2022-05-04-accounts

Trustees’ Annual Report for the period

From 5 May 2021 Period start date To 4 May 2022 Period end date Charity name: Abingdon DAMASCUS Youth Project

Charity registration number: 1098966

Objectives and Activities

	SORP reference
Summary of the purposes of the charity as set out in its governing document	Para 1.17	To promote the development of the personal, social & educational potential of all young people between the ages of 11 and 18, and up to 25 years where there are special circumstances, who live in the area encompassed by Vale of White Horse and South Oxfordshire District Councils and in particular those who are disadvantaged by adverse social conditions. Our current work is focussed in the rural Oxfordshire villages of Drayton, Appleford, Milton, Sutton Courtenay and Steventon (DAMASCUS) and the neighbouring Abingdon town. We also engage and support young people through the Abingdon and Didcot secondary schools to synergise the school and community support.
Summary of the main activities in relation to those purposes for the public benefit, in particular, the activities, projects or services identified in the accounts.	Para 1.17 and 1.19	Rooted within our communities, our activities promote a shared sense of belonging with youth advocacy and leadership in the community as the key outcomes. Hence, intergenerational activities led by young people is an integral part of the development of youth leadership. Alongside, we run activities that provide bespoke early intervention to promote positive mental health through adolescence and build resilience of young people vulnerable to exploitation. Street work by our youth workers and other volunteers identify needs, before they escalate, and builds trusting relationships with disengaged vulnerable young people in need of support whom we then support through focused goal-oriented one-to-one sessions. We also undertake: •Regular sports, arts, and music fun activities to raise confidence and self- esteem.

		•Young people led participation in county workshops and forum, presentations at project AGM, parish council meetings etc. •Youth Drop-in sessions in village halls. We liaise with schools and other service providers to ensure holistic support to our young people.
Statement confirming whether the trustees have had regard to the guidance issued by the Charity Commission on public benefit	Para 1.18	In planning our activities for the year, the trustees have given due regard to the Charity Commission’s guidance on public benefit in deciding what charitable activities the charity should undertake and they are evidenced to show achievement of objectives. Recognising that ‘one size does not fit all’, the benefits are delivered through diverse but holistic and empowering approaches to young people within their communities and working in partnership with other statutory and voluntary bodies that are also involved in the lives of our young people. Staff are inducted in policies and procedures and all activities are risk assessed. Safeguarding is high on our agenda with a constantly reviewed culture of vigilance. Although the primary beneficiaries are young people, the wider community also benefits through our intergenerational community activities as it helps to build cohesive communities. The elderly feel less isolated as young people organise social activities for them.

Additional information (optional) You may choose to include further statements where relevant about:

	SORP reference
Policy on grant making	Para 1.38	Not Applicable – grant making is not a material part of our charitable activities
Policy on social investment including program related investment	Para 1.38	Although we do not make grants, the ultimate outcomes of our work programmes for which we seek funding, are about supporting and strengthening young people’s skills and capacities to participate fully in education, employment, training and have a safe, responsible, and fulfilling social life in cohesive communities.
Contribution made by volunteers	Para 1.38	Volunteers help in the youth drop ins; when required with specific study support and with arts and crafts and music activities. One volunteer coordinates and ensures DBS certificates are up to date
Other		The trustees use their professional skills and give their time freely to ensure accountability and management of the finances, grant conditions, fund raising and

all health and safety and safeguarding obligations. We do not have a paid manager or chief executive. In addition to the chairman, treasurer and secretary, the charity also has a trustee who is the designated voluntary Line Manager and is responsible for managing staff and other volunteers and ensuring the day-to-day operational activities are delivered in line with the objects of the charity as well as raising funds for the charity.

