2025-03-31-accounts

Company registration nurnbor 06944317 (England and Wales) Charlty reglstratlon number 1135949 (England and Walas) BLACKBURN YOUTH ZONE ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

BLACKBURN YOUTH ZONE LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION Trustees W Awild (Chairman) RT Hon J W Straw A H Graham K D Robinson ELSwan A S Sidat P Skupski J Bales JHLamb M A Kelly M Dixon (Appolnted 23 May 2024) (Appointed 23 May 2024) (Appointed 15 May 2025) (Appointed 25 Sèptember 2025) Senior management Leon Crosby Chlef Executive Officer Charity number {England and Wales) 1135949 Company number 06944317 Registored office Jubilee Street Blackburn Lancashire BB1 1EP Auditor DonnellyBentley Ltd Hazlemere 70 Chorley New Road Bolton Lancashire BL14BY Bankers HSBC Bank plc 60 Church Street Blackbum Lancashire BB15AS

BLACKBURN YOUTH ZONE CONTENTS Page CEO'S statement Trustees, report (induding Directors, Report and Strategic Report) 3-28 Statement of trustees, responsibilities 29 Independent auditorfs report 30-32 statement of financial activities (including Incom8 and Expenditure Account) 33 Balance sheet Statement of cash flows 35 Notes to the financial statements 36-51

BLACKBURN YOUTH ZONE CEO'S STATEMENT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 Thls year marks a powerful milestone in our journey. For almost 13 years, Blackburn and Da￿en YoLrth Zone has stood strong, a safe space and a second home for thousands of young people. Today, we're proud to be in the healthiest position since opening our doors and ev8n prouder lo have opened The Fusebox, the latest chapter in our story. The Youth Zone has always been more than just a building. It's a movement. A movement rooted in the belief that every young person deserves opportunities. connection, and hope. And as we look to the future. we do so with the same conviction: to seNe not just today's gen8ration. but the next 50 years of young people too. The Fusebox embodies that promise. Once a powerhouse that lit up Blackburn with electricty in the 1800s. the Space has been rebom as a learning and enrichment centre that sparks possibilities for young people today. Open seven days a week. all year round. it offers a bespoke employabiliiy hub, a Maker Zone for digital creation. a textiles and arts room, training spaces featuring slale-of-the-art digital technology, and a fully restored music and production studio. sin￿ opening in April, young people have filled Ihe building with energy. creativity. and ambition, giving us record-breaking attendance month after month. Proof that when we invest in their futures, they show up and challenge the status quo 'young people of ti)day remain in their bedroom. victim to the phone,. We're deeply grateful to the DCMS Youth Investment Fund and the National Lott9ry Herltage Fund, whose generoslty of over £3m helped turn our dream into reality. Beyond the building, our work is rea¢hing further than 8ver before. The launch of our Youth Work Bus, reimagined mobile youth club. with the primary alm of breaking down barriers for young people who can't always make it to the Youth Zone. Each week, over 100 young peoplè stap aboard, finding friendship, support, and opportunty right on their doorstep. In bright orange, the bus Is more than transport, it's a beacon of community spirit and hope. Our heartfelt thanks go to the WM & BW Lloyd Charity Trust for making this possible. None of this would happen without our incredible patrons. Despite the economic challenges busingsses face, 78 local companies have stayed committed to our mission. with more joining us this year. In times when charitable giving could so easily be ¢ut, their unwavering support shows the belief they have in what we do- changing lives, one young person at a time. Working hand in hand with BWD Council. w8've also strengthened our stewardship through the new Business Ne￿ork s¢hem8 {fomierly The HIVE). Together, wé're connecting businesses, celebrating local succéss, and ensuring opportunitses are shared across our community. We're proud to call BWD Council 8 true ally in this journey. And we're not slopping here. While it would be easy to rest after such a year of growth. we know young people need us more than ever. That's why, in partnership wilh BWD Council. we're creating a new home in Darwen. Knott St￿et Youth Club is undergoing a £4m redevelopment to tnatch the aspiration, energy. and world-class facilities of Blackburn Youth Zone. When it opens in January 2026. young people in Darwen will have a space built for them, with them. and about them. Finally, on a personal note. I want to pay tribute to Hannah Allen. who led the Youth Zone with passion and determination for nearly a decade. Being a CEO in the third sector is no small task. You carry the weight of delivering business goals while slaying true to a noble cause. Every day, you know that over 5,000 young people and more than 90 staff are relying on you. That responsibility is both humbling and relentless. Hannah rose to that challenge time and again. She not only kept the organisation strong through some of its most testing times, she leaves it in the best place it has ever been. And thal. ultirnately. is the mark of a true leader. to leave behind an organisation stronger than you found it. Finally and most importantly, l also want to exiend my deepesl thanks to the incredible team and trustees at BlackbLJm & Darwen Youth Zone. Too often, they are the unsung heroes and the ones who pour in the late nighls, the energy. the creativity. and yes, sometimes the sacrifiGe5, to make Sure young people have the opportunities th8y deseN8. Their blood. sweat and tears are the heartbeat of this flagship charity, and I could not be prouder to stand alongside Ihem as we continue building a brighter future for our young people.

BLACKBURN YOUTH ZONE CEO'S STATEMENT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 Leon Crosby Chlef Executlve Officer l.£.l..l.l./.z Date: ..

BLACKBURN YOUTH ZONE TRUSTEES. REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS. REPORT AND STRATEGIC REPORT) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 The trustees present their annual report and financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2025. The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out in note 1 to the financial statements and comply with the charit￿5 goveming document, the Companies Act 2006. FRS 102 Yhe Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland" and the Charities SORP "Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordan￿ with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland {FRS 102)". The trustees. who are also the directors for the purpose of company law, and who served during the year and up lo the date of signature of the financial statements were.. W A Wild {Chaimian) RT Hon J W Straw A H Graham K D Robinson ELSwan AS Sidat P Skupski J Bates JHLamb M J Saxton P M Mellor J Carson M A Kelly D Park M Dixon (Appointed 23 May 2024) (Appointed 23 May 2024) (Réslgned 1 AprS12025) (R8sign8d 1 April 2025) (Resigned 24 May 2024) (Appointed 15 May 2025) (Resigned 1 April 2025) (Appointed 25 September 2025) Blaekburn & Darwèn Youth Zone Objactlvas Blackbum Youth Zone's objectiv8s ar8 to help educate children and young people resldent in the North West of England through their leisure time activities. Blackbum & Darwen YoLrth Zone does this by promoting their physical. mental and spiritual potential so that they may grow to full malurity as individuals and membérs of soclety. The Trustees have given due consideration to the Charlty Commission published guidance on the operation of th6 public benefit requirement and are satisfied that thls requirement is met by carrying out the activities described in this report. Strateglc Parameters In January 2023, we commenced a root and branch review of our organisation in preparation for the next d8cade. We consulted widely with young people. our people, parents. patrons. partners and mernbers of our communities. Together. we agreed on the following strategic parameters: Our Purpose- To provide a safe environment for all young people lo Ihrive and reach their full potential. Our Vislon: For all young people to be safe. healthy and happy. Our Prlorltles Ona: Place young people at the heart of our delivery & decision-making Two: Extending our reach and inffluence into the wider community Three: Investing in the Workforce of the Future Four: Strengthening Partnerships for Enhanced Servlces Flve: Sustainability 8nd Long-Term Impact Six: Revitalising Spaces and Services

BLACKBURN YOUTH ZONE TRUSTEES. REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS, REPORT AND STRATEGIC REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 Our Values Our Values, developed alongslde our young people and team members in 2017, still guide how we support each other, our wider community. partners and other stskeholders. These we express as our H.E.A.R.T. Valu8S. Honesty is the best policy Excellence is learned through experience Accountsblllty Is dolng whatever is right Respect should be universal Teamwork makes the dream work These values encapsulate the ethos of Blackburn & Darwen Youth Zone, reflectlng not only the asplrations of our organisation but also the enduring legacy of those who have contrlbuted to our journey. Our Strategic Pillars Our work is built on three strategic pillars, which have guided our hand over the last decade. They have enabled us to focus on the central aspects of our Movement that do not Vary, irrespective of the programme, project or initiative. These are.. Health & well-being Social integration Aspirations, skills and employability Our Dellvery Model Our brand of youth work is predlcated on personal development through informal education. Even In a play envlronment. we believe that 8very young person can leam from theSr èxperiences and aim to provide a surplus of opportunitles for youns people. Over the past year we have d8V8Iop8d the seven youth work strands whlch drive our service offer in linè wlth our engagement model of Try, Traln, Team, and Teach. The "Try, Train, Team, Teach. approach allow$ our young people to experlence many new activities for the first time. For those actlvities thal prove popular. we codesign a training programme alongside young peopl8s' aspirations and help them develop hard {teGhnical) and soft skills (life skills.) If there Is suificlent demand and ambition, we then progress to a formal Team approach through a club. team or initiative. which allows our young peop161o develop their social. emots'onal and te¢hniGal life skllls. A small proportlon take the activity to the n8Xt18V81 and seek a qualification in the discipline. This approach accelerates leaming and provid8s opportunitles for essential life skills to fom part of a young person's unconscious comp8tence.

BLACKBURN YOUTH ZONE TRUSTEES. REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS, REPORT AND STRATEGIC REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 Our Year In Numbors Below is a summary of our delivery outputs. These are contextualised in the section 'Dèlivering our Services,. Data Type Volume Explanatlon Members 5.614 his comptises 2.203 Minis & Juniors15-7 & 8-12) and 3,411 Yc 13-18.) Out of the 5,614 members, 4,7101830/0} are conside ctive 13 or more visils within 90 days) and 4,072 {7201.) 1 eanin ful engagements. oung people 13-18 who have completed the Young Lea ramme across both our Blackburn and Darwen sites. olunteer hours in youth work andlor community based se oles. omprising of all Volunteering Streams (Corporate, Volunteer. lacement, and Youn Leaders hese are made up from Arts Awards. Young Leaders Total number of Young Leader hours 476 All volunteer hours 4,196 Qualrfications AQA. DofE and Spo Level 1 Average hours of setvlce per week 146 102 Representing delivery hours across our two sites in th8 town¢ Blackburn153 and Darwen his represenls the number of engagements by young peoplÉ uestionnaires, consultations and focus groups. 11 also inclui e¢ision-maklng sessions d8llv8r8d through our Youth Vc roups. his includes activlties from every youth work strand and inclui 4/0 of our members. hese are engagements of young people in toplc-based sessii cross all provisions. These are planned on a needslask basis. he young people 11-18, who gavè thelr tlme this year ommunit pro ects and Youth Zon8 events. ower due to building capacty durlng rènovations at BYZ. I ncludes sessions in Blackbum and DapNen, onsite and detach utreach. he number of young people who visited us on ten sepal ccasions or mor8. 10/0 of membership - lower due to r8POrt filler changing Youth consultation 7,840 Young people trying something new 3.616 Informal education sessions 3,624 Young volunteers 88 Av8rag8 attendance per V￿ek 1,304 Young people attending ten or mor sessions durin the year Members who identify as Girl o Woman Members who identi as Bo or Man Members who self identifylolher and refer not to sa Metnbers wilh a gender but no gende identity 1,225 1.720 2,620 21 6.kn of membershi lo￿ of membership 1.253 20/0 of membership - Due to report filler change. these need to hanged manually or when members renew (this is currently bE orked on and will catch u when renewals are made . 53 /0 - reflective of the borou h demo cross both sites - lower due to buildin cross both sites Representing 19Yo of our membership Ethnic minorities Number of visits this year New members 2024125 Members with a disability or specia educational need Members receiving free school meals Members from top 100/0 of the mos de rived wards in En land Members living in the top S deprive borou h wards 2,984 66,146 1A94 924 2.722 2,223 80/0 of membership 9 /• of membership 2,863 10/0 of rnemb8rship

BLACKBURN YOUTH ZONE TRUSTEES. REPORT {INCLUDING DIRECTORS. REPORT AND STRATEGIC REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 Dellvorlng Our Servlcos - Activlties, Programmes & Inltlatlvès Blackburn & DaNen Youth Zone (the brand identity used for the registered charity 1135949 Blackburn Youth Zone) now operates from two sites and across the borough in detached and outreach settings. The largest of these Iwo venues is on Jubilee Street, Blackbum. which houses, across three Iloors, a wide range of youth facilities. The second. in the town of Darwen. is located in a temporary space which houses, across Iwo floors. a range of youth programming spaces. Irrespective of the location from which our ServI￿S operate. we provide high-qualty youth facilities across our 7 Youth Work Strands. These indude: Sports and Physical Aclivity (Next Level. T8AF, 6 Golden Sports} The Arts (Makerzone, Performance, Making. Music) Diversity (Diversity Zone- SEND, Allsorts- LGBTQ+ supports) Aspirations. Skills and Employability (Youth Hub: World of Work) Emotional Health & Wellbeing {Wellness Zone and Targeted Twilight) Cyber & Tech (Cyber Zone-Al, Cyber, Tech Zone-ESports) Outreach (Street Zon8, Community Zone, Enrichment Zone) Access to our venues and services is provided free of Charge. Every young person and member of our youih work teams is provided with a free, hot. nutritious meal at every visit. This indudes detached and outreach, where nutritious snacks are distribut8d alongside healthy drink options (Hot drinks in winter). Our thr88 pillars of social integration, health and wellbelng and aspirations, skills and employability pem)eate our programmes and activilies. We are heavily influenced by the national levelling up agenda and are committed to providing our young people wlth every opportunity afforded to their more affluent peers across the UK. proving that postcode doesn't det8rmin8 success. This year, we have seen even more young people accesslng our seNices. projects and programmes and now have a record number of 5,614 members. We welcome an average of 1.304 young people per week, 52 weeks a year, across our two sites and detached and outreath provisions. Youth Zones across the UK hlstorically focus their youth services around a universal offer. We are similar In thls regard, but we also provide targeted services for young people who require an elevated level of support. particularly around emotional health and wellbeing issues. Our Seven Youth Work Strands are a useful reference to view both our universal. outreach and targeted offers over the lasi year. Below is a snapshot of the strands and activities offered within them. Sports and Physlcal Activity We are commiited to delivering 8 vibrant sports and physical activity offer directed and supported by our young people. We are keen for young people to have the opportunity to try as many activities as possible. and this is ntral to our Try, Train, Team, Teach methodology. Our sports programme. titled -Next Level Sports., funded through the generosity of Gordon Taylor. enables young people to live healthier. more prosperous lives through the power of sports and physical activity and for Ihem lo strive for their°Next Level.. The three primary aims have been Gore to our sports offer this year.. Introducing more sports opportunities (climbing wall. dodgeball, etc.) Increase Train and Team offers amongst Nexi Level Sports Increase Darwen Sports Offering Young people have told us that football, boxing. cricket. badminton. gym, climbing, and basketball are their chosen sports (We temi these 'Golden sports'}. We have plans to develop an academy approach around these as we go forward while increasing targeted programming, making Next Level Sports accessible to all. As we continue to progress l¢)wards an academy, below is a summary of the progress we've made around sports and physical activty in gen8ral over the last 12 months.

