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← Engage Youth Empowerment Services (Eyes)

2024-04-30-accounts

Company Ltd by Guarantee No: 05098175 Registered Charity Number : 1137257

REPORT OF THE DIRECTORS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 April 2024

FOR

ENGAGE YOUTH EMPOWERMENT SERVICES (EYES) (A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE)

CONTENTS
COMPANY & CHARITY INFORMATION
DIRECTORS' REPORT
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES
BALANCE SHEET
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS		 PAGE NO.
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4 - 14
15
16
17
18 - 22

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ENGAGE YOUTH EMPOWERMENT SERVICES (EYES)

COMPANY & CHARITY INFORMATION FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 APRIL 2024

DIRECTORS / TRUSTEES:

Eugenny Taylor (Chair) Micel Barrett Angela Samuels

COMPANY SECRETARY

REGISTERED OFFICE:

Micel Barrett 58 Bank Street Bilston West Midlands WV14 8PD

REGISTERED NUMBER: 05098175 (England and Wales) REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER : 1137257

INDEPENDENT EXAMINER :

Amoeba Associates Ltd Derwent House Broad Street Kingswinford West Midlands DY6 9LP

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ENGAGE YOUTH EMPOWERMENT SERVICES (EYES)

REPORT OF THE DIRECTORS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 APRIL 2024

The directors, who are also trustees for the purposes of the Charity Act, present their annual report and independently reviewed Financial Statements for the year ended 30th April 2024.

STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT

The Charity is constituted as a Charitable Company Limited by Guarantee and is a charity registered with the Charity Commissioners number 1137257, and is therefore not subject to Corporation Tax.

Governing document: Memorandum & Articles of Association incorporated on the 7th April 2004, as amended by special resolution dated 12 July 2010.

The trustees all provide their services free of charge. They have a wide range of skills and experience in management in the public, private and voluntary sectors. Trustees are elected by the membership at the AGM.

The trustees set the overall policy and direction of the Charity. Day to day management responsibility is devolved to the paid staff, led by Jennifer Taylor, the Centre/Programme Manager.

OBJECTS AND ACTIVITY

As set out in the Memorandum and Articles of Association the objects of the charity are: (1) To act as a resource for young people living in Wolverhampton by providing advice and assistance and organising programmes of physical, educational and other acivities as a means of: (a) Advancing in life and helping young people by developing their skills, capacities and capabilities to enable them to participate in society as independent, mature and responsible individuals; (b) Advancing education; (c) Providing recreational and leisure time activities in the interests of social welfare for people in the area of benefit who have need, by reason of their youth, age, infirmity or disability, poverty or social and economic circumstances, with a view to improving tyhe conditions of life of such persons.

EYES is a grassroots collaborative organisation which engages young people from diverse cultures and backgrounds. The charity supports all young people. The work and focus of the work is helping young people at risk from loosing their quality of life, or potentially their lives from the negative gang culture and its influences. The five elements are: Diversion, Intervention, Creativity, Mentoring and Training.

PUBLIC BENEFIT

All of the Charity's activities are aimed at supporting local people, in an area of high deprivation. No member of the Company, including the Directors, receives any financial benefit from their involvement with the organisation.

In developing activities and delivering services, the Directors have taken account of the guidance on public benefit published by the Charities Commission.

ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE – May 2023 to April 2024

Boys Certified Programme: Violence Reduction Partnership Funding

Boys Certified Project supports young boys from 11-17 years of age who are vulnerable or at risk from violence through street altercations or gang violence. The project helps the Boys to see past their situation and support them to make better decisions that impacts their lives positively.

The boys are assigned Project Worker/Mentor(s) who are trained and have lived experiences. They are able to relate to the circumstances of the young lads and address the issues using practical strategies. Whether it is:

The Project Workers support the young boys towards addressing their issues:

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Outputs • Detached work • Intensive mentoring • Group work • Diversionary activities: including fitness and gym session, creative sessions, and music sessions • Exploring the job market • Entrepreneurship Service Users: 22 young boys aged under 18 Expected Outcomes:

• Built resilience through focused mentoring, Personal Development, and creative sessions • Create opportunities for education, work and training This Period there is a continuation of:

We provided mentoring that is applicable to real life scenarios the boys often encounter. This encouraged them to make better decisions be more resilient to negative peer influences.

