Contents:
| Report Of The Trustees ..............................................4 | Report Of The Trustees ..............................................4 | Report Of The Trustees ..............................................4 |
|---|---|---|
| Introductory | Introductory Statements |
Statements ....................................7 |
| Charitable | Objectives | ............................................8 |
| Our Strategic Focuses |
...............................................9 | |
| Statement | Of Financial |
Activities .............19 |
| Balance Sheet ..............................................................20 |
||
| Notes To The Financial Statements ..........21 | Notes To The Financial Statements ..........21 | Notes To The Financial Statements ..........21 |
| Independent Examiners Report ....................................24 | Independent Examiners Report ....................................24 |
Administration Address
125 Kyverdale Road, London, N16 6PS
Highlights Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2024 Registered Charity Number: 1124382 (England and Wales)
people living in the area of benefit who have need by reason of their youth, age, infirmity or disability, poverty or social and economic circumstances with a view to improving the conditions of life of such persons.
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
The Trustees present their annual Report and Financial statements of the Charity for the Year Ending 31 December 2024
The Trustees in office during the year were Mrs C Lias, Mr A Taub, Mrs G Schonfeld and Mrs B Moskowitz
No Trustee nor any person connected with them received any remuneration during the year.
Reference And Administrative Information
Trustees Mrs C Lias Mr A Taub Mrs G Schonfeld Mrs B Moskovitz
Charity Number 1124382 Administration Address 125 Kyverdale Road , London, N16 6PS Bankers Barclays Bank PLC
Status and Administration
The Charity was Founded on 18 December 2007 and is registered with the Charity Commission
Charitable Objects
To act as a resource for young people up to the age of 19 years living in London boroughs of Hackney and Haringey by providing advice and assistance and organising weekly programmes and other functions of physical, educational and other activities as a means of
a) advancing in life and helping young people by developing their skills, capacities and capabilities to enable them to participate in society as independent, mature and responsible individuals.
b) advancing education and
d) to promote any other exclusively charitable objects and purposes such as the trustees see fit provided that they are regarded as charitable by the law of England and Wales. No trustee nor any person connected with them received any remuneration during the year.
Reserves Policy
The trustees aim to hold free reserves at a level sufficient to protect services and ensure adequate cashflow for the organisation’s needs.
Responsibilities of the Trustees
Charity Law requires the Trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the Charity as at the Balance sheet date, and of its incoming resources, including income and expenditure for the financial year.
In preparing those financial statements the Trustees should follow best practice and;
a. Select suitable accounting policies and apply them consistently
b. Make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent
c. Follow applicable accounting standards and the Charities SORP 2008, disclosing and explaining any departures in the financial statements
d. Prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to assume that the charity will continue in operation.
The Trustees are responsible for maintaining proper accounting records which disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charity, and to enable them as Trustees to ensure that the Financial Statements comply with Charity Law.
The Trustees are also responsible for safeguarding the charity’s assets and hence for taking reasonable steps for the detection of fraud and other irregularities.
Board of Trustees
The Members of the board are set out in Page 3
Approved by the Trustees of Highlights on 28 Feb 2025 and signed on behalf of all of them
c) providing recreational and leisure time activity in the interests of social welfare for
Mrs Chana Lias Trustee
4
5
2024 at Highlights:
Highlights is a grassroots organisation which aims to address the impacts of disadvantage and deprivation for Children and Young People (C&YP), and give them access to all the extracurricular opportunities they need and deserve. We want to give disadvantaged C&YP opportunities that will help them identify their strengths, believe in themselves, enjoy their childhood, and reach their potential.
Since our inception in 2008, we have been working to achieve these aims, building up a robust volunteer team, and offering a range of different projects during out-of-school and holiday times, to be there for C&YP at the times when they are most vulnerable, transforming these moments of challenge into moments of positive memories and emotional and physical wellbeing.
