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← Shrewsbury Youth For Christ

2024-12-31-accounts

Shrewsbury Youth for Christ – Charity No: 1106486 Annual Report to the AGM, July 2025

Report from the Chair of Trustees

As I look back over 2024 I see a Project that has been richly blessed and resourced by God as it reaches out to the young people of Shrewsbury. The Director and Treasurer reports cover the detail of an expanding team, a growing list of activities and a significant increase in those providing financial support to the Project.

It is encouraging to see the breadth of activities including assemblies, classroom sessions, clubs and mentoring in a number of schools and also sessions outside the school day with the introduction of the Pontesbury Youth Café.

Our monthly prayer breakfast meetings continue to provide an ideal opportunity for our supporters to meet Ellie and the team, find out more about what is happening and pray with them. These meetings are really important to us and I am pleased that so many different Churches are involved in hosting them. We thank all those who have attended the prayer breakfasts and/or been part of a wider network of prayer supporters.

The Treasurer’s report confirms a healthy reserve at the end of the year and income exceeding our expenditure for this period, all thanks to an amazing response from individuals and above all our faithful God. As always, we continue to trust in God and to be blessed by His provision and we thank Him for the Church groups and all the individuals who provided generous financial support during 2024.

A dedicated and committed group of Trustees and Council of Reference, drawn from many local Churches, bring extensive knowledge and experience to the Project and continue to provide support and spiritual direction.

I don’t always make specific reference to the work of the Trustees but this year I wanted to affirm the work of our Secretary, Treasurer and Safeguarding Lead (Emma, Sara and Paul). They work hard with our Director to ensure we maintain the highest standards through regular reviews and updates of policies and procedures which this year has included Financial Controls and Safeguarding.

As always my sincere thanks go to all those who have worked for and with s-yfc during 2024 – Ellie, Hannah, Joe and the Trustees, the Council of Reference, Church partners, funding partners, the team at British Youth for Christ and the many volunteers and supporters who help in so many different ways.

Looking forward, I am expecting 2025 to be a period of consolidation for the team across the many activities they have developed during 2024. However, we remain expectant for new opportunities and will continue to work hard to bring on board new supporters and to increase our financial support as some of our existing funding streams come to an end so that the team can continue to be a blessing to young people.

We continue to seek God’s will as we work with schools and local Churches in a way that honours Him and successfully brings the Good News to the young people of Shrewsbury.

Martin Withington Chair of Trustees

Trustees who served from January 2024 to December 2024

Council of Reference who served from January 2024 to December 2024*

Centre Director Report

At Shrewsbury Youth for Christ (SYFC), we have come to see that in every season - whether one of growth, challenge, or transition - God is faithful. Early in 2024, a phrase began to echo through the prayers, encouragements, and conversations with our supporters: “ Jehovah Jireh ” – The Lord Will Provide. These words became more than a theme; they became our prayer, our plea, and ultimately our testimony this year.

Our regular school groups restarted at the beginning of 2024: Trivolle and TeaMentoring at Belvidere School, Christian Union with students from Shrewsbury Colleges Group, ‘Y’ club at Meole Brace School, Wildcraft Mentoring at Shrewsbury Academy, Break Time Drop In and Mentoring at Mary Webb School. Our presence in schools also included a number of assemblies at Mary Webb school, Christmas RE classes for Year 7s at Meole Brace School and It’s Your Move in local primary schools.

In February, we were delighted to appoint Joe Barnes as our Pontesbury Youth Worker. Joe quickly became a key part of the team, bringing warmth, creativity, and a deep passion for young people. His impact was especially felt through the Pontesbury Youth Café, which truly flourished this year. We saw a steady rise in young people regularly attending, creating a welcoming and consistent space for relationships, and through that, conversations about life and faith. One of the highlights of the year was a weekend away in July 2024, which brought together the café's regulars. Amongst the high ropes’ course, archery and kayaking, the weekend's highlight was a bonfire

where team members shared their testimonies, leading to many young people responding and contemplating their personal faith.