BLACKBURN YOUTH ZONE TRUSTEES. REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS, REPORT AND STRATEGIC REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 Sports and Physlcal Actlvlty {contlnued) ctivities Offered 2024-2025 limbing Wall Badminton olleyball ycling Mixed Martial Art Dance Fitness lub Nelball ce skating ootball pen Gym11:1 PT oxin Dance ricket Bootcampsl Assaul ourses Inter-youth Zon asketball Hockey elf-Defence Glow in the Da odgeball Darwen Football Sesslons: Utilising DACAS football pitch. we introduced Junior and Youth Football try and train Sessions Basketball Team Sesslons: Over the past year we have seen an increased intérest in Basketball across our Blackbum location, ultimately leading to the creation of a team, which competed against different youlh zones across the county, even securing a few victories along the way. Manchester Unlted Toumament: Onside hosted a football toumament at Manchester United where our Junior and Youth Football teams competed with Youth Zones across the country, wilh both teams securing first place in the toumament. ulck Quote: "We are really proud of what we can achieve through the power of sports at Blackbum & Darwen Yout onè. Among its many succ8SS Stories is Aaron, a young boxer who, through thè support and motivatio Youth Zone staff 8nd coaches, has risen from novice to national and intemational champion an ecently earning a spot on Tèam G8" Shaun Literland, Technique ABC Partnershlps: In 2024, we had the ablllty to work with multiple partnership agencies. trusts, and foundations. These included.. Sports Legends: A pilot programme, funded by Hargreaves Foundation, where young people aged 13-18 who are excluded or at risk of exclusion. took part in leaming life skills through sports. This pilot has been deemed successfvl, with young people leaving the programme with qualifications and progressing to positive destinations. Blackburn Rovers: This partnership has led to youth training sessions for both genders for young people aged 13- 18. The female team played in community football toumaments against professional communty trusts and we aim to only increase this participation on both teams. Blackburn Rovers Women's Team: Our Junior Girls Football team had the opportunity to walk OLrt with The Blackburn Rovers Women's Team alongside seNing as ball girfs for the game. Tauheedul Boys and Empire Fighting Chance: Boxing is extremely popular with our young people, and Empire Fighting Chance is a non<ontact form of the sport that achieves the same results of self-discipline and hard work. Tauheedul Boys is a high-perfomiing school. and we have worked closely with Ihem to enable their young men to explore their feelings. This includes how they see themselves developing towards adutthood and plan to contribute positively to society. Female Only Boxing: Through our partnership with Technique Boxing. we led a weekly session exclusively for girls aged 8-12. These sessions were extremely popular, promoting female empowerment across our boxing programmes. Blackburn Hawks: A connection was ￿eated with a 4-week pllot programme to Introdu￿ Hockey to the Youth Zone and succèssfLfrlly cr8ated a partnership moving forward; this has led to one member belng asked to train with the youth team at Blackbum Hawks.

BLACKBURN YOUTH ZONE TRUSTEES. REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS. REPORT AND STRATEGIC REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 Sports and Physlcal Aclivity (continued) ¢a$e Study- Ayana Ayana s first experience at the Youth Zone, she wouldn I leave her mother s sid8 and lacked confidence. When touring shé struck an interest in Netball, asking lo join in on the session. In her firsl session, she wa timid and didny move much during the game. Over th& néxt few weeks, staff wort(ed wilh her to build her conftiyence up, even pairing her with an exp&ri8nced young person on the Netball t8am. Through the programme. she made new friends, improved her confidence. and her hand*ye coordination, passing, catching, and shooting. After accessing our 6 week Netball programme, she signed up for another 6-week programme leaming rock climbing. Taking what she leamed from Netball, she engaged in conversations ￿"th harpeers, while challenging herself to leam new skills and push herself to do more and be more in her climbing joumey. Since completing both programmes, she has continued lo wgn up for more sessions. She has changed from shy and fearful walking into sessions to now confident in trying new things. "Her change in confidence and how she presents herself have been noticeablè. l am vary grateful to everyone at Blackbum and Darnen Youth Zone for supporting h&r.-.A ana s Mum ttendanee: Numbèr of young people who attendod sports .826 ngagemonts: Number f ovorall Interactlons 6,627 En ements: T Engagemènts: Traln En ements: Team 6.817 ,380 1.430 The Arts Our Arts offer is rèpresented across three distinctly different programmes. These are Perfomiing Arts, Creative Arts and Digital Arts. Our young people are passionate about all genres of 'The Arts,, and we Intend to develop our programmes over the next period furth8r to give this youth work them8 great8r prominence in our offer. Our Maker Zone makes up a large portion of our Arts programming offering. The main goal of the Arts strand this year has been to increase performing arts and digital arts offers. This included the integration of W8 Are Noise's music programme lo Bla¢kbum al the end of the fiscal year, videography and Al sessions focused on creativity. ctfvitles Offered 2024-2025 ewellery Making h8ra eutic Drawin Precious Plastics omic Book Creation Bubble int akin Club reative Writing rum Machines 3D Diamond Art usic Perfomian ewin aser cuttln DJ Workshops Ear Tralnlng creen Prlntin In I Printing Cla Modelin Scrapbookin Drama Slime Makin Up-c cle worksho Henna Art ital Arts MusiG Production am)&nt Design

BLACKBURN YOUTH ZONE TRUSTEES. REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS. REPORT AND STRATEGIC REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 The Arts (continued) Breakthrough Podcast: In collaboration with We Are Noise. our Darwen youth session hosled a podcast during Children's Mental Health Week to share their thoughts and experFences regarding mental health. Lo￿1 Heroes Project: Young people designed and 3D printed their t)wn Funko Pop tharacters based on Ihe theme, °Local Heroes.. The Funko Pops were displayed in a gallery exhibibon at Danyen Library and highlighted through the Fèstival of Making. uick Quote I like art because art is a universal way to communicate and being a part of that is so meaningful, specially as a young person. Also being homeschooled allowed me lo pick up the skill and find enjoymen n it doing il al school aryam- 18 Partnorshlps: In 2024, we had the ablllty to work with multiple partnership agencies, trusts, and foundatlons. These included: Fostival Of Maklng: We again participated in the wonderful Festival of Making this year, invÉiing over 500 residents and young people to our space over thé we8kend of the Festival of Making. Working alongside a local artist, our young people declded to explore the art of fashion and how 'fast fashion, is such an Issue in lodals society. They also explored the effect of fashion on mental health, culture, sexuality and community togetherness. They planned and designed their art pieces for six wè8ks18adlng up to the festival. They made four distinctly dlffarent ouffits and plan to use them in a showcase at a fashion show later in Ihe year. Burberry Projeet: As part of this year's Burb8ry Inspire Project, we delivered 3 excltlng creative enterprise projects: Bright Sparks, Re Thread, and Waves. Bright Sparks focusèd on enterprise, giving young people the chance to explore making, budgetin9, and selling, They developad th8ir own products, learned how to manage costs. and gained handsryon experience, building valuable skills in both creativity and business. Re Thread centred around fashion and sustainabilty, encouraging participanls to upcycle clothing using waste and donated materials. They rèlmagined items with a focus on environmental responsibility and personal expression Ihrough design, sewing, and styling. Waves was our music project, where young people explored music production, DJing, singing. and developed their skills on various instruments. Whether they were stsrting out or building on existing experienc8, they had the opportunity to discover their musical identity, collaborate with others. and grow in confidgncè. This incredible work was brought together during our Fusebox launch event. wherè th8 young people proudly showcased their achievements. In the Maker Zone, one participanl hosted a stall displaying and selling pieces they had C￿ated throughout the year. including 3D-printed keyrings and jewellery. Beside the stall. a jacket upcyded during the Re Thread project was on display. while original music prOdU￿d by Waves participants played in the background. The event was a true celebration of creativity, enterprise. and lalenl. allowing our young people to share their joumey and take pride in their accomplishments. We Are Noise: 'We Are Noise,. our delivery partner in Darwen. delivered various music programmes four hours a night from Monday to Friday every week of Ihe year. Simple drop-in sessions are available. as well as tsrgeted engagement. subject-specific delivery and group practice. This provision offers the young people the opportunities to take part in a multitude of art practices. which include music production. recording, mixing, p8rforman(*, singing. rapping. Mc'ing. songwriting. drumming, guitaring, keyboards. DJing. PC gaming. video production. pt)dcasting. radio skills and photography. Young Voices Unlte: Alongside 'We Are Noise.. young people participaled in a 6 week journey of discovery, exploring music genres. and lyricism sessions to create musical pieces based on young people-18d concerns such as substance abuse, bullying and overcoming financial hurdles.

BLACKBURN YOUTH ZONE TRUSTEES. REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS. REPORT AND STRATEGIC REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 The Arts {continu8d) Impact Story: Meet Vie Vic, 7 7, has been a 818ckbum & Da￿an Youth Zone member since 2016 and is 8 passionatg singer with dreams of sharing her talent with th8 world. Initially shy and uncertain, Wic strugglgd with stage fright and self-doubt, finding it challenging to perform in front of others and often avoiding opportunities that pushed her out of her comfort zone. This lack of confidence also limited her ability lo fully express hers&lf in her inging. However, Ihe supportiv& environmenf al the Youth Zone became a tuming point in her journey. Th music facililies provided a safe space to practice and refine her talent, while th& dedicated and enGouraging music staff helped her build vocal strength through attending thé largéled Burbery sessions (Waves) that introduced her to vocal exercises, perfomiance techniques, and opportunities to perform for mall, supportiv& audiences. In 2023, Vic gained experience by singing two songs as b3Gkg￿und music fr) Ihe entrance/welcoming drinks of the Patron s Dinner, which mathed the start of her transfom?ation. Over the following months, she perfomied at various local gigs, growing in confidencg and developing hgr talent. In November 2024, herjourA7ey culminated in a standout perfomance as she closed the Patron s Dinner with a powerful r8ndition of Whitney Houslon s '1 WillAlways Love You,. captlV8ting thg audience and receiving high praise from the guests. The Youth Zone's slate-of-fhe-art music facilities, coupled wth the support of the staff, have played a critical rola in Vic s growth. Quote from Youth Work8r- 'It is amazing to see the difference jusl one year has mad8 Wlth Vic's confidence in herseff and with her sin too." ttendance.. Number of young eople who attended 2,050 ngagements: Number overall Interactlons 21,920 Engagements: T monts: Traln •ment$: Team 19,475 1,851 594 Diversity We support young peop18 with various special educalional needs and dlsabllltl8s. Complex needs are adequately cat8red for across our local partnership ne￿rk and within schools. Our Diversity strand 8ims to provide an inclusive space for all young people who enter our walls. Our primary prograrnming wlthln this strand falls into Allsorts {LGBTQ+) and Diversity Zone (SEND). The goal of the Diverslty strand over the past year has been to increase programmlng wlthin the Rainbow Zone. build a more diverse SEND programming offer with the support of IMO. and increase partnerships to support growing needs of young people. Activities Offered 2024-2025 ardenln tism Awareness ance Syndrome anvas Paintin ookin Classe5 ask Paintin ic Tricks Mouldin Allsorts racelel Makin ride Events Intematlonal Day of Signs: On Septembèr 23rd, our SEND group spent the day leaming and practicing signs, induding signing along to a few songs. SEND Cooklng: With support from BlaGkbum with Darwen Food Alliance, our SEND group 8ngaged in hands-on cooking activities, lèamlng crucial life skills in a fun way. The introduction of cooklng classes amongst our SEND group have become a popular programme addition with the development of the training kitchen at Blackbum. 10

