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← After18

2025-03-31-accounts

AFTER18 ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Trustees’ Report 2
Review of the Year 5
Ali’s Story 11
After18 in 2024-5 13
Financial Summary 14
Governance Information 15
Acknowledgements 17

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TRUSTEES’ REPORT

After18 is a Leicester-based charity, charity number: 1158210 , registered at Bishop Street Methodist Church, 10a Bishop Street, Leicester, LE1 6AF.

This year has been one of both change and continuity for After18. Through it all, our staff and volunteers have remained a compassionate and steady presence for young refugee and asylum-seeking people in Leicester, creating safe spaces where young people can learn, grow, and discover who they are in a new culture and context.

This year, as the UK experienced race-related unrest and riots, Leicester was no different and these safe and welcoming spaces have been more important than ever. We continue to work closely with partner organisations, colleges, and the local authority to make sure young people feel heard, valued and find the support they need to re-build their lives.

At trustee level, this year brought important changes in leadership. After more than two and half years of dedicated service as Chair, Ann Carter stepped down from the Board. We're grateful for her commitment and the many contributions she made during her time with us. Dimple Patel and Olivia Venning succeeded as Co-Chairs of the board and we are delighted to have welcomed Ugo Egenti as Treasurer, working alongside Ella Neale - together bringing experience and shared purpose for the next phase of growth for After18.

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In September 2024, we said farewell to our Operations Manager, Sarah Danby, whose leadership strengthened our organisational foundations and secured funding that enabled us to expand our impact. We are pleased to have welcomed Stefanos Debas as our new Operations Manager in January 2025 and look forward to building on this strong base together.

A particularly significant moment for the charity came in May 2025, when we said goodbye to Alison Birch, After18's founder and Programmes Manager, after 12 years of tireless service. Her vision, resilience, and dedication have shaped the charity from its earliest days, and she leaves behind a powerful legacy. The team is committed to honouring this legacy by

continuing to prioritise high-quality educational and wellbeing support for the young people we serve, through the values the charity is built on.

Our thanks as well to all the organisations and individuals who have supported us financially over the last year enabling us to continue this vital work.

The Trustees confirm that they have regard to the guidance issued by the Charity Commission on public benefit.

DIMPLE PATEL AND OLIVIA VENNING

CO-CHAIRS, ON BEHALF OF AFTER18 TRUSTEES AUGUST 2025

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“This place is the only one where I could feel relaxed and open myself.”

REVIEW OF THE YEAR

BUILDING ON STRONG FOUNDATIONS FOR GREATER IMPACT

Expanding Educational Support

This year has been one of expansion and adaptation, as we evolved our programmes to meet higher levels of need and rising demand for services among young refugees and asylum seekers in Leicester.

Our education initiatives were accessed by 138 young people this year. This reach demonstrates our role as a crucial educational bridge for young people navigating complex transitions into British society and formal education systems.

development, mathematics, and comprehensive introduction to the UK education system. These structured sessions provide routine, learning opportunities, and crucial preparation for integration into British education.

55 young people accessed our New Arrivals Group this year representing well over half of our total educational reach. This concentration reflects the needs of newly arrived young people who require intensive support during their initial settlement period.

New Arrivals Group and ICT

The New Arrivals Group, established in 2021, continued serving as an essential foundation for young people awaiting college placements. This programme supports participants through weekly sessions covering English language

“I want to improve my English, learn how to speak better and communicate with others.”

Our teachers ensured that programme expansion never compromised the individual attention that makes our approach effective. Each young person leaving the New Arrivals group receives a starter pack containing stationery and equipment needed for mainstream education. This is strengthened with guidance on organising their studies and accessing ongoing support through our Thursday evening drop-in.

The ICT programme was attended by 52 young people this year, despite sessions being temporarily suspended during Ramadan to accommodate religious observance. Our flexible working patterns show our responsive approach, respecting the cultural and religious needs of our community. The programme provided essential digital skills training, with many participants requiring foundational support to access online learning platforms and digital services essential for both education and employment.

Bridging educational journey (Education Drop in)

The education drop-in continued serving as our most established and wide-reaching educational programme supporting 100 individuals this year. This session maintained its vital role as a bridge for young people at various stages of their educational journey, from those requiring basic literacy support through to university application assistance.

The drop-in's strength lies in its flexibility and responsiveness to individual needs. Volunteers provided homework assistance, exam preparation, and guidance on accessing further education opportunities. We supported several young people with university applications, demonstrating our commitment to facilitating progression at every level. The session operates with sufficient volunteer coverage, though we continue seeking additional GCSE English teachers to meet specific learning requirements.

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Beyond academic support, the drop-in serves as a gateway for young people transitioning from our New Arrivals Group into mainstream education. Many participants attend regularly while navigating college applications or seeking additional support alongside their formal studies. This continuity ensures that young people maintain educational engagement even during periods of transition or uncertainty about their next steps.