In September 2024, as the new academic year began, we experienced some key transitions. Our work at Belvidere School paused temporarily as the school moved into new premises. But Shrewsbury Colleges Group Christian Union grew significantly, and within the first few weeks back, we were seeing up to 20 young people attend per week! These students found community within their peers and a safe space to explore questions of faith. In September, our town centre youth worker, Hannah Willson, pioneered three new lunchtime groups in Meole Brace school. This includes a year 7 drop-in where we have seen a growth of young boys attending to ask their questions about Christianity, alongside playing games. The other two groups - called ‘Edge’ - serve the year 10 and 11 students within the school. These have attracted both churched and unchurched young people and have been the basis for many fantastic faith conversations.

Whilst 2024 was full of growth and answered prayer, it was also marked by significant financial strain. Rising costs combined with reduced giving placed real pressure on our budget. Ironically, just as we had finally seen our team fully staffed - something we had long prayed for - we faced the very real possibility of having to reduce hours. But it was in this season that we encountered Jehovah Jireh in a new and profound way.

Churches invited us to share our story. Individuals responded with generosity and prayer. Quiet conversations turned into unexpected gifts. And through the kindness of our supporters, God provided. Our financial needs were not only met, but exceeded. These moments reminded us that we are not alone. We are surrounded by a community that deeply believes in SYFC’s mission of seeing young people’s lives changed by Jesus.

2024 has been a year of knowing God's provision. Through completing the staff team with the right people at the right time, to growing groups in number and in faith and for the overwhelming financial provision, Jehovah Jirah!

To all who support us – whether through prayer, finances, volunteering, or encouragement – thank you! Your investment and friendship are making a lasting difference. We step forward into 2025 with faith and expectancy, ready to see even more young people’s lives changed by Jesus.

Ellie Lord Centre Director

Treasurer’s Report

As Ellie has so clearly explained in her report for 2024, it was an exciting year of beginning to see the fruits of the labours of the new staff team that we had built as a result of hard work during preceding years since 2022. This was the first year of our innovative new partnership with St George’s (and other Churches) in Pontesbury sharing the cost of employing Joe Barnes, half and half, for his school’s work in Mary Webb and his youth work connected to the Churches.

Finally having the experienced and talented staff that we had prayed and worked for did, however, come with some financial challenges: although reserves were healthy

at the start of 2024, there was a gap between income and staff costs due to having the fuller team, plus cost of living increases since the Joseph Rank grant (£12,500 per year for three years) was first applied for. The Trustees are grateful to Ellie (and Hannah where she joined in to help) for their “out of hours” work visiting Churches to share about the schools’ work and about our needs. Thanks also to Ellie and the team for organising the quiz night with Shrewsbury Street Pastors in May that did much to raise our profile and our funds; thank you to all who took part.

We did see a response with some new supporters, some extra income and increased numbers at our monthly prayer breakfasts. However, in the Autumn our financial needs were becoming more urgent so the Trustees took a decision, along with some helpful advice from John Hawksworth at National YFC, and launched an Appeal – we were looking for new supporters as well as increased income. Of course our existing supporters played a crucial role in the subsequent response: with their prayers, revisions to their own giving and by speaking bravely with friends and at their own Churches. Thank you everyone.

We have been blown away by the response. Thank you Lord! By the end of the year we had 32 new supporting individuals or families, three new Churches, approximately £17,000 in one-off donations and £660 extra per month coming in. We ended 2024 with an increase in our reserve and the numbers have continued to rise since.

2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024
In-
come		 58,600 49,300 56,750 56,300 63,820 59,730 58,360 44,080 94,570
Exps 55,600 52,800 55,100 53,580 53,220 64,870 58,195 42,200 79,550
Re-
serve		 17,400 13,900 15,550 18,260 28,860 23,720 23,885 25,765 40,785

There is so much to be thankful for.

Give praise to the Lord, proclaim His name; make known among the nations what he has done. Sing to him, sing praise to Him; tell of all his wonderful acts. Psalm 105: 1-2

There is also still work to be done: we are mindful of the need to grow our income to be able to continue to support the staff team after the final Joseph Rank instalment in March 2026. That would require us to have an additional £1,000 extra per month coming in on top of that already raised.

