DGY ANNUAL YVC REPORT 2024/2025 SALESROQM CAF: iaFi (b Café ty Homemade Cakes, Pies nd Lunches Available ## Introduction Our Annual Report highlights the differences we have made to the community of Ystradgynlais and neighbouring communities across Powys and Neath Port Talbot during the year 1st April 2024 to 31st March 2025. YVC is a registered charity and we work with volunteers and the third sector to improve the wellbeing of people in Ystradgynlais and neighbouring communities. We know first-hand that for voluntary organisations to meet the challenges of the future we must work together, to organise and look ahead to prepare for the future. We continue to collaborate and connect with local people, organisations and services through ## Collaborations strong partnerships. ## Working Partners/ Memberships PAVO Powys County Council Community Dreams Western Valleys Communities First WCVA Job Centre Plus Legacy in the Community Community Repaint NPTCVS Probation Service POBL SCVS Remploy **South Wales Stick Makers** We continue to provide a resource to our partners to facilitate activities at the centre - for example workshops for people who want to learn the craft of stick making. **Ystradgynlais Volunteer Centre** has long been at the heart of the community, providing opportunities for volunteers of all ages and backgrounds to get involved, whether through community projects, events, or day-to-day support. Over the years, the YVC has grown to include a range of initiatives aimed at meeting the diverse needs of the local community. **Ystrad Recycling** was one of the centre's earliest projects, the aim is to promote environmental awareness and sustainability. We do this by encouraging our local community to recycle and reduce waste. This initiative has helped the local environment and has also provided those who are passionate about green living with the opportunity to volunteer. Recognising the need to support families facing food insecurity, **Ystradgynlais Foodbank** was established to provide essential food supplies to individuals and families in crisis. The foodbank relies heavily on volunteers and donations, ensuring that no one in the community goes hungry. **Ti a Fi Café** offers a warm, welcoming space for individuals to come together and connect with others. The Café has some amazing volunteers, who do everything from taking orders and serving meals to clearing tables and washing up. There’s always a warm welcome and a friendly face. Adding to the range of projects, the **YVC Shed** was created as a space for people to come together, share skills, and work on practical projects. It offers a supportive environment for those who enjoy hands-on activities, helping to combat social isolation while encouraging creativity and collaboration. Thanks to these projects, Ystradgynlais Volunteer Centre keeps bringing people together, offering support, and helping to build a strong, connected community. ## Chairmans Report ## **Welcome to the YVC annual report for 2024-2025** As trustees we would like to offer our thanks to the staff and volunteers for their ongoing commitment and dedication to the Centre. There have been many new developments over the past twelve months or so. For example, the Ti a Fi Cafe continues to grow from day to day and is still attracting new customers as well as regular return visitors. The Christmas lunches were once again a great success as was the Craft Fare. We have succeeded in obtaining Lottery funding to employ extra staff. We will continue to try and develop the café, with a view to applying for funding to employ extra staff as required. The Men-Shed is now well established and the numbers are growing each week, and it is very good to see the number of ladies that are now attending and working in conjunction with the men. The Shed has also taken on the job of tending the garden raised beds and are growing a variety of vegetables and other products. During the past year the Centre has purchased a new van, which has been sign written, to improve our image and give us free