debtors

Trade and other debtors are recognised at the settlement amount due after any trade discount offered. Prepayments are valued at the amount prepaid net of any trade discounts due.

m) Cash at bank and in hand

Cash at bank and cash in hand includes cash and short term highly liquid investments with a short maturity of three months or less from the date of acquisition or opening of the deposit or similar account.

n) Creditors

Creditors and provisions are recognised where the charitable company has a present obligation resulting from a past event that will probably result in the transfer of funds to a third party and the amount due to settle the obligation can be measured or estimated reliably. Creditors and provisions are normally recognised at their settlement amount after allowing for any trade discounts due.

o) Financial instruments

The trust only has financial assets and financial liabilities of a kind that qualify as basic financial instruments. Basic financial instruments are initially recognised at transaction value and subsequently measured at their settlement value with the exception of bank loans which are subsequently recognised at amortised cost using the effective interest method.

p) Pension costs

The company operates a defined contribution pension scheme for its employees. There are no further liabilities other than that already recognised in the SOFA.

q) Accounting estimates and key judgements

In the application of the charity's accounting policies, the trustees are required to make judgements, estimates and assumptions about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. The estimates and underlying assumptions are based on historical experience and other factors that are considered to be relevant. Actual results may differ from these estimates.

The estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognised in the period in which the estimate is revised if the revision affects only that period, or in the period of the revision and future periods if the revision affects both current and future periods.

There are no key sources of estimation or uncertainty that have a significant effect on the amounts recognised in the financial statements.

28

Youth Adventure Trust

Notes to the financial statements

For the year ended 31 December 2024

2. Consolidated statement of financial activities: prior period comparatives

Income from:
Donations
Other trading activities:
Youth Adventure Trading
Fundraising
Total income
Expenditure on:
Expenditure on trading
Total income net of trading expenditure
Expenditure on raising funds
Net income available for charitable activities
Expenditure on charitable activities
Total expenditure
Net income / (expenditure) and net movement in
funds		 Restricted
£
290,130
-
-
290,130
-
290,130
-
290,130
287,426
287,426
2,704		 £
575,663
209,154
21,947
806,764
205,927
600,837
252,199
348,638
370,878
829,004
(22,240)
Unrestricted		 2023
Total
£
865,793
209,154
21,947
1,096,894
205,927
890,967
252,199
638,768
658,304
1,116,430
(19,536)

29

Youth Adventure Trust

Notes to the financial statements

For the year ended 31 December 2024

3. Income from donations

Income from donations
Trusts and foundations:
RWE Foundation
The Henry Smith Charity
SJP Foundation
Swire Trust
Leathersellers
Masonic Charitable Trust
William Wates Memorial
Shifting Gears
Awards for All
Openwork Foundation
POM Charitable Trust
National Benevolent Charity
Nationwide
Gosling Foundation
Van Neste Foundation
Columbia Threadneedle
Johnnie Johnson
D'Oyly Carte Charitable Trust
Whirlwind Charitable Trust
Other grants < £5,000
Event team income
Major donations and individuals
Fundraisers
Corporates
Gift aid
Gifts in kind *
Community and other events		 Restricted
£
57,088
45,600
36,243
-
-
20,000
20,000
20,000
19,922
14,700
12,850
-
9,603
7,460
7,000
6,000
5,328
5,000
5,000
33,786
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
325,580		 £
-
-
-
25,000
22,500
-
-
-
-
-
-
10,000
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
11,700
238,650
106,704
11,183
63,153
35,185
13,398
31,846
569,319
Unrestricted		 2024
Total
£
57,088
45,600
36,243
25,000
22,500
20,000
20,000
20,000
19,922
14,700
12,850
10,000
9,603
7,460
7,000
6,000
5,328
5,000
5,000
45,486
238,650
106,704
11,183
63,153
35,185
13,398
31,846
894,899

In accordance with the Charities SORP, general volunteer time is not recognised in the financial statements. The charity however recognises the considerable support from 88 volunteers who gave a total of 9,183 hours of their time. As detailed further in the trustees report, these volunteers provide crucial support for the young people on the Adventure Programme, Resilience Programme, Mentoring Programme and also provide support on Challenge events. YAT simply could not operate without them and greatly appreciate their help.

