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2023-01-31-accounts

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES AND UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDING 31 JANUARY 2023

FOR

CITY ESCAPE Charity Number:1069707

De Claron Ltd 3a The Vale LONDON NW11 8SB

CITY ESCAPE

CONTENTS OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

for the Year Ended 31 January 2023

Page
Charity Information 1
Report of the Trustees 2
Independent Examiner's Report 7
Income Expense Account 9
Balance Sheet 10
Notes to Financial Statements 11

CITY ESCAPE

CHARITY INFORMATION

for the Year Ended 31 January 2023

TRUSTEES: Mrs G Traube Mrs R Just Mrs Y Mandel Mrs I Rosenthal SECRETARY: Mrs G Traube REGISTERED OFFICE: 30 Moresby Road London E5 9LF REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER: 1069707 BANKERS: Natwest Bank, 20 Amhurst Road London E6 1QZ INDEPENDENT EXAMINER: De Claron Ltd Unit A 3 The Vale London NW11 8SB

Page 1

CITY ESCAPE

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES

for the Year Ended 31 January 2023

The trustees present their annual report together with the financial statements of for the 1 February 2022 to 31 January 2023.

Message from the Chair

“More than 1 in 4 of all children in the UK now live in poverty.” Bernados Report, October 2022

“Yesterday, Dad sold my bike to a neighbor so that we can have more money for groceries. What am I going to tell my friends when they want to bike with me after school?” Simon, age 9.

So much has changed here in Britain, and in such a short amount of time too.

With the cost of living rising to unseen levels, hundreds of local families are struggling to get by, and too many children are lacking the basics. Here at City Escape, we have heard it all directly from our users: From skipping meals to living without heating or warm clothing for the duration of London’s long winters, if life has ever been difficult and anxiety-ridden for our young people, it has just gotten worse.

This summer, after the challenging year our young people have experienced, we knew that it was more pivotal than ever to get our young members out of their houses. And thankfully, with the support of our friends, donors, and an incredible team, we were able to do just that!

Our getaway this summer took place in a beautiful rural setting where our users enjoyed an extensive range of workshops, trips, and outdoor activities. For many, this is the only ray of light they get all year. The chance to run free, with ample space, in the great outdoors, just letting the stress out of their system in the healthiest manner.

One of my proudest moments this year was watching my team respond devotedly and creatively when due to financial considerations, we had to unfortunately cancel our premises rental in the countryside for a large part of the programme. What could only be described as miraculous, my team pulled off a hugely successful day programme for our second week, complete with activities, workshops, and trips. It was unreal to see their dedication to our users!

It is these efforts and your unparalleled support that give our users more reasons to count down to the summer.

Together, we can make their smiles BIGGER. More real. More often.

Goldie Traube

Programe Director

1 November 2023

Page 2

CITY ESCAPE

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES

for the Year Ended 31 January 2023

Policies and objectives

City Escape aims to improve the lives and opportunities of disadvantaged young people by providing a two-week summer holiday residential programme for financially and socially deprived children from London between the ages of 11 and 16. We take them away from the inner-city streets where they face great risk of engaging in crime, drugs and anti-social behaviour, and care for them in a safe and supportive environment, within refreshing rural surroundings. Being a part of our programme enhances the children's social development and improves their confidence and self-esteem so that they return home invigorated and revitalised – physically, mentally and emotionally; complete with the tools they need to enrich their lives and their future.

Structure, Governance and Management

With our commitment to quality and best practice, we evaluate and monitor our annual programme to improve effectiveness. Since our charity works with vulnerable children and families, safeguarding is considered the greatest inherent risk in our work. We have a framework of consents, controls, policies and reviews to mitigate the associated risks. All our volunteers are DBS checked and undergo appropriate child safeguarding training. As an established organisation, we have excellent policies and procedures that are reviewed on an annual basis. This leads to smoothly run, safe activities, and sound back up plans if necessary.

In setting objectives and planning for activities, the trustees have given due consideration to general guidance published by the charity commission relating to public benefit.

Achievements and Performance

In the last few years here at City Escape, we’ve gotten really good at making great plans, meeting up with crises, tossing out our original plans, and then drawing up new ones. All in a matter of days.

After the chaos of Covid subsided and the world slowly chugged back to normal, we made some exciting plans for our users this year. Our plan included a two-week getaway in the summer to a beautiful rural setting where our young people would have the opportunity to participate in an extensive range of workshops, trips, and outdoor activities.

But then, only a short time before the getaway we were forced to realise that our reduced income this year meant we were still too far away from our project budget and our wonderful plans were starting to collapse into a heap.

Once thing we knew without a doubt: cancelling was not an option - our users needed this project and had been looking forward to it all year. We made the swift, calculated decision to decrease the residential part of the programme to only five days, implementing the rest of the project as a local day-programme which would significantly reduce our expenses.

