Ashby de la Zouch Youth for Christ (AYFC) Registered Charity Number 1058434
Report of the AYFC Trustees to the Annual Meeting 1[st] August 2024 - 31st July 2025
The trustees are drawn from the local Christian community and are elected into office at the AGM. 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 Youth for Christ Statement of Faith. The officers, Chair, Treasurer and Secretary are appointed annually by the AGM from within the elected trustee membership.
The trustees usually meet twice during each school term; meetings were held in Ashby Methodist Church which accommodates the AYFC office.
The 2023-2024 AGM was held on Wednesday 12th March 2025 at Ashby Methodist Church at 7.00pm
The trustees are supported in their work by a Council of Reference who meet twice each year, members are drawn from several local churches, they meet to hear an update from the Centre Director, ask relevant questions, and provide invaluable prayer support to the trustees and staff. In addition, they promote AYFC in their own churches, and are a point of contact in the local community.
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 all receive regular Safeguarding Training. Our Centre Director has recently completed the YFC Safeguarding Leadership training, we are therefore in a good place to go forward. Noreen Mewies and Richard Stanley (trustees) have responsibility for overseeing this. Safeguarding is on the agenda for every trustee meeting.
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, sadly in August 2024 our part-time youth leader was appointed to a full-time position with another charity. However, we were fortunate to recruit a local Gap Year Student, with a Christian family background, who, following all the relevant checks and training fitted in extremely well and proved to be a most valuable asset. It has been a joy to watch her grow in confidence, take on all challenges and fit easily into our team. We thank her and wish her every success in the future as she leaves us to take up her university place.
The trustees are very fortunate to have enthusiastic and dedicated staff working for AYFC. Staff and a large team of volunteers run three weekly youth clubs, one of which is a football session on a local Astro Turf pitch, this attracts a large number of young men 16 – 25 years, and sometimes a few young women. Although the cost of pitch hire has increased substantially over the last couple of years, we are still able to offer the activity free of charge.
The other two clubs attract young people aged 11 - 18 from across the local area, including those who are not in education, and some of who have been permanently excluded from their school due to their misbehaviour.
We are also able to offer small group and one-to-one mentoring sessions in both primary and secondary schools locally. This support is very valuable to young people who are struggling with many difficult issues in their lives, often situations at home and/or in school, mental health issues, or 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.
Once again, we plan to hold outdoor activities during the summer school break (August 2025) similar events to those attended by young people in August 2024
We also hope to use these activities as a possible 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 in Ashby Senior School where we also offer a lunchtime drop-in. We hope to rebuild our link with Ivanhoe College again from September 2025, both senior schools 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, fortunately not as large a deficit as we anticipated, we are thankful for this position but not complacent, we have a small number of new regular donors, but are conscious of the lack of successful grant applications.
Trustees take the matter very seriously, reviewing the financial situation meeting by meeting, we are acutely aware of the need for a robust strategic plan to see AYFC through the coming year and beyond. Although we have sufficient funds for 2025 -2026 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 2025
ASHBY YOUTH FOR CHRIST
Registered Charity Number 1058434
Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 July 2025.
Summary of Receipts and Payments
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RECEIPTS Note FY2025 FY2024
Regular Giving 1 £34,952 £32,722
Other Donations 2 £7,210 £2,775
Other Income 3 £8,925 £10,718
Agency Donations 4 £751 £579
Total Receipts £51,838 £46,794
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PAYMENTS Note FY2025 FY2024
Staffing 5 £45,987 £46,492
Operating Costs 6 £8,567 £7,488
Agency Donations 4 £0 £0
Total Payments £54,555 £53,981
Net Income/Expenditure in Year -£2,717 -£7,187
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Cash in Bank Accounts
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Cash at bank and in hand at 01-Aug FY2025 FY2024
Lloyds current account £4,325 £2,303
Lloyds charity account £23,293 £32,501
Account totals £27,618 £34,805
Cash at bank and in hand at 31-Jul FY2025 FY2024
Lloyds current account £6,287 £4,325
Lloyds charity account £18,614 £23,293
Account totals £24,901 £27,618
Net Account Movement in Year -£2,717 -£7,187
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Commentary
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AYFC holds funds more than the reserves policy, although we are getting closer to this limit, although at a much slower rate than in previous years. We have also revised the limit down after we did not replace a staff member who left us to pursue other exciting opportunities.
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We are very thankful that we have seen an increased level of giving this year. We are especially thankful for a 6.3% increase in giving from via regular donations, which includes a number of new supporters.
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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, over 80% of which is the cost of staffing. With
AYFC Financial Statement year-end 31-Jul-2025
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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.
- Regular giving increased by over 15% in FY2025 – 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.
Acknowledgements
We extend our sincere gratitude to the following individuals and organisations:
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Ken Garner – Following his retirement as AYFC Treasurer and Trustee, Ken continued to manage our payroll for over a decade, concluding this service in April 2025. We deeply appreciate his longstanding support and dedication.
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Darcey and Bate Accountants Limited – Special thanks to Kayleigh Bate, Harry Woods, and their team for generously assuming responsibility for our payroll at no cost. Their contribution to the local community is greatly valued.
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Steve Clowes – We are grateful for Steve’s ongoing support, particularly in his role as independent examiner for these accounts.
