Ashby de la Zouch Youth for Christ (AYFC) Registered Charity Number 1058434
Report of the AYFC Trustees to Charity Commission for year 1[st] August 2023 - 31st July 2024
The trustees are drawn from the local Christian community all have knowledge and expertise relevant to the work of the organisation; they make major decisions and carry out or enable practical projects. All must feel able to sign The Statement of Faith.
The officers, Chair, Treasurer and Secretary are elected annually from within the trustee membership.
The trustees usually meet twice during each school term, meetings were held in Ashby Methodist Church which accommodates the AYFC office.
The 2022-2023 AGM was held on Tuesday 16[th] April 2024 at Ashby Methodist Church at 7.30pm
The trustees are supported in their work by a Council of Reference, members are drawn from several local churches, they meet to hear an update from the Centre Director and provide invaluable prayer support to the trustees and staff.
Youth for Christ in Ashby de la Zouch is a charity federated to similar charities bearing the same name, and sharing the same ethos and direction as the central charity British Youth for Christ. AYFC adopts all policies and reviews all governing documents in line with British Youth for Christ; we also adhere to all new government laws as they are introduced.
AYFC is compliant as far as possible with GDPR, AYFC appointed Rev Mike Firbank as Data Protection Officer in January 2019, there has been no change to this appointment.
Safeguarding is of major importance, all staff and trustees are D.B.S. checked, and AYFC is compliant with BYFC standards, staff and trustees receive regular Safeguarding Training, Noreen Mewies and Ivan Hallam (trustees) have responsibility for overseeing this.
As the National Charity continues to evolve and develop AYFC continues follow their lead in developing our five key areas.
Increasing evangelism Serving the needs of young people in the community Developing a culture of prayer Developing our ministry to minorities Increasing financial sustainability
All of these key points are reconsidered at every trustee meeting as they form the basis for our Centre Directors Report, we as trustees believe that AYFC continues to make excellent progress in all of these areas.
The mission of AYFC is to take the good news relevantly to every young person in Ashby de la Zouch and surrounding area. In every club we run, or lesson we lead, we show the young people we work with Christ’s love and provide them with every opportunity to question, explore and respond to the challenges of the Christian faith.
Our work is 4D
Demonstration - Sharing God’s love through what we do Declaration – Talking about God and his son Jesus. Discipleship – Supporting those who want to become Christians Decision – Inviting a response to the challenges of Christ.
AYFC Centre Director continued to oversee the work of a full time Senior Youth Leader and part-time Youth Leader during 2023-2024, sadly from August 2024 we will be without our part-time youth leader who is moving to a full-time position.
The trustees consider they are very fortunate to have enthusiastic and dedicated staff working for AYFC. Staff run three weekly youth clubs, one of which is a football session on a local Astro Turf pitch. All of our clubs attract young people aged 11 - 18 from across the local area, including those who are not in education, some of whom have often been permanently excluded from their school due to their misbehaviour.
We also offer small group and one to one mentoring sessions in both primary and secondary schools locally. This support is valuable to young people who are struggling with issues in their lives, often at home, who may just need the support of someone with the time to listen to their needs.
AYFC is fortunate to have a highly qualified staff member keen to lead Outdoor Activities. The necessary insurance cover is in place with liability of up to £10,000,000.
This work is steadily increasing with more young people able to enjoy the experience, it also offers an opportunity for staff to talk to the young people on a one-to-one basis in a relaxed informal way, we plan for this to continue.
The Licence, renewable every two years, enables us to take individuals and small groups into the countryside to take part in challenging activities including climbing, paddleboarding kayaking and mountain biking. These activities give young people the opportunity to explore and try new things while building confidence and friendships.
An outdoor activities week was held during the summer school break (August 2023) which was well attended by young people, it is planned to hold a similar event in August 2024.
We also hope to use these activities as a means of raising some funds to support the work.
Mentoring of pupils continued in Ashby Church of England Primary School with selected pupils in Year 6, and Ashby and Ivanhoe Schools both of which now take pupils from Year 7 – 11.