Targeted intervention work:

• Criminal Exploitation in Different Forms • Gang Awareness • Knife & Weapons Awareness • Critical Thinking • Building Better relationships within family settings

Team members Supported the boys whilst in custody by acting as appropriate adults Attended Court Dates- alongside parents Accompanying boys to health care appointments at GEM centre for diagnosis Transport to alternative education provisions Access to benefits and supported access to employment or training

Trends

Influence of social media and elements of negative Urban Culture:

• Young people can be drawn into gang culture through online interactions, which may appear enticing or aspirational however end up with these young people being exploited • Music and Media Influence: Popular music such as ‘Drill’ and the artists glorify gang life, violence, and material wealth, which further influences young people's perceptions of gangs and the devasting consequences • The number of young people in the 15 -17 age bracket smoking Cannabis has increased the attraction being the different flavours being sold by drug dealers and young people can also purchase this ready-made like a cigarette – This could be very dangerous as the young people do not know what they ae really smoking…

Barriers

Trauma and Anxiety

Living in neighbourhoods where violence and gang-related activity is common can cause significant trauma, anxiety, and stress for young people, even if they are not directly involved in gang activities.

Other barriers to effective engagement:

• Peer group influence i.e. friends who are affiliated

• Restrictions imposed by bail or CRO preventing boys from accessing vital provisions in specific areas or at specific times.

• Boys not wanting to access provisions due to potential conflicts.

Achievements

The Team engaged more than 85% of participants resulting in:

• 4 Reduced risk and Reduced Offending

• 3 Successful re-integration into education

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Step Together Programme

Violence Reduction Partnership Continued Funding

Step Together is a Home Office funded national pilot Programme with local implementation led by the VRU (Violence Reduction Unit) It seeks to connect Education, Police and Community Partners in a collaborative project designed to increase safety and reduce violent crime towards young people along designated school routes at the start and end of the school day.

Services

Tasked with specific geographical routes across Wolverhampton, before and after the school day, during term time, beginning 1st November 2021. Chaperones (adults along identified school routes, will support safety of young people to and from school, and, in doing so, may reduce youth crime amid each other and around the schools.

They are strategically placed along these routes at the start and close of the school day, where we see higher levels of student footfall.

Chaperones seek to:

EYES collaborates with schools’ colleagues and partner agencies through regular updates and be active members of the steering group around the project.

Chaperones on identified routes play a critical role in supporting young people on their travel home from school however, this cannot be delivered in isolation.

Partners:

Violence Reduction Partnership - West Midlands Police - Neighbourhood Policing Teams - Schools

To ensure robust information sharing to safeguard young people locations are determined by local multi-agency partnerships such as Police and School Panels and VRP Locality Networks.

Chaperones Route: Blakenhall School Run Times: • 2pm-5pm Duration: School Term Blakenhall School/Lawnswood Campus Step Together Engagement: Young People This period the team engaged 562 young people: • Age Range: 11 - 18 years old Businesses Supported: • 12 local businesses along the Dudley Road and Parkfield Road. They have been extremely cooperative with the chaperones and expressed their appreciation for the work the team is doing. They have seen a marked improvement with the young people’s behaviour outside their businesses in reference to antisocial behaviour issues. The Team • Explained the Step Together Programme • Answered questions • Gave contact details Public Engagement: The team continue to engage with the members of the public. They expressed that the Chaperones are doing a ‘good job and keep up the good work'. The team are still engaging with the security guards and store manager of ALDI Supermarket. They will contact the Chaperones with any concerns of safety or antisocial behaviour specifically involving young people Chaperones engaged with a National Express bus driver (Number 1 Bus along the route): • The driver given information about the Strep Together Programme • Contact details for any concerns • along the route of number 1 bus explaining our purpose and what we aim to achieve Outcomes • The team developed a good rapport with local schools in the area • Less incidents reported on the route • Members of the public including young people are confident to approach the Team with queries and concerns • Strong relationships with Partners and Stakeholders

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STP Alumwell Walsall

The Team is still present in the classrooms and help to identify young people who demonstrate challenging behaviour or struggle to be in a group environment to which we would help to support them through 1-2-1 sessions.

Because the Team built relationships within the school engagement on the school route has been impactful. The young people are confident to approach the Team with any concerns or just to have a chat. They ensure that they get onto the buses safely as well as be there for them as a listening ear if they need to talk.

Business owners and people that reside in the area very much appreciate the Team’s presence. They report that incidents such as antisocial behaviours hardly happen since the Team has been deployed in Alumwell

Step Together engagement in both locations this period: 1,051 young people.

S2S Activities this Period

The Team continued to raise awareness in the community:

Pine Green Academy

Meetings with the Police and the Muti-Agency Support Hub, which EYES are one of the partners is how the S2S Team were requested to deliver the S2S in Pine Green Academy which is a Pupil Referral Unit (PRU). Many of the lads who display very disruptive behaviours attend PRU’s.

These units are a last chance option for these young people to complete their education. During the Stakeholders meetings Partners requested the S2S Programme to be an option in service provision towards helping the young people make better choices and get their lives back on track

The Mentoring and 1to1 elements of S2S is an integral part of the support for these young people. The Team can talk to the young people with a relaxed approach which allows them to talk freely and feel like they are being listened to. Oftentimes the y oun g p eo p le will disclose issues that is affectin g their dail y lives and mental wellness. Increasing the hours for these sessions will help the young people to become more receptive and progressive to other elements of S2S. This is because the underlining issues causing them to put up barriers are addressed with young person(s) at the centre. Furthermore, they have input into what additional support should look like and how it will be given to them especially when it includes support from wraparound services which is usually the case. The young people and their parents rely on the S2S Team to navigate the support to suit them ‘not tick boxes and schedules’ (Concerned mom) Parents of these young people some of which are at their ‘wits end’ are more than grateful for S2S Programme:

“I no longer feel like I’m alone trying to keep K**** and his brother focused, and safe you guys really do care and how you support us reflects that…’’ (Dad)

The young people have been very receptive to the S2S Programme and the Team. They find the team relatable and refreshing. The hope is that they will become beacons of positive change within Pine Green Academy which will provoke a change in other students attending there.

‘’You lot are 100 (Good), can’t wait until you back in again…’ (14-year-old male)

Bilston College

The S2S Team findings following their Outreach work in Parks and other places revealed that a high number of students that attended Wolverhampton Colleges were affiliated to ‘gangs’ or caught up in street altercations. Some were at risk from violent attacks of which the Police were informed of. Subsequently, EYES Senior Manager and the S2S Manager had a meeting with senior staff and teaching staff at Bilston College. We revealed our findings and concerns to them to which they were unaware of and surprised. They did admit the teaching staff were stressed out trying to keep their students quiet, respectful and to do their coursework.

They have a very high exclusion rate. Exclusions followed their 3-stage process ; students were permanently excluded at stage 3. During these discussions our S2S Manager offered to support the young person(s) at stage 2. Using elements of the S2S Programme. This would entail teachers identifying:

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S2S Support in College

Thus far following a few minor teething issues with teaching staff and students the young people feel:

The Team gets to know the students. Real Talk tools is then used to identify issues that are causing these young people to be disruptive and un-motivated on a course that ‘they’ chose to do:

Some of the issues

The teaching staff track the behaviours of the students for improvement and inform the S2S Team of positive changes in the classroom.

The Senior staff were very enthusiastic and informed us that they had 60+ students they want to be supported. We informed them we will start with 10 and they would need to consider funding for the other students.

  1. Negative friendship groups / being with the wrong

people at the wrong places and become distracted and ‘caught up’

  1. Issues at home i.e. financial issues,

    1. Substance abuse (Parent)

  2. Dealing will a parent with a long-term illness (Which caused anxiety issues) 5. Feelings of worthlessness

Students are respectful to the Team. Most are now very vocal, and fully participate in the sessions. Parents have welcomed the support and expressed they have seen a marked change in behaviour at home.

Two students were concerned and anxious of being attacked by a particular gang just because they had to go through a Postcode where gang activity was known. This was addressed discreetly with Police support. There are other incidents like this one due to the location of the college. Working in Partnership is the key to reducing, stopping, or preventing these issues that hinder progression. To use an old term; The S2S Team is ‘like a bridge over troubled waters’ in these situations. EYES applied for an Uplift of funds from TNL to increase staff hours to ensure this vital piece of work for the duration of the S2S Programme. Hopefully, we will be successful.

The work that we do would not be possible without the contributions from our stakeholders within the local Community:

The Impact of S2S is very good. and the reviews are always positive whether its parents’ young people on the project or staff from the stake holders. The team are relatable to the young people, making the engagement process easier to facilitate. Young people from last year's year 9 who were due to be excluded, remained in school for the rest of the year because of being on the S2S project.

This year they have returned to the s2s and once again are making great progress.

Testimonials from Service users

‘I feel like the mentors on the S2S Programme are very motivating, supportive, encouraging, and approachable. Since working with the mentors on the S2S programme I feel like I have learned how to deal with certain situations. As I have dyslexia, I feel like the mentors have been able to change their mentoring style to be able to suit the way that I learn. If I could I feel like I would benefit from more time with the mentors. (Conner- 17 Wolverhampton Colleges)

‘The mentors on the S2S programme are relatable and easy to talk to, they encourage us to do better in everything we do. Since being on the S2S programme I have learned to react calmly when people say certain things I don’t like.’ (Scott- 16 Wolverhampton City College)

‘I am able to relate to the mentors on the S2S Team, they allow us to talk about how we are feeling without any judgment. I feel comfortable speaking to them about any issues I am having and they give us really good advice and help. (Maya- 15 Heath Park)

‘The S2S team make the sessions really enjoyable, I look forward to coming to see them every Thursday, I feel like we would benefit from having extra sessions. (Rayhan- 13 Heath Park)

‘The S2S team are really relatable, they understand the issues we go through as young people. If there’s something that we are going through that they do not understand they take the time to listen to us so that they do'. (David- 12 Heath Park )

Outreach

• Engaging in Outreach and Diversionary activities such as sports and games, discussions and being a listening ear when needed

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S2S REFERRAL OUTREACH CASE STUDY – Project Worker

This case study is based on work carried out with a young male aged 16. This young person is an educated yet unambitious person who is unsure of where or what he wants to do in life.

He seems to struggle with socialising with his own peers; he believes he is above other young people. He sees himself as a leader however a misguided one as he hangs out with those affiliated to gangs or caught up in the lifestyle. I discussed with D how he puts himself at risk or makes himself vulnerable to County Lines and other negative influences. At present D is not in education and doesn’t have a specific circle of friends nearby.

During the mentoring sessions we have hit on subjects that surround his family, culture and heritage. Also making the right choices, education, and work, and general life skills has been addressed. D enjoys the sessions he stated they are a positive outlet and gives him someone to talk to or listen to and advice from.

It is important for D to access training or education. He is not very keen on this however after discussions about his future he agreed to visit Sandwell College and explore courses. I have also assisted D to apply for apprenticeships. Hopefully, he will receive some good news soon. We will see what happens over this next period. (E. G. S2S Worker)

The Team know how impactful S2S is on the young people and their parents. Their feedback and group discussions help us to adapt S2S to suit their needs even more. Although all elements of the Programme are used, we have learnt that we have to regularly adapt the delivery of S2S to suit where the young are emotionally and at times mentally.

The Skits for Real Talk go a long way to help with this process. I recall a young person saying that they had read the skit properly when they got home, and they started crying when they realised how deep the short skit was. When he attended the next session, he clearly was taking the rehearsal of the skit more seriously. Even though the group had created the skit from their experiences, it was not until it was read in its entirety that it hit home.

Regarding the staff/Academy, when we initially began discussions, we requested the young people with the most challenging behaviours, rather than a particular year group. We were told that we cannot have the years 10&11 as they have their GCSEs to prepare for. We were then given years 7, 8 & 9. Years 7 and 8 were mixed into one group and year 9 was the other group.

This year Heath Park School not only gave us three individual sessions - one for each individual year group. They also allowed us to work with the year 10 group - who were the year 9 group from the year before. they have allowed this as they can see the progress the young people have made during their time on the S2S project.

I think that having to work with young people who have begun their GCSE journey while they are at school is a new experience for this project. I also think that it will be a learning curb in our skills of adaptability to young people in school. Mr. J S2S Manager

Taylor (S2S Project Worker) - The S2S Programme is going well, we have great guidance from our lead.

Beth (S2S Lead) - I feel like the S2S Programme is going well, I have managed to engage with a variety of young people with different leads.

Paris (S2S Project Worker) - I think the S2S Programme is going well, the team have been able to build a good rapport with the young people we work with.

Taylor (S2S Project Worker) - the S2S Programme helps young people to be more focused on an end goal and supports them in getting there.

Beth (S2S Lead)- the S2S Programme allows young people to take part in diversionary activities. It also allows young people to learn how to react to situations whether it be in school or the community.

Paris (S2S Project Worker)- the S2S Programme allows young people to be more aware about situations that may get them into trouble this is done by having hot topic conversations.

If any, what changes do you think would be beneficial to the Programme?

Paris (S2S Project Worker)- offering the young people a variety of options on how the Real Talk is offered.

As a Team the greatest learning is understanding:

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Training with Partners

EYES work with the Violence Reduction Partnership (VRP) gives us access to training. Some of the training is offered to the young people:

This period 9 young people have registered to attend the training so far. Because there have been a few changes in the VRP Management structure and staffing training dates have not been finalised yet. The National Monument Against Violence and Aggression, known as The Knife Angel, was grounded in Walsall in December 2023.

Young people from the S2S Programme and their Project Workers went along to the events during December.

Young People Feedback:

‘Yea, it makes a statement, but I don’t think it will stop anyone carrying a knife or using it if they have too. It’s the way things are now... everyone is shook (Scared) of getting stabbed.’ (Male 15)

‘What you guys do I think is better trying to change our thinking for better and helping us to build on skills we have and try different ways of doing the career we want…’ (2nd Male 15)

The Knife Angel is very controversial amid some of the young people we support although they do understand the ‘why’. A couple of them participated in the live podcast and was able to express their thoughts and ask questions. All in All, they were glad they attended especially when they were able to talk about the S2S Programme to other young people and event organisers. They attracted a few listening ears which promoted the question ‘When can the S2S come to Walsall?

Feedback from Partners have been confirmed that they will be done however the emails have not arrived yet. We know they will, and the comments will be added to the next Monitoring Point for TNL.

Neighbourhoods of Engagement this Period

Build relationships and community trust:

EYES delivered ASB projects across the city for several years. The Team builds relationships with young people and local businesses in the specified areas. They gain an understanding of the issues and concerns of the young people, residents, and business owners. Those relationships are built on and support given is more effective and sustainable using the local provisions and networks.

Provided on-the-ground engagement:

The team understand the issues/concerns the young people experience within ‘Youth Culture’ today; most importantly, they are relatable to the young people. We frequently receive positive feedback from young people that participate in our projects. Most of our Team members have lived experiences: Some were once victims, perpetrators, struggled with poverty and its stigma and their own identities, as well as going through the criminal justice system. Subsequently, they understand the drivers that may cause some young people to engage in anti-social behaviours

The team can engage these young people where they are and build up a rapport with them. This will enable them to offer the young people the right support at the right time working with local provisions to influence positive change.

Provide pop-up activities:

Rounders Football tournaments Cricket Dodgeball Badminton Volleyball Table Tennis Ice breakers*

Team building exercises (focusing on communication, problem solving, decision making) Street Drama /Performing arts... dance music Basketball

Group discussions (issues and concerns in the area) One to one sessions if needed. Family fun days... bouncy castle, obstacle courses, face painting.

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Outcomes

Over the 8 weeks period the EYES team have been deployed in Bilston we have engaged with approximately 100 young people and 40 members of the public and the community.

All engaged really well and expressed their gratitude of us being there and how safer they felt seeing us out and about especially following a recent youth the death.

In the short space of time the team have been in Bilston they have built up a good rapport with the young people they have engaged with, to the point many of them know us by our names and will come over to us to say hello as well as to have a chat, this also includes the business owners and some members of the community.

We have had a very warm and friendly welcome from the public, community and the local businesses who have all stated that they were very happy to see our group taking action and showing our presence in their areas and expressed how they felt safe knowing that we were there.

‘’They have stated that this is what has always been required and how they need more of this type of outreach work done in the community on a regular basic.’’

It was expressed by the young people ‘’That since the death of SS we are scared to go out at night and if it was necessary then we go out in a group.’’

‘’There’s no youth provision here for them to go to which results in them staying indoors which was affecting their mental health.’’ (Concerned parents overarching view)

Concerns

From the feedback we have received from the young people; Issues and concerns:

Actions Taken

Community funday which consisted of activities:

The community were very involved:

Neighbours and young people who never knew one another even though they lived in the same streets met each other made friends and participated in activities together.

The Local scouts master also came along and brought some resources to which he also delivered activities. Please see our website for photos www.eyes2success.co.uk

EYES recommendation

From the information we have gathered from the young people and the community we feel there is a great need for more youth provisions, this could be more Youth Clubs/Youth activities centres, Fundays, Outreach Services and more youth base projects and workshops which should be youth lead.

These will create a better and safer environment for young people so that they can engage with local services and maintain a better standard of health and wellbeing.

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EYES Summer Programme August 2023 Overview 6 weeks

The Team supported and mentored young people through

• Activities • Workshops • 1-2-1

The Team engaged with young people 5 days a week for 3 hours per session between then the hours of 12pm – 5pm.

The engagement and interaction between the team and the young people was really good and positive. Some of the young people requested that when the Summer Programme ended will it be possible for their support to continue. We advised them that we would submit a report of their requests however the Team were very aware it would be a matter of if more funding was given for a continuation.

The short summer Programme objective was to:

Engagement:

This period EYES delivered successful commissioned work for:

• Wolverhampton Safer Partnership • Walsall Principal Exploitation Reduction Officer (Following the Killing of Bailey) • Walsall Step Together Alumwell including Intervention work within the school • Wolverhampton Violence Reduction Partnership: Detached & Outreach work following youth murders – to date The West Park murder in Wolverhampton • Wolverhampton Voluntary and Community Action: Girls Intervention Programme • Social Services: SOS Callouts • Youth Centre Managers • Work within schools: addressing gangs and its influences The Street Team are relatable to young people due to their: • Age • Diverse cultures/Backgrounds • Lived experiences • Empathy • Connections within the neighbourhoods including Walsall

The team members are beacons of hope for the young people as they live in the same communities as they do. They understand the ‘struggle’ the young people have. Most importantly, they are relatable to the young people. We frequently receive feedback such as ‘…You lot are real’… our Team is diverse some have lived experiences: They once participated in antisocial behaviours, gangs, and its activities, were victims, perpetrators, struggled with poverty and its stigma and their own identities, as well as going through the criminal justice system.

Subsequently, they understand how Adverse childhood Experiences (ACES) further impacts on the young people causing them to make poor decisions and participate in destructive behaviours. They have seen the effects Covid 19, and the Lockdown had on young people who were already struggling especially with mental health issues which have increased ten-fold: • Anxieties • Depression • Substance/Alcohol Misuse • Self-Harming • Fear and the Fear of crime amid young people

The Teams work within Priority Neighbourhoods including ‘Hot Spots’ with young people that are engaging in antisocial behaviour, those in gangs, and those on the cusp of joining gangs. They are very experienced supporting young people who are displaying serious anti-social behaviours due to but not limited to: • Peer Pressure • Boredom • Issues at home • School Exclusion • Child Criminal Exploitation (CCE) • Child Sexual Exploitation (CSE)

• Poverty

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EYES Recruitment process reflects our ethos and lead job roles. Service areas demonstrate inclusion by the diversity of the staff. They can see themselves reflected in the ethos and daily operations of EYES. https://www.eyes2success.co.uk/

Trained Team

• Trauma informed Practice • High Risk Mediation • Physical Intervention & Conflict • Trauma & Bereavement (Used in delivery) • Safeguarding & Contextual Safeguarding • Anti-gang Training • Prevent Training • NVQ Level 3 Children & Young people • Youth Work Level 3-6 • Health & Safety – Mental Health & First Aid Training • First Aid / Bleed Training • Food Hygiene • Positive Behaviour Management • Mentoring • ACES’s Training and Mentoring • Manual Handling (Working with young people with disabilities • Personal Development • Personal experience and knowledge • Lived Experiences DBS - All EYES Workers have current Enhanced DS’s EYES delivered a combination of Detached and Outreach Service in identified areas in Walsall. Objectives • Reduce/prevent street altercations • Address and engage young people affiliated with gangs and its activities • Deliver ‘focused’ mentoring • Build Resilience The Team engaged/supported those who impact the young person’s life daily: • Direct family unit • Appropriate Adults • Friendship Groups This is because those people often have an influence on the young person and play a vital role in the young person making positive choices and sustaining a better lifest y le. Delivery Detached & Outreach Service / The Team built relationships in Walsall through previous work with young people, residents, and local businesses The Team worked with young people 20 hours per week: • Street-work within the 3 areas: identifying and addressing Antisocial behaviours • Meetings with local service providers • Working with local provisions where possible • Building relationships with local Businesses • Working with neighbourhood Police Times: 3-8pm on rotation across the identified areas: half terms and other school holidays to suit the needs of the young people and commissioners. The Team are available for Callouts during antisocial hours and weekends if required:

Outputs • 1’1s including Mentoring • Pop Up’s in each area to attract young people and facilitate engagement also be visible to residents and businesses • Activities (For the young people) • Intervention/deescalating potential street altercations: EYES team includes trained High-Risk Mediators with Physical Intervention training -Police will always be informed of any pending or Live Street alterations • Support for direct family members or appropriate adults i.e. advice, sign posting • Meetings: frontline agencies that maybe wrapped around a young person, Liaise with Local policing teams, for more effective engagement within the designated areas • Linking in with local businesses • Entry into education • Weekly debrief & Team meetings • Monitoring reports including case studies

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Team Training this period

FINANCIAL REVIEW

Whilst 2023-24 continued to be a challenging year operationally & financially, the organisation met its project outcomes and achieved a surplus of £28,568 over the year.

In line with the recommendations of the Charity Commission, the directors have adopted a policy on the holding of reserves. In view of the short term nature of the Centre’s funding, the Directors are seeking to achieve reserves amounting to six months’ salaries and running costs. Based on the current level of service, this amounts to around £180k for the year. We will continue to work towards achieving this level over the next few years.

The directors are empowered to invest monies of the Charity not immediately required for the furtherance of its objects in or upon such investments, securities or property as may be thought fit, nevertheless subject to such conditions (if any) and such consents (if any) as may for the time being be imposed or required by law.

STATEMENT OF DIRECTORS’ RESPONSIBILITIES

The directors are required under UK Company law to prepare financial statements for each financial year, which give a true and fair view of the company’s financial activities during the year and of its financial position at the end of the year. In preparing those financial statements, the directors are required to:

a) select suitable accounting policies and apply them consistently;

c) state whether applicable accounting standards and statements of recommended practice have been followed, subject to any departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements;

d) prepare the financial statements on a going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the company will continue in operation.

The directors are responsible for keeping accounting records, which disclose with reasonable accuracy the financial position of the company and which enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with applicable law and regulations. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the company and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities. The directors have identified the major risks to which the charity are exposed and have put adopted suitable mechanisms to manage those risks.

This report has been prepared in accordance with the special provisions of the Companies Act 2006 applicable to companies subject to the Small Companies regime.

APPROVAL

This report was approved by the directors on ……30th January 2025,

and signed on their behalf: ……………………………….……………………..

Miss Eugenny Taylor

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REPORT OF THE INDEPENDENT EXAMINER TO THE TRUSTEES OF

ENGAGE YOUTH EMPOWERMENT SERVICES (EYES)

I report on the accounts of the Charity for the year ended 30th April 2024, which are set out on pages 3-6 and 8-14.

Respective responsibilities of Trustees and Examiner

As the Charity's trustees you are responsible for preparation of the accounts; you consider that the

an audit is not required for this year under section 144(2) of the Charities Act 2011 (the Charities Act) and that an independent examination is needed.

It is my responsibility to:

Basis of Independent Examiners statement

My examination was carried out in accordance with general directions given by the Charity Commission. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the Charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts, and seeking explanations from the trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit , and consequently I do not express an audit opinion on the view given by the accounts.

Independent examiner's statement

In connection with my examination, no matter has come to my attention :

  1. which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in any material respect the requirements

  2. To keep accounting records in accordance with section 130 of the Charities Act; and

  3. To prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records and comply with the accounting requirements of the Charities Act

have not been met; or

  1. to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.

Mr Mills, EMB

Amoeba Associates Ltd

Derwent House

Broad Street

Kingswinford

DY6 9LP

Date : 30th January 2025

15

ENGAGE YOUTH EMPOWERMENT SERVICES (EYES)

Statement of Financial Activities ( incorporating an Income and Expenditure Account) for the year ended 30th April 2024

Notes
INCOMING RESOURCES:
Incoming Resources from generated funds
Activities for generating funds
2
Investment income
3
Incoming Resources from charitable activities
Grant Income
Fees received
4
Other Incoming Resources
Other Income
5
Total Incoming Resources
RESOURCES EXPENDED:
Charitable Activities
Governance Costs
Other Resources Expended
Total Resources Expended
6
NET INCOMING/(OUTGOING) RESOURCES
before transfers
Transfers between funds
Net Incoming/(Outgoing) resources
RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS
Total funds bought forward
TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD		 2024
2023
Unrestricted
Designated
Restricted
Total
Total
Funds
Funds
Funds
Funds
Funds
£
£
£
£
£
742
0
0
742
0
273
0
0
273
82
1,015
0
0
1,015
0
0
0
133,230
133,230
116,414
266,186
0
0
266,186
138,007
266,186
0
133,230
399,416
254,421
680
0
0
680
0
267,881
133,230
401,111
254,503
248,806
0
123,287
372,093
237,183
450
0
0
450
0
0
0
0
0
0
249,256
0
123,287
372,543
237,183
18,624
0
9,943
28,568
17,320
9,943
0
(9,943)
0
0
28,568
0
0
28,568
17,320
17,320
0
0
17,320
0
45,888
0
0
45,888
17,320

The statement of financial activities also complies with the requirements for an income and expenditure account under the Companies Act 2006.

None of the charity's activities were started or discontinued during the current or previous year and all operations continue.

There are no recognised gains or losses other than those passing through the income and expenditure account.

16

ENGAGE YOUTH EMPOWERMENT SERVICES (EYES)

Balance Sheet as at 30th April 2024

Notes At 30th April At 30th April
2024 2023
£ £
FIXED ASSETS
Tangible 9 2,215 2,215
CURRENT ASSETS
Debtors & prepayments 10 0 0
Cash at bank and in hand 44,644 15,105
CREDITORS 44,644 15,105
Amounts falling due within one year 11 621 0
NET CURRENT ASSETS 44,023 15,105
TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT LIABILITIES 46,238 17,320
CREDITORS
Amounts falling due after more than one year 350 0
NET ASSETS 45,888 17,320
FUNDS
Restricted funds 12 0 0
Unrestricted funds 45,888 17,320
Designated funds 0 0
TOTAL FUNDS 45,888 17,320

For the year ending 30th April 2024 the company was entitled to exemption from audit under section 477 of the Companies Act 2006 relating to small companies.

Director's responsibilities :

The members have not required the company to obtain an audit of its accounts for the year in question in accordance with section 476 of the Companies Act 2006.

The directors acknowledge their responsibilities for complying with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 with respect to accounting records and the preparation of accounts.

These accounts have been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to companies subject to the small companies regime.

The accounts were approved by the Board on ……30th January 2025……………….

……………………………………………………….

Miss Eugenny Taylor

The notes form part of the financial statements

17

ENGAGE YOUTH EMPOWERMENT SERVICES (EYES)

Notes to the Financial statements for the year ended 30th April 2024

Note

1 ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Accounting Convention

The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention and in accordance with the Financial reporting Standard for Smaller Entities (effective April 2008), the Companies Act 2006 and the requirements of the Statement of Recommended Practice, Accounting and Reporting by Charities.

Financial Reporting Standard Number 1

Exemption has been taken from preparing a cashflow statement on the grounds that the company qualifies as a small company.

Tangible fixed assets

Depreciation is provided at the following annual rates in order to write off each asset over its estimated useful life :

Fixtures, fittings & equipment

Incoming Resources

All incoming resources are included on the Statement of Financial Activities when the charity is legally entitled to the income and the amount can be quantified with reasonable accuracy. Restricted incoming resources in respect of capital expenditure are carried forward as deferred capital grants and released to the fund account to match the depreciation charges.

Resources Expended

Expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis and has been classified under headings that aggregate all the costs related to the category. Where costs cannot be directly attributable to particular headings they have been allocated to activities on a basis consistent with the use of resources.

Taxation

The charity is exempt from corporation tax on its charitable activities

Fund Accounting

Unrestricted Funds can be used in accordance with the charitable objectives at the discretion of the trustees.

