TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS for the year ended 31st March 2025
Company No. 6349436 Charity No. 1121106
Registered Office: 34 Seaside Avenue, Lancing, West Sussex, BN15 8BY
CONTENTS
- Front Cover and Contents 2-3 Achievements and Performance 4. Responsibilities and Policies 5. Company Information 6. Statement of Financial Activities 7. Balance Sheet 8-9. Notes to the Financial Statements 10. Independent Examiner’s Report
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Achievements and Performance
2024/25 was a year of development in the provision of our youth activities and the charity as a whole. It continued to be another challenging year for many local young people, as the cost-ofliving crisis continues to affect their lives and that of their families. In addition, the number of young people with mental health issues and the number of young carers continues to rise.
Despite this, Electric Storm Youth (ESY) has continued to adapt to the challenges we have faced and where necessary, changed modes of service delivery so we can continue to effectively and safely support local young people. All this is being undertaken by just 2.6 FTE youth workers which at times has stretched our resources. Despite this, it was an exciting year for the charity
In April we moved into new premises within the heart of Lancing which we share with another local charity. After some of the challenges we faced with premises the previous year, this has given us a permanent location from which we have begun to operate some of our youth activities.
Also in April, we appointed an Inclusion Youth Worker. They have been instrumental in moving forward and developing our programme for activities and support to LGBTQ+ young people, as well supporting other aspects of our work youth such as Saturday activities, Youth Forum and school holiday activities.
In May, our Operations Manager left. The role was absorbed by the Interim Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and a full review of the administrative aspects of the charity’s was carried out. This resulted in a decision to outsource the HR aspects of the charity’s work to a third-party in October.
In September, the trustees agreed a Scheme of Delegation, which clearly sets out the respective responsibilities between the charity’s board of trustees and the CEO.
In October, we commissioned a marketing company to undertake a full review of the charity’s branding and communications, to ensure that we reach out to and communicate effectively to all young people, their parents/guardians and the wider community. Their recommendations were presented to the trustees at the end of February 2025 and were accepted in full. These are now in the process of being adopted and we look forward to seeing their full impact in the year ahead.
In January, our part-time young carers youth worker left. By increasing the hours of the inclusion youth worker, we have managed to cover this important aspect of our work.
In January, we appointed a part-time business office manager and in addition to increasing our communications and social media output, we are also beginning to see improvements and efficiencies in how we operate and organise our administrative systems.
At the end of March, we said goodbye to our Interim CEO, who had previously been the charity’s fundraiser since 2021 and appointed our first substantive CEO. Within the parameters of the Scheme of Delegation, they will have full responsibility for the effective, top-level management and development of all services connected with the charity (including our charity shop), and to be responsible for the standard of support provided to all those using those services. In addition, they will have responsibility for all fundraising, grant and income-generating activities. Thus, securing the long-term future of the charity.
During the past 12 months, we became a Living Wage Foundation accredited employer, demonstrating our commitment to our employees. We strengthened the marketing of our charity shop, became a member of the Charity Retail Association and increased the number of special promotions. As a result, income has increased by nearly 10%.
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Finally, we have embarked on the process of obtaining National Youth Agency, Quality Mark accreditation and although we have identified a number of areas that require more information, we expect this to continue throughout 2025/26.
ESY membership
157 young people have engaged with our youth services during 2024/25. This includes 89 males, 65 females and 3 young people who identify as non-binary. Of these 85% identified as White British, 13% are mixed race and 2% black.
We continue to have a good distribution of different age ranges from year 6 in primary to years 7- 13 of secondary school/sixth form and college. It is worth pointing out that for the first time, at the request of parents and a local primary school, we have engaged with pupils from Year 6 in a local primary school.
Meeting changing needs
The need for our services continues to rise to levels above what we are currently able to provide. Over the year, we have found that demand for our Young Carers support in particular has increased with new young carers being identified on a regular basis.
Mental health problems continued to increase, and we found new ways to adapt to the rise in demand. We increased the number of emergency “acute” sessions our counsellor offers during the week.
During the 2024/25 period, we have noticed a welcomed fall in youth violence, as well as shoplifting and underage drinking. This led us to review and change some of our modes of service delivery so we can continue to support local young people effectively and safely.
Our service provision
Our youth forum continued to meet and play an active role in planning the work we do to ensure that remained relevant and helpful to local young people. Membership covered our service user age range and included young people from our youth Sessions and activities, mental health support programme, LGBT+ and allies sessions and young carers. This representation meant that we ensured our work was truly being youth led by service users who have experience of the different aspects of our work.
Bolt hole having had to pause this provision due to loosing access to suitable premises, these resumed in September 2024 in our new premises. The session offers young people support and the chance to freely discuss any issues they were having. We also provided drinks and snacks and a warm place for young people which has been important during the continuing cost-of-living crisis.
