Trustees’ Annual Report for the period
From Period start date 5 May 2023 To Period end date 4 May 2024
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 | The charity’s objectives are: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 within Oxfordshire; and in particular those who are disadvantaged by adverse socioeconomic conditions. Our current work is embedded in the contiguous rural villages ofDrayton, Appleford,Milton,SuttonCourtenay, and Steventon (DAMASCUS), and Abingdon which is the villages’ neighbouring postal market town. Trustees live within these neighbourhoods and have an understanding of the local needs. |
| 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 |
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. We have undertaken a number of open access activities starting with_Grassroots_ _Street Work_by our volunteers and youth workers. This enables us to have a visible presence within the communities and form relationships with young people - particularly those who are vulnerable to substance misuse; at risk of exploitation or disengaged from any form of education, employment or training; or experiencing other personal setbacks. We are able to identify needs early and provide bespoke one-to-one support to safeguard their wellbeing. |
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| We also ran in-building social drop ins for young people they promote responsible and respectful peer-to-peer social interactions and empower young people to make informed decisions through issue- based workshops. A key component of our work with young people has been, to engender in them, a positive sense of belonging within the wider communities in which they live, as cohesive communities strengthen young people’s support network. This also has an indirect benefit for the lonely and elderly within the communities. We have supported young people in organising several intergenerational events. During the covid lockdown we developed ‘doorstep bingo’ where the elderly would sit comfortably at their doorsteps and young people would lead bingo and other games sessions. This has now become an established feature of our intergenerational work in the summer months. In the autumn/winter months our intergenerational activities have continued indoors. Young people have taken part in community litter-picking events, participated in consultations regarding provision of recreational facilities and quality of life within their rural communities and also in a consultation in South Abingdon as part of a wider health inequalities study conducted by Oxfordshire County Council. Through our work we have enthused young people to volunteer and a few have become young community leaders. A previous beneficiary who subsequently trained and became our senior youth worker, is now a teacher as part of their next career move but continues to support the charity through becoming a trustee in 2023. Another beneficiary became a trainee youth worker with us in 2023. We believe in a holistic approach in provision of support to young people and to that end work collaboratively with other statutory and voluntary bodies that are also involved in the lives of our young people. |
||
|---|---|---|
| Statement confirming whether the trustees have had regard to the guidance |
Para 1.18 | In planning our activities as described above, the trustees have given due regard to the Charity Commission’s guidance on |
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| issued by the Charity Commission on public benefit |
public benefit in deciding what charitable activities the charity should undertake and they are evidenced to show achievement of objectives through data collected and case studies. 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. |
|
|---|---|---|
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 part of our charitable objectives |
| Policy on social investment including program related investment |
Para 1.38 | Not Applicable - 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, fund raising and compliance with grant conditions, 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. |
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Achievements and Performance
SORP reference Summary of the main Para 1.20 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.
Community cohesion
We have created a safe space in which community members of all ages can interact and share experiences, building a greater sense of community. Young people have helped set up and run stalls for the village fetes; contributed to a village mosaic project; organised events for the elderly and also taken part in community litter picks. These all promote positive images of young people and young people develop a sense of pride and wellbeing when thanked by adults in the community for their positive contribution.
Litter Pick
Drayton Mosaic – community project in which young people contributed.
Vulnerable young people We have established a culture of support in which young people feel comfortable to approach staff to ask for help with a variety of issues
Our trained youth workers have provided 1- 2-1 support to young people who have reached out due to personal setbacks – either with family, relationships, education training or employment. The advantage of our support being rooted within the community is that it is not time limited and
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----- Start of picture text -----
|||
|---|---|
|young people come back for a reassuring|
|chat when further temporary setbacks occur.|
|Training young leaders|
|We are registered with the AQA Unit Award|
|Scheme that allows young people to engage|
|with informal learning and have their|
|achievements formally recognised through|
|the presentation of certificates. We have|
|used it to support the development of young|
|leaders through undertaking training to|
|develop competency in the AQA units|
|related to leadership.|
|Quote from a young leader -|“Made me|
|confident to build on my skills to become a|
|young leader and get involved with things I|
|wouldn’t have done normally|”|
|Equality, Diversity & Inclusion|
|Addressing needs picked up in street|
|conversations, we have challenged|
|oppressive attitudes & behaviours and|
|offered alternative narratives for reflection|
|through delivery of ‘teaching in the moment’|
|activities.|
|We have mapped new opportunities and|
|supported young people to step out of their|
|comfort zones and experiment with new|
|behaviours and activities e.g. art, debates &|
|critical thinking|
|We have developed a large range of|
|resources & activities to generate thoughtful|
|& meaningful discussions that encourage|
|critical thinking and problem solving.|
|Engagement with other organisations|
|We have supported Oxford United in the|
|Community to build relationships in South|
|Abingdon with local young people and help|
|establish a Premier Leagues kicks|
|programme which combines football training|
|with personal development.|
----- End of picture text -----
Young people with Oxford United in the Community.
We have provided wrap around support in schools for a number of individuals from the Caldecott ward and engaged with other agencies involved in our young people’s lives to support their education & training.