advertising when the van is out and about collecting and delivering items. Having a new van has expanded our capacity to collect and deliver items both donated and sold. In the past year we have received grant funding from PAVO and Coalfields and the Food Bank was supported by the sum of £500 from the town council. The activity of the Centre is offering opportunities to develop relationships with new partners and strengthen our relationships with existing ones for long-term sustainable projects. Going forward, we are making available professional development courses to our staff and are looking at the possibility for Lottery funding to upgrade the building. I must not overlook giving credit for much of the success of the past year to Keiron, the Centre’s Manager. He has always been willing to lend a hand whenever it was needed. As always, the Board is seeking new members and volunteers to help carry forward all the good work being undertaken by Ystradgynlais Volunteer Centre. This brief highlight of a selection of activities and developments is to show the overall health and vitality of the Centre and its contribution to the life of the town. There are many more things I could list, but I feel the most important is many thanks for all the incredibly hard work and commitment from staff and volunteers. You should all feel justifiably proud of everything you’re achieving. Gabe Thomas, Chairman ## Objectives - **To support and promote volunteering** by recruiting, placing, and supporting volunteers within the local community, helping individuals find meaningful opportunities that match their skills and interests. - **To strengthen community well-being** by providing services such as the foodbank, furniture recycling, and the YVC Shed, which address social, practical, and economic needs. - **To reduce social isolation and improve quality of life** by creating welcoming spaces where people can connect, build friendships, and participate in community projects. - **To empower individuals through skills development** , offering volunteering roles and community activities that help build confidence, experience, and employability. - **To promote sustainability and environmental awareness** through recycling initiatives, upcycling projects, and responsible resource use within the community. - **To collaborate with local agencies and organisations** to provide coordinated support and ensure the needs of vulnerable individuals and families are met effectively. ## Volunteering Ystradgynlais Volunteer Centre creates a community where people can come together through volunteering. We make this happen by showing people how valuable volunteering can be and also offer a wide range of opportunities for everyone to get involved so they can gain skills and experience. ## **New Volunteers Placed** **98** ## Recycling Ystrad Recycling is a community-driven initiative that encourages sustainable living by promoting recycling, reusing and reducing waste, while also providing volunteering opportunities for those passionate about protecting the environment. Additionally, we repurpose household and other goods for resale or use within the community. **Total amount saved from landfill** **Powys 18,293.20 Tons NPT 11,259.50 Tons Swansea 7618.50 Tons** ## Ystradgynlais Foodbank The Ystradgynlais Foodbank supports individuals and families experiencing financial hardship by providing essential food and household items. It plays a vital role in tackling food insecurity and promoting the wellbeing of the local community. The service is made possible thanks to a dedicated team of volunteers who give their time each week to keep things running smoothly, as well as the generosity of our supporters whose donations help us continue this important work. Food Parcels Provided Per Month Ti A Fi Cafe Ti a Fi Café is a fantastic place to come and relax as well as to meet new friends. There is always a warm welcome from our amazing Staff and Volunteers who are always on hand to help. The café serves lovely homemade food and drinks all freshly prepared