2024-12-31-accounts

Poetic Unity

Charitable Company Limited by Guarantee Reports and Financial Statements Year Ended 31[st] December 2024

Charity number: 1171832 Company number: 09882990

Poetic Unity

Charitable Company Limited by Guarantee Contents of the Financial Statements Year Ended 31[st] December 2024

	Page
Company Information	1
Report of the Trustee's	2-6
Report of the Independent Examiner	7
Statement of Financial Activities	8-10
Balance Sheet	11
Notes to the Financial Statements	12-14

Poetic Unity

Charitable Company Limited by Guarantee Company Information Year Ended 31[st] December 2024

Trustee's: Sasha Shantel Bennett Naomi Louise Matthews-Robinson Lucrecia Seline Augustin Temwani Melida Mwale Adekola Adebiyi Secretary: Ryan Junior Matthews-Robinson Chief Executive: Ryan Junior Matthews-Robinson

Registered Address: 1 Windrush Square, Brixton, London, SW2 1EF Registered Company Number: 09882990

Registered Charity Number: 1171832

Independent Examiner: Mr. P Okusi ACIE AFA MIPA

Poetic Unity

Charitable Company Limited by Guarantee

Report of Trustee's Year Ended 31[st] December 2024

Incorporation and Registration

Poetic Unity was incorporated on 20[th] November 2015 and registered with charity commission on 1[st] March 2017.

Structure, Governance and Management

Poetic Unity is governed by the board of trustees and supported by dedicated staff and volunteers to provide the following objects for our beneficiaries.

1. To advance the education of young people through the subject of poetry and spoken word

2. To act as a resource for young people up to the age of 30 living in London by organising workshops programmes and events as a means of:

(a) advancing in life and helping young people by developing their skills, capacities, and capabilities to enable them to participate in society as independent, mature, and responsible individuals.

(b) providing recreational and leisure time activity in the interests of social welfare for people living in the area of benefit who have need by reason of their youth, age, disability, poverty, or social and economic circumstances with a view to improving the conditions of life of such persons.

Poetic Unity works with children and vulnerable adults and has safeguarding and child protection policies in place to ensure our activities are conducted in a safe and friendly environment.

The trustee board ensures Poetic Unity is run in a legal way and is in line with charity commission law. The board, staff and volunteers work together to make sure the objects carried out in the community are done so effectively and responsibly.

Objectives and Activities

In 2024 Poetic Unity provided 287 services for the community including events, programmes and mentoring support. Poetic Unity partnered with 57 organisations throughout the year including Black Thrive, Roundhouse, Southbank Centre, Save the Children, Norman Trust, Endeavor Impact and YoungMinds to name a few. These partnerships helped us provide more opportunities and safe spaces for young people across the UK. Poetic Unity continued to provide core services such as our regular poetry event The Poets Corner, Black British History workshops at Black Cultural Archives and Mandem, Lets Talk workshops at Bird in Bush, St Marylebone and London Nautical schools. In March we partnered with Transport for London to celebrate World Poetry Day, we invited 10 young poets from our community to write poems that were put up on posters across 5 of London’s major train stations (Victoria, Waterloo, Brixton, Stockwell and London Bridge.)

In April we built on our partnership with Save the Children by creating the Mindful Ventures programme which focused on helping young people build their own careers while supporting their mental health. This 6-week programme culminated in cash prizes and free workspace for the winners and ongoing career support from experts for all participants. In June we hosted our first annual Clean Air For The Ends bike ride which raised awareness of how air pollution is disproportionately affecting Black people in major cities in the UK. Supported by funders Purpose Foundation and Live + Breathe this bike ride brought together 50 young people to ride in unity through Brixton and Peckham. Later in the year we were invited to the Houses of Parliament as an example of best practise when engaging young people into climate change initiatives. In late June we held a special poetry event with critically acclaimed artist George The Poet at Black Cultural Archives to a packed audience of young people who left inspired. Poetic Unity continued with a hybrid service in 2024 with many of our online projects having significant uptake from young people across the UK and worldwide.

In July Endeavour Impact funded Poetic Unity to travel to Los Angeles, California to connect with organisations, learn and exchange skills and to provide a platform for London poets to perform in America. The trip was groundbreaking and has led to further connections being built across the United States which we will explore in the coming years. In August Poetic Unity partnered with Wellcome Collection to deliver a mental health workshop supporting young people across London to engage in poetry as a tool to express themselves. In September we expanded our events offering by starting a new monthly event ‘The Poetic Room’ at The Orange Room, Stratford. This event brings together live music and poetry to connect communities and provide a platform for young people to express themselves.