2024 has been an action-packed year at Highlights, continuing to run high quality services for a new generation of C&YP, ably led by many of our past Highlights alumni. The last period of time and the cost-of-living crisis has meant we are actively being called upon to meet even more C&YP's needs, as they grapple with the challenges of disadvantage in physical and emotional arenas. Bearing this in mind, we are continuing to provide group support for C&YP throughout the year, where they can express themselves, verbally and through many art forms, whilst being amongst peers and volunteers who deeply understand their struggles. These are taking place in the context of our weekly weekend groups, where we run fun activities, talent development projects, and opportunities for skills development and outlet.
disadvantaged C&YP got to leave their small, crowded homes and enjoy a summer in the breadth and beauty of the countryside.
Our young volunteers leading this project, all past alumni of Highlights, experienced an exciting and educational overnight residential training, gaining invaluable people skills, strong relationships with each other, and a head start for their future careers. What better way to benefit our community than to create strong leaders who are able to show empathy and resilience, giving back what they once gained?
We can only hope to build on the past year of success, giving each of our C&YP the best start they can have in life.
Gittel Schonfeld Trustee
We also arranged several outings and social activities over the course of the school holidays, and a major summer holiday residential trip where
7
6
Charitable Objectives
The trustees confirm that when reviewing the charity’s aims and objectives and in the planning of activities, they have paid due regard to the Charity Commission’s Public Benefit statement.
Our Mission
To ease disadvantage by helping C&YP achieve their potential, despite the challenges they face. To provide disadvantaged C&YP with tools, life skills and opportunities, empowering them to become confident, competent and resilient adults . L
Charitable Objects
[1] to act as a resource for disadvantaged young people up to the age of Z 19 years living in London boroughs of Hackney and Haringey by providing advice and assistance and organising weekly programs and other functions of physical, educational and social activities as a means of:
a) advancing in life - helping young people by developing their skills, capacities and capabilities to enable them to participate in society as independent, selfactualised individuals.
b) advancing education.
c ) providing recreational and leisure time activity in the interests of social welfare for people living in the area of benefit who have need by reason of their youth, poverty or social and economic circumstances, with a view to improving the conditions of life of such persons.
[2] the promotion of any other exclusively charitable objects and purposes such as the trustees see fit provided that they are regarded as charitable by the law of England and Wales.
Our Strategic Focuses
Recreational Skills Emotional Our Opportunities & Talents Support Leaders
Impact in Numbers
Recreational Opportunities
250 5 9.3 46% Beneficiaries Programs Rating percentage of expenditure Skills and Talents %oy [ae@ * @ 200 2 9.7 22% Beneficiaries Programs Rating percentage of expenditure Emotional Support %QD -_@ * @ 185 2 9.4 22% Beneficiaries Program Rating percentage of expenditure Our Leaders QD = 35 2 9.8 10% Beneficiaries Programs Rating percentage of expenditure
8
9
Our Strategic Aims o
Trips and Holidays
To provide disadvantaged C&P with healthy and active recreational opportunities.
Structured play and healthy outlets are vitally important to children’s development. Yet disadvantaged C&YP miss out on opportunities for outlet and recreation their peers take for granted. We provide youth groups, clubs, outings, and holiday camps to give these children the wholesome, fun activities and the healthy social interactions they crave, in a secure environment
I often see the advertisements of wall climbing and go trek when I was out with my mother, it looked so exciting and wished I also would be able to go. My best day was when highlights advertised that we will be going on such a trip! I was the luckiest girl in the world!!
Kammy age 13
“The summer sleepaway is what I look forward to all year. It’s an amazing combination of making new friends getting nutritious food and fun activities, as well as exciting daily outings all packed into the 2 weeks set in such beautiful countryside” Rebecca Age 16 ee aa ee “Snow tubing is my favourite activity, it’s fun, healthy and a great way to make : A - new friends! We were ate we y so lucky to go on such Ys a trip”. Gitty age 12
4 Winter holiday trips 6 Half term trips 1 Summer holiday residential
10
11
Show and Sports
To provide programs, clubs and performances for C&YP to discover and develop talents, skills and abilities.