During the year, we started a work experience programme and in partnership with The Barista Project we have two run very successful barista training days.
Our 2024 school summer holiday activities was very successful and well supported and included: young carers activities, a skate Jam event, crazy golf , beach meet ups, trips to Jump In Fun, ten-pin bowling , go karting, beekeeping and two sailing activities.
We continued to commission a six week programme of 1-2-1 mental health counselling sessions from Your Space Therapies. In addition, Your Space also provided drop-In counselling sessions for young people who require immediate assistance or do not wish to see a counsellor on a structured regular basis. ESY youth workers also offered mental health safe space chats, a dropin service for ESY members run from SRWA where ESY members needing mental health support can drop in to speak to our youth workers. In addition, group support sessions were also delivered.
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We provided young carers support through two youth workers based at Sir Robert Woodard Academy. The service took place all-day on a Wednesday and on Friday mornings. Young carers working with us get a chance to talk to our staff on a 1-2-1 basis about their caring duties, how they are feeling and coping, and any difficulties they are facing. We liaised with the pastoral staff at the school where this was required.
Our detached youth work programme has proved extremely effective in reaching young people on their own turf and through it, we have young people who have come to access our other services. Over the course of the year, we ran on average 3 detached sessions each week. We use our mobile provision van for at least two of these detached sessions. During the winter months, we used our detached work as a way of checking in on the welfare of young people who were out and about during the cold snaps. We often have young people seeking out the ESY mobile van for a drink, a snack and a general chat.
Compared to previous years, there have been no major incidents with young people in the community. In fact, this has been the quietest year, in terms of anti-social behaviour that we have had. Not only has youth violence in Lancing been almost non-existent, even shoplifting amongst young people have decreased. Our presence on the streets of Lancing whilst on detached could be a factor in deterring young people shoplifting, but there are other factors at play as well.
Working with the community
We maintained strong community ties with Lancing Parish Council, Adur and Worthing Councils, West Sussex County Council, Sir Robert Woodard Academy, the police and numerous other local organisations such as Keep Lancing Lovely and Men in Sheds to enable us to keep up to date with known local hot spots and individuals to look out for and engage with whilst out on detached. When appropriate, we signposted young people to other organisations or reported any concerns to the Contextual Safeguarding Coordinator for Adur and Worthing.
We encourage young people to take an active interest in their local community. Supported by our community partnership youth worker, young people have taken part in a number of community activities.
We partnered up with Esteem to carry out another intergenerational board game afternoon. We took part in the Easter, Autumn and Christmas Lancing Village Trails and LPC community Fayre and Adur’s Children and Young People's Networking event We also helped at the Space At The Table scheme and organised a family fun day with hot food over the summer school holiday.
Income
As the cost of living is increasing, so is the cost of providing our services. Whilst the majority of our funding is from the Lottery Community Fund. During 2024/25 we maintained developed our core youth services in accordance with the terms of the grant. However, we continued to apply for funding to fill other areas of our work and received grants from Adur Community Grant and Sussex Community Foundation. In January 2025, we were chosen by The Longshore, as their charity until April 2025 and a number of fundraising activities have taken place.
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Statement of Trustees’ Responsibilities
Law requires the Directors for the purposes of the Companies Act 2006, to prepare Financial Statements for each financial year, which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the Charitable Company and of the net incoming and outgoing resources of the Charitable Company for that period. In preparing those Financial Statements, the Directors are required to: -
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Select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently.
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Make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent; and
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Prepare the Financial Statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the Charitable Company will continue to operate.
The Directors are responsible for keeping proper accounting records which disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the Charitable Company and enable them to ensure that the Financial Statements comply with the Companies Act 2006. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the Charitable Company and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.
Constitution
The Company was incorporated on 21st August 2007 and registered with the Charity Commission on 9th October 2007 (registration number 1121106).
Objects
The objects of the Charitable Company are to advance life and relieve the needs of young people. This will be achieved by providing recreational and leisure time activities and support which aims to develop skills, capacities and capabilities to enable young people to participate in society as mature and responsible individuals. The charity will be promoting education and looking for ways to relieve unemployment. This is summed up in our mission statement “Supporting teenagers now, laying foundations for the future”.
Public Benefit
Electric Storm Youth Limited welcomes all young people (aged 11-19) on an equal opportunities basis (regardless of faith, gender or personal circumstances). We believe in encouraging young people to belong to a community by developing their self-confidence and helping them aspire to achieve in life.
Tangible fixed asset and depreciation
No tangible fixed assets are held which require depreciation.
Reserves Policy
As per the Electric Storm Youth Reserves Policy, we are holding 6 months of full running costs in reserve. This figure is reviewed annually at our yearly budget review.