BLACKBURN YOUTH ZONE TRUSTEES. REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS. REPORT AND STRATEGIC REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 Diversity (eontinued) Autumn Tea Party: Our SEND programme hosted a family tea paty where young people enjoyed delicious treats. participated in Autumn themed crafts and gathered together providing a sense of community to the group. Quick Quot0 °Th8 SEND programme has not only helped improve his confidence and how he approaches challeng9S but has also impmved his health physically, working towards his stability in walking and communication skills. This programme has not only kept him busy and on track but has also made him a bettgrperson.. -SEND Members Parent Feedback Partnershlps: In 2024, we had the ability to work with multiple partnership agencies, trusts, and foundations. These included.. IMO: Through our partnership with IMO we have been able to support our SEND programme. Utilising their expertise. w8 have been able to provide a bespoke programrne tailored to the additional needs of members. This programme provides weekend respite to families while also enabling our members with additional n88ds to reach their fullest potential. Benefit Manklnd.. Through our partnership with Benefit Mankind, our SEND group packed and delivered hampers of food and essential resources to members of the communty who are struggling through the oost of living crisis. Burberry Projoct: Young people from Rainbow Zone designed a mllaborative mural representing their voices and identities. Using spray painl and stencils, they created a banner that was (iisplayed at the Burbery Hèad Offices in July 2024, symbolising th8ir resilience and positive affirmations from their lived experiencès. Ignite Crickel: In partnership with IMO, our diverslty club & ignite group attending a cricket Competition camp, the first they've enteréd. Despite Ihls, our team placed 3rd place in the toumament SEND Famlly Fun Day: In partnership with IMO and Young People SeNices, our first family fun day was a success with 144 people in attendanc8. This event marked a significant step fO￿ard in our Commitment to supporting SEND families, creating a joyful and inclusive environment for everyone involv8d. mpact Story - Meet Corey orey began attending SEND sessions six months ago. Upon joining, Corey was very quiet and preferre o sit alone. He avoided interacting vvith both the ofheryoung people and the staff. rom the outset, Corey's 18ck of eng8gement was a concem for the staff. Despite his reserved nature, th taff r8mained proactive In attempting to engage him through gentle encouragement and tailore pproaches. ver time, Corey began to respond lo fhe slaff's efforts. Initially. he started talking in small increments. hich fnarked a signlficanl mileslone given his e8Aier reluct8nce to communicate. As Corey grew mor omfort8ble in the environment, he began showing a particular interest in the Gricket training sessions. nitially, Corey would stand and watch the aclivities from the sidelines. However with consisten ncouragement from the staff, he gradually took part in the sessions. orey now actively participates in weekly cricket training sessions and has shown remarkable growth i onfidet7ce and social inleraction. His enthusiasm for the sport has grown to the extent that he has joine he cricket team and is preparing to take part in an upcoming tournament. oreys joumey highlights the importance of patience, encouragemenl, and creating a suppothv nvironment. The staff's consistent efforts lo inGlud8 at7d motivat8 him have playgd a pivotal role in hi ransformation from a quiel and reseNed individual to an engaged and confident participant in both sport nd social activities. 11

BLACKBURN YOUTH ZONE TRUSTEES. REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS, REPORT AND STRATEGIC REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 Aspiration$, Skills and Progresslon Now in its frfth year, Youlh Hub has undèrgon8 slgnlficant growth and evolution, eemenling ils role as a vital resource for thè local youth communlty. The Youth Hub has diversified its offerings to address the needs and Inter8Sts of local young people. This includes the introdu¢tion of new partnerships with local businesses, educational establishments. and non-profit organisations. Over the past yèar, the Youth Hub has continued to diversify its offer, building on thè volces of youn9 people and Introducing new pathways that reflect the realities of todavs labour market. A key highlight this year has been the opening of our new Employability Hub, a purpose-bullt space designed to offer accessible, targeted support for young people navigating their route into employment, educalion, or Iraining. Since its launch, we have fully mobilised the use of the space, running r8gu18r workshops, 1.1 coaching sessions, and drop4ns tailored to a wide range of needs and abilities. Looklng ahead, we are preparing to Covlocate the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) within the bulldlng for four days each week. This will strengthen our offer by ensuring direct access to Jobcèntre advisors, streamlining referrals, and reducing barriets for young people who may otherwise struggle to engagè with statutory services. ctlvltles Offered 2024-2025 V worksho ock Interviews First Aid Courses aréer Fairs orld of Work Tours nxiety Workshops hool En ransferable orksho emgnts Badminton Mentorship Skill STEM Wèék: In partnership with Mergon and Vilal Energi. This weok was packed wlth real-world applications of STEM as careers. Through presentstions, industry day trlps, and robolic demonstrations. young people's aspirations were raised. Though Iraditional Aspirations, Skills. and Progressions {ASP) programming is focused on supporting Youth members, thls w8ek supported youth and junior sessions from both Darwen and Blackburn. JD Up Event: Young People participated in a World of Work tour of JD Group. Through hands-on practical activity, they explored everything from retail store design to vlsual merchandising. gaining an insight into how JD creates its Signatu￿ shopping experience. ulck Quote Thank you for all of the amazing sessions we have had and 811 of the memories we have shared. 11 ha een an amazing experience. Even though it is ending. I will never forget all the things you have done fo Youn Person, Aged 14 Partnershlp$: In 2024, we had the ability to work with over 15 partnership agencies, trusts, and foundations. These included: Kings Trusl, New Directions BWD Adult Leaming, National Careers Service. Lancashire Mind. Dèpartment of Worf( and Pensions, Lancashire Skills Hub, Blackbum College. Aldridgé Acad8my. North Lancs Training Group, Training 2000, UCLAN. BWD Leaving Care Team, BWD Virtual Schools, and Star Academies. Our partnership approach to aspiratlons, skills, and progression has been highly impactful, creating synèrgy among organisatlons by merging resources, expertise, and networks. This collaborative effort has signlficantly enhanced our ability to deliver comprehensive support services and maximise positive impacl across th8 borough. By working tO9ether, we have become mor8 effectÉve in identifying and addrèssing diverse educational, employment. and mental h8alth needs. ensuring a holistic approach to progression and development. 12-

BLACKBURN YOUTH ZONE TRUSTEES. REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS. REPORT AND STRATEGIC REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 Asplratlons, Skllls and Progresslon (¢ontlnued) UKSPF With UKSPF funding, our Aspirations. Skills. and Progression service empowers young people facing barriers to employment by addressing specific challenges and bridging the gap to meaningful job opportunities. Youth Hub Engagement: Our Youth Hub provides weekly one-on-one sessions for 14-18-year-olds. offering personalised support to tackle mental health stigma and life challenges, significantly enhancing their well-being and development. Phase 1 - Engage: Young peopl8 participate in session5 linked to industry skills. focusing on active lrfe5tyles. well- being. and community prosperity. The Skills Aspiration Hub aligns with local industry needs in arèas like digilal. energy. and healthcare. Phase 2 Train: Participants move to industry-specific workshops. eaming accredilalions and gaining work experience through our Industry Skills Incubator Hub. These sessions, supported by local businesses. address skill gaps and provide real-world exposure. Impact and Benefits: These programmes help young people develop critical skills, Improva well-being. and gain practical experience. making them more Competitive in the job markel while benefiting local industries with a skilled workforce and stronger community ties. Hénry Smith - Emotlonal Health & Wellbeing support: The project enables us to work with young people who are furthest from the labour market due to multiple barriers such as emotional he81th or well-being issues. This year we ren8W8d our funding and have worked wilh 69 young peoplé, and th8 demand for support remains high. This cohort has had the opportunlty to socialis8 with peers, overcome personal barriers, and visit our business patrons, workplaces to gain insight into the opportunities that await them. Through thesè experienc6S, they have developed greater Confiden￿ and a clearer vision of their potentlal career paths. John Lewis Employability Programmo: Closing off our 2nd year of this partnership, we provided 405 young people from Darwen progression support toward positive destinations. This programme works closely with HeTbert Parkinson, provlding World of Work Tours, work experien￿, and employability skills workshops. This year, we were highlighted as an ideal partner for the Employability Fund and ar8 featured on their website. mpad Story- Aleet Keinan °Bging a Young Leader at the Youth Zone has honestly been one of the best experiences I've had. Fro the beginning, I fett like I was part of something important. ltre leamed so much just by being around th team, watchirpg how staff lead sessions. and seeing how they speak to everyone to make sure we al undersland the plan and what's expected. It s shown me how important communication and teamwor really are. Every session is different. and there s always something new to leam. I've started to see ho things bvork behind the sc8nes. from planning to deliveiing sessions, and I've re81ised how much effo oes into making the Yotrth Zone a great place for young people. It's helped me grow in confidence an iven me the chance to reflect on how I can improve in every session. This role is giwng me skills I know11 se in the future. things like speaking clearfy, listening pmperty, paying attention to detail. and wortting a art of a team. I've definitely become more confident, motE responsible, and more aware of how m cLTons affect oth8rs. both in th8 Youth Zone and outside it with friends or at work. One of the bigges hings I've taken fmm this experience is le8ming how to carry myself in a more professional and respecmu way. I'm worknng on managing my emotions better. especially when situations aTr challenging. Being ood ￿￿e model is important to me. and I'm leaming what that really means. My favoun't8 part has to b orking M"th the young people, joining in with games and activities. being someone they can come to o ust knowing I've made a positive impact in their day. Its such a good leeling to be part of something that. aking a difference in the commtjnity. There have been challenges. like staying patient when things ge ough or trying to improv8 how I present myself when leading activities. but all of Ih8t has helped me grow. 'm 8XCit8d to keep Igaming, developing, and being part of something that matters. This isn't just a role, it, joumey, and I'm proud to be on it. Kienan, Age 18 13-

BLACKBURN YOUTH ZONE TRUSTEES. REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS. REPORT AND STRATEGIC REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 Asplratlons, Skllls and Progresslon (continued) ttandance: Number of youn eople who attendod 74 ngagements: Numbe f overall Interactions 95 Koy Mombershlp Data: 2,452 hours of 1-1 support {Increasing from 2300 thè prevlous year) 18 Careers and aspirations falrs attended 42 Young people moved into employment, Oducatlon and tralnln9. Emotional Health & Welbeing Emotional Health & Wellbeing Support is central to our professional practice and permeates every project, programme. and initiative. Thls is often delivered through our universal setting, but is also provided through targeted programming, running in smaller cohorts and in 1-1 settings. The main goal of the Emotional Health & Wellbeing strand, both in targeted and universal provisions, over th8 past year has been the creation and implementation of the Wellness Zon6 and redevelopment of programmes to suit the needs of the young people we serve. Actlvltles Offered 2024-2025 urture Youth entorin ervice Pro ects eenzone Self-care ni ound Table Talks eted Twili ht Ilbein Champions orksho hts Targeted Twilight: These groups operate in smaller numbers and in quieter settings, allowing space for additional support by youth workers, trained in providing emotional health and wellbeing support. These sessions are provlded at both site locations, multip16 timés a week. Children's Mantal Health Week: In February, our W8llb8ing Leads planned a week full of programmes focused on improving the mental health of young peopl•. Darwen Teenzone celebrated by sp8nding Random Acts of Klndness Day by spréading loy at a Care Home, handing out roses, gifts. and hearhvarming conversations. DaThven Teenzone.. Seeing an Increased need for a transition group for 11-14 year olds in Darwen. Teenzone was reated. Teenzone was designed to support the needs of young people as they transition from Juniors to Youlh. Thlnk Noglectl Campaign: NSPCC, thè nation's leading children's tharily dedlcat8d to preventing abuse and NK Theatre led young people through a workshop to create a perfomiance that illuminated the many forms of ne9leot. fostering a deeper understanding of a critical Issue. Wellbeing Champlons Child Action North West hosted a Wellbeing Champion Programme with our members wh8re 96 young people learnéd about their m8nlal health and coping strategies. Qulck Quote .1 can't praise the organisalion erpough,. my child would spend all day here if he could. Hg loves all the staff and every timg I drop him off, everyone is happy and having fun. It's a safe plaGe for kids to be kids.. -P8rent re ardln Summer HAF 2024 Partngrships". In 2024, we had the ability to work with a multitude of partnership agencies, trusts, and foundations Within Emotional Health & Wellbelng. These included: It Takes A Communlty to Ralse A Chlld In partnership with Lancashire Mind and IMO funded by The National Lottery's Reaching Communities Fund, we hosted a conference where 20 partner organisations came together to collaborate on designing a theory of change for grassroots, wmmunity-based initiatlves enhancing young people's mental health and wellbeing, initially reaching 108 young pèop18 wlth stubborn barriers to access. 14-

BLACKBURN YOUTH ZONE TRUSTEES. REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS. REPORT AND STRATEGIC REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 Emotional Health & Wel￿1ng (conllnuod) Stronger Communitie5: This project, funded by Islamic Relief. has already supported 15 young BAME women in its first year and is currently engaging another 15 in its second year. It provides a platfom for these young women to share their stories and leaming, inspiring others while promoting Gonfidence and resilience. The project aims to create a lasting impact by embedding meaningful evaluation processes that can be shared with community stakeholders to drive systemic change in how BAME women are supported. It empowers young BAME women to actively participate in Youth Zone decision-making and programme development. ensuring their voices are heard and valued. By building on strong existing partnerships and forging new ones across educational, ststutory, voluntary, faith-based, and community sedors, the project is reaching those often excluded from mainstrearn services. These sessions are a series of tailored workshops. activities, and cultural events. At the end of each year. each cohort plans a community event which is delivered by the participants themselves. In March. this was the Big Iftar. Aldridgo Project: 6 week programme delivered in small groups, aiming to increase confidence. selfvesteem, and emotional health & well-being for young people attending DVHS. DACA. or DAES. Healthy Young Mlnds: Through an initiative funded by Lancashir8 & South Cumbria Foundation Trust and led in partnership with Big Tank and the NHS, our members produced and released three short films Ihat explore important mental health topics chosen by members. The topics covered were: social media and body image, balancing home and school life, and coping with intrusive thoughts. Impact Story: Meet Elyse Elyse joined the program while struggling with anxiety and stress. She lound it difficult to settle and manage her emotions, which often left her feeling OVe￿heIMed. At the start. Elyse s hèightened anxiety made it challenging forher to 8ngage fully in activities or interact with others. She required additional support to navigate her emotions and build confidence in Ihe sessions. To address Elyse's ch811enges, slaff dedicated one-fo-one time with her, pmviding a safe and supportive SP8ce for her lo express her feelings and explore strategies for managing her emotions. Over time, Elyse began to opgn up about her struggles and gained a better understanding of how to handle them. As she grew more comfortable, Elyse started p8rticipating 8Ctively in group activities. Her natural empathy and supportive nature soon became apparent, and she evolved into a valued team member. Elyse s participation extended across all activities, where her encouragement of peers ftistered a positive and inclusive environment. Elyse is Gurrently in college, studying sports. which aligns with her passion and skills. She has become a significant contributor to the sports teams within the program. demonstrating leadership and enthusiasm. oreover. Elyse has expressed a strong interest in volunteering once she turns 18. She has already begun helping out during sessions, providing support to Othe￿ and taking on responsibilities th8t reflect her growing confidence and commilment. Elyse's journey highlights the transformative power of individualised support and the development of coping strategies. Her progression from feeling OVe￿helMed to beGoming a supportive and active team member underscores her resilien￿ and growlh. Elyse s aspiralions to volunleer fvrther reflect her dedication to giving back and contributing positively to the program and Gommunit . ttendance: Number of young ople who attended 1,457 ngagernènts: Numbèr f overall Intèractlons 6,809 Engagements: Try em•nts- Train emonts: Toach ,146 59 04 15-

