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