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← Burton Youth For Christ

2025-08-31-accounts

REPORT |

Burton Youth for Christ

Registered Charity England and Wales: 1071717

A Chartered Centre of British Youth for Christ

Address

Burton Youth for Christ The Warehouse r/o 83 High Street Burton on Trent Staffordshire DE14 1LD

Tel

01283 531722

Email

info@burton.yfc.co.uk

CONTENTS

Introduction

Areas of Work

Personnel

Training

Financial Review

Looking Forward

2024 - 2025 STATS

CONNECTING WITH 2,344 YOUNG PEOPLE 16% INCREASE ON LAST YEAR

AGED UNDER 11 AGED 11 - 18 AGED OVER 18 32% 67% 1% WITH THE SUPPORT OF 48 VOLUNTEERS

6 YOUTH 1224 HOURS GIVEN

ENGAGING WITH 40 PARTNERS

20 10 10 SCHOOL SETTINGS CHURCHES ORGANISATIONS

DELIVERING 1,432 YOUTH WORK SESSIONS 1187 FOR 26 FOR 219 FOR SCHOOLS SETTING CHURCHES COMMUNITY

TOTALLING OVER 3,266 PEOPLE HOURS OF YOUTH WORK DELIVERED

INTRODUCTION

This year has been one of remarkable growth and deepening impact.

We connected with 2,344 young people across schools, churches, and community settings. This represents a 16% increase from last year, with overall engagement rising by 14%. Our team delivered 1,432 youth work sessions, providing safe, consistent spaces for young people to grow physically, socially, mentally and spiritually.

Our support work with local churches grew by 38%, thanks to our Young Leaders Training Course for 16–20-year-olds, equipping the next generation to lead with confidence and faith.

Our residential saw a 40% increase in participation, with 63 young people from four youth groups joining us for a time of fun, faith, and community. Most significantly, eight young people decided to follow Christ for themselves, a powerful reminder of why we do what we do.

We’ve also witnessed a stronger connection between our areas of work. Many young people are now moving seamlessly between school, community, and church, allowing them to experience the fullness of what we offer.

A highlight of the year was our first-ever pop-up prom dress shop, where 43 young people said “yes to the dress” - a joyful example of practical love in action.

In total, we gave 3,266 hours of direct contact time to young people, and 210 were offered the opportunity to respond to the message of Jesus in person.

Through it all, we have continued to be a consistent Christian presence in our communities, offering inclusive, accessible, and hope-filled support to every young person we meet, regardless of background, faith, or ability.

Be encouraged! We invite you to get in touch to learn more about who we are, the work we do, and the impact we are making in the lives of young people and our communities.

Sue Garb Centre Director

AREAS OF WORK

SCHOOL

Our work is open to all schools in the Burton area and is built on strong, trusted relationships. This approach allows us to understand each school’s unique context and tailor our support to their specific needs. Most initiatives are made possible through a combination of school funding and targeted grants, enabling meaningful and sustainable impact within the school community.

Partnering with 20 educational establishments

Delivering 709 listening sessions with 117 young people

Leading 21 assemblies in primary schools

Providing 33 chaplaincy sessions in the College

Supporting 13 young people through weekly mentoring

Facilitating 39 small groups for personal growth

Volunteering as Governors in 4 local schools

At Paulet High School, our breakfast support provides a calm, welcoming start to the day, giving each young person the chance to be seen and valued. For some, it’s a daily check-in that helps them begin positively; for others, it’s simply knowing someone is there until their friends arrive. This year, we’ve also guided students toward local youth clubs, school wellbeing services, and listening support.

The Year 7 students met the team during their first week through a lesson on their hopes and worries about starting high school, while later in the year, Year 8 explored real-world issues, including poverty, in partnership with the Burton CAP Centre.

Small group sessions at Paget High School offered safe spaces to explore friendship, resilience, anger, anxiety, aspirations, and character development. A dedicated girls’ group, supported by volunteer Siobhan Letford, provided focused discussion and encouragement.

Our listening service continued to flourish, supporting 117 young people across nine schools in 709 sessions, a significant increase from last year. Simply being present and hearing their voices remains a privilege.

