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← Didcot Train - Inspiring Young People

2023-03-31-accounts

'dcottrain.orE.uk 'oJ Report and,"knounts..ior the Y/E 31 March 2023. . Didcot TRAIN -'Inspiring Young Peoplé . Patron: Lord Vakny.

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Contents

Objectives and Activities .................................................................................................................... 2 Chair’s Welcome and Introduction ..................................................................................................... 3 Youth Work Report ............................................................................................................................ 5 Introduction .................................................................................................................................... 5 Core work ...................................................................................................................................... 5 Detached and Outreach Youth Work ............................................................................................................ 5 Mentoring ...................................................................................................................................................... 5 Holiday Programmes ..................................................................................................................................... 7 Youth Club..................................................................................................................................................... 7 Investing in Young People’s Futures .............................................................................................. 8 Participation Pathway .................................................................................................................................... 8 Explore More Programme ............................................................................................................................. 9 Conclusion ................................................................................................................................... 10 Financial Accounts .......................................................................................................................... 11 Financial review ............................................................................................................................... 13 Financial Report for the year ended 31 March 2023 ..................................................................... 13 Income ......................................................................................................................................................... 13 Expenditure ................................................................................................................................................. 14 Excess of Payments over Receipts ............................................................................................................ 15 Cash Balances ............................................................................................................................................ 15 Structure, governance and management ......................................................................................... 16 Independent Review .................................................................................................................... 16 Public Benefit Statement .............................................................................................................. 16 Recruitment and Appointment of New Trustees ........................................................................... 16 The Structure for the past year ..................................................................................................... 17 Current Trustees ......................................................................................................................................... 17 Resignations after the Financial Period ...................................................................................................... 17 Examiner’s Report ........................................................................................................................... 18

Didcot TRAIN – Inspiring Young People Annual Report and Accounts for the y/e 31 March 2023

Tel. 07458306358

Email: info@didcottrain.org.uk

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Objectives and Activities

Didcot TRAIN - Inspiring Young People (“TRAIN”) is a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (“CIO”) registered with the Charity Commission of England and Wales under charity number 1176258.

We operate within the town of Didcot, Oxfordshire and work in the gap in provision of youth services for children and young people (“YP”) who do not easily engage with mainstream provision but nevertheless are vulnerable and at high risk and are exposed to educational failure, crime, child sexual exploitation, child drug exploitation, alcohol and substance abuse, and other risky behaviours. TRAIN’s mission is to seek out, engage and empower these children and YP and improve their longer-term life chances.

Didcot TRAIN – Inspiring Young People Annual Report and Accounts for the y/e 31 March 2023

Tel. 07458306358 Email: info@didcottrain.org.uk

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Chair’s Welcome and Introduction

I am delighted to present to you the Annual Report and Accounts of TRAIN for the year ending 31 March 2023. The year presented us with a number of challenges, both in relation to our delivery and our operational structure. This was at a time when fundraising had become increasingly challenging and there was an ever-increasing need for our services, following the marked deterioration of the mental health of the young people we work with[1] .

On the delivery side, from August 2022, we ran with a reduced youth work team as we were unable to replace our Senior Youth Worker role which became vacant in August 2022 due to lack of funding, Despite this, we were able to support more young people than ever, with over 850 young people engaging with our services over the year.

On the operational structure side, we were unable to recruit for the Business Development role which became vacant in August 2022. This role is critical to ensuring that we raise sufficient income to cover our expenditure. Further, our longstanding Chairman, Brian McNamee, had to retire in June 2023 due to ill health. I would like to take this opportunity to thank Brian for his tremendous work for, and support of, TRAIN over many years. He is greatly admired and respected by the trustees, staff and young people alike and we are delighted that he has agreed to stay on as an Ambassador for TRAIN.

Brian’s sudden departure required us to make immediate changes to the trustee board. I therefore stepped into the Chair role, and recruited Teresa Strike, an experienced operational manager, to replace me as Treasurer. Later in the year, our marketing trustee, Virginia Mead-Herbett, and Charity Secretary, Ayobami Tinuala, also resigned, both for personal reasons. I would like to thank them for their hard work and professionalism. Whilst we have successfully recruited two new trustees, Paul Brown, with extensive youth work and safeguarding knowledge, and Tom Smith, who specialises in digital marketing, we have yet to recruit either a Business Development trustee or a Charity Secretary.