BLACKBURN YOUTH ZONE TRUSTEES, REPORT {INCLUDING DIRECTORS. REPORT AND STRATEGIC REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 Cyber & Tech This year we have expanded our Maker Zone capabilities with the employment of a full time creative lead who has been responsible for increasing the acc8ss our members have to relevant Art & Design, Technology skills and experiences in an informal STEAM framework. We have been developing and implementing a curriculum as part of the Maker Zone Network with the two other prototype Maker Zones to reduce the barriers our members would traditionally face when trying to a¢￿sS key technologies and instil a DIY "punk" aesthetic of focussing on the core principles and concepts that can be tested and developed with whatever is to hand. Activities Offered 2024-2025 D Printin oldering Skills phero Racing DIY Guitar Pedal enAI nimation Club rcade Emulation rigami Circuits odin zobot Robotics aming esign Engineering T Speaker Des STEM Week: In partnership with Mergon and Vital Energi. This week was packed with real-world applications of STEM as careers. Through presentations. industry day trips, and robotic demonstralions, young people's aspirations werè raised. Qul¢k Quote .1 liked the Gen Al Photography project because I learnt a lot about ¢8mer8s. at7d it was my first time playing with a camera. I was really pleased because I got a oertificate for all of my hard work. I really like Bespoke and l am proud to bring my creations to school." -Halima, a Partnershlps: In 2024, we had the ability to work with a multitude of partnership agencies. trusts, and foundations within Cyber & Tech. These induded: Sairo Gamlficatlon Consultation: We ran a Y￿rkshop with Sairo as part of the National Youth Work Week to gain insight into what facilities our young people wanled from our upcoming building work and dev81opment. The young peoplè generated a list of desirable features from the workshop and Salro used RUNWAY Al lo turn these into visuals. These insights were then given to the architecture team to help shape the look of the new building works including focus on the gaming area and how to make the corridors and hallways more interactiv&. rtual Reallty Club: A group of our young people have supported and developed a Virtual Rèality Club. The sessions now run every Saturday evening with a range of VR challenges. The young people have created a leaderboard for each activity for a more competitive edge. This has encouraged people to play, compete, and leam new skills. We have also used these at community events, which has also proved popular with all ages and familie5 tying to challenge one another. Girl Guides: As part of our Maker Zone Ne￿rk collaboration with The Making Rooms we hosted a troupe of 30 girl guides to leam about screen printing and laser cutting techniques. Each individual came away from the event having made a personalised bag and laser engraved room sign. 16-

BLACKBURN YOUTH ZONE TRUSTEES. REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS. REPORT AND STRATEGIC REPORT> (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 Cyber & Tech {contlnuod Impact Story: Meet Anna Anna is a 16-year-old member of the LGB TQIA+ community from Blackbum who has been a member of the Youth Zone since slarling as a Junior in 2017. Anna has a diagnosis of ASC and has had previotjs concems atjout theirmental heatth and wellbeing following a serles of bullying incidents from their last school. Anna wishes lo expand their side business with their Dad, who makes and sells 3D prints of fidgets and characters at craft markets. As a keen artist, they are also interested in setting up a brand identity fr)r their work to sell prinls, stickers and other merchandise featuring their artwork. Anna has partithpated in ou 'Brighl Spath" sessions during Monday night Youth sessions as part of Ihe Maker Zone s -make Monday" provision. These sessions have been small. closed sessions where the participants can share th8ir ideas freely and focus on the project without outside disnjptions. Each person has been given a folder and sketchbook lo record their ideas and has received induction on the machines they Msh to use for creating their merchandise and guidance on how to recreate their ideas digitalty. The progr8ms we have used are open-source equivalents of industry-standard soflware thal are free to download and mn so thal the participants can continue Ih8irjourney outside the sessions at Iheir own pace. Anna has created a brand, "Dionysus Designs", and has designed logos and Sticke￿ using Inkscape (a vector design program similar to Adobe Illustralor), which they downloaded and installed on Iheir laptop after learning to use through the Bright Sparks sessions. They have been abl8 to use the designs created with knife plotter equipment to print and cut their stickers and make signage for Ihe market stall they run with their dad. Anna has steadily become more confident in discussing their designs with otherp8ople and offering constructive advice regarding the work of other participants. They have been very excited about using the software that allows them to work offlin& as they have limited access to the Adobe Cre81ive Suite through their school, which is limited by an internet connection. As Anna continues to devélop herbrand and range of products, we will be able lo help them expand into the enterprise side of running a business with 8 ¢rossover with our Youth Hub programmes. We will also help them create a portfolio of work that will help then7 pursue employment or further educafion in an Art and Design career. Attendance: Number of young people who attended pro rammlng 1,710 Engagements: Number of overall interactions 10,365 ements: T agements: Train Engagements: Teach 7,101 3,122 142 other Unlversal Programmes & Events Holiday Activity Fund: During 2024125. we ran three Holiday Activity Fund programmes across both of our venues at Easter. Summer and Christmas. Through funding from the Department of Education, Spring North. and Blackbum and Darwen Council, we were able to provide free membership, free entrance and free hot meals lo 1,199 young people. HAF adivities provide a safe place for young people during the school holid8yS- engaging them through enriching activities and trips such as ice skating. Worfd of Work tours. cooking and life Skill sessions. slip and slides. residentials and beach trips. EID Family Fun Day: With partnership support from IMO, One Voice and local communily vendors, we successfully elebrated Eid with over 700 young people and families participating in the fun which included face painting. bounce houses, crafts, food, and community. The day highlights Blackbum and Darwen Youth Zone's inclusive environment for young people empowering them to thrfve. Boxing Night: In pathership with Technique Boxing ABC, we hostgd our first Boxing Night at Klng Georges Hall. 450 supporters watched young peop18 8xhibit their boxing skills, raising money to support Next Level Sport programmes. 17-

BLACKBURN YOUTH ZONE TRUSTEES. REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS. REPORT AND STRATEGIC REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 Other Unlversal Proqrammes & Events {contlnued) Festival of Making: We again participated in the wonderful Festival of Making this year. Highlighted as an official venue for the event, 492 young people and Iheir families participated in a variety of activities including a junk golf ours8. ceramic course by FiredUp4Clay. Pixel Necklace creations, sword fighting coding game alongside Manchester Youth Zone's Making Zone. and more. The Blg Iftar: In collaboration with Onevoice Blackbum. our Stronger Communities programme hosted the 2nd annual Big Iftar. bringing together 235 members of the community to break fast through a communty celebration of unity, reflection and togethemess. Halloween Beastty Bash: Over 300 young people from Blackbum & Da￿en Youth Zone attended and participated in pumpkin carving. a critter workshop where young people held live snakes and other animals, laser tsg, bouncy c2stles and a magic show. School Unlfomi Exchange: Through drives at both Blackbum & Darwen Youth Zone and donations from lo￿1 businesses and community members, we were able to support 128 familles by providing school unifomis for th8 upcoming school year. Detached and Outreach The detached and outreach programme is an essential support to young people across Blackbum & Darwen Youth Zone. This programme aims to reduce barriers to inhouse programming by meeting young people where they're at. As the programming offer continues to grow, we have provided outreach support to 2,071 members over the last 12 monlhs, providing a rich and diverse level of support, including- Aspirations, Skills & PrO9￿$S1On Positive Engagement & Mentorship Support Referrals Darwen Street Zone Bus: In March, we launched our Street Zone Bus. Funded by WM & BW Lloyd Charity Trust, this bus will work in high need areas around Da￿en working as a d8lached Youth Zone and providing programmes such as sports. arts, employability programmes, and emotional heatth and wellbeing support. This bus will allow us to support even more young people In the borough, especially those with barrl8rs prohlblting them from attendlng the traditional Youth Zone locations. Streetzone: Our Street Zone offer runs five nights a week. with our outreach bus out three nights and on-foot palrols taking place Iwo nights a week. We engage young people directly where they are. offering a mix of enrichment activiii8s, recreational play. and positive conversations. Alongside the usual focus on preventing ant social behaviour. V￿ also provide signposting and referrals to other organisations where needed. helping young people access the right support at the right time. We have continued lo build partnerships wilh the local neighbourhood policing team and other agencies. To ensure we have a united offer across all areas. Community Zone: Collaborations with local Islamic faith schools through the Madrassah project has allowed young people wider access to our diverse programmes. Our 'East Meets West, group participates in activities such as cake decorating, vision boards. female and male sports sessions. and community activity trips. Quick Quote "I love it when I see people from Street Zone when I'm playing outside ￿"th my matss. They have really helped me and my Inends'families. They also run fun street games just for us and also give us free food parcels to take home for our families. Thank you B18ckbum & Datwen Youth Zono for always being there. You are so caring. -1 .A ed10 18-

BLACKBURN YOUTH ZONE TRUSTEES. REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS, REPORT AND STRATEGIC REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 Valunteerlng The volunteer programm8 across Blackburn & Darthven Youth Zone has now been fimly embedded within both our offer and our culture. We have a large team of dedicated volunteers whose conllnuous support has become essential as our membership gr¢)ws. Our volunteers have donated an impressive 4,196 hours over the last 12 months, providing a rich and diverse level of support. including: Corporate Volunteers: Our Corporate volunteers have come from 17 different businesses. Out of the 17 businesses. over 200 volunteers served over 1,437 hours SUPF)Orting both the Blackbum & Darwen Sites. From supporting master dasses such as birdhouse building and baking workshops. our volunteer networf( gives interactive workshops utilising their specialty skillset to provide opportunities directly to our young people. Corporate volunteers also support through a multitude of support se￿ICeS such as present wrapping. event support. and additional younq people support durinq school holiday time. Young Leaders: Our Young Leaders pn)gramme has served 24 young leaders who have spent 476 hours supporting full and part-time youth workers in the delivery of sessions across both of our centres. Our support for volunteers also Includes facilitating 9 work placements totslling 610 hours. Impact Story - Symelean Takes It to the Next Lovol Tanya is mor8 than just a successful business leader- she s a dédicated community champion who embodies the values of seNice, 8UPPOrt. and long-term commitin8nt. As Director of Symclean, Tanya and her husband G8ry, initially joined the Blackbum & Danven Youth Zone Patron Ne¢work as a Patron in Decemb8r 2022. offering vital financial backing lo support young peop18 in the are8. But Tanya s impact goes farbeyond patmnage. Every Friday, she givés hèr time volunteering at the Da￿en site, where she supports staff, builds relationships with young people and helps create a welcoming 8nvironm8nt. Her consistenl presence h8S made her a familiar and trustèd face, affectionately embraced as part of the 'Orange FamiJy'_ a growing movement of individuals dedicated to the Youth Zonè s mission. "I do thè simple things Ilk& play lolllpop lady and clean dishes so the YZ team Gan focus on suppothng young people,. Tanya says. hlghlighting her handS￿n appn?ach and willlngnass to do whatevers needed to make a differenG8. Inspired by her example. her son began volunteering at the Youth Zone, too. His joumey has mirrored the values of gro%vth and opportunity Ihat the Youth Zone stands for- whal began as volunteering has since progressed into paid employment, showcasing the tranSfO￿native power of rgal-world experience and mentorship. Her commitment reflects the very heart of what Blackbum & Danven Youth Zone strives to achieve.. a communi that w0￿S to etherto en7 wer the next eneration. 19-

BLACKBURN YOUTH ZONE TRUSTEES. REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS. REPORT AND STRATEGIC REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 Fundralslng & Income Streams Our funding is derived from a combination of unrestricted financial support from our local business Palron nelwork, grants. trusts and foundations support from local and national organisations and income generated from the hire of our facilities. Our Business Development Team has been reconfigured within the reporting period to position the charity financially for Ihe future. We have developed a funding strategy that has a range of funding areas and tsrgets which are now more needs-led. Our funding strategy outlines derived income tsrgets from the following sources: Business Patron support (unrestricted funding) £852,691 Grants, trusts and foundations support (restricted funding) £1,186,308 Local Authority Funding £270,063 Other donations £30,980 Facilities hire £5,400 Campaigns and events £146,127 Patron Involvement Blackburn & Darwen Youth Zone contlnu6s to be supported by a network of business Patrons. Their giving is predicated on unrestricted funding, which equals £852.691 which represents 32.80/0 of our total income (Excluding YIF) (23124- £758,083 {30.8 /•}). The followlng Patrons supported us in 2024125: raham & Brown M+M enator nan Mercer Charitabl rust AE Systems MS Group ybble usinèsswise Solutions DS Trucks ingsw¢)od Homes Bowland Charitable Trust Na thens Solicitors tsrAcademies Trust erbert Parkinson SF rometheus orb@s SolicFtors lackbum College avigator Tissue UK Fagan & Whalley lackbum Chemicals ales Geek Pets Choice otally Wicked Bamfield Construction ssa Foundation taci Northem Radwell Multevo Ltd Industrial ergon eter Cummings MGS rookhouse mited Aerospac EC Group Handelsbanken lavour Warehouse anaz ay Group atson imited revor Dawson Ramsbotto uez Recycling Recove Ltd Cummins Mellor atchpoint Darwen Terracotta Elgra Furniture EPA BF orkhouse Marketin Red Rose Holdings ardboard Box Co Dobson + Beaumont Rosslee Construction Promethean CG Renewables endle Doors K Illumination resti9e Beds mclean Hadgraft Electrical Lee Banner Electrical Murray Buildin Services &AKa ordon Taylor OBE MRC oolkit ers IN4 rown Paints ellocks ube Funder lackburn Round Table Precision Polyme En in68rin Ital Energi We are once again grateful for the continued support of our Patrons, without whom we would not be able to provide vital help and support to th8 young people of Blackbum with Darwen, -20-

