Afan Arts (R¢gi5tcrcd Charity) Report and Finanei21 Statements for the Year Ended Febrnary 2025 Charity numiKr 1178560
Management Committee Trustees MTS G Cawley Mrs C Evan5 (Treasurer) Ms D Francis (Chair) MrPONeil Kate Walker Reference and Administrative Inforniation Charity Name.. Afan Arts Charity registration number. 1178560 Registered Office Unit 14, Water Stret Business Centre Port Talknt SA12 6LF Bankers Lloyds Bank Nemrynarket dover BXI ILT Accountants Swift Accounting Mark¢t Place Bid¢ford Devon EX39 2DS
Managemellt Committee Trustees Mrs G Cawley Mrs C Evan5 (Treasurer) Ms D Francis (Chair) MrPONeil MTS Kate Walker Reference aDd Administrdtive Inf0rn12tion Charity Name.. Afan Arts Charity registration number. 178560 Registered Office Unit 14, Water Stret Business Centre Port Talbot SA12 6LF Bankers Lloyds Bank Newmarket Andover BXI ILT Accountants Swift Accounting Market Pla¢e Bideford Devon EX39 •DS
ORIECTIVES AIYD ACTIVITIES The charity 's objects are: to help young people, especially but not exclusiv¢ly through arts and creative activities, so as to develop their capabilities thai they may gryow to full atUrIty as individuals and members of society Our mis510ll IS to produce ground breaking projects that involve our eon)munity. W¢ encourage them to get excited alx)ut the arts and digital technology. We provide a free platform for the young people of the area to participate in the creative arts. alongside ind$try professionals. ENSURING OUR WORK DELIN'ERS OUR AIMS We review our aims, objectives and activities each year. This review l(K)ks at what we achieved and the oulcomes of our work in the previous 12 months. The review looks at the success of each project and the benefits the). have brought to those gTOUPS of people we are set up to help. The review also helps us ensure our aim. objectives and activities remained focused on our stated purposes. We have referred to the <Tuidance contained in the Charity Comtnission's general guidance on public benefit when reviewing our aim and objectives and in planning our future acti111es. In particular, the trustees consider how plann¢d activilies and future projects will contribute to the aims and objectiv¢s th¢y hav¢ set. Our mission to use the creative arts to empow¢r and ¢nhanc¢ the wellbeing of society's most dtsadvantaged people by enabling them lo develop creativity, learning, social skills and self- esteem. Our aims are- To tackle inequality by giving society's most disadvantaged young people free access to the benefits of the creative arts. To engage participants in projects led bv exceptional professiona] artists areas where Provision is poor and engagement is lo, To listen to. advocate for and give a voice to participants To connccl empower and inspiTC participants, developing creativity. raising self- esteem, enrtching lives, reducing isolation and enhancing wellbetng. To promote the value of creative arts engagement in achieving social outcomes. To provide high quality work and training to a diverse pool of professional artists. To create a society that is fairer: more caring and mor¢ inclusive THF. FOCUS OF OUR WORK Communities are at the heart of what we do, running Creative projects that develop skills and opportunities: that bring people together, Our main objectives for the year continued to be the Provision of opwrtunities to the young people of our con]munity to participate in creative projects, involving theatre and film that will not only benefit themselves but others. PUBLIC BENEFIT The tnths have reviewed the Charity's objects and activities and are of the view that the public b¢nefit t¢st continues to k totaIly satisfied. In forming this opinion. the trustees have considered thc guidance issued by the Charity Commission with regard to public benefKt.