Achievements and Performance

	SORP reference
Summary of the main achievements of the charity, identifying the difference the charity’s work has made to the circumstances of its beneficiaries and any wider benefits to society as a whole.	Para 1.20	Our core work in meeting the needs of young people is informed by our regular engagement with young people through our street and gazebo sessions and 2021/22 was no exception. Street work and Gazebo Sessions These take place through the year in all the places in which we work even on cold dark winter evenings. It is in these spaces we pick up key topical issues for which we design and deliver workshops to address (for example) poor life skills; low self-esteem and aspirations; gender identity; engagement in multiple risky behaviours such as substance abuse; antisocial behaviour, self-harm, or suicidal ideation or being bullied and at risk of being groomed. In 2021/22, a particular focus has been using interactive games and quizzes to address: • Conflict management and effective communication. • Masculinity. • Gender-based violence. • "gang culture" impact on everyday lives of (young) women. j

• Young people’s assumptions about the legitimacy and necessity of their offending • Parents’ awareness of the factors and drivers of youth violence. Invariably, many of the above risk factors are also manifested through disengagement with education, employment, and training. We supported 34 young people back into education, employment or further training which also included follow-up support to ensure they do not slip through the net again. We worked with over 250 young people at the risk of disengagement from their communities, engaging them in diversionary activities. Some quotes: “For a brief moment every time we come to the clumps, I feel like I am on top of the world”. Young Person – 13 “For a while now, I have been feeling very low. The tools I have learned to use over the past few weeks have improved how I feel about myself. Also, I love going to the gym now!”. Young Person - 14 All young people with whom we worked have reported an increased sense of self-awareness and of belonging within their communities which has had a positive impact on their mental health. Our ongoing inter-generational work has continued to build community cohesion –

Outdoor Bingo run by young people for the elderly – a regular event now. this is particularly important as all our communities are growing with major new housing developments and concomitant fragmentation of the communities which in turn leads to antisocial behaviour.

Additional information (optional) You may choose to include further statements where relevant about:

Achievements against	Para 1.41	As above
objectives set

Performance of fundraising activities against objectives set	Para 1.41	Not Applicable
Investment performance against objectives	Para 1.41	Not Applicable
Other

Financial Review

Financial Review
Review of the charity’s financial position at the end of the period	Para 1.21	On 4th May 2022, the charity held total funds of £132,260
Statement explaining the policy for holding reserves stating why they are held	Para 1.22	Trustees place all funds not immediately required in the project’s gold account with CAF Bank Limited (CAF Bank Limited is a subsidiary of the Charities Aid Foundation). The trustees have a policy of maintaining a reserve to enable the recruitment and retention of proficient and credible youth workers in the event that no new income is received in the year. Thus, in setting a level of reserve trustees have regard to the stability of employment to staff over at least a one-year period as at the core of our work is building strong and trusting relationships with young people. The trustees are also aware of the elapsed time from applying for a long-term grant to the award of such a grant and the need to ensure that there are sufficient finances to keep the project going in the interim.
Amount of reserves held	Para 1.22	On 4th May 2022, the charity held total funds of £132,260 of which £70,000 are earmarked reserves as described in the reserves policy above. The remainder is made up of grants carried over into the new financial year.
Reasons for holding zero reserves	Para 1.22	Not Applicable
Details of fund materially in deficit	Para 1.24	Not Applicable
Explanation of any uncertainties about the charity continuing as a going concern	Para 1.23	In the coming year, trustees will be looking actively for new trustees as the current set of trustees have been managing the charity for some years now.

Additional information (optional) You may choose to include further statements where relevant about:

The charity’s principal sources of funds (including any fundraising)	Para 1.47	The principal sources of funding in 2021/2022 were local and national grant- giving charities (48%), Parish and Town and Councils (21%), Home Office, South and Vale Community Safety Partnerships, Govt,. Apprenticeship scheme (17%). Donations from individuals (12%) Individual donations, receipts and Gift Aid (2%)
Investment policy and objectives including any social investment policy adopted	Para 1.46
A description of the principal risks facing the charity	Para 1.46
Other

Structure, Governance and Management

Description of charity’s trusts:
Type of governing document (trust deed, royal charter)	Para 1.25	Constitution
How is the charity constituted? (e.g unincorporated association, CIO)	Para 1.25	Unincorporated registered charity
Trustee selection methods including details of any constitutional provisions e.g. election to post or name of any person or body entitled to appoint one or more trustees	Para 1.25	All trustees retire from office at the AGM thought may seek re-election. Nominations for the Chairman, Treasurer, Secretary and Line Manager are invited and elected at the AGM. Additionally, up to four members may be elected at the AGM. The DAMASCUS Parochial Church Council may appoint a trustee.

