Annual Report & Financial Statements 2024
The Trustees of Wymondham Youth Bus are pleased to present the annual report and financial statements for 2024.
Trustees for the financial year 2023
Daniel Doran-Smith Nicola Sizer (resigned May 2024) Lucie Fox Kate Doran-Smith
The Charity is fully led and run by volunteers and currently has no employees.
Delivery
Throughout 2024, we continued to deliver our engagement programmes, branded as 'Fusion,' from our vibrant double-decker bus. Our mission was to connect with young people, families, and local communities through interactive session-based activities and community events designed to enhance social engagement and well-being.
We organised our primary sessions after school and during the evenings, ensuring accessibility for our target audience. These sessions featured engaging activities, including popular console gaming competitions, art-based projects that fostered creativity, and a smoothie bar that emphasised the importance of healthy eating habits. The bus also served as a social hub, providing a welcoming space for young people to connect and socialise with their peers.
During each session, we engage directly with hundreds of young people who eagerly visit our bus to participate in the project. Feedback from attendees has consistently been overwhelmingly positive; many express that they enjoy the activities and often share their experiences with friends and family, encouraging more to join in.
What sets our initiative apart is the innovative approach of providing pop-up services directly within the heart of the community. Unlike traditional programmes that rely on static community buildings, our bus brings services directly to where young people naturally gather. By strategically parking in key locations, such as bustling parks and community centres, we make it convenient for young people to access our programme.
Throughout the year, our organisation faced challenges regarding the operation of the Double-decker bus, which has been in service for over 35 years. As the vehicle aged, we encountered a range of maintenance issues that became increasingly difficult to manage and sourcing parts for repairs proved to be a major hurdle.
The Trustees have held several discussions concerning the viability and sustainability of maintaining the bus in its current condition. Concerns have been raised about the rising maintenance costs, which have increased significantly compared to previous years, and the environmental sustainability of operating an older vehicle.
As a charity, our commitment to sustainability is paramount. We strive to be effective stewards of our resources, and in light of this, acquiring a new vehicle represents a strategic long-term investment for our charity. This new vehicle will enable us to continue our 'pop-up' youth provision, but in a way that enhances our financial and economic viability. Although the double-decker vehicle previously served as a captivating symbol in the community, its large size limited accessibility in certain areas. Transitioning to a newer, smaller vehicle will create a wealth of opportunities, allowing us to reach even more young people and families.
Throughout 2024, we have witnessed firsthand the profound impact of the cost-of-living crisis on families and young individuals. Our food poverty initiatives have garnered an overwhelmingly positive response from those grappling with financial hardship. Additionally, the holistic support we provide— through signposting, empathetic listening, and advocacy—remains central to our community engagement programs. These efforts are designed to foster connection and empowerment in the heart of our communities, ensuring that no one feels alone in their struggles.In our fundraising literature, we emphasised the need for securing funds for a new vehicle. Our proposal outlined the advantages of investing in a more modern, energy-efficient vehicle that would not only be easier to maintain but also align with our commitment to sustainability for the future.
As of April 2025, we made the difficult decision to decommission the Double-decker bus. We are now actively exploring various options for a replacement vehicle that meets both our operational needs and sustainability goals, ensuring that we can continue to serve our community effectively through this model of pop-up provision.
Fundraising
Throughout the financial year, we actively pursued various fundraising approaches to secure the necessary funds for the operational costs associated with our projects and charitable activities. Our efforts included reaching out to previous supporters who have generously contributed in the past, as well as engaging new potential funders who share our vision and values.
The trustees would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to all the funders who provided grants, which significantly contribute to our efforts in delivering impactful services and programs in 2024. Your support is invaluable to our mission, and we are committed to utilising these funds effectively to make a meaningful difference in the community we serve.
Future plans
As a charity, we are committed to ensuring our sustainability and effectively managing our resources. Therefore, acquiring a new vehicle represents a long-term solution that will allow us to continue our 'pop-up' youth provisions in a more financially viable manner. While the double-decker vehicle was a popular attraction in communities, its size limited accessibility in certain areas. A newer, smaller vehicle would provide us with greater opportunities to reach more locations.
Throughout 2024, it has become increasingly evident that the rising cost of living continues to have a
significant impact on families and young people across our communities. In response, we have implemented several food poverty projects designed to alleviate the struggles faced by those unable to make ends meet. These initiatives have been met with positive feedback from participants, helping to demonstrate their importance in combating food insecurity.
Additionally, we have prioritised support through engagement strategies that encompass signposting individuals to relevant resources, actively listening to their concerns, and advocating for their needs within the community. These efforts remain central to our engagement programmes, reflecting our commitment to fostering resilience and connection among those we serve. By addressing both immediate needs and long-term solutions, we aim to empower families and young people to build a brighter future.
Financial Statements for 2024 Accounts are prepared on a cash payment and receipts basis to 31[st] December year end.
| WYMONDHAM YOUTH BUS | ||
|---|---|---|
| Accounts Ending 31 December 2024 | ||
| Income | 2024 | 2023 |
| Donations | ||
| Fundraising | ||
| Tuck shopsales | ||
| other | ||
| Grants | £ 4,400.00 |
£ 9,100.00 |
| Total Income | £ 4,400.00 |
£ 9,100.00 |
| Expenditure | 2024 | 2023 |
| Fuel | £ 199.61 |
£ 684.15 |
| Equipment | £ 250.00 |
|
| Insurance | £ 2,556.89 |
£ 2,304.34 |
| Maintenance | £ 3,735.41 |
£ 702.85 |
| Services/Memberships | £ 42.00 |
£ 35.00 |
| Refreshments | £ 87.48 |
£ 58.07 |
| Vehicle costs | £ 345.00 |
£ 325.00 |
| Stationery,printing, office, domain | £ 717.54 |
£ 757.04 |
| Other | £ 774.99 |
£ 1,040.77 |
| Total expenditure | £ 8,458.92 |
£ 6,157.22 |
| Balance | -£ 4,058.92 |
£ 2,942.78 |
| Opening balances | 2024 | 2023 |
| Bank | £ 14,096.70 |
£ 11,153.92 |
| Cash | ||
| Total | £ 14,096.70 | £ 11,153.92 |
| Closing balances | 2024 | 2023 |
| Bank | £ 10,037.78 | £ 14,096.70 |
| Cash | ||
| Total | £ 10,037.78 | £ 14,096.70 |
| Monetary assets | 2024 | 2023 |
| Bank account | £ 10,037.78 |
£ 14,096.70 |
| Cash | ||
| Total | £ 10,037.78 | £ 14,096.70 |
| Fixed asset | 2024 | 2023 |
| Bus | £ 5,530.30 |
£ 7,373.73 |
| Depreciation | £ 1,382.58 |
£ 1,843.43 |
| Total | £ 4,147.73 |
£ 5,530.30 |