HERE FOR YOUTH ANNUAL TRUSTEE & FINANCIAL REPORT
For the year ended 31st December 2024
CHARITY NUMBER: 1101603
TABLE OF CONTENTS
LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION
Trustees ...................................................................................................................................3 Accountants .......................................................................................................................3 Bankers ....................................................................................................................................3 Registered Office ...........................................................................................................3 Registered Charity Number ................................................................................3
TRUSTEE REPORT
Executive Summary ....................................................................................................4 Our History ...........................................................................................................................4 Charitable Objects ......................................................................................................5 Our Impact ..........................................................................................................................6 The Need For Our Work ............................................................................................7 Key Achievements in 2024 ....................................................................................9 Looking Ahead .................................................................................................................14 In Conclusion ....................................................................................................................15
FINANCIAL REPORT
Independent Examiner's Report
To The Trustees of Here for Youth ..................................................................17 Statement of Financial Activities ..................................................................18 Balance Sheet ................................................................................................................19 Notes Forming Part of The Financial Statements..........................20 Detailed Statement of Financial Activities ...........................................21
LEGAL AND
Registered Charity Name
Islamic Network
Registration history: 19 January 2004 Other names: Here For Youth (Working name)
Trustees
Mr Jameil Chaudhry (Chairman) Mr Amir Malik (Treasurer) Mr Sumir Akhtar (Trustee)
Mrs Rukasana Bhaijee (Appointed 10th August 2023) Mr Rejaul Islam (Appointed 24th May 2024)
Accountants
S M Q Accountancy and Management Consultancy Ltd Crown House - Suite 702,
North Circular Road, London NW10 7PN
Bankers
Lloyds Bank Station Road Harrow HA1 2EB
Registered Office
PO Box 2741 London IG1 8BP
Registered Charity Number
1101603
EXECUTIVE
Here For Youth is a registered charity dedicated to addressing the growing crisis Muslims face, particularly teenagers who often lack access to safe spaces that nurture their identity , faith , and personal development , in the UK.
Our vision is a world where every teenager feels confident in their identity , supported by mentors and communities that guide their spiritual, emotional, and social growth, paving the way for a lifetime of purpose and contribution.
In 2024, we built on the momentum of previous years through the continued rollout of our Youth Engagement Framework, training over 200 new youth leaders , upskilling a grand total of 73 communities , and engaging more than 2,000 teenagers weekly . This report highlights the year’s key achievements, from leadership development and community impact to national campaigns and the Muslim Youth Engagement Awards 2024, reflecting another year of growth, collaboration, and meaningful progress.
OUR
Established as a charity in 2004, we initially focused on educational programs, conferences, workshops, and a regular magazine.
Over the years, our mission has evolved to focus on community development at the grassroots with youth work as the mechanism to see an impactful and sustainable change in our society.
CHARITABLE
Here For Youth is dedicated to fulfilling our charitable objectives to:
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Advance the Islamic faith for the benefit of the public by acting as a resource for young people and voluntary sector organisations.
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Provide guidance , networking opportunities , media, literature , and training .
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Organise programs of spiritual, mental, physical, and educational support that will develop a positive identity and allow them to participate in society confidently .
OUR
YORKSHIRE AND THE HUMBER NORTH WEST EAST MIDLANDS WEST MIDLANDS WALES SOUTH WEST EAST OF ENGLAND LONDON ~~#~~ SOUTH EAST
THE NEED FOR
Over the past two decades, our engagement with more than 300 mosques and grassroots organisations across the UK has revealed an urgent, growing need for safe, structured, and faith-sensitive youth engagement . Despite an overwhelming desire among communities to support their young people, the lack of trained youth leaders, sustainable funding, and coherent frameworks leaves many spaces struggling to meet that need. The result is that thousands of Muslim teenagers remain underserved and disconnected — a gap that continues to widen each year.
Youth services across England and Wales have suffered millions of pounds in reduction in funding since 2010 , with many local authorities now offering little to no provision at all. Nearly half of the UK’s Muslim population — many of whom form the backbone of our target demographic — live in some of the most deprived areas . For these communities, the consequences are multi-layered: limited access to safe spaces, reduced opportunities for skill development, and a scarcity of trusted mentors and role models.
Mainstream youth provision, while valuable, often fails to reach or reflect the lived experiences of Muslim communities . The sector continues to lack ethnic diversity, and there are few accessible pathways for individuals from minority backgrounds to enter professional youth work. This underrepresentation perpetuates a disconnect between mainstream services and the cultural, faith, and identitybased needs of Muslim youth.
Our ongoing research and work across local hubs underline the scale of the challenge. Over 90% of the young people we reach come from minority backgrounds, and while grassroots commitment remains strong, communities often lack the structure, training, and long-term support needed to turn passion into sustained youth development. Without investment in leadership pipelines and capacity building, that potential remains untapped.
