Wycombe YOUTH FOR CHRIST Annual Report 2021
Contents Who We Are & How We Operate Page 2 A Review of 2020 Page 3 2020-2021: Goals & Developments Page 7 Finances & Accounts Financial Review 2020 Summary Financials (2016-2021) Page 8 Page 8 Page 9 st Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2020 Receipts and Payments Statement of Funds as at 31" December 2020 Statement of Assets and Liabilities Page 11 Page 11 Page 12 Wycombe Youth For Christ Account Examination Report Page 13 Reference & Administration Details Page 14 Page l of 14
Who We Are & How We Operate Wycombe Youth for Christ is a charity established in accordance with a constitution adopted on 13th May 1997. Charitable Objectives a) To promote the Christian faith and to proclaim the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ throughout the world and in particular (but without prejudice to the generality of the foregoing) in High Wycombe (Buckinghamshire) and its environs. b) To promote and encourage the Christian evangelisation of young people throughout the world and in particular (but without prejudice to the generality of the foregoing) in High Wycombe (Buckinghamshire) and its environs. c) To promote and encourage positive Christian living. d)To relieve poverty and sickness thereby demonstrating the gospel of Jesus Christ. Organisational details The charity works with children and young people aged between 5-18 years old. There is a Director, paid Staff and a dedicated team of volunteers. Governance The Trustees meet on a regular basis with the Director to manage the work of the charity, with other meetings held on an ad hoc basis. The Trustees are appointed on 3-year terms by members at the Annual General Meeting. Trustees must agree with the doctrinal statement issued by the national umbrella organisation, British Youth for Christ. The usual process followed in appointing Trustees is for the existing Trustees to approach a person whom they believe would bring to the trustee body useful skills and attributes. The Trustees will either co-opt them until they can be appointed by members at a General Meeting or propose them for appointment at a General Meeting. There is no formal training for Trustees, other than giving them access to previous meeting minutes and policy documentation. As Trustees are prominent members of the local Christian community and have an established interest in Children's and Youth Work, they will be aware of the work undertaken by Wycombe Youth for Christ. The Trustees believe that in order for the trustee body to operate effectively there should be no more than 6 Trustees. Currently there are 5 Trustees, and we seeking I more. Public Interest The Trustees confirm that they have had due regard to the guidance issued by the Charity Commission in respect of public benefit. They consider that the achievements for the past year clearly demonstrate that WYFC have fulfilled the requirement for providing a benefit to the public. Reserves Policy The Trustees have felt the appropriate level of reserves to be at least 3 months. regular expenditure, which is currently in the region of £24,000. Our free reserves at the year-end were £32,565 (unrestricted funds),. totalling £69,968 (with restricted funds). Page 2 of 14
Review of 2020 Director's Report by Erica Holt As many people will have said, this last year is like nothing we haver ever experienced. We had no idea in March 2020, how long restrictions would last or what the long-term impact would be. As we progressed through the year, national restrictions eased, then tightened, and a variety of strategies created to cope with the changing landscape. This constant changing context was challenging in many ways, but the year enabled us to 'get off the treadmill,. All our ministry had encompassed until that point was a delight and joy, and we had many an opportunity to share the Good News of Jesus. However. 2020 enabled us to step back and reflect on what we were doing, and seek God for what we could do in the midst of lockdown and for the future. This season has been invaluable to us. 2020 has enabled us to connect with schools, children, young people and churches in different ways. We've sought to connect and support schools differently - focusing on providing resources online through our website, often creating bespoke materials. We've connected with children and young people directly and outside of the school environment through our social media and creating The Zone @ Home to deliver discipleship resources directly into homes and creating conversations with families. Whether you love it or hate it, Zoom has been an amazing tool for enabling us to stay connected to churches and supporters, and indeed within the Team itself. We've dreamed and created new projects, including Detached Youth Work and Make Your Mark (a discipleship and leadership course)., both of which will be up and running in 2021. During the year, as we have previously, we've sought to seek God for His direction and leading, not just for the day-to-day ministry but for our future. The prayer meetings we have had with supporters and our season of Prayer in January, have been integral to this. In discussion with the Trustees, we are heeding the words that God has given, and know that He is asking us to step out in faith into His calling, and to wait and see what he will do. These are very exciting times, although not without risk, but we know that we have a faithful and awesome God who we trust and put our faith in, knowing that he is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us (Ephesians 3..20 NIV) and all the glory and praise are His alone. Page 3 of 14
