Trustees’ Annual Report for the period
From 5[th] May 2024 Period start date To 4[th] May 2025 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 | 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. We also ran in-building social drop ins for young people to 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 doorstep 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 quality of life within their rural communities and also in a consultation in South Abingdon as part of a wider health inequalities studies conducted by Oxfordshire County Council. 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. |
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|---|---|---|
| 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 as described above, 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 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. |
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 | This year, we found recruitment of qualified youth work staff to be a particularly difficult challenge but despite this, the charity was able to continue its work through volunteers in the community, trustee support and external providers who helped deliver some of the projects throughout the year. We thank the community for their support. There were some 130 DAMASCUS sessions delivered across the villages with some 150+ attendances recorded. Young people from DAMASCUS have been actively involved in local community events including Doorstep Bingo, Vicar’s Fun Day, Drayton Fete, and litter picks. These activities strengthen connections between generations, promote local pride and give |
young people the chance to contribute positively to their villages.
Community Fun Day
Litter picking
Through workshops young people were made aware of the use of alcohol abuse.
Dangers of alcohol workshop
With the support of an arts based grant, young people were given the opportunity to explore new skills in music/podcast creation, working with a specialist to design their own music/podcast based work.
Music production workshop
| 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 2025, the charity held total funds of £163,210. |
| 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 2025, the charity held total funds of £163,210 of which £90,000 are earmarked reserves as described in the reserves policy above. |
| 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 | 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, it of necessity involves 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 youth and community degrees has shut down its course and recruitment of good 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 2024-2025,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 activitiesas well as raising funds in conjunction with other trustees. |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Constitition |
| 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 |
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 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 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 | Boyden Brook 8 Castle Street Steventon Abingdon OX13 6SR |
|---|---|
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) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chris Wilding | Chair | Elected at AGM | ||
| LucyDalby | Secretary | Elected at AGM | ||
| SallyHoodless | Treasurer | Elected at AGM | ||
| RoxyElford | Line Manager | Elected at AGM | ||
| Simon Murray | Member | Elected at AGM | ||
| Pervin Shahin | Member | Elected at AGM | ||
| Anne Whitehead | Member | Elected at AGM | ||
| Rita Atkinson | Line Manager | Stood down at AGM | ||
| AudreyHolloway | Member | Stood down at AGM | ||
| Hans Sundin | Treasurer | Stood downatAGM | ||
| Pat Napper | Chair | Stood down at AGM | ||