The following month in October, Poetic Unity partnered with Victoria and Albert East Museum to connect young people from our community to their youth collective which is a 10-month programme providing various opportunities for participants to

progress creatively and professionally. In November we partnered with ACLT (African and Caribbean Leukaemia Trust) to raise awareness of how Sickle Cell disease is affecting communities by creating poetry videos which we screened at a special event at Ritzy Cinema, Brixton. This event had over 100 people in attendance including the Lambeth Mayor. 2024 marked the end of the Poetic Relief Project funded by National Lottery Community Fund with long standing partners Black Cultural Archives and Theatre Peckham. This project helped us support thousands of young people’s personal development, mental health and provide employment for 36 young people in just 3 years. 2024 was a transformative year for Poetic Unity growing our presence across the UK and worldwide, building on existing partnerships, creating new partnerships, expanding our services and being invited into rooms where policy is shaped, allowing us to drive a deeper impact ensuring young peoples voices are heard and valued.

Achievements and Performance

Poetic Unity directly supported 1,547 young people in 2024, and it’s estimated that 9,267 young people aged between 10-30 years old benefited from our services in total in 2024. However, the impact of our work far exceeds the young people we help directly which includes relieving stress on the friends and family of the young people we work with and building community cohesion in boroughs such as Lambeth, which has some of the highest rates of youth violence in London. These services generally provide alternative education, personal development, safe and friendly environments, and mental health support.

Financial Review

In 2024 Poetic Unity is in a healthy financial position, although our funding from the National Lottery Community Fund has Ended, we were able to secure funding support from Esmee Fairbairn Foundation and Chimo Trust for the next three years which has provided financial stability. Poetic Unity’s financial performance in 2024 reflects an uplift from 2023 due to having continued support from funders like Endeavour Impact and developing partnerships. New partnerships include NHS SE London, St Marylebone School and Bird in Bush School which has helped Poetic Unity build on its unrestricted income. Poetic Unity has continued to have a good balance of restricted income and unrestricted income in 2024. Although our restricted income is greater it’s imperative for the financial health of Poetic Unity that we continue building relationships with partner organisations to receive unrestricted funding that can support Poetic Unity’s core costs and reserves. Poetic Unity has continued to receive regular donations and regular donors who support the work we do. Poetic Unity’s financial forecast is healthy, and we expect to see more financial growth in 2025 with the need for our services continuing to grow.

Financial Reserves Policy

To ensure the future of Poetic Unity if funding difficulties were to occur, the board has agreed to keep 3 months in financial reserves an amount of £21,000 to ensure main operations can continue for this Year.

The main concerns of the board are to ensure:

• Administrative services such as registered address, website, QuickBooks and monitoring systems are maintained

• Wages are covered so that staff can continue working, primarily to secure new funding and effectively execute our services

These reserves can only be spent if financial difficulties occur or otherwise agreed by the board.

This policy will be reviewed yearly and whenever there are significant changes in staffing.

Internal Financial Controls

Poetic Unity is committed to managing its funds responsibly, transparently, and in the best interests of the beneficiaries we support. To ensure strong financial stewardship, Poetic Unity maintains internal controls including segregation of duties, clear approval processes, and a delegated authority policy. Financial transactions are authorised by the Board, with no single individual having sole responsibility for the initiation, approval, and recording of payments. Regular monitoring and reporting are carried out to provide oversight and accountability, safeguarding the charity’s assets and ensuring compliance with legal and regulatory requirements.

Public Benefit

All the charity's activities are primarily aimed at the development of young people. In creating activities and providing services, the board have taken note of the guidance provided by charity commission on public benefit.

Conflicts of Interest

Poetic Unity is committed to ensuring that all decisions are made in the best interests of the young people and communities we serve. Trustees, staff, and volunteers must act with integrity and avoid any situation where personal, financial, or other interests could, or could be perceived to, conflict with the mission of the charity.

All individuals involved with Poetic Unity are required to declare any actual, potential, or perceived conflicts of interest as soon as they arise. These may include financial interests, family or personal relationships, or involvement with other organisations that could influence impartial decision-making. A register of interests is maintained and reviewed regularly by the Board of Trustees.

Where a conflict is identified, the individual concerned will withdraw from discussions and decisions on the relevant matter to protect the integrity and transparency of Poetic Unity’s governance. By adhering to this policy, we uphold the trust placed in us by our beneficiaries, funders, and the wider community.