Recruitment is hampered by the fact that we currently have an operational trustee board and that both these positions require a significant time commitment. We have therefore decided to transition to a non-executive trustee board structure, which will require the recruitment of a Chief Executive Officer, who will have overall responsibility for the operation

1 Young people who went through the pandemic are more likely to experience increased depression, social, emotional and behavioural difficulties and worsening general mental well-being. Source: Young People’s Mental Health Changes, Risk, and Resilience During the COVID-19 Pandemic Jesus, September 2023 Montero-Marin, PhD, Verena Hinze, PhD, Karen Mansfield, PhD et al

Didcot TRAIN – Inspiring Young People

Tel. 07458306358 Email: info@didcottrain.org.uk

Annual Report and Accounts for the y/e 31 March 2023

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of the organisation. I believe that this streamlining of management decision making will enable TRAIN to operate more efficiently going forward. It will also increase the resilience of the charity as well as making it easier to recruit new trustees.

This proposed restructuring has been made possible by the generous legacy of Mrs Hazel Walker, which we received in Summer 2023, and I believe honours her wish for us to use the donation to increase the sustainability of TRAIN.

On the financial side, our receipts for the period were £146,474 (PY: £111,258), whilst expenditure was £169,279 (PY: £118,866). Our unrestricted cash reserves as at 31 March 2023 were £39,833, or around 3.2 months of expenses, down from £48,287 at the end of March 2022. This is lower than our stated reserve policy of 4 to 6 months. However, as we had been made aware that we would receive a sizeable legacy in 2023, no further operational restructuring was taken at this time.

Finally, I would like to express my sincere thanks and gratitude to the individuals and families who give private donations and the following supporters of TRAIN, without whom we would be unable to undertake our work serving our community and the young people of Didcot:

All Saints Church, Didcot Greggs the Bakers Angus Lawson Memorial Trust Ladygrove Church Awards for All PJT Partners (UK) Limited The Berry Lounge, Didcot Pye Charitable Trust B&Q Foundation Shanly Foundation Children in Need SODC The Community Safety Partnership Soha Housing David Riddell Memorial CIO St James Place Wealth Management Foundation Didcot Freemasons Tesco Didcot Town Council The Mulberry Pub, Didcot Didcot Powerhouse TK Maxx Garfield Weston Turners Court Youth Trust GWR Didcot

TRAIN Chair

Nicole Guest

Didcot TRAIN – Inspiring Young People Annual Report and Accounts for the y/e 31 March 2023

Tel. 07458306358 Email: info@didcottrain.org.uk

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Youth Work Report

Introduction

Our current team consists of a Youth Work Delivery Manager, one full-time Senior Youth Worker, one part-time Youth Worker, a youth work apprentice and a part-time administrative assistant representing 4.3 Full-Time Equivalent employees (FTEs), down from 4.4 last year.

Core work

Our core youth work streams include detached and outreach, holiday activities, 1:1 mentoring and group mentoring, youth club and participation programmes.

Detached and Outreach Youth Work

Our detached work traditionally involves us approaching YP in locations where they tend to spend their time across the town. Our outreach delivery is similar to detached but involves us setting up base at a location around the town and informing YP where we are via social media. Our Outreach sessions have also seen our youth workers setting up Outreach posts in secondary school grounds. This has been instigated by schools as we improve our relationship with them and their YP.

Mentoring

We offer YP both one-to-one and group mentoring sessions and have also continued our work with local schools.

1:1 Mentoring

Our 1:1 mentoring program is designed to assist young individuals who require additional support in a serene and secure setting, away from their peers. Referrals for this

Didcot TRAIN – Inspiring Young People

Tel. 07458306358

Annual Report and Accounts for the y/e 31 March 2023

Email: info@didcottrain.org.uk

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individualised support can be initiated by schools, professionals, or parents, and young people also have the option to refer themselves. Typically, this support spans a duration of six weeks, although it can be extended as needed to cater to the specific requirements of the young person.

Group Mentoring

Our group mentoring initiatives focus on young people who are referred by schools and encompass several programs that address key areas such as building confidence and teamwork, promoting mental health and wellbeing, and positive relationships within the school setting. These sessions are conducted over a six-week period and are designed to offer support to young individuals as they navigate the challenges they encounter, both within and outside of school.

Shout! LGBTQ+ and Allyship group

This LGBTQ+ support group is tailored to aid young individuals in their exploration of identity during a challenging phase of life. Recognizing the unique difficulties faced by LGBTQ+ youth, we established this group to address the specific needs of those who identify as part of the LGBTQ+ community, including allies who support their loved ones as they embark on their self-discovery journey. Our aim is to offer a secure environment where young people can freely explore their authentic selves. The group's sessions encompass workshops, enjoyable activities, and assistance from partnering organizations.