and cooked on site. ## YVC Shed The YVC Shed has continued to grow from strength to strength, with membership numbers increasing every month. We’re lucky to have a wonderful group of members who join us each week, whether to work on their own projects or simply to enjoy a chat and a cuppa. Over the past few months, they've dedicated their time to creating beautiful Christmas decorations, which were a big hit at the local Christmas fairs. ## Buying Social— Ethical and Sustainable Ystradgynlais Community Recycling is proud to operate as a Social Enterprise. Social Enterprises are making a positive impact across the world, and our mission is to drive meaningful social change. When you choose to buy from a social enterprise, you're supporting a business that gives back to the community. We help create jobs, improve people's life opportunities, offer training and employment, support local communities, and contribute to protecting the Helping those in need We are regularly called on to support social services and community partners in rehousing a cross section of people from families in crisis, to those needing emergency new housing because of; domestic violence or eviction, to people who are destitute and have had to flee their homelands (immigration) so as to avoid persecution. We have helped many families in need through the provision of household furniture, bedding, clothing and other support. We also ensure families are signposted to other agencies and support groups for financial and other help. We also make a valued contribution to assist integration of people into the community. ## **Committee Members** Trustee Chairperson: Paul Emmanuel/Gabe Thomas Treasurer: Steve Rose Trustee Members: Hywel Jopling Nick Gould Accounts: Fergusons and Peters Human Resources: Mr D Williams ## **YVC Staff** Keiron Burke - YVC Manager Josie Bailey - Recycling Manager Elizabeth Davies - Volunteer/Client Coordinator Karl Lewis - Recycling Van Driver Aidan Wilcox - Recycling Technician Caroline Burke - Café Manager Aidan Radjenovic - Café Assistant Howard Betsworth - Informal Volunteering Officer ## **Antur Ystrad Director** Keiron Burke -SALE Contact Us Ystradgynlaisvc.org.uk 01639 845 475 admin@ystradcommunity.org.uk 11 Wind Road, Ystrad Swansea, Powys, S nlais, 91AF www.facebook.comlystrodgynlalsvolunteercentre wWw.faceboo￿ComlrecyCllng.YStradgYnloIS wwW.taceboo￿cOrnlYstrUdgyn1alstOOdbank CIO 1160733 YSTRADGYNLAIS VOLUNTEER CENTRE ACCOUNTS 3 1ST MARCH 2025 INDEPENDENT EXAMINERS REPORT YSTFIADGYNLAIS VOLUNTEER CENTRE 31ST MARCH 2025 The charily's Irusiees are respon8ibl¢ for th¢ pr¢paraiion of Ihe accounts. The chariiy s trusitts consider Ihai an audii is not required lor this year under section 144 of Ihe Chariiies Act 2011 Iihe Chariiics Acil and Ihat an independeni examinaiion is needed. li is niy responsibiliiy to.. ex￿lIne Ihe accounts under s¢clion 145 ofihe Chariiie5 ACL to fg11giv Ihe procedures laid doivii in Ihe gcneral Direciions Bivcn by Ihe Charity Conimtssion lundcT seciion 14515llbl of the CliariiiL% ALI, and to sthie wheilier particular matters havv com¢ 10 rny dtienlion. My exatninttion ivas cartied out in with gencml Direction5 given by the Charity Commission. An examination includ* a revicw ofihe 8cwuntiDg records kept by Ihc cliarily and a comparison of the accounts pr¢senied ivith 1110se record& li also includes consideraiion ot'any unusual iiems or disclosuies in the accounts. and seeking explanaiions from ihe trusiees tonceming any such matters. The ptoteduTes undertok¢n do not provide all the evidentt thai iyould be TequiTed in #n 2udiL nd tonsequently no opinion is Eiven ￿ to whether the accounts pr¢5enl a'trJe and fair. vivv and th¢ ￿port is limited to Ihosc tnattets set out in th¢ stalem¢nt beloiv. In tonneclion wilh my ex￿mInaTio0 no matter has come to my attention. Ivhich give% me reasonable ￿use lo believe thai in, an), maierial r￿pe¢l the reqiiirem¢nls' to keep accounting record5 in accordancc willi scction 130 of ihc Charilies Act,- and to Prepa￿ accounts ivliich accord ivith Ilie accounting record5 and comply ivith Ilic accounting requiretnenls of tljc Charilics Act have not bcen tncl; OT 2. 