C&YP experiencing disadvantage and deprivation are often not aware of their own latent talents and the strengths they have within. They cannot afford specialty skills classes or courses. With our popular talent and performance project C&YP discover and develop their talent and skills in a variety of fields like singing and drama. Our sports clubs and tournaments help C&YP develop motor skills and aptitudes for sports. Working together and reaching goals through these projects, gives C&YP all-important soft skills, like team work and social skills, too.
“The thought of attending a club and performing on stage is every child’s dream and was my dream since I was really little, I am so excited to be old enough to join this year and can’t wait to be part of it!” Chani, age 14
“Seeing my students perform on stage is a most welcome sight! It brings them out in many ways a classroom can’t and gives them valuable tools for life! A teacher
Variety of TALENTS AND SKILLS : dance, drama, singing, ART and design, EXERCISE , aerobics, running, netball, SOCIAL SKILLS
12 gdh
- Vig Bs rs 13
Emotional Support
To provide empathic and attuned support for C&YP struggling emotionally.
Disadvantaged C&YP are not mentally ill. But their challenges, if left to fester, can certainly cause mental health strain and even illness. Our trained and dedicated staff and volunteers are here to help alleviate the stress, anxiety and fear that many C&YP struggle with, throughout childhood. We give C&YP healthy outlets and a consistent safe place, volunteers who are trained to listen and guide, helping them to keep going with a lighter load. In situations where more emotional/mental health help is required, volunteers refer the case to staff, who liaise with local welfare groups and the health authorities to ensure C&YP’s safety.
WEEKLY youth groups with CIRCLE time, discussion and sharing.
ONE-ON-ONE support, enabling very challenged children to be part too, by giving them a DEDICATED KEY WORKER.
“The weekly groups are where I absolutely love being, school is so hard for me, at home my mother is busy and here I feel the leaders have time to listen and understand me and they really get me! ”.
Eva age 14
“My leaders are the most amazing people on the world! They think so much of us and give us the tools to be able to navigate the world around us!! They are the best!! ” Malka Age 15
“The most amazing part of Highlights is that they bring together young adults in a safe environment where we gain many valuable skills and have fun at the same time!! ”
Sara age 14
14
15
Our Leaders
To empower and advance our leaders through giving them the skills, qualifications and experience, to further their careers/employment opportunities.
After 16 years of operation, we are lucky enough to see the fruits of our labour in our volunteers! These YP were beneficiaries of Highlights earlier programs, and now have come back with their unique vantage of empathy, to help others on this challenging path. We recognize that these talented and dedicated YP also come from disadvantage, and would like to give them the surest start to their employment. Through training and encouraging our volunteers, as well as facilitating practical workshops to boost their skills, we can help our leaders to become independent, capable people, who are as employable as they deserve to be.
“Being a youth leader is a small way in which I can give back to the community. I want to give the children a great time where they can expand their horizons and explore the world around them in a calm, supporting environment!”. Simi age 18
“Being part of this amazing project is the best investment I’ve made. We are given lots of resources and guidance which help us now and will definitely help us later on as community members and as employees. ”. Rachel age 17
Volunteers training retreat.
Volunteers yearlong programme of self-development
16
17
Our Plans for the Future
In the coming year, we aim to continue to support vulnerable C&YP in the way we do best - through weekend youth groups, outings, winter and summer holiday support, and our expressive arts projects. We aim to use past feedback of our projects to create even stronger projects, which continue to meet the evolving needs of our C&YP, growing even further as an organisation, with new members, and new activities.
Knowing the importance of mental health awareness and education, we’re aiming for increased psycho-education and communication with parents through regular newsletters and opportunities for feedback, and increased communication with local schools who can help us identify the needs of our current users. We believe that working alongside other organisations helps us learn and grow, and we will continue to nurture these relationships, and provide C&YP with what they deserve.