Artwork created by Shout! group this year.

Dinner & Debate

Dinner and Debate remains a thriving component of our offerings, following a format similar to our Shout! group. However, it extends the scope for discussing and debating an array of topics. In the middle of the session, young participants visit our local Greggs the Bakers, who generously contribute fresh food at the close of their business hours. This donated food fosters communal enjoyment during ongoing discussions, offering both sustenance and a safe environment for conversations on community and broader societal issues and topics.

Didcot TRAIN – Inspiring Young People Annual Report and Accounts for the y/e 31 March 2023

Tel. 07458306358 Email: info@didcottrain.org.uk

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Holiday Programmes

Over the past year, we've offered young people an array of exciting holiday trips and activities. These holiday programme endeavours introduce fresh experiences, foster confidence, enhance communication skills, and serve as a reward for their yearround involvement. In the most recent financial year, our offerings included:

Youth Club

We currently run the youth club on Tuesdays and Thursdays with two sessions per night, one group for children under 12 and the other for the 12s and over.

The youth club is run at our new office, named The Base by our YP, which provides a safe place for YP, somewhere of their own, where they can relax, be themselves, and develop their personalities and relationships under the guidance of trained youth workers. Sessions provide informal learning, challenges, positive focussed activities, fun based learning, team building through games and life lessons.

Didcot TRAIN – Inspiring Young People Annual Report and Accounts for the y/e 31 March 2023

Tel. 07458306358

Email: info@didcottrain.org.uk

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Investing in Young People’s Futures

In order to help YP attain stability in their lives, we aim to invest in the futures of the YP we are working with throughout the year. This typically involves giving YP opportunities to gain recognition for their achievements through awards and qualifications.

Participation Pathway

Our youth participation work is an important aspect of our delivery. Our Youth Workers aim to work with a number of YP engaged on our Participation Pathway, which gives YP the opportunity to gain greater responsibility and influence TRAIN’s work by engaging with us at a variety of different strategic levels:

Didcot TRAIN – Inspiring Young People Annual Report and Accounts for the y/e 31 March 2023

Tel. 07458306358

Email: info@didcottrain.org.uk

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Explore More Programme

"Explore More" is an intensive personal development programme that culminates in YP participating in a residential camp situated in the scenic south of France. The realization of these transformative residential experiences owes itself to the generous philanthropy of Mr.

Voorvaart, a Dutch entrepreneur and olive farmer. Mr. Voorvaart warmly hosts our YP at his olive farm, shouldering the costs of transport, food and accommodation as well as orchestrating a dynamic array of activities facilitated by trained guides.

In September 2022, we embarked on our first residential venture since the onset of the pandemic. This journey involved a diverse group of seven young people, each carrying their unique set of challenges and life experiences. The primary aim of this extraordinary

opportunity was to propel these young individuals beyond their comfort zones, fostering the development of their self-assurance. This venture lived up to its promise, with many participants gaining fresh perspectives and newfound confidence, motivating them to push their personal boundaries.

During their stay, the young people successfully conquered various challenges, including hiking up a mountain, engaging in coast steering, and abseiling. These opportunities were earned through their active participation in farm-based chores during the mornings, adding a valuable dimension to their personal growth.

Didcot TRAIN – Inspiring Young People Annual Report and Accounts for the y/e 31 March 2023

Tel. 07458306358 Email: info@didcottrain.org.uk

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Podcast- The Base Talkz

In January 2023, TRAIN launched a fresh initiative known as "The Base Talkz," which takes the form of a podcast. This concept originated from the enthusiasm of a specific young individual engaged with TRAIN. Over time, it has evolved into a monthly podcast series delving into subjects closely connected with the experiences of our young audience, ranging from the pressures of exams to matters concerning mental well-being.

"The Base Talkz" is entirely youth-driven, both in its presentation and design, and is brought to life with the valuable assistance of our dedicated volunteer, Tom.

Conclusion

We would like to thank all who have supported TRAIN’s youth work throughout the year and, of course, all the YP who have been a privilege to work with. Over the past year, we were delighted to see a notable rise in youth engagement levels, all while maintaining a high standard of outcomes and quality work from our dedicated youth work team. As our town continues to expand, this achievement holds significant importance for us. With the increasing challenges that young people are likely to encounter, stemming from national economic difficulties, antisocial behaviour, service pressures, and limited resources, TRAIN strives to stay ahead wherever possible to provide the best support for young individuals, particularly those facing exceptional home and school challenges.