DEVELOPMENTS AND ACHIEVEMENTS Th¢ Trustees consider that the performan¢¢ of the Charity this year has been satisfactory. April 2024 saw AfaTt Arts awarded Arts Charity of the Year. @ The Mayor of Ncath and Port Talbol Citizens award Wlnner= Francls-AtsnArts Npath POrtT•bOtprfAl nYMetF4•)ttstsr$hareof5ucce5sfitSand&nWS.WèCanbepr1ofIrIV%ISwbo.twYh thearts. Khie¥e per50f471goats Thffjose.TheThynfOflhaardCretedthL5Uearts proiectth'srAXYbomeaeharity.Thp . mainobjectiveofAfanArtSis tOhdpJy)urtg ede%OplhIfCaptieSaTrj grow Thiconfidèttethr¢x4ha & ctoativeactNItS. Recognition and Validation of Our Work This year marked a signiftcant milestone for Afan Arts as we gained recognition foi the qualkty and impact of our work through securing funding from BBC Children in Need. This support is more than fllLqncial-it is an endorsement of the positive difference we make in young peopl¢'s lives. For a charity, securing such funding is a powerful validation. It demonstrates that our mission. methods, and outcomes are trusted by one of the UK'S most respected funders. It proves that what we do not only resonates with our community but also meets the highest standards of accountability, effectiveness, and sustainability. This Tecognition strengthens OUT ability to grow, to reach more young people. and to continue creating spaces where creativity, wellbeing, and opwrtunity thrive. Childpen in Need The Charity maintains its validation and tecoenition as a creative arts organisation, working with the community at large. Each Ye the Chatitv ¢ommits to working with marginalised groups within the area. It operntes and maintains a w¢bsilc and social medi& Over the last 15 months we have continued working in partnership with local organisations, including
Neath Port Talbot Youth Services YMCA South Wales Police South W21es Police Cadets Port Talbot Youth Tbeatre Our free youth theatre, Port Talbot Youth Thealre ffTm, continued to serve as a vitxl Creative hub for the community in 2024. FAch week: around 50 young people took part in free arts participation. developing skills, confidence, and friendships in a safe and supportive environment. In January. PTYT proudly staged its first am)ual productio Once Upon a Pa01Me-a bespoke script written by Denise Frdncis creatively weaving together 14 different pantomime stories. The production broughi together a e&sl of 25 young people, NN,ho rose to the challenge of perforn]ing on stage for their families. friends. and wider community. The impact was cleat. Participants not only developed performance and teamwork skills, but also grew in confidence and self-belief. Families shared how the experience helped their children shine, overcome anxieties, and build lasting connections. The theatre has proven itself as much more than a creative outlet-it is a place of belonging, etnp)werment, and pride for iK)th young people and their families.
Cast of Once Upon a Pantomime A Milestone Celebration In Novetnber 2024, Port Talbot Youth Theatre proudly celebrated its IOOth session. To mark thc QCCkLSiQn, acclaimd actor and locaI champion Micha¢l Shc¢n joincd us for a vcry special visit. Michael delivered a m&stercl&ss our members and went on to direct them in their lat¢st production, offering invaluabl¢ insighL inspirntion, and encouragement. Th¢ impact on our young p¢opl¢ was profound. To learn from someone of Michael's calibre gave them a sense of pride in their "Ork, raised aspirdtions. and showed them that their voices and creatil'it), truly matter. Families spoke of the confidence and motivation their childr¢n gained from the experience, which will stay witb them far bevond the stsge. We are delighted to continue our relationship with Michael, whose support reinforces the value of PTYf as a space where young people can grow: dream: and achieve.
Illl 71 Page
"WheD Micbael SheeD came to our youth theatre, I couldn't believe IL Having someone so famous from our oilm town working with us made me feel realty proud 2nd special. He treated us like rcal actors gnd gave us so mueh confidence. It's somethiog I'll never forget." PTYT Member Aged 13 Having someone like Michael Sheen believe in our voung people shows them that they-: can aim high. It's an experience that wtll stay with them forever. I can't thank Afan Arts enougb for making this happen" Parent of YfYT member ADDITIONAL PROJECTS Musie for Wellbeing Pilot Projeet From Febnwy to December 2024, Afan Arts delivered our first Music for Iyellbeing pilot Project. offcring young people the chance to explo creativity and self-expression through music. Under the guidance of a professional singei-songwritei, participants wrote and omwsed thekr 01 original songs. developing IK*th artistic and personal skills along the way. The project cuIminated in an unforgettable experience.. recording their tracks in a professional studio. with support from an experienced tnusic producer. The songs were brought together to fomi a complete album. which w&8 officially launched tn November 2024 on Spotifj, and other major streaming platforn. The impa¢t of this project syas profoun¢l Parttcipants spok¢ of bow writing and perfornling their own music gav¢ them confidence: a sense of identity. and a powerful outlet foT their emotions. Many had never imagined their voices could b¢ heard so idely, and the opportunity to share their work on prof¢ssÈonal platforn]s gave them pride and a belief in their own potential. Families told us how the project improved young pwple's wellb¢ing, strengthened resilience, and sparked new ambitions for the futur¢. W.3RAMA QUEENS
