WCCYM WEST CAMBRIDGE CHRISTIAN YOUTH MINISTRIES Annual Report Tlr: 2023 to 2024 **WCCYM** is a partnership of churches in villages to the west of Cambridge, working together for young people in a manner that they could not do individually. **WCCYM** ’s Key Values are to: work in **partnership** build **trust** show **respect** bring **hope** be **Christ-centred** Thank you for picking up this comprehensive and action-packed report and for your interest in the work of WCCYM. The 2023-24 year saw further development of our outreach and discipleship activities, with evidence of young people exploring their faith through discipleship groups, the weekend residential and the summer camping trip to the Satellites Christian festival. Young people continue to play an increasing leadership role in our monthly Thirst worship services. We are grateful to our ongoing team of volunteers for the ability to run these events along with many social activities, as young people develop confidence and friendships as well as a growing understanding of their faith. We have been encouraged by the positive way in which our chaplaincy work in schools has been recognised, with Comberton Village College requesting increased support for students of all ages, as well as valuing the support we offer to staff. We remain deeply grateful for all the support we receive from churches, schools and individuals, especially in a year when a major grant fund came to an end. Your practical, prayerful and/or financial support are critical as we look forward with confidence to the coming year. Please read on, give thanks, be encouraged and consider how you could be involved. ## **Nigel Taylor** On behalf of the WCCYM Management Team ## **from the team** Welcome to the 2023-2024 WCCYM Annual Report. WCCYM continues to have many opportunities to serve young people in the west Cambridge area, and we see it as a great privilege to work with them both in a school setting, and through WCCYM activities out of school. We continue to find it helpful to use Scripture Union’s ‘Revealing Jesus’ framework (Connect; Explore; Respond; Grow) as we seek to encourage young people in their Christian faith. We are incredibly grateful to the many people who support the ministry in a variety of different ways. ## **Susie Thomson** On behalf of the WCCYM Team ## **to feel connected to a supportive community** ## **Socials** Social activities continue to be a great way of getting to know young people, and for them to build friendships and connections. We had a termly social activity during the year, starting with bowling in the Autumn, golf (Dinosaur golf to be specific!) in the Spring, and the annual punting and BBQ trip in the summer. ## **Dungeons & Dragons** Nick has also been running a Dungeons and Dragons game with a selection of young people who enjoy table-top roleplay games. This has seen them weave together a shared story, implement problem solving and even act out/improvise scenes between one another. This has caused a strong bond to form between the group and encouraged their engagement in other activities and events that WCCYM runs. ## **Social Media** We have also been using our Social Media to connect with young people in a positive way. Every week we release a Verse of the Week post on Instagram and Facebook giving the young people a short verse of scripture and a brief reflection to help encourage them in the week. This is a great opportunity to connect with young people when we are not running an event, or meeting with them in school. We often try to link the reflection to an event we have run, for example Thirst or WCCYM Discipleship, which allows young people that have attended those activities to have a deeper insight into the post. Hopefully, this helps the young people to feel connected to the WCCYM Community even when not together. ## ## **to explore the Christian faith and learn about Jesus Christ** ## **Christmas Party** Our Christmas party moved to Comberton Baptist Church for this year, and the festivities included a full Christmas dinner, silent disco, mocktails, quiz rounds and firepits. It was a fantastic opportunity to get dressed up and celebrate Christmas! We had Scott Rushforth, one of the Youth for Christ youthworkers, share a Christian message during the meal. All in all, a brilliant night! ## **Summer Party** The WCCYM Summer Party was held on Hardwick Primary School field, with the usual combination of team games, BBQ, craft, and a huge inflatable! Adrian Semerene (minister of Gamlingay Baptist Church) shared an evangelistic message which