YOUTH AND COMMUNITY CONNEXIONS
Charity Incorporated Organisation (C.I.O)
Annual Report & Financial Statement For the period ended
31[st] March 2024
Registered Charity No: 1167641
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YCC Annual Report and Financial Statement Registered Charity No: 1167641
YOUTH AND COMMUNITY CONNEXIONS Period Ended 31[st] March 2024
Principal address:
34 The Market Square LONDON N9 0TZ
Trustees:
CHRISTOPHER MCCOY CYNTHIA COBOURN TRACEY KEYES YAW BOATENG LEE JOHNSON CHRISTOPHER LAKE MONA KAIRO
Governing document
The organisation is operated under the rules of its constitution.
Bankers:
HSBC
Independent Examiner:
TACTS Accountant Chartered Certified Accountant 61 Fountains Crescent Southgate London, N14 6BD
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YCC Annual Report and Financial Statement Registered Charity No: 1167641
YOUTH AND COMMUNITY CONNEXIONS
FINANCIAL ACCOUNTS
FOR PERIOD ENDED 31[ST] MARCH 2024
CONTENTS
Pages
- 4-7. Trustees Report
8. Independent Examiner Report
9. Income and Expenditure Report
10. Balance Sheet
- 11-15. Notes to the Accounts
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YCC Annual Report and Financial Statement Registered Charity No: 1167641
YOUTH AND COMMUNITY CONNEXIONS
Report of the Trustees for the period ended 31 March 2024
The trustees are pleased to present their annual directors’ report for the period ending 31[st] March 2024 which are also prepared to meet the requirements for a trustees’ report and accounts Charities Act purposes.
The financial statements comply with the Charities Act 2011, the constitution, and Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement 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) (effective 1 January 2015).
Trustees and their responsibilities
Charity trustees are the people who serve on the governing body of a charity. They may be known as trustees, directors, board members, governors or committee members. The principles and main duties are the same in all cases.
Trustees have, and must accept, ultimate responsibility for directing the affairs of a charity, and ensuring that it is solvent, well-run, and meeting the needs for which it has been set up.
Principle Objects
TO ACT AS A RESOURCE FOR YOUNG PEOPLE AGED 11 TO 25 BY PROVIDING ADVICE AND ASSISTANCE AND ORGANISING PROGRAMMES OF PHYSICAL, EDUCATIONAL AND OTHER ACTIVITIES. ALSO PROVIDING SUPPORT AND ACTIVITIES WHICH DEVELOP THEIR SKILLS, CAPACITIES AND CAPABILITIES TO ENABLE THEM TO PARTICIPATE IN SOCIETY AS MATURE AND RESPONSIBLE INDIVIDUALS.
ACTIVITIES IN SUPPORT OF THE ABOVE WILL INCLUDE: HELPING PARENTS AND CARERS TO SUPPORT THEIR CHILDREN'S EDUCATION AND DEVELOPMENT, INCLUDING SUPPORTING THEM TO IMPROVE THEIR OWN LITERACY, NUMERACY, COMMUNICATION, INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY SKILLS IN ORDER TO INCREASE THEIR ENGAGEMENT IN THEIR CHILDREN'S EDUCATION
Activities and Achievements
Youth & Community Connexions is a dynamic, grassroots organization committed to inclusivity, empowerment, and creating meaningful change. As a BAME-led organization, deeply embedded within the communities we serve, our team reflects the diversity and resilience of our beneficiaries, comprising staff from over 10 cultural backgrounds. Many of our team members have lived experiences that resonate with the challenges faced by those we support, fostering trust and relatability. Our leadership team, two-thirds female, champions equity and representation, ensuring diverse voices shape the direction of our work.
Our approach is inherently youth and community-led, with the voices of participants influencing every aspect of our programs. From co-designing initiatives to shaping organizational strategies, we empower individuals to take ownership of their development and the services they engage with. Our programs address a wide spectrum of needs, including mental health, employability, creative expression, and family well-being, while always prioritizing the creation of safe spaces where individuals can heal, grow, and thrive.
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YCC Annual Report and Financial Statement
Registered Charity No: 1167641
Over the past year, we have expanded our reach and introduced innovative initiatives that tackle systemic challenges like inequality, exclusion, and intergenerational poverty. By leveraging strategic partnerships and community insights, we deliver holistic services that empower individuals, strengthen families, and bring communities together, addressing root causes while creating sustainable pathways for growth. Our mental health and victim support programs have provided tailored interventions for young people and families facing trauma, violence, and mental health challenges. Through over 200 mentoring sessions, resilience-building workshops, and specialized training for mentors, we created holistic care pathways for participants, improving emotional well-being and strengthening family communication. Similarly, our youth leadership and advocacy initiatives empowered over 200 young people to engage in leadership activities, influencing local policies and building confidence and a sense of agency.