Additional information (optional) You may choose to include further statements where relevant about:

Policies and procedures adopted for the induction and training of trustees	Para 1.51	The Charity has a Designated Safeguarding Lead who ensures all trustees and other committee members and workers (voluntary and employed) are DBS checked. Trustees have a Safeguarding policy in place and all staff and relevant volunteers receive safeguarding training
The charity’s organisational structure and any wider network with which the charity works	Para 1.51	The Charity employs both qualified and trainee youth workers (FTE 2.8 in 2021/22) whose day-to-day work is managed by the voluntary Line manager who is also a trustee and responsible for safeguarding and the induction of new staff and volunteers. Young people make an input into the services through the development of young community leaders as this is a community- based project. Positive intergenerational engagement is key to community cohesion which in turn provides sustainable support to young people within their communities and thus partnership working is integral to the charity’s work. The Charity is affiliated to Oxfordshire Youth through whom the DBS checks are undertaken.
Relationship with any related parties	Para 1.51	Not Applicable
Other

Reference and Administrative details

Charity name	Abingdon DAMASCUS Youth Project
Other name the charity uses	ADYP
Registered charity number	1098966
Charity’s principal address	9 Chapel Lane Sutton Courtenay OX14 4AN

Names of the charity trustees who manage the charity

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20	Trustee name	Office (if any)	Dates acted if not for whole year	Name of person (or body) entitled to appoint trustee (if any)
	Mrs. PAT NAPPER	Chair		Elected at AGM
	Mrs ANNE WHITEHEAD	Secretary		Elected at AGM
	Mr HANS SUNDIN	Treasurer		Elected at AGM
	Mrs RITA ATKINSON	Line Manager		Elected at AGM
	Mrs AUDREY HOLLOWAY	Member		Elected at AGM
	Mr SIMON MURRAY	Member		Elected at AGM
	Dr MARK WHITTAKER	Member		Elected at AGM

– Corporate trustees names of the directors at the date the report was approved

Director name Not Applicable

Name of trustees holding title to property belonging to the charity

Trustee name	Dates acted if not for whole year
Not Applicable

Funds held as custodian trustees on behalf of others

Description of the assets Not Applicable held in this capacity Name and objects of the Not Applicable charity on whose behalf the assets are held and how this falls within the custodian charity’s objects Details of arrangements for Not Applicable safe custody and segregation of such assets from the charity’s own assets

Additional information (optional)

Names and addresses of advisers (Optional information)

Type of adviser Name Address	Type of adviser Name Address	Type of adviser Name Address
Bank	CAF Bank	25 Kings Hill Avenue, Kings Hill, West Malling, Kent ME19 4TA.

Name of chief executive or names of senior staff members (Optional information)

Exemptions from disclosure

Reason for non-disclosure of key personnel details

Not Applicable

Other optional information

Declarations

The trustees declare that they have approved the trustees’ report above.

Signed on behalf of the charity’s trustees

Signature(s) Rita Atkinson Full name(s) Pat Napper Position (eg Chair Secretary, Chair, etc) Date 23 January 2023

Abingdon DAMASCUS Youth Project. Registered charity No. 1098966 Income f•xthe p•rtod of May 5. 21Y21 . May { 2￿22 UK Ywth Rausing Home Office lthrough Tharnss Vdlay Pdirn, Reduction Unit) South & Va18 Cotnmunity Safety Partner8htp Indigo Trust Oxlord6hire eommunty FwtKlation (fackle lryiw8s. The ￿ter9￿arab.0nal way) Atx'ngdon Town Council Dhlcot Power Hous? Sov•Eign, Cornmunrty Int¥gwwational Prolert Drayion Parish ¢K)u￿11, 2￿2012021 Sutton CuJrt8nay Parish Counol Steventon Parish Council Slew)ton Allotment ￿LI in Newj Ch¥ty A[￿￿tice In¢entNg PayTTtht Total 125 7520 9557 25CI) 279) 15tKI 76321 HC Safety and fllsk The M￿S Lawrence Trust, P8r￿tIng Ihe Adolwent bran Govid, Damasc￿ PGC Christs HosprtJ of Abing(k)n Donation frorn clo￿ Pannicot Cumw Famity Char(tab18 Trust Abrylon ABC Trust Gym Ftmd Distribution Trust R8twl donation ingdon Arts Society an Catvw donation IndivKfjual dc￿at10r sj 3000 2367 820 1249 Totsl Various Gift Doc* and Tu¢k rec￿pts Intwe8t 249 1272 Totsl 2191 Grand T¢)tsl 97965 g'i &AJcD Ov IIALk PIiT HWJ C7uekgL4.2dQ) .// /,,/,, /L