The trustees continue to monitor the level of unrestricted funds in order to ensure that the bank balance does not fall below 3 – 6 months working capital, there has been no change to this policy, Funds have continued to decline over the year due to a small decrease in donations and the continuing worry regarding the lack of successful grant applications.
Trustees take the matter very seriously, reviewing the financial situation meeting by meeting, we are acutely aware this cannot continue and continue to work on a robust strategic plan to see AYFC through the coming year and beyond.
Although we have sufficient funds for 2024 -2025 trustees will continue to communicate with supporters, look for grant raising opportunities and fundraise to ensure our future.
Assessment and mitigation of risk is undertaken and regularly reported to the Trustees.
The trustees are paying due regard to the Charity Commission’s guidance on public benefit as we seek to meet our charitable objectives.
Noreen Mewies Chair of AYFC Trustees September 2024
ASHBY YOUTH FOR CHRIST
Registered Charity Number 1058434
Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 July 2024.
Summary of Receipts and Payments
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RECEIPTS Note 2024 2023
Regular Giving 1 £32,722 £28,967
Other Donations 2 £2,075 £15,126
Other Income 3 £11,418 £21,683
Agency Donations 4 £579 £440
Total Receipts £46,794 £66,216
PAYMENTS Note 2024 2023
Staffing 5 £46,492 £45,300
Operating Costs 6 £7,488 £15,582
Agency Donations 4 £0 £760
Total Payments £53,981 £61,642
Net Income/Expenditure in Year -£7,187 £4,574
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Cash in Bank Accounts
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Cash at bank and in hand at 01-Aug 2024 2023
Lloyds current account £2,303 £1,969
Lloyds charity account £32,501 £28,261
Account totals £34,805 £30,230
Cash at bank and in hand at 31-Jul 2024 2023
Lloyds current account £4,325 £2,303
Lloyds charity account £23,293 £32,501
Account totals £27,618 £34,805
Net Account Movement in Year -£7,187 £4,574
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Commentary
- AYFC holds funds more than the reserves policy, although this limit might be breached in the next financial year if we rely solely on our regular giving. While continuing to explore opportunities to spend on new initiatives, especially short-term ones that can be financed by current funds, there is continued concern that our regular income from donors continues to be significantly lower than our expenditure, 74% of which is the cost of staffing. With this in mind, the AYFC team and trustees continue to look to control expenditure to ensure the ongoing survival of AYFC. However, we continue to rely on God’s provision, including grants and other extra income.
AYFC Financial Statement year-end 31-Jul-2024
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- Regular giving increased by over 10% in 2024 – with both individual donations and support from local churches increasing. Whilst this is great news, the regular giving remains insufficient to match regular spending, which remained relatively stable during the year.
AYFC Financial Statement year-end 31-Jul-2024
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Independent examiner’s report to the trustees of Ashby Youth for Christ (Charity No. 1058434) for the Independent examiner’s report to the trustees of Ashby Youth for Christ (Charity No. 1058434) for the financial year ended 31 July 2024 financial year ended 31 July 2024
Respective responsibilities Respective responsibilities The AYFC Trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts and The AYFC Trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts and of trustees and examiner of trustees and examiner consider that an audit is not required for this year under section 144 of the consider that an audit is not required for this year under section 144 of the Charities Act 2011 (the Charities Act) and that an independent examination is Charities Act 2011 (the Charities Act) and that an independent examination is needed. needed.
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It is my responsibility to: It is my responsibility to: e examine the accounts under section 145 of the Charities Act, examine the accounts under section 145 of the Charities Act, e to follow the procedures laid down in the general Directions given by the to follow the procedures laid down in the general Directions given by the Charity Commission (under section 145(5)(b) of the Charities Act, and Charity Commission (under section 145(5)(b) of the Charities Act, and
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e to state whether particular matters have come to my attention. to state whether particular matters have come to my attention.
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Basis of independent My examination was carried out in accordance with general Directions given by the
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Basis of independent My examination was carried out in accordance with general Directions given by the
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examiner’s statement examiner’s statement Charity Commission. An examination includes a review of the accounting records Charity Commission. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those
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kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the
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records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts, and seeking explanations from the trustees concerning any such matters.