was well-received by the young people. ## ## **opportunities to respond to the Good News of Jesus Christ** WCCYM’s ministry during the year included a variety of opportunities for young people to respond to the good news of Jesus.This may have been at one of the particular events, or at different times across the year. We did not have any young people who were baptised or confirmed during the year, but towards the end of the academic year, we were preparing for a baptism and confirmation group to start in Autumn 2024. ## **to grow as a disciple who disciples others and develop gifts and talents** We have asked some of the young people to share their thoughts about the different events we run, and how they have helped them grow in their faith. ## **Thirst - our monthly youth service** We thoroughly enjoyed running Thirst in 2023-24. We saw more young people stepping up to lead; whether leading the service itself, as members of the band and even speaking at the event. We looked at a different parable of Jesus each month and had some great guest speakers help us explore them. ## **Deeper - our discipleship group for sixth formers** _I like Deeper because it gives us a chance to connect as 6th form students. We are able to share our 6th form experiences as well as religious experiences with people who can relate to us. The games allow us to build a stronger bond within the group and the food is obviously a highlight. Overall it’s a great experience and it’s definitely helped me in my faith as well as 6th form experience._ ## **WCCYM Music Group** _Two Fridays a month we meet to play music for an hour and a half. Then we play at Thirst. I developed as a musician and learned to play in a worship band with different people and instruments. It was fun learning a new instrument, the bass guitar, and playing it with other people. I enjoy playing the new worship songs and I'm working on introducing some of them at my church._ ## **WCCYM Weekend** _WCCYM weekend away is a fun filled weekend learning about God while socialising with other young people. The weekend was filled with activities: baking, scavenger hunt around Burwell, sports and many more. I particularly enjoyed the Taskmaster challenge. The team games were to bring some friendly competition; these are fun and messy. These team activities win us points which go towards different leaders; the one with the most points at the end of the weekend gets slimed. During the weekend there are 4 sessions given to us by a speaker. There were also times for personal reflection and time to do what you want._ ## **Satellites - a summer youth festival** _Satellites for me was a huge highlight of my year! I have been two times before but this time was so different as I was a volunteer with the Satellites team! I helped on the milkshake bar working 4 hours everyday which gave me time to learn all about working with the team, making milkshakes for so many customers and also making new friends but actually also to enjoy all the fun that Satellites had such as the silent disco and all the meetings and talks!_ ## **Year 6 Transitions** _I enjoyed the WCCYM transition sessions because we talked about what was worrying us about secondary school and were told how to overcome our worries by sharing them. We also got to meet some of the people who go to Thirst so we could have some familiar faces._ ## **WCCYM Discipleship** We continued to run WCCYM Discipleship, giving young people the chance to eat puddings, play games and discuss the Bible further. This event continues to be well attended and helps young people step further into their discipleship with Jesus. i / iiy'l, ## **in schools** Schoolswork continues to be a significant part of WCCYM’s work in the west Cambridge area, where we work in a holistic way through the provision of pastoral and spiritual support. Our work last year was mainly in: ## **Comberton Village College Cambourne Village College** ## **Comberton Sixth Form** We also have some input with local Year 6s in the summer term as they prepare to move to secondary school. ## ## **encourage to flourish** ## **One-to-one** Cherie and Susie worked with 77 young people in an individual capacity throughout the year, providing a safe space for them to share their worries and challenges. As in previous years, for some this is a short term series of sessions, and for others it is a longer-term arrangement, depending on the need. We started the academic year with a service level agreement with Comberton Village College and Sixth Form for 12 hours a week, but for half of the year