30

Youth Adventure Trust

Notes to the financial statements

For the year ended 31 December 2024

3. Income from donations (continued) Prior year comparative

Trusts and foundations:
National Lottery
SJP Foundation
The Henry Smith Charity
Masonic Charitable Trust
BBC Children In Need
POM Charitable Trust
Late Lord Meuthen
Leathersellers
Swire Trust
The Openwork Foundation
National Benevolent Charity
Wiltshire Community Foundation
Nationwide
Aviva
The Wates Foundation
MacRobert Trust
Columbia Threadneedle
Other grants < £5,000
Event team income
Major donations and individuals
Fundraisers
Corporates
Gift aid
Gifts in kind *
Community and other events		 Restricted
£
64,490
35,142
30,400
20,000
11,313
12,953
9,836
-
-
10,000
-
-
9,310
10,000
10,000
8,000
6,000
52,686
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
290,130		 £
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
22,500
25,000
-
5,500
7,500
-
-
-
-
-
6,380
283,322
67,648
11,116
69,673
39,830
15,159
22,035
575,663
Unrestricted		 2023
Total
£
64,490
35,142
30,400
20,000
11,313
12,953
9,836
22,500
25,000
10,000
5,500
7,500
9,310
10,000
10,000
8,000
6,000
59,066
283,322
67,648
11,116
69,673
39,830
15,159
22,035
865,793

Government grants

The charitable company receives government grants (funding from National Lottery, Chippenham Town Council, Chiseldon Parish Council, Melksham Town Council, Trowbridge Town Council, Westbury Town Council and Wiltshire Council (2023: Chippenham Town Council, National Lottery, Westbury Town Council and Wiltshire Town Council)) to fund charitable activities. The total value of such grants in the period ending 31 December 2024 was £53,380 (2023: £75,152). There are no unfulfilled conditions or contingencies attaching to these grants.

31

Youth Adventure Trust

Notes to the financial statements

For the year ended 31 December 2024

4. Fundraising

Auction
Corporate sponsorship
All fundraising income was unrestricted in the current and prior year.		 2024
Total
£
11,779
8,000
19,779		 2023
Total
£
12,172
9,775
21,947

5. Total expenditure

Staff costs (note 7)
Programme costs
Event costs
Fundraising costs
Website and IT
Audit and accountancy fees
Bad debt
Telephone
Sub-total
Total expenditure
Other staff costs and
training
Allocation of support and
governance costs
Volunteer and mentor
training and expenses
Stationery and other office
costs		 £
26,938
-
54,771
-
-
-
5,215
-
-
6,000
-
92,924
7,867
100,791
Trading
costs		 £
177,487
-
7,854
-
31,802
-
-
-
-
-
-
217,143
51,833
268,976
Raising
funds		 £
369,562
189,877
-
-
-
-
-
19,570
-
-
-
579,009
107,927
686,936
Charitable
activities		 £
77,775
-
-
35,381
-
24,327
20,200
-
7,228
-
2,716
167,627
(167,627)
-
Support and
governance
costs		 2024 Total
£
651,762
189,877
62,625
35,381
31,802
24,327
25,415
19,570
7,228
6,000
2,716
1,056,703
-
1,056,703

Total governance costs were £10,470.

Trading costs comprise event management activities undertaken by Youth Adventure Trading Limited. Raising funds comprise costs to raise funds within the parent charity.