Darren Phillips: Schools & Outreach Worker 2020, as you are all aware, has been a year like no otherl In March schools closed and our face-to-face ministry with children and young people stopped. But thankfully we didn't we were able to continue to work, adapting to the new circumstances. Praise God for Social Medial The time allowed us to increase our presence online and connecting with young people, some who we may not have had contact with before. Those who follow us on social media will have noticed more videos, pictures, polls and devotionals, as we connected with young people we couldn't meet with. We moved to create resources and videos based on work we would be doing face-to-face, and offering them for use by schools. One of areas of work I worked on developing, was adapting a mentoring course, called Life, into an online video resource for young people. It explores different skills, knowledge and understanding that help to enable young people thrive in life. A resource and focus that is important. Our Schools ministry started to return in the Autumn term, with our first opportunity being mentoring. It was so encouraging that, while schools were being cautious in their approach, they saw the importance of our support and were keen for us to return. One of the highlights of the year was in mentoring- specifically, two young people I spoke with about controlling anger. We talked through a number of strategies to manage and control their emotions, and used the Bible verse a gentle answer turns away anger (Proverbs 15'.1). Both young people returned the following week, excited about how they had applied this verse and responded with a'gentle answer, which had resulted in beneficial conversations. Looking back, l am so thankful that God continued to guide us throughout this unique year. The pandemic will no doubt continue to have an impact on our ministry over the coming months too. Once verse have clung on to is 'And w know that in all things Go works for the good of thos who love him, who have bee called according to purpose, (Romans 8'.28). Go has worked for good in 2020. allowing us to adapt our ministry and continue to support children and young people through the pandemic. and, I believe. He will continue to work for good as we move on through 2021.
Rebecca Hawes: Children's & Youth Worker Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have., (I Peter 3.'15) We have hope, even in the midst of a global pandemic and the ongoing restrictions it has caused. That hope is Jesus, and our heart is to share His message of hope and love with children and young people across High Wycombe and the surrounding areas. In 2020, whilst that message of hope remains the same. the way in which we communicate it has changed dramaticallyl With schools being closed or unable to accept visitors for a significant period of time, we have had to get a little more creativel With after-school clubs unable to run in-person, The Zone @ Home, was born our virtual club aimed at children in Key Stage 2. For each series, we have delivered activity packs to all those registered whilst also making the content freely available on our website. It has been a real joy, when delivering packs, to have opportunity to have a chat on the doorstep with families. An absolute highlight has to be one child greeting me bouncing with excitement at hearing from The Zone Clubl Another parent shared how much their child had enjoyed the activity packs, and told us that she had highlighted the resource to other parentsl Another area of work that we have invested time and energy into is our Social Media. Throughout this last year we are only too aware of the increase in time that people spent online., so, we took opportunity to really seek God for how we can best use the platforms available to continue sharing His message of hope. Our social media posts have been vast and varied with inspirational quotes, fun facts, ideas to ponder and many videos of the team taking on some silly challengesl Alongside these, our Vitalise Devotional videos have continued with the aim of equipping and encouraging young people in their faith. Over the last few months, we have taken the opportunity to reflect on the Christian faith and the hope we have, even in the midst of a pandemic. asking many of the big questions that have been wrestled with during this season. By nature of social media. it can at times be hard to see the impact an individual posts have on those whose see it, but we have been so encouraged by some of the feedback that we have received. Our hope and prayer in it all is that the posts and videos shared will be a spring board for young people to ask their own questions and to explore for themselves who Jesus is and the hope that can be found in Him. One final highlight has to be getting back into schoolsl After a year of working remotely, it was a delight to be invited back into school to lead in-person assemblies for year group bubbles. It was wonderful to receive such a warm welcome from the school and to be recognised by so many of the students. It has been a very different year to any that have gone before, and a very different year to anything I could possibly have imagined. But nevertheless, it is as ever a joy and a privilege to be a part of all that God is doing in and through Wycombe Youth for Christ. Page 5 of 14