In fostering community connections, we introduced Weekly Coffee Moments, a safe and informal space where residents could share experiences and engage in meaningful conversations. These gatherings reached over 400 participants, generating ideas for youth-cantered projects and strengthening community bonds. Our collaboration with the Metropolitan Police further bridged gaps between law enforcement and the community, providing employability workshops, conflict resolution training, and open days at police facilities. This partnership supported 150 participants in developing job skills while fostering trust and mutual respect. Creativity and skills development remain at the heart of our work. Our bespoke music mentoring program engaged 300 young people in one-to-one and group sessions, fostering technical skills, confidence, and emotional well-being. Live performances showcased their talents, with 30% of participants progressing into formal training or employment in the creative industries.
Similarly, our sports mentoring program combined group activities with individualized support, helping 500 young people improve their physical health, build resilience, and transition into organized sports teams. The Youth Centre, open Tuesday to Saturday, continues to be a vibrant hub for young people, welcoming 60 to 120 attendees daily. With programming that includes sports, music, creative arts, and mental health dropins, the centre engaged 3,800 participants over the past year, fostering confidence, social skills, and a sense of belonging. Our family support programs complemented this by addressing complex challenges, offering parenting workshops, tailored interventions, and detached team support, empowering over 150 families to improve relationships and pursue personal growth. Finally, our Connections Program transformed decommissioned knives into art and functional items, symbolizing renewal and hope.
Through jewellery-making workshops, community exhibitions, and educational activities, this initiative engaged 150 participants, sparking dialogue about violence prevention and fostering community pride. Overall, Youth & Community Connexions directly supported over 4,200 individuals in the past year, enabling 200 employment and training opportunities and fostering community cohesion. Through these initiatives, we continue to empower individuals, strengthen families, and build a unified, resilient community. Youth & Community Connexions has had an extraordinary year of growth, impact, and transformation. From empowering thousands of young people through leadership, creative arts, sports, and employability programs to fostering stronger families and safer communities, our work has consistently addressed the root causes of inequality while creating sustainable pathways for growth and opportunity.
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YCC Annual Report and Financial Statement Registered Charity No: 1167641
Our youth centre has become a cornerstone of engagement, offering a vibrant, inclusive space for over 3,800 young people, while bespoke mentoring programs have equipped hundreds with the tools to thrive emotionally, creatively, and professionally. Initiatives like the Connections Program and our collaboration with the Metropolitan Police have not only transformed lives but also reshaped perceptions, breaking down barriers and fostering trust. This work has not only changed the lives of those we serve but has strengthened our capacity to do even more. Each milestone achieved this year has laid the foundation for deeper impact and greater reach in the year to come. As we look forward, our commitment to empowering individuals, strengthening families, and building resilient communities remains steadfast. The partnerships we’ve built, the trust we’ve earned, and the lives we’ve touched inspire us to innovate further and expand our vision, ensuring that the transformative power of our work continues to grow. Together, we are shaping a brighter, more equitable future for all.
Structure, Governance and management
YCC is a charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO), registered with the Charity Commission and governed by its constitution, dated 14[th] June 2016.
Membership of the CIO is open to anyone who is interested in furthering its purposes and, who by applying for membership, has indicated agreement to become a member and accept the duties of membership. If the CIO is wound up, the members of the CIO have no liability to contribute to its assets and no personal responsibility for settling its debts and liabilities.
The trustees, who may exercise all the powers of the CIO, manage the affairs of the charity on a day-to-day basis.
The trustees who served during the year are shown on page 2 of this report.
Financial Review
YCC’s main funding sources are both restricted & unrestricted funding. This year we were successful in bringing in £457,292 (£425,164 in 2023) from various sources and has a non cash reserve of £28,083 in the forms of fixed assets value.
Risk management
The trustees have a risk management strategy which comprises:
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an annual review of the principal risks and uncertainties that the charity undertakes.
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the establishment of policies, systems and procedures to mitigate those risks identified in the annual review; and
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the implementation of procedures designed to minimise or manage any potential impact on the charity should those risks materialise.
The Trustees constantly review risks relevant to the charity. Any risks identified are reported to the Trustees and decisions made on how to minimise risk.