We had successful grant applications to the Atherton Trust, the Bible Heritage Trust and the Hilton Jones Trust.

Thanks again to David Smith for auditing our accounts and for much guidance.

If ever any one of you wishes for any more information about anything, please do not hesitate to ask. Thank you.

Sara Short Treasurer saralshort@icloud.com 07702905839

Shrewsbury Youth for Christ - Charity Number 1106486

Statement ofFinancial Activities - Yearended31 December2024 - Yearended31 December2024 - Yearended31 December2024
Note Unrestricted Restricted Yearended Yearended
Funds Funds 31 December 31 December
2024 2023
£ £ £ £
Incoming resources
Voluntary Income 2 77491.47 1800.00 79291.47 42689.82
Investment Income 2 407.41 0.00 407.41 263.01
Other Incoming Resources 2 14869.92 0.00 14869.92 1133.47
Totalincoming resources 92768.80 1800.00 94568.80 44086.30
Resources expended
Costs ofgenerating voluntary income 3 29.46 0.00 29.46 40.79
Charitable Activities 3,4&5 78546.86 970.00 79516.86 42172.85
Totalresources expended 78576.32 970.00 79546.32 42213.64
Netincoming/(outgoing -)resources 14192.48 830.00 15022.48 1872.66
Total Funds broughtforward 25764.34 0.00 25764.34 23891.68
Totalfundscarriedforward 39956.82 830.00 40786.82 25764.34

Final

Shrewsbury Youth for Christ - Charity number 1106486

Income and Expenditure Account - Year ended 31 December 2024

Note Yearended Yearended
31 December 31 December
2024 2023
£ £
Income
Donations and voluntary income 2 79291.47 42689.82
Interest received 2 407.41 263.01
Other income and reimbursements 2 14869.92 1133.47
94568.80 44086.30
Expenditure
Employee costs 4 69243.09 34739.96
Other operating costs 3 9586.58 7154.71
Depreciation 5 716.65 318.97
79546.32 42213.64
Surplus/(deficit) 15022.48 1872.66
Funds
, Unresticted Reserve brought forward 25764.34 23891.68
Surplus/deficit(-) for year 15022.48 1872.66
Reservescarriedforward 40786.82 25764.34

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Final

Shrewsbury Youth for Christ - Charity number 1106486

Balance Sheet at 31 December 2024

At At
31 December2024 31 December2023 2023
FixedAssets Note £ £ £ £
Tangible Fixed Assets 5 1477.00 1071.00
CurrentAssets
Debtors and Prepayments 6 2792.95 1495.36
Cash at Bank and in hand 36570.91 23244.67
39363.86 24740.03
Current Liabilities
Trade Creditors 7 54.04 46.69
Net CurrentAssets/Liabilities(-) 39309.82 24693.34
NetAssets 40786.82 25764.34
Funds ofthe Charity
Unrestricted funds 39956.82 25764.34
Restricted Funds 830.00 0.00
40786.82 25764.34

The above accounts, together with the accompanying notes, were considered by the Trustees at their

meeting on 6 thdJuly 2025 and are signed on their behalf by:

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Chairman
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Secretary
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Shrewsbury Youth for Christ - Charity number 1106486

Notes to the Accounts

4 Accounting Policies and Basis of Accounting The Accounts have been prepared on an accruals basis and in accordance with the SORP "Accounting and Reporting by Charities” and relevant Charity Commission Guidance. It is acknowledged that the Charity can fluctuate around the threshold for Accruals accounting - the Trustees have continued to use this basis for comparability with previous years.

Income is recognised in the accounts on the basis of when it is due, rather than when it is received.

Expenditure is charged to the accounts in the period to which it relates, not when the payment is actually made.