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Additional information (optional) You may choose to include further statements where relevant about:
| Achievements against objectives set |
Para 1.41 | Not Applicable |
|---|---|---|
| Performance of fundraising activities against objectives set |
Para 1.41 | Not Applicable |
| Investment performance against objectives |
Para 1.41 | Not Applicable |
| Other | Not Applicable |
Financial Review
| Financial Review | ||
|---|---|---|
| Review of the charity’s financial position at the end of the period |
Para 1.21 | On 4th May 2024, the charity held total funds of £148,138 |
| Statement explaining the policy for holding reserves stating why they are held |
Para 1.22 | Trustees place all funds not immediately required in the Charity’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 give due regard to the stability of employment of 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 2024, the charity held total funds of £148,138 of which £90,000 are earmarked reserves as described in the reserves policy above. |
| Reasons for holding zero reserves |
Para 1.22 | Not Applicable |
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| 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 | Suitable qualified and experienced youth and community workers are important to the difference we make to young people and their communities. As we deliver direct face-to-face youth work to young people, of necessity it involves working anti-social hours. As existing staff gain more experience and move on to more strategic and managerial jobs as part of their career progression, we recruit new staff. However, the local college offering a youth and community degree has shut down its course and hence recruitment of competent qualified staff has become a challenge. |
| 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 | In 2023-2024, the charity’s principle source of funds came from the local town and parish councils (85%) and the rest from donations, gift aid, local fund raising and nominal contributions by young people for specific activities. |
| Investment policy and objectives including any social investment policy adopted |
Para 1.46 | Not Applicable |
| A description of the principal risks facing the charity |
Para 1.46 | Financial Risk for the year was minimal. |
| 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 though 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. |
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Additional information (optional)
| Additional information (optional) | 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. All trustees, volunteers and staff are enhanced 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 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. The Charity is affiliated to Oxfordshire Youth through whom the DBS checks are undertaken. |
| Relationship with any related parties |
Para 1.51 | |
| 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 |
Trustee name | Office (if any) | Dates acted if not for whole **year ** |
Name of person (or body) entitled to appoint trustee (ifany) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Patricia Napper | Chair | Elected at AGM | ||
| Anne Whitehead | Secretary | Elected at AGM | ||
| Hans Sundin | Treasurer | Elected at AGM | ||
| Rita Atkinson | Line Manager | Elected at AGM | ||
| AudreyHolloway | Member | Elected at AGM | ||
| Simon Murray | Member | Elected at AGM | ||
| Mark Whittaker | Member | Elected at AGM | ||
| RoxyElford | Member | Elected at AGM |
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| 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 |
LucyDalby | Member | Co-opted | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SallyHoodless | Member | Elected at AGM | ||
| Gareth Noakes | Member | Elected at AGM | ||
| Chris Wilding | 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
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Additional information (optional)
Names and addresses of advisers (Optional information)
| Name | Address | |
|---|---|---|
| Bank | CAF | 25 Kings Hill Avenue, Kings Hill, West Malling, Kent ME19 |
| 4TA. |
Name of chief executive or names of senior staff members (Optional information)
Not Applicable ~~Pd~~
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) re Kita Rita Atkinson Full name(s) Patricia Napper Position (eg Secretary, Chair Chair, etc) Date 16. 02.2025
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Table 1 Ablngdon DAMASCUS Youth Project, Registered Charity No. 1098966 Finance Report for th• pariod of May 5. 2023 to May 4, 2024. Grants Abingdon Town Council (incl 2024 - 2025) Drayton Parish council Sutton Courtenay Parish Council Steventon Parish Council Milton Parish Council 25000 4000 4000 2500 2000 Total Grants 37500 Donatlons C¢>op Local community fund va of White Horse District Council (Art Project) Damascuss PCC 2041 500 358 Personal Donations Steventon Causeway Trust Radley Wl Totsl Donatlons 187 100 99 3285 Oth•r Income Interest 2293 Youth club tskings Takings Drayion fete Gift aid 725 400 Total Other Income 3452 Grand Total 44237 L4£/LCJ" (CHAIQ) P t rl}f .
Ablngdon Damascus Youth Project
statement of Flnanclal Activities
For the period from 05 May 2023 to 04 May 2024
LlYetstrhAod
Totsl
Prkf spar
trAalftnts
IrKxJrniwresourrsfrom genw8twJftrfs
unin(xJrne
AYiiiti85 forg8rttatw fund8
lnKeslmenlirue
Ir¢mIng resourcsffom tharttsUe4tie8
rin))miryreswr
41.218.63
41.218.63
S9, 57
2,2¥2.57
725
2,29267
725
70163
2512.70
Ttal
44237.10
44237.10
63.140JO
C051ofgweratry
Furaisi mstOfg(S Sdd 0trrsts
InentManageMentx6ts
(JaritsNe aoiibe5
37fi53.19
1.407.LKI
39..19
52,439.00
1knrre5rw us
Tots1exF¢kWè
37,65&19
IA17.00
39,0É0.19
$14J9.00
PktIrw7EllexrKjtre1 rnsCAr$ crfetrdrthr
6,561
11A)7.001
5.17&91
10,701.90
Tr8r%fers.'