32

Youth Adventure Trust

Notes to the financial statements

For the year ended 31 December 2024

5. Total expenditure (continued) Prior year comparative

Staff costs (note 7)
Programme costs
Event costs
Fundraising costs
Telephone
Website and IT
Audit and accountancy fees
Sub-total
Total expenditure
Volunteer and mentor
training and expenses
Stationery and other office
costs
Allocation of support and
governance costs
Other staff costs and
training		 £
28,635
-
-
-
167,296
-
-
-
-
5,406
201,337
4,590
205,927
Trading
costs		 £
180,831
-
-
-
11,025
31,355
-
-
-
-
223,211
28,988
252,199
Raising
funds		 £
385,075
-
189,780
21,718
-
-
-
-
-
-
596,573
61,731
658,304
Charitable
activities		 £
13,575
4,904
-
-
-
-
2,233
36,834
19,936
17,827
95,309
(95,309)
-
Support and
governance
costs		 2023 Total
£
608,116
4,904
189,780
21,718
178,321
31,355
2,233
36,834
19,936
23,233
1,116,430
-
1,116,430

Total governance costs were £9,900.

6. Net movement in funds

This is stated after charging:

Trustees' remuneration
Auditors' remuneration:
Statutory audit (excluding VAT)
Other services (excluding VAT)
Depreciation
Trustees' reimbursed expenses		 2024
£
350
Nil
Nil
8,725
14,778		 2023
£
Nil
Nil
Nil
8,250
11,111

In common with other charities of our size and nature we use our auditors to assist with the preparation of the financial statements and to prepare and submit returns to the tax authorities. Our auditors have also provided payroll, bookkeeping and management account services to the charity during the year.

33

Youth Adventure Trust

Notes to the financial statements

For the year ended 31 December 2024

7. Staff costs and numbers

Staff costs were as follows:

Staff costs and numbers
Staff costs were as follows:
Salaries and wages
Social security costs
Pension contributions		 2024
£
570,973
51,853
28,936
651,762		 2023
£
532,208
48,385
27,523
608,116

The number of employees whose annual emoluments were £60,000 or more were:

£70,000 to £80,000 2024
2023
No.
No.
1
1
1
1

The key management personnel of the charity comprise the trustees and the Chief Executive Officer. The total employee benefits of the key management personnel of the charity were £91,565 (2023: £91,011). This is the combined total of gross salary £78,092 (2023: £77,638), employer's national insurance £9,522 (2023: £9,459) and employer's pension contributions £3,951 (2023: £3,914).

The average head count during the reporting period was 18 (2023: 17).

8. Taxation

The charity is exempt from corporation tax as all its income is charitable and is applied for charitable purposes. The charity's trading subsidiary, Youth Adventure Trading Ltd, will donate its distributable profits in the current year to the charity.

34

Youth Adventure Trust

Notes to the financial statements

For the year ended 31 December 2024

9.
Tangible fixed assets
Cost
At 1 January 2024
Additions
At 31 December 2024
Depreciation
At 1 January 2024
Charge for the year
At 31 December 2024
Net book value
At 31 December 2024
At 31 December 2023
(Charity and group)		 Event
equipment
£
-
2,100
2,100
-
350
350
1,750
-
10. Investments
Investment in subsidiary company		 The group
2024
£
-		 The charity
2024
£
10		 The group
2023
£
-		 The charity
2023
£
10

The investment represents 100% of the ordinary share capital of Youth Adventure Trading Ltd, a company registered in England and Wales (10138393), whose principal activity is to carry out trading activities in support of the charity. A summary of the financial results and position of Youth Adventure Trading Ltd is given below (see note 11).

35

Youth Adventure Trust

Notes to the financial statements

For the year ended 31 December 2024

11. Subsidiary undertakings

Youth Adventure Trading Ltd

Youth Adventure Trading Ltd is the trading arm of the charity and undertakes event management services and other corporate sponsorship activities.

Turnover
Cost of sales
Gross profit
Administrative expenses
Profit on ordinary activities before taxation
Tax on profit on ordinary activities
Profit for the financial year after taxation
Changes in equity:
Total retained profit brought forward
Total comprehensive income for the year
Gift aid distribution to parent charity
Total retained profit carried forward
The aggregate of the assets, liabilities and funds was:
Assets
Liabilities
Capital and reserves		 2024
£
101,918
(54,771)
47,147
(38,153)
8,994
-
8,994
-
8,994
(8,994)
-
2024
£
51,698
(51,688)
10		 2023
£
209,154
(167,296)
41,858
(34,041)
7,817
(69)
7,748
15,103
7,748
(22,851)
-
2023
£
132,767
(132,757)
10