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|||||||||||||||||||||| |---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---| |items|of|equipment|with|an|individual|value|of £500|or|more|and/or|have|a|useful|life|of more|than|one|year|are|categorised| |as|tangible|fixed|assets|and|recorded|in|the|Balance|Sheet|as|such.|Depreciation|is|charged|to|the|Statement|of|Financial|Activities| |and|Income|and|Expenditure|Account|on|the|basis|of|their|useful|lives|to|the|Charity:| |Years| |Computing|and|related|Equipment|3| |Other|equipment|ts]| |2|Income| |31|December|31|December| |2024|2023| |£|£| |The|following|areas|of|income|were|receivable|in|the|period:| |Grants,|Donations|and|Voluntary|Subscriptions| |-|Individuals|50553.63|32245.58| |-|Organisations|(including|Grants|received)|28737|84|10444.24| |79291.47|42689.82| |Interest|received|407.41|263.01| |Other|income|and|reimbursements|14869.92|1133.47| |3|Other operating|costs:|£|£| |Equipment,|Resources|and|Materials|806.69|391.00| |Office|expenses|(incl.|Postages)|346.10|98.65| |Telephones|and|Internet|costs|430.55|409.48| |Travelling|expenses|1114.90|972.36| |Training|575.00|242.00| |Insurances|647.46|476.54| |Subscriptions|and|Donations|1000.00|1000.00| |Rental|of|Office|and|other space|and|associated|costs|3073.44|2887.10| |Club|Expenses|1045.15|521.04| |Publicity|and|advertising|99.49|0.00| |Fundraising|costs|(including|Website)|29.46|40.79| |Payroll|Administration|160.00|4110.00| |Other|miscellaneous|expenses|258.34|5.75| |9586.58,|7154.74| |4|Employee|costs:|£|£| |Salary|62529.61|30702.27| |Employers|Pension|Contributions|1754.64|1090.91| |National|Insurance|costs|4920.84|2552.53| |Other|costs|of employment|(mainly|related|to|recruitment)|38.00|394.25| |69243.09|34739.96| |The|Charity has operated|this year with|a|full time|Centre|Director,|assisted,|for most of the year,|by two|Support|Workers.|One|is part time| |and|the|other is 50%|funded|by|St|George's PCC|in|Pontesbury.|The|Charity’s staff are paid by Lichfield Diocese on an|administrative| |basis,|the|Diocese|being|reimbursed by monthly direct|debit payments.|

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Pensions: The Charity has maintained its practice, as in the past, of supporting pension arrangements for its employees . Employer contributions have been included in the accounts as a consequence.

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Shrewsbury Youth for Christ - Charity number 1106486

Notes to the Accounts

31 December 31 December 2024 2023 5 Tangible Fixed Assets £ £ Expenditure Brought forward at 1 January 2023 3800.76 2547.79 Purchased in period 1122.65 1252.97 Disposal in period 0.00 0.00 Total at 31 December 2024 4923.41 3800.76 Depreciation Brought forward at 1 January 2023 2729.76 2410.79 Charged in period 716.65 318.97 Total at 31 December 2024 3446.41 2729.76 Net value at 31 December 2024 1477.00 1071.00 £ £ 6 Debtors Payments in Advance(paid 2024 for training event in 2025) 720.00 455.00 Other Debtors( Gift Aid Receipts and Accounts for services) 2072.95 1040.36 : 7Creditors Trade creditors - due within one year 54.04 46.69

A

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K CHARITY COMMISSION FOR ENGLAND AND WALES

. Independent examiner's report on the accounts

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Section A Independent Examiner’s Report
Report to the trustees/ ;
members of | Shrewsbury Youth for Christ
On accounts for the year | 31 December 2024 Charity no | 1106486
ended (if any)
Set out on pages | Two to Six
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| report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of the above charity (“the Trust”) for the year ended 31/12/2023.

| report in respect of my examination of the Trust’s accounts carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act and in carrying out my examination, | have followed the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Act.

Independent | have completed my examination. | confirm that no material matters have examiner's statement come to my attention in connection with the examination which give me cause to believe that in, any material respect:

e the accounts do not accord with the accounting records

| have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.

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Name: | David Arthur Smith
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Relevant professional |[CPFA] qualification(s) or body (if any):

hddvess" 5 Sawston Close, Radbrook Green, SHREWSBURY Shropshire SY3 6AY

IER

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October 2018