“I’ve been carrying stuff around for ages, I’m now able to share things.”

YOUNG PERSON - LISTENING SERVICE

“We are truly blessed that we are able to access the support of Burton Youth For Christ - listening, guiding and encouraging students who might otherwise be unheard.”

BLESSED ROBERT SUTTON DEPUTY DESIGNATED SAFEGUARDING LEAD

In partnership with Riverside Church, the weekly lunchtime chaplaincy at Burton and South Derbyshire College continued to offer an opportunity for discussion, wellbeing support, and prayer. This year, the team introduced a pilot Christian Union option for students, which facilitated meaningful conversations around faith and personal development. Students were also invited to contribute to the planning of activities, including selecting gifts to be distributed as blessings. Overall, the chaplaincy engaged with approximately 300 students across the year, with a core group of around 25 participating on a regular weekly basis.

Across three primary schools, 21 assemblies combined fun activities, Bible messages, and reflection, growing in two schools into whole-school value days and prayer activities during break time. We were also able to support Burton Elim Church as they invited Christ Church Primary School in to see how the Church serve their local community.

SPOTLIGHT

We led a primary school assembly on the theme of looking ahead, starting with the school’s verse of the week, Jeremiah 29:11, about God’s plans and hope. Children shared their dreams for the future, which the rest of the school had fun guessing, sparking laughter and thoughtful reflection. We then used our hands—one for hopes, one for worries—and invited the children to offer them all up to God, creating a quiet, reflective moment that really engaged everyone.

At break, over 15 children joined an optional activity, writing notes or prayers to their future selves. Some shared their faith, others asked honest questions, and many remembered the earlier reflection with excitement. It was a simple activity, but moments like these are heartwarming reminders of how small experiences can plant seeds of hope and faith that grow over time.

Through our partnership with Eagles’ Nest Project (an alternative education provider), we supported young people in almost one-to-one sessions, helping them develop skills and gain qualifications in cooking, martial arts, and alpaca care. The project also connects students to wider services, reinforcing our commitment to holistic care.

Demand for one-to-one support for vulnerable young people continues to grow. Although we worked with fewer individuals this year, the increased time spent with each young person has allowed for deeper engagement. Our team is now a trusted partner for local schools, demonstrating the value of relational youth work within the wider educational experience.

Through all these efforts, we strive to be present, to listen, and to care, supporting young people to grow, feel valued, and navigate school life with confidence and hope.

CHURCH

We have a deep commitment to supporting the local Church and are passionate about serving its community. All our staff are active members of local congregations, regularly leading youth and children’s ministries. They draw on their training and experience to strengthen local church initiatives and extend their reach to young people.

This year, we have volunteered at Christian festivals, supported holiday clubs, participated in Burton Churches Together, and delivered town-wide youth events, adding significant value to the wider church community, fostering stronger connections across local ministries.

Connecting with 12 local Churches Hosting 5 town-wide youth events for 97 young people Partnering with 4 Churches to deliver youth and children’s work 5 young people completed our first Young Leader Training Programme 210 young people given an opportunity to follow Jesus 8 young people choosing to follow Jesus

Through our youth events and residential programs, we have served ninety-seven young people, nine of whom were not already connected with a local church.

Our Big Youth Nights in October and May brought together young people from four churches for worship, discussion, and fun. In October, participants explored the armour of God, designing shields and reflecting on applying its principles in daily life. In May, 58 young people took part in our Paint Party, discovering they are masterpieces in God’s eyes while becoming completely covered in paint! Both events were engaging, memorable, and strengthened connections across the local youth community.

SPOTLIGHT

Our Christmas Disco brought together forty-five young people from various groups and schools for a night of dancing, games, mocktails, and fun. We shared the message that Jesus is “God with us” all year round. For some, it was their first event with us. One asked, “Can I come even if I’m not Christian?” and was warmly told, “Yes, of course!”

It was wonderful to see new friendships formed, with one young person commenting, “It’s great to see my brother being himself here.”

Over the summer, we partnered with Burton Elim and St Saviour’s Churches to run 6 holiday club sessions. We welcomed forty-five children for creative, faith-filled fun. Each day included crafts, games, and Bible stories that helped children experience God’s love.