Statement Of Financial Activities For the year ended 31 December 2024
| Note | Unrestricted | Restricted | Total | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Funds | Funds | ||||
| 2024 | 2024 | 2024 | 2023 | ||
| £ | £ | £ | £ | ||
| Income and Expenditure | |||||
| Grants and Donations | 2 | 33,362 | 58,170 | 91,532 | 85,688 |
| 33,362 | 58,170 | 91,532 | 85,688 | ||
| Resources Expended | |||||
| Direct Charitable Expenditure | 3 | 19,337 | 58,170 | 77,507 | 72,909 |
| Support Costs | 8,171 | - | 8,171 | 18,036 | |
| Governance Costs | |||||
| Accountancy | 500 | - | 500 | 500 | |
| Total Resources Expended | 28,008 | 58,170 | 86,178 | 91,445 | |
| Net Income Reserves for Year | 5,354 | - | 5,354 | (5,757) | |
| Net Movement in Funds | 5,354 | - | 5,354 | (5,757) | |
| Balance Brouught Forward | (468) | - | (468) | 5289 | |
| Balance Carried Forward | 4,886 | - | 4,886 | (468) |
The notes form part of these accounts.
18
19
Balance Sheet
Balance Sheet 31 December 2024
| Note | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2023 | |||
| £ | £ | |||
| Current Assets | ||||
| Bank | 5,386 | 532 | ||
| Creditors | 4 | 500 | 1,000 | |
| Nett Current Assets | 4,886 | (468) | ||
| Total Assets Less Current Liabilties | 4,886 | (468) | ||
| Represented by: | ||||
| Restricted Funds | - | - | ||
| Unrestricted Funds | 4,886 | (468) | ||
| 4,886 | (468) |
The Financial Statements were approved by the Trustees on 28 February 2025 And signed on its behalf by
Notes to the Financial Statements For the year 31 December 2024
1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES
a. The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention in accordance with applicable accounting standards and follow the
recommendations in Statement of Recommended Practice; Accounting and Reporting by Charities (SORP) 2005.
b. Voluntary income is received by way of donations and gifts and is included gross in the Statement of Financial Activities. All incoming resources are included in the SOFA when the charity is legally entitled to the income. Tax due back on gift aid receipts is included.
c. Unrestricted funds are donations and other income received or generated for the objects of the charity without further specified purposes.
d. Management and administration costs of the charity relate to the central costs of management including the costs of meetings, independent examination of the financial statements and statutory compliance.
2. TAXATION
The trust is a registered charity and accordingly is exempt from taxation on its income and gains where they are applied for charitable purposes.
3. STAFF COSTS
No remuneration was paid to the trustees in the year. The charity employed one staff member during the year.
Mrs.Chana Lias Trustee
The notes form part of these accounts.
20
21
Notes to the Financial Statements Notes to the Financial Statements For the year 31 December 2024 For the year 31 December 2024
3 Analysis of Total Resources Expended
Notes to the Accounts
1. Principal accounting policies Basis of Accounting
The accounts have been prepared under the historical cost convention in accordance with the Charities Act (Account 2005, and the Financial Reporting Standard for Smaller Entities (effective April 2008) and follow the recommendation and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice (Issued October 2005 and revised May 20
2. Grants and Donations Received
[Only Grants and Donations > £1000 delineated here]
| 2024 | 2024 | 2024 | 2023 | 2023 | 2 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| £ | £ | £ | £ | £ | ||
| Donations Received | 33,362.00 | 1,100.00 | 34,462.00 | 36,381.00 | 3,077.00 | |
| Awards 4 All | 20,000.00 | 20,000.00 | ||||
| Brother Jonathan Boots Charitable Trust |
1,500.00 8,500.00 |
1,500.00 8,500.00 |
||||
| Hobson Charity | 1,600.00 | 1,600.00 | - | |||
| Invesco Cares | 3,000.00 | 3,000.00 | - | |||
| Jewish Childrens Holiday Fund | 5,000.00 | 5,000.00 | 2,500.00 | |||
| Jewish Childs Day | 3,000.00 | 3,000.00 | 3,000.00 | |||