| Mark Whittaker | Member | Stood down at AGM | ||
| Gareth Noakes | Member | Stood down 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 held in this capacity |
Not Applicable |
|---|---|
| Name and objects of the charity on whose behalf the assets are held and how this falls within the custodian charity’s objects |
Not Applicable |
| Details of arrangements for safe custody and segregation of such assets from the charity’s own assets |
Not Applicable |
Additional information (optional)
Names and addresses of advisers (Optional information)
| Names and addresses of advisers (Optional information) | Names and addresses of advisers (Optional information) | Names and addresses of advisers (Optional information) |
|---|---|---|
| Type of adviser 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
Exemptions from disclosure
Reason for non-disclosure of key personnel details
Not Applicable
Other optional information
DeclaTrtions Slgn•d on b•b•lf of th• chllrlty'•tru9t•A•
natur8(51
Full name15 Posltion169 Secretary. Chalr. et¢1 Dr Chrtstcyher Robwtwlhll slY HOlesS Trogsurgr cthr 1.12
In¢ome for the period of Mays. 2024- Illay 4, 2025 Grants AbiFbgdunTuéffiCwncfl 125.00 DronpariSh thnc ttonCourteTr8yParishCourta Mitton Partsti COWK 2500.(K> Steventon Paiish Counca 2500.00 DKJwt P¢)WethOL Lord Ueuienart Ma Well Togeth Gtanl TrAal Gr3nts Oonations from Individuals O Com anisations and JDN caran John 1C#XI.O) PeE5Mal Dwticns 216.95 1040.04 Totsl 3566.89 Othèr In Inte1 2153.69 Yoth Cl$ Takthrys 567.44 TakTVJS D[oyl Fete Grft Mid 05 RefutK¢ 10.21 2U139 Grnnd Totsl 419Dg.38 A Qo 11 LL4 FÉUDL) Less {TL£AS¥t£o) S io I IL Ilg
Abingdon Damascus Youth Project ststement of Financial Activities For the period from 05 May 2024 to 04 May 2025 trtalfiwx .04 39,W. 41218.63 P<¥ities brgwatiryfiJ)ts I1 2.153.69 1292.57 1021 1021 41Wga8 41yfja8 44WI.10 Costofg8neratit¥Jfun( lof9ratiry lunYinxMe Furthisirytradirs tt61Of¥j> sdd axl(tsrcrAts ChantAeilh"ÈS &37 26M3728 39.(WJ.19 26ITr28 34W.19 1507110 1&Q7110 TratYfers.' (kns5 tRMwnfvTrJ5.in Lknss trans rls.¢rt CéinsA08S8s onimestfflenta5s* ins on rwduatiory assets.dwity5 14OTL10 1W110 4176SI 144138J9 148,1U 142J61M 1WO 163210 I48,1389 S ALLM ÈtBoDL£SS CILÉ•iSv£ÉL) s iolizlig Awt 12.38 Km) Pa> 1 of 1
nce Sh•èt (SunThry) C*hABank11 163210fi9 148,1389 148,138.59 163210.69 1632IOM 148,13B59 163210 14B.13BS9 163210 148,13839 163210 14&13859 163210 14B.13859 i Hé-fguSTE64 S ALLq PtODD L£ CTQGsu(1G) S 10 | i L I (3)W 3Y25 12.40 P¥ 1 d1
Analysis of Receipts and PaYts Seled WKXI: 05 hky2024to 04 2025 Total General Deslgnated Restricted Endowm&nt This y+ar Last ar Receipts Incomirt9 resourc¢$ from gon&rated funtts 0101-l>ftaidgAiry X¥Afj 3422 41,184.41 39JM19 39.058.19 11- Irrtt 1.02222 1270J5 41,242.73 43,511.20 1022. Inlwe5t&4dPoxwrt 2.IJY2.80 Incoming rosour¢e$ from generatsd fund$ Tota15 41242.n Ineoming resources from charitable a¢tfvrties 0851.Takiros.Yuth Q 0852-TakJ"ros- Furd rFising In¢oming rèsources from ¢harFtable acllvilies Totals W.44 567A4 72&90 725.90 other incoming rtspiirces 1021 1021 Other ineomong resources Tatsl$ 10.21 10.21 Receipts Grand Totsls 41.8 - 41.W9.38 44237.10 PayTrnts Co$t ol generating funds Cost of generating funds Totals Charltable aGtivitl8S 19.07&47 19.075.47 35.( 1201-Stsff Trarur 1202.119 yVIS) 12(Ll.Stsff entenmtt 103.15 115KI 11&63 J84.80 18857 12QJ-Sa12n&8 1210- KK¥n¢Tax 1211.hkntional 1212- Pettsion (xJntrilxli¢x 1213-PayrAI F 1214-Ntsn•JWTFee 1)-11 Ivre 1201. WadMfje5kYJrw¥JF£c¥I8 1302. Rthhmerrts 1XiO- InsurJKY&affilkqb"t1knS 1S11.AkniThststiwaw6es 2179AI 2.179.LX) 1227.00 710.02 1.441.46 2.734.9) 2,734.) (3) 1242 tml Pa> 1 of2