One child’s delighted “Wow!” during the story of Jesus feeding the five thousand captured the heart of it all.

None of this would have been possible without our amazing volunteers and young leaders, whose energy, care, and faith made lasting impact.

As one child summed it up perfectly: “Please do this again.”

Five young people, aged sixteen to nineteen, completed our six-month Young Leader Training Programme, learning about servant leadership, faith, and character. They then put this into practice at the residential weekend by leading groups, praying for others, and even preaching.

“I’m more confident in myself and my role in church and I’ve developed my relationship with God. I feel like I now have a role and the skills that are needed to communicate God’s love and God’s word.”

COMMENTS FROM YOUNG PEOPLE WHO ATTENDED THE YOUNG LEADERS COURSE

Sixty-three young people from four youth groups, supported by six youth leaders, nine volunteers, and a five-person staff team, spent two inspiring nights together at Alton Castle. The theme for the weekend, “I Am,” focused on exploring who Jesus says He is, and what that means for us today. We even had specially designed hoodies to serve as a lasting visual reminder of the teaching.

On the final morning, we considered our response - “Here I am,” and reflected on what it means to live that out in our everyday lives. It was a powerful time together, filled with fun, faith, and a sense of community. We were especially encouraged that five young people made first-time commitments to follow Jesus, and many others chose to recommit their lives to Him. It was a truly special weekend, and we’re so thankful for all that God did among us.

“Over the last couple years of my life I have struggled with knowing if my life had purpose or meaning to it and what I wanted from life. And I found that last weekend.”

“It was a great way to grow individually and as a youth group. We loved all the staff and feel safe in their hands.”

COMMENTS FROM YOUNG PEOPLE WHO ATTENDED THE WEEKEND AWAY

“It was a safe space to talk about stuff and not get judged by anybody.”

COMMUNITY

For some young people, our open-access work in the community is the only activity they take part in outside of school. We believe this consistent presence is the first step in reflecting God’s faithfulness to young people in a continuously changing world.

Connecting with 10 national and local organisations

Providing 110 youth club sessions for 194 young people

Creating an experience for 43 year 11 girls to choose a free prom dress

Delivering 6 holiday sessions, reaching 231 young people Delivering 219 youth work sessions in community contexts

We are dedicated to creating safe and welcoming spaces in the community where young people can simply be themselves, working alongside the local church and other partners. These spaces give young people an opportunity to be seen and valued in ways that might be different from home or school - a place where they can have fun, make mistakes, and feel genuinely appreciated.

Stability, especially in relationships, is essential for young people, and we provide this in a meaningful way once a week through our youth clubs. They give young people the freedom to choose how they want to participate, offering activities such as games, food, skateboarding on Wednesdays, arts and crafts, and informal wellbeing support. We also set aside time for reflection and open discussion on topics that matter to them.

This year, we’ve served 194 different young people over 110 sessions at 2 venues. This represents a 24% increase in take-up by young people compared to last year. This is partly due to being a consistent provision and promoting the clubs in schools and with local partners.

The Warehouse Youth Club and Skate Park runs in partnership with Riverside Church in the town centre every Wednesday during term time, offering timeslots for both 7 to 11s, and 11 to 18year-olds. In addition to a strong staff team, several volunteers from the church and the Burton Skate Project are dedicated to making the clubs a success.

The Stapenhill Youth Drop-in runs with support from The Community Church at the Number One Community building every Friday during term time for 11 to 18-year-olds.

SPOTLIGHT

We’re thankful to funding support from East Staffs Community Safety Partnership for the second year running - helping us deliver the two youth and skate clubs during term time. We do this in partnership with Riverside Church and with the skating expertise of Burton Skatepark Project. This term we were visited by the Deputy Crime Commissioner who wanted to highlight the project. He said it was very unique!

During the summer, the Youth Club in the Park Project brought together Burton Youth for Christ, Riverside Church, Burton Albion Community Trust, and Trent & Dove Housing. By joining forces, we were able to offer something far greater than we could alone. We ran six sessions across three Burton wards, creating welcoming spaces for families and young people. Overall, 231 children joined in a mix of activities - from graffiti art and inflatable football to giant garden games. A new favourite was our gaming stations, where young people gathered to play FC25, Minecraft, and Rocket League together outdoors.