Reserve’s policy and going concern
The Board has assessed the charity’s requirements for reserves in the light of the main risks to the organisation. As a result, the Board has approved a policy whereby the unrestricted funds not committed, should be held in reserve and maintained at a level, which ensures that YCC’s core activity could continue during a period of unforeseen
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YCC Annual Report and Financial Statement Registered Charity No: 1167641
difficulty. The target reserve amount represents at least 6 months’ (26 weeks) expenditure and will be reviewed annually.
Public Benefit
The Trustees confirm that they have complied with their duty under the Charities Act 2011 to have due regard to the Charity Commission's general guidance on public benefit.
Volunteers
YCC is very involved in the community and relies on voluntary help. Around 18 volunteers assist with our activities. We wish to thank our volunteers for their loyal support and contribution.
Internal and external factors
The trustees are very grateful to the members for their kind support.
Future plan
We will continue developing programme based on needs throughout 2023 to 2024 and will focus on Job / employability programs, victim support programs and other activities that are designed to support, coach and facilitate the hard to reach in some cases isolated local residents of Edmonton / Enfield aged 16 plus.
Our new programs will be specifically designed to help individuals break the cycle of behaviours and barriers encountered that prevent them from gaining meaningful employment, to assist them in strengthening their existing support structure or help them build one to enhance chances of success. We will continue with the development of the new centre which will help with our future income generation and sustainability.
Signed on behalf of all member Date: 18/12/2024
Mr CHRISTOPHER MCCOY (Trustee)
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YCC Annual Report and Financial Statement Registered Charity No: 1167641
Independent examiner’s report to the trustees of Youth & Community Connexions
I report on the accounts of the charity for the year ended 31[st] March 2024, which are set out on pages 9 to 15.
Respective responsibilities of trustees and examiner
The charity's trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. The charity's trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year under section 144(2) of the Charities Act 2011 (the 2011 Act) and that an independent examination is needed.
It is my responsibility to:
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examine the accounts under section 145 of the 2011 Act;
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to follow the procedures laid down in the general Directions given by the Charity
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Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act; and
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to state whether particular matters have come to my attention.
Basis of independent examiner's report
My examination was carried out in accordance with the general Directions given by the Charity Commission. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts, and seeking explanations from you as trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit and consequently no opinion is given as to whether the accounts present a 'true and fair view' and the report is limited to those matters set out in the statement below.
Independent examiner's statement
In connection with my examination, no matter has come to my attention:
(1) which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in any material respect the requirements:
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to keep accounting records in accordance with section 130 of the 2011 Act; and
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to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records and comply with the
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accounting requirements of the 2011 Act
have not been met; or
(2) to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
Date: 18/12/2024
Chartered Certified Accountant
TACTS Accountant, 61 Fountains Crescent, London, N14 6BD
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YCC Annual Report and Financial Statement
Registered Charity No: 1167641
| YOUTH AND COMMUNITY CONNEXIONS | YOUTH AND COMMUNITY CONNEXIONS |
|---|---|
| INCOME AND EXPENDITURE FOR YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2024 | |
| Notes INCOMING RESOURCES Donations & Voluntary Contributions Income from charitable activities: Grants (18) Other Income: Workshops and Training Contributions TOTAL INCOMING RESOURCES RESOURCE EXPENDED Expenses on charitable activities (19) TOTAL RESOURCES EXPENDED Net Incomings and (Outgoings) Balance Brought Forward Balance as at 31st March 2024 |
Unrestricted Fund Restricted Fund Total Funds 2024 Total Funds 2023 £ £ £ £ 37,295 - 37,295 37,840 - 405,647 405,647 367,504 14,350 - 14,350 19,820 |
| 51,645 405,647 457,292 425,164 |
|
| 51,530 405,647 457,177 428,800 |
|
| 51,530 405,647 457,177 428,800 |
|
| 114 - 114 (3,636) |
|
| 27,969 - 27,969 31,606 |
|
| 28,083 - 28,083 27,969 |
There were no recognised gains or losses for the above period other than those shown in the statement of financial activities for the above financial year. All incoming resources and resources expended are derived from continuing activities.