Risk Management

The Board has taken into consideration the major strategic risks, operational risks, and the vulnerability of our beneficiaries. We can confirm our systems have been established to ensure our policies are up to date and reports can be produced when necessary to lessen these risks.

Approved by the board on 24/02/25 and signed on their behalf by

……………………………..

Naomi Matthews-Robinson

INDEPENEDENT EXAMINATION REPORT TO THE DIRECTORS OF POETIC UNITY ON THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024.

Respective responsibilities of the directors.

The directors are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. The directors consider that an audit is not required for this year.

I report on the accounts for the Poetic Unity for the year Ended 31st December 2024 which are set out on the following pages.

This report is made solely to Poetic Unity as a body. My review has been undertaken so that I might state, those matters I am required to state to them in a report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law. I do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the Directors as a body for my review, for this report or for the opinions I have formed.

It is our aim to:

• Examine the accounts:

• State whether particular matters have come to our attention.

Basis of independent report

Our review was carried out in accordance with the general Directions given by Companies House. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the company 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 directors concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide any of 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 statement

In connection with my inspection, no matter has come to my attention.

1. Which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in any material respect the requirements

2. to keep accounting records in accordance with section of the Act; and

3. to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records and to comply with the

4. accounting requirements of the Act have not been met; or

5. to which, in my opinion, attention shown be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.

Thompson & Co Approved Independent Examiner 336-338 London Road Cricket Green Mitcham CR4 3UD

Statement of Activity POETIC UNITY

Year Ended 31st December 2024

Restricted Unrestricted Total Total

2024 2024 2024 2023 Income ACLT Charity 1,500 1,500 Apples and Snakes 1,000 1,000 2,650 Arts Council 26,891 26,891 Asthma and Lung UK 450 450 Bird in Bush School 8,100 8,100 Brixton Bid 1,000 1,000 Chimo Trust 15,000 15,000 Chiswick House & Gardens Trust 3,000 3,000 Chiva 300 300 300 Club Silly 750 750 Cuckoo 900 900 Donation 3,262 3,262 2,410 Endeavor 29,985 29,985 5,565 Esmée Fairbairn Foundation 60,000 60,000 Kings College London 750 750 Lambeth Council 250 250 198 London Nautical School 1,500 1,500 5,175 Mayors Office 6,120 6,120 McCann Worldgroup 1,400 1,400 Neon Performing Arts 2,600 2,600 NHS South East London 6,050 6,050 Norman Trust 4,000 4,000 Orii Company Ltd 200 200 Paradigm Project 525 525 Peabody Community Foundation 7,110 7,110 22,550 Peer Power Youth 2,075 2,075 4,025 Picturehouse 98 98 Purpose Foundation 7,750 7,750 3,410 Reconnect JA 125 125 Returns 2 2 Roundhouse 400 400 Save The Children 8,200 3,670 11,870 3,765 Skipton Building Society Foundation 250 250

2024 2024 2024 2023

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St Marylebone School		7,070	7,070	3,920
Theatre Peckham (Income)		1,023	1,023	1,079
The Davies Foundation		250	250
The Media Trust		150	150
The Methodist Church		540	540
The Poets Corner		4,368	4,368	3,041
The Wellcome Collection		2,625	2,625
We Are Parable		2,438	2,438	1,350
Westminster Council		730	730
Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust		1,320	1,320
YoungMinds		450	450	4,371
Arts Bridge Charity				300
Black Girl Fest				1,000
Brixton House (Oval House)				175
Bush Theatre				110
BYP Network				150
Clarion Housing Group				200
Dark Matter Agency				400
Hackney Empire				520
Hitherfield Primary School				400
Leaders in Sport				500
National Lottery Community Fund				120,000
Paracletos				10,000
Penguin Books UK				2,710
Raw Material Music & Media				695
Southbank Centre				1,645
Streatham Space Project				3,200
The Brixton Project				1,500
The Glimpse Network				3,750
Other Income				140
University of Aberdeen				1,404
University of Cambridge				565
University of York				600
We Out Here Festival				550
Total for Income	141,371	84,805	226,176	214,323
Expenses
Accountancy	308	587	895	488
Advertising/Promotional	1,047		1,047	485
Bookkeeping & Payroll		585	585
Cultural Leader	13,466		13,466	18,662
Daley Shipping Services	520		520
Food Expenses		299	299	56
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Insurances Legal & Professional London Youth Membership Materials Office/General Administrative Expenses Other Professional Services Payroll Expenses Pension Taxes Wages Total for Payroll Expenses Photography and Videography Services Theatre Peckham Training Travel and Subsistence Uniform/ Merchandise Venue Hire Black Cultural Archives Entertaining Poetry In Motion Total for Expenses Net Operating Income Depreciation Expense Net Income	415 415 304 2,710 2,710 13 150 150 35 (35) 0 1,367 209 1,576 1,317 14,241 30,724 44,965 40,769 1,094 1,230 2,324 2,188 (3,740) 2,159 (1,581) 28,148 32,143 60,291 50,000
	25,502 35,532 61,034 52,188 3,390 90 3,480 1,110 40 707 747 33,620 40 40 7,014 46 7,060 680 1,510 162 1,672 447 830 1,076 1,906 2,208 30,000 225 100
	69,875 72,692 142,566 182,673
	71,496 12,113 83,610 31,650 1,122 1,122 71,496 10,991 82,487

