The Furzedown Youth Centre Limited Annual Report 2023 – 2024
Contents
Chairman’s Report Page 2 Company details Pages 3-4 Independent Examiner’s report Pages 5-7 Financial Statements Page 8-9 Notes to the Financial Statements Page 10-12
Working in partnership with:
St James, St Albans, St Pauls & Mitcham Lane Baptist Churches Graveney School Endorsed by Sadiq Khan Mayor of London
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Chairman’s Report
Chairman’s Report on Activities and Plans
The Furzedown Youth Centre Limited exists to provide high quality recreational and educational activities to young people in Year 6 to Year 12, within a safe and supportive Christian environment, to help promote their social, emotional and spiritual well-being and to maximise their leadership potential.
To achieve this aim, The Furzedown Youth Centre runs a Friday club night each week during term time with a variety of activities, having due regard to the Charity Commission’s public benefit guidance. Other activities include a drop-in Café for sixth formers from Graveney School.
Furzedown Youth Centre (FYC) does not currently have a dedicated Youth Worker or Outreach Worker. In the interim, our committed Board members and volunteers lead sessions on a rotational basis while we recruit a part-time Youth Worker.
Our former full-time Outreach Worker, Paul Rook, concluded his three-year fixed-term role in April 2024 when the associated funding came to an end. Despite this, attendance has continued to grow—from around 20 young people to an average of 41 each Friday evening, with peaks of up to 49 participants, depending on volunteer capacity.
FYC remains a vibrant and safe space where young people can socialise, play sports, stay active, and explore creative activities such as arts and crafts. We also organise enrichment trips, including paintballing and 3D football, to broaden their experiences and encourage positive engagement. At our Tuesday St Paul’s Youth Café, attendance can reach 130 young people during the winter months, when we provide free hot meals, drinks, and a welcoming space to relax, study, and connect. Given the growing demand and positive feedback from our young people, our strategic plan is to expand provision by opening on Mondays in addition to Fridays. The aim is to offer new activities and skillsdevelopment sessions that empower young people to face life’s challenges with confidence. We are also exploring new collaborations and partnerships to strengthen our offer and ensure long-term sustainability.
All leaders are Enhanced DBS checked and The Furzedown Youth Centre Limited maintains exemplary standards in Safeguarding, in association with Thirtyone: Eight (formerly CCPAS The Churches’ Child Protection Advisory Service), overseen by a vigilant Safeguarding Officer and supplemented by regular training of volunteers in safeguarding matters and rigorous safer recruiting practices.
The work of The Furzedown Youth Centre Limited is commissioned and part funded by the 4 Churches of the Furzedown Team: St. James, West Streatham, St. Alban’s, Streatham Park, St. Paul’s, Furzedown and Mitcham Lane Baptist Church. We work in close co-operation with the Churches and with Furzedown Churches Limited (FCL).
A new Chair (Faye Richards) was appointed and six new board members (Alan Burrows, Hannah Roberts, Ailie Neill, Joannna Seymour-Davies, Suzanne Richeux) were appointed in April 2024. Reverand Rob who was Chair, Jane Soodeen and Bianca Palmieri stepped down. Throughout the year the board updated all policies and procedures. A new volunteers pack was created, all board members took part in Safeguarding training specifically for trustees. Volunteers have an option of conducting Safeguarding training in person or online. Funding has been successfully applied for and granted permitting FYC to acquire new equipment for both sessions and day outings for attendees at the Friday’s session. Further funding has been successful and the Chair successfully applied for a further £25,000 grant from Wandsworth to open a second day of
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the week. FYC has the support of a previous bid writer who acts as a Consultant (Christy Billings) who helped with both grants and a current bid writer (Diana Fitzwilliam) who helped support the first grant and is willing to write our bids. FYC is currently seeking to appoint a part-time Youth Lead and a volunteer Safeguarding Officer, these roles have proven challenging to fill despite active recruitment efforts.
Faye Richards
Chair
DIRECTORS Company Registration: 4804966 Charity Number: 1111797 Rev Gemma Duggan (resigned 31/12/24) Rev Rob Powell (resigned 01/04/24) Rev Canon Geoff Vevers (resigned 01/04/24) John Moore – Deputy Treasurer Jane Soodeen – Social Events Organiser (resigned 05/02/25) Malcolm Baker- Deputy Chair Jennifer Mwangi (resigned 01/09/23) Peter Phillips (resigned 01/09/23) Faye Richards – Chair (appointed 31/03/24) Alan Burrows Treasurer (appointed 31/03/24, resigned 31/05/25) Ailie Neil (appointed 31/03/24) Hannah Roberts – Secretary (appointed 31/03/24) Joanna Seymour-Davies (appointed 31/03/24) Suzanne Richeux (appointed 31/03/2024, resigned 23/03/25) David Moore -Treasurer (appointed 01/06/25. Resigned 15/09/25) Shirley Berman – Safeguarding Officer (appointed 01/06/25, resigned 31/10/25) Simone Nelson – Treasurer (appointed 17/09/25)
Bankers Lloyds, 1433-1435 London Rd., Norbury; London; SW16 4AG
Registered Office 236 Mitcham Lane, London, SW16 6NT
Independent Examiner
Eileen Flanagan will serve as Independent Examiner following appointment by the Annual Meeting 2023. The Directors present their report and the financial statements for the year ended 31[st] December 2024
Status
The centre is constituted as a company limited by guarantee and is therefore governed by a memorandum and articles of association. The organisation achieved registered charitable status on 27th October 2005.