“I’d like to do gaming in the park more often - I can game and play at the same time.”

In March we created a pop-up prom dress for girls who may struggle to buy one for their year 11 prom night. Each Head of year 11 were given invites to give out to girls they felt would benefit. We welcomed more than 120 guests, filling the Community Church with excitement, laughter and a real sense of celebration. We had over 180 dresses on offer, absolutely free. Overall, 43 girls from seven different High Schools across Burton and South Derbyshire said ‘yes to the dress.’ We’re grateful to The Community Church for letting us use their building, the volunteers who gave their time during the weekend and those who made cakes or donated dresses and money to get this project off the ground.

“Without today we would not have been able to afford for our

daughter to go to her prom. Thank you so much. Its appreciated more than you'll know.”

“Very welcome and accommodating of us and my daughters SEN/additional needs. Very helpful explaining how it all works and choices available. Daughter has left happy with a beautiful dress. Thank you for relieving so much stress.”

“What an amazing experience. I was made to feel really special.”

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PERSONNEL

STAFF

Our staff team is an exceptionally dedicated group, deeply passionate about both God and young people. We are especially grateful for our strong staff retention, which provides invaluable stability and strength to the centre.

TRUSTEES AND COUNCIL OF REFERENCE

Our Trustees have met six times this year, including at our Annual General Meeting, and have reviewed and updated various systems and policies. We also have a Council of Reference who support staff pastorally in their duties and give wise council when needed.

Our Trustees:

Our Council of Reference:

Dawn Charles (The Community Church)

VOLUNTEERS

Our work would not be possible without the incredible support of our partners and volunteers— people who generously step up to dedicate their time and energy to serving others. This year, we had the privilege of working with 48 volunteers, including our 5 trustees. Among them, 34 volunteered through partner churches, and 6 were young volunteers under the age of 18. Their contributions have been invaluable to our mission.

TRAINING

In January, we had the opportunity to meet in person at Whitemoor Lakes with 60 other centres from across the country and the British Youth for Christ team for our National Conference. The event offered valuable training, uplifting worship, and the chance to network with peers. As a team, we also came together for an away day at Launde Abbey, providing dedicated time to reflect on strategy and consider our work with greater intentionality.

Staff and volunteers all complete safer recruitment processes and hold appropriate levels of safeguarding training for their roles. This has enabled us to support the local church by delivering accessible Level 1 Safeguarding training for their volunteers.

As part of our strategic priority to develop and strengthen our team, we have accessed the Natwest Levy Funding, enabling our Lead Youth Worker to begin a Youth Work Apprenticeship degree. We have also provided financial support for our Director to undertake a Postgraduate Certificate in Therapeutic Play Skills. As part of these studies, our Director was able to give an interactive presentation to teaching assistants in her placement school, raising awareness about play therapy and how to identify children needing support.

“It made me realise how beneficial it would be for some children in my class in terms of regulating themselves and their emotions.”

Both programmes have already enhanced our staff knowledge and, in turn, strengthened our work with young people. We are grateful to Eagle’s Nest Project and Anglesey Primary School for serving as placement partners, helping to make this learning possible.

SPOTLIGHT

We were pleased to offer a work experience place to a year 10 student this year.

“I chose to work with Burton Youth For Christ for my 3-day work experience placement. This was because I thought it would be a great opportunity to see what it is like and to experience how they do their job. Listening to Sue and Matt plan a lesson was really interesting - I didn't realise how much thought and planning goes into it! I had a great time going into college and meeting new people. Everyone was super friendly. I really enjoyed visiting a new school as I got to see how things worked in a different environment. Overall, I enjoyed helping out during my work experience, and it was a great chance to get involved and try something new!”

FINANCIAL REVIEW

Trustees use a rolling yearly cash flow plan to make confident, informed decisions, while the Centre Director helps shape a funding strategy that nurtures relationships with churches, donors, and local partners. Our focus is on investing in young people for the long term, not just chasing short-term project funding.

Our total income was £119,179 (7.9% increase from last year).