this increased to 17 hours a week, with some added support sessions for Sixth Form students. Susie and Clare also worked with some students at Cambourne Village College for some pastoral support. ## **Groups** In both Comberton and Cambourne Village Colleges, we ran small groups for students for a series of sessions on specific issues such as managing anxiety, resilience, and settling into secondary school for Year 7s. We work closely with the pastoral teams in the schools to see where the greatest need is, and respond appropriately. ## **Sixth Form Hot Chocolates** Friday lunchtimes were busy for the WCCYM Team, giving out free hot chocolates to Comberton Sixth Form students. This seemed to genuinely be a highlight for some young people! It was always a good chance to have a friendly chat and ask how their week was going. ## **PSHE & PD Delivery** We had two visits to help with the Year 12 Personal Development curriculum, running a session on Healthy Relationships in September, and E-Safety in June (each one being a session repeated for each half of the year group). We also led a Personal Social Health Education lesson for Year 8s (repeated ten times) at Comberton Village College on Being Safe Online. ## **Year 6/7 Transitions** In the summer term, we supported local churches to present a lesson for Year 6s in the primary schools about the transition to secondary school. We gave out copies of the ‘It’s Your Move’ book produced by Scripture Union, and focused on Changes, Challenges and Choices. We also worked with a small group of Year 6s at Gamlingay Village Primary, to help with their transition to Comberton Village College. ## **Beaumanor Year 7 Residential** Susie and Sophie (our Year 12 Work Experience student) went along to the Year 7 residential with students from Comberton Village College for two days, helping with different activities and spending time getting to know both students and staff. Susie then went back to Beaumanor the following week, for another 2 days, this time with the Year 7s from Cambourne Village College. This is a very valuable time for building relationships with the schools, so is well worth the time spent in this way. ## **explore spiritual development** ## **Christian Union groups** WCCYM has helped to facilitate Christian Union groups at Comberton Sixth Form, Comberton Village College and Cambourne Village College in the last year. We are very grateful to the school staff members who help to support these groups too. ## **CU at Cambourne VC** - in the words of a young person _At CU, young people meet up at lunchtime once a week in school and talk about different Bible verses and what they mean or how God is shown through the bible. It’s led by someone from WCCYM who will start with a game and then talk about God and the bible. It’s a great way to meet up with other people and have fun together whilst talking about the greatness of God._ ## **CU at Comberton VC** - in the words of a young person _The WCCYM Christian Union group is always really fun. We play a game and get to know the other people there and we explore a Bible story together. It has been really helpful because even if I know the story we are doing, I still learn something new._ ## **Assemblies** We enjoyed taking assemblies at both Comberton and Cambourne Village Colleges. We shared about the Hope of Christmas, and on the Power of Words & Labels that we are given. ## **Staff Christian Gatherings** It was a great privilege to meet with Christian staff at both Cambourne and Comberton Village Colleges a number of times throughout the year. It provided an important time to chat and pray together, while also enjoying some refreshments! ## **Religion, Philosophy and Ethics** In the last year, we delivered two Year 10 RPE days at Cambourne Village College, one on the Environment and the other on Social Justice. At Comberton Village College we delivered three RPE days for Year 10 covering the Environment, War & Peace and Medical Ethics. We also did an RPE day for Year 11 at at Comberton Village College looking at Sexual Relationships. Cherie helped on a Comberton RPE trip to Cambridge visiting churches and a mosque, and Susie helped on a trip to Rome. These were great opportunities to chat to students and staff, and support the department. ## **Chaplaincy** The Chaplaincy work at Comberton Village College has continued to thrive, bringing together support for students and staff in many different ways. In addition to the service level agreement to provide pastoral support for students, there is also a service level agreement