Gemma Glbblns: Schools & Outreach Worker It is with a grateful heart that am able I reflect on all that this year has encompassed for me,. including my role within the team at Wycombe Youth for Christ and how God has continued to provide many opportunities 'to take and be good neLvs, in relevant ways, to children and young people in the wider Wycombe area., The summer term of 2020 began with the creation of resources to support the transition for children moving from primary to secondary school. This support would normally have been delivered face-to-face through small group mentoring or whole class sessions. But without the ability this year to be face-to-face in schools, we chose instead to create digital resources that encompassed our material through short videos and activity sheets. These were made available for free on our website and we used social media platforms and personal contacts to highlight the availability of these resources. As a result, they were also used by schools that we have not previously had connection with and we were greatly encouraged by the positive feedback we received from schools and families about how they were being used. Another area I have had the privilege to be involved in, has been the development of assembly resources to support the relationship we have with the children and young people within schools. It is lovely to know these resources are well received by children and young people when we are given feedback from one school - 'The children loved the firstassembly videol We had a review of the term today and many asked to watch it again., One of the highlights of the year for me, has been the opportunity to support children and young people through our I:1 mentoring programme in both primary and secondary schools. The privilege of being able to listen, support and encourage young people as they journey through the experiences in their lives, is both challenging and rewarding. It is always lovely to hear that the young people appreciate and look forward to the time we are able to spend with them. It has also been a great privilege to spend time praying for our schools, staff, students and the wider community at regular points throughout the year. To gather prayer requests from schools and to offer these in prayer alongside many of our supporters has been a wonderful experience. It is therefore with great anticipation that I look to the pathway ahead- to all the opportunities that God has planned for us to be involved in and to step out with boldness and confidence knowing 'The Lord himself will go before you. He will be with you. He will 't be afraid. uteronomy 31..8 (1
•• •• •• Future Goals & Developments Goals for 2021 l. Continue with, and develop, our Schools Work. 2. Support and equip children and young people in their exploration of, and faith in, Jesus Christ. 3. Support Churches in their Schools, Children's & Youth Ministries. 4. Facilitate children and young people connecting with the Church. 5. Continue to increase our supporter base and our income. This coming year, there will be a number of core elements within our work that will remain. Within our Schools Ministry, our challenge is managing the growth, especially as we have a number of 'new' schools approaching us for support. We are continuing to develop our direct work with young people. The Detached Youth Work and Make Your Mark (the latter part of a new larger project being developed) will join our existing social media presence and Vitalise Youth Project. Our relationships with Churches and Supporters continue to be at the forefront and we will be delighted to restart working with our Church Representatives Team as churches reopen. Each of the CR Team provides an excellent relationship and point of communication within their churches,. may we say thank you to everyone involved in this. As we look to the future, we may be called Wycombe Youth For Christ, but we are seeking how we can support and connect with those in the wider area. We already have a number of opportunities that indicate this is part of God's plan for us. In order to achieve this growth, we are also reviewing our team resources and will be increasing the team in 2021. Page 7 of 14