Our outgoings amounted to £125,447 (8.3% increase).

Individual Regular Giving continued to show strong growth, reaching £37,404 - up 4.5% from £35,783 in 2023/24 and 13% from 2022/23. This steady increase reflects the ongoing loyalty of our donors and the growing engagement with our mission. The consistent year-on-year growth highlights the effectiveness of our communication and stewardship efforts, as well as the generosity of our supporter community.

We are grateful for the continued support of local churches, who contributed £3,890 this year, a decrease of 15% from the previous year.

Invoiced Income from completed work totalled £25,915. While slightly below last year’s figure, this continues an upward trend over the past three years, demonstrating the increasing impact and reach of our work.

We ended the year with £25,618 in the bank, with unrestricted reserves of £19,070.

On reviewing staff salaries, Trustees approved increases to comply with the new minimum hourly rate. While it was not possible to increase all wages by 9%, adjustments were made to reflect responsibilities, experience, and length of service, resulting in a total necessary increase of £6,216 for the year. Managing staff salaries will continue to be a challenge as costs rise, requiring ongoing careful planning and oversight.

Overall, these financial results illustrate both the challenges and opportunities we face, while reinforcing the value of careful planning, dedicated supporters, and strategic stewardship of resources.

RESERVES POLICY

The Trustees reviewed their amount of funds kept in reserve, (those not committed or invested in tangible fixed assets) and agreed to keep 3 months for this year. The Trustees will continue to review the policy as funding streams become more certain during the 2025/26 financial year and beyond.

INCOME £119,179

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Other
7%
Gift Aid
8%
Individual Giving
35%
Earned Income
22%
Church donations
3%
Trusts and grants
25%
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OUTGOINGS £125,447

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Office Expenses
9%
Projects
10%
Staff Costs
81%
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LOOKING FORWARD

We want to continue to be a positive Christian presence within the communities of Burton-onTrent, serving children and young people.

With this in mind, our three strategic priorities for the coming year remain:

Expand Engagement and Participation

Substantially grow the number of individuals actively involved in the mission and work of Burton Youth For Christ through increased giving, volunteering, prayer, and information sharing.

Strengthen Team Capacity:

Enhance our ability to serve by expanding and developing our team of staff and volunteers.

Integrate Ministry Areas:

Intentionally connect our ministry areas - school, church, and community - to create inclusive pathways that allow more young people to access all of our services.

“Blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in Him. They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit.”

Jeremiah 17:7-8

As we enter our 40th year, we celebrate not only the dedication and hard work that have brought us this far but also the trust and recognition we have gained from the Church and the wider community. People know who we are, understand what we can offer, and actively turn to us for support. We are now recognised as a trusted partner in engaging with young people, shaping their lives, and making a meaningful impact. As we look to the future, we are committed to building on this legacy, expanding our reach, deepening our relationships, and continuing to create positive change for the next 40 years.

Thank you to all who walk with us, believing in young people. They are worth it. Your prayers, volunteering, and generosity make a lasting difference.

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CHARITY COMMISSION
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Independent examiner's report on the accounts

Section A

Independent Examiner's Report

Report to the trustees! MO eeewhereag | Burton Youth For Chatet | On accountsforfor theended yearended year year 31” August 2025 Set out on pages pages | 1 & 2 of scheduleCC'16a scheduleCC'16aCC'16a

l report in respect of my examination of the Trust's accounts camied out under section 145 of the 2077 Act and in carrying out my examination,| underhave followedsection 145(5}b)the applicable Directionsof the Act given by the Charity Commission Independent | have completed my examination. | confirm that no material matters have examiner's statement OMe to my attention in connection with the examination which gives me causeto believe that in, any maternal respect

l have no concemsand have come acrossno other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understandingof the accounts to be reached.

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Signed: ae
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Date:
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Relevant professional qualificati o rn(s)body (if anny): sit Addross:

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IER

1

October 2018

YOUTH T O1283 531722 E info@burton.yic.co.uk iV, BurtonFOR CHRIST Theburton.yfe.co.ukCharity Warehouse,No, 1071717. r/o 83A member High Street,of British BurtonYouth on Trent, Staffordshire,for Christ DE14 1LD