Total General De$i9naled Restricted EndoTrnt This ar Last SEar 19)2.cRE$tttsts 1sM. rrwd &trdreutsls 1600.Tr &Trar¢r(rt 16D2.AX>jrTKah0n 17-n9 PWeTranir 1701-TraiTring marids 1702.n.aIS arm1kn1$S 1.CrfM).00 1.781_17 1.781.17 1703.CommuntyPLwks 1.pyUthnet{xtsts Charitable adivtti¢$ Totals 2Q837.28 26.83728 39.060.19 Governance costs Governance costs Totals other resourcès used other resLwr¢es used Totals Payments Grand Totsls 26.83728 26.83728 39.060.19 S RtL4 FEDDO L£S5 ( TL&rt-S LSQÉL) s 10 I i L 11£ z)25 1242 tThl We 2 ¢A2
L• YQJIIELPROJECT I report on the accounts ofthe Trustforthe year ended 4" of May 2025 set out on the above signed pages. The charty's trustees are responsibieforthe preparation ofthe accounts. The charity's trustees consider that an audit is not required forthis year (under section 43121 of the Charities Act 1993 (the 1993 Act} and that an independent examination is neede(l. It is the responsibility of the Independent Examinerto: E¥amin8th8 accouFts {under section 43131 of the 1993 Act) Follow the procedures LaiLI down in the General Directions given bythe Chartty Commissionefs year (under section 4317llbl of the 1993 Act) stste whether p8rticutar matters have come to my attention Bas1$ otthg ox8mlner'$ roport My examination was carried out in the accoroaneewith the Generdl Directions grvèn tythe Charrty Commissioners. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the a¢counts presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosure in the accounts and seeking explanations from the trustees conceTning such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide allthe evidence that would be required in an audit and consequently I do not expre&s an audit opinion on the view given bythe accounts. In connection with my examination. no matter has come to myartention- 1. Which gives me reasonable cause to bebeve that in any materi81 respect the requirements to keep accounting records in accordance with section 41 of the 1993 Act: and to prepare accounts which 8¢cord with the accounting fecords and comply writh 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 enable a proper underst8nding of the ccounts to be reached. Signed: Date: 2& 2a2g Ni& rlCLkS Trl 4+A th k Sl(eeL-, IL£ frhm <DLir4wJ' Name: Address:
YOVTH PBOJEGT l ieportontheatteounts oftheTrustfortheyearnd8d 4"of M8y2025setoutonthe above sned pagas. Thecharity¥ tsu5tses 8re re8pon$iblefoithe prepatètion ofthe accounts. The chrlty¥ttuste8s conslder rhatan8Udit is notittquirèdtorthisyearlunrter Sectn4312) of theCharitEsAci 1993lthtr 1993Aetl and th8¢811 lrtd8p&ndentexafflination is needed. Itls the ie$pon¥lbilityolthe IndeperKleniExamlneYto'. Ex8minethe 8ccountsiund aeetKTrn d1313lofth8 1993Actl FollowthB PTocedures laid dovln inthe Gener81 Directions wen theCh81itY CLYnTlli88ioners year lundersection 431711ty1 of thB 1993 ACTI Ststewhether p8rti¢uiar m8tt6o havtscometornyBttention Basis off0xamInrtrw0rt Myexaminauonwascarrl8d out intheaectsrdÈntÈWiththe General DirecrioDs Éw8n ttytho chèrty Commi$8ioners. Anexamination includesa reviewof thegccountingrecords kept bythe charity8nd 8 comparison of the 8Ctounts presented withth05e recor(ts. It8lso includes considerationof any UllU5ualitems ordisclosure in the a¢couDi$ ¥nd seèking&wianationsfrotnthetrustees concerning Such tnarters. Theproc8dure5 undert8ken do noi piovide allthe evidence ihat Y40uld be requiied in an audll8nd con3eou¢ntlyl 00 not prESsn audii opinion onth8v18W4wen bythe 8c¢ounts. ID connectionwiih mYarnin0110n, no mattel hAS comé to mywefttlon., l. WhichgNe$me reasonable ¢au$8to beli8veth ifi gny material respectthe Nquliem•nt$to keep accountingrecords in aceordance wirhsection 41 of the 1993Act'. toprepa a¢¢ount$¥vhi¢h a¢¢ordwpththeaccountingrecords andeomptywththea¢¢wntinK iequirements ofthe 1993Act hsvenot been met.. or 2. Towhi¢h. in myopinion, attention should bedrawn in orderto enable a prop8rundeF5tanding ofthe ccountstobe re8¢he(l. sb8ned: 2È> 2a24 Narno.. dr•. DJ IU- *Af