At Here for Youth, we continue to bridge this gap. Through our Youth Engagement Framework , developed and refined since 2022, we have trained and coached local youth leaders to create safe, consistent, and values-driven spaces
for young people. Each hub operates as a local ecosystem — rooted in community and connected through shared learning, mentorship, and purpose . By 2024, these hubs have collectively engaged thousands of teenagers weekly, demonstrating the power of equipping communities from within.
We have also expanded our work to address wider systemic issues. Through our partnerships, campaigns, and research initiatives, we’ve begun influencing policy conversations and highlighting the unique barriers faced by Muslim youth. Our collaborations with mental health organisations, community networks, and local authority bodies reflect our belief that youth engagement must be holistic — addressing emotional, social, and spiritual wellbeing.
As we look ahead, the need for our work has never been greater. Young people continue to navigate a landscape shaped by economic uncertainty, social division, and cultural disconnection. Yet the solution lies within the strength of our communities — in empowering mentors, local leaders, and youth workers to step forward with the skills and confidence to serve.
Here for Youth exists to make that possible. Together, we can ensure that every young person has access to a safe space, a supportive mentor, and the opportunity to grow into a confident, compassionate leader who strengthens their community for generations to come.
KEY ACHIEVEMENTS IN 2024
The year 2024 marked a deepening of our mission to build confident, faith-driven, and socially conscious young people . It was a year of growth, experimentation, and consolidation where the work of training, coaching, and mobilising young leaders continued alongside new campaigns, partnerships, and media engagements that extended our reach across the UK.
Across the year, we delivered intensive in-person training and coaching sessions in 12 communities nationwide , reaching mosques and youth organisations from Wales to London, the Midlands, and the North of England . Including:
2024 marked a major milestone in our flagship How to Effectively Engage Teenagers (EET) Training, Coaching and Accreditation Programme , which successfully completed multiple workshops. This initiative lies at the heart of our mission — equipping local youth leaders and community volunteers with the skills, confidence, and structure needed to deliver consistent, faith-inspired youth engagement.
Al Furqan (Luton Lankan Muslims) – Luton Al-Rawdah Sisters – Milton Keynes Amanah Cmryh – Cardiff, Wales As-Suffa Trust – Birmingham Guidance Hub – Manchester
Islamic Association of North London – Finchley, North London Just4Youth – Tooting, South London Naseeha Youth Project – Cardiff, Wales Noor Youth – Blackburn
Qiblah Youth (Southgate Mosque) – Southgate, North London Revive Academy – Newport, Wales The Raise Up Foundation – Luton
In total, 224 youth workers completed the programme in 2024, representing diverse communities and a growing appetite for structured, values-driven youth work. Each cohort engaged in coaching covering key components of the Youth Engagement Framework — including safeguarding, programme design, mentoring practice, facilitation skills, and building inclusive, youth-led environments.
These 12 communities and 224 youth workers are now providing open youth work provision to more than 360 teenagers in their local areas each week.
We also invested in our own team through an internal “How to EET (Effectively Engage Teenagers)” training session in London, attended by nine staff and volunteers. This session reinforced quality and consistency across our delivery, ensuring our internal culture continues to model the very principles we teach externally.
The success of this years workshops not only strengthened local delivery but also deepened our national network of trained leaders . Each new hub now operates with renewed purpose and structure — proving that when communities are equipped with the right tools and coaching, they can sustain long-term, meaningful youth engagement that transforms lives.
Ramadan continued to be a central anchor in our annual calendar, providing opportunities for reflection, community, and youth-led spirituality. In March and April, we hosted the National Youth Iftar Tour across 13 mosques and community centres nationwide, bringing together over 300 teenagers for evenings of connection, faith, and service. The strong participation of young women was particularly inspiring, highlighting how inclusive environments can transform the culture of youth spaces in mosques.
The tour built momentum for our wider Ramadan activities, which included the Pre-Ramadan Fundraising Webinar — a practical resource for mosques and hubs to sustain their youth work through the blessed month. Through this, we promoted the idea that youth engagement is not just an expense but an investment in the future of the community.
Throughout the year, we continued to build an evidence base for youth work through research and collaboration. In May, we conducted a nationwide youth survey targeting 18–25 year-olds, gathering insights into their experiences of belonging, leadership, and faith.
Around the same time, we launched a mental health survey in partnership with Inspirited Minds , exploring the intersection between faith, wellbeing, and identity. The findings have begun shaping our upcoming training modules and resource designs for 2025.