BLACKBURN YOUTH ZONE TRUSTEES. REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS, REPORT AND STRATEGIC REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 In-Klnd Support During the year, we have received £30,980 in In-Kind Support. We are gratèful to the below Patrons & supporters who have provided this= Flavour Warehouse - Football Bools Staci - Children's bedding Mergon - Lego Graham & Brown - Children's bedding Various Patrons - Christmas Toys Multiple Companies- Easter Eggs Crown Paints - paint Morrisons - food items Various Patrons - consumables for HAF workshops Grant, Trust & Foundatlon Funding A major source of income for thè charity in 2024125 was derived from Grants, Trusts or Foundations. This amounted to £1,456,371 during the reporting period representing 56¥0 of our totsl inGome excluding YIF (23124- £1.367,938 (55.50/0)). A furth8r £2.682.045 (23124: £227,198) was re¢elved from the Youth Investrn8nt Fund (DCMS} for the Fusebox refurbishment project. The following Grants, Trusts or Foundations support8d us in the 2024125 financial year: BAE Capital Support pring North hepherd Street Trust ohn Lewls Employability Fund urber Foundation enry Smith haritable Trust ad8nt ar reaves Foundation L Charitable Trust UK Shared Prosperity ational Lottery: Reaching mmunities oliday Activity Fund BC Children In Need slamic R81i8f'. ommunities e Natlonal Lotlery.. Heritag Fund Hays Travel Foundation enAI ricwri ht Foundation arrat Foundation WD Council nside Im act Fund NCS Sport England Prudencé Trust Masonic Trust ogether an Active Future Slronge he Big Givè MandB WLIOY harit kipton Charitabl rust Foundation he Casey Trust D'oyly Carte Charitabl rust ohn Thaw Foundalion CMS {YIF) oanle's Fun Hertfordshire Communit sociation Bally Thomas Charitable Fund uke of Edlnburgh Events, GiftAid & Community Fundraising Fundraising Events continue to be an important income stream for the charity with a total of £146,993 (23124: £115.875) being raised. Our bSgg8St fundralsing event continues to be the very popular Blackbum Beer & Gin Festival whlch raised income of £62,011 whilst the Big Give raised an addilional £30,051. Fundraising on behalf of the Youth Zone by third parties raised £32.222 and we are very grateful to the organlsations involved. Facility Hlre Due to the uncertainty of accèss to the building caused by th8 refurbishment project, we did not promote the use of our facllities to third parties. However, as a result of existing commitments we did raise £5.400 during the year. -21

BLACKBURN YOUTH ZONE TRUSTEES, REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS. REPORT AND STRATEGIC REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 Plans for the Future Darwen YIF Following the opening of The Fusebox this past year and the se¢urement of £3.1 million from the Govemment's Youth Investment FLtnd IYIF), we've navigated a year of conslnjdion while contlnuing to deliver programmes- culminating in the grand opening of The Fusebox and the full retum of activty at our Blackburn site in April 2025 Looking ahead, our focus tums to DaN8n Youlh Hub: a £4 million investment from YIF, owned by BWD Council, that will create a oneaof-a-kind space for young people in Darwen- Gompletely free of charge. Through Blackburn wlth Dapwen Council's Youth Hub, we will operate Darw6n Youth Zone which will serve as a central hub for youth engagement, developed in partnership with local businesses, organisations, and community members to ensure it reflects the needs and aspirations of th8 town. We are deeply gratefvl to DCMS, the Youth Inveslmént Fund, and Blackburn with Darwen Council for their substantial support-an investrnent that wlll contlnue to inspire and empower young people for many years to come. Five Yèar Strategy Aft8r an extensive consultation with stakeholders, we have created a 5 year strategy This strategy will s8Ne as a roadmap of vision and reflects our unwavering dedication to fostering a nurturing envlronment that utilises youth voice to create a holisti¢ approach to programming. Our strategy seNes as a guiding compass, steering us toward a Iransformative loumey of positive impact and growth. In pursuing our purpose to empow8r and uplift the youth of Blackbum and DanM8n, we have identified six key priorities that will serve as the foundation for all our endeavours and aligned goals. Prlorlty 1: To ensure young people are at the heart of our dellvery and decision Making. Priority 2: To extend our réach and Influence Into the wider community Priority 3: To be an organisation that builds and invests in the workforce of the future. Prlorfty 4: To work in partnètship to enhance services Prlorfty 5: To be a sustainable organisation that has a long tem) positive impact on young people and the local community Prlorlty 6: To refurbish the Blackbum & Darwen Youth Zones & relaunch services Co4ocation of Crucial Services Wé know how important it is for our centre to be a true communliy hub for young people across Blackbum and Da￿en. In recent years, we've seen a growing need for signposting to specialist support, and we want to make that joumey easier. To help remove barriers. we're working with partnèrs including DWP, ICB, and Health & Wellbeing Services to bring their programmes direotly into our building. By COThlocating these services in a space where young people already feel safe and supported. we hopè to r8duce sligma and ensure that access to professional help feels like a natural extension of the trusted relationships they've already built here. Increased 'Street Zone. Over the past year, we have introduced our Street Zone provision throughout DaNen. Ensuring that we reach high- néed areas on a recurring basis while creating posttive impr8ssions amongst young people has been th8 main goal. With 468 houTS served across both Blackbum & Darwen, we aim to make strong connecllons with young people while steering them towards provisions. Through the conversion of the Street Zone bus, which was fully rgconverted and brought to a series of locations in Darwen wtth an aim to reach more young people by meetlng thèm where they are at and helping them towards wh8r8 they want to be. With this addition, we aim to provide a 7 day provisional offer with deslgnated staff focused on supporting the neighbourhoods of Darwen. Enhan¢omènt of our Arts offer The newly renovated Fusebox has be¢ome Blackbum's only dedicated digital arts space. This space glves us the opportunity to expand our offer while aligning Closely wilh local creative initiativ6s including the Blackburn with Darwen Digltal Arts Strategy. By working with local artists, partner organisations. and young people, we'll co-cr8at8 youth-led arts programme that rais8s cultural awareness. inspires Greativity, and shows young people that Blackburn is a place where creative careers can thrive. -22-

BLACKBURN YOUTH ZONE TRUSTEES. REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS. REPORT AND STRATEGIC REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 Plans for th• Futurn (contlnuod) World Class Basics Over the pasl year. we've grown significantly-expanding both our spaces and our team. A8 we look ahead. our priority is to retum to the essentials and invest in getling the world-class basics right across the organisation. This means strengthening every part of our work: from internal operations and external communications to organisational structure and service delivery. By streamlining and refining these core areas. we will build a solid foundation that not only futureproots the services we provide but also ensures we create th8 best possible workplace for our staff. With this foundation in place, we can embed a cutture of continuous qualty improvement, keeping ex￿llenCe at the heart of everything we do. Structure, Governanc• and Management We operate as a registered charity and a company limited by guarantee without share capital. 'Blackbum Youth Zone, is registered under the Companies Act 1985. registration number 6944317. The company is govemed by its Memorandum and Articles of Association, dated 25th June 2009. We are also a Charity registered in England and Wales. registration number 1135949. Management of the company's affairs is v￿led in the Trustees. In the event of a winding-up. Ihe presenl membgrs and those who have ceased to be a member within one year of such evenl have guaranteed liabilities of the ¢ompany to the sum not exceeding one pound each year. Organisational Structuro Th8 legal entity, Blackburn Youth Zone, is govemed by its Bc>ard of Trustees, who are also Directors for the purposes of Company Law, which r8tains overall responsibility for the strategic direction and the organisation's policies. The Trustees carry ultimatè responsibility for the conduct of Blackbum Youth Zone and for ensuring that the charity satisfies its legal and contractual obligations. The Board appolnts a Chief Executive to manage the day-to￿aY operalions. To facilitate effective operations, the Chief Executivé has delegated authority as approved by the Board for all operational matters, including finance, human resources and operational delivery. The board approves the strategic plan and annual business plan. scrutinising business perfonnance, induding finandal perfonnance, and provides advice to the Chief Executiv8 on op6rational matters of perfomiance. The pay of the Chief Executive Officer Is revlewed annually by the Board of Trusteès, benchmarking their salaries agalnst those of similar Youth Zones within the Onside Ne￿Ork. Blackburn Youth Zone is part of the network of Youth Zonés 8slablished by Onside Youth Zones (Charity Registered in England & Wales no=1125893). Many of the operational policies and Pro￿dureS of the Youth Zone are influenced by being pari of this wider network. -23-

BLACKBURN YOUTH ZONE TRUSTEES. REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS. REPORT AND STRATEGIC REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 Board of Trusteos The Board of Trustees comprises 12 Dire¢lors rèprésentlng the public. private and third sector. along with bvo more members who provide additional expertlse but do not have voting rights. Trustees can be nominat8d for a fixed or indetenninate te￿. One-third of die Directors will retire by rotstion at each AGM; retiring Directors can then be re-appointed. The Trustees nonnally meet quartody where finance and delivery performanc8 are scrutinised and strategic plans reviewed. New Trustees will be recruited according lo the needs of the charity and the suitability of possible candidales. Th8 unanimous approval of existing Trusteès18ads to their appointment. The Board appolntad four new Trustee8 during Ihe rèportlng period with four Trustees resignlng during the same period. The Board wishes to r8cord their thanks to the retiring Trustees - Mlchelle Mellor. Denlse Park, Marcus Saxion and Jamiè Carson - who resigned in good stsnding. Two other advisors to the Board also stood down in good standing- Jo Siddle and Zaffer Khan. The Board wishes to record their thanks to both thè retiring Trustees and Advisors. Flnancial Review Totsl income for the y8ar, excluding the YIF project, was £2,600,296 {2024: £2,462,822). Of this amount, £949,663 (2024: £936,551) was from donations. primarlly from th8 local business communlty,. £547.16712024'. £608,284) was from grants; public grants of £909,205 {2024: £759,854) werè also received,. and the balancè of £194,261 {2024: £158,733) was income from charitable activities, fundraising and Investment income. A further £2,682,045 {2024= £227,198) was received from the DCMS via the Youth Investrnent Fund for th8 Fusebox projed, of which £2.516,676 related to Capital. Total expenditure for the year was £2,846,372 (2024.. £2,383,435). of whi¢h £269.384 (2024: £188.697) related to fundralslng activities and £2.576,988 {2024: £2.194,788) related to ¢harltable activities. The resulting surplus for the year of £2.435,969 (2024: surplus £306,535) was after charging £132,512 {2024: £136,057) of depreciation on fixed assets. Excluding the YIF fundlng the deficit for the ygar was £80,707 after funding a major repair of£92,029. The total unrestrictèd funds held on 31 March 2025 were £712,026 <2024: £810.874). Thls includ8d a Designated Fund of £127,780 specifically for the work within the town of Damen. The total net assets of the organisatlon as of 31 Mar¢h 2025 were £7.957,558 {2024: £5.521,589) Roservos Policy The Board of Trustees of Blackbum & Darwen Youth Zone has established a reserves policy that appropriately reflects the risks to which the charity is exposed. In reviewing the pot8ntial costs that could arise should a significant reduction in income b8 incurred, the Truste8S have determined that il is appropriate for unrestricted, Yree,. reseNes to b8 maintaln8d at a minimum of 3 months. Due to the current uncertainty in the e¢onomic climate. shifting restrictions and an anticipated increase in demand for our services, th8 Trustees have agreed that the Charity will ideally hold more unrestricted funds than th8 minimum required in the reserves policy. On 315t March 2025. the charity had accumulated unrestricted, 'free', reserves of £715.026' this provides Gover equivalent to 4.2 monlhs of operating costs, within the rangé thal the Trustees are currenlly comfortable with. The rese￿eS policy does not consider expenditure linked to restricted projects and therefore. covered by restricted funds. -24-

BLACKBURN YOUTH ZONE TRUSTEES. REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS. REPORT AND STRATEGIC REPORTI (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 R•s8N6s Pollcy {continu8d) The charlty has plans In place to regularly review both the sum it wishes to hold in reserves in unrestricted funds and the basis for that figure, particularly considering the ongoing impact of the increase in the cost of living. Totsl ￿serveS at the end of the period were £7,957.558, of which £7.312,515 Can only be realised by dlsposing of fixed assets. £2,686,682 of the Fixed Asset figure relates lo the Fu$ebox project. Total r858rvès after deducting restricted funds, fixed asset funds and designated funds Ss £584,246. Invostmont Pollcy Any surplus funds that are not immediately required may, at the Board's discretion, be invested to ensure the charity's futur6 sustainability. To ensure such investments are safeguardéd" Any decision about investment will be made by the Board (potentially having professional advice) onsidering the suitability and diversification of investments, including investments in deposit accounts, to 8nsur8 that the f8ilur8 of on8 investmènt or institution does not h8v8 a major impact on Blackburn & Da￿en Youth Zon8 Investments will be made in line with Blackbum & Darwen Youth Zone Values Investment performance will be regularly reviewed Records will be maintained of all inv8stments held (including details of all those sold or purchased) by the charity Accountlng controls will be fully implemented to ensure that all dlvldends or Interest payments duo are recelved and account8d for. During the year £510,194 was dgPOSlted with various aG¢ounts via Flagstone and tenns ranging from 3 months to 12 months ensuring a r8asonable spread of maturity should the funds be required. This amount is included in Ihe Cash at bank and in hand total of£l.135,323. Going Concern Th6 financial statemènts hava been prepared on a going conc8m basis as th8 Trustees believe that no material uncertainties exisl. The Trustees have considered the level of funds held and the expected level of income and expenditure for 12 month5 from aulhorising these financial statements. The budgeted income and expenditur8 are sufficient, with the level of reserves, for the charity to continue as a going concern. Risk Management The Board fully accepts its responsibilities under Ihe Charity Commission's Statemènt of Recommended Practlce (SORP). The Trustees have considered the major risks to which the charity is exposed and are committed to ensuring these are effectively managed. The Chief Executive and senior managers have undertaken a comprehensive risk assessmènt and establlshed rlsk registers from an organisation and opèrational perspective and have •stablish8d risk managemenl and control procedures, which are reviewed regularfy by the Board. -25-