Results
Details of the company's results for the year are shown on page 12 of the financial statements.
Directors
The directors named above have served during the year. Appointment of directors to fill vacancies arising through resignation or death of an existing director are governed by the memorandum and articles of association.
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Directors' responsibilities for the financial statements
The law requires us, the directors to prepare the financial statements for each financial year, which gives a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the company and of its profit and loss for that period. In preparing the financial statements, we are required to:
(a) select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently through the years
(b) make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
(c) state whether applicable accounting standards have been followed, subject to any material departures that should be disclosed and explained in the financial statements;
(d) prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the company will continue in business. We are responsible for keeping proper accounting records, for safeguarding the assets of the company and for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities should they exist. Reserves.
It is the Policy of the charity to attempt to maintain unrestricted funds at a level which equates to 6 months unrestricted cash expenditure excluding in kind contributions. This provides sufficient funds to cover management, administration and support cost.
Risk Management.
The trustees actively review the major risks which the charity faces on a regular basis and believe that by maintaining reserves at current levels, combined with an annual review of the controls over key financial systems will provide sufficient resources in the event of adverse conditions. The trustees have also examined other operational and business risks faced by the charity and confirm that they have established systems to mitigate the significant risks.
Fixed Assets
Details of any changes in the fixed assets are shown on the attached accounts.
This report has been prepared in accordance with the provisions of Part 15 of the Companies Act 2006 applicable to small companies.
F. Richards
Chair
By Order of the Board
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Independent examiner's report on the accounts
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ee Section A Independent Examiner’s Report
Report to the trustees/directors/ members of
Charity Name
Furzedown Youth Centre
On accounts for the year ended
31 [[st]] December 2024
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On accounts for the year ended
[[st]] December 2024
Charity no.: 1111797 Company no.: 4804966
Set out on pages
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Pages 8 to 12
(remember to include the page numbers of additional sheets)
Respective responsibilities of trustees and examiner
The trustees (who are also the directors of the company for the purposes of company law) are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. The charity’s trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year under section 144 of the Charities Act 2011 (the Charities 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 Charities Act,
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to follow the procedures laid down in the general Directions given by the Charity Commission (under section 145(5)(b) of the Charities Act, and
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to state whether particular matters have come to my attention
Basis of independent examiner’s statement
My examination was carried out in accordance with general Directions given by the Charity Commission. 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 the trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit, and consequently no opinion is given as to whether the accounts present a ‘true and fair’ view, and the report is limited to those matters set out in the statement below.
Independent examiner's statement
In connection with my examination, no material matters have come to my attention which gives me cause to believe that in, any material respect:
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accounting records were not kept in accordance with section 386 of the Companies Act 2006; or
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the accounts do not accord with such records; or
• the accounts do not comply with relevant accounting requirements under section 396 of the Companies Act 2006 other than any requirement that the accounts give a ‘true and fair’ view which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination; or
- •the accounts have not been prepared in accordance with the Charities SORP (FRS102).
I have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
Signed: Date: 31[st] October 2025 Name: Eileen Flanagan Relevant professional qualification(s) or body (if any): Address: 58 Elmhurst Avenue Mitcham CR4 2HN Section B Disclosure
Only complete if the examiner needs to highlight material matters of concern (see CC32, Independent examination of charity accounts: directions and guidance for examiners).
Give here brief details of any items that the examiner wishes to disclose .