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accounts, and seeking explanations from the trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required
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The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit, and consequently no opinion is given as to whether the accounts
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in an audit, and consequently no opinion is given as to whether the accounts present a ‘true and fair’ view and the report is limited to those matters set out in
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present a ‘true and fair’ view and the report is limited to those matters set out in the statement below.
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the statement below.
Independent examiner's In connection with my examination, no material matters have come to my Independent examiner's eterermant In connection with my examination, no material matters have come to my attention which gives me cause to believe that in, any material respect: attention which gives me cause to believe that in, any material respect: statement e accounting records were not kept in accordance with section 130 of the accounting records were not kept in accordance with section 130 of the Charities Act or e Charities Act or the accounts do not accord with the accounting records | have come the accounts do not accord with the accounting records across no other matters in connection with the examination to which I have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached. accounts to be reached.
Signed: Date: Name: ~~| Sey Crow &~~ Name: Relevant professional ~~A y Ved~~ qualification(s) or body: Cc ~~|~~ EY ~~aS~~ Relevant professional qualification(s) or body: Address: ~~t . oO. ~~ C > | Z2cf wscresce CrxQond, FECT De bd aiieiacd~~ LEGS 2e@r Address:
AYFC Financial Statement year-end 31-Jul-2024
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Income Notes
1. Regular Giving
| Category 2024 Regular Donations £21,618 Donations from local Churches £11,105 |
2023 £19,519 £9,448 |
|---|---|
| £32,722 | £28,967 |
2. Other Donations
| Category 2024 One Off Gifts(1) £2,075 Bursary Donations(2) £700 |
2023 £15,126 £0 |
|---|---|
| £2,775 | £15,126 |
(1) Other donations from individuals, including those applicable for Gift Aid Small Donations Scheme (GASDS), and those from organisations where Gift Aid claim is not applicable.
The one-off gifts are roughly in line with normal years. The 2023 figure includes a large donation in the form of a bequest from the estate of David Watson – a great supporter and active volunteer with AYFC over many years. He continues to be greatly missed.
(2) In FY2024, a bursary fund was set up, funded by some generous donations, to provide opportunities to young people in Ashby the opportunity to take part in activities that they would not normally be able to afford to attend.
3. Other Income
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Category 2024 2023
Gift Aid Reclaimed [(1)] £3,955 £6,868
Grants & Charities [(2)] £3,225 £1,260
Event Contributions [(3)] £1,244 £1,059
Fundraising [(4)] £1,606 £2,846
Adventurous Income [(5)] £689 £395
Paddleboarding Equipment [(6)] £0 £9,256
£10,718 £21,683
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(1) Gift aid was down when comparing FY2024 to FY2023. However, this was due a total of £3227 received from HMRC in September 2022 relating to Gift Aid on donations made in FY2022. There is also about £1000 of Gift Aid still to be claimed from FY2024, which will be claimed in FY2025.
(2) Grants were gratefully received from local organisations in FY2024. Many thanks to Ashby Educational Foundation, Ashby Rotary Club and Ashby Lions for their continued support. In addition to this, a £1000 legacy was received from an anonymous donor.
(3) Event Contributions are funds received by individuals towards support for individual events.
(4) The team and a number of supporters took part in some great fundraising events in FY2024.
(5) Adventurous Income were contributions by third parties making use of the outdoor activities provided by AYFC.
AYFC Financial Statement year-end 31-Jul-2024
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(6) A large grant for the purchase of Paddleboarding Equipment was received in FY2024. The equipment has continued to be used during FY2024 on a number of occasions, and continues to be a great resource.
4. Agency Donations
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Category 2024 2023
Agency Donations Received £579 £440
Agency Payments Made £0 £760
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Donations made by a giver to be passed on to help the work in of other organisations, such as Moldova YFC that has been supported by AYFC staff and others over the years. In FY2024 payments will be made in FY2025, to include the bulk of the FY2025 payments, thus reducing the cost of money transfer.