for supporting staff. Cherie heads up this work, and meets with a number of school staff to provide a supportive, listening space. We have helped with some staff training for Teaching Assistants on helping students with anxiety. At two points in the year, we arranged for a florist to come and lead workshops creating a Christmas wreath or summer flower decorations, to provide an opportunity for staff to relax and do something enjoyable. Once a month there are cakes available for staff, and so we help to enhance the environment in the staffroom, with tablecloths, flowers, plants, chocolates and hot drinks, allowing us to play our part in the life of the school. Again this year we distributed chocolates to every department, with a reflection card, recognising the importance that all staff have. Overall, we have continued to build good relationships with both staff and students, being an ongoing presence in the school community, and this is an important part of our ministry. ## **working in partnership with local churches** ## **Partner Churches** WCCYM works as a partnership of churches. We have four Key Partner churches / groups of churches: Cambourne Church, Comberton Baptist Church, Hardwick Evangelical Church and the Lordsbridge Team of Anglican Churches. Gamlingay Baptist Church is an Associate Partner church of WCCYM, and we have some strong links with other churches in the area too. We love to work in partnership with others, and find that there is strength in the unity and shared Christian faith, as well as a shared desire to serve young people. To find out more about what it means to be a Key or Associate Partner Church please get in touch. ## **The link with WCCYM and a local church** - from Clare Cronin _A significant part of Cambourne Church’s youth ministry is delivered in partnership with WCCYM. Young people and volunteers from Cambourne Church regularly attend WCCYM activities such as Cambourne Village College Christian Union, WCCYM Discipleship and Thirst. In my role, I have the privilege of working with the WCCYM Team to plan and deliver these activities, to work with students at Cambourne Village College and to facilitate training such as Youthscape Essentials. Working in partnership gives us all - our young people, our youth work volunteers, the wider church - the chance to be part of something bigger and offers opportunities we couldn’t create on our own. For that we are very grateful!_ ## **Volunteers** WCCYM is incredibly fortunate to have some amazing volunteers who will give up their time to chat to young people, lead bible studies, cook meals, put out chairs, wash up, play music, do some signing, play games, lead discussions, run quizzes, give talks, encourage young people in their gifts, take an interest, pray for and with young people, sweep up at the end of an evening… the list is endless! WCCYM genuinely would not be able to function in the way that it does without the many volunteers we have. So this is a huge thank you to everyone who has helped out in some way – you are a crucial part of this ministry to young people! ## **Training and Support for Youth Workers and Volunteers** We have had a variety of training opportunities for youth workers and volunteers. The core WCCYM Team met fortnightly to encourage and support one another, as well as plan together. A group of nine of us attended the National Youth Ministry Weekend run by Youthscape in November. In January 2024, we launched some half-termly training sessions for volunteers, using the Youthscape Essentials material. These sessions were led by Susie and Clare, and we have enjoyed seeing a variety of volunteers from the local churches come and engage in great discussion and support of one another. ## **Year 12 Work Experience** - in the words of a young person _Doing my work experience with WCCYM during Year 12 was a great opportunity to get a better understanding of the role of a youth worker in the community. During my work experience, I enjoyed going into local secondary schools to talk to students about their mental health. I also went with Comberton Village College on their Year 7 residential; this gave me the opportunity to learn so much about working with and supporting young people._ ## ## **the faces of WCCYM** ## **Susie Thomson** Susie is WCCYM’s Team Leader, and is employed for 24 hours per week. She enjoys doing a lot of face-toface youthwork but is also involved with linking with local churches, youth workers and volunteers. She also meets regularly with the management team. ## **Cherie Williamson** Cherie