In 2024, we made a conscious shift to show that youth engagement is inseparable from social justice. Responding to rising racial tensions, we launched A Community United Against Racism — a national campaign calling on mosques, youth hubs, and communities to stand together against prejudice and foster unity. The campaign began with a public statement outlining its theological and moral foundation, reminding communities that racism undermines belonging and that youth spaces must intentionally promote fairness and respect.
Through webinars, reflection guides, and digital dialogues, we supported youth leaders to explore racism in all its forms and lead local conversations on justice and compassion. Our Voices Against Racism initiative invited young people to share reflections and creative expressions around unity and courage, inspiring hubs across the country to host interfaith exchanges and community discussions.
Our growing presence in public dialogue reflected the recognition of our work at national level. Islam Channel featured our CEO, Ayub Seedat in two interviews — The Today Show and Eid on the Road — where he shared insights into youth leadership, community responsibility, and the vision behind our hub network. These appearances offered a wider audience the chance to understand the heart of our work: empowering youth to be confident, purposeful, and spiritually grounded contributors to society.
We also participated in national conversations through digital platforms and partner events, including the British Muslim Society (BMS) Annual National Youth Conference , where we shared deep insights on social media usage and learning from our Youth Engagement Framework with organisations seeking to replicate our model of local youthled change.
T HE MUSLIM YOUTH ENGAGEMENT AWARDS 2024
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MUSLIM YOUTH ENGAGEMENT AWARDS
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not only excellence but courage and perseverance in
challenging times.
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atmosphere of joy, reflection, and unity that filled the room.
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served as both recognition and renewal — a reminder
that every small act of service contributes to a powerful
collective story of youth empowerment and faith in action.
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13
As we look towards 2025, our focus is on deepening impact, not just widening reach. The past year reaffirmed that sustained youth engagement is built on consistent presence, authentic relationships, and strong local ecosystems . With active communities and hundreds of trained youth leaders, our priority is to strengthen these foundations, equipping teams with the tools, mentorship, and networks they need to deliver long-term, values-driven youth work.
We are also constantly striving to improve our service, designed to capture the growth journeys of young people from participation to leadership, embedding a culture of reflection, accountability, and continuous improvement. Our aim is to ensure every partner not only runs youth engagement sessions, but nurtures young leaders who carry principles of service, justice, and faith into their wider communities.
Digital storytelling and data will play a bigger role in 2025. Building on the momentum of our campaigns and surveys, we’ll be expanding our insights work by gathering youth voices and perspectives to inform national conversations on belonging, mental health, and identity. Through a strengthened partnership network, including collaboration with local authorities, faith institutions, and mental health organisations, we will continue to advocate for youth spaces that are inclusive, responsive, and community-led.
Finally, we’ll be preparing for the next Muslim Youth Engagement Awards , evolving it into a national platform that not only celebrates excellence but also shares learning, best practice, and inspiration across the sector. Our commitment remains the same: to ensure every young person in our communities feels seen, supported, and empowered to lead.
IN
2024 marked a year of deepened impact, stronger
partnerships, and tangible growth in our mission to make faith-inspired youth engagement accessible across the UK. Building on the strong foundations of 2023, our network of Youth Hubbs continued to expand , reaching new regions and strengthening local leadership. By the end of 2024, over 600 trained youth leaders were equipped to engage meaningfully with young people in their communities, and more than 2,000 teenagers continued to benefit from weekly youth spaces grounded in belonging, purpose, and faith.
The growth of our work this year was not just in numbers but in depth. We saw youth-led initiatives flourish, sisters’ participation rise to new levels, and a more confident generation of mentors and community leaders step forward. From national programmes like the Youth Iftar Tour to campaigns such as A Community United Against Racism , and our flagship programme on 'How To Effectively Engage Teenagers ', our approach consistently placed young people at the heart of meaningful, values-driven change.
We are profoundly grateful to our partner organisations, local volunteers, youth leaders, donors, and funders who have been instrumental in driving this vision forward. Their collective effort demonstrates the transformative power of collaboration and faith-led community action.
As we move ahead, we remain steadfast in our mission: to nurture local youth hubs that offer consistency, safety, and growth — and to ensure that every teenager , especially those from underserved and minority communities, has access to spaces where they are seen, supported, and inspired to lead.
Together we will keep building a future where every young person has the opportunity to thrive — spiritually, emotionally, and socially .
Approved by the trustees and signed on its behalf by:
M R J A M E I L C H A U D H R Y
Chairman 26th October 2025
" TRAINING , COACHING , AND E ACCREDITING ORGANISATIONS ON HOW TO / EFFECTIVELY 4 ia ENGAGE ee TEENAGERS IN THEIR LOCAL AREA ."
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF
I report on the accounts of the charity for the year ended 31 December 2024.
Respective responsibilities of trustees and examiner
The charity's trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. The charity's trustees consider that an audit is not required under section 144(2) of the Charities Act 2011 (the 2011 Act) and that an independent examination is needed.
