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## Contents 

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

   - Advice and Support 

2. About ACE 

   - p6 • Restore - Community Shop 

      - Café Barr 

3. Ely and Caerau Community Plan p8 

   - Umbrella Group 

   - ACE Benthyg 

4.  CAER Heritage 

- p10 

      - Your Local Pantry 

      - Grand Avenues 

5. CAER Heritage 

   - & Learning Centre 

- p11 

   - The Dusty Shed 

   - Repair Café 

7.  "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. 

**16** 



## 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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## 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 nicolap@aceplace.org to find out about our future plans. 

23 



## : 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. 

24 



## ‘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. 

**25** 



## 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. 

26 



‘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._ 

**27** 



## 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 -----**<br>
£1,495.00<br>That's an<br>average of<br>£1,495<br>per household<br>**----- End of picture text -----**<br>



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


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


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

28 



## 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 -----**<br>
ACE Volunteers<br>**----- End of picture text -----**<br>



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



**----- Start of picture text -----**<br>
ACE Arts<br>**----- End of picture text -----**<br>



**----- Start of picture text -----**<br>
300<br>creative<br>workshops<br>**----- End of picture text -----**<br>


**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 -----**<br>
creative outdoor<br>play sessions<br>24<br>233<br>children<br>152<br>adults<br>**----- End of picture text -----**<br>


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

29 



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## 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 

**31** 



## 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 

**32** 



## 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. 

33 



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
i*l=: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

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info@aceplace.org www.aceplace.org ACE - Action in Caerau and Ely @elycaerau_ACE actionincaerauandely 

35 



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