10 which, in my opinion, allenlion should b¢ dra%Yn in order 10 cnabk a proper understanding ofthe accounts to be ￿aChed. Fergusons & Peiers Chartered Actounianis 4 High Sireel Poniardawe S%Yansea Ys'rRADGYNLAIS VOLUNTEER CENTRE FINANCIAL REPORT FOR YC4AR TO 31ST MARCH 2025 INCOME EXPENDITURE Donations IFundraisingRecycling Grants Rec¢ived.. See Note I Room Hire Food Bank Donations Café Income 99.390 18,706 4,205 14,481 50.207 Buildin(r Related Costs Rent & Rates 0￿]ce Cost5 -see Note 2 Staff costsltu Nl 4.723 935 5.941 144.249 11.902 5,576 Depreciation (per Fixed Assets) Adveitisino Foodbank Purchase Motor & Travel Expenses Sundry Expenses IT Costs Cafe Costs Men5 Shed 4,582 7,076 200 1,665 20,128 894 TOTAL EXPENSES Loss 207,872 20,882 TOTAL INCOME 186,990 186.990 YSTR.IDGI'NLIIS VOLUNTEIR cE￿,TRE I1.￿LA]NCc SIIECT AS AT 31ST JARCII 202.) Depn Disp05a 2025 I.-IXID ASSETS C05t Ail(tilions DisP0591 Depn blf l)cp Tools & tquipm¢ni Furniture & Trillings Co[np￿ler Van 15V 15 13.307 3,980 269 4,600 12,9)7 3.920 268 3.27) 298 200/d 20,734 16,)44 22.156 20.734 20.420 5.576 16.894 16,894 CURRCNT ASSETS Bar¢lays (Recycling) alc Pelly Cash Olher Dcbtor5 77.753 1.263 79.067 CIIRRIINT LJklBILJTIES Trade Crediiors ￿]d Accruals PTOVTSion for Propcrlv Mainienancc 978 4.000 4.978 74,089 I L'I. CilliRCN'T.4SSEITS 90,983 REPEiESEN'fcD B Y.. Income and Expcndiiure Account broughi forward Loss for the year 20,882 In¢oin¢ and Expendtlure Account 31103125 90,983 ¢ Chair Jnd Mana8Ctneiil Comtnillee of Y51radgynlais Voluniecr Ccnt Mr Si¢vc Rosc ITre8surerl F¢r8usoiis & Pelers 'hariercd Accounian15 4 1.ligli Sireel Poniarda Tfi4D YN.LAI TEER CENT NOTES REFERRING TO THE FINANCIAL REP RT AT31 TMAR H202 NOTE I GRANTS RECEIVED RESTRICTED UNRESTRICTED TOTAL PROJECTS >01￿3 CC Pai'o l Annuall Sainsbuiy Granl Poivy55 CC 14caiilicare grant Men's Shed 7.681 7,983 500 2,037 505 11.025 7,681 18,706 I OTE 2 OFWICE COSTS GENERAL ofFICE COSTS TELEPHONE CI.IARGES INSUMNCEIMANAGEMENT LEGAL COVER ACCOUNTANCY 1.726 1.080 1,876 .259 5.941 INDEPENDENT EXAMINERS REPORT YSTRADGYNLAIS VOLUNTEER CENTRE 31 T MARCH 2025 The charity s Iruslee5 ar¢ responsible for ihe preparation of tlie accounts. Th¢ charity's Iruste£s e(>n5td¢r that an audit Is rtol required for Iliis vear linder secrion 144 of the Chw'iiiLs ACL 201 I Ilhe Charitie5 Acti and ih%i indep*ndeni t1￿111￿￿tion is needed. It 1% In) IEswn%ibilit)' 10-. &Kwiiine Ihe acLJUlllS Iindtr 5eciion 14i ol'ili¢ ch￿.1[1¢5 ALL lo lolloi¥ the proceduFeE laid doiFn in ihe general 01f¢ciions given b! thc Charity CotntlliS5ion (under seeiion 1451illbl of the Charitie5 Act. and 10 slate ¥vhether particular niatttts h&ve conie to attention. exatninaiion i*as can'icd out in dccorijdnte wilh general Direttion5 given Ilic Ch3riry Cvmniission. An ¢.xamination Include5 a reviL ofihe accoiiniiiig rrford.b kcpt h) Ilie cli#rilJ ￿ld a complL rison ol'rhe aceu111i15 presen￿d with tliose records. It dlg) includes Consideration ol-anv uiiiisual iiems or disc1o511rts in the account& aiid beeking ¢xplanaiion5 froni the IrLlSlee£ conceming an>. siich tnatter5. The prucedure& und¢rraken do noi provide all the ¢vidvTrce thai Hould be requircd in an audil, and tonsequtntly no opinion is given as 10 ivh¢th¢r the accounts present a'iru¢ gnd Fdir, vieiv and￿( e rep011 is limited 10 Ihv5e rnaEreis set out in the 51aicrnenl b¢low. In c()nTr¢ction will) examinliion. no maiter has conie EO mk attcnlioii. ¥hich give5 nie re&sunable cause 10 beli¢vt th& in. anj material rcspecL Ihe reqLiirements'. Èo keep accouniing records in tccordance ¥viili srclion 130 of Ihe Charities Act-. and lo prepare accounts Ivliich accoifj ￿'Ith Ihe actounling record5 and coinpl! iviih the acc(>uniing requir¢n7enis of the Cljarilies Aci have not been niei. or 10 which. in mj opinion. aiientloll 5hDiild be dra￿Th in order 10 enknle a PTop¢r understanding ofihe accounis to be reaLhcd. Ferguson5 & PeteT5 ch￿Tered Accountanis 4 Pligh Sireet Poniard&we jivansea