Page 3

CITY ESCAPE

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES

for the Year Ended 31 January 2023

Almost immediately, our team got right to work and we were successful in moving the entire second week of our program over to a local venue with all activities, workshops, and new trips in place.

Thankfully, our users enjoyed an amazing two weeks, filled with trips, activities, and empowering programs that filled them up for the year ahead.

Project Details

Our project took place between the 15th August 2022 – 28th August 2022 and included 116 children and young people and 23 volunteers. The residential part of the programme was held at the spectacular, expansive campus of the St Joseph's College located in Ipswich, Suffolk where the children were able to take part in a rich and diversified programme of activities.

After a healthy breakfast, we began each day with an interactive professionally-run workshop which varied daily and focused on different areas such as teaching effective communication skills, managing emotions, drama and art workshops, confidence building sessions and music groups. The workshops concluded with a short fun activity and the children then sat down to a warm, nutritious meal.

Every afternoon the participants took part in a refreshing outdoor activity which included plenty of hiking opportunities, sports games, trampolining, a visit to the beach and cycling. In the evening after supper, our volunteer social heads directed a night activity which provided unique opportunities for connecting together and facilitating firm friendships to form.

Every young person played an active role in our programme planning and delivery and we regularly consulted with them regarding different ideas for the project. Throughout the programme, the children were involved by presenting ideas, creating songs, and producing artwork during workshops and activity sessions. All this involvement created a harmonious atmosphere with all involved feeling a great sense of achievement and empowerment.

Our on-site support worker was available throughout the project for these young people to approach and was instrumental in providing vital encouragement for the participants. We hope to cement the valuable friendships and emotional gains made over the fourteen days spent together by continuing to deliver periodic virtual workshops and encouraging our participants and volunteers to maintain the relationships formed.

Our Impact

The benefits of our summer holiday programme are manifold, including both short- and longerterm benefits. These often extend beyond individual children’s lives onto their family relationships and engagement with their local community. These benefits are detailed below:

Reduced isolation - our project enables integration of different marginalised groups from the community to connect with new friends and sympathetic adults, so that positive and - supportive friendships can develop. This likewise results in improvements in social and communication skills.

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CITY ESCAPE

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES

for the Year Ended 31 January 2023

Leadership and organisational abilities - as a result of being involved in all stages of planning, organising and decision making both prior and during our programme the children - and young volunteers develop vital skills and improved self-esteem often leading to new hobbies and pathways to employment.

A stronger community – our project greatly improves community cohesion and identity. We - empower the young people to set themselves on a happier and more successful track in life. This enables them to overcome their current disadvantage and grow up to become active and productive members of the community.

Funding activities / Income generation

The cost-of-living crisis is having an immediate effect on our organisation. Our income levels have been largely reduced as many of our past benefactors are currently not in a position to support us, which is intensified by the high competition we face within outside funding sources. This financial setback combined with the increased cost of living expenses which has caused a significant rise in our annual running expenses, is making delivering our programme considerably more challenging.

Our beneficiaries are all financially or socially disadvantaged children from BAME communities who live within the economically deprived inner-city areas of Hackney and Haringey. Most participants can only make a small contribution to the cost, if at all, and the charity therefore depends heavily on grants from third parties to finance its activities, particularly as the cost of renting premises in the summer is exceedingly high.

This year, as a first, we were forced to reduce the scope of our activities because of a significant decrease in our income. Three grant applications that we were relying on were unsuccessful and we simply did not have the funds to deliver our summer programme as originally planned.

We are taking immediate action now to ensure that the needs of our users are met in the best possible way and are taking several steps so we can keep our organisation running effectively and sustainably. These steps include; initiating local fundraising events, recruitment of more local volunteers, reducing staff members on our payroll, soliciting donated equipment and food and securing more pro bono/reduced rates on our activities and trips.

We would like to make special mention of the substantial and generous support we received from Awards 4 All and the Hackney Community Team, amongst our other many valuable supporters and community donors .

Page 5

CITY ESCAPE

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES

for the Year Ended 31 January 2023

Plans For The Future

This report was approved by the trustees and signed on their behalf by:

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD

Trustee Name:Goldie Traube

Signature:

Date: 1 November 2023

Page 6

INDEPENDENT EXAMINER’S UNQUALIFIED REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF CITY ESCAPE

for the Year Ended 31 January 2023

Independent Examiner’s Report to the Trustees of City Escape

I report on the accounts of the Charity for the year ended 31 January 2023, which are set out on pages 6 to 10.

This report is made solely to the charity's trustees, as a body, in accordance with section 145 of the Charities Act 2011 and regulations made under section 154 of that Act. My work has been undertaken so that I might state to the charity's trustees those matters that I am required to state to them in an Independent examiner's report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, I do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the charity and the charity's trustees as a body, for my work or for this report.

The financial statements have been presented in accordance with Accounting and Reporting by Charities preparing their accounts using the Financial Reporting Standards applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) effective 1 January 2019.

This has been done in order for the accounts to provide a true and fair view of the charity's financial position.