We have observed a growing uptake of our support services by schools, as well as increased requests from councils. This is in recognition of the impact of negative behaviours among young people, which not only affect the broader community but also hinder the personal development of the youth themselves. We extend our heartfelt appreciation to all those who have championed TRAIN's mission throughout the year, including supporters and grantors. We would like to especially acknowledge the invaluable contributions of our trustee board and operational volunteers, whose unwavering passion and hard work in supporting young people enable us to reach a larger audience with meaningful and highquality interventions.

Youth Work Delivery Manager

Alex McSweeney

Didcot TRAIN – Inspiring Young People Annual Report and Accounts for the y/e 31 March 2023

Tel. 07458306358 Email: info@didcottrain.org.uk

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Financial Accounts

Didcot TRAIN – Inspiring Young People Annual Report and Accounts for the y/e 31 March 2023

Tel. 07458306358

Email: info@didcottrain.org.uk

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STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES AT 31 MARCH 2023

CASH FUNDS
Current Account
Deposit Account
OTHER MONETARY ASSETS
Gift Aid reclaimable
ASSETS RETAINED FOR THE CHARITY'S OWN USE
Laptops & Computer Equipment(3)
Project equipment
Mobile phones
Digital camera
Printer
Gazebo & bean bags
LIABILITIES
Payments due to NEST re pensions
Amount due Health Assured
Amounts due to HMRC re Tax & NI		 PY
Unrestricted
Restricted
Total
Total
£
£
£
£
As at 31 March 2023
-
29,773
29,773
52,578
39,833
5,167
45,000
45,000
39,833
34,940
74,773
97,578
1,365
-
1,365
536
84
4,713
4,797
4,797
-
1,813
1,813
264
37
720
757
757
-
251
251
251
330
-
330
330
975
-
975
975
1,426
7,497
8,923
7,374
532
-
532
509
720
-
720
-
1,803
-
1,803
1,630
3,055
-
3,055
2,139

NOTES

1 In Q4 22_23 we were notified that we were a beneficiary under the will of Mrs Hazel Walker and that the legacy would be received some time in 2023. £100,000 of this was received August 2023 and £100,000 received in September 2023. Some of this has been used to increase unrestricted reserves to be in line with our reserves policy. The remainder has been designated for our Trustee Board and operational restructuring.

4 TRAIN received discretionary rates relief from South Oxfordshire District Council which reduces its business rates bill to £nil. The value of this relief in 2022/23 was £785. �

Didcot TRAIN – Inspiring Young People

Tel. 07458306358

Annual Report and Accounts for the y/e 31 March 2023

Email: info@didcottrain.org.uk

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Financial review

Financial Report for the year ended 31 March 2023

As a CIO with annual income of less than £250,000, TRAIN prepares its accounts using the Receipts and Payments method permitted by section 133 of the Charities Act 2011. TRAIN ended the year with cash balances of £74,773, a decrease of £22,805 from prior year.

Income

----- Start of picture text -----
22/23 21/22
£ £
Churches 3,000 2,500
Grant makers 118,836 95,703
Events 0 0
Donations from individuals and corporates 16,514 10,709
Other income (incl. from charitable activities) 8,124 2,346
Total income 146,474 111,258
----- End of picture text -----

We are grateful to our grant-makers and company donors in the year:

Didcot TRAIN – Inspiring Young People

Tel. 07458306358

Annual Report and Accounts for the y/e 31 March 2023

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We are also grateful to all our private donors, for their continued loyalty and generosity.

Expenditure

TRAIN’s expenditure for the period can be analysed as follows:

----- Start of picture text -----
22/23 21/22
£ £
Staff Costs 111,369 97,747
Building and Services Costs 34,384 120
Supplies and Consumables 2,730 4,825
Insurance 3,336 1,199
Project costs (incl. Residential trips) 15,099 14,583
Purchase of Assets 2,016 348
Governance costs 0 44
Fundraising costs 346 0
Total payments 169,279 118,866
----- End of picture text -----

Staff costs: Staff costs increased from prior year, principally reflecting wage increases as we follow the NJC pay scales. At the end of the financial year we operated with a full-time Youth Work Delivery Manager, two Youth Workers (one full-time) and a Youth Work Apprentice representing 3.8 FTEs (PY: 3.9 FTEs).

Building & Services costs: We moved into our new premises in the Market Place, Didcot in July 2022, hence our building and services costs are significantly higher than in the last financial year.

Supplies & Consumables: These primarily reflect stationery, printing, website and subscription costs. The decline year-on-year principally reflects lower telephony costs and the deferral of payment of our invoice to our employee assistance programme provider into the 23_24 financial year.