BLACKBURN YOUTH ZONE TRUSTEES, REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS, REPORT AND STRATEGIC REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 Rlsk Managoment {¢onlinugd) Blackburn & Darwen Youth Zone's top risks are outlined below. Risk Mitigation Health and Safety We review annually, our health and safely policy and procedures and ensure all team members are trained in line with the policy. We have an annual extemal check of our health safety culture and compliance. - The BWD borough council manages all statutory Complian￿ to ensure the highest standards. Finance - Inwme - Expenditure - Cash - W8 have a finance committee that reviews monthly income, expenditure and Gash. - We have a fully resourced finance team responsibl8 for reporting manag8m8nt accounts and ensuring all financial controls are enforced. We have a fully resourced Business Development team to ensu￿ we maximis8 income, wilh govemance around meeting targets. Performance Staff are fully trained with regular refreshers to - Poor quality service, which does not me8t th8 needs of ensure youth offer is up to date. young people - Staff valuès ensure the team Is happy, committed - Low attendance numbers, which results in low return on and passionate. investment - Proactive membership and engagement. vh)ich Poor performance from facilities staff, which resulls in an maximisès 811 routes to securing new members and unclean or unsafe bullding retaining existing members. Poor performanc8 from catering staff resulting in unhealthy - Regular one-to-ones and appraisals, along with or unsafe food spol checks where necessary to ensure staff P¢)or performance from Business Development team performance is of expected1evels. Check-ins with all resulting in financial instability team members and their managers every six weeks Reputation Negative impads on the reputation of Blackburn & Danv8n Youth Zone due to: Negative press coverage of incidents Negative opinions of stskeholders due to unprofessional work ethics Mismanagement of time. resources. service delivery Maintain a professional, reliable and trusknorthy appearance through.. - Attendance at local and regional ne￿OrkIng and multi-agency meetings Fulfilling all obligations to funders including reporting and financial management Sharing best practice and research as appropriate Ensuring all policies and procedures are effectively followed and enforced People staff issues due to; Turnover Sickness Poor organisalional culturelmorale - P¢)or communication Bumoul We have a clear plan to build the culture at Blackburn & Darwen Youth Zone ensuring all team members feel valued and engaged in decision making. -Afull review of HR functions was carried out during the year and as a result we have appoint@d a dedicated People & Culture L8ad who will ensure that all of our policies are reviewed -26-

BLACKBURN YOUTH ZONE TRUSTEES. REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS. REPORT AND STRATEGIC REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 Fundralslng Standards Information Blackburn & DaNen Youth Zone raises funds by approaching business8s and philanthropic individuals interested in supporling young people. We also apply for Grants from Trusts that have the same interest. During the year, we used a mix of our own employees plus the services of an extemal team of freelance fundraisers who assisted with funding bids up to £20.000. The charily is not currently a member of any voluntary scheme for regulating fundraising. Primarily, we work with prospective business Patrons who have been introduced lo our cause on a one-to-one basis. The Chief Executive monitors all fundraising. During the period. the charity received no complaints regarding its fundraising aclivities. The charity does nol do street or door-to4oor fundraising, so it does not corne into contact with vulnerable or other people who may feel intruded upon, unreasonablv petsistently approached or have had undue pressure placed upon them. Business Plan A 2025126 business plan has bean d8veloped. This will be the benchmark against which th8 organisation will be monitored. This monltoring will occur monthly by the Senior Leadership Team and bi-monthly by th8 Board of Trustees. Each programme of work has an associated operational plan, fed into the annual objectives of all team members across the organisation. Trustees Responslbllltlos The Charity's Trustees {who are also directors for the purpose of company law) are responsible for preparlng the Annual Report {including th8 Strategic Report) and the financial slatements in accordance with applicabl8 law and the United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice). Company Law requires thè charity's Trust8eS to prepare financial statements for each financSal year. Under company law, the Trustees must not approve financial statements unless they are satisfied that they give a true and fair view of the state of the affairs of the charitable company and of the incoming resources and application ol resources, induding the income and expenditure of the charitable company, for that period. In preparing those financial statements, the trustees ar8 réquired to. Select suitable accounting policies and apply them ￿nSIstentIY Observe the methods and principles of the Charity SORP 2019 (FRS 102) Make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent State whether UK accounting standards have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements. and Prepare financial statements on the going con￿rn basis unless it is inappropriate to assume the charity will continue in operation The Trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records that disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of Ihe charitable company and enable them lo ensure that the financial statements comply with the Companies Act 2006. The Trustees are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charilable company and. hence for taking ￿aSonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities. Audltor In accordance with the CoMpan￿S articles, a resolution proposing that DonnellyBentley Ltd be r8appointed as auditor of the company will be put at a Gener81 Meeting. -27-

BLACKBURN YOUTH ZONE TRUSTEES. REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS, REPORT AND STRATEGIC REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 Dlsclosuro of Information to auditor Each of the trustees has confimied that Ihere is no information of which they are aware which is relevant to the audit, but of which the auditor is unaware. They have further confimied thal they have taken appropriate steps to identify such relevant Information and to eslablish that the auditor is awar8 of such Information. The trustees, report, including the strategic report, was approved by the Board of Trustees. WA Wild (Chaimian) Trustee 13 November 2025 -28-

BLACKBURN YOUTH ZONE STATEMENT OF TRUSTEES. RESPONSIBILITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 The Irustees, who are also the directors of Blackburn Youth Zone for the purpose of company law. are responsible for preparing the Trustees. Report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practi￿). Company law requires the trustees to prepare financial statements for each financlal year whlch give a true and fair view of the stste of affairs of the charity and of the incoming resources and application of resources, including the income and expenditure, of the charitable company for that year. In preparlng these financial statements, the trustees are required to: - select suitable accounting policies and then apply Ihem conslslently,. - observe the methods and principles in the Charities SORP., make judgements and estimates that are rèasonablo and prudenl: state whether applicable UK Accounting Standards have been followed, subject to any materlal departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements., and prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that thè Charity will continue in operation. The trustees are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charity and enable them to ensure that the financial statements ¢omply with the Companies Ad 2006. They are also r8sFK)nsible for safeguarding the assets of the charity and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities. In so far as the trustees are aware: there is no re18vant audit infomation of which the charilable company's auditor 15 unaware- and the trustees have taken all steps thal they ought to hav8 taken to make themselves aware of any relevant audit information and to establish that the audltor is aware of thal inforniation. -29-

BLACKBURN YOUTH ZONE INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF BLACKBURN YOUTH ZONE Opinion We have audited the financial statements of Blackbum Youth Zone (the '¢harity'l for the year ended 31 March 2025 which comprise the statement of financial aclivilies. the balance sheet, the statement of cash flows and notes to the financial statements. including significant accounting policies. The financial reporting framework that has been applied in their preparation is applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards, including Financial Reporting Standard 102 The Fin8nGi81 Reporting Stsndard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice). In our opinion, the financial statements: give a true and fair view of the state of the charitable companws affairs as at 31 March 2025 and of its incoming resources and application of resources. including its income and expenditure. for the year then ended; have been properly prepared in accordance with United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice; and have been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Compani85 Act 2006. Basi5 for opinion We conducted our audit in accordance with Inlernalional Standards on Auditing (UK) {ISAs IUKII and applicable law. Our responsibilities under those standards are further described in the Auditors responsibilities ft)r the audit of the financial statements section of our r8POrt. We are independent of the charity in accordance wilh the ethiol requirements that are relevant to our audit of the financial statements in th8 UK. including the FRC'S Ethical Standard, and we have fulfilled our other ethical responslbllitles in accordance with these requir8m8nts. We believe that the audit evidence we have obtainèd is sufficient and appropriale to providg a basis for our opinion. Conelusions relating to golng concom In auditing the financial statements, we have Gonduded that the trustees, use of the going concern basis of accounling in the preparation of the fln8nclal statements is appropriate. Based on the work we have perfomed, we have not idèntlfied any material uncertainties rèlating to events or condltlons that, individually or collectively, may tsst signlficanl doubt on the charity's ability to continue as a going concern ft)r a period of at least ￿e1ve months from when the financial statements are aulhorised for issue. Our responsibilities and the responsibilitles of the trust88s with respect to going eoncèm are described in the relevant seclions of this report. Other Informatlon The other information comprises the information included in the annual report other than the financial slatements and our auditors report thereon. The trustees are responsible for the other information contained within the annual report. Our opinion on the financial statements does not cover the olher information and, except to the extent otherwise explicitly stated in our report, we do not express any fomi of assurance conclusion thereon. Our responsibility is to read the other information and, in doing so, consider whether the other infomiation is materially inconsistent wilh the financial statements or our knowledge obtained in the course of the audit, or otherwise appears to be materially misstated. If we identify such material inconsistencies or apparent material misstatements. we are required to determine whether this gives rise to a material misstatement in the financial statements themselves. If, based on the work we have performed, we conclude that there is a material misstatement of this other information, we are required to report that fact. We have nothing to report in this regard. Oplnlons on other matters prescribed by tho Companles Act 2006 In our opinion. based on the work undertaken in the course of our audit: the information given in the trustees. report for the financial year for whiGh the financial statements are prepared, which includes the directors. report and the strategic report prepared for the purposes of company law, is Consistent with the financial statements., and the strategic report and the directors. report included within the trustees, report have b88n prepared in aCC￿rdance wilh applicable legal r8quirements. -30-

BLACKBURN YOUTH ZONE INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT (CONTINUED) TO THE MEMBERS OF BLACKBURN YOUTH ZONE Matters on which we are required to report by èxcéption In the light of the knowledge and understanding of the chaiity and its 8nvironm8nt obtained in the course of the audit, we have not Identified material mlsstatements in the strategic report or the directors, report included within the trustees. report. We have nolhing to report in respect of Ihe following matters in relation to which the Companies Act 2006 requires us to report to you if, in our opinion.. adequate accounting records have not been kept. or retums adequate for our audit have not been received from branches not visited by us.. or the financial statements are not in agreement with the accounting records and returns- or certain disclosures of trustees. remuneration specified by law are not made: or we have not received all the information and explanations we require for our audit. Responsibilitios of trusto•s As explained more fully in the statement of trustees. responsibilities. the trustees. who are also the directors of the charity for the purpose of company law, are responsible for the preparallon of the flnanclal statements and for being satisfied that they give a true and fair view, and for such intemal control as the trustees determine is necessary to enable the preparation of financial statements that are free from material misstat8m8nt, whether due to fraud or error. In preparing the finan¢ial statements. the Irustees are responsible for assessing the charity's ability to continue as a going conGern. dis¢105ing, as applicable, matters related to going concern and using the going concem basls of accounting unless the trustees either intend to liquidate the charitable Gompany or to cease operations. or have no realislic alternative but to do so. Auditor's responsibilities for the audit of thè fjnancial statomonts Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements as a wholè are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to issua an auditorfs rèport that includes our opinion. Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance but is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance with ISAS {UKI will always deteGt a material misstatemenl when it exists. Misstatements can arise from fraud or error and are considered material if, individually or in the aggregate, they could reasonably be exp8d8d to influence the economic decisions of users taken on the basis of these financlal staternents. Irregularities, including fraud, are instances of nonwcompliance with laws and regulations. We design proc8dures in line with our responsibilities, outlined above, to detect material misstatements in respéct of irregularities, including fraud. The extent to which our procedures are capable of detecting irregularities, including fraud is detailed below- We obtained an understsnding of Ihe legal and regulatory framework applicable to the company and the sector in which it operates and considered the risk of non - compliance with applicable law5 or regulations. We determined that the following laws and regulations were most significant.. the Companies Act 2006, the Charities Act 2011 {as amended by the Charities Act 2022), Accountirig and Reporting by Charities= Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accord8nce with the Financial and Reporting Standard applicable to the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland IFRS102), those that relate to safeguarding and child protection, those thal relate to employment law and those that relate to data protection. We designed audit procedures to respond to the risk, recognising that the risk of not detecting a material misstatement due to fraud is higher than the risk of not detecting one resulting from 8rror, as fraud may involve deliberate concealment. for example. forgery or intentional misrepresenlations, or through collusion. We obtained an understanding of how the Company is complying with those legal and regulatory frameworks by making enquirie5 of the management. We corroborated our enquiries through our review of board minutes. Our tests also included agreeing the financial statements disclosures to underlying supporting documenlalion. There ar8 inherent limilations in the audit procedures described above and. the further removed non-compliance with laws and regulations is from the events and transaclions refieded in the financial statements, the loss likely we would beGome aware of it, We did nol identify any kgy audit matters relating to irr8gularities. including fraud. 31

BLACKBURN YOUTH ZONE INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT (CONTINUED) TO THE MEMBERS OF BLACKBURN YOUTH ZONE We also addressed the risk of management override of intemal controls. including testing journals and evaluating whether there was evidence of bias by the management or trustees that represented a risk of material misstatement due to fraud. A further description of our responsibilities is available on the Financial Reporting Council's website at: https:11 www.frc.org.ukJauditorsresponslblllties. Thls description forms part of our audltofs report. Use of our report This report is made solely to the charitab18 company's members, as a body, In accordance with Chapter 3 of Part 16 of the Companies Act 2006. Our audit work has been undertaken so that we might stale to the charitable company's members those matters we are required to state to Ihem in an auditor's report and for no other purpose. To the fvllest èxt8nt pèrmitted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the charitable company and the charitable company's members as a l)ody, for our audit work. for this report, or for the opinions we have formed. Cathorine Cole (Senior Statutory Audltor) For and on behalf of DonnellyBentley Ltd, StatutoryAuditor Chartered Accountsnts Hazlemere 70 Chorley New Road Bolton Lancashire BL148Y 13 November 2025 -32-