(The notes attached form part of these financial statements)
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YCC Annual Report and Financial Statement Registered Charity No: 1167641
| YOUTH AND COMMUNITY CONNEXIONS BALANCE SHEET AT 31ST MARCH 2024 ~~ee~~ |
YOUTH AND COMMUNITY CONNEXIONS BALANCE SHEET AT 31ST MARCH 2024 ~~ee~~ |
YOUTH AND COMMUNITY CONNEXIONS BALANCE SHEET AT 31ST MARCH 2024 ~~ee~~ |
YOUTH AND COMMUNITY CONNEXIONS BALANCE SHEET AT 31ST MARCH 2024 ~~ee~~ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Notes | FUNDS | FUNDS | |
| 2024 | 2023 | ||
| £ | £ | ||
| Tangible Fixed Assets: | |||
| Equipment | (15) | 27,007 | 24,493 |
| Current Assets: | |||
| Debtors | (16) | 4,576 | 4,576 |
| Cash at Bank and In Hand | 99 | 100 | |
| Current Liabilities: | |||
| Amount falling due within one year | |||
| Accruals & Creditors | (14) | 3,599 | 1,200 |
| Net Assets | 28,083 | 27,969 | |
| As Represented By: | |||
| Unrestricted Fund | 28,083 | 27,969 | |
| Restricted Fund | (12) | - | - |
| Total Funds | 28,083 | 27,969 | |
| The accounts were approved by the Trustees on18/12/2024and signed on their | |||
| behalf by: - |
………………………......... ………………………………. MR CHRISTOPHER MCCOY MS CYNTHIA COBOURN (Trustee) (Trustee)
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YCC Annual Report and Financial Statement Registered Charity No: 1167641
YOUTH AND COMMUNITY CONNEXIONS NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 31[st] MARCH 2024
1. Accounting basis
The principal accounting policies adopted, judgements and key sources of estimation uncertainty in the preparation of the financial statements are as follows:
a) Basis of preparation
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement 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) (effective 1 January 2015) - (Charities SORP (FRS 102)), the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102). YCC meets the definition of a public benefit entity under FRS 102. Assets and liabilities are initially recognised at historical cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant accounting policy note(s).
b) Preparation of the accounts on a going concern basis
The Charity trustees are of the view that measures taken in reviewing organisational costs regularly and successful in applying for continuation funding have secured the immediate future of the Charity for the next 12 to 18 months and that on this basis the charity is a going concern.
2. Cash Flow Statement
The trustees have taken advantage of the exemption in Financial Reporting Standard No 1 (revised) from including a cash flow statement in the financial statements on the grounds that the charity is small.
3. Incoming resources
Income is recognised in the period to which it relates, unless specified otherwise by the funder. Project funding is, in general, repayable if not expended within the relevant project. Such income is only recognised to the extent that it ceases to be repayable. The income is accounted for on a receivable basis.
4. Resource Expendable
Resources expended are included in the Statement of Financial Activities inclusive of VAT which cannot be recovered. Direct charitable expenditure includes the direct costs of the activities. Where such costs relate to more than one functional cost category, they have been apportioned in line with the direct costs of the relevant service.
5. Tangible fixed assets
Fixed assets are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation is provided to write off the cost, of all fixed assets over their expected useful life as follows: -
Equipment - 33.33% straight line
6. Trustees are not remunerated.
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YCC Annual Report and Financial Statement Registered Charity No: 1167641
7. Fund Accounting
Fund accounting unrestricted funds are available to spend on activities that further any of the purposes of charity. Restricted funds are donations which the donor has specified are to be solely used for particular areas of the charity’s work.
8. Support Cost
Allocation of support costs are those functions that assist the work of the charity but do not directly undertake charitable activities. Support costs include back-office costs, finance, personnel, and governance costs, which support the Charity activities. These costs have been allocated between cost of raising funds and expenditure on charitable activities. The bases on which support costs have been allocated are set out in note 13.
9. Taxation
YCC is a registered charity and is not liable for corporation tax on its income under section 505 of the Income and Corporation Taxes Act 1988 to the extent that it is applied to its charitable activities.
10. Pension costs and other post-retirement benefits
The organisation has a pension scheme set-up for it’s autoenrollment duties.
11. Status
YCC is a registered Charitable Incorporated Organisation.
12. Restricted Fund Balance
The organisation has no restricted funds balance carried forward.