Project costs: This reflects the cash costs we incur relating to our detached and outreach work, youth clubs, holiday activities, mentoring and residential programme.

Asset Purchases: Minor purchases in the year related to equipment for the youth club and IT equipment.

Didcot TRAIN – Inspiring Young People Annual Report and Accounts for the y/e 31 March 2023

Tel. 07458306358 Email: info@didcottrain.org.uk

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Excess of Payments over Receipts

TRAIN had a deficit for the year ended 31 March 2023 of £22,805 (PY: £7,608). This deficit primarily reflected the lower than anticipated grant income reflecting the challenges in securing funding from foundations and grant givers in the current economic climate, offset in part by lower than budgeted staff costs due to the trustees decision to postpone the recruitment of a replacement Senior Youth Worker role that became vacant in August 2022.

Cash Balances

TRAIN’s reserves lie in its unrestricted cash balances of £39,833 as at 31 March 2023. The trustees have considered what an appropriate level of cash reserves would be, to provide stability to the operation, manage the cash flow timing differences between payments for youth work and receipts of income and cover the potential gaps between the end of one source of income and the securing of another. The trustees consider a cash reserve of between 4 and 6 months of expenses to be appropriate.

At the current scale of operations, with 3.8 FTEs as of 1 April 2023, the year-end unrestricted cash balance represented around 3.2 months of expenses, lower than our stated reserves policy. However, we were notified in Q4 22_23 that we would receive a material legacy in 2023. The trustees were therefore confident that no further operational restructuring was required at that time.

Teresa Strike

Treasurer

Didcot TRAIN – Inspiring Young People Annual Report and Accounts for the y/e 31 March 2023

Tel. 07458306358 Email: info@didcottrain.org.uk

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Structure, governance and management

The trustees of TRAIN are responsible for overseeing the running of the charity. The framework for the operation of TRAIN is set out in its Constitution dated 13 June 2023. The trustees hold a monthly meeting, with additional meetings as necessary, as they also double up as the management team. Individual trustees have responsibility for managing the charity’s staff, finance, governance, fundraising, IT, premises and communications. Each individual trustee has responsibilities on which they lead. The chair of the trustees oversees all aspects of the charity’s activities.

Alex McSweeney, our Youth Worker Delivery Manager, is currently responsible for the direct management of our Youth Workers. Alex reports to an Operations trustee, Maria Semmonds, who is responsible for overall staff management.

Independent Review

TRAIN’s accounts for the year ended 31 March 2023 have been independently examined by Carolyn Fishwick, ACA.

Public Benefit Statement

TRAIN’s trustees have complied with their duty to have due regard to the guidance on public benefit published by the Charity Commission in exercising their powers or duties.

Recruitment and Appointment of New Trustees

The trustees regularly review the balance of skills, competencies and experience which are needed to ensure that the charity continues to meet its aims and fulfil its charitable objects. Historically potential new trustees have been found through online websites, advertisements and through word of mouth. New trustees are appointed by a resolution passed at a properly convened meeting of the charity trustees.

The policies and procedures for the induction and training of a new trustee are that, before appointment, the person is invited to research the Government Charity Commission website to familiarise themselves with trustees’ duties and obligations, meet with some of the trustees and attend a trustee meeting in order to become familiar with TRAIN’s work. The potential trustee then has the opportunity to further discuss the factors involved in becoming a trustee before a decision concerning his/her appointment is made. All new trustees receive a copy of TRAIN’s constitution and latest Annual Report and Accounts and are required to sign a Declaration of Eligibility.

Didcot TRAIN – Inspiring Young People

Tel. 07458306358

Annual Report and Accounts for the y/e 31 March 2023

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The Structure for the past year

Current Trustees

Nicole Guest (Chair) Teresa Strike (Treasurer, appointed June 2023) Maria Semmonds Paul Brown (Appointed August 2023) Tom Smith (Vice Chair, appointed September 2023)

Resignations after the Financial Period

Brian McNamee (Resigned June 2023) Ayobami Tinuala (Resigned August 2023) Virginia Mead-Herbert (Resigned September 2023)

Didcot TRAIN – Inspiring Young People Annual Report and Accounts for the y/e 31 March 2023

Tel. 07458306358

Email: info@didcottrain.org.uk

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Examiner’s Report

Didcot TRAIN – Inspiring Young People Annual Report and Accounts for the y/e 31 March 2023

Tel. 07458306358 Email: info@didcottrain.org.uk

DIDCOT AIN inspiring young people