he project gave me a saf¢ space to express my feelings. Making music has realty helped my confidence and made me f¢cl happier in myself." PARTICIPANT "Opporthnities like this don't eome 8round often for young people in our community. Seeing my child be part of something so speciAR has been life-changing for all of us." PIIRENT PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT From April 2022 Denise Francis has participated in the mentoring scheme Of The Kilfinan Group. a group of senior business people who provide free and infoTmal mentoring to cbarlty chief executives. The business relationship with the appointed mentor has proved invaluable. The Group was founded by NicholLs Ferguson CBE, c1)ain of Savills plc. in 23. It now has nine 'Chapters' and around 200 members. Five Chapters are b&sed in Londo two in Scotlan¢ one in Wales and one in Northern Ireland. The Group is deliberately infornal; Once matche(t mentors and mentees are free to structure their relationship to fit their needs and styles. FufrfDING The charty ha5 had continued success this year in its receipt of funding. This year, we have gratefully received fidIng from UK Youth Neath Port Talbot CBC Uk Govenmjent 91 Page
FiDanci41 Overview This year, Afan Arts continued to demonstrate strong financial management and sinabl]ity. While our expenditure exceeded incorne. reflecting our commitment to investing directly in high-quality programmes for young peopEe. our accounts remained consistently in credit and we successfully reached our reserves target. This achievement provides security for the charity and ensures that we can plan with confidence for the futu. Even more encouraging is the growth we have seen in the current financial period. In just the. fiTSt seven months. we have already raised over 40 /0 more than during the whole of the previous y. This significant incre&se highlights the trust fimders and partners place in OUT work and Tcflects the growing recognition ofthe impact Afan Arts is making in the ¢OEfllnunity. Our fuwicial wsition demonstrates that we are Dot only delivering meaningful change but also building a secure and sustainable tUre for the charit):. Future Plans Looking ahead Afan Arts is committed to building on the success of our progran]m¢s by expanding opportunities for creativity, wellbeing, and community CODnection. Through Creative Communities. we aim to develop neNN" projects that bring together young people, families, and local residents to share ories: explore the arts. and strengthen community pride. Our focus wiEI be on: Sustainability- securing long-tetm sllprt to ensure our free. inclusive programmes continue to thrive. GroTrvth - Kacbing more young people across Neath Port Talbot and beyond. offering them access to creative exwiences that build confidence. skills. and wellbeing. Parlncrships - working with schools, community organisations. and professional artists to co-create opportunities that are relevant and inspiring. Innovation - piloting fresh id¢as that us¢ creativity to address social cllallenges. celebrate local identity, and eTnpower voices that are often unhear(L We believe that by investing in creativity. we are investing in stronger, healthier, and more Tesilient con]munities. 101 Page
AFAN ARTS RECEIPTS AND PAYMENTS ACCOUNT FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 28 FEBRUARY 2025 ACCOUNTING POLICIES The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the Statement of Recommended Practice ISORPI, "Accounting and Reporting by Charities" published in March 25, applicable accounting standards'8nd the Companies Act All incoming resources are included in the Receipt and Payments Account when the charity is legally entitled to the income and the amount can be quantified with reasonable accuraLV The charity 15 not gIstered for VAT. In common with many other charwties. Afan Arts expenses are inflated by VAT, which cannot be recovered
AFAN ARTS UNAUDITED ACCOUNTS INDEPENDENTEXAMINER'S REPORTON THE ACCOUNTS I report to the trustees on my examination ofthe accounts forthe fifteen month period ended 28th February 2025 Responsibilities and basls of report As the charity trustees of the Trust. you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the Charf(ies Att 20111.the Act"). I report in respect of my examination of the Trust's accounts carried out under $145 of the Act and in carrying out my examination. I have followed the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commisslon under s145{5llbl of the Act. Independent examiner's staternent I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have come to my attention in connettion with the examination which gives me cause to believe that in. any material respect.. - accounting records were not kept in accordance with section 130 of the Art- or - the accounts do not accord with the accounting records I have no concern5 and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached. Signed 15th September 2025 Name Kieran Stocker ACA BFP FMAAT on 8ehatf of.. Swift Accounting & Bookkeeping Services Ltd Ground Floor The Custom House The Strand Barnstsple EX31 IEU
AFAN ARTS RECEIPTS AND PAYMENTS ACCOUNT FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 28 FEBRUARY 2025 Unrestrkted Restricted Funds Funds Period Ended 30th Novernber 2023 Total Recelpts Grant Income Interest Received Donations 30.811 19,987 50,798 110,289 136 210 1.077 1.077 Total Receipts 31,888 19,987 51.875 110,635 Payments Film Project Costs Rent Accounts Professional Fees Equipment Expensed Loan Interèst Sundry Youth Theatre Costs Projects Wages 102 4,950 750 2.065 1,566 102 4.950 750 2.065 1.566 606 37,980 5.280 750 1,070 9,848 19,920 10,523 55,930 156 2.537 14,673 19.419 57,630 2,693 14,673 19.419 57,630 Total Payments 762 103,692 104,454 142,307 Net ReiptsI(paVmeThtsj 31,126 (83.7051 {52.5791 (31,6721 Fund5 Brought Forward Transfer Between Funds Total Funds as at 28 February 2025 79.408 172.6421 37.892 11.063 72,642 90.471 122,143 37.892 90.471 Funded by Bank Balances 50.392 50.392 115,471 Liabilltles Bounce Back Loan 12,5C) 12,500 25,000 37,892 37,892 90.471 Declaration l approve these accounts, comprising of the Receipts and Payments Account and that suitable Accounting Policies have been selected and applied. I confirm that I have made available all relevant retords and ation. On behalf o the board of Trustees