Financial Review 2020 The accounts for 2020 are shown on pages 11 to 12. On page 12 there are notes to explain various aspects of the accounts. Once again, we set a budget in faith requiring us to receive additional income in our general fund to meet the level of work that we felt God had called us to. For 2020 this sum amounted to £1500 per month. Despite the strains caused by the Covid-19 pandemic God moved the hearts of our supporters and we were able to meet the requirements of the budget in full. The accounts for 2020 show that there was a surplus of £9,231 on the general fund for the year, offset in part by a shortfall of £6,668 in restricted funds. This was due to timing differences between the receipt of income (which is on an annual basis) and the incurring of expenses for the mentoring programme. This shortfall is expected to increase in the current year as the mentoring programme ramps up as. Whilst the grant was payable in equal annual instalments, the costs are increasing year on year as the take-up of this service by increases. Pages 9and 10 contain a simplified statement showing income and expenditure for the years 2016 to 2020, with our budgeted numbers for 2021. There are two graphs, one for income and the other for expenditure, which illustrate the development of Wycombe Youth for Christ's financial position over time. For 2021, we continue to feel that God is calling us to work in excess of the amount which we can cover from known sources of income. Therefore, we have once again made provision for 'Special Donations, in the budget, at a rate of £1,500 per month. As before, we will keep the budget under review throughout the year to ensure that we are continuing to receive God's favour and adjust matters as necessary. Please join with us in thanking God for his continued faithfulness in the provision of funds and pray with us that He will continue to provide. Page 8 of 14
Summary Financials (2016-2021) 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 Budget Church Support Regular One-off 17,856 12.068 18,776 6,002 18,496 8.440 18,076 7,657 19.W6 9.960 18,780 8.040 Total 29.924 24.778 26.936 25.733 28,966 26.820 Pern31 Support Regular One-off 19.632 11.569 18,629 5,295 19.024 7,011 19,934 11,948 20.370 16.881 20.390 7,080 Tax Reclaim 5.676 4,155 4,746 5,523 8,052 9.723 Total 36077 28,079 30.781 37,405 45,503 37.195 Special Donations Trajning ScherDe 18ursary) Church Salary Share Grant for Mentorin9 Total Donations 489 18,500 630 11,008 24.000 12,475 24.000 13,461 24,000 14.265 24.000 14.935 24.000 67.431 87.865 94.192 101.088 112.534 121.448 Other Income Total Income 6,752 74.183 3,873 91,738 1.382 95.574 2,159 103.247 591 180 121,628 Employment Expense Olher Expense Total Expense 61.782 10.926 74,099 75.418 11,650 77,208 10,196 98,164 12.400 128.853 18,794 72.708 85.812 87.068 87.404 110.564 147.647 Net Surplus/(Deficit) 1,475 5,926 8,506 15,843 2,561 (26,019) Bank and Cash 38,131 47,372 52,873 68,794 70,901 Page 9 of 14
Summary Financials (2016-2021) WYFC Income 2016 - 2021 (Budget) 140,000 120,000 ioo.000 80.000 60.000 40,000 20,000 I;I:l i I"1 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 Budget oother Income Special Donations & Grants Personal Support Church Support WYFC Expenses 2016 - 2021 (Budget) 160,000 140.000 120.000 100.000 80,000 60,000 40,000 20,000 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 Budget •Other Expense •Employment Expense Page 10 of 14
Accounts for the Year ended 31st December 2020 Receipts and Payments for the Year Unrestricted Funds 2020 2020 Restricted Funds Total Funds Total Fund5 2020 2020 2020 2020 2019 2019 Receipts Gifts and Donations Church Support Person81 Support Special Donations & Grants Tax Reclaim Total Note 28,966 37.251 28,966 37.251 24,000 8,052 25.733 31.882 24.489 5,523 24.000 8,052 74.269 24.000 98.269 87.627 Incorne frorn Activities Lighthouse Children's Conferen Working with Churches 1.200 14.265 14,265 13.901 Other Total 519 14.265 14.265 15.620 Miscellaneous Income 591 591 Total Receipts 74,860 38,265 113,125 103,247 P8yrnents staff Costs Salaries and Nl Costs Recruitment EKpenses Staff Training Total Note 53.231 106 89 44.933 98,164 106 89 77.208 545 53.426 44,933 98,359 77,813 Activity Cost5 School Work Lighthouse Expense General Resources Travel Conference Expenses Working with Churches M155ions Miscellaneous Total 1.156 1.156 975 98 987 98 987 122 1488 290 290 197 2.535 2.535 2.893 Office Costs Communications Office Equiprnent Insurance Stationery other Expenses Total 1,093 2,089 763 220 419 1,093 2,089 763 220 419 1.260 1671 758 305 352 4.584 4.584 4.346 Premise5 Rent 730 1,238 679 339 730 1,238 679 339 730 1.094 210 318 Maintenance Insuran Total 2.986 2.986 2.352 Other Expenses Executive Approved Total 2100 2,100 2100 2.100 Total Payments 65,631 44,933 110.564 97,404 Net of RocÈipts Less Payments 9,229 (6,668) 2.561 15,843 Page 11 of 14