12. Parent charity

The parent charity's gross income and the results for the year are disclosed as follows:

Gross income
Results for the year		 2024
£
923,672
(40,107)		 2023
£
910,591
(4,433)

36

Youth Adventure Trust

Notes to the financial statements

For the year ended 31 December 2024

13. Debtors
The group
2024
£
Trade debtors
17,041
Prepayments
23,525
Accrued income
70,479
Other debtors
2,305
Amounts due from subsidiary
-
113,350
14. Creditors : amounts due within 1 year
The group
2024
£
Trade creditors
9,644
Accruals
10,295
Deferred income (see below)
10,951
Taxation and social security
20,520
Other creditors
-
51,410
Movements in deferred income (group)
At 1 January
Deferred during the year
Released during the year
At 31 December		 The charity
2024
£
6,061
22,525
70,479
2,305
35,265
136,635
The charity
2024
£
9,116
7,320
-
18,551
-
34,987		 The group
2023
£
19,245
14,760
38,000
2,046
-
74,051
The group
2023
£
8,336
9,330
10,000
19,801
739
48,206
2024
£
10,000
10,951
(10,000)
10,951		 The charity
2023
£
13,000
14,760
38,000
2,046
117,544
185,350
The charity
2023
£
7,634
6,480
-
18,140
739
32,993
2023
£
-
10,000
-
10,000

Deferred income relates to event income and sponsorship received in advance of the event or expedition taking place.

37

Youth Adventure Trust

Notes to the financial statements

For the year ended 31 December 2024

15. Conduit funding

At 1 January
Funding received during year
Funding distributed during year
Admin and payment fees
Balance at end of year		 2024
£
739
51,102
(51,102)
(739)
-		 2023
£
-
24,478
(22,541)
(1,198)
739

Conduit funds are monies received for third parties and do not belong to the charity. Conduit funding is held on behalf 21 (2023: 15) charities in which fundraisers for an event raise 50% for YAT and 50% for a chosen charity. The charity passes them through the accounts under a unique project code as a service to other charities to help their charitable purposes, but does not claim gift aid nor has control over their use. The receipts and payments referred to above have been excluded from the Statement of Financial Activities. The balance held at the end of the year is included in Other creditors (note 14).

16. Analysis of group net assets between funds

Fixed assets
Current assets
Current liabilities
Net assets at 31 December 2024
Prior year comparative
Current assets
Current liabilities
Net assets at 31 December 2023		 £
-
128,430
-
128,430
£
78,293
-
78,293
Restricted
funds
Restricted		 £
1,750
178,983
(51,410)
129,323
£
267,773
(48,206)
219,567
Unrestricted
funds
Unrestricted		 Total
funds
£
1,750
307,413
(51,410)
257,753
Total funds
£
346,066
(48,206)
297,860

38

Youth Adventure Trust

Notes to the financial statements

For the year ended 31 December 2024

17. Movements in funds (group)

Restricted funds
Activity Days
Coastal Camp
Equipment
Forest Camp
Improving Futures
Mentoring
Mountain Camp
Pathway Days
Programme manager
Programme places
Resilience Programme
Young People
Total restricted funds
Unrestricted funds
General funds
Youth Adventure Trading
Total unrestricted funds
Total funds		 At 1
January
2024
£
-
5,000
-
-
16,122
2,980
-
2,030
23,325
28,836
-
-
78,293
219,557
10
219,567
297,860		 Income
£
2,759
16,988
2,100
42,241
-
45,600
21,750
3,686
36,243
55,525
77,738
20,950
325,580
589,098
101,918
691,016
1,016,596		 £
(1,759)
(16,660)
(2,100)
(42,241)
(16,122)
(23,246)
(1,750)
(5,716)
(36,922)
(64,939)
(57,738)
(6,250)
(275,443)
(688,336)
(92,924)
(781,260)
(1,056,703)
Expenditure		 Transfer
between
funds
£
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
9,004
(9,004)
-
-		 At 31
December
2024
£
1,000
5,328
-
-
-
25,334
20,000
-
22,646
19,422
20,000
14,700
128,430
129,323
-
129,323
257,753

Purposes of restricted funds

Activity Days - funds for activity days which provide young people with activities such as bushcraft, team challenges and creative challenges.