The programme's open-access nature means it responds to emerging needs within our community. Whether supporting asylum seekers awaiting age assessment outcomes, those experiencing gaps in formal education provision, or young people seeking specialised exam preparation. The Thursday drop-in provides consistent educational opportunities when other options may be limited or unavailable.

next financial year with the support of a committed volunteer who helps make these sessions such a safe and welcoming environment.

The session is wellbeing focused, aiming to reduce social isolation amongst young women who are seeking asylum, and provide a safe space for them to try new things, build confidence and form friendships. Sessions are co-produced with the young women, meaning we plan activities with them, responding to their interests and needs. We have introduced them to some exciting activities across Leicestershire, including Barrow Boating and a trip to Farndon Field’s pumpkin patch. Likewise, they have brought some fantastic ideas for the group and shown great enthusiasm for their sessions. The influence of social media means that beyond their own cultures, they have enjoyed bringing trending recipes from around the world (pistachio chocolate

“I enjoy when we do outdoor activities, we can understand the environment from outside. Also to help relax our minds.”

Strengthening Wellbeing Programmes

Young Women's Group

The young women’s group had a fantastic year. We saw growth in attendance, supporting 26 young women from 13 different nationalities across the year, compared to 19 in the previous year. We could not have done this without the incredible support of staff and volunteers, and we are grateful to be moving into the

from Dubai, or candied fruit from China).

As many of the young women live in hotels, without access to cooking facilities, the session offers an opportunity to cook and share foods that they enjoy. We celebrated Fasika and Tet, enabling them to share in each other’s cultural traditions, whilst marking other traditions including Bonfire Night, and Pancake Day, introducing them to some of the key festivities in the UK.

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Promoting their access to communitybased activities, they also enjoyed bowling trips, going to the cinema, climbing, visiting the Light up Leicester installations, and many other opportunities to access Leicester city safely with the group.

Beyond weekly sessions, we also provided ongoing casework. This included applying for university funding, referrals to social housing, support with GP registrations, CV building and providing emotional support.

We have seen a number of young women attend the session on a long-term basis (for some, more than a year), while others have attended for shorter periods whilst they navigate particular transitions such as enrolment in school or college. Having a regular and consistent session means that the young women can return when they need support, knowing we are here for

them.

This year we’ve worked to address a range of challenges impacting the group. This has included a number of young women experiencing mental health concerns. Whilst our sessions can be a protective factor, in some cases their mental health needs have required further support which has prevented them from accessing our sessions. For those who are managing the financial constraints of everyday life, travel costs present a barrier to access and we are working with young people to try and find solutions for this. Over the next year, our focus will be to give the young women’s group access to as much variety as possible, and introduce activities that will inspire and encourage them. We want to be able to use our time in the most effective ways possible and meet their needs as holistically as we can.

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Monday Football

Our football programme with Leicester City in the Community maintained its popularity, though managing demand remained challenging as sessions designed for 42 participants regularly attracted more than 50 young people. We worked collaboratively to ensure everyone felt welcomed while maintaining safety and quality. The introduction of equipment lending, including a "boot bank" system, addressed practical barriers that might otherwise prevent participation.

Arts and Photography Club

With volunteer support and renewed focus on skills development, seven young people participated regularly in creative sessions. The programme included visits to local artists' studios and exhibition opportunities, providing pathways for those considering creative careers or simply seeking expressive outlets.

Addressing Operational Challenges

The NHS Winter Pressures Project enabled us to provide practical and emotional support to 20 young people during the most challenging months of the year. However, administrative delays meant resources arrived 10 weeks into a 16-week programme, requiring us to adjust delivery patterns while ensuring full programme implementation.

Safeguarding remained paramount throughout all activities. When filming occurred at a Leicester City event, we took action to protect participants' privacy and dignity. Such incidents reinforce the importance of clear protocols in our partnership arrangements.

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Volunteer recruitment required ongoing attention as programme expansion created new support needs. The departure of long-serving volunteers necessitated active recruitment while maintaining continuity of relationships that participants depend upon. We successfully recruited additional teaching volunteers for the New Arrivals Group, and notably, three young people who had previously been service users stepped forward to volunteer, demonstrating both their development and commitment to supporting others.

Our financial oversight was strengthened with the appointment of Ugo Egenti as Treasurer.

Despite funding cycles creating temporary fluctuations, we navigated the year with programmes intact and capacity enhanced. Multiple successful applications to diverse funders, including the NHS Winter Pressures programmne, United Way and the Allen Lane Foundation demonstrated both the quality of our work and the range of organisations recognising our impact.

Looking Forward

Cultural Celebration: Throughout Ramadan, we adapted programmes to respect religious observance while maintaining engagement. This included providing iftar meals, adjusting session timings, and partnering with Women for Change to ensure appropriate support during this important period.

Financial Sustainability and Forward Planning

Securing multi-year funding remained essential for programme stability. Children in Need confirmed support extending until March 2028, providing crucial foundation for our New Arrivals programme. Leicestershire Partnership Trust committed to two additional years supporting the Young Women's Group, while various grants enabled specific initiatives and capacity development.