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The Furzedown Youth Centre Ltd
Statement of Financial Activities For the 18 months ended 31[st] December 2024
| 18 months | 12 months | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| to December 2024 | to June 2023 | ||
| Notes | 2023/24 | 2022/23 | |
| INCOMING RESOURCES | |||
| Grants Receivable | 2 | 2,200 | 1,100 |
| Donatons and actvites | 3 | 35,163 | 22,219 |
| Interest | 227 | 130 | |
| Income repayable | |||
| Total Incoming Resources | 37,590 | 23,449 | |
| RESOURCES EXPENDED | |||
| Charitable Expenditure | 4 | 50,651 | 55,861 |
| Total Expended Resources | 50,650 | 55,861 | |
| Net (expended) / incoming | (13,061) | (32,412) | |
| resources | |||
| Total funds brought forward | 30,874 | 63,286 | |
| Transfer between funds | 0 | ||
| Total funds carried forward | 17,813 | 30,874 |
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THE FURZEDOWN YOUTH CENTRE LTD
Company Registration: 4804966
BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31[st] December 2024
| Employment of Capital Notes | 31/12/24 | 30/6/23 |
|---|---|---|
| £ | £ | |
| FIXED ASSETS | 0 | 0 |
| CURRENT ASSETS | ||
| Debtors & prepayments | 0 | 1,031 |
| Cash and bank balances | 17,813 | 29,843 |
| Total Current Assets | 17,813 | 30,874 |
| CREDITORS | 0 | 0 |
| TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT LIABILITIES | 17,813 | 30,874 |
| FINANCED BY | ||
| unrestricted funds | 17,813 | 30,874 |
| restricted funds | 0 | 0 |
| Total Funds | 17,813 | 30,874 |
The directors are satisfied:
(a) that for the year in question the company is entitled to the exemption from audit by Section- 477(2) of Companies Act 2006
(b) that no notice has been deposited under Section 476 of the Act in relation to the accounts for the financial year
The directors acknowledge their responsibilities for:
(i) ensuring that the company keeps accounting records which comply with Section 386 of the Companies Act 2006, and
(ii) preparing accounts which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the company at the end of the financial year and of its profit or loss for the financial year in accordance with the requirements of Section 394 and 395 of the Act, and which otherwise comply with the requirements of the Act relating to the accounts, so far as applicable to the company
The financial statements were approved by the Board:
Treasurer
John Moore Date 31[st] October 2025
The accompanying notes form an integral part of the financial statements.
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The Furzedown Youth Centre Ltd Notes to the Financial Statements for the 18 months ended 31[st] December 2024
Note 1: Accountng Policies
Basis of preparation
The accounts have been prepared in accordance with Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102)(effective 1 January 2015) – (Charities SORP (FRS 102)), the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) and the Companies Act 2006.
Furzedown Youth Centre meets the definition of a public benefit entity under FRS 102. Assets and liabilities are initially recognised at historical cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant accounting policy note. There are no material uncertainties about Furzedown Youth Centre’s ability to continue as a going concern.
Cashflow
The directors have taken advantage of the exemption under Charities SORP (FRS 102) from including a cash flow statement in the financial statements on the grounds that the company is small.
Income
Grant, voluntary income and donations are included in incoming resources when they are received except when donors' conditions have not been fulfilled, then the income is deferred.
Expenditure
Expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis with VAT (which is irrecoverable) included within the item of expense to which it relates. Charitable expenditure comprises those costs incurred by the charity in the delivery of its activities and services for its beneficiaries.
Funds
Funds held by the charity are unrestricted funds. These are funds received for use in line with the general objects of the charity.
Fixed Assets
An asset is defined as a unit of tangible property which has an economic useful life of more than 12 Months. Depreciation is calculated on the straight-line basis at rates which are intended to write off the cost of the assets over their estimated useful lives: Furniture & Equipment 25%.
Fixed assets have been fully depreciated as at 30th June 2012.
Debtors and Prepayments
Debtors are amounts owed to the charity. They are measured on the basis of their recoverable amount. Prepayments are expenditure relating to the next accounting period.
Creditors
Creditors are recognised where the charity has a present obligation resulting from a past event that will probably result in the transfer of funds to a third party and the amount due to settle the obligation can be measured or estimated reliably.
Tax
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The company is registered as a charity and all of its income falls within the exemptions under Part 11 of the Corporation Tax Act 2010.
Note 2: Grants receivable
| GRANTS RECEIVABLE Jack Petchey Grants, awards and loans (other) Total Grants receivable Note 3: Donatons and Actvites DONATIONS AND ACTIVITIES Notes St James Church 5 Mitcham Lane Baptst Church St Albans Church St Pauls Church Fundraising & other donatons Actvites Total Donatons and Actvites Note 4: Charitable Expenditure CHARITABLE EXPENDITURE Notes Rent, rates, light & heat 5 Salaries & Wages Centre operatng costs 6 Actvites, Equipment & Materials Repairs and maintenance 7 Insurance |
2023/24 2022/23 2,200 600 0 500 |
|---|---|
| 2,200 1,100 |
|
| 2023/24 2022/23 9,193 5,275 5,750 5,250 4,200 1,800 3,800 1,100 8,944 8,180 3,276 614 |
|
| 35,163 22,219 |
|
| 2023/24 2022/23 0 0 31,967 34,753 4,806 969 8,040 3,847 4,486 14,928 1,352 1,364 |
|
| 50,651 55,861 |
Note 3: Donatons and Actvites
Note 4: Charitable Expenditure
Note 5: Rent, light and heat
Up to and including the year 2014/15 St James church made a donation to cover the cost of Rent light and heat. Since the year commencing 2015/16 St James PCC have agreed to make no charge for rent, light and heat and as such both the entries for donations and expenditure are excluded from the accounts.
Note 6: Centre operatng costs
Includes staff training.
Note 7: Repairs & Maintenance
In accordance with a long-standing agreement with St James church, whereby, FYC, in return for the write off of all utilities and rental charges (estimated at £23k+ pa) it was agreed that FYC would fund all internal works, while St James' PCC continued to manage work affecting the exterior of the hall. During the year, FYC undertook internal works at the premises costing £4,486 (prior period £13,061).
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