Risk Management
The trustees are accountable under the Articles of Association, which incorporates company and charity law. The financial liability of individual members of the Charity is limited to the £1 membership contribution. The Directors will prepare and / or approve all relevant policies as becomes necessary as the charity achieves its objectives.
Appointment of Trustees
The Articles of Association provide for a minimum of two and no maximum number of Directors. Directors do not have a specified time-limit on their appointment.
This report has been prepared in accordance with the special provisions for small companies under Part 15 of the Companies Act 2006 and was approved by the Board of Directors on 27 November 2025.
Marion Peskett, Chair of Directors
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Company Information
Patron Mr Tim Loughton MP (until September 2024)
Directors Mrs Joy Hartley Mrs Sophie Kerr (from March 2025) Mrs Sylvia Knight Ms Sarah Owen (until September 2024) Dr David Peskett Mrs Marion Peskett Mr Ian Tout
Business Address 34 Seaside Avenue Lancing West Sussex BN15 8BY
Company Number 6349436
Charity Number 1121106
6
ELECTRIC STORM YOUTH LIMITED (a company limited by guarantee) Registration number 06349436 STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES (including income and expenditure account)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
| Unrestricted Note funds £ Incoming resources Incoming resources from generated funds Voluntary income Giving 2,279 Donations 2 1,067 Gift Aid Legacies 0 Activities for generating funds Fundraising events 21 Investments income Interest receivable 3,177 Incoming resources from charitable activities 3 46,210 Total incoming resources 52,754 Resources expended Charitable activities Youth work provision 216 Fundraising 0 Staffing Costs 31,337 Grant funding Office, printing, postage, stationery and phone 1,022 Training courses 1,472 Publicity, promotion and website 1,091 Travel and accommodation 6 Insurance 182 Shop 27,125 Business Development 4,630 Professional fees 200 Governance costs Legal registrations 13 Resources and administration 0 Total resources expended 67,294 Net incoming resources / (resources expended) -14,540 before transfers Transfer -14,540 Fund balances brought forward at 1 April 2024 8 60,770 Fund balances carried forward at 31 March 2025 46,230 |
Restricted funds £ 1,300 132,084 133,384 8,732 92,427 2,400 21,919 1,075 2,500 0 0 129,053 4,331 4,331 93,274 97,605 |
Total 2025 £ 2,279 2,367 0 0 21 3,177 178,294 186,138 8,948 0 123,764 2,400 22,941 1,472 2,166 6 2,682 27,125 4,630 200 13 0 196,347 -10,209 -10,209 154,044 |
Total 2024 £ 2,238 2,436 0 0 118 2,960 134,224 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 141,976 | |||
| 24,359 300 105,489 7,581 4,748 669 1,942 0 2,730 23,166 236 675 13 0 |
|||
| 171,908 | |||
| -29,932 | |||
| -29,932 183,976 |
|||
| 143,835 | 154,044 |
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ELECTRIC STORM YOUTH LIMITED (a company limited by guarantee) Registration number 06349436 BALANCE SHEET
AS AT 31 MARCH 2025
| 2025 | 2024 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| £ | £ | £ | £ | ||
| Fixed assets | |||||
| Tangible assets | 5 | 0 | 0 | ||
| Current assets | |||||
| Cash at bank and in hand | 143,835 | 154,044 | |||
| Debtors | 0 | ||||
| 143,835 | 154,044 | ||||
| Creditors: amounts falling due within one year | 6 | ||||
| Net current assets | 143,835 | 154,044 | |||
| Total assets less current liabilities | 143,835 | 154,044 | |||
| Net Assets | 143,835 | 154,044 | |||
| Represented by: | |||||
| Unrestricted funds | 7 | 46,230 | 3,529 | ||
| Restricted funds | 7 | 97,605 | 150,515 | ||
| Members' funds | 143,835 | 154,044 |
In approving these financial statements as directors of the company we hereby confirm:
a) that for the year stated above the company was entitled to the exemption conferred by Section 477 of the Companies Act 2006;
b) that no notice has been deposited at the registered office of the company pursuant to Section 476 requesting that an audit conducted for the year ended 31 March 2025; and
c) that we acknowledge our responsibilities for:
- 1) ensuring that the company keeps accounting records which comply with Section 386; and
2) preparing financial statements which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the company as at the end of the financial year and of its profit or loss for the year then ended in accordance with the requirements of Section 393 and which otherwise comply with the provisions of the Companies Act 2006 relating to financial statements, so far as applicable to the company.