As we build upon this year of growth and adaptation, our commitment to providing high-quality educational and wellbeing support through person-centred approaches remains unchanged. The expansion of our programmes, strengthening of partnerships, and development of our team position us well for continued impact in supporting young refugees and asylum seekers as they rebuild their lives in Leicester.

The resilience demonstrated by Trustees, staff, volunteers, and participants throughout periods of increased demand and operational challenges reflects the strength of our shared values. Most importantly, the young people we serve continue to inspire our work through their determination, achievements, and contributions to our community.

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ALI’S STORY

“My name is Ali, and I joined After18 in October 2022. When I first arrived in the UK, everything felt overwhelming. It was so hard to learn and speak English, it was a different culture and the classes and education were so hard to understand. At that time, I felt alone and unsure of myself.

“My first experience with After18 changed that. From my first day I felt welcomed. I realised I was not alone anymore, I found a new community and I knew I had someone to ask if I needed help. That gave me confidence, and I was not afraid to talk

about anything I needed with the teachers.

“In my home country, I did not go to school after primary school. When I came to the UK, I joined Lancaster Academy. They told me about the After18 Education Drop-in, where I could get more help. After18 helped me with my homework, helped me practice for the exams and spent time just with me on things I found difficult. With their support, I made a lot of progress in my learning and my confidence was growing.

“After the Academy I went to WQE Post-16

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College, where I got the Functional Skills Maths at Level 1, Functional Skills English at Level 1, and ICT Functional Skills at Entry 3. In the future my plan is to do Mechanical Engineering at Leicester College and hopefully at university too.

“During my time with After18, I’ve learnt a lot of important skills that I’ve been using outside school, like computing, writing and reading, and being more confident in speaking. I also played football and went to the art classes.

“After18 helped me to understand life in the UK better, they supported me to open a bank account and an e-visa account. I went on After18 trips, like when we visited Mablethorpe Beach and Leicester Space Centre and I made friends so I didn’t feel alone any more.

“What makes After18 special is how they respected my culture and the things I’m most proud of. They gave me a prayer mat and copy of the Qur’an, and we had iftar together during Ramadan and celebrated Eid. This really meant a lot to me, because they understood what was important about my faith and culture.

“I am deeply thankful to After18, and especially to Alison and Mohammed, who were always supporting me with my casework. They always welcomed me and I knew I could go to them every time I needed help.”

“To other young people who might be thinking about coming to After18, I would say: it is the best place to help you get along in your education and your career, but also in your personal life.”

313 young people receiving support

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32 Young person countries of origin

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37 Volunteers

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AFTER18 2024-25

11 YOUNG PEOPLE SUPPORTED TO START UNIVERSITY

19 trips 4 events

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2 COLLABORATIVE PROJECTS

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FINANCIAL SUMMARY

Income and expenditure reported for the 2024-25 financial year

Income Income
Grants £93,170
Grants to individuals £450
Donations £1,920
Fundraising activities £0.00
Gift Aid and Interest £57
Total £95,597
Expenditure
Core Costs £5,794
Staffing £104,977
Activities £17,205
Individuals £450
Development £115
Equipment £5,476
Total £134,017

We carry forward some restricted income to continue to deliver on funded projects and our reserves to secure ongoing running of the organisation. For a copy of our full financial report, please contact us.

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GOVERNANCE INFORMATION

After18 Reserves Policy

After18's Board of Trustees has established a Reserves Policy.

After18 Objectives

After18 is a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO)

The objects of the CIO are:

The purpose of the policy is to safeguard the charity’s service commitment in the event of delays or shortfall in grant funding or other income and to protect the charity against risk and uncertainty.

The Trustees review the policy annually and have agreed to aim to maintain unrestricted reserves at the equivalent of three months’ running costs.

At 31/03/2025, unrestricted reserves were £49,593, equivalent to five months’ running costs and a designated amount of £12,500 ring-fenced for staff capacity to strengthen volunteer support.

If an emergency arose, both the unrestricted reserves and designated reserves could be called upon.

Our principle activities during the 202425 year were:

Date policy reviewed: 21 September 2024

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“It’s a group that has inspired me in so many ways. I have improved on my social skills and my mental health is improving.”

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

We are grateful to the funders who contributed to our work in 2024/25, namely:

“I believe you are doing a wonderful job giving us a space where we can learn and be confident in ourselves. The volunteers are amazing.”

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We would like to thank the following organisations who have generously made accommodation available to enable us to work with young people:

Our gratitude for their commitment and support for our activities to:

And a big thank you to all our volunteers for contributing expertise, skills and time to enable the young people to fulfil their potential.

This report and images were originated by After18 staff and volunteers.

“I love After18 because the staff and all the people in here are friendly, and I feel myself when I come here.”

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After18 Board of Trustees: Dimple Patel (Co-Chair) Ugochukwu Egenti (Treasurer)

Olivia Venning (Co-Chair) Ella Neale

Registered Charity Number: 1158210 Registered Address: After18, Bishop Street Methodist Church, 10a Bishop Street, Leicester, LE1 6AF mail@after18.org.uk ⎪ 07851 411964 ⎪ www.after18.org.uk

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