It is my responsibility to:
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examine the accounts (under section 145 of the 201 1 Act);
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to follow the procedures laid down in the General Directions given by the Charity Commissioners (under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act); and
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and to state whether particular matters have come to my attention.
Basis of independent examiners report
My examination was carried out in accordance 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. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts 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, I do not express an audit opinion on the view given by the accounts.
Independent examiners report
In connection with my examination, no matter has come to my attention:
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Which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in any material respect the requirements
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a. to keep accounting records in accordance with section 130 of the 2011 Act; and
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b. to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records and comply with the accounting requirements of the 2011 Act have not been met; or
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to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
S M Q Accountancy and Management Consultancy Ltd
Crown House-Suite 702, North Circular Road, London NW10 7PN
Date: 26th October 2025
STATEMENT OF
Annual Accounts
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
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|||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|Incoming Resources|£|£|£|£|
|Donations and similar incoming resources|2|180,131|0|180,131|123,697|
|Other Receipts|3|7,637|0|7,637|11,587|
|TOTAL INCOMING RESOURCES|187,768|0|187,768|135,284|
|Resources Expenses|
|Fundraising and publicity|4|24,287|0|24,287|34,774|
|Charitable activities|5|156,866|0|156,866|72,331|
|Governance costs|6|11,227|0|11,227|4,519|
|TOTAL INCOME EXPENDED|192,380|0|192,380|111,624|
|Net incoming/(outgoing) resources Net Movements in Funds|(4,612)|0|(4,612)|23,660|
|Fund balances b/fwd. 1 January 2024|23,660|0|23,660|0|
|Fund balances c/fwd. 31 December 2024|19,048|0|19,048|23,660|
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BALANCE
AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2024
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Notes 31.12.2024 31.12.2023
lt
£ £
Fixed Assets
Fixture & Fittings
Current Assets
Cash At Bank 19,769 24,380
19,769 24,380
Creditors: (amounts falling due within one year)
———
Creditors & Accruals 7 720 720
Net Current Assets 19,048 (23,660)
pt
Net Assets Employed 19,048 (23,660)
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FUNDS
Restricted and unrestricted funds 19,048 (23,660)
Fund balances carried forward 19,048 (23,660)
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Approved by the trustees on 26th October 2025 and signed on its behalf by:
Mr Jameil Chaudhry | Chairman
NOTES FORMING PART OF THE
For the year ended 31st December 2024
1. Accounting policies
- a. Accounting convention
i. The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention as modified by the inclusion of investments at market value and in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard for Smaller Entities (effective March 2000). In preparing the financial statements the charity follows best practice as laid down in the Statement of Recommended Practice "Accounting and Reporting by Charities" (SORP 2005).
b. Donations, legacies and similar income
i. These are included in the Statement of Financial Activities (SOFA) when the charity becomes entitled to the income and the trustees are reasonably certain they will receive it.
c. Tax reclaims on donations.
i. Tax reclaims are included in the SOFA at the same time as the gift to which they relate.
d. Investment Income
i. Investment income is accounted for in the period in which the charity is entitled to receipt.
e. Resources expended
i. Expenditure is included on an accruals basis. ii. Grants payable are charged in the year when conditions attaching to the grant are fulfilled and a properly completed claim has been received by the charity.
iii. Support costs relate to costs of processing grants and applications and general office expenses.
DETAILED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2024
| DETAILED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2024 |
|
|---|---|
| 31.12.2024 | |
| £ | |
| 2. Donations and similar incoming resources | 180,131 |
| 3. Other Receipts | |
| Gift Aid | 7,637 |
| 4. Cost Of Generating Funds | |
| The amount payable in the year comprises: | |
| Fundraising Campaigns Costs | (24,287) |
| 5. Direct Charitable Costs | |
| Donations to Charitable Activities | (156,866) |
6. Governance Costs
| 6. Governance Costs | |
|---|---|
| Admin Staff Salary | 11,227 |
| Office Rent | 0 |
| Telephone | 0 |
| Postage & Stationery | 0 |
| Bank Charges | 0 |
| Travelling | 0 |
| Professional Fees | 0 |
| Misc | 0 |
| 7. Creditors | |
| Other Creditors | 720 |
| Reserve | Gift Aid | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Total | |||
| 8. Fund | Fund | Fund | £ |
| £ | £ | ||
| Balance at 1st January 2024 | 23,660 | 0 | 23,660 |
| Incoming/(Outgoing) resources | (4,612) | 0 | (4,612) |
| 19,048 | 0 | 19,048 |
The Reserve fund represents the unrestricted funds which the Trustees are free to use in accordance with the charitable objects.
Website www.hereforyouth.org ee