Expenditure Notes
5. Staffing
| Category 2024 |
2023 |
|---|---|
| Staff Expenses £98 |
£476 |
| Staffing Costs(1) £45,713 |
£43,655 |
| Staff Training & Conferences £682 |
£1,169 |
| £46,492 | £45,300 |
(1) Staffing costs are wages & pensions for Helen Davis, Vernon Bayliss, Katie Johnson.
6. Operating Costs
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Category 2024 2023
Office & Admin [(1)] £1,688 £320
Activity and Event Expenses £779 £612
Insurance [(2)] £2,507 £2,503
Resources/Equipment £181 £141
Football £860 £1,658
Donation to YFC National £1,200 £1,200
Fundraising Costs £18 £67
Paddleboard Equipment £175 £9,081
Bursary Payments £80 £0
£7,488 £15,582
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(1) Office costs include Phone, Internet and Web Site Charges, Stationery, Printing & Postage and License fees. The provision of a phone landline was seen as superfluous this year, and so was discontinued. (2) Insurance fee consists Combined Commercial Insurance only and Outdoor Activities Insurance.
(3) A large grant for the purchase of Paddleboarding Equipment was received in FY2023, the bulk of which was spent in that year. The remaining money was spent in FY2024, adding to the resource available from the grant.
AYFC Financial Statement year-end 31-Jul-2024
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Independent examiner’s report to the trustees of Ashby Youth for Christ (Charity No. 1058434) for the Independent examiner’s report to the trustees of Ashby Youth for Christ (Charity No. 1058434) for the financial year ended 31 July 2024 financial year ended 31 July 2024
Respective responsibilities Respective responsibilities The AYFC Trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts and The AYFC Trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts and of trustees and examiner of trustees and examiner consider that an audit is not required for this year under section 144 of the consider that an audit is not required for this year under section 144 of the Charities Act 2011 (the Charities Act) and that an independent examination is Charities Act 2011 (the Charities Act) and that an independent examination is needed. needed.
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It is my responsibility to: It is my responsibility to: e examine the accounts under section 145 of the Charities Act, examine the accounts under section 145 of the Charities Act, e to follow the procedures laid down in the general Directions given by the to follow the procedures laid down in the general Directions given by the Charity Commission (under section 145(5)(b) of the Charities Act, and Charity Commission (under section 145(5)(b) of the Charities Act, and
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e to state whether particular matters have come to my attention. to state whether particular matters have come to my attention.
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Basis of independent My examination was carried out in accordance with general Directions given by the
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Basis of independent My examination was carried out in accordance with general Directions given by the
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examiner’s statement examiner’s statement Charity Commission. An examination includes a review of the accounting records Charity Commission. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those
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kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the
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records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts, and seeking explanations from the trustees concerning any such matters.
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accounts, and seeking explanations from the trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required
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The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit, and consequently no opinion is given as to whether the accounts
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in an audit, and consequently no opinion is given as to whether the accounts present a ‘true and fair’ view and the report is limited to those matters set out in
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present a ‘true and fair’ view and the report is limited to those matters set out in the statement below.
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the statement below.
Independent examiner's In connection with my examination, no material matters have come to my Independent examiner's eterermant In connection with my examination, no material matters have come to my attention which gives me cause to believe that in, any material respect: attention which gives me cause to believe that in, any material respect: statement e accounting records were not kept in accordance with section 130 of the accounting records were not kept in accordance with section 130 of the Charities Act or e Charities Act or the accounts do not accord with the accounting records | have come the accounts do not accord with the accounting records across no other matters in connection with the examination to which I have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached. accounts to be reached.
Signed: Date: Name: ~~| Sey Crow &~~ Name: Relevant professional ~~A y Ved~~ qualification(s) or body: Cc ~~|~~ EY ~~aS~~ Relevant professional qualification(s) or body: Address: ~~t . oO. ~~ C > | Z2cf wscresce CrxQond, FECT De bd aiieiacd~~ LEGS 2e@r Address:
AYFC Financial Statement year-end 31-Jul-2024
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