AYFC Financial Statement year-end 31-Jul-2025
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Independent examiner’s report to the trustees of Ashby Youth for Christ (Charity No. 1058434) for the financial year ended 31 July 2025
Respective responsibilities The AYFC Trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts and of trustees and examiner 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 needed.
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It is my responsibility to:
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examine the accounts under section 145 of the Charities Act,
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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
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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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examiner’s statement Charity Commission. An examination includes a review of the accounting records 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 accounts, and seeking explanations from the trustees concerning any such matters. 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 present a ‘true and fair’ view and the report is limited to those matters set out in the statement below.
Independent examiner's statement
In connection with my examination, no material matters have come to my attention which gives me cause to believe that in, any material respect:
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accounting records were not kept in accordance with section 130 of the Charities Act or
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the accounts do not accord with the accounting records
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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
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accounts to be reached.
Signed: Date:
Name:
Relevant professional
qualification(s) or body:
Address:
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AYFC Financial Statement year-end 31-Jul-2025
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Income Notes
1. Regular Giving
| Category FY2025 Regular Donations £22,975 Donations from local Churches £12,772 |
FY2024 £21,618 £11,105 |
|---|---|
| £35,747 | £32,722 |
2. Other Donations
| Category FY2025 One Off Gifts(1) £6,415 Bursary Donations(2) £0 |
FY2024 £2,075 £700 |
|---|---|
| £6,415 | £2,775 |
(1) Other donations from individuals, including gifts made on an ad-hoc basis.
The one-off gifts are roughly in line with normal years. Included in this is a total of over £4000 from an anonymous donor, for which we are very grateful.
(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 FY2025 FY2024
Gift Aid Reclaimed [(1)] £4,890 £3,955
Grants & Charities [(2)] £1,450 £3,225
Event Contributions [(3)] £1,646 £1,244
Fundraising [(4)] £255 £1,606
Adventurous Income [(5)] £684 £689
Paddleboarding Equipment [(6)] £0 £0
£8,925 £10,718
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(1) Gift aid reclaimed was up when comparing FY2025 to FY2024. About a quarter of the difference seen was due to about £1000 of Gift Aid that was claimed in FY2025 that was attributed to FY2024 giving, compared to about £700 from FY2025 giving that will be claimed in FY2026.
(2) Grants were gratefully received from local organisations in FY2025. Many thanks to Ashby Educational Foundation, Ashby Rotary Club and Ashby Steam for their continued support.
(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 FY2025.
(5) Adventurous Income were contributions by third parties making use of the outdoor activities provided by AYFC.
(6) A large grant for the purchase of Paddleboarding Equipment was received in FY2023. The equipment has continued to be used during FY2025 on a number of occasions, and continues to be a great resource. The final payment for paddleboarding equipment was spent in FY2024.
AYFC Financial Statement year-end 31-Jul-2025
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4. Agency Donations
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|---|---|---|
|Category|FY2025|FY2024|
|Agency Donations Received|£751|£579|
|Agency Payments Made|£0|£0|
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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. These will be transferred in FY2026 thus reducing the cost of money transfer.
Expenditure Notes
5. Staffing
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|---|---|---|---|
|Category|FY2025|FY2024|
|Staff Expenses|£325|£98|
|Staffing Costs|[(1)]|£44,995|£45,713|
|Staff Training & Conferences|£667|£682|
|£45,987|£46,492|
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- (1) Staffing costs are wages & pensions for Helen Davis, Vernon Bayliss.
6. Operating Costs
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Category FY2025 FY2024
Office & Admin [(1)] £1,355 £1,688
Activity and Event Expenses £1,164 £779
Insurance [(2)] £2,639 £2,507
Resources/Equipment £898 £181
Football £1,056 £860
Donation to YFC National £1,200 £1,200
Fundraising Costs £54 £18
Paddleboard Equipment [(3)] £0 £175
Bursary Payments £200 £80
£8,567 £7,488
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(1) Office costs include Phone, Internet and Web Site Charges, Stationery, Printing & Postage and License fees.
(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 FY2024, the bulk of which was spent in that year. The remaining money was spent in FY2025, adding to the resource available from the grant.
AYFC Financial Statement year-end 31-Jul-2025
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Independent examiner’s report to the trustees of Ashby Youth for Christ (Charity No. 1058434) for the financial year ended 31 July 2025
Respective responsibilities The AYFC Trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts and of trustees and examiner 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 needed.
-
It is my responsibility to:
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examine the accounts under section 145 of the Charities Act,
-
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
-
to state whether particular matters have come to my attention.
-
Basis of independent My examination was carried out in accordance with general Directions given by the
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examiner’s statement Charity Commission. An examination includes a review of the accounting records 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 accounts, and seeking explanations from the trustees concerning any such matters. 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 present a ‘true and fair’ view and the report is limited to those matters set out in the statement below.
Independent examiner's statement
In connection with my examination, no material matters have come to my attention which gives me cause to believe that in, any material respect:
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accounting records were not kept in accordance with section 130 of the Charities Act or
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the accounts do not accord with the accounting records
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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
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accounts to be reached.
Signed: Date:
Name:
Relevant professional
qualification(s) or body:
Address:
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AYFC Financial Statement year-end 31-Jul-2025
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