Statement of Assets and Liabilities as at 31st December 2020 Unrestricted Funds Restricted Funds Total Funds Total Funds 2020 2020 2020 2020 2020 2020 2021 2021 Cash funds Cash in Bank Petty Cash Total Note 33,473 25 37.403 70,876 25 68,769 25 33,498 37.403 70,901 68,794 Other Asset5 Sundry Debtors Inland Revenue & Othèrs 10 933 933 1,387 Net Current Assets 32.565 37.403 69,968 67,407 Total Assets 32.565 37.403 69.968 67.407 Funds brought forward Adjustment to Opening Balance 23.336 44.071 67.407 51.561 Surplus/(deficitl for year 9,229 16,668) 2,561 15,843 Fund5 Carried Forward 32.565 37,403 69,968 67,407 Notes.. Any Church Income given as a gift towards training or activities provided by Wycombe Youth of Christ is shown separately under income from activities. 2. All regular and one-off gifts from individual supporters,. any Gift Aid reclaimed is shown as Tax Reclaim. 3. Tax Reclaim is the Gift Aid received during the year on general fund donations. Gift Aid is claimed in the month following that in which the donations were received. 4. This income is comprised of gifts received from Lighthouses. S. This is the cost of salaries, employers National Insurance contributions and employers pension contributions for Erica Holt, Darren Phillips, Rebecca Hawes, Gemma Gibbins and Nicola Cousin. 6. Staff training includes attendance at the annual National Youth for Christ conference which all staff are encouraged to attend. 7. 2 insurances are payable. A buildings policy and a combined lines policy (which also includes cover for Public and Employee Liability and Trustee indemnity). 8. Executive approved expenses cover one-off items which are not budgeted and therefore require specific approval by the Trustees. 9. These funds are held in a Barclays current account. 10. This is the total of Tax and National Insurance for December 2020 which was due and paid in January 2021. Page 12 of 14
Wycombe Youth For Christ Account Examination Report Mr Paul Brown 18 Moonstone Court Dashwood Avenue Hlgh Wycombe Bucks HP12 3FG in To the Trustees I repori on 11)e accouiit5 01 tlie charity (or Il)e year ended 31 Oecember 2020. Tho cl)arity s triislp.es are responsiblo lor the preparation of the accounts. The trustees consider that an audit is not roouifod lor tliis year under section 144(2) ol the Charities Act 2011 and that an independent examination IS required. Respective responsibilities of trustees and cxaminer It Is my responsibilily to oxamine Ihe occounts undor section 145 of the above aci. following the procedures la5d dowii by Ilie Cliarily Commission in their general directions vnder section 145{5)(b) ol that act, stating whethor particular matters have comc to my atterition. Basis of independent examiner's report My examination was carried out in accordance with the general Directions given by the Charity Commission. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison ol the accounts presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosufes in the accounts, and seeking explanations from you as 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 givèn as to whether the accounts presor)t a 'tfue and lair view. and the report is limited to those matters set out in the following statement. Independent examiner's statement In connection with rny examination. no matter has corne to my attention: (l) which gives me reasonable tause to belleve that in any material respect the requirements.. To keep accounting records in accordance wlth sectlon 130 01 the 2011 Act.. and To prepare accounts which accord with the accountlng records and comply with the ccounting requirements of the 2011 Act have not been met: or (2) io which in my Opinion, attentlon should drawn In order to enable a proper understar)ding of the accounts to be reached. Signed.. Date.. Mr Paul 8rown Page 13 of 14
Reference & Administration Details Trustees: Alan Molyneux John Golledge Tricia Wade Peter Brooks Steve Whitmore (Chairman) (Reappointed 5th June 2018) (Treasurer) (Reappointed 4th June 2019) (Secretary,. Child Protection Officer)(Reappointed 4th June 2019) (Data Protection Off icer) (Appointed 5th June 2018) (Co-opted 26th November 2019) Staff.. Erica Holt (Director,. appointed Ist September 2003) Darren Phillips (Schools & Outreach Worker,. appointed 1st March 2015) Rebecca Hawes (Children's & Youth Worker,. appointed Ist September 2016) Sharon Windsor (Volunteer Children's & Youth Worker,. appointed 3rd May 2021) Lisa Dollery (Schools & Outreach Worker,. appointed 7th September 2021) Caleb Fulton (Schools & Outreach Worker,. appointed 13th September 2021) Nicola Cousin (Schools & Outreach Worker,. resigned 28th February 2021) Gemma Gibbins (Schools & Outreach Worker,. resigned 315t July 2021) Colin Hingston (Volunteer Financial Administrator- appointed Ist September 2015) Charity Offices.. Address.. Kingfisher House, 109a West Wycombe Road, High Wycombe Bucks HP12 3AB Telephone: 01494 522777 Email- office@wycombeyfc.org.uk Website.. www.wycombeyfc.org.uk Social Media.. @WycombeYFC Registered charity number.. 1063771 Bankers: Barclays Bank plc PO Box 41, Booker Branch, High Wycombe, Bucks HPII 2BG Independent Examiner: Mr Paul Brown British Youth For Christ Charter- Wycombe Youth for Christ has a Charter Certificate, given by British Youth for Christ on November 2020, which is renewed annuall 14of
Wycombe YOUTH FOR CHRIST Address: Kingfisher House, 109a West Wycombe Road, High Wycombe, Bucks, HP12 3AB 01494 522777 office@wycombeyfc.org.uk www.wycombeyfc.org.uk @WycombeYFC 1063771 Telephone: Email.. Website: Social Media: Charity Number: