2024-03-31-accounts

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Contents

1. Message from the Chair p4 6. Community Support p12

2. Advice and Support

3. About ACE

4. p6 • Restore - Community Shop

   • Café Barr

5. Ely and Caerau Community Plan p8

6. Umbrella Group

7. ACE Benthyg

8. CAER Heritage

9. p10

   • Your Local Pantry

   • Grand Avenues

10. CAER Heritage

11. & Learning Centre

12. p11

13. The Dusty Shed

14. Repair Café

15. "I want to say a big thank you" Anne's story p15

ace Annual Report Action in Caerau & Ely 2023 - 2024 Gweithredu yng Nghaerau a Threlái

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8. Diana Garden	8. Diana Garden	p16	14. "Cooking for the community"
			- Tyrell’s story	p25
9. Health & Wellbeing	9. Health & Wellbeing	p18
	•ACE Cares		15. ACE Way	p26
	•Yourspace Wellbeing Support
	•Bereavement Support		16. ACE Training	p27
10. Together for St Mellons	10. Together for St Mellons		17. ACE's Community Impact	p28
	& Trowbridge	p20
			18. ACE Trustees, Volunteers
11. ACE Volunteers	11. ACE Volunteers	p20	& ACE Staff	p31
12. ACE Arts	12. ACE Arts	p22	19. Financial Report	p33
13. Shape your Future	13. Shape your Future	p24	20. Funders and partners	p34

“ Our Ambitions For Our Community Through Our Own Efforts ”

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Message from the Chair

Once again it’s been another busy year for ACE, with increasing pressures on funding for charities. Staff are working hard to secure funding throughout the year, meaning we have a diverse mix of funding streams that support ACE's work. Some projects have ended due to lack of funding, sadly including the ACE Pantry, whilst new projects and partnerships are in development.

Welsh Government, the South Wales Police and Crime Commissioner and Cardiff Council commissioned ACE to facilitate a community listening exercise which had a huge response and identified six broad themes. This led to a Community Plan with 40 actions funded by a variety of organisations. This has enabled ACE to spend more time out in the community, nurturing long-standing relationships and establishing new connections.

In addition to this, a stronger partnership with Cardiff University was established with the funding of two posts for three years at the CAER Heritage and Learning Centre to increase learning opportunities and links between the community and the university. The 2023 summer dig in Trelai was featured in the TV programme “Digging for Britain” presented by Professor Alice Roberts. Some of the finds are exhibited in the Museum of Cardiff and have great significance in local history. A heritage garden has been developed by

dedicated volunteers who are growing produce for use by the community and ACE projects.

After several months of uncertainty, ACE was awarded the contract to run the Yourspace social prescribing project in the Cardiff South West, Cardiff West, and Cardiff North GP clusters by Cardiff and Vale University Health Board. Patients in these areas can be referred or self-refer to the project and receive help and advice from the Wellbeing team.

The Grand Avenues project, which is a partnership with His Majesty’s Prison & Probation Service (HMPPS), has led to the reopening of the café, initially one day a week. It has given an opportunity for clients of the project to use and further develop skills which could lead to paid employment. A number of those who have accessed the Grand Avenues project have become mentors for newly released inmates.

Developing partnerships with other organisations has been crucial in continuing to ensure ACE’s ongoing work in an increasingly difficult funding climate. ACE is increasingly exploring multi-agency approaches, and we’re excited to see what will come of these new partnerships.

Marian Dixey - Chair

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About ACE

Our Vision

To create ‘vibrant, equal and resilient communities for all, where people find fulfilment in themselves, each other, and the place where they live’.

At ACE, we believe

• Local people know their community best. • Everyone has something unique to contribute.

• Everyone’s contribution should be valued equally.

• Poverty should not be accepted as a fact of life.

• Social injustice should be challenged and changed.

We work with communities to achieve lasting positive change for an equal and just Cardiff by:

• Mobilising local people behind a shared vision.

• Co-producing projects and services that make use of assets and meet needs.

• Driving positive social change, making our communities fairer and more inclusive.

• Securing income and maximising community assets for sustainability and community resilience.

• Working closely with private, public and third sector organisations to secure the benefits of their resources for our communities.

Our Theory of Change

Need:

We tackle poverty, disadvantage and related complex needs on all fronts using a fully integrated approach.

Solutions:

Co-produced initiatives build confidence, skills, capacity and resilience, improving mental health and promoting supportive social networks.

Outcomes:

Local people report a range of outcomes including improved wellbeing, securing employment, completing training, stronger social networks and greater aspirations.

At ACE, the way we work is just as important as the things we do. Watch ‘The ACE Way’ to get a feel for how we work with and alongside people in our community.

Impact:

Local people who have developed confidence, skills and energy contribute these to collective approaches to community development.

In April 2024 we launched our Strategic Plan 2024 – 27. The plan sets out a clear direction for project focus and activities supporting ACE’s vision to work with communities to achieve lasting and positive change.

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Ely and Caerau Community Plan

4,000 comments

across 47 engagements.

People of all ages across the community, 1200 of us, have contributed to a Community Plan for Ely and Caerau. The plan was launched in May 2024 after 9 months of conversations. We asked 3 simple questions: What do we have? What do we need? What do we want to change?

Through these conversations, and reflecting on the 4000 comments gathered, we decided on 6 themes that were felt to be most important to residents:

• Children and young people

• Community safety and safeguarding

• Spaces and the environment

Together, we designed 40 positive, tangible actions

across each of the six themes.

• Health and wellbeing

• Employment, living standards and the cost of living

• Communication and community building

In the spring of 2024, we brought together around 150 people in 7 workshops to design actions to bring about positive changes within each of these themes. The actions were developed by small groups of people including residents and people who work in our communities in the public sector (e.g. schools, the council) and third sector (e.g. charities and support services).

“We need more support for people struggling with the cost of living.”

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In spring 2024, we convened 96 residents and 52 public and third-sector partners across 7 community workshops to delve deeper into these issues and design actions for the plan.

Many of the issues impacting people in Ely and Caerau have their roots in problems we don't have much control over - we can't sort out the cost of living or complex crime issues. But we have focused on what we CAN change, and brought people together to make a positive difference at a local level. Each of the 40 actions in the Community Plan directly responds to the needs and ideas shared by the community. Thank you so much to everyone who got involved!

The plan was agreed by the Community Steering Group, which includes representatives from residents, schools, churches, community groups, charities, South Wales Police, and Cardiff Youth Service. They met every month while the plan was being developed, and will continue to meet 4 times before March 2025 to make sure that the actions are making a difference. They said:

“At every step, this community plan has been co-created with residents of all ages, people who work here, public services and Cardiff Council. Many of the actions are for the council or public services (including local schools and the police) to undertake; some are for local groups and charities to lead on. All of them respond to the needs and ideas shared by the community. Together we have produced a plan that we believe can make a significant positive difference.”

The Welsh Government, Cardiff Council, and the South Wales Police and Crime Commissioner jointly funded ACE’s Community Engagement team to support the community in developing the plan. The 40 actions outlined in the plan will direct approximately £2 million of grant funding, secured from various sources including the Welsh Government, the UK Government’s Shared Prosperity Fund, and Cardiff Council, into the area over the next year.

“This is a close - knit community, full of nice and kind people. We need to focus on the strengths of local residents and invest in them.”

“We need more activities for young people, older people and to bring everyone together.”

Copies of the Community Plan can be found at most community centres and GP surgeries across Ely and Caerau, and it’s available for anyone to read using the QR code or at: www.aceplace.org/ community-plan/

Local groups are already coming together to make plans for the future, creating a legacy of collaboration that will continue far beyond the completion of the community plan in March 2025.

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CAER Heritage Archaeological dig in Trelai Park reveals new secrets

Photo: Vivian Thomas

CAER Heritage returned to Trelai Park this summer to continue the community archaeology dig exploring a 3,500-year-old Bronze Age settlement. Back in 2022, the CAER team, along with hundreds of local people, discovered a fantastically wellpreserved roundhouse buried under a football pitch on the south side of the park – currently the oldest known house in Cardiff! Excavations continued in 2023 and were featured on the BBC’s ‘Digging for Britain’ TV show.

CAER has been running for over 10 years now. It’s brought together archaeologists from Cardiff University with ACE members, local schools, residents, community groups and many more. This year’s dig has been the most successful yet and we’re so grateful for the ongoing support from Cardiff Council, who gave us permission to dig in the park, but above all the local community without whom nothing that CAER has done would have been possible.

This year, over 1,500 people visited the dig including 272 pupils from seven local schools and 271 volunteers who all got their hands dirty actively participating in the archaeological discovery. A big community open day brought hundreds of people together to find out more about the heritage of the park, have fun with creative activities, games and even to taste some real Roman food!

If you like your local history, we’re at the CAER Centre every Wednesday from 10am-12pm and everyone is welcome to come and get involved.

The dig produced lots of exciting finds including flint tools, pottery and other objects that were used by the family that lived in the roundhouse. All of the finds have been taken to the CAER Heritage Centre where a team of volunteers are helping to clean and analyse them. Working with CAER artist Nic Parsons, they put on an exhibition at the Museum of Cardiff to show off the findings to thousands of people. Volunteer Sian Davies, a retired care worker, who found an arrowhead at the site said: “To be given the chance to come down here and dig and delve into history means an awful lot. Finding something like an arrowhead is a joy.”

Photo: Vivian Thomas

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a “ “ AER CAER Heritage ace}, & Learning Centre

In 2024 a new team was recruited at the CAER Centre with two full time posts funded in partnership with Cardiff University. Lois Atkinson as CAER Centre Development Officer and Tom Hicks as CAER Community Partnership Coordinator have successfully established the Centre as a space for learning and opportunity in Caerau and Ely. The CAER Centre is now a hub of activity, hosting regular groups and training courses and exploring our community’s fascinating heritage.

Weekly groups include ACE Cares, Love Our Hillfort, Caer Gardening group and ACE’s Umbrella (neurodiversity) group. These run alongside our community courses, activities and events and a weekly Flying Start toddler group. We hosted several family fun days for the community in partnership with The Literacy Trust, Greggs and Cardiff Metropolitan University.

In partnership with ‘Live Local Learn Local’, Cardiff University’s outreach programme, we have hosted accredited training courses including the popular ‘Starting Your Own Business’ course and ‘Careers in Childcare’ course, with many more planned for Autumn, based on local people’s interest. The NHS has brought their Dietary Requirements cooking course and their Mental Health Wellbeing Recovery College to the CAER Centre. In addition to this we have delivered other courses relating to cooking on a budget, how to use an air fryer and making healthy meals where attendees took home with them the healthy food they had made that day.

The dedicated volunteers at CAER Heritage Love our Hillfort group have facilitated Archaeology themed Open Days at the Centre. They have

shared their archaeological research and knowledge with the community through an exhibition at The Museum of Cardiff and with school group visits to the centre. They also showcased the flourishing heritage garden at the CAER Centre Garden Open Day and coproduced several garden projects, including planning a Roman medicinal garden that will be an educational resource and will support wellbeing through outdoor activities.

CAER Heritage was chosen as one of four heritage organisations across the UK to take part in the Council for British Archaeology’s Reconnecting Archaeology project - sharing learning to help make archaeology more accessible to the public.

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“I can't thank you enough for all you have done, I couldn't have done this by myself, it was so stressful.”

Community Support

ACE Advice and Su ort pp

The ACE Community Support team provides a friendly and welcoming drop in and casework service, helping people in financial crisis to access foodbank vouchers, fuel support, manage debt, support benefit claims and challenge unfair benefit decisions.

“I have been awarded Personal Independence Payment for 10 years. This is life-changing and I can't thank you enough for what you have done.” Mrs L had her benefit claim declined despite chronic and progressive illness that impacted her mobility and her ability to perform daily living activities. We challenged this decision and an award was made to the total value of £89,440.

We supported 411 households in 2023-24, focusing our efforts on increasing household income through accessing unclaimed benefits and grant support, building resilience and reducing the likelihood of further financial crisis. Our support has enabled households in Ely and Caerau to receive a total of £614,553 in additional income, making a huge impact on wellbeing.

Café Barr

After a period of being closed due to lack of available staff to support, Café Barr reopened in November 2023 as a new partnership project between ACE and His Majesty’s Prison and Probation Service (HMPPS). The café is open on Wednesdays serving community members, volunteers and staff at the Dusty Forge. This project gives people in our community the opportunity to learn cooking skills and gain qualifications, while providing affordable and tasty meals.

Restore - Communit Sho y p

The ACE Community Shop at the Dusty Forge had to close in October 2023. We are still running a Community Fridge and pet food bank, and low cost toiletries and cleaning products are available for community members at the ReStore Space. Following feedback from community consultation on food support available in our community, we are planning to set up a new Food Hub project, building on our Community Fridge project. This will bring together a number of community food initiatives including cooking courses, community food events and local growing projects. We would like to thank all the shop volunteer team for all their hard work helping people in our community.

Umbrella Group

The Umbrella Group supports families through peer support and developing understanding of neurodiversity. 15 people in the group were also supported to access Disability Living Allowance, and 4 people were successful in claiming Personal Independence Payment with help from ACE.

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ACE Benth yg ~~6~~

ACE Benthyg has gone from strength to strength this year, and we’ve seen a huge leap in the number of people registered to borrow items to 400 active memberships and over 50 borrows per month. The carpet cleaner and hedge trimmer remain the most popular items, but our library continues to grow, and now includes a range of new items supporting health and wellbeing. ACE Benthyg has been

ACE Benthyg website

opening alongside the Repair Café each month, giving borrowers increased opportunities to visit, and pop up events have happened throughout the year, to show communities what the library has to offer.

One very happy borrower told us: “without borrowing these items, I could not have been able to afford to have

better surroundings in my home. I am beginning to feel I can invite my family and friends over now.”

Your Local Pantry

From 2019, Your Local Pantry at the Dusty Forge served over 150 members each week with a low cost food shop, making an important contribution to supporting our community members

struggling with ever increasing food prices. Sadly, the Pantry had to close in April 2024, due to lack of funding and challenges to sourcing sufficient healthy and diverse food. We would like to thank

Sarah Whitfield and her team of hard working volunteers for all they have done over 5 years of successfully running the Pantry!

“Very friendly people here, the food tops up my cupboard for the week. I look forward to my weekly visit for a chat.” Anonymous member

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Grand Avenues

“I've never had this help before, It's always been in and out (of prison). I hope that with this help that I can keep myself straight and focus on changing things for the better.”

The Grand Avenues project is an innovative partnership between His Majesty's Prison and Probation Service (HMPPS) and ACE that embeds the Probation Service in the community. Grand

The Dust Shed y

The Dusty Shed is an independent charity, run by its members, with a mission to combat the issue of loneliness and social isolation among our community's older residents.

Furthermore, we enhanced outdoor security of our premises by installing a sliding door and an additional lockable door at the rear.

ACE's open day showcased our work to our local community. Alongside community projects, we aid ACE's Repair Café, Library of Things, and undertake minor maintenance tasks at the Dusty Forge.

In our ongoing commitment to safety and well-being, several of our members completed training in First Aid and Mental Health Awareness.

Avenues supports men involved in the Criminal Justice System and their families to instill a sense of belonging and ensure that their immediate needs are met upon release. We ensure that they have access to a GP and support with health, employment, and volunteering opportunities. We seek to stabilise their income through benefit support where there are physical or mental health needs identified and work with services to ensure that underlying health needs are addressed. Many of the men on the project are neurodiverse, and it is important that we work with appropriate services to ensure the men are supported correctly as often their conditions have been contributing factors in their offending behaviors. Evidence shows that financial stability can directly reduce re-offending through ensuring men and their families have access to support needed. Over the last year, 49 men were supported to claim health-related benefits they were entitled to, a total of £234,892 into the community. By breaking the cycle of offending, closing the revolving door that so many men find themselves trapped in, we hope to help make Ely and Caerau safer communities.

Re air Café p

Our Dusty repair cafe launched five years ago and over this time our team of volunteer fixers have checked out 500+ broken items and mended three-quarters of them! Our monthly free service has saved many items from landfill and electrical items beyond repair have been recycled via Cardiff Council's e-waste collection service. Our friendly fixers have tackled portable electrical

items, gardening tools, woodwork and ceramics, basic bike repairs, and textile repairs (including reviving elderly soft toys). We also have specialist fixers offering advice on laptops, phones and tablets, who can 'speak human', helping people with a wide range of IT issues. We look forward to welcoming customers for many more years!

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: / ¥ : < wh[r] - ; A SoDLe y # - . an ‘’ é J Wg os= ; 7 ; ite “I want to say a big thank you.” ; x oo * <aa ae, *ee i“ a ‘ Ay - . os : a _ ws Ave F - Anne’s story A ~ i. <3y pea rt | . 7 a

Moving to this new place, my son suggested I hop on the bus to find stuff. One day, the bus passed by, and there was something about painting that caught my eye. That's how I stumbled into the Dusty Forge. I hadn't touched crafts since school - hairdressing took over my life until I moved here about seven years ago.

Slowly, I eased into the knit and natter sessions on Thursdays. I saw crafts I hadn't touched since school, and it was like rediscovering an old friend. Mum used to knit and do embroidery, but life took me down a different path. Mostly, I've been into this printing thing during the Monday class. It’s mostly been printing; different styles of it. I’ve learned new skills, definitely. The class just pulls something out of you. You can forget the tension at home, dive into what the tutor shows us, and I've tried my hand at everything she throws at us.

The best part is it takes your mind off things. My husband has dementia, and one day, I walked in upset. One of the girls took me aside, talked me through it – made me realize this was a place to escape, no matter how I felt. There's something about this place, I can't put my finger on it. People say I'll find another hub when I move, but it won't be the same. I've got to try, though.

It’s amazing completing something and having someone say, 'Wow, you're clever.' I'm not, though.

It's the people here who taught me. The Monday sessions help "ACE Arts revived bring out that creativity. my passion and I never got the chance became a lifeline to go to art college; my during tough dad couldn't afford it. times." But now, I'm learning here. The class works as a team, and never leaves you alone. They show you different ways if you're struggling. It makes me feel like I can tackle anything.

I'm happy to come here. It's a good morning, a chance to learn and keep my brain going. They welcome you no matter what you're going through. It's a real community – different characters, different disabilities. The hub is like a honeycomb with lots of channels feeding into you.

I’m going to miss the girls themselves the most. They treated me like I was the same age, never as an 83-year-old. They encourage you to try things and don't force you into anything. I want to say a big thank you. My whole week revolves around the Dusty. They've been my lifeline. It's not just about the art; it's about the community and the support. ACE Arts revived my passion and became a lifeline during tough times. I'm incredibly thankful for that.

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Diana Garden

Diana Garden, off Hiles Road in Ely, was originally a playground opened by Princess Diana in 1992 but was vandalised and closed, becoming overgrown and derelict for many years. Since 2016, ACE has been working with local residents and partners to transform the space into an amazing ‘green oasis’ for our community. Diana Garden now inspires people of all ages to enjoy nature and gardening, while growing their skills and knowledge around healthier eating, exercising and looking after our environment.

Volunteers from all walks of life now regularly work in the garden. Gardening is increasingly recognised as an effective way to improve physical and mental health, reduce social isolation and develop self confidence. The project has received fantastic support from:

• HMPPS, whose Unpaid Work teams have worked tirelessly to clear overgrown areas,

• Cardiff Council, who have provided grant funding to expand food production, and

• Keep Wales Tidy, supplying planters for growing, compost bins, plants and trees.

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This has enabled our volunteer team to expand food production at the garden and in the coming year we will be able to use our new polytunnel for all-year growing and to grow plants from seed. Food grown in the garden is now increasingly used in our community café. We will also support other community green spaces, by supplying plants to the Caer Heritage Garden and to our developing memorial garden at the Dusty Forge.

Alongside community growing, we are developing Diana Garden as a venue for a wide range of activities for all ages. We host regular ‘booknics’ (picnics with books supplied by the National Literacy Trust), and family open days where local residents can enjoy activities or just relax in green spaces beneath the tree canopy.

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Dan y Coed - outdoor play

Through our Dan y Coed (Under the Trees) project, supported by Save the Children Fund Cymru, we’ve created a dedicated all-weather area for early years play activities including planters, muddy kitchen and a green willow dome for story-telling. We have developed a programme of outdoor play sessions in Diana Garden, in partnership with Ely & Caerau Children’s Centre, which have brought families together to experience nature through play.

Dan y Coed (initially called ‘Ehangu’) delivered 24 play sessions at 3 community gardens, attended by 233 children and 152 adults. Parents and children gave great feedback:

“Fantastic Place! Safe and supportive environment for little ones! Would love to come along regularly!”

“Beautiful garden and loads of fun and engaging activities.”

This collaborative project has highlighted the huge potential for developing a wider range of environmental initiatives, education and wellbeing activities at the site, for example, to develop an environmental action programme with children and young people. We also plan to use the garden as an additional pick up point for borrowing gardening equipment from ACE Benthyg (library of things). These developments will be vital to secure this unique community garden for future generations.

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Health and Wellbeing

ACE Cares

In June 2024 we completed a two-year project, in partnership with Cwmpas, to work with the local community to explore community-led care in Ely and Caerau. Our local communities have explored with us how we can strengthen a caring community in Ely and Caerau, identifying local assets and the role that service-providers and decision-makers need to play.

During 2023-24 the project helped to develop a local carers group, established in the previous year. The group continues to grow, and it is now constituted. They have been successful in a second funding application for ‘short break’ activities for unpaid carers. A dementia café was set up with a local care provider, Bluebird Care; and developing partnerships with our local care home, Forge Care Centre, has helped to encourage residents to access activities at the Dusty Forge.

“It’s a great space to meet. It’s open. I can talk and unload about things about me.” - A member of Caer Carers Club

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“I feel like I have made some real friends here in ACE; I love coming to the coffee morning, chatting with the members. I was so lonely before, I never used to leave the house.”

Yours Su ort pace Wellbeing pp

Yourspace is a social prescribing and community development service, providing 1:1 wellbeing support and developing new community-led wellbeing activities. We work closely with local GP’s and health services to support people with a range of health, social and wellbeing needs. Referrals are seen promptly and wellbeing connectors offer a range of signposting options with an engaging person-centred approach.

The service started in South West Cardiff in 2019 and has supported 409 people in this area during 2023-24 to improve their wellbeing. Our development workers have been adept at developing a range of activities to meet needs, including events, outings and activities such as walking and Tai Chi. A sample of people completed a wellbeing scale, which showed 89% had improved their wellbeing.

In 2023-24 we piloted a smaller scale service in North Cardiff, alongside wider developments with health services in this area. During this pilot year we have worked with 112 people and delivered a number of community pop-up events in partnership with fellow community organisations and groups, using these opportunities to get to know the area and build relationships with both patients and partners.

During 2024-25 the service will be expanding into West Cardiff, with a much smaller service delivered by one part-time wellbeing connector and a part-time development worker. We have already discovered a host of community organisations and partners in this new area. We are now working in these three areas of Cardiff, commissioned by Cardiff and Vale UHB, with funding secured until February 2026. As of October 2024, we have 7 Wellbeing Connectors and 3 Community Health Development Workers and the team will continue to grow.

Bereavement Su ort pp ~~ee ee~~

ACE leads on a partnership project, funded by Welsh Government, to enhance local bereavement support for people from ethnic minority communities and those with a learning disability, both groups that are less likely to access existing support. Our partners at Community Care and Wellbeing Services provide bereavement counselling, courses and support groups which are sensitive to people’s culture and faith and available in a range of languages. Our partners Cardiff People First have been active in setting up peer support groups and activities for people with a learning disability.

In 2023-24 the project trained 14 additional volunteer counsellors and interpreters with different language skills; developed new peer support groups in partnership with religious and cultural centres and worked to develop

peer leaders with a learning disability who could facilitate groups and support for others. In total 113 people accessed faith and culturesensitive bereavement counselling; 68 people attended a faithinformed bereavement course; 72 people accessed peer support groups; and 38 community leaders were upskilled to feel confident talking to people about bereavement.

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Together for St. Mellons and Trowbridge

Together for Trowbridge and St. Mellons (T4TSM) is one of 13 Invest Local Programmes in Wales funded by the National Lottery Community Fund. It is a 10 year programme that builds on the strengths, skills and talents in the community to create positive and longlasting change. This year we have continued to support Hope St. Mellons with core and capital funding. As a result community activity at the Beacon Centre has increased creating more opportunities for local people in a building

that has benefited from essential repairs and maintenance. We have supported some new groups including The Bike Hut, In It Together and Conservation Volunteers of St. Mellons and Trowbridge and collaborated with Hope St. Mellons and Trowbridge Pantry to run a popular coach trip to Weston-Super-Mare. We also hosted an Introduction to Community Organising with Citizens Cardiff and contributed to an evaluation report on the Invest Local Program.

ACE Volunteers

ACE has approximately 50 volunteers, spread across 12 different areas of work at the Dusty Forge, CAER Heritage Centre and Diana Gardens. The volunteers are dedicated, supportive, passionate and determined to help improve the lives of people living in Caerau & Ely. THANK YOU to all our volunteers for another year of incredible commitment, compassion and hard work. We currently have five Lead Volunteers who provide extra support to staff in the running of the volunteer projects. These are Penny Smith: Repair Cafe, Diane Katy: Retreat, Kathy Wolfe: Walking Group, Frankie Curtis: Caer Gardening Group and Janice Refalo: Coffee Morning.

Volunteers have gained numerous qualifications to develop and improve their skills and to

help support the community more effectively. These include: Food Hygiene, Safeguarding, First Aid and Mental Health First Aid, Equality and Diversity, Communication Skills, GDPR, Managing Conflict, Manual Handling and Health and Safety.

Several of our amazing volunteers were nominated in various categories at the Cardiff Volunteer Awards organised by C3SC. The nominees were invited along to enjoy the ceremony supported by staff from ACE. Many of the volunteers attended a fun Christmas party at Dusty Forge, with games, a quiz, a buffet and a raffle. It was a fantastic opportunity to show our gratitude to the volunteers for their efforts through the year.

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A li L. 21

ACE Arts

During the past 2 years ACE Arts, in partnership with Valleys Kids, has collectively delivered over 300 creative workshops and regularly engaged with 132 participants, supporting day-to-day wellbeing, mental and physical health and providing the opportunity to learn new skills and re-engage with art.

We are proud to report on the success of our core ‘Explore Collective’ project, funded by an Arts Council Wales ‘Connect and Flourish’ grant. Our project brought together a thriving partnership between ACE, Valleys Kids, Disability Arts Cymru, Straeon Research and an incredible team of freelance creatives. Through the funding we were able to support a variety of trips, mentor University of South Wales Therapeutic Arts Students, install five collaborative art exhibitions throughout the year at a variety of venues and run an exciting programme of weekly art workshops

Watch this video of our trip to view our artwork in the ‘Art in the Attic’ gallery in Porth.

with Artists Anne Culverhouse-Evans, Nic Parsons and Becci Booker, along with pop-up workshops and guest artist talks with photographer Suzie Larke and Poet Rachel Carney.

“The exhibition was exciting. It's nice to show our work and get feedback from visitors. I enjoyed seeing my art on display and explaining our art to the people who came. We're really grateful for the teachers. It's not just about helping us get creative; it's about helping us be ourselves.”

Read Anne’s story on page 15.

“I think I just come in and drink up the session. It’s just really nice to be doing something… this is a space for pure enjoyment. I think the good thing about this is no matter how you do it, you’re not made to feel inadequate, you’re made to feel very adequate. You do go out feeling like an artist, don’t you?”

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Listen to the collaborative poem by Rachel Carney: What Is Art?

Visit the Explore Collective website to see photos and artwork.

The project finale was celebrated with an impressive launch event and a public exhibition, showcasing a wide selection of work from participants who had attended workshops in both Porth and the Dusty Forge during the 24-month project. The exhibition named ‘Freedom to Create’ ran for almost 3 months at Wales Millennium Centre in Cardiff Bay and included a variety of poetry, photography, painting and print, exploring themes such as self-identity, pocket treasure and nature.

We are delighted to announce that we’ve received Arts, Health and Wellbeing funding from Arts Council Wales, working in partnership with South West Primary Care Cluster, which will help us deliver creative interventions at the Dusty Forge, Chapter Arts Centre and other venues across Cardiff beginning in October 2024. With this funding ACE Arts will continue to inspire and support participants and creatively respond to a variety of health challenges within our communities.

You can visit the Dusty Forge and ask to view our ‘Explore Collective’ project book or contact [e-mail] to find out about our future plans.

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: a Shape your Future se ~ = EF

Shape your Future provides flexible 1:1 support and mentoring, offering employment advancement for people living in Ely and Caerau, making a key contribution to tackling in-work poverty. It offers bespoke training opportunities and financial support, enabling individuals to progress into better paid, more fulfilling employment.

The demand for support has increased as we develop stronger relationships with partners and in the community. Many people locally struggle with the lack of sustainable employment/training opportunities. This has had an impact on their health, wellbeing and future prospects.

• 11 people gained new employment

Between April 2023 and April 2024, 177 individuals have been supported through the programme, including:

• 81 people gained a qualification

• 27 people attended non-accredited training

• 31 people progressed within existing role

• 9 started their own business

• 42 people increased income / work through self-employment as a result of support provided.

“Donna and the Shape Your Future project has had a huge impact on people on probation in the Ely and Caerau area. Her warm approach, prompt action and ability to adapt her approach to the person breaks down barriers and keeps people engaged. She is brilliant at feeding back to the Probation Practitioners and the people she supports have tangible outcomes - they are in work, and they are happy in work. From a probation perspective, this support has a significant impact on the likelihood of re-offending.”

• Probation team, Grand Avenues.

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‘Cooking for the community’ - Tyrell’s story

Tyrell was originally volunteering for a local charity, supporting a community kitchen to produce quality food for local residents on a budget. He has shown a passion for cooking and enjoyed supporting others.

Through a Shape Your Future bursary, Tyrell has gained all the basic qualifications in Food Safety, Health & Safety and First Aid needed to work in catering and now works part time for a local Community Food Van project, supporting local sports and community groups by providing affordable snacks and drinks. We also provided work clothing to help boost his confidence. Tyrell is also keen to gain further qualifications in Hospitality which will support him to progress further in his career.

“I’m really grateful for all these opportunities. I’ve been able to do some training and learn essential kitchen skills, and I’ve learned loads of practical skills. I’m passionate about working in the catering industry and all this support is helping me along the way. One day I want to start my own business and be my own boss.

I love giving back to the community. I’ve had experience now cooking for my community at the Dusty Forge Cafe, at St. Vincents and in the Caerau Cabin at the rugby matches with Caerau Ely RFC. I’ve also been able to teach other people cooking skills at the Dusty Forge. I love engaging with people, connecting with people... I find it fulfilling. One step at a time and I’ll reach my goals.”

• Tyrell.

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ACE Way

Community Development Training and Mentoring

At ACE we have 13 years’ experience at the heart of our community. We know the theories, but we also understand the challenges of putting them into practice. The ACE Way project seeks to share this learning with communities throughout Wales (and beyond!)

Since launching the project in April 2023, we have worked with over 40 organisations. Highlights have included:

• Development of an organisational Theory of Change with a local charity.

The Grow Cardiff Team working on an organisational ‘Theory of Change’.

• One day online training exploring Asset Based Community Development, Coproduction and Community Organising, and how we can use them to make change in communities.

• Training for Cardiff Council’s Public Services Group, helping them plan co-design sessions to support local engagement in the Ely and Caerau Community Plan.

• Mentoring with community organisations in North Wales, helping them develop aims, objectives, strategic and funding plans, evaluation and governance.

• Creation of an influencing strategy supporting a community organisation in Leeds to improve housing services for refugees.

The ACE staff team explore community development approaches together during internal training.

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‘Community Anchor’ organisations from Cardiff gather to plan future collaboration, led by ACE and C3SC.

The project is opening up new and exciting opportunities for collaboration with other communities. ACE and C3SC have been funded by Building Communities Trust (BCT) to develop a ‘Cardiff Anchor Organisations’ network that will see over 20 organisations work together, and with other networks in Wales, to share skills, build evidence of impact, and influence government policy for the good of our communities.

‘We were delighted to spend a day with ACE. The vision, people and spaces at the Dusty have inspired us to think more deeply about our role in Rhondda. We were given space to re-evaluate our own approaches, to challenge assumptions and to explore a wide range of approaches to community development. We came away feeling excited about the emerging possibilities of being a locally owned and run charity which is at the start of its community journey in Rhondda.’ – James Hall (People and Work).

ACE Training

ACE Training is a local enterprise training company that also serves as a CITB ITC (Internet Test Centre). We provide different training options for the QNUK Level 1 Health and Safety in a Construction Environment certification, as well as the online Health, Safety and Environment (HS&E) test.

This helps individuals obtain a CSCS card, allowing them to work on construction sites throughout the UK. 188 CSCS cards were ordered during this period.

From April 2023 to March 2024, we trained 224 learners in collaboration with 6 employment support organisations, 8 businesses, and 12 individuals.

Unfortunately, due to financial pressures, ACE ceased operating ACE Training in August 2024.

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Our impact in numbers

ACE has a huge impact in our communities. Our work includes over 25 projects, community groups and services that support over 2,500 community members each year. The numbers below highlight the difference we make in some of our main areas of work.

Advice and Support

ACE has supported 411 households through our drop in and casework service. This resulted in a total of £61,455 additional income being received by community members through benefits advice, grants, and crisis support.

----- Start of picture text -----
£1,495.00
That's an
average of
£1,495
per household
----- End of picture text -----

----- Start of picture text -----
£61,455
total additional income received
by community members
----- End of picture text -----

YourSpace Wellbeing Service

Improved Wellbeing 521 people 89%

From our survey of 109 respondents, 89% saw an improvement in their wellbeing.

521 people accessed 1:1 support to connect with local resources to meet their social, emotional and practical needs.

CAER Heritage 1500 people

1500 people visited the archaeological dig in Trelai park last summer. 271 volunteers got their hands dirty at the dig, helping discover wal our unique heritage.

----- Start of picture text -----
Shape Your Future - in work progression
increased income
42 through work progression or 31 progressed within their
people self-employment. people existing role.
attended
g 27 QO non-accredited 9 N Z their own
people training. people business.
117
act
People
have received mentoring and
81 gained a 11 gained new
bursary support to overcome qualification. employment.
people people
----- End of picture text -----

have received mentoring and bursary support to overcome barriers, moving forward in work.

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ACE Benthyg - Library of Things

Number of times items borrowed in 2023/24 249

ACE Benthyg has seen a big increase in people borrowing items from our library - saving members money and helping the environment.

Since our monthly repair cafe opened 5 years ago, we have checked out 500+[broken items,] po 400 and repaired active ¾[of them.] memberships.

----- Start of picture text -----
ACE Volunteers
----- End of picture text -----

----- Start of picture text -----
ACE worked
with over
50
regular
volunteers
making a huge
impact on our
community.
----- End of picture text -----

----- Start of picture text -----
ACE Arts
----- End of picture text -----

----- Start of picture text -----
300
creative
workshops
----- End of picture text -----

132 participants took part in creative activities supporting wellbeing and mental health.

Bereavement Support

No. of people engaged in Bereavement Support 291

Across three project partners ACE, CCAWS and Cardiff People First, 291 people accessed bereavement support activities.

113 people 72 accessed faith and people

accessed faith and culture-sensitive bereavement counselling.

accessed peer support groups or other types of peer support around bereavement.

68 people 38 attended a faith-informed community bereavement leaders course. were up-skilled to feel confident talking to people about bereavement.

Dan y Coed (Under the Trees) - creative outdoor play

----- Start of picture text -----
creative outdoor
play sessions
24
233
children
152
adults
----- End of picture text -----

233 children and 152 adults attended 24 creative outdoor play sessions for under 5s and their parents in 3 community gardens.

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ove Aco 6ecq¥se l* J reouy I o¢i f li4 T LOVE rM£ PAKK I Ll 6peTh tli li￿P (t S ILY Iv IV it.ie A 11 i •WV 30

ACE Trustees

As of October 2024

Marian Dixey (Chair) lives in Fairwater. She is an active volunteer.

Mel Witherden is a retired third sector/charity consultant.

Oonagh Scott grew up in Ely. She is a successful business woman.

James Roach lives in Ely. He is an active volunteer and contributes finance skills. Chris Lannen is a qualified Financial Advisor. Leyton Smith lives in Caerau. He is an active volunteer on ACE community health projects.

Eva Elliot is an Honorary Research Fellow at Cardiff University School of Social Sciences. Janice Refalo lives in Caerau. She is an active local volunteer.

Omobonike Atobatele lives in Ely. She is an active volunteer and student.

We would like to thank Dave King, Natasha Hayes and Penny Smith who stood down from the ACE board of trustees in the last year.

In Loving Memory of Anne O'Regan.

ACE Volunteers

A big thank you to all our current volunteers

Afia Ali Alexis Gayle Alice Clarke Andrew Way Auriol Miller Carol Coyle Catherine Naamani Charlotte Ross Chez Allen Christina Dunn Clive Ward Danny Westcott

Derek Cleaver Diane Katy Doug Smith Doug Stowell Elaine Harris Frances McCarthy Frankie Curtis Gareth Howells Gillian Pugh Helen Hunt Irene Jones Jack Wyatt

Jacquie Young Janice Refalo Jeff Clarke John Naylor Kathy Wolfe Kyle Webb Kyle Thompson Liubov Yurtsuniak Mari Dunphy Mary Cleaton Matthew Cunnah Michael Hack

Natasha Woodland Nicholas Bodsworth Patrick Barry Penny Smith Sian Davies Steven Elliott Suzanne McEwan Tang (Wai Keung) Tania Clarke Victoria Misell

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ACE Staff As of October 2024

Core

Community Plan

Michelle Powell ACE Director Dave Horton ACE Learning and Training Director Hazel Cryer Operational and Development Manager – Health Portfolio Sam Froud-Powell Operational and Development Manager – Community Support Portfolio Julie Evans ACE Senior HR Administrator Hasan Roap ACE Finance Officer George Keane Communications and Web Content Officer / Dusty Shed Officer Dale Ovenstone Estates Officer Sharon McGrath ACE Receptionist Julie McDowell ACE Receptionist Maria Ross Assistant Administrator

Jamie Hallett

Becky Matyus Community Engagement Coordinator Hywel Squires Community Engagement Officer

Wellbeing Connector Lynette Hartman Wellbeing Connector Mags Lyons Senior Wellbeing Officer Sabrina Driscoll Wellbeing Connector Sophia Farrugia Wellbeing Connector Rachel Hart Community Health Development Worker

Community Development Sarah Griffiths Together for Trowbridge and St. Mellons Development Officer

Caer Heritage and Learning Centre Lois Atkinson Caer Centre Development Officer

Robert Jones Yourspace Monitoring and Admin Assistant Susan Beese Wellbeing Connector

Thanks to the former ACE Staff who have moved on in the last year: Fiona McCormick Helen Bull Becci Booker Sarah Griffith Vaida Barzdaite Sarah Whitfield Beth Leek Samirah Phillips Jackie Dix Catherine Boult

Community Support

Nerys Sheehan Project Coordinator / Grand Avenues Coordinator Ruth Mumford Benthyg Development Officer Stacie Leek Hafan Project Development Officer Steve Lyons Diana Garden Development Officer

Health

Taela-Mae Davies Diana Garden Development Yourspace Project Coordinator Officer Clare Westcott Wellbeing Connector Arts Danielle Afferion Nicola Parsons Young People’s Wellbeing Community Arts Coordinator Connector : ie try & a, > | —_—i ae i z 4 pA ee Re ae Bis a” Hannah Bees ——* Community Health Development (oe | ae * ji pO a oe a f Worker

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Financial Report

ACE received a total income of £1,514,829 in the 2023–24 financial year, an increase of £316,481 (26%) from the previous year. This growth was primarily driven by a rise in grants, contracts, and income generated through enterprise activities. Of this total income, £1,365,052 (90%) was spent on charitable activities, ensuring a significant portion of resources directly supported our mission.

Some of our most significant funders for the year included: - Cardiff and Vale University Health Board Community Development (YourSpace) project: £290,004 (19% of total income) - National Lottery Community Fund Working Families project: £169,552 (11% of total income)

The income for 2023–24 was distributed across 57 projects, a 12% increase compared to the previous year.

Over the past 12 years, ACE has contributed more than £13 million to the local economy in Cardiff West. From 2018 to 2024, income generated through ACE’s direct activities - such as social enterprises, grant applications, contracts, fundraising, donations, and legacies - amounted to approximately £8.1 million, representing 62% of ACE’s total historical income.

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Funders and partners ACE Funders CRONFA GYMUNEDOL COMMUNITY FUND CRONFA DREFTADArrH HERITAGE FUND Comisiynydd yr Heddlu a Throseddu Pollce and Crlme Commlssloner ChildDen in Need Llywodraeih Cymru Welsh Govèinment Save the Children. ffiACfflILLAM. CANCER SUPPOftT Arts ¢￿til of Wol CAF Charitie5 Aid Foundation HM Prison & Probation SeNice Wales energy saving trust co op SEFYDLIAD WCVA CGGC DISI•I•UTION il=:I bevan FOUNDATION JtyCarterThntsrAeTruSt CARDIFF GREGGS W¢VA UNIVERSITY CARDIFF QAERI)YI)D Wale5 & West PRIFYSGOL CAERDY Cardiff South West Primary Care Cluster GIG Univet5ityof SouthW&es The Slmon Glbson Charitable Trust )eCymru BIG ageuK SCRE-IX lOcal￿1vIn￿ alROCL4D ACE Partners Fareshare Cyrnru xrthwa wmpas tserdydd PEARSON citb GETHER GIG Approved Centre SPORTCARDIFF fflACfflILLAN. PCF J CANCER SUAQORT ing St• employ cavamh JJerated Dy MGXlmU5 CCAWS Cardiff South West Primary Care Cluster Cordiff Ptvit Arts Cymru 34

Wek ee ee TRON Ree aa(\lWD NARS 4 er —— S NG SeNis ey aN a! Wis SS +x) re er kara hat i =’ fea i Le ZLy? Wi \et yan t “OrtUP =) LENO),° v4 yA Wa ace we SO es ee Featae eT ae ok) EA aN pe ik eae Ny; A Action in Caerau & Ely See (sea caBeeNg Le aneSiegeS \ lic~epeeracer8 Gweithredu yng Nghaerau a Threlái ae, FB sa NG oy. ane M ~~ai~~ ce pie ae ve 8 Me os ~~aa~~ Sage ee ogee eee i Tiny / Nigaay BEN ANE Noa Wes ; Wii ee Oy re x Pp ” Action in Caerau and Ely : DF aes ee Th’ Our Place: Dusty Forge ii" i rh sy a os = Ranebe fs AN I Ay + 2am Ted 7 ; ay ep a ‘ge get ; a ifn Mei) ao ea; * &, ap! |, a Ate Se Pf 460 Cowbridge Rd West, Ely ry at ae } Fed fin’ ‘ r ‘ ‘ Cardiff CF5 5BZ Tel: [phone]

[e-mail] www.aceplace.org ACE - Action in Caerau and Ely @elycaerau_ACE actionincaerauandely

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COMPANY REGISTRATION NUMBER: 07623914 CHARITY REGISTRATION NUMBER: 1150422 ACE - Action in Caerau and Ely Company Limited by Guarantee Financial Statements 31 March 2024 GORDON DOWN & PARTNERS Chartered accountants & statutory auditor Temple Court Cathedral Road Cardiff CF119HA and 144 Walter Road Swansea SA15RW

ACE - Action in Caerau and Ely Company Limited by Guarantee Financial Statements Year ended 31 March 2024 Page Trustees, annual report (incorporating the director's report) Independent auditorfs report to the members 12 Statement of financial activities (including income and expenditure account) 16 Statement of financial position 17 Statement of cash flows 18 Notes to the financial statements 19

ACE - Action in Caerau and Ely Company Limited by Guarantse Trustees. Annual Report (Incorporating the Director's Report) Year ended 31 March 2024 The trustees, who are also the directors for the purposes of company law, present their report and the financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31 March 2024. Chairfs report Despite growing pressure on costs and demand due to the ongoing cost of living crisis, ACE has continued to evolve successfully. With more organisations applying for diminishing funding pots, ACE has concentrated more on multiple smaller grants to fund projects rather than a sole project funder. Core costs have become ever more crucial in ensuring ACE'S ongoing existence. Cardiff University has further developed its partnership with ACE to fund posts at the CAER Heritage and Leaming Centre to promote learning, education, heritage and greater links with the universty. This follows projects at the hillfort and summer digs at Trelai Park which yielded a number of important finds. The summer dig in 2023 was featured on the BBC TV programme "Digging for Britain" The Yourspace social prescribing project delivered by ACE staff on behalf of Cardiff and Vale University Health Board has been expanded to cover three GP cluster areas. Patients can be referred or self-refer to the project and recerve help and advice from the Wellbeing team. The staff involved in this project are based in other parts of Cardiff away from our bases in Ely and Caerau. Our gardens at the CAER Heritage and Leaming Centre, Dusty Forge (Aceplace) and Diana Gardens are providing increasing fruit and vegetables for the community and for use by the community café run by volunteers which has recently opened. initially one day per week. With the ongoing pressures in living costs, and the growing importance of sustainability, the membership of the Benthyg Library of Things has increased further. The range of items available has also expanded. Another project which is promoting sustainability is the Repair Café. where residents can bring broken items to be repaired by a dedicated team of "fixers" rather than be consigned to the scrapheap. If a fix isny possible, items can be sent for recycling where possible. ACE is continuing to adapt to address new and existing needs of the community due to th8 ongoing financial and gbbal uncertainty. Marian Dlxey ACE chair November 2024

ACE- Action in Caerau and Ely Company Limited by Guarantee Trustees. Annual Report (Incorporating the Directorfs Report) (conflnu8d) Year ended 31 March 2024 Reference and administrative detalls Registered charity name ACE- Action in Caerau and Ely Charity registration number 1150422 Company registratlon number 07623914 Principal office and reglstered Our Place: Dusty Forge office 460 Cowbridge Road West Cardiff CF5 5BX United Kingdom The trustees M Dixey E Elliot N Hayes C Lannen A O'Regan J Refalo J Roach O Scott L Smith P Smith M Witherden D Wyatt M Hulland D King (Resigned 31 December 2023) (Resigned 31 December 2023) (Resigned 1 August 2023) (Resigned 1 August 2023) (Resigned 1 August 2023) (Resigned 15 October 2023) Company secretary S Froud Powell D Horton (Appointed 1 October 2023) (Resigned 30 September 2023) Auditor Gordon Down & Partners Chartered accountants & statLrtory auditor Temple Court Cathedral Road Cardiff CF119HA and 144 Walter Road Swansea SA15RW

ACE - Action in Caerau and Ely Company Limited by Guarantee Trustees, Annual Report (Incorporating the Director's Report) (¢ontlnu¢dJ Year ended 31 March 2024 Structure, govemance and management Governing document ACE - Action in Caerau and Ely is a company limited by guarantee governed by its Memorandum and Articles of Association dated 8 April 2011. It is registered as a charity with the Charity Commission. Anyone over the age of 18 can become a member of the Company. Appointment of trustees All directors of the company are also trustees of the charity and there are no other trustees. The Trustees have the power to appoint additional trustees, as it considers fit to do so. Trustee Induction and training All new directorsltrustees receive a comprehensive induction session and an induction pack wf(h essential information. Organisatlon The board of trustees, which can have up to 12 members, administers the charity. The board normally meets monthly and there are committees covering development and funding, HR, finance and audit, which normally meet monthly. The ACE Director is appointed by the trustees to manage the day-to-day operations of the charty. To facilitate effective operations, the Director has delegated authority, within terms of delegation approved by the trustees, for operational matters including finance, employment and community related activity Related parties and Co-operation with other organisations None of our trustees receive remuneration or other benefit from their work with the charity. Any connection be￿een a trustee or senior manager of the charity, contractor, must be disclosed to the full board of trustees in the same way as any other contractual relationship with a related party. In the current year no such related party transactions were reported. Pay policy for staff The directors consider the board of directors, who are the Trust's trustees, and the senior management team comprise the key management personnel of the charity in charge of directing and controlling, running and operating the charity on a day-to-day basis. All directors give of their time freeEy and no director received remuneration in the year. Details of directors, expenses and related party transactions are disclosed in note 18 and 29 to the accounts. The pay of the staff is appraised annually and normally increased in accordance with average eamings. In view of the nature of the charity, the directors benchmark against pay levels in other third sector organisations of a similar size run on a voluntary basis. The remuneration benchmark is the mid-point of the range paid for similar roles adjusted for a weighting of up to 30 % for any additional responsibilities. If recruitment has proven difficult in the recent past a market addition is also paid with the pay maximum no greater than the highest benchmarked salary for a comparable role. Risk management The trustees have a risk management strategy which comprises: an annual review of the principal risks and uncertainties that the charity faces., the establishment of policies, systems and procedures to mitigate those risks identified in the annual review., and the implementation of procedures designed to minimise or manage any potential impact on the charity should those risks materialise.

ACE - Action in Caerau and Ely Company Limited by Guarantee Trustees, Annual Report (Incorporating the Directovs Report) (contlnu8dJ Year ended 31 March 2024 This work has identified that financial sustainability is the major financial risk for the charity. A key element in the management of financial risk is a regular review of available liquid funds to settle debts as they fall due, regular liaison with the bank, and active management of trade debtors and creditors balances to ensure sufficient working capital by the charity. Attention has also been focused on non-financial risks arising from fire, IT security, market volatility. heatth and safety of staff and volunteers, food hygiene. These risks are managed by ensuring accreditation is up to date, having robust policies and procedures in place, and regular awareness training for staff working in these operational areas. Objectives and activities ACE-Action in Caerau and Ely is a community organisation located in West Cardrff. We had up to 42 staff over the period of 2023-24, 50 volunteers and several thousand participants and beneficiaries, many of whom are active contributors to local community development and regeneration efforts. We are very proud that many of our staff team live in Ely and Caerau and many projects and activities are run with or by our volunteers. We manage community buildings and a community garden and deliver a range of community based a¢tivitie5 that help people, many ofwhich you will read about in this annual report. Our vision is to create vibrant, equal and resilient communities for all. where people find fulfilment in themselves, each other, and the place where they live. We do this by all or any of the following means (these are our charitable objectives).. 1. the relief of povety in such ways as may be thought fit. 2. the relief of unemployment in such ways a5 may be thought frt, including assistance to find employment. 3. the advancement of education, training or retraining, particulariy among unemployed people, and providing unemployed people with work experience-, 4. the provision of financial assistance, technical assistance, or business advice or consultancy in order to provide training and employment opportunities for unemployed people in cases of financial or other charitable need through help.. in setting up their own business, 6. the creation oftraining and employment opportunities by the provision of workspace, buildings andlor land for use on favourable terms. 7. the maintenance. improvement or provision of public amenities., 8. the provision or assistance in the provision of recreational facilities for the public at large andl or those who, by reasons of their youth, age, infirmity or disablement, povety or social and economic circumstances, have need of such facilities,. 9. the provision of public health facilities and childcare. 10. such other means may from time to time be determined subject to the prior consent of the Charity Commissioners for England and Wales. ACE will work with communities to achieve lasting positive change for an equal and just Cardiff by.. Mobilising local people behind a shared vision. Co-producing services and activities that make use of assets and meet needs. Driving positive social change, making our communities fairer and more inclusive. Securing income and maximising community assets for sustainability and community resilience. Working closely with private, public and third sector organisations to secure the benefits of their resources for our communities.

ACE - Action in Caerau and Ely Company Limited by Guarantee Trustees. Annual Report (Incorporating the Directorfs Report) (continuedj Year ended 31 March 2024 ACE will nurture and develop local assets and opportunities to meet needs through the following types of projects, activities and services: Community Support.. Crisis support and financial capability. Training and support for the unemployed. Health & Wellbeing work including mental health support and training. Work with Children, Young People and Families. Community led activity Heritage, Arts and Culture projects. Social enterprise and local economic development. Community and citywide influencing and campaigning. During 2023-24 we have developed a number of new projects to respond to community need. These include.. Yourspace Cardiff West - establishing a community development and social prescribing seniice within the Cardiff West Cluster area, working in partnership with the Health Board and Primary Care Cluster and using learning from the CardiFf South West and North Yourspace service. Caer Heritage and Learning - have developing several new partnerships with learning providers to support an integrated programme of learning and development for the Ely and Caerau community. Through the Reaching Wider collaboration with Cardiff Universty and CardiFf Met we have we provide a rolling programme of Adult Learning courses. Careers Wales link in with Adult Learning courses to offer progression opportunities. CardiFf Met and the Literacy Trust provided free books for children in the area working with families through ACE led learning events. These partnerships are ongoing, and we look forward to continuing to work together. Greggs partnered with Caer Heritage for our Cardiff Met Spring Forward event to reduce food waste and poverty in the area with a generous donation. Digital Communities Wales provided support for ACE I Caer Heritage to develop digital inclusion projects increasing the digital skills and confidence of the people we work with by providing us with laptops and tablets to remove digital barriers and offer training. Ely and Caerau Community Plan - The Welsh Government, Cardiff Council, and the South Wales Police and Crime Commissioner jointly funded ACE'S Community Engagement team to support the community in developing a plan. Responding to Conversations with 1,200 people, we worked with 150 people in 7 workshops to develop actions, resulting in 40 actions outlined in the plan. The Community Sleering Group established in July 2023 continues to track progress as these actions are being implemented btheen May 2024 and March 2025. Creating Space, is a 6 month Arts Council Wales funded project running until the end of March 2025, supporting a variety of health needs through the delivery of creative workshops and opportunities. ACE Arts works closely with our 'Yourspace' health team to welcome social prescription referrals and nurture new and existing partnerships with the Primary Care GP Cluster, Chapter Arts Centre, Universiiy of SoLrth Wales and Disability Arts Cymru. Dan y Coed outdoor play sessions-through the Ehangu project funded by Savethe Children Cymru, ACE have worked with Ely and Caerau Children's Centre to develop and deliver a new programme of creative outdoor play sessions targeting early years children and their families.

ACE - Action in Caerau and Ely Company Limited by Guarantee Trustees, Annual Report {Incorporating the Director's Report) (continued) Year ended 31 March 2024 Restore we have redeveloped our community shop area in the Dusty Forge, to provide a new space for our Community Fridge project, pet foodbank, library of things, and essential non-food items. Diana Garden developments, with funding from Cardiff Council's food poverty support grant, we have expanded the food growing space in Diana Garden with new raised beds, polytunnel, shelter for volunteers and tool storage. This has enabled the Diana Garden volunteergroupto expand food growing including a new plug plant initiative (in partnership with Cardiff Prison and supported by the Edible Cardiff Network) which has provided locally grown veg for use in communtty food projects. Lived Experience work with Bevan - which consisted of 3 Focus groups who contribute to the new Welsh Govemment Child Poverty Strategy. The strategies employed for continuity are.. Building the capacty to deliver and develop.. ACE has achieved an impressive track record for effective project delivery and innovation. It is also encouraging that we continue to develop new opportunities for growth. We will continue to capitalise on these strengths to create an ambitious programme to develop the charity, its activities, and our capacity for effective delivery. Providing services directSy.' ACE has developed a strong range of services based on identrfied needs which support the communities Èt serves. Many of these are well established but we also maintain the flexibility to respond to changing circumstances by developing new services to meet new needs. Continuing to diversify income streams: The majority of income realised by ACE is through grants and contracts, however we do have enterprises that generate income for the organisation. Throughout this year we have been developing a new enterprise, ACE Way Training which provides bespoke training in Asset Based Communty Development, Co-production and Community Organising. We continue to have funding from an existing donor and additional income from a new donor, these support both core costs and delivery. strategies to ensure continuity: Building on our work to diversify income streams (outlined above) we continue to apply tried and tested methods towards income generation to enable continuity. Plans are under development to replace large grants that are coming to an end w¢th new long term funded opportunities. With the increase in bank interest rates, we are actrvely managing our cash reserves to maximise interest received. Buildings and space.. The CAER Heritage and Learning Centre, through funding from Cardiff University has employed a new Caer Centre Development Officer working to establish the centre as hub for community learning and discovery. New courses including Startyour Own Business and Careers in Childcare started the latter end of the financial year. Diana Garden community regeneration project has gone from strength to strength establishing the space for delivering educational activities and growing food with the community, accompanied by healthy eating workshops. The Dusty Forge is now back to the thriving hub it was pre Covid with a range of communty groups and partners utilising the space to deliver their social activities and services, centre users include.. Retreat, Knit and Natter, Flying Start, Mind the Gap, Grow Cardiff, Cardiff Metropolitan Universty, Ely and Caerau Children's Centre, Food Cycle and many more. Building partnerships.. ACE continues to work with dozens of partner organisations on a wide range of projects. New partnerships established this year include.. DACS Disability Arts Cymru - new artists, Chapter Arts Centre, Age Connects, Pedal Power, Cardiff Wellbeing Support TEAM, Community Wellbeing Strategy team. Cardiff Metropolitan University Widening Access, Wales and West Cardiff North, Maefla Wellbeing Hyb, Ctwys Road Medical Centre and Penylan Surgery. Utilising others, capacity and contributing to their services: A number of partner organisations have

ACE - Action in Caerau and Ely Company Limited by Guarantee Trustees, Annual Report {Incorporating the Directorfs Report) fconllnuedj Year ended 31 March 2024 been providing essential services and activities alongside ACE or at ACE venues, including the following.. Flying Start early years provision, HMPPS Grand Avenues project probation 1-2-1 sessions, Into work drop-in advice sessions, Foodcycle providing a 3 course meal for free to our community, Brownies, Cardiff Metropolitan University- Mind the Gap exercise class supporting people with mental health and wellbeing. Maintaining our good name.. The organisation has developed a strongly positive reputation across the city and is valued in communities, the third sector and the local authorty. ACE will work to protect its goixl name by devoting appropriate resources to quality control and prfractive public relations. Mobilising ACE'S reputation and influence.. Our successful track record and high reputation give ACE the potential to have a positive impact elsewhere. ACE will work to maintain its relationships, influence policies in the voluntary and public sectors. and advocate for the communities tt serves at respective levels. The strategies employed for growth: Creating opportunities to develop new work.- ACE will continue to create incom&generating initiatives to address the long-term threat posed by the inevitable funding gap. ACE will continue to devote resources and effort to expanding promising enterprises such as ACE Training, ACE Housing as well as ACE Way Training in Asset Based Community Development, Co-Production and Communty Organising. ACE Way Training has generated new consultancy work, providing bespoke services to organisations across Wales. Expanding the area of operation.. ACE'S origins, history and goals are rooted deeply in the Ely and Caerau area of Cardiff. But our experience and our effective delivery of anti-poverty programmes here has continued to attract interest in our services elsewhere. While retaining its primary commitment to improving the quality of life of Ely and Caerau residents, ACE will continue to seek service delivery and Contracting and consultancy opportunities in other areas of Cardiff and beyond with the aim of of generating income and building long-term sustainabilty. Expanding volunteering.. ACE has comprehensively demonstrated the many personal and community benefits of voluntary work. ACE has over the period engaged with 50 volunteers. ACE continues work to maintain our level of commitment and good practice in line with the UK best practice award for volunteering - the 'lnvesting in Volunteers, award we achieved in last year. Volunteering within ACE is fully embedded into our core values of community asset development and coproduction. We continue to actively promote volunteering and attract, train and support volunteers to undertake work Wtthin ACE and in the wider communty. ACE Board of Trustees.. Membership of the ACE Board is influenced by the conscious need to preserve a balance between local representation and the skills needed for the governance of a dynamic charity. The focus has been to maintain our established balance of business and community representation on the board. A number of trustees stepped down over this period but we are pleased to say we were able to appoint several new trustees, each offering a wide range of skills and expertise. Criteria to measure success It is crucial that we gather information that tells us whether or not our Theory of Change, Strategic Plan and day-ti>day activities (as set out in our Operational Plan) are effective in meeting our aims and objectives and fulfilling our vision. In 2023-24 we planned and delivered a series of workshops across our project teams to carry out a fundamental review of the Operational Plan itself to establish whether it was still fit for purpose. The workshops assessed our current organisational delivery against the objectives, indicators for success and actions {i.e. how we would do it). We identified that some actions were no longer a priority for ACE, some had been met fully, some needed a new approach and some

ACE - Action in Caerau and Ely Company Limited by Guarantee Trustees. Annual Report (Incorporating the Director's Report) fconllnued) Year ended 31 March 2024 of the future work we wanted to achieve was not documented within our Operational Plan. This highlights the value of undertaking a review and the benefits it will bring to our work. The Operational Plan has now been updated in line with our findings and sets out our priorities and a clear plan of action for the coming year(s). Our Strategic and Operational Plan lay out a range of specific criteria to measures sUC￿$S. ACE uses a number of approaches to provide evidence against these criteria, including surveys, focus groups, 1-1 conversations, video interviews etc. One of the most powerful tools we use is the Most Significant Change approach which uses personal stories of change to create learning conversations through panels of participants and staff. You will see a number of examples of these in the Annual Report attached. The collaborative learning from these approache5 will be used to review and update the core work of ACE as outlined in the 7 Objectives within our Strategic plan. In 2024-25 we will carry out an in depth review of our new Strategic Plan and set a new one in place for 2024-2027. Strateglc report The following sections for achievements and perfomiance and financial review form the strategic report of the charity. Achievements and performance 2023-24 has been a busy year for ACE with all services delivering at full capacity. Wrth the pandemic behind us our communities were hit with the cost of living crisis, which saw ACE diversfying activty and introducing new services such as the Fuel Voucher Scheme to try to alleviate some of the difficulties many of our community members were facing. Some of what was achieved is outlined below: Through our advice and support work we have increased household income in the communf(y by £614,453 supporting 411 households with fuel vouchers issued, grants and unclaimed benefits. ACE Benthyg has a total of 134 items available to hire with more items added daily. There are 400 active members, with 249'1oans' (a loan may include one or more items) over the year. The volunteer fixers in our repair café have checked out almost over 500+ items in 5 years. Three quarters of the items were repaired, all our customers leave feeling they have received a personal and friendly welcome. The pantry received vistts from over 150 visitors a week all of whom received £15 to £20 of food for their £5 membership. Our Grand Avenues project supported 49 men on probation to claim health related benefits they were entitled to, a total of £234,892 to the community, supported access employment and volunteering opportunities, and able to access vital GP support on release from prison. Our Yourspace wellbeing support project working in partnership with Cardiff South West, and West Primary Care Clusters supported 409 to improve their wellbeing and self-confidence. This year we also piloted a smaller scale service in North Cardiff, working with 112 people. Our Compassionate Communities Project facilitated 27 grief space peer support sessions for those experiencing grief and bereavement, 125 wellbeing boxes with delivered as well as 5 back home boxes and 125 kindness cards were made by local children and distributed locally.

ACE - Action in Caerau and Ely Company Limited by Guarantee Trustees. Annual Report (Incorporating the Director's Report) (contlnu8d) Year ended 31 March 2024 Weekly gardening sessions have been run with volunteers ensuring the ongoing development of the garden. We continue to work with partners Grow Cardiff to provide weekly therapeutic gardening sessions in the Dusty Forge garden. Our new Caer Centre Development Worker. employed via funding from Cardiff University began setting the foundations to establish the Caer Community Heritage and Learning Centre as a space for learning and opportunity. The Caer Communty Heritage Centre provided a venue for a wide range of activities including heritage exhibitions, youth groups, afterschool clubs, volunteer groups, adult education classes and F￿Ing Start groups. ACE Arts delivered its final year of the Explore Collective project in partnership with Valleys Kids. Collectively the project delivered over 300 creative workshops and regularly engaged with 132 participants. 224 learners accessed ACE Tr8ining services. 188 learners gained their CSCS Cards that will enable them gain employment. Financial review ACE'S future continues to be incredibly exciting. we are a communty led charity which has a plan, purpose. and a fantastic group of volunteers, trustees and staff. Over our last 11 years of operation ACE has added over £11 million to the local economy across Cardiff West. From 2018-24 income generated through direct ACE activities such as social enterprise activities, grant applications, contracts, fundraising and donations and legacies totals approximately £8.1 million. ACE is a charty standing in its own right, working with residents to see meaningful change across communities- this is a huge achievement which continues to address an unfair'stigma, attached to Ely and Caerau, something residents of Ely and Caerau can be really proud of. We have continued to build on a firm foundation of strong financial policy and effective financia management through 2023-24. Income in 2023-24 was spread across 57 projects which is greater than that of the previous year. ACE has been successful in following its strategic plan objective to diversify income streams. During 2023-24 ACE received £1,514,829 income from numerous funders, contracts and donations. ACE also self-generated £122,946 via social enterprise such as rental. consultancy work and training. ACE'S financial performance and position going forward continues to be very healthy, with 2024-25 forecast to show a small surplus. As wf(h this year, future years are still going to be more challenging hence why it is so essential that ACE build sufficient reseNes to be able meet any future liabilities. We will continue to regularly review the level of reserves and adjust accordingly. With higher bank interest rates, coupled wrth more stable cash balances following the completion of work on the Caer Heritage Centre, ACE has taken signtFicant steps in managing its reserves to maximise returns. This has involved a cautiously planned cycle of three-month investments at monthly intetvals with banks offering the best rates using the Flagstones platfomi. These three staged investments are all covered under the Financial Services Compensation Scheme, and will leave SLrfficient funds in existing accounts to meet any fluctuations in monthly outgoings. This approach can be refined with experience, and is already generating promising levels of interest. In terms of expendtture, we along with everyone else, have seen our costs increase due to inflation.

ACE - Action in Caerau and Ely Company Limited by Guarantee Trustees, Annual Report (Incorporating the Director's Report) (contlnu8d) Year ended 31 March 2024 Transactions and Flnancial Position The Statement of Financial Activities shows a net unrestricted surplus for the year of £37,996 and our unrestricted reseNes stand at £565,265. Tangible Fixed Assets for use by the charity Detsils of movements in fixed assets are set out in note 19 to the financial statements. Investment Policy and Returns The trustees have considered the most appropriate policy for investing funds and have found that placing monies on deposit with the CoHoperative Bank is the most appropriate course of action to allow the necessary degree and flexibility. Reserves policy and going concern We are continuing with the policy set in 2021 of setting aside a minimum of 18 months running costs of the organisation within our reserves. This has been achieved through the investment property and the building of cash reseNes, which now stand at an overall total of £565,265. During 2024-25 this policy and the figure required will be further reviewed. Plans for future periods Looking forward, through careful planning, creative thinking and community based delivery we will build on this success. ACE will enable community action through the direct provision of services, the development of community assets and social enterprise. We will access funding to support our work, and will work with people, community groups, organisations and businesses, directing our resources in a sustainable and effective manner. Trustees, responsibilities statement The trustees, who are also directors for the purposes 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 Practice). Company law requires the charity trustees to prepare financial statements for each year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charitable company and the incoming resources and application of resources, including the income and expenditure, for that period. In preparing these financial statements, the trustees are required to: select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently., obseNe the methods and principles in the applicable Charities SORP., makejudgments and accounting estimates that are reasonable and prudent. prepare the financial ststements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the charity will continue in business. The trustees are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that are sufficient to show and explain the charity's transactions and disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charity and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Companies Act 2006. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charity and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities. 10

ACE - Action in Caerau and Ely Company Limited by Guarantee Trustees. Annual Report (Incorporating the Dlrector's Report) (continued) Year ended 31 March 2024 Auditor Each of the persons who is a trustee at the date of approval of this report confimis that: so far as they are aware, there is no relevant audit information of which the charity's audilor is unaware., and they have taken all steps that they ought to have taken as a trustee to make themselves aware of any relevant audit information and to establish that the charity's auditor is are of that information. and signed on behalf of the board of trustees by: M Dixey Trustee

ACE - Action in Caerau and Ely Company Limited by Guarantee Independent Auditor's Report to the Members of Action in Caerau and Ely Year ended 31 March 2024 OpFnlon We have audited the financial statements of ACE - Action in Caerau and Ely (the 'charity') for the year ended 31 March 2024 which comprise the statement of financial activities (including income and expendtture account), statement of financial position, statement of cash flows and the related notes, including a summary of significant accounting policies. The financial reporting framework that has been applied in their preparation is applicable law and Untted Kingdom Accounting Standards, including FRS 102 The Financial Reporting Standard 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 charity's affairs as at 31 March 2024 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 wrth United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practi￿", have been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 and the Charities Act 2011. Basls for opinlon We conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (UK) (ISAS (UK)) and applicable law. Our responsibilities under those standards are further described in the auditor's responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements section of our report. We are independent of the charity in accordance with the ethical requirements that are relevant to our audit of the financial statements in the UK, including the FRC'S Ethical Standard, and we have fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance with these requirements. We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion. Concluslons relating to going concern In auditing the financial statements, we have concluded that the trustees, use of the going concern basis of accounting in the preparation of the financial statements is appropriate. Based on the work we have performed, we have not identified any material uncertainties relating to events or conditions that. individually or collectively, may cast significant doubt on the charity's ability to continue as a going concern for a period of at least ￿e1ve months from when the financial statements are authorised for issue. Our responsibilities and the responsibilities of the trustees with respect to going concern are described in the relevant sections of this report. 12

ACE - Action in Caerau and Ely Company Limited by Guarantee Independent Auditor's Report to the Members of Action In Caerau and Ely (continued) Year ended 31 March 2024 Other infomiation The other information comprises the information included in the annual report, other than the financial statements and our auditor's report thereon. The trustees are responsible for the other information. Our opinion on the financial slatements does not cover the other information and, except to the extent otherwise explicitly stated in our report. we do not express any form of assurance conclusion thereon. In connection wtth our audit of the financial statements, our responsibilty is to read the other information and, in doing so, consider whether the other infomiation is materially inconsistent with the financial statements or our knowledge obtained in 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 there is a material misstatement in the financial statements or a material misstatement of the other information. If, based on the work we have performed, we conclude that there is a material misstatement of this other infomation, we are required to report that fact. We have nothing to report in this regard. Opinions on other matters prescribed by the Companies Act 2006 In our opinion, based on the work undertaken in the course of the audit.. the infomiation given in the trustees, report for the financial year for which the financial statements are prepared is consistent with the financial statements,. and the trustees, report has been prepared in accordance with applicable legal requirements. Matters on which we are required to report by exception In the light of the knowledge and understanding of the charity and tts environment obtained in the course of the audit, we have not identified material misstatements in the trustees, report. We have nothing to report in respect of the following matters in relation to which the Companies Act 2006 and the Charities Act 2011 requires us to report to you if, in our opinion: adequate accounting records have not been kept, or returns 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 infomiation and explanations we require for our audit. 13

ACE - Action in Caerau and Ely Company Limited by Guarantee Independent Auditor's Report to the Members of Action in Caerau and Ely (contlnued) Year ended 31 March 2024 Responsibllltles of trustees As explained more fvlly in the trustees, responsibiltties statement, the trustees (who are also the directors for the purposes of company law) are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements and for being satisfied that they give a twe and fair view, and for such internal Control as the trustees determine is necessary to enable the preparation of financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error. In preparing the financial statements, the trustees are responsible for assessing the charity's ability to continue as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going concern and using the going Concern basis of accounting unless the trustees either intend to liquidate the charity or to cease operations, or have no realistic altemative but to do so. Auditorfs responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements as a whole are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue an auditorfs report 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 (UK) will always detect a material misstatement when it exists. Misstatements Can arise from fraud or error and are considered material if, individually or in the aggregate, they could reasonably be expected to influence the economic decisions of users tsken on the basis of these financial statements. Irregularities, including fraud, are instances of non-compliance with laws and regulations. We design procedures in line with our responsibilities, outlined above, to detect material misstatements in respect of irregularities, including fraud. The extent to which our procedures are capable of detecting irregularf(ies, including fraud is detailed below: We obtained an understanding of the legal and regulatory frameworks that are applicable to the entity and determined that the most significant are those that relate to.. FRS102 Employment law Tax & pension law Charities SORP Health & safety We assessed the risks of material misstatement in respect of fraud as follows.. We inquired with management about the existence of fraud and rf there were any unusual transactions or relationships. We also perfamied various tests on the records to check for misstatement. We did not identify any issues. We considered the risk of fraud through management override and, in response, we incorporated testing of adjusting entries into our audit approach. Based on the results of our risk assessment we designed our audit procedures to identify and to address material misstatements in relation to fraud. We considered the possibility of fraudulent payments to third parties and also looked for segregation of duties. A further description of our responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements is located on the FRC'S webstie at https: www.frc.org.uklauditorsresponsibilities. 14

ACE - Action in Caerau and Ely Company Limited by Guarantee Independent Auditor's Report to the Members of Action in Caerau and Ely (contlnuedj Year ended 31 March 2024 As part of an audit in accordance with ISAS (UK), we exercise professional judgment and maintain professional scepticism throughout the audit. We also: Identify and assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to fraud or error. design and perform audit procedures responsive to those risks. and obtain audit evidence that is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion. The risk of not detecting a material misstatement resulting from fraud is higher than for one resulting from error, as fraud may involve collusion, forgery, intentional omissions. misrepresentations, or the override of internal control. Obtain an understanding of intemal control relevant to the audit in order to design audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the internal control. Evaluate the appropriateness of accounting policies used and the reasonableness of accounting estimates and related disclosures made by the trustees. Conclude on the appropriateness of the trustees, use of the going concern basis of accounting and, based on the audit evidence obtained, whether a material uncertainty exists related to events or conditions that may cast significant doubt on the charity's ability to continue as a going concem. If we conclude that a material uncertainty exists, we are required to draw attention in our auditor's report to the related disclosures in the financial statements or. if such disclosures are inadequate, to modify our opinion. Our conclusions are based on the audit evidence obtained up to the date of our auditor's report. However. future events or conditions may cause the charity to cease to continue as a going concern. Evaluate the overall presentation, structure and content of the financial statements, including the disclosures, and whetherthe financial statements representthe underlying transactions and events in a manner that achieves fair presentation. We communicate with those charged with governance regarding, among other matters, the planned scope and timing of the audit and significant audit findings. including any significant deficiencies in internal control that we identify during our audit. Use of our report This report is made solely to the charity's members, as a body, in accordance with section 144 of the Charities Act 2011 and regulations made under section 154 of that Act. Our audit work has been undertaken so that we might state to the charity's members those matters we are required to state to them in an auditor's report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the charity and the charity's members as a body, for our audit work, for this report, or for the opinions we have formed. Gordon Down & Partners Chartered accountants & statutory auditor 144 Walter Road Swansea SA15RW 18th December 2024 15

ACE - Action in Caerau and Ely Company Limited by Guarantee Statement of Financial Activities (including income and expenditure account) Year ended 31 March 2024 2024 Restricted funds Total funds Total funds 2023 Unrestricted funds Note Income and endowments Donations and legacies Charitable activities Sundry income Other trading activities Investment income 2.056 8.886 260 115.300 6.025 15,884 1,358,772 17.940 1,367,658 260 122.946 6.025 15,482 1.087,148 621 93.756 1.342 7,646 Total Income 132,527 1,382,302 1,514,829 1,198,349 Expenditure Expenditure on charitable activities Other expenditure 9,10 13 222.777 1,142.274 1,365.052 1.476.996 72.548 Total expendlture 222.777 1,142,274 1,365.052 1.549.544 Net (lossesvgains on investments 14 (10,000) (10,000) 75,559 Net Incomel(expendlture) (100,250) 240,028 139,777 (275,636) Transfers belween funds 138,246 (138,246) Net movement In funds 37,996 101,782 139,777 (275,636> Reconclllation of funds Total funds broughl forward Total funds carried forward 527,269 1,261,520 1,788,789 2,064,426 565.265 1,363.302 1.928,567 1,788,789 The statement of financial activities includes all gsins and losses recognised in the year. All income and expenditure derive from continuing activities. The notes on pages 19 to 39 form part of these financlal statements. 16

ACE - Action in Caerau and Ely Company Limited by Guarantee Statement of Financial Posltion 31 March 2024 2024 2023 Note Fixed assets Tangible ftxed assets Investments 19 20 969,224 210.010 1,030,541 220,010 1,250,551 1,179,234 Current assets Debtors Cash at bank and in hand 117,381 638,713 175,388 411,667 587,035 756.094 Credltors". amounts falllng due within one year Net current assets 23 6.763 48,797 749,331 538,238 Total assets less current Ilabilities 1,928,565 1,788,789 1.788,789 Net assets 1,928,565 Funds of the charlty Restricted funds Unrestricted funds 1.363,302 565,265 25 1,928,567 1,261,520 527,269 Total charity funds 1,788,789 These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to companies subject to the medium companies regime. Inancial statements were approved by the board of trustees and authorised for issue on and are signed on behalr of the board by: M Dixey Trustee Th8 notss on pages 19 to 39 fomi part of these Ilnan¢lal statements. 17

ACE - Action in Caerau and Ely Company Limited by Guarantee statement of Cash Flows Year ended 31 March 2024 2024 2023 Cash flows from operating activities Net incomel{expenditure) 139,777 (275,636) Adjustments for Depreciation of tangible fixed assets Net (losses)Igains on investments other interest receivable and similar income Interest payable and similar charges Loss on disposal of tangible fixed assets Accrued (income)lexpenses 61,317 10,000 (6,025) 661 64,905 (75.559) (1.342) 183 72,548 43,126 (41,871) Changes in.. Trade and other debtors Trade and other creditors 57.987 {165} 221,681 (45,554) (12,514) (229,843) Cash generated from operations Interest paid Interest received (661) 6,025 (183) 1,342 (228,684) Net cash froml(used in) operating activities 227,045 Cash flows from investing activitles Purchase of tangible assets Proceeds from sale of other investments {32,12n Net cash used in investing activities (32.127) Cash flows from financing activtties Proceeds from loans from group undertakings Net cash from financing activities Net increasel{decrease) in cash and cash equivalents Cash and cash equivalents at beginnlng of year Cash and cash equivalents at end of year 217,045 411,668 (260,811) 672,479 638,713 411,668 Thè notss on pages 19 to 39 fomi part of these financial statement8. 18

ACE - Action in Caerau and Ely Company Limited by Guarantee Notes to the Financial Statements Year ended 31 March 2024 General information The charity is a public benefit entity and a private company limited by guarantee, registered in England and Wales and a registered charity in England and Wales. The address of the registered office is Our Place.. Dusty Forge, 460 Cowbridge Road West, Cardiff, CF5 5BX, United Kingdom. Statement of Compliance These financial statements have been prepared in compliance with FRS 102, 'The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and the Republic of Ireland., the Ststement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (Charities SORP (FRS 102)) and the Companies Act 2006. Accounting policies Basis of preparation The financial statements have been prepared on the historical cost basis, as modified by the revaluation of certain financial assets and liabilities and investment properties measured at fair value through income or expenditure. The financial statements are prepared in sterling, which is the function81 currency of the entity. Golng concern At the time of approving the financial statements, the trustees have a reasonable expectation that the charity has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. Thus the trustees continue to adopt the going concern basis of accounting in preparing the financial statements. There are no material uncertainties about the charity's ability to continue. Judgements and key sources of estimation uncertalnty In the application of the charity's accounting policies, the trustees are required to make judgements, estimates and assumptions about the carying amount of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. The estimates and associated assumptions are based on historical experience and other factors that are considered to be relevant. Actual results may drffer from these estimates. The estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognised in the period in which the estimate is revised where the revision affects only that period, or in the period of the revision and future periods where the revision affects both current and future periods. 19

ACE - Action in Caerau and Ely Company Limited by Guarantee Notes to the Financial Ststements (conUnu8d) Year ended 31 March 2024 Accounting policies (¢ontlnued) Fund accountlng Unrestricted funds are available for use at the discretion of the trustees to further any of the charity's purposes. Designated fvnds are unrestricted funds eannarked by the trustees for particular future project or commitment. Restricted funds are subjected to restrictions on their expenditure declared by the donor or through the terms of an appeal and fall into one of two sub-classes: restricted income funds or endowment funds. Incoming resources All income is included in the statement of financial activities when entitlement has passed to the charity, it is probable that the economic benefits associated with the transaction will flow to the charity and the amount can be reliably measured. The following specific policies are applied to particular categories of income.. Cash donations are recognised on receipt. other donations are recognised once the charity has been notified of the donation, unless perfomiance conditions require deferral of the amount. Income tax recoverable in relation to donations received under Gift Aid or deeds of covenant is recognised at the time of the donation. Income from grants, whether capital grants or revenue grants, is recognised when the charity has entitlement to the funds, any performance conditions attached to the grants have been met, it is probable that the income will be recetved, and the amount can be measured reliably and is not deferred. Capital grants are released to the SOFA in the year of receipt. Fixed assets relating to capital grants are capitalised, and depreciation charged is offset against the grant income, in a restricted fund. Rental and training income is invoiced and is recognised in the period to which the service was provided. The value of any voluntary help received is not included in the accounts but is described in the trustees. annual report. Income earned from interest is included in the accounts when receipt is probable, and the amount receivable can be measured reliably. 20

ACE - Action in Caerau and Ely Company Limited by Guarantee Notes to the Financial Statements {condnued) Year ended 31 March 2024 Accounting policies (continue Resources expended Expenditure is recognised on an accruals basis as a liability is incurred. Expenditure includes any VAT which cannot be fully recovered, and is classified under headings of the statement of financial activities to which it relates.. expenditure on raising funds includes the costs of all fundraising activities, events, non- charitable trading activities, and the sale of donated goods. expenditure on charitable activities includes all costs incurred by a charity in undertaking activities that further its charitable aims for the benefit of its beneficiaries, including those support costs and costs relating to the governance of the charity apportioned to charitable activities. other expenditure includes all expenditure that is neither related to raising funds for the charity nor part of its expenditure on charitable activities. All costs are allocated to expenditure categories reflecting the use of the resource. Direct costs attributable to a single activity are allocated directly to that activity. Shared costs are apportioned between the activities they contribute to on a reasonable. justifiable and consistent basis. Tangible assets Tangible assets are initially recorded at cost, and subsequently stated at cost less any accumulated depreciation and impaimient losses. Any tangible assets carried at revalued amounts are recorded at the fair value at the date of revaluation less any subsequent accumulated depreciation and subsequent accumulated impairment losses. An increase in the carrying amount of an asset a5 a result of a revaluation, is recognised in other recognised gains and losses, unless it reverses a charge for impairment that has previously been recognised as expenditure within the statement of financial activities. A decrease in the carrying amount of an asset as a result of revaluation, is recognised in other recognised gains and losses, except to which it offsets any previous revaluation gain, in which case the loss is shown within other recognised gains and losses on the statement of financial activities. Depreclation Depreciation is calculated so as to write off the cost or valuation of an asset, less its residual value, over the useful economic lffe of that asset as follows.. Freehold property Plant and machinery Motor vehicles 5 % straight line 1 OOA straight line 20DA straight line 21

ACE - Action in Caerau and Ely Company Limited by Guarantee Notes to the Financial Statements (continued) Year ended 31 March 2024 Accounting policles (eontinued) Investments Fixed asset investments are initially measured at cost and subsequently measured at cost less any accumulated impairment losses. The investments are assessed for impairment at each reporting date and any impairment losses or reversals of impairment losses are recognised immediately in net incomel(expenditure) for the year. A subsidiary is an entity controlled by the charity. Control is the power to govern the financial and operating policies of the entity so as to obtain benefrts from its activities. Investment property Investment property, which is property held to earn rentals andlor for capital appreciation, is initial recognised at cost, which includes the purchase cost and any directly attributable expenditure. Subsequently it is measured at fair value at the reporting end date. The surplus or deficit on revaluation 18 recognised in profit or loss. Investments in associates Investments in associates accounted for in accordance with the cost model are recorded at cost less any accumulated impaiment losses. Investments in associates accounted for in accordance with the fair value model are inttially recorded at the transaction price. At each reporting date, the investments are measured at fair value, with changes in fairvalue taken through income or expenditure. Where it is impracticable to measure fair value reliably without undue cost or effort, the cost model will be adopted. Dividends and other distributions received from the investment are recognised as income wtthout regard to whether the distributions are from accumulated profits of the associate arising before or after the date of acquisition. Investments in joint ventures Investments in jointly controlled entities accounted for in accordance with the cost model are recorded at cost less any accumulated impairment losses. Investments in jointly controlled entities accounted for in accordance with the fair value model are initially recorded at the transaction price. At each reporting date, the investments are measured at fairvalue, with changes in fairvalue taken through income orexpenditure. Where it is impracticable to measure fair value reliably without undue cost or effort, the cost model will be adopted. Dividends and other distributions received from the investment are recognised as income without regard to whether the distributions are from accumulated profits of the joint venture arising before or after the date of acquisition. 22

ACE - Action in Caerau and Ely Company Limited by Guarantee Notes to the Financial Statements (contlnu Year ended 31 March 2024 Accounting policies (contlnued) Impaimient of fixed assets A review for indicators of impaimient is carried out at each reporting date, with the recoverable amount being estimated where such indicators exist. Where the carrying value exceeds the recoverable amount, the asset is impaired accordingly. Prior impairments are also reviewed for possible reversal at each reporting date. For the purposes of impaimient testing, when it is not possible to estimate the recoverable amount of an individual asset, an estimate is made of the recoverable amount of the cash-generating unit to which the asset belongs. The cash-generating unit is the smallest identifiable group of assets that includes the asset and generates cash inflows that largely independent of the cash inflows from other assets or groups of assets. For impaimient testing of goodwill, the goodwill acquired in a business combination is, from the acquisition date, allocated to each of the cash-generating units that are expected to benefit from the synergies of the combination, irrespective of whether other assets or liabilities of the charity are assigned to those units. Financial instruments A financial asset or a financial liability is recognised only when the charty becomes a party to the contractual provisions of the instrument. Basic financial instruments are initially recognised at the amount receivable or payable including any related transaction costs. Current assets and current liabilities are subsequently measured at the cash or other consideration expected to be paid or received and not discounted. Debt instruments are subsequently measured at amortised cost. lthere investments in shares are publicly traded or their fair value can otherwise be measured reliably, the investment is subsequently measured at fair value with changes in fair value recognised in income and expenditure. All other such investments are subsequently measured at cost less impairment. other financial instruments, including derivatives, are initially recognised at fair value, unless payment for an asset is deferred beyond normal business terms or financed at a rate of interest that is not a market rate, in which case the asset is measured at the present value of the future payments discounted at a market rate of interest for a similar debt instrument. other financial instruments are subsequently measured at fair value, with any changes recognised in the statement of financial activities, with the exception of hedging instruments in a designated hedging relationship. Financial assets that are measured at cost or amortised cost are reviewed for objective evidence of impairment at the end of each reporting date. If there is objective evidence of impaiment, an impaimient loss is recognised under the appropriate heading in the statement of financial activities in which the initial gain was recognised. 23

ACE - Action in Caerau and Ely Company Limited by Guarantee Notes to the Financial Statements {¢ondnued) Year ended 31 March 2024 Accounting policies (¢ontlnued) Flnancial instruments (contlnuod) For all equity instruments regardless of significance, and other financial assets that are individually significant, these are assessed individually for impaimient. Other financial assets are either assessed individually or grouped on the basis of similar credit risk characteristics. Any reversals of impairment are recognised immediately, to the extent that the reversal does not result in a carrying amount of the financial asset that exceeds what the carrying amount would have been had the impairment not previously been recognised. Defined Contribution plans Contributions to defined contribution plans are recognised as an expense in the period in which the related service is provided. Prepaid contributions are recognised as an asset to the extent that the prepayment will lead to a reduction in future payments or a cash refijnd. Imien contributions are not expected to be settled wholly within 12 months of the end of the reporting date in which the employees render the related service, the liability is measured on a discounted present value basis. The unwinding of the discount is recognised as an expense in the period in which it arises. Llmited by guarantee The company is limited by guarantee and does not have a share capital. The liabilty of the members in the event of the company being liquidated is limited to £1 per member.

ACE - Action in Caerau and Ely Company Limited by Guarantee Notes to the Financial Ststements (contlnu8d) Year ended 31 March 2024 Donations and legacies Charitsble Activities Unrestricted Funds Restricted Total Funds Funds 2024 Grants (year to 31 March 2024) Arts Council of Wales Asda Bevan Foundation C3SC Cardiff and Vale University Health Board Cardiff Council Cardiff University Cardiff South Wales Cluster Care & Repair Chartties Aid Foundation Citizens Advice Cwmpas Dusty Shed Grow Cardiff Heritage Lottery Fund Independent Age Invest Local Trust Macmillan National Lottery Community Fund Save the Children Ctroperative Greggs HMRC The Screwfix Foundation National Grid Social Farms and Gardens Solva care St Vincent de Paul Society TK Maxx & Homesense Foundation Community Foundation in Wales University of South Wales Wales and West Housing WCVA Welsh Government 40,786 40,786 400 390 9,383 294,185 88,224 59,234 12,696 10,000 55,000 10,283 40,860 7,307 127 15,724 20,000 329,658 13,865 165,176 53,300 1,901 19,713 5,736 2,500 9,857 140 30 44,520 500 1,000 250 1,250 9,439 44,224 400 390 9,383 294,185 88,224 59,234 12,896 10,000 55,000 10,283 40,860 7,307 127 15,724 20,000 329,658 13,865 165,176 53,300 1,901 19,713 5,736 2,500 9,857 140 30 44,520 500 1.000 250 1,250 9,439 44,224 8,886 1,358,772 1,367,658 Donations and legacies Unrestricted Funds Restricted Totsl Funds Funds 2024 Donations 2.056 15,884 17.940 25

ACE - Action in Caerau and Ely Company Limited by Guarantee Notes to the Financial Statements (Continued) Year ended 31 March 2024 Donations and legacles (continued) Charitable Activtties Unrestricted Funds Restricted Total Funds Funds 2023 Grants (year to 31 March 2023) Grants receivable Asda Bevan Foundation C3SC Cardiff and Vale University Health Board Cardiff Council Cardiff People First Cardiff University Care & Repair Charities Aid Foundation Children in Need Church Action Povety Citizens Advice Cwmpas Dusty Shed DWP Ely and Caerau Children's Centre Energy Saving Trust Food Sense Wales Glamorgan Voluntary Services Groundwork UK Grow Cardiff Heritage Lottery Fund Independent Age Invest Local Trust Macmillan Making a Difference Locally Promo-cymru National Lottery Community Fund Save the Children School of History The D'oyly Carte Charitable Trust Nationwide Community Fund University of South Wales Wales Restorative Approaches Partnership Welsh Government Whitfield Pantry 2,272 {2,272) 200 22,949 7,000 269,092 154,500 750 28,993 9,000 59,921 40,987 200 23,964 12,951 269,092 154,500 750 28,993 9,000 62,221 40,987 168 7,250 27,655 8,148 4,286 200 1,286 10,844 4.890 500 5,900 113,031 20,000 (25,139) 26,142 1,000 625 201,174 2.400 2,500 3,000 24,198 2,000 6,817 35,515 100 1,015 5,951 2,300 168 7,250 27,655 8,148 4,286 200 1,286 10,844 4,890 500 5,900 113,031 20,000 (25,139) 26,142 1,000 625 201,174 2,400 2,500 3.000 24,198 2,000 6,817 35,515 100 13,506 1,073,642 1,087,148 Donations and legacies Unrestricted Funds Restricted Total Funds Funds 2023 Donations 1,938 13,544 15,482 26

ACE - Action in Caerau and Ely Company Limited by Guarantee Notes to the Financial Statements (contlnued) Year ended 31 March 2024 Charitable activities Unrestricted Funds Restricted Total Funds Funds 2024 Sundry Income 260 260 Unrestricted Funds Restricted Total Funds Funds 2023 Sundry Income 234 387 621 Other trading activities Unrestricted Funds Restricted Total Funds Funds 2024 Rental Income Generated Income 23,275 92,025 115,300 6,912 734 30,187 92,759 122,946 7,646 Unrestricted Funds Restricted Total Funds Funds 2023 Rental Income Generated Income 14,615 72,023 5,753 1,365 20,368 73,388 86,838 7,118 93,756 Investment income Unrestricted Total Funds Unrestricted Total Funds Funds 2024 Funds 2023 Bank interest receivable 6,025 6.025 1,342 1,342 27

ACE - Action in Caerau and Ely Company Limited by Guarantee Notes to the Financial Statements (contiftuedj Year ended 31 March 2024 Expenditure on charltable activities by fund type Unrestricted Funds Restricted Total Funds Funds 2024 Direct charitable activities Support costs 53,654 169,123 1,130,951 11,323 1,184,604 180,448 222,777 1,142,274 1,365.052 Unrestricted Funds Restricted Total Funds Funds 2023 Direct charitable activities Support costs 52,335 186,592 238,927 1,238,070 1,290,405 186,591 1,476,996 1,238,070 10. Expenditure on charitsble activities by activity type Activities undertaken Grant funding directiy of activities Support Totsl funds costs 2024 Total fund 2023 Charitable activities GovemanrE costs 898,288 286,316 170,933 9,515 180,448 1.355,537 9,515 1,365,052 1,471,057 5,939 898,288 286,316 1,476,996 11. Analysis of support costs Analysis of support costs Total 2024 Total 2023 staff costs Depreciation Cleaning Heat, light and insurance Bank charges and bad debts IT costs and telephone Professional fees Printing, postage and stationery Rent, rates, repairs and renewals Motor, travel and subsistence 109,976 11,323 14,096 5,344 109,976 11,323 14,096 5,344 121,865 12,981 14,373 5,383 183 10,389 5,486 5,153 3,255 1,584 180,652 12,133 4,901 4,962 6,624 1,574 170,933 12,133 4,901 4,962 6,624 1,574 170,933 28

ACE - Action in Caerau and Ely Company Limited by Guarantee Notes to the Financial Statements (continued) Year ended 31 March 2024 12. Analysis of grants 2024 2023 Grants to Institutions 10th Ely Rainbows Cardiff Imperial Ecsopa Hope Trust Ely and Caerau Litter Pickers Caerau and Ely Mini and Juniors Rugby Club Commonwealth Theatre Family Fund Business Services The Healthy Horse Project Pony Club Reflect Community Church and Centre st Mellons Clean Up Group Tempo Time Credits The Millbank Movers The Sudanese Community in East CardiFf Trowbridge Pantry Grant Cardiff People First Community Care & Wellbeing SeNice 250 250 20,672 25,015 76 500 1,000 130,000 2,500 450 650 18,128 10,000 213,818 300 24.048 250 251 13,980 6,844 16,575 286,066 199,491 Grants to individuals Grants to individuals 250 Total grants 286.316 199,491 13. Other expenditure Restricted Total Funds Funds 2024 Restricted Total Funds Funds 2023 Loss on disposal of tangible fixed assets held for charity's own use 72,548 72,548 14. Net (losses)Igains on Investments Unrestricted Total Funds Unrestricted Total Funds Funds 2024 Funds 2023 Gainsl(losses) on investment propety (10,000) (10,000) 75,559 75,559 29

ACE - Action in Caerau and Ely Company Limited by Guarantee Notes to the Financial Ststements (¢ontlnuedJ Year ended 31 March 2024 15. Net incomel(expenditure) Net incomel(expenditure) is stated after chargingl(crediting)'. 2024 2023 Depreciation of tangible fixed assets Loss on disposal of tangible fixed assets 61,317 64,905 72,548 16. Auditors remuneration 2024 2023 Fees payable for the audit of the financial statements 6,000 5,940 17. Staff costs The total staff costs and employee benefits for the reporting period are analysed as follows: 2024 2023 Wages and salaries Social security costs Employer contributions to pension plans 675,664 42,934 14,575 738,560 51,726 22,146 733,173 812,432 The average head count of employees during the year was 39 (2023: 39). The average number of full-time equivalent employees during the year is analysed as follows: 2024 No. 2023 Number of staff 39 39 No employee received employee benefits of more than £60,000 during the year (2023.. Nil). Key Management Personnel Key management personnel include all persons that have authority and responsibility for planning, directing and controlling the activities of the charity. The total compensation paid to key management personnel for services provided to the charity was £69,481 (2023.. £97,766). 18. Trustee remuneration and expenses No trustees received remuneration or received any other benefits from an employment with the charity during the current or prior year. No trustees were reimbursed for expenses during the current or prior year. 30

ACE - Action In Caerau and Ely Company Limited by Guarantee Notes to the Financial Statements (contlnued) Year ended 31 March 2024 19. Tangible fixed assets Freehold property Plant and machinery Motor vehicles Total Cost At 1 April 2023 and 31 March 2024 Depreciation At 1 April 2023 Charge for the year At 31 March 2024 1,132,343 3,630 33,094 1,169,067 114,335 56,617 3,630 20,561 4,700 138,526 61,317 199,843 170,952 3,630 25,261 Carrying amount At 31 March 2024 961,391 7,833 989,224 At 31 March 2023 1,018,008 12,533 1,030,541 20. Investments Shares in Investment group properties undertakings Total Cost or valuation At 1 April 2023 Additions Fair value movements 220,000 10 220,010 (10,000) 210,000 {10,000) 210,010 At 31 March 2024 10 Impairnient At 1 April 2023 and 31 March 2024 Carrying amount At 31 March 2024 210,000 10 210,010 At 31 March 2023 220,000 10 220,010 31

ACE - Action in Caerau and Ely Company Limited by Guarantee Notes to the Financial Statements (continued) Year ended 31 March 2024 20. Investments (contlnue The above carrying amounts are recognised as follows.. Shares in Investment group properties undertakings Total At 31 March 2024 Held at fair value Held at historical cost less impaimient 210,000 10 210,000 10 At 31 March 2023 Held at fair value Held at historical cost less impairment 220,000 10 220,000 10 Investment properties Investment property comprises a residential property purchased in October 2020 by the charty for rental appreciation. The fair value of the investment property has been arrived based on the valuation of a local estate agent in May 2024. Contained in the above are amounts totalling £nil (2023= £nil) in relation to land. 21. Investment entities Subsidlaries and other investments The charty holds the entire issued shared capital of 1 ordinary share of £10 in ACE Communf(y Enterprises Limited, a company incorporated in England and Wales. The company was incorporated on 07 February 2014 and remains domiant, company Number 08881835, registered office, Dusty Forge, Cowbridge Road West, Cardiff, CF5 5BZ. Name of undertaking: Registerd office: Nature of business: Class of shares held: % Held: ACE Community Enterprises Ltd England and Wales Dormant Ordinary 100°/0 (direct) 22. Debtors 2024 2023 Trade debtors Other debtors 105,998 11,383 85,433 89,935 117,381 175,368 32

ACE - Action in Caerau and Ely Company Limited by Guarantee Notes to the Financial Statements (continued) Year ended 31 March 2024 23. Credltors. amounts falllng due wlthln one year 2024 2023 Amounts owed to group undertakings Accruals and deferred income 12 6,751 10 48.787 6,763 48,797 24. Pensions and other post retirement beneflts Defined contribution plans The amount recognised in income or expenditure as an expense in relation to defined contribution plans was £14.575 (2023: £22.146). 25. Analysls of charitable funds Unrestrlcted funds At 1 Apr 2023 Gains and At losses 31 Mar 24 Income Expenditure Transfers General funds Dusty Forge Redevelopment Fixed asset fund Investment property 117,883 132,527 (218,077) 138.247 170,580 95,007 94,379 95.007 89.679 {4,700) 220,000 (10,000) {10,000) 210.000 527,269 132,527 (222,777) 138,247 565,266 At 1 Apr 2022 Gains and At losses 31 Mar 23 Income Expenditure Transfers General funds Dusty Forge Redevelopment Fixed asset fund Investment property 156,977 103.658 (234,227) 15,916 75,559 117,883 95,007 17,233 95,007 94,379 (4,700) 81,846 144,441 75,559 220,000 413,658 103,658 (238,927) 173,321 75,559 527.269 Dusty Forge Redevelopment: Comprise those fvnds set aside for future redevelopment work at the Dusty Forge building. Fixed asset fund: relates to the net book value of the charity's unrestricted fixed assets. Investment property: relates to the value of the property held for investment to generate unrestricted rental income for the charity. 33

ACE - Action in Caerau and Ely Company Limited by Guarantee Notes to the Financial Statements (continuedj Year ended 31 March 2024 25. Analysis of charitable funds (contlnued) Restrlcted funds (year to 31 March 2024) At 1 Apr 2023 At 31 Mar 24 Income Expenditure Transfers ACE Car8S ACE Community Support ACE Food ACE Giving ACE Health Arts Council of Wales Baring Benthyg Bereavement Support Bevan Foundation Caer Enterprises Children in Need Creative Grow Diana Gardens Dusty Shed Grace Project Heritage Lottery Fund Independent Age Macmillan Memorial Garden Moondance Foundation Redress and CardÈff CounGil Hardship Fund Save the Children Shape your Future Summer of Smiles Together Trust Welsh Gov- Communities Facilities Programme Western Power Working Well and Helping Working Families Workplace Youth Youth Innovation Trelai Deg Community Plan Yourspace N Ehangu - Save the Children Euroclad Yourspace W Heritage Lottery Fund Greggs Foundation Voices of Caer Co-op Local Community Fund Caer Centre Development 40,861 33,060 9,735 4,634 210,530 40,914 3,750 10.174 44.224 (38,144) (15,692) (6,058) (180) (171,502) (17,433) (67,929) (975) (5,049) (945) 11,547) {860) (34,419) (2,478) (2,570) (169) (12,180) 2,418 {5,028) (1,300) (2,717) (9,440) (3,677) 4.814 13.805 14.020 53,769 26,483 2.244 2.365 12,742 13,805 18.474 75,364 (1,507) 10.132 7,327 9.218 3,502 11,957 6,352 6,328 1,006 3,338 3,870 1,697 698,357 18,395 6,912 1,006 7,333 2,880 9,390 7,307 44.520 {5,916) (8,073) 139,4211 149,5441 135,2401 (1,159) 521 (224) {6,796) 648.813 20.000 13,865 {3,155) (100) 12,606 2,800 4,758 2,800 4.758 32,655 2,400 (21,887} (7,360) (40,8211 10,768 2,400 5,917 6,502 37,775 8,300 55.000 (940) (8,262} 6,502 329.658 1274.580> (17.303) 253,529 (7,073) (9,360) 246,456 9,383 (23) 78,972 (3,007) 14,111 177,872 {116,605) (33,215) 107,024 (3,007) (14,111) (600) (3,870) (7,106) (2,650) 11.600 75,989 77.362 45,000 2,000 5,043 15,974 19.713 850 1,902 46,784 (9,803) (60,903) (50,702) (6,757) 1,197 11,216 19,554 35,593 2,000 (4,496) (8,666) (11,713) 1654) 1807) (10,438) (547) 7,308 7,000 (1,000) (196) (1,095) 36.346 1,261,520 1,382,306 (1,142,276) (138,248) 1.363.302

ACE - Action in Caerau and Ely Company Limited by Guarantee Notes to the Financial Statements (contlnued) Year ended 31 March 2024 25. Analysis of charitable funds (eontlnued) Restricted funds (year to 31 March 2023) At 1 Apr 2022 At 31 Mar 23 Income Expenditure Transfers ACE Cares ACE Community Support ACE Food ACE Giving ACE Health ACE Housing Arts Council of Wales Baring Benthyg Bereavement Support Bevan Foundation Caer Enterprises Children in Need Creative Grow Diana Gardens Dusty Shed Grace Project Heritage Lottery Fund Independent Age Macmillan Memorial Garden MOOndan￿ Foundation Redress and Cardiff Council Hardship Fund Save the Children Shape your Future Summer of Smiles Together Twst WCVA Welsh Gov- Communities Facilities Programme Western Power Working Well and Helping Working Families Workplace Youth Youth Innovation COVID Support Mind Pantry Tiero 27,655 38,426 9,504 12,073 194,757 (23,143) (44,783) (13,841) {7,968) (142,733) (2,996) {54,930) (4,512) 17,004) (4,449) (800) (14,497) 50,830 22,591 10,715 16,242 2,996 37,469 13,805 14,020 53,769 85,321 (1,664) 28,727 22,242 878 50,997 22,949 6,578 40,987 2,900 3,049 8,148 31,015 133.542 20,000 26,142 3,000 (23,421) {47,991) (8,509) (11,794) (31,235) 11,894) {7,514) {6,984) (28,954) (212,201) (27) (26.668) (200) {43,609) 2,666 (3,006) (4,525) 9,497 (3,424) 2,365 2,042 2,071 11,957 6,352 6,328 1,006 3,338 3,870 1,697 698,357 18,395 7,803 2,706 904 783,776 (1,268) (6,760) (1,578) (170) 696 2,800 4,758 48,367 97,664 100,000 2,400 50,000 5,540 (25,139) (189,724) (7,940) 2,400 (46,013) (4,357) (88,894) (10,612) (3.987) {508) (16,165) 5,827 130,198 10,612 6,502 260,602 (7,073) (7,331) 253,529 9,921 (2,590) 65,401 119,603 (92,997) (390) (42,548) (22,197) (13,035) <2.617) (6,500) 78,972 (3,007) 14,111 13,160 22,197 1,985 12,107 57,034 49,999 (1,985) (12,107) (44,980) 64,446 (76,500) 1,650,768 1,094,691 (1,310,618) (173.321) 1,261,520 35

ACE - Action in Caerau and Ely Company Limited by Guarantee Notes to the Financial Statements (contlnued) Year ended 31 March 2024 25. Analysis of charitable funds (Conllnued) Arts Councll of Wales: This money was used to fund a project to engage young people from 14- 16, 16-18 and 16-24 age categories. ACE Cares: This national lottery funding pays for community developnFnt activity aimed at exploring the community's role in supporting people with care and support needs and unpaid carers within the Ely and Caerau communities. ACE Community Support: This money is to the support a programme to provide information, practical support and advice to vulnerable community members in Ely and Caerau. ACE Food: Budget for developing community food projects including Dusty Community Kitchen, Cafe Barr and Food for Life Get Togethers. ACE Giving: An opportunity for individuals to make a financial contribution to ACE'S charitable work through donations, sponsorship and fundraising activities. ACE Health: This money was for the development and delivery of health and wellbeing initiatives, including social prescribing, community development, participation and engagement work. ACE Housing" Provision of a high qualty, affordable, well maintained rental hometo a local family, Wtth additional support through ACE services where necessary. Benthyg. WCVA Landfill Trust this funding supported the development of a new library of things project (ACE Benthyg), offering a range of household items for community members to borrow at low cost. Bereavement support: This grant pays for a multi-partner project with ACE, CCAWS and Cardiff People First, delivering a mix of direct counselling, bereavement courses and development of peer support approaches, aimed at engaging groups who have been traditionally under-represented in mainstream bereavement support setvices. Bevan Foundation: This funded 1 day a week staff time to bring about systems change through community engagement contributing to various consultations to inform policy change. Caer Enterprises.. Development of social enterprise and income generating activity related to ACE'S CAER Heritage project, including sales of CAER T-shirts and art. Children In Need: This money is to fund a project which uses local heritage and history as inspiration for experimental and exploratory STEM activities and projects. Creative Grow: This money was used Delivery of indoor artlgarden sessions, room hire & materials. Diana Gardensl Grapevine: This money is to support the development of the 'Diana Gardens, site, communty activity on and around the site and community capacity building with local volunteers. Dusty Shed: This money was used to support a Men's Shed project based at the Dusty Forge. Grace ProJe¢t: Thi5 project supports men in the community who are involved with the criminal justi￿ system. The Grand Avenues project is a partnership be￿een HMPPS, SVP and ACE. 36

ACE - Action in Caerau and Ely Company Limited by Guarantee Notes to the Financial Statements (contlnued) Year ended 31 March 2024 25. Analysis of charitable funds (continued) Funding was used to fund a staff member for 3 days a week, a staff member 112 day a week, project costs and management costs to support the men on the project address issues around hea￿h, income and housing. Heritage Lottery Fund" This money was used to deliver the CAER Heritage Project. Independent Age.. This project supports older people in the community to stay wami in their homes, through income maximisation and energy support. This income has funded a full time Older Persons Caseworker. Macmillan: A project exploring how communty development approaches can be used to increase the range of supportive care available for people who are dying, those supporting someone who is dying and people who are facing or experiencing bereavement. Memorial Garden" This project is developing a new community garden to support activities that bring people together and support community Connection and wellbeing. MIND (Coronavirus Mental Health Response Fund: Wales) A project to increase the capacity and reach of the Phone Friends project and to make it more accessible for people wrth a leaming disability, working in partnership with Cardiff People First. Moondance Foundation: This money is to fund the Caer Heritage Project. Pantry: This money is to support the membership food club providing affordable food shop for members in food poverty l insecurity. The project includes running a community food shop and delivery service using surplus food supplied by Fareshare project to support struggling working families to get involved in the design and delivery of community projects tackling in work poverty. Redress Wam) and Cardiff Council Hardship Fund: Affordable warmth advice and support for community members in l at risk of fuel poverty delivered through drop in I case work sessions. Save the Children: This was used to fund a series of art workshops overthe summer holidays for children and young people living in Ely and Caerau. The Ehangu project enabled working with community partners to develop new initiatives supporting early years projects in Ely and Caearau. Summer of Smiles: Income was used to provide a range of inclusive activities for children and young people across the communities of Ely and Caerau. Tier O: This money is to support a mental health service which provides psychological interventions through 1-1 guided self-help sessions and the delivery of psychoeducational courses. Together Trust: This money is to deliver Building Communities Trust (BCT) invest local programme. Voluntary Sector Recovery: This project supported volunteers to re-engage with ACE after the Pandemic disruption, providing staff time to run reintegration sessions and follow up support, training and update our volunteer processes to help volunteers with overcome barriers to contributing to projects. WCVA: This funding was to diversify the income of ACE Training through the development of a website to increase sales and promote to a wider audience, particularly targeting the private 37

ACE - Action in Caerau and Ely Company Limited by Guarantee Notes to the Financial Statements {¢ondnued) Year ended 31 March 2024 25. Analysis of charitable funds (contlnuedj sector. It also funded consultants to conduct market research and develop a training package bespoke to ACE underlining ACE'S approaches in Asset Based Community Development, Community Organising and Co-production. Thetraining is now being offered to the public, statutory and third sectorwho wish their teams to learn about the afore mentioned principles and how to put them into practice as it relates to their work. Welsh Government Communities Facilities Programme. This is a capital fund to support the refurbishment and renovation of community buildings. Western Power: This funds our advice provision supporting those in fuel povertylfuel crisis. Working Well and Helping Working Families. This is a partnership project with Tempo and Citizens Cymru to combine asset based community development with community organising approaches to enable sustainable solutions to in work povety to be identified, piloted and developed. Workplace Youth: This funding through Watedoo Foundation was used to engage with young people aged 16 to 25yrs in a series of woodwork sessions, and Level 1 Health and Safety in a Construction Environment Training. The aim of the funding was to support young people intowork. Youth Innovation. This money was used to support local groups, organise and support voluntary youth activities. Transfers: Relates to Capital spend where the conditions of the grant has been fulfilled, management charge overhead allocation and internal project recharges. Where projects have incurred an overspend the board have agreed for unrestricted funds to cover the deficits. 26. Analysis of net assets between funds Unrestricted Funds Restricted Total Funds Funds 2024 Tangible fixed assets Investments Current assets Creditors les5 than 1 year Net assets 93,009 210,010 269,010 (6,763) 565,266 876,215 969,224 210,010 756,095 {6,763) 1,928,566 487,085 1,363,300 Unrestricted Funds Restricted Total Funds Funds 2023 Tangible fixed assets Investments Current assets Creditor5 less than 1 year Net assets 94,379 220,010 261,677 (48,797) 527,269 936,162 1,030,541 220,010 587,035 (48,797} 1,788,789 325,358 1,261,520 38

ACE - Action in Caerau and Ely Company Limited by Guarantee Notes to the Financial Statements (continued) Year ended 31 March 2024 27. Analysis of changes in net funds At At 1 Apr 2023 Cash ftows 31 Mar 2024 Cash at bank and in hand 411,667 227,046 638,713 28. Charges on assets The National Heritage Memorial Fund have a registration of charge over the leasehold of Caerau Evangelical Church, Church Road, Caerau, Cardiff, CF5 5LQ. 29. Related parties There were no disclosable related party transactions during the year (2023 - none). 39