These accounts have been prepared in accordance with the special provisions of Part 15 of the Companies Act 2006 relating to small companies and in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard for Smaller Entities (effective April 2008)
These financial statements were approved by the board and authorised for issue on 27 November 2025
Marion Peskett Chairman
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ELECTRIC STORM YOUTH LIMITED (a company limited by guarantee) Registration number 06349436 NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
1 Accounting policies
Basis of accounting
The financial statements have been prepared under the historical costs convention and in accordance with the Companies Act 2006 and in accordance with the Statement of Recommended Practice on Accounting and Reporting by Charities issued in March 2005.
Company status
The charity is a company limited by guarantee. In the events of the charity being wound up, the liability in respect of the guarantee is limited to £1 per member of the charity.
Fund accounting
Unrestricted funds are available for use at the discretion of the directors in furtherance of the general objectives of the charity and which have not been designated for other purposes.
Designated funds are unrestricted funds earmarked by the directors for particular purposes.
Restricted funds are subjected to specific restrictions on their expenditure imposed by the donors or through the terms of an appeal.
Incoming resources
Incoming resources are accounted for on an accruals basis, being mainly donated income.
Resources expended
Expenditure is recognised on an accruals basis as a liability is incurred. Expenditure includes any VAT which cannot be fully recovered, and is reported as part of the expenditure to which it relates.
Governance costs are those expended on the governance of the charity rather than those associated with the general running of fundraising activities.
Tangible fixed asset and depreciation
None
| 2 Donations Personal Donations Restricted Donations Legacies |
Total General 2025 £ £ 2,279 2,279 0 0 0 0 2,279 2,279 |
Total 2024 £ 5,311 0 8,993 |
|---|---|---|
| 14,304 |
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ELECTRIC STORM YOUTH LIMITED
(a company limited by guarantee)
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
3 Restricted Fund Incoming resources from charitable activities
| Grants Residentials National Lottery Community Fund Restricted fundraising |
General £ 16,278 0 115,806 0 132,084 |
Total 2025 £ 16,278 0 115,806 0 132,084 |
Total 2024 £ 18,990 430 47,523 0 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 66,943 |
4 Directors remuneration and expenses
No remuneration directly or indirectly out of funds of the charity was paid or payable for the year to any trustee or to any person known to be connected to them. The directors also acted as charity trustees during the year.
5 Fixed Assets
| Cost At 1 April 2024 Additions at cost At 31 March 2025 Depreciation At 1 April 2024 Depreciation charge At 31 March 2025 Net Book Value At 31 March 2024 At 31 March 2025 6 Creditors: amounts falling due within one year Other creditors 7 Analysis of net assets between funds Restricted funds Unrestricted Funds General |
- Tangible fixed assets 0 0 0 0 |
Sports equipment £ 0 0 - 0 0 - Net current assets 97,605 97,605 46,230 |
Computer equipment £ 0 0 0 - 0 0 0 - Total 2025 £ 0 0 Total 2025 97,605 97,605 46,230 143,835 |
Total £ 0 0 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | ||||
| 0 | ||||
| 0 | ||||
| - | ||||
| Total 2024 £ 0 |
||||
| 0 | ||||
| Total 2024 150,515 |
||||
| 150,515 | ||||
| 3,529 | ||||
| 143,835 | 154,044 |
8 Adjustment
An adjustment was made to the unrestricted funds held as a legacy of £57,000 received in May 2021 was previously listed as restricted when it was unrestricted but ringfenced by the trustees to protect key staff wages. The trustees agreed in October 2025 to lift the ringfence and adjust the totals held accordingly.
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Independent examiner's report on the accounts
Section A
Independent Examiner’s Report
Report to the trustees/ members of[Electric Storm Youth Limited]
31[st] March 2025 Charity no 1121106 On accounts for the year (if any) Company reg ended 06349436
Set out on pages 6 to 9
I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of the above charity (“the Trust”) for the year ended 31/03/2025
- Responsibilities and As the charity trustees of the Trust, you are responsible for the preparation basis of report of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 (“the Act”).
I 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, I have followed the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Act.
Independent I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have examiner's statement come to my attention in connection with the examination which gives me cause to believe that in, any material respect:
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accounting records were not kept in accordance with section 130 of the Act or
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the accounts do not accord with the accounting records
I 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.
Date: 18[th] September Signed: 2025 | Name: Rosanne Nulty CPFA; CMIIA. Relevant professional Chartered Institute of Public Finance & Accountancy - Full Member qualification(s) or body Institute of Internal Auditors - Full Member (if any): Address: 135 Stamford Road Kettering NN16 8YA
1
October 2018
IER
Section B Disclosure
Only complete if the examiner needs to highlight matters of concern (see CC32, Independent examination of charity accounts: directions and guidance for examiners).
Give here brief details of None any items that the examiner wishes to disclose .
2
October 2018
IER