Coastal Camp - A three day residential camp in Dorset which uses coastal activities to build resilience.

Equipment - to fund the purchase of new tents and sleeping equipment for camping trips and T- shirts for activities.

Explore Days - A one day opportunity at Mill on the Brue in Somerset, to experience the programme and meet the young people in their groups prior to starting the main program.

Forest Camp - Forest Camp is the final residential camp on the Youth Adventure Programme. Activities like bushcraft, an overnight canoe expedition and a high ropes course help develop leadership, teamwork and communication skills.

39

Youth Adventure Trust

Notes to the financial statements

For the year ended 31 December 2024

17. Movements in funds (continued) - purposes of restricted funds

Improving Futures - Through our Pathway Programme, Mentoring Scheme and Bursary, this project aims to support young people as they come to the end of their Youth Adventure journey.

Mentoring - The main Mentoring Scheme provides fortnightly one to one support for selected young people who have completed the Youth Adventure Programme for up to a year.

Mountain Camp - The Mountain Camp is the first residential camp on our three school-year programme. Activities like mountain expeditions, climbing and caving stretch the young people and help them believe they can achieve more than they thought they could.

Pathway Days - Funds for young people to attend Pathways Days .

Programme manager - Oversees and manages intakes of young people taking part in the Adventure, Resilience or Mentoring programmes .

Programme places - A place on our programme lasts 3 school years and is completely free of charge to the young people. Funds cover the cost of activity days, residential camps, ongoing support, staff costs, travel, equipment and other items directly associated with running the Youth Adventure Programme.

Resilience Programme - A year-long programme which includes monthly activity days, an overnight expedition, take-home activities and one-to-one support by a dedicated Programme Manager .

Young people - Towards the cost of young people's places on the YAT Adventure Programme (Wiltshire) or YAT Resilience Programme (Somerset).

Transfer between funds

The transfer between funds represents the distribution of profits from the trading subsidiary to the parent charity.

40

Youth Adventure Trust

Notes to the financial statements

For the year ended 31 December 2024

17. Movements in funds (continued)

Prior year comparative

Restricted funds
Activity Days
Coastal Camp
Equipment
Explore Days
Forest Camp
Improving Futures
Mentoring
Mountain Camp
Pathway Days
Programme manager
Programme places
Resilience Programme
Total restricted funds
Unrestricted funds
General funds
Youth Adventure Trading
Total unrestricted funds
Total funds		 At 1
January
2023
£
5,222
7,475
2,256
-
13,789
15,663
8,010
-
5,881
-
17,293
-
75,589
226,704
15,103
241,807
317,396		 Income
£
3,901
10,000
22
200
29,166
64,490
30,400
32,413
2,150
35,142
58,146
24,100
290,130
597,610
209,154
806,764
1,096,894		 Expenditure
£
(9,123)
(12,475)
(2,278)
(200)
(42,955)
(64,031)
(35,430)
(32,413)
(6,001)
(11,817)
(46,603)
(24,100)
(287,426)
(627,608)
(201,396)
(829,004)
(1,116,430)		 Transfer
between
funds
£
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
22,851
(22,851)
-
-		 At 31
December
2023
£
-
5,000
-
-
-
16,122
2,980
-
2,030
23,325
28,836
-
78,293
219,557
10
219,567
297,860

18. Related party transactions

Youth Adventure Trust has a wholly owned subsidiary Youth Adventure Trading Ltd, a company limited by shares (company no. 10138393). During the year Youth Adventure Trust paid a gift aid donation of £8,994 (2023: £22,851) to Youth Adventure Trust. At 31 December 2024, Youth Adventure Trading owed Youth Adventure Trust £35,265 (2023: £117,544).

During the year trustees donated a total of £2,502 (2023: £72).

41