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Poetic Unity Balance Sheet As of 31st December 2024

Fixed Asset Tangible assets Office Equipment Cost Office Equipment Depreciation Total for Tangible assets Non-current Assets Total for Fixed Asset Cash at bank and in hand Bank Total for Cash at bank and in hand Debtors Current Assets NET CURRENT ASSETS Prepayments and accrued income Creditors: amounts falling due within one year Trade Creditors Creditors Total for Trade Creditors Credit Cards Current Liabilities Payroll Liabilities Employment Allowance Total for Payroll Liabilities Total for Current Liabilities Total for Creditors: amounts falling due within one year NET CURRENT ASSETS (LIABILITIES) TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT LIABILITIES Creditors: amounts falling due after more than one year Provision for liabilities and charges Accruals and deferred income TOTAL NET ASSETS (LIABILITIES) Capital and Reserves Retained Earnings Net Income Total Charity Funds	£ 4,487.33 -1,121.83
	£3,365.50
	£3,365.50 170,657.70
	£170,657.70
	£170,657.70 952.00
	£952.00 3,147.71 -2,251.76
	£894.95
	£894.95
	£1,846.95
	£168,810.75
	£172,176.25
	£172,176.25 89,687.50 82,487.75
	£172,175.25

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Poetic Unity Charitable Company Limited by Guarantee Notes to the Financial Statements Year Ended 31st December 2024

The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention and in accordance with the Statement of Recommended Practice “ Accounting and Reporting by Charities ” (SORP 2015 & FRS 102).

Depreciation

Depreciation is calculated so as to write off the cost of an asset, less its estimated residual value, over the useful economic life of that asset as follows: Equipment & Fixtures and fittings 25% Reducing balance basis

Fund Accounting

1. Unrestricted funds are those that can be expended at the discretion of the trustees in the furtherance of the objects of the charity:

2. Restricted funds are those that may only be used for specific purposes. Restrictions arise when specified by the donor or when funds are raised for specific purposes.

Income recognition

Income is recognised and included in the Statement of Financial Activities (SoFA) as follows

1. (a) when the charity becomes entitled to the income, receipt is probable, and the monetary value can be measured with sufficient reliability.

2. (b) when income has related expenditure, the income and related expenditure are reported gross in the SoFA;

3. (c) bank interest is recognised when credited to the account.

4. (d) Income, which is subject to conditions that the charity is yet to fulfil, or which is specifically for use in a future accounting Year, is treated as deferred income.

Expenditure and liabilities

1. (a) Expenditure is recognised on the accruals basis;

2. (b) The charity is not registered for VAT thus all costs are shown inclusive of VAT.

3. (c) Liabilities are recognised as soon as there is a legal or constructive obligation to pay out resources.

Tangible assets

Tangible assets are capitalised if they can be used for more than one year, and cost at least £ 250. They are valued at cost or, if gifted, at their market value.

Debtors

1. (a) Debtors are recognised at the settlement amount due; 2. (b) Prepayments are valued at the amount prepaid.

Creditors

1. (a) Creditors are recognised where the charity has a present obligation resulting from a past event that will probably result in the transfer of funds to a third party and the amount due to settle the obligation can be measured or estimated reliably. Creditors are normally recognised at their settlement amount.

2. (b) Accrued charges are normally valued at their settlement amount.

Going Concern

The trustees consider that there are no material uncertainties about the charity ’ s ability to continue as a going concern.

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Trustee Expenses

No expenses were claimed by Trustees in their role as Trustees, but some are also volunteers supporting the youth and also raising funds through events.

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