Respective responsibilities of trustees and examiner

The charity's trustees are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements, and they consider that an audit is not required for this year under section 144(2) of the Charities Act 2011 (the Act) and that an independent examination is needed.

It is my responsibility to:

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 of the financial statements presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the financial statements, 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 given as to whether the financial statements 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 matter has come to my attention:

  1. which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in any material respect the requirements - to keep accounting records in accordance with section 130 of the Act; and to prepare financial statements which accord with the accounting records, Accounting

  2. and Reporting by Charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) and in other respects comply with the accounting requirements of the Act.

Page 7

INDEPENDENT EXAMINER’S UNQUALIFIED REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF CITY ESCAPE

for the Year Ended 31 January 2023

  1. to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding financial statements to be reached.

De Claron Ltd. 3a The Vale LONDON NW11 8SB 1 November 2023

Page 8

CITY ESCAPE STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES for the Year Ended 31 January 2023

INCOMING RESOURCES
Grants Received
2
Donations
Interest Received
3, 4
TOTAL INCOMING RESOURCES
CHARITABLE PROGRAMS
Premises Expenses
Transport And Travel
Recreational Trips
Food And Kitchen Supplies
Workshop & Activities
Volunteer Expenses
ADMINISTRATING EXPENDITURES
Advertising
Accountancy & Admin
Fundraising
Insurance
Total Resources Expended
NET MOVEMENTS IN FUNDS FOR THE YEAR
FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD
TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD		 £
£
Restricted
Unrestricted
Funds
Funds
£
£
19,410
7,300
28,275
19,410
35,575
54,985
9,885
5,625
8,862
3,796
7,665
128
295
338
146
-
36,741
-
(17,331.43)
35,575
18,244
16,720
34,964
31.01.2023		 £
£
Restricted
Unrestricted
Funds
Funds
£
£
15,640
29,900
63,788
15,640
93,688
109,328
41,111
25,105
8,627
17,897
10,794
1,738
2,021
246
-
279
107,816
-
(92,176.29)
93,688
1,512
15,208
16,720
31.01.2022

Page 9

CITY ESCAPE BALANCE SHEET for the Year Ended 31 January 2023

----- Start of picture text -----
31.01.2023 31.01.2022
£ £ £ £
FIXED ASSETS - -
CURRENT ASSETS
- -
Debtors
Cash in hand and at bank 34,964 16,720
34,964 16,720
CURRENT LIABILITIES
- -
Short term Creditors
- -
NET CURRENT ASSETS 34,964 16,720
TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT LIABILITIES 34,964 16,720
FUND ACCOUNT
Funds 34,964 16,720
----- End of picture text -----

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD

Trustee Name:Goldie Traube Signature:

Date: 1 November 2023

Page 10

CITY ESCAPE

Notes to the Financial Statements

for the Year Ended 31 January 2023

The financial statements have been prepared to give a 'true and fair' view of the charity's financial position.

The historical cost convention has been used with items recognised at cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant notes to these accounts. The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the Statement of Recommended Practice; Accounting and Reporting by Charities in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS102) effective from 1 January 2019 and the Charities Act 2011.

City Escape constitutes a public benefit entity as defined by FRS 102.

General funds are unrestricted funds which are available for use at the discretion of the trustees in furtherance of the general objectives of the charity and which have not been designated for other purposes.

Restricted funds ere funds which are to be used in accordance with specific restrictions imposed by donors or which have been raised by the charity for particular purposes. The costs of raising and administering such funds are charged against the specific fund. The aim and use of each restricted fund is set out in the notes to the financial statements.

Income tax recoverable in relation to donations received under Gift Aid or deed of covenant is recognised at the time of the donation.

Charitable activities and Governance costs are costs incurred on the charity's educational operations, including support costs and costs relating to the governance of the charity apportioned to charitable activities

Page 11

CITY ESCAPE

Notes to the Financial Statements

for the Year Ended 31 January 2023

1.8 Financial instruments

The charity 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 measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method.

2. INCOME FROM DONATIONS AND LEGACIES

3.
CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES
4.
RESTRICTED FUNDS		 £
£
£
2023
2023
2023
Restricted
Unrestricted
Funds
Funds
Total
£
£
£
19,410
35,575
54,985
£
£
2023
Summer
CHARITABLE PROGRAMS
Project
Premises Expenses
9,885
Transport And Travel
5,625
Recreational Trips
8,862
Food And Kitchen Supplies
3,796
Workshop & Activities
7,665
Volunteer Expenses
128
35,962
National Lottery Awards 4 All England
Hackney Small Grant		 £
2022
Total
£
109,328
£
2022
Summer
Project
41,111
25,105
8,627
17,897
10,794
1,738
105,271
9,810
9,600
19,410

Page 12

CITY ESCAPE

Notes to the Financial Statements

for the Year Ended 31 January 2023

  1. CREDITORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR Accruals and deferred income

£ £ 2023 2022 - -

Page 13