BLACKBURN YOUTH ZONE STATEMENT OF FINANCIALACTIVITIES INCLUDING INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 Unrestricted Restricted funds funds 2025 2025 Tolal Unrestricted Re$tri¢ted funds funds 2024 2024 Total 2025 2024 Not95 Income from: Donations and legacies Charitable activities Other trading aclivilies Investments 1.228.051 3.860.029 5.088,080 19.406 19,406 146,993 146,993 27,862 27,862 1.269.726 1,261,561 27,063 115,675 15,995 2,531.287 27.063 115,675 15,995 Total Income 1,422,312 3.860.029 5.282,341 1.428.459 1,261.561 2.690,020 Expenditure on: Ralslng funds Charitabl8 actlvltl8S 269,384 269,384 1.251,778 1.325,212 2,576.988 188,697 188,697 990,929 1.203,859 2,194,788 Total axpondlture 1,521,160 1.325,212 2,846,372 1.179,626 1,203,859 2.383.485 Net incomel(expenditure) and movement In funds {98.848) 2,534,817 2.435,969 248.833 57.702 306,535 Reconclliatlon of funds: Fund balances al 1 April 2024 810,874 4,710,715 5.521.589 562,041 4.653,013 5.215.054 Fund balances at 31 March 2025 712,026 7.245,532 7,957,558 810,874 4,710,715 5.521.589 The statement of financial activities includ9s all gains and losses recognised in the year. All Income and expendlture derlve from continuing activities. 33-

BLACKBURN YOUTH ZONE BALANCE SHEET ASAT31 MARCH 2025 2025 2024 Notes Fixèd assets Tangib18 assets 14 7.312,515 4,756.442 Current assets Debtors Cash at bank and in hand 15 144,372 1,135,323 199.147 948,741 1,279,695 1,147.888 Creditors: amounts falllng due wlthln ong yèar (634,6521 (382,741) Net current assats 645,043 765.147 Total assets le35 ¢urrent liabilities 7,957,558 5,521.589 The fund¥ of the charlty Restricted income funds Unreslricted funds 19 20 7,245,532 712,026 4.710,715 810,874 7.957.558 5.521,589 The financial statements were approved by the trustees on 13 November 2025 W Awlld (Chaimian) Trustee

BLACKBURN YOUTH ZONE STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 2025 2024 Notss Cash flows from operating a¢tivilies Cash generated from operations 2.847,305 366.495 Investing activities Purchase of tangible fixed assets Proceeds from disposal of tsngible fixed assets Investment income r8ceived (2.688.585) (187,5281 2.000 15,995 27.862 Net cash used In Investing actlvlties (2,680.723) (169.533) Net cash generated from flnanclng aetlvltles Net increase in cash and cash equlvalents 186.582 196,962 Cash and cash equlvalents al beginning of year 948,741 751.779 Cash and cash equlvalents at end of year 1.135.323 948,741 -35-

BLACKBURN YOUTH ZONE NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 Accountlng pollcl•s Charlty Infomiatlon The company is a company limited by guarantee incorporaled in England and Wales. The members of the company are the Trustees named on page 1. In Ihe event of the company being wound up, the liability in respect of the guarantee is limited to £10 per member of the company. The address of the r8gistered office is Jubilee Street, Blackburn, Lancashire, 881 1 EP. The nature of the charily's operations and principal activities are to improve the life chances of young people in the Blackburn with Darwen area. helping Ihem to gain increased levels of confidence and self-esteem and raising their aspirations for the fulure. 1.1 Basis of preparatlon The financial statements have been prepared in accordan￿ with the Charit￿s goveming document. Ihe Companies Act 2006. FRS 102 "The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland" and the Charities SORP 'Accounting and Reporting by Charilies: Statement of Recornmended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102)". The charity is a Public Benefft Entity as defined by FRS 102. The financial ststements are prepared in sterEing, which 18 the functional currency of the charity. The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention. Thè princlpal accounting policies adopted are set out below. 1.2 Golng concern At the time of approving the financial statements, the trusle8s have a reasonable expectation that the charity has adequate resources to contlnu8 In op8ralional existents for the foreseeable future. Thus the trustees continue to adopt the going concern basis of accounting in preparing the financial statements. 1.3 Charltable funds General funds are unrestricted funds which are available for usa at the discretion of the Trustees in furtherance of the general objectives of the company and which have not been designated for other purposes. Designated funds comprise unrestricted funds that have been set aside by the twstees for particular purposes. The aim and use of each designated fund is set out in the note to the accounts. Reslrided funds are funds which are to be used in accordance with specific restrictions imposed by donors or which have been raised by the company for particular putposes. The costs of raising and administering such funds are charged against the specific fund. The aim and use of each restricted fund is set out in ihe notes to the financial statements. 1.4 Incorne All income is included in the Statement of Financial Activities (SOFA) On￿ the company has entitlement to the income, it is probable that the income will be received. and the amount of income receivable can be measured reliably. Cash donations are recognised on receipt. Other donations arg recognised once the charity has been notified of th8 donation. unless performance conditions require deferral of the amount. Inwme tax recoverable in relation to donatlons received under GiftAid or deeds of covenant is recognised at the time of the donation. Legacies are recognised on receipt or otherwise if Ihe charity has been notified of an impending dislrlbution, the amount is known. and receipt is expe¢ted. If the amount is not known, the legacy is treated as a contingent asset. 38-

BLACKBURN YOUTH ZONE NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 Accounting policies (Continued) Gifts in kind donated for distribution are included at valuation and recognised as income when they are distributed to the projects. Gifts donated for resale are included as income when they are sold. Donated facilities are included at the value to the company where this can be quantified and a third party is bearing the cost. No amounts are included in the financial statements ft)r services donated by volunteers. Donated services or facilities are recognised when the company has control over the item, any conditions associated with the donated item have been met, the receipt of economic benefit from the use of the company of the item is probable and that economic benefit can be measured reliably. On receipt. donated professional services and donated facilities are recognised on the basis of the value of the gift to the company which is the amount the company would have been willing to pay to obtain services or facilities of equivalent economic benefit on the open market., a Gorresponding amount 1$ then recognised in expendilure in the period of receipt. Income tax recoverable in relation to donations receivéd under Gift Aid or deeds of covenant is recognised at Ihe time of the donation. Income tax recoverable in relation to inveslmenl income is recognised al the lime the investment income is receivable. 1.5 Expondlture l expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basls and has been classified under headings that aggregate all Costs related to the cat6gory. Expendlture Is recognised once there is a legal or eonstrudive obllgation to transfer economic benefit to a third party, it is probable that a transfer of economiG benefits wlll be required in settlement and the amount of the obligation can be measured ￿lIablY. Exp8nditure is classified by activity. The costs of each activily are made up of the total of direct costs and shared cosls, including support Costs involvèd in undertaking each activlty. Direct costs attributable to a single activity are allocated directly to that activity. Shared costs which contribute to more than one aotivily and support costs which are not attribulable to a single activity ara apportionèd b&￿ten th¢)se activlties on a basis consistent with the use of resources. Central slaff costs are allocated on the basis of time spent. and depreciation charges allocated on the portion of the assevs use. Fundraising costs are those incurred in seeking voluntary contributions and do not include the costs of disseminating information in support of the charilable activities. Support costs are those costs incurred directly in support of expenditure on the objects of Ihe company and include project managemenl carried out at Headquarters. Costs of generating funds are costs incurred in attracting voluntary income. and those incurred in trading activities that raise funds. Charitable activities and Govemance costs are costs incurred on Ihe company's educational operations, including support costs and costs relating to the govemance of the company apportioned to charitable activities. 1.6 Tangible fixed assets Tangible fixed assets ar8 initially measured at cost and subsequently measured at cost or valuation. net of depreciation and any impairment losses. -37-

BLACKBURN YOUTH ZONE NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 Aeeountlng pollcles {Conlinued) Deprecialion is rerngnised so as to wrfte off the cost or valuation of assets less thair residual values over their useful lives on the following bases: Leasehold land and buildings Plant and equipment Computers Motor vehicl8s 2°h straight line 25°A reducing balance 330/0 Straight line 20¢J/o Straight line The gain or loss arising on the disposal of an asset is determined as the difference between the sale prO￿edS and the carrying value of the asset. and is recognised in the statement of financial activities. 1.7 Impairment of flxed assets At each reporting end date, the charity reviews the carrying amounts of its tangible assets lo determine vthether there is any indication that those assets have suffered an impaiment loss. If any such indication exists. the recoverable amount of the asset is estimated in order to determine the extent of the impairment loss (rf any). 1.8 Cash and cash equivalents Cash at bank and in hand includes cash and short temi highly liquld Investments with a short maturlty of threè months or less from the date of acquisition or openlng of the deposit or similar acwunt. 1.9 Finan¢ial instruments The company only has financial assets and financial liabiltties of a kind thal qualfy as basic financial instruments. Basic financial instruments ar8 initially recognised at transaGtion value and subsequently measured at their settlement value wlth the exc8Ption of bank loans which are subs8quently measured at amortised cost using the effectlve interest method. Baslc IlnanGial ossets Basic financial assets, which includ& debtors and cash and bank balances, are initially measured at transaction prlc8 Including transaction costs and are subsequently carried at amortised cost using the effectivè Interest method unless the arrangement Constitutes a financing transaction. where the transaction is measured at the present value of the future receipts discounted at a market rate of interest. Financial assets classified as receivable within one year are not amortised. Baslc Ilnancial liabilities Basic financial liabilities, induding creditors and bank loans are initially reGognised at transaction price unless the arrangemenl constitutes a financing transaction. where the debt instrument is measured at the present value of the future payments discounted at a market rate of interest. Financial liabilities classified as payable within one year are not amortised. Debt instruments are subsequently carried at amortised cost, using the effective interest rate rnethod. Trade creditors are obligations to pay for goods or services that have been acquired in the ordinary course of operations from suppliers. Amounts payable are dassrfied as current liabilities if payment is due wilhin one year or less. If not, they are presented as non-current liabiliti8s. Trade credilors are recognised initially at transadion price and subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method. Derecognition of financial liabllttles Financial liabilities are derecognised when the charity's contractual obligations expire or are dis¢harged or ancElled. 38-

BLACKBURN YOUTH ZONE NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 Accounting policies (Continued) 1.10 Taxallon The charity is an exempt charity within the meanlng of schedule 3 of the Charities Act 2011 and Is considered to pass the test set OLrt in Paragraph 1 Schedule 6 Finance Act 2010 and therefore it meets the definltlon of a charilable company for UK Corporation Tax purposes. 1.11 Employee benefits The wst of any unusad holiday 8ntitlement is recognised in the period in which the employee's services are received. Termination benefits are recognised immediately as an expense when the charity is demonstrably committed to terminate the employment of an employee or to provide temiination benefits. 1.12 R•tlr•m6nt boneflts The company operates 8 defined contribulion pension s¢heme and the pension charge represents the amounts payable by the Company to the fund in respect of the year. 1.13 Leases Rentals under operating leases are charged to the Statement of financial activities incorporating income and expenditure account on a slraight line basis over the lease term. 1.14 Grants Income from govemment and other grants are recognised at fair value when the charity has entitlement after any performance conditions have been met, it is probable that the income wlll be received and the amount Can be measured rèliably. If entitlement is not met then these amounts are deferred. 1.15 Interest recelvable Interest on funds held on deposit is included when receivable and th8 amount can be measured reliably by the company; this is nomially upon notlfication of the inter8st paid or payable by the Bank. Crftlcal accountlng estlmates and Judgements In th6 application of the charity's accoLinting policies, the trustees are required to make judgements, estimates and assumptions about the carrying amount of assets and Ilabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. The eslimates and associated assumptions are based on historical experfence and other factors that are considèred to be relevant. Actual resulls may differ from these estimates. The estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revisions to accounting estlmat8s are r8cognised in the period In which the estimate is revised where the revision aff8cts only that period, or in the period of the revision and future periods where th8 r8vislon affects bolh current and future periods. -39-

BLACKBURN YOUTH ZONE NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS {CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 Income from donatlons and legacles Unrestricted Restricted funds funds 2025 2025 Total Unrestricted Rè$trided funds funds 2024 2024 Total 2025 2024 Donations and gifts Govemment grants Grants 949,663 949.663 270.063 3,321,187 3.591.250 8.325 538,842 547.167 936,151 183,126 150,449 936,151 986.852 608.284 803,726 457.835 1,228.051 3,860,029 5,088,080 1,269,726 1,261,581 2,531,287 Donations and gifts includes £30,980 {2024: £92,135) of In-Kind Support ranging from raffle prizes. toys, bedding and make-up. During Ihe year to 31 March 2025, volunteers provided 4,196 hours (2024:6,882) of support to the Youth Zon8,which equates lo an average of around 81 hours12024:1321 per week. Income from charitable activities Unrestricted funds 2025 Unrestrlcted funds 2024 Charllable activitles Young People's activity sessions Facility hlre 14,006 5,400 16.222 10,841 19.406 27,063 In¢om8 from other trading activities Unrestricted Unrostrlcted funds funds 2025 2024 Fundraising events 146,993 115.675 -40-

BLACKBURN YOUTH ZONE NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 Income from investmonts Unrestricted Unrestrlcted funds funds 2025 2024 Other income 27,862 15,995 Expenditure on raising funds Unreslrlcted Unrestrieted funds funds 2025 2024 Fundraising and publicity Staging fundraising events Fundraising agents Staff costs Support costs 84,392 37.553 145,127 2,312 59,749 36,166 92.782 269,384 188.697 Expendlture on charltable actlvltles Charltable Activities 2025 Charitsble Activities 2024 Direct costs staff costs Trips and minibus hir8 Catering supplies Parlnerships & arrangements Freelance staff Youth activity consumables 929,576 22,859 61,800 241,263 17,569 152,536 839.466 15,514 63.590 132,954 10.300 164.572 1.425,603 1.226.396 Share of support and governanco costs <s0o note 9) Support 1,151.385 968.392 2,576,988 2,194.788 Analysis by fund Unrestricted funds Restricted funds 1,251,776 1.325,212 990,929 1.203.859 2,576,988 2.194,788 -41