| Johnnie Johnson Trust | 5,000.00 | 5,000.00 | - | |||
| LB Hackney Peoples Health Trust |
4,990.00 1,980.00 |
4,990.00 1,980.00 |
17,820.00 | |||
| POM Charitable Trust | - | - | 5,000.00 | |||
| The Rosa Fund | - | - | 4,850.00 | |||
| The Crowdfunder | - | - | 3,260.00 | |||
| The London Community Fund | - | - | 9,800.00 | |||
| The Schreier Foundation | 2,500.00 | 2,500.00 | - | |||
| 33,362.00 | 58,170.00 | 91,532.00 | 36,381.00 | 49,307.00 |
Charitable Activities
| Charitable Activities | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2024 | 2024 | 2023 | 2023 | 2023 | |
| Cost of Activities | £ | £ | £ | £ | £ | £ |
| in Furtherance | ||||||
| of the Charity's Objects | Unrestricted | Restricted | Total | Unrestricted | Restricted | Total |
| Funds | Funds | Funds | Funds | |||
| Holiday Projects | 8,517 | 29,700 | 38,217 | 11,434 | 23,000 | 34,434 |
| Project Management | - | 6,000 | 6,000 | 5,100 | 651 | 5,751 |
| Show Performance | 5,915 | 5,000 | 10,915 | 2,815 | 6,500 | 9,315 |
| Volunteers Training and | 91 | 3,500 | 3,591 | 2,755 | 1,836 | 4,591 |
| Programmes | - | |||||
| Youth Club Projects | 4,814 | 13,670 | 18,484 | 1,498 | 17,320 | 18,818 |
| Total Cost of Furtherance | 19,337 | 57,870 | 77,207 | 23,602 | 49,307 | 72,909 |
| of Charitable Objects | ||||||
| Support Costs | ||||||
| Advertising | 300 | 300 | 534 | - | 534 | |
| Cost of Generating Funds | 3719 | 3,719 | 3740 | 3,740 | ||
| Charity Donations | - | - | 202 | - | 202 | |
| Consultancy | 275 | 275 | 4823 | - | 4,823 | |
| Office Costs | 471 | 471 | 2238 | - | 2,238 | |
| - | - | - | ||||
| Administration Costs | 3706 | 3,706 | 6500 | 6,500 | ||
| Total Support Costs | 8,471 | - | 8,471 | 18,037 | - | 18,037 |
| Governance Costs | ||||||
| Accountancy Fees | 500 | - | 500 | 500 | - | 500 |
| Furtherance of | 28,308 | 57,870 | 86,178 | 42,139 | 49,307 | 91,446 |
| Charitable Objects | ||||||
| 4 Creditors and Accruals | Creditors and Accruals |
2024 2023 £ £ 500 1000
22
23
Independent Examiner’s Report to the Trustees of Highlights
We report on the financial statements of Highlights for the Year Ending 31 December 2024
Respective Responsibilities of Trustees and Reporting Accountants The Trustees of the charity are responsible for the preparation of the accounts, and they consider the audit requirement of section 144 of the Charities Act 2011 (The Act) does not apply. It is our responsibility to state, on the basis of the procedures specified in the General Directions given by the Charity Commissioners under section 249 of the Act, whether particular matters have come to our attention.
Basis of Independent Examiners Report
Our Examination was carried out in accordance with the General Directions given by the Charity Commission.
Opinion
In our opinion, no matter has come to our attention;
-
1) Which gives us reasonable cause to believe that, in any material respect, the requirements a) To keep accounting records in accordance with section 130 of the act, and b) To prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records and to comply with the accounting requirements of the 2011 Act have not been met; or
-
2) To which, in our opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable understanding of the accounts to be reached.
Reporting Examiner
Naphtolie Padwa 39 Watermint Quay London
N16 6DN
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 the trustees concerning any such matters.
These procedures provide only the assurance expressed in our opinion. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit and consequently we do not express an audit opinion on the view given by the accounts.
Dated 28 February 2025
24
25
THANK YOU
To the following funders who have enabled us to keep going with our work for disadvantaged children and young people in 2024:
Awards 4 All Brother Jonathan Boots Charitable Trust Hobson Charity Invesco Cares Jewish Childrens Holiday Fund Jewish Childs Day Johnnie Johnson Trust LB Hackney Peoples Health Trust
26
27