works for WCCYM for 23 hours a week. She heads up our Chaplaincy Team work and spends the majority of her time at Comberton Village College. She supports students and staff pastorally and spiritually, and provides an ongoing supportive presence in the school. ## **Nick Slater** Nick works 20 hours a week, with a focus on discipleship and outreach. He heads up our Sixth Form Deeper group, and co-leads the WCCYM Discipleship group. Part of his role is to develop WCCYM’s social media presence, reaching young people through this. ## **Clare Cronin** Clare is the Ministry team Leader for Children and Young People at Cambourne Church, and is part of the core WCCYM team, serving young people in this area. She is involved in schoolswork at Cambourne Village College, and many of WCCYM’s activities outside of school. ## **Adam Went** Adam spent the majority of the year on placement with WCCYM and Comberton Baptist Church as part of his Year Out with Youth for Christ. For WCCYM, he helped with various activities including Thirst, WCCYM Music Group, WCCYM Discipleship, our socials and with our school’s work mainly at Comberton Village College. WCCYM has a management committee that meets 4 times a year to oversee the work of WCCYM. It is made up of representatives from Cambourne Church, Comberton Baptist Church, Hardwick Evangelical Church, and the Lordsbridge team of Anglican Churches. Susie Thomson reports to the management committee, on behalf of the WCCYM team of youth workers. We continue to be grateful to the committee members for their dedication to WCCYM. For the academic year 2023/24, the management team has included: **Nigel Taylor** - Cambourne Church (T) – chair **Bill Miller** - Cambourne Church (T) **Kate Gaze** - Hardwick Evangelical Church (T) **Keith Tarring** - Comberton Baptist Church (T) **Sarah Rittman** - Lordsbridge Team **Sue Chase** - Treasurer **Ruth Gildersleve** - Secretary to the Management Team **Susie Thomson** - WCCYM Team Leader T signifies Trustees of WCCYM We had three main fundraising activities during the academic year. In November 2023, Nick, Susie and Adam completed a 50 mile bike ride, cycling round the villages that make up the WCCYM area. This was certainly a challenge for them, but resulted in raising over £1,500 for WCCYM. We held our annual quiz in February 2024, with big thanks going to Neil and Robbie, two of our volunteers, for hosting a brilliant evening. And finally in May 2024, we created some cake boxes that we delivered locally, with many people giving donations towards the work of WCCYM. We are so grateful to all who give financially to WCCYM. It can be very difficult to find ongoing sources of funding, and we are very fortunate to have local churches and individuals giving regularly to WCCYM. Thank you so much! In addition to financial support from local churches and individuals, we are very grateful for a donation from the Eastern Baptist Association, and from the KIPPS Trust. We also reached our third year of funding from the Henry Smith Charity. This was an amazing blessing back in 2020/2021 when we applied for a 3 year grant, giving us over £50,000 in total. This made such a huge difference to WCCYM and enabled us to fund more work with an emphasis on discipleship and outreach, which is Nick’s main focus. This last year saw an end to that grant, and we are currently doing what we can to continue to raise funds to maintain and develop the work further. If you would like to give towards the work of WCCYM, please go to **stewardship.org.uk/partners/WCCYMFundraising** or contact: **Sue Chase (WCCYM Treasurer), c/o Manor Farm, 14 Alms Hill, Bourn, CB23 2SH** . Please email **info@wccym.org** to find out more. ## ## **a few words from the WCCYM Treasurer** Thanks to the dedicated support of local churches and individuals in the west Cambridge area who share our values, WCCYM has been able to maintain the high level of services that has been developed over the past couple of years when a third member was added to the team. As previously mentioned, we have now received the final part of our Grant from the Henry Smith Charity so are looking at ways to replace that funding, be it through fundraising or further grant funding. A proportion of our 2023-24 expenditure was funded through our reserves. Our work with Comberton Village College continues to grow and individuals, groups, and staff have all benefited from our work. The College continue to contribute towards the cost of the services that we provide. Our grateful thanks as always to all those churches and individuals who are currently giving or who have promised to give in the future – you enable us to focus on the young people in our community which is what we do best. **----- Start of picture text -----**