Ablngdon Damascus Youth Prok BalanGg Sheet (Summary) 04ffj5R024 Flxedassots cashA88nk kn Fnd 148.01829 148,018.39 142.841.48 142,841.48 Uat4lh8 148,018.39 142,841A8 T(rtala888ts cwrwrtltstYltt% 148018.39 142,841.4 TctslTrta¥¥etst¢•s IlatllYdts8 148,018.39 14241.48 Unr88knded. (rwal Fur 147.705.D7 141.124 16 ResbithJ-IhWII 1,407. Ttha 147,708A)7 14231.16 16,ULJ) Ov .AtHAL f/?SJ Yr-r IbrtJJi4J 11 2)24 4.. pnl 1 r11
hingdon Damascus Youth Project Anatysls of Receipts and Payments Selected period.. 05 May 2023 to 04 May 2024 Total G8neral Designated Rostricted Endowment Thi$ year Last year Recelpts Incoming r050urce5 Irom gentraled funds 0101- &ftaidgi%ing 06xl-(>ants1d8bOs R1j 08S3.Donator 0854-&8n 34.22 39.10 41.184.41 41.184 41 59,886.47 0901-&bsCnplS 1021- Inwesl 1022. InÈrosi&idANJni I,(2.22 1270.35 1,02222 1,270.35 643.19 Incoming r850urces from 9ongratod funds Totals 43.5tl.20 43.511.20 60.627.20 Incomlng resources from chafltablo 8Ctlvltles 0851-Takiws.Ywhaubs o852-TakgS-FUndraSir 72590 1,206.30 1,307.40 Incomlng resources from charitable activiti•$ Totals 725.90 72S.90 2,513.70 other incorning Te$our¢¢$ 99>3. RefiJrKIs Othor incornlng re$our¢•$ Toi•ls Recelpts Grand Totals 44237.10 44237.10 63.140.90 Paynnts Cost of generatinq Co$t of gtneratlng funds Totsls Charltzble activlti•S 1200-Salarie5 etnFlwenicy)gts 1201-S&ffTraMing 1202- Ntile brYouthWs1 1%3. S¥ff eniertainmI 1204.YoLthYthwews05 1209. S818ries 3228821 103.15 1,407. 33,79521 103.15 49.01651 184.80 18480 1210- In(x)meTax 1211. Naimll knsuorttconinbJfc I212-Pei0cknbub0n 1213.Pdydl Fee 13W- 1 hire 1301. Proeclacliities forwng p)e 1302. Flefr&shwts 15. Insur8n( &affiliabtr)fe8S 1227.(WJ 1227.rij 787.(X) 710.02 71002 1X11.AlministslKeeVres 1502. CR&S$ts 1.441.46 1A41.46 10.17 11 JJY 3r244..38 Pa38 1 c12
Total G¥neral Deslgnated R•$trl¢¢od Endowmènt This year La8t sar 1XM. ff and Sofwweojsts 1J.Tl &TSpYI 1602.knmcthti 17r1j-ng PWeTrainng 1701-TrainiNJmateriais 1702- 1703-CotnmwityA1eS 18(Kl. Recnyknnimsts . Bank()arges 1,WO. 1,OWLY) $9855 598.&5 435.32 Ch8rltabl• a¢tlville5 Tota18 37,653.19 1,407.00 39,0fj0.19 52,439.00 Governance costs Governan¢* ¢•$t5 Totals Other resoufces used Oiher resour¢o$ u$•d Totals Payments i>and Total$ 37,653.19 1.407.00 39,060.19 51439.00 /4KLK 4RP&n [Li4,+iQAAiJ } f, t Nyp- 11 Y 244..38 P4E 2
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF THE ABINGDON DAMASCUS YOUTH PROJECT I report on the accounts of the Tnjst for the year ended 4th of May 2024 set Olrt on the above signed pages. Res ectlve res nsibilities of Tr nd he examiner. The charities trustees are responsib for the preparation of the accoL¢nls. The chartties trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year (under section 43121 of the Chariles Act 1993 (the 1993 Adl and that an independent examination is needed. It is the responsibility to: Examine the accounts (under section 4313} of the t993 Acti. To follow the procedures laid down in the General Directions given by the Charity Commissioners year lunder section 4317llbl of the 1993 Acti To state whether particular matters have come my attention Basis of the examiner's re ort My examination was carried out in the accordan with the General Directions given by the Charity Commissioners. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. 11 also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosure in the accounts and seeking explanations from the Ifustees concerning such matters. The prodre undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit and consequentty I do not express an audil opinion on the view given by the accounts. Inde ndent Examlner's statement: ln connection with my examination, no matter has come to my attention., 1. Vvhich gives my reasonable cause lo believe that in any material respect the requirements to keep accounting records in accordance with sectK>n 41 of the 1993 Act.. and lo prepare accounts which accord with the accounting COrdS and comply with the accounting requirements of the 1993 Act have not been met., or 2. To which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enab a pioper understanding of the accounts to be rehed. Signed: Dat8: 21%2 Name: NJKCt4z•fS Address: FItsET. furrchj XIL +hP