BLACKBURN YOUTH ZONE NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 Support costs allocated to actlvltles Charltable Actlvftles 2025 Total 2024 Staff costs Depreciation Insurance Offica costs other building running costs Other staff costs other costs Fr8elanc8 staff 428.508 132.512 29.673 131.020 298,195 23,973 81,151 26,353 354.836 136.898 18.601 137.376 212.331 18.043 70.313 19,994 1,151.385 968.392 Totsl govemance cost5 included within support costs were £32,856 {2024.. £24,447) 10 Net movement in funds 2025 2024 The net movement in funds is ststed after ch8rgingl(crediting): Fees payable for the audit of the charity's finanGial stalements Dèpreciation of owned tangible fixed assets Loss on disposal of tangible fixed assets 12.000 132,512 9.000 136,056 841 11 Trustees During the year, no trustees received any remuneration (2024 - £NILI. During the year, no trustees received any benefits in kind12024 - £NILI. During the year, 8 trustees received reimbursement of travel expenses lotaling £323 {2024 - 6 trustees lotaling £446). -42-

BLACKBURN YOUTH ZONE NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 12 Employees The average monlhly number of employees during the year was.. 2025 Number 2024 Number Fundralslng and administration Delivery 13 71 73 Total 82 Average headcount expressed as a full time equivalent: 2025 Numbèr 2024 Number Fundraising and adminislration Delivery 40 36 Total 48 44 Employment costs 2025 2024 Wages and salaries Other pension ¢osts 1,476,614 26.597 1,267,255 19.829 1,503,211 1,287.084 The number of employees whose annual remuneration was more than £60.000 Is as follows.. 2025 Number 2024 Number £70,001 to £80,000 Remuneratlon of key management personnel The remuneration of key management personnel was as follovts.. 2025 2024 Aggregate compensation 216.663 212,425 Key managemenl personnel are considered to be the Chief Executive, Head of Operations and Director of Finance. -43-

BLACKBURN YOUTH ZONE NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 13 Taxatlon The Charity is exempt from taxation on its activities because all its income is applied for charitable purposes. 14 Tangibl¢ fixed as8oIs L•a$•hold Ass•ts undor land #nd ¢onstru¢tlon bulldlngs Plant and Comput•rs •qulpment Motor v•hl¢l•s Total Cost At 1 April 2024 Additions 5,515,459 158,572 2.528.111 145.672 45,306 47.817 22,465 19,794 5,887,314 92,703 2.688,585 At 31 March 2025 5,515.459 2.686,683 190.978 70,282 112,497 8.575,899 Depreciation and impairmenl At 1 April 2024 Depreciation charged in the year 983,590 91.452 36,036 19.794 1,130.872 110,309 13,365 8,838 132,512 At 31 March 2025 1.093,899 104,817 44,874 19,794 1,263.384 Carrylng amount At 31 Ma￿h 2025 4,421.560 2,686.683 86,161 25,408 92.703 7,312,515 At 31 March 2024 4,531,869 158,572 54,220 11,780 4,756,442 On 17 April 2015 the propety from which the company operates was legally transferred to the company from Onsid6 Youth Zones. Onside Youth Zones previously buill and developed the property with the support of a £5 million grant providèd by the Big Lottery Fund, acting as agènt for the Secretary of State. The Secretary of Stale holds a legal charge over the company secured on the property, for a period of 20 years from 26 February 2009. The charge has lemis associated which if not met by the company could result in the grdnt becoming repayable. 15 Debtors 2025 2024 Amounts falllng due wlthln one year. Trade debtors Other debtors Prepayments and accrued income 80,892 200 63,280 73.632 126 125.389 144,372 199.147

BLACKBURN YOUTH ZONE NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 16 Creditors: amounts falllng due wlthln one year 2025 2024 Notes Other taxation and social security Deferred income Trade credilors Other creditors Accruals 54,066 245,887 61.520 45,617 227,562 43.388 103.773 52.990 25,958 156,632 17 634,652 382,741 17 Deferred income 2025 2024 Arising from grants and trusts Arising from fundraising events 226,647 19,240 103.023 750 245,887 103.773 Deferred income is included in the financial statements a5 follows: 2025 2024 Deferred income is induded within: Current liabilities 245.887 103.773 Movements in Ihe yaar: Deferred income at 1 April 2024 Released from previous periods Resources deferred in the year 103,773 {927.955} 1,070.069 157.872 (679,912) 625.813 Deferred income at 31 March 2025 245,887 103.773 18 Retirement benefit sehemes 2025 2024 Deflned contrlbutlon schemes Charge lo profft or loss In respect of deflned contrfbution schemes 26,597 19,829 The charity operates a defined contribution pension scheme for all qualifying employees. The assets of the scheme are held separately from those of the charity in an independently administéred fund. -45-

BLACKBURN YOUTH ZONE NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 19 Restrlcted funds The restricted funds of the charity comprise the unexpended balanGes of donations and grants held on trust subject to specific conditions by donors as to how they may be used. At 1 April 2024 Incoming resourcos Resources At 31 MarGh oxpended 2025 Restricted Funds Property Reserves 20.276 4.690.439 1.177,984 2,682,045 11,049,534) (275,678) 148,726 7.096,806 4,710.715 3.860,029 (1,325,212) 7,245,532 Provious year: At 1 Aprll 2023 Incomlng Resources At 31 March rosour¢es expended 2024 Restricted Funds Propety Resèrves 10,835 4,642.178 1,034,363 227,198 (1,024,922) (178.937) 20.276 4,690.439 4,653,013 1,261.561 (1,203,859} 4.710,715

BLACKBURN YOUTH ZONE NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 19 Restricted funds {Continu6d) At 1 Aprfl 2024 Incomlng resources Resources expended Transfers At 31 March 2025 Prudence Trust- Wellbeing Worker Youth Hub- Henry Smith UK Shared Prosperity Fund Digital Futures- Maker Zone BWD Mentoring Eric Wright Foundation Onside Impact Fund - Maker Zone BBC CIN- Da￿en Targeted Support Worker Casey TrusVHays Travel Burberry Foundation NCS Community Experiences Shepherd Street Trust TowèrAbov8 Prolect- TaAF Henry Smith Doyle Carter John Lewis Foundation Year 2 HAF Easter 24 Reachlng Communltles Cadenl OF Impact Fund- Fundraising Sustainability HAF Summer 24 Islamic Relief - Stronger Communities John Thaw Foundation Heritage Lottery Fund Prudence Trust 2024 Sport England Duke of Edinburgh Joanies Fund HAF Winter 24 Winter Warmer HAF Easter 25 BAE Maker Zone Grant Sport England (Wheelchairs) Active Lancashire (Boxing and UV Equipment) Police Commissioner- Knife Crime Lloyds Tru5t- Youth Bus Heritage Lottery Fund 3.741 20,000 125.000 (3.741) {20,000) (125,000) (3.000) {10,833) (40.000) 3.000 10.833 40,000 11.894 57,362 (69,256) 30,000 2,500 22.066 21,650 {30,000) (2,500) {22,066) (17,799) 3,851 1,582 1,582 72,747 35,000 3,000 83,241 22,860 100,000 58,500 (72,747) (35,000) (4,000> (83,241) (22,860) 193,162> (58.500) 1.000 6.838 60,824 101,032 {60,824) (101.032) 6.819 1,000 91.694 18,461 13.572 5.478 1.750 24,950 4,203 {6.819) {1,000) (91.694) (18.461) (13.572} (5.478) (1.750) (24,950) (4,203) {854) (4,593) {249) {854) 17,804 986 22,397 1.235 1,519 (304) 1.215 46 {46) 60,000 54,804 60,000 54,804 Capital Building Project 4,531,869 (110,309) 4,421,560 -47-

BLACKBURN YOUTH ZONE NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 19 Restrlctsd funds {Continued) YIF Onside - Project Gen Al 158,570 2,682,045 2,500 (165,369} 2,675.246 2,500 Totsl 4,710,715 3,860,029 (1,325,212) 7,245,532 HAF- Easter Providlng positive a¢tivity and food through the Eastsr holidays to young people from disadvantaged backgrounds tackling holiday hunger. Youth Hub Various proje￿$ to help young people. particulady those with special needs. get into employment or training. Capital Building Project Monies received for the initial construction and fftting out of the building. The original 8xpenditur8 relates to the annual depreciation charg8. HAF Summor & Winter 24 Providing positive activity and food through the summer & winter holidays to young people from disadvantaged backgrounds tackling hollday hunger. UK Shared Prosp8rity Fund To engage young people, community, and the private $ecior in communty activities, volunteerFng and business engagement. John Lewis Foundation Supporting young p80ple aged 16-24 who are currently unemployed. not in training or learning 2nd who may have a Tange of vulnerabiltties and need help to move into employment, training or leaming opportunities. Doyle Carter- The Arts To deliver wegkly performing arts sessions. Dlgitsl Futures- Mak8r Zone To develop a flexSble ¢urrl¢ulum which aids th8 quality and Impact of Maker Zone. Burbery Foundation CreativelEnterprise projects. NCS Community Experiences Encourage youn9 people to try different activities and to step out of their comfort zone. Shepherd Street Trust New baskelball kits. BBC CIN - Darwen Targeted Support Worker Funding for 8 Targeted Support Worker at Darwen Youth Zone. Onside Impa¢t Fund - Maker Zone Development of the Maker Zone. digital arts space. NCS Delivery of NCS programme lo 195 young people. YIF Capltal grant to refurbish the Fusebox -48-

BLACKBURN YOUTH ZONE NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 19 Rostrictod funds (Contlnued) Lloyds Trust- Youth Bus Capital grant lo purchase and kit out an Outreach Bus Heritage Lottery Fund Wonderful Ele¢tri¢ proje¢t- rediscovering the history of the Fusebox 20 Unrestricted funds The unrestricled funds of Ihe charity comprise the unexpended balances of donations and grants which are not subject to specific conditions by donors and grantors as to how they may be used. These include designated funds which have been set aside out of unrestricted fvnds by the trustees for specific purposes. At 1 April 2024 Incomlng Resources At 31 March resources expended 2025 General funds Designated fund 675,046 135.828 1.056.708 365.604 (1.147.508) (373.6521 584,246 127.780 810.874 1,422.312 {1,521,160) 712.026 Prevlous year: At 1 April 2023 Incoming résourc85 Resources At 31 March oxpended 2024 General funds Designated fund 456,180 105.861 1,127,333 301,126 1908,4671 (271,159) 675,046 135,828 562,041 1,428,459 {1,179,6261 810,874 21 Analysls of net assets between funds Unrèstrictsd funds 2025 Restrlctod funds 2025 Total 2025 At 31 March 2025: Tangible assèts Current assets/{liabilities) 78,880 633,146 7,233,635 11.897 7,312.515 645,043 712,026 7,245,532 7,957,558 -49-

BLACKBURN YOUTH ZONE NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 21 Analysis of not assots between funds (Continued) Unrestricted funds 2024 Restricted funds 2024 Total 2024 At 31 March 2024: Tangible assets Current assetsllliabililies} 66.002 744.872 4.690,440 20.275 4.756,442 765,147 810.874 4,710,715 5,521.589 22 Flnanclal commltments At 31 March 2025 Blackburn Youth Zone had financial commitments of £223,378 12024 - £57,967) not induded in the balance sheet. 23 Related party transactions AH Graham, who is a trustee. is a director of Graham & Brown Limited. During the year, thls company made donatlons lotaling £25,000 (2024 £25,000) and sponsorshlp of events of £590 (2024 £590). E Swan. who is a trustee, is a partner of Forbes Solicitors. Wayne Wild, a trustee, is th8 husband of the Managing Partner of Forbes Solicitors. During the year, Forbes SolScltors made donations tolaling £13,000 {2024 - £11,833) and sponsorshlp of events of £1,400 {2024 - £650). Blackbum Youth Zone paid £9,419 {2024 £1,080) for legal Services. Wayne Wild is the sole director of Lumax Ltd, who ar8 in turn the sole shareholders of 3g Pitch Hire Ltd, During the yesr the company paid 3G Pitch Hire Ltd £1,540 (2024- £3,135) for the hire of th8 3G pitch at AFC Darwen. M Saxion, who is a trustee, is a director of Totally Wicked. During the year Totally Wicked made donations of £25,000 {2024 - £25,000) and sponsorship of events of £3.519 (2024 - £4,220). P. Mellor, who is a trustee, is a director of Cummlns Mellor Limited, Chef Jobs UK Ltd and Personnel Checks Limi18d. Durlng the year Cummins Mellor made donations tolalling £23012024 £8,220). During the year Blackbum Youth Zone paid £8,243 (2024 £nil) to Cummins Mellor Limited for recruitment services, £Nil (2024 £3,848} to Chef Jobs UK Ltd for t8mporary staff and £2,442 (2024 - £2,390) to Personnel Checks Limlt8d for DBS checking servi¢es. -50-

BLACKBURN YOUTH ZONE NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 24 Cash generated from operatlons 2025 2024 Surplus for the year 2,435,969 306,535 Adjustmonts for: Investment income recognised in statement of financial activities (Gain)Iloss on disposal of tangible fixed assets Depreciation and impairment of tangible fixed assets (27,862) {15.995) 841 136,056 132,512 Movements In working capltal: DecreaseJ(increase) in debtors Increase in creditors Increasel{decreasel in deferred inwme 54,775 109.797 142.114 (94,699} 87.856 (54,099) Cash generated from operatlons 2,847,305 366,495 25 Analysls of changes in net funds The charity had no material debt during the year. 51