Group Manager Report
I would firstly like to thank you all for coming our AGM is well practiced and will be really short so we can all enjoy the rest of the quiz evening.
As you know RUSH 2The DEN is a unique place run by very dedicated DBS checked volunteers.
I really can’t believe it has been 10 years today since we opened the doors for the first time.
RUSH 2The DEN Building is Nonprofit Community venture housing 2 local charities: RUSH 2The DEN Tots & Adults – 1172562 AND RUSH 2The DEN Youth Club – 1175976 with just 3 serviceable rooms, - The main hall, Independence room and Snug. we move things and adjust layouts continuously to enable the numerous usage options that help to support over 6300 people annually.
Yes this figure astounded me too and had to check it twice before believing it when I had the question asked from the Lord Lieutenant as a fact finding during a visit having been nominated for the Kings Award for Voluntary Service. This nomination is the highest Award offered in the UK. To be nominated is a huge honour, watch this space for later in the year when we hear who has had the award bestowed upon them
Earlier this year we launched our Onwards and Upwards fundraising campaign to lower the ceiling in here, put in a mezzanine floor to house 2 family rooms, a counselling room, 2[nd] smaller hall and a much needed office space and oh so needed dedicated food donations area too.
For those of you who are not aware, Tots & Adults is open to all babies, tots & adults 9.15-2.45 daily. Where, through play activities, we believe in 'Inspiring young people to achieve' offering opportunities to gain, increase & develop skills. Sessions usually include Messy Play, Stay N Play, Sensory Play, Crafty Fingers Soft Play, Interactive & Push Pull play. Dad’s Stay N Play Sessions monthly too. The Tots groups have grown in momentum each year and having remained at only £2.50 per child since the start we have every intention to continue this high value, low cost learning through play that so many have benefitted from through the past decade.
Seeing those first babies through the doors, now an active part of our Youth Club.
Here at Youth Club, we are an award-winning unique youth club; The activities are varied and will meet the needs of all who wish to attend between 5 and 17 years old. Our sessions provide a learning opportunity through weekly themes including cooking, crafts, team games, music, canoeing, camping, life skills.
Given its 'inclusive policy' no young person will be denied access because of affordability. Sensitive arrangements will be put in place where and when necessary to enable our special events to be attended by all.
I am very pleased to say that this year has once again seen a very steady growth throughout the age ranges.
The aim of the AGM is for leaders to make a report on what their relevant age groups have achieved during the past year. For this reason it is not my intention to steal their glory and relate the activities they have done however in addition to the regular youth club evenings the teams provide, we have enjoyed numerous special events too…
Youth Club leader team helped fundraise at our stall and at the coffee shop in Rushden Hall at The Party in the Park and the Rushden Town Light Switch On event, all whilst increasing awareness for RUSH 2The DEN.
I would like to thank NCKC for assisting us with their equipment and qualified Coaches during our canoeing and kayaking at NCKC in Northampton where each session was fully attended.
Our resident DJ’s Pumbaa entertained us with discos at Halloween, Christmas, our Onesie Disco for Valentines and both our amazing 10 year celebration disco’s held earlier today.
Stay-Awake was a fabulous success when 36 totally shattered youth club members plus their leaders left our building shortly after 8am having stayed awake all night, yet surprisingly were still smiling
The last sponsored event was the Wellingborough International Waendel Walk. Our young people (and older) walked with walkers from across the globe, always in high spirits and very determined to complete the 18 mile (30 km) over the 3 days, with only a couple of blisters between them! Some staying away from home for the very first time too… I am exceptionally proud of each and every one of our 24 young people and the volunteer team supporting them
The challenge week has been set and this year our 11+ are going East. If Anyone who wants to take up this challenge with us? please let me know... Group sponsorship forms are on the front desk for the next month 😊
I am proud to report that we have had over 160 young people through our doors this year alone with approximately 90 regularly attending Youth Clubs each week, this is due to the fabulous team of voluntary leaders and supporters making Youth Club so enjoyable for the young people.
Many people sometimes forget that our leaders are all volunteers, giving up their time and effort for the young people to enjoy youth club activities. All Leaders in all sections are the backbones to what makes RUSH 2The DEN Youth Club the success it is and without them RUSH 2The DEN Youth Club would not be here for the young people.
We have a small executive committee to run the administration of the group. This consists of the Primary Leaders, Rainbow & Sunshine representing 5:7’s, Vixen representing 8:10’s, Pumbaa 11:14’s, Kiki , Freedom & Freedom Fliers, Rusty & Mango for IndepenDENce and the very welcomed help of Twinkle and Beverly who are group treasurer, Rafiki Vice Chair, Rusty as group secretary providing much needed support in this area and Pumbaa our group Chair who keeps us under control at our meetings.
We could do with a couple of parents to help us on the executive and be the independent voice of our Young People. We do try to keep meetings to a minimum and meet 4-5 times per year; help would be gratefully received please contact me if you are able to assist.
I hope I have not forgotten anyone, but I would like to say a few more thank you’s… to the teams at NAYC for their support and particularly DBS checks, Rushden Town Council members for their ever continuing advice and encouragement, Mark at First Aid and Richard from NAYC for your invaluable support and numerous crafting evening options and for our Paddle Coaches Bomber, Iain and Kym from NCKC
Thank you to the parents who bring their children to and from Youth Club each week and for your support in the fundraising events which the groups have run.
Finally but most definitely not least, my grateful thanks to all the leaders in the groups for the time and commitment they give providing the fun, safe environment for your young people..
Kindest regards
River
Transaction Date (All)
| Row Labels | Sum of Debit Amount | Sum of Debit Amount | Sum of Credit Amount | Sum of Credit Amount |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Activities | £ | 4.00 |
||
| Admin | ||||
| Donation | £ | 2,349.14 |
||
| Equipment | £ | 3,364.28 |
||
| Equipment Grant | £ | 5,000.00 |
||
| Food Donations Grant | £ | 500.00 |
||
| Fundraising | £ | 493.08 |
||
| Insurance | £ | 218.40 |
||
| Maintenance | £ | 11.45 |
||
| Refreshments | £ | 123.15 |
||
| Rent | £ | 16,418.75 |
||
| Tots Entry | £ | 10,002.26 |
||
| (blank) | £ | 293.08 | ||
| Grand Total | £ | 20,433.11 |
£ | 18,344.48 |