Income
Churches £15850
Gifts & Donations £11774
Pastoral Support £16310
Grants £10000
Events & Activities £4405
Fundraising £2460
Other Income £778
Total £61577
Expenditure
Staff/Workers £50853
Events & Activities £8576
Overheads £1630
Staff Training & Resources £2350
Bookkeeping £1379
Travel £1536
Safeguarding & Insurance £855
Total £67179
**----- End of picture text -----**
wccym.org O @wccym facebook.com/wccym Charity No: 1116603 WEST CAMBRIDGE CHRISTIAN YOUTH MINISTRIES FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024 WEST CAMBRIDGE CHRISTIAN YOUTH MINISTRIES FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024 CONTENTS 1 Profit & Loss Account 2 Balance Sheet WEST CAMBRIDGE CHRISTIAN YOUTH MINISTRY PROFIT & LOSS ACCOUNT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024 ACTUAL Unrestrfcted Re$trieted Total BUDGET VARIA14CE Income Gifts & Donations Churches and support Organisat￿n$ Joint Servi Special Events & Activities School Servic2 Agreements Fundraising Events Henry Smith Grant Other Income Bank Interest 11,774 15,850 113 4.405 16,310 2,461 11,774 15,850 113 4,405 16.310 2,461 10,000 430 235 10,000 14.800 350 1,774 1,050 12371 4,405 2,250 961 14,060 1,500 10,000 2,000 150 10.000 430 235 (1.5701 85 51.577 10,000 61,577 52.860 8,717 enditure Staff Costs Church & Community based youth work Chaplaincy & school based youth work servi￿ Agreement expenses Insurances Staff Training Staff travel Hospitality Resour￿$ & PR Literature General Office Expenses Printing & Photocopying Bookkeeping Professional Fees incl Child Pfoteclion Fundraising Cosls Sundry Expenses Merchandise Costs Bank charges Depreciation 32,812 5.218 18.041 1.708 763 50,853 6,926 763 887 49,115 4,790 1,095 11.7381 12,1361 332 1887) 1301 219 214 12171 1391 961 57 121 105 1331 50 501 151 1551 B1 1E 887 380 677 1.093 514 586 334 23 1.029 163 153 50 300 704 443 102 650 1.600 1,381 1.536 617 969 439 83 1.379 175 153 50 400 930 1,400 140 1.500 280 120 100 500 60 170 105 60 350 12 65 225 65 225 44,2Vb 22.912 67.17Y 64,600 2,579 Net Profit l (Loss) for the period 7,389 (12.9721 15,803) 111.740 6,136 WEST CAMBRIDGE CHRISTIAN YOUTH MINISTRY BALANCE SHEET AT 31 August 2024 Note Flxed Assets Office Equipment Less Depreciation 2.033 1,132 901 Current Assets Debtors & Prepayments Bank Accounts & Cash in hand 6,449 27,309 33,758 Less Liabilities Creditors & Accruals PAYE Joint Service Fund 3,498 500 3,998 NET ASSETS 30,661 Rese￿e5 Reserves Profit & Loss Account 36,264 (5,603) 30,661 Reserves are made up of: NEOS restricted funds Funds for general use 30.661 30.661 INDEPENDEwf EXAMINERS REpoKfTO THE TRUSTEES OF WEST CAMBRIDGE CHRISTIAN YOUTH MINISTRIES I report on the accounts for the year ended 31 August 2024 which are set out on pages l and 2 of the Financial Statements. Respective responsibilities of the Executive Committee and the Examiner The Charivs trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. The Chariws trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year under section 144(2> of the Charities Act 2011 (the 2011 Act} and that an independent examination is needed. It is my responsibility to examine the accounts under section 145 of the 2011 Act, follow procedures laid down in the General Directions given by the Charity Commissioners section 145(5){bl of the 2011 Act, and state whether particular matters have come to my attention. Bas15 of the Independent Examinerf5 Statement My examination was carried out in accordance with the General Directions given by the Charity Commission. An examination includes a review of the accounting ￿CordS 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 seekins explanations from the management committee concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be ￿QuIred in a full audit and consequently no opinion is given as to whether the accounts present a 'true and fairf view and the report is limited to those matters set out in the statement below. Independent Examiners Statement In connection with my examination, no matter has come to my attention which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in any material respect the requirements to keep accounting record5 in accordance with seciion 103 of the 2011 act, or, to prepare accounts wliich accord wilh these accounting records have not been met, Or, to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached. J Golding Date: zg/C12r