Restricted funds can only be used for the particular restricted purposes within the objects of the charity. Restrictions arise when specified by the donor or when the funds are raised for a particular restricted purpose.

Further explanation of the nature and purpose of each fund is included in the notes to the financial statements.

18

ENGAGE YOUTH EMPOWERMENT SERVICES (EYES)

Notes to the Financial statements for the year ended 30th April 2024

Note

2 Activities for generating funds 2024 2023
£ £
Donations 742 0
No hire charges were made for use of the Centre by various outside organisations in 2023/24
3 Investment income
Interest receivable Unrestricted
funds
Restricted
funds Total 2024
Total
2023
£
£
£
£
273
0
273
82
4 Incoming Resources from charitable activities
Unrestricted Restricted Total
funds **funds ** Total 2024 2023
£ £ £ £
TNLC - Awards 4 All 0 133,230 133,230 116,414
Walsall Outreach 21 548
,		 0 21 548
,		 0
PCC for West Midlands 102,263 0 102,263 0
WCC - Boys Certified 29,932 0 29,932 0
WCC - Bilston Outreach 68,917 0 68,917 0
WCC - Willenhall Outreach 43,526 0 43,526 0
0 0 0 0
266,186 133,230 399,416 116,414
5 Other incoming resources 2024 2023
Other income £
680		 £
0

19

ENGAGE YOUTH EMPOWERMENT SERVICES (EYES)

Notes to the Financial statements for the year ended 30th April 2024

Note

6 Total resources expended

Costs of generating funds :
Fundraising & publicity
Charitable expenditure :
Costs in furtherance of the charity's objects
Management and administration		 Staff costs
Depreciation Other costs Total 2024
Total
2023
£
£
£
£
£
0
0
0
0
0
340,019
0
21,716
361,735
188,435
10,358
0
450
10,808
48,748
350,377
0
22,166
372,543
237,183
350,377
0
22,166
372,543
237,183

7 Trustees

During the year no remuneration for services as a director/trustee and no expenses were paid or were payable, directly or indirectly, out of funds of the charity to any trustee or to any person or persons known to be connected with them.

Charity Insurance of £316 was paid during the year (PYR £316)

8
Employees
The average monthly number of employees during
the year was :
Activities in furtherance of organisation's objects
Management & Administration
Employment costs
Wages and salaries
Social security costs
Pension costs		 2024
2023
Number
Number
11
11
1
0
12
11
£
£
339,607
46,663
0
0
0
0
339,607
46,663

There were no employees whose annual emoluments were £60,000 or more

20

ENGAGE YOUTH EMPOWERMENT SERVICES (EYES)

Notes to the Financial statements for the year ended 30th April 2024

Note

9
TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS
Cost
At 30 April 2023
Additions
Disposals
As at 30 April 2024
Depreciation
At 30 April 2023
Charge for the period
Disposals
As at 30 April 2024
Net Book Value
As at 30 April 2024
As at 30 April 2023
10
Debtors
Trade Debtors
Prepayments and accrued income
Total Debtors
11
Creditors : amounts falling due within on
Trade Creditors
Tax and social security
Soft Loans
Accrued expenses		 Unrestricted
Funds
Restricted
Funds
Total
40,818
0
40,818
0
0
0
0
0
0
40,818
0
40,818
36,386
0
36,386
0
0
0
0
0
0
36,386
0
36,386
2,215
0
2,215
4,432
0
4,432
At 30th
At 30th April
April
2024
2023
£
£
0
0
0
0
0
0
e year
2024
2023
£
£
0
0
621
0
0
0
0
0
621
0

21

ENGAGE YOUTH EMPOWERMENT SERVICES (EYES)

Notes to the Financial statements for the year ended 30th April 2024

Note

12 Restricted funds

The income funds of the charity include restricted funds comprising the following unexpended balances of donations and grants held in trust for specific purposes :

TNLC - Awards 4 All
Other		 Balance at
Incoming
Resources
Closing
1 May 2023
Resources
Expended
Transfers
Balance
£
£
£
£
£
0
133,230
123,287
(9,943)
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
133,230
123,287
(9,943)
0
MOVEMENT IN FUNDS

Transfers

Transfers may be made in situations where expenditure has exceeded available grant income or where there has been a small balance of grant remaining after the project completion.

13 Designated Funds

A further sum of £nil has been utilised out of unrestricted funds to meet the other designated causes.

14 Commitments under operating leases

At 30th April 2024 the company had no commitment under a non-cancellable operating lease.

15 Reserves Policy

The directors have considered the level of reserves they wish to retain, appropriate to the charity's needs. This is based on the charity's size and the level of financial commitments held. The directors aim to ensure the charity will be able to continue to fulfil its charitable objectives even if there is a temporary shortfall in income or unexpected expenditure. The directors will endeavour not to set aside funds unnecessarily.

22