)Ingdon Damascus Youth Projoct statsmont of Financlal AcOvlll•s For tho perlod from 05 May 2021 to 04 May 2022 TrAd lkf J CQ I￿￿1.14 61 l￿S) 8725824 9).7e8.78 IIKrnS7 17AK7T IIA70&P 17￿&71 IS￿n cHALJ- li )4 Ik9J 4 Cb PAytXQ2*4SJnlPy1 d1

1>259.78 1312578 121,￿21 121JW1 131X7• 12115321 131ts71 121J5321 1922An 121,5$321 112*78 121ASJ21 l /EEr. P@-, NAppe¢ rp-l HAJJJ J / a '//,. PAytZ22947JnlPy1 rf1

Total O•n•r•l D••lqnat•d P••lA¢t•d EndownTrt Thhp•r imtst J••r Inwrfng t•oure• from0•n•rat•dfw￿ o1(M-git￿￿r0J SYAS IfA126 917T4.12 .714.12 1CQ1.kthwt In￿nIng T•wu￿B from g•n•r•l•d fvnd Tot 96W28 106,717.75 1.63JAI t852.Tty.PJTrJra8lr 1J2Q53 1.520 Oth•r r••owM• 97W1 . 97,96U1 10828US Cost of q•n•ratlng fvnd¥ Co•t olyth•r•dng fvh¥l•Tot4• (•rfl•bl• •thlY•• 7&55T nA87Y) 79042.45 1A16 14.78 1210.kb>JwT 1X3.Pawdl Feo 14.CO 1 P*4wt P4•J 1 d2 SIG~ R c TrJ.rfuS

a•D•TJI D••lgn•d R••trlc¢•d EndoTmnt Th1• s•ar La•t ￿•r W2.16 4A51A7 1.814Jl 1ffjt4.31 143U> 119 1,(t7A7 1,195.08 I,fa4.03 1X) 1,C¢IAT 1,1%r 1ft34.(13 218m 1￿.72 1701-T￿n￿&m￿WWe 87.2S824 8785024 90.rn78 Oth•r r••0¥￿•$ (Xh•r r••owc•• Mod Tot•l• - 8725824 W,7&1.78 (9Ayl3Y22*ffj￿l1￿2rf2

I report on the a￿oUnts of the Trust for the year ended 4th of May 2022 set out on the above signed pages. The charities trust88s are responsible for the Fyepara1i￿ of the ￿)unts. Th8 chariti8s trustees consider that an audit is not wuitEd for this year (under section 43 {2) of the Charities Act 1993 {the 1993 Act) and that an independent examination is ne8Jed. It is the responsibility to: Examine th8 accounts (under section 43 {3) of the 1993 Act). To follow the procedures laid down in tha General Dirertions given by the Charity Commissioners year (under seLtion 43 In(bl of the 1993 Act> To stsle whether particular matters have coma my attention My examination was carried out in the accordance with the Generd Directions given by the Charity Commissioners. An examinatlon Includes a review of the accounting records k8Pt by th8 charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those rwds. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosure in the accounts and seeking explanations from the trustees ccKtceming such matt&s. The procedure undwtaken do not prowd8 all the evidence that would be required in an audit and conwuently I do not express an audit opinion on the view given by the a￿ount$. In connection with ry examination. no matter has corne to my attention: 1. Vlhich gives my r&gsonable cause to believe that in any matwÉd rwect the requirements to keep accounting ￿ordS in accordance wrth $￿tIOn 41 of the 1993 Act: and to prepare accounts which accorrl with the accounting records arKI comply with the accounting requirements of the 1993 Act have not been mel: or 2. To which, in my q)inion, attenlion should be drawn in cyder to enable a proper understanding of the a¢counts to be reach&J. Signed: Date: 0,31c7tlzL 2GC 0560R Trj Name: ox/