13. Support and Governance Cost
| General administration cost Equipment and Accessories Meetings Depreciation Professional fees |
General Support Governance Total £ £ £ 13,452 1,151 14,603 2,301 - 2,301 - 1,063 1,063 23,224 - 23,224 - 1,200 1,200 |
|---|---|
| 38,978 3,414 42,392 |
14 . Accruals & Creditors
| 4.Accruals & Creditors | ||
|---|---|---|
| Professional fees HMRC PAYE Total |
2024 £ 1,200 2,399 3,599 |
2023 £ 1,200 - |
| 1,200 |
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YCC Annual Report and Financial Statement Registered Charity No: 1167641
15. Tangible Fixed Assets
| Cost Addition (2018/2019) Addition (2019/2020) Addition (2020/2021) Addition (2021/2022) Addition (2022/2023) Addition (2023/2024) At Cost Total Depreciation Brought forward Charge for the year Carried Forward Net Book Value At March 2024 At March 2023 16. Debtors Rent Deposit Total 17. Staff Cost Wages Tax and NIC pension Total staff cost |
Equipment 12,846 11,744 65,598 14,420 29,515 25,738 159,861 109,630 23,224 132,854 27,007 24,493 |
2024 £ 4,576 4,576 2024 £ 30,802 2,185 1,118 34,105 |
2023 £ 4,576 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4,576 | |||
| 2023 £ 20,577 332 804 |
|||
| 21,713 |
*Total number of employees on payroll were 3 part-time.
*22 self-employed workers provided support to the charity in this financial year.
Trustees are not remunerated.
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YCC Annual Report and Financial Statement
Registered Charity No: 1167641
18 . Restricted Grants to provide charitable activities:
| Purpose Restricted Income The Gosling Foundation Youth Centre Development The Bridge Renewal Trust Employability and Mentoring Local Motion Pathways to Youth Devpt Research The Hargreaves Foundation Family and children support London Borough of Enfield Youth Support and Employability London Community Fund Youth Support National Lottery Community Fund Youth Mental Health BBC Children In Need Youth Support and Core The Hobson Charity Youth Centre Development Mrs Maud Van Norden Charity Family and children support Hubbub Foundation Youth Centre Development Clothworkers Family and children support North Central London Youth Centre Development Tutor Print Ltd Youth Centre Development The Robert Gavron Grant Family and children support Asda Foundation Family and children support The Neighbourly Foundation Family and children support The Henry Smith Charity Sports, Music and health VRU Fund Youth Activities Field Family Charity Family and children support Enfield Voluntary Action Youth health and Wellbeing The National Foundation Family and children support Oak Foundation Job club & Victim Support The Hadley Trust Music, Media and Sport Mayor's Fund Youth Mental Health UK Youth Music, Media and Sport London DJ & MC Meridian Sports, Music and health Shanly Foundation Family and children support Vintner Company grant Family and children support GroundWork UK Job club & Victim Support |
Total Funds 2024 Total Funds 2023 £ £ 5,000 - 4,900 - 20,000 - - 42,000 24,974 - 38,408 38,408 - 9,980 40,000 - 1,800 - - 3,000 63,000 - - 11,000 40,000 - - 7,000 - 15,000 - 24,655 10,000 - 45,000 45,000 8,140 - - 1,500 7,682 - 14,500 14,500 - 18,750 47,243 32,000 - 17,643 35,000 43,430 - 28,850 - 3,000 - 5,000 - 6,789 |
|---|---|
| 405,647 **367,504 ** |
*Main purposes of funds are to provide support to young disadvantaged people and to improve health and wellbeing.
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YCC Annual Report and Financial Statement Registered Charity No: 1167641
19. Charitable Expenditure
| RESOURCE EXPENDED Expenses on charitable activities: Rent and Service Charges Staff cost and Sessional Workers Workshops and Training Trips & Other Activities costs General administration cost & Utilities Small Equipment and Accessories Volunteer Expenses Project Materials and Resources Meetings Office & Training Centre Set-up Professional fees Depreciation Refreshments TOTAL RESOURCES EXPENDED |
Unrestricte d Fund Restricte d Fund Total Funds 2024 Total Funds 2023 £ £ £ £ - 10,819 10,819 26,412 - 185,440 185,440 109,385 - 37,933 37,933 23,062 - 1,655 1,655 1,987 - 14,603 14,603 13,363 - 2,301 2,301 7,835 - 1,964 1,964 2,619 - 8,880 8,880 8,986 - 1,063 1,063 949 51,530 115,201 166,731 194,315 - 1,200 1,200 1,430 - 23,224 23,224 36,511 - 1,362 1,362 1,945 |
|---|---|
| 51,530 405,647 457,177 428,800 |
20. In Kind Support
St James Chambers Youth Hub has supported the charity with a rent in kind and utilities cost support worth £75,000 as part of the development of the Youth and Training Centre at Edmonton Green mall.
21. Operating Lease
Between 2 to 5 years lease commitment : Office rent lease of £11,000 per annum. Over 5 years lease commitment : Youth/Training Centre of £55,000 per annum.
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YCC Annual Report and Financial Statement Registered Charity No: 1167641