2024-03-31-accounts

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Steve

Browne Foundation

2023 - 2024 Annual Report

Steve Browne Foundation

C O N T E N T S

01[EXECUTIVE ][SUMMARY]

Chairperson's Welcome 02 About Us 03 CEO Report 04

03[Financial][Reporting ]

Our Finances 2023-4 08

Management Accounts 2024-5 09

02[OVERVIEW][OF][WORK]

Our Approach 05 Key Achievements 06 Impact Stories 07

04[Future Strategy]

Future Strategy 10-11 Our values for our strategy 12 Why we do what we do 13 Where we focus our efforts 14 Contact details 15

Chairperson’s welcome

As I reflect on this incredible year, my heart swells with gratitude and pride. Together, we’ve journeyed through challenges, celebrated triumphs, and witnessed the transformative power of community, hope, and determination.

This charity was born out of love and a vision—to create opportunities for young people to dream boldly and achieve their fullest potential. Inspired by the memory of my husband, our mission has always been deeply personal. It’s not just about programs and initiatives; it’s about changing lives, rewriting stories, and giving young people the belief that they are seen, heard, and capable of greatness.

This year, we have concentrated on rebranding the charity. We’ve seen young people rise above adversity, discover their voice, and step into their futures with confidence. From the workshops that built skills and self-esteem to the events that united communities, the impact we’ve created together is immeasurable. One young person told me, “You believed in me before I believed in myself.” Those words remind me why we do this work—because every individual we support carries the potential to change their world and ours.

None of this would be possible without you—our supporters, partners, volunteers, and champions. Your unwavering belief in our mission fuels our ability to dream bigger and achieve more. You are part of every success story, every milestone, and every moment of hope we create. As we close this chapter and look to the year ahead, my promise to you is this: we will continue to stand with young people, advocating for inclusion, diversity, and opportunity. We will keep building bridges, breaking barriers, and empowering the next generation to shine.

About Us

Who we are

Imagine a young person, full of potential but held back by barriers they didn’t create—like limited opportunities,

lack of guidance, or systemic inequalities. That’s where we come in. We are a charity dedicated to uplifting young people under 18, particularly those from low socioeconomic backgrounds. Through our certified learning programs and engaging activities, we aim to light a spark of hope, nurturing their talents and encouraging them to dream beyond their circumstances.

Driving Change Beyond Direct Delivery

Our work is like planting seeds in a community garden. Each program touches the life of a young person, but the ripple effects extend far beyond.

• Building Pathways: We partner with schools, employers, and local organisations to create sustainable opportunities, ensuring young people are not just prepared for the future but excited about it.

• Advocacy and Policy Influence: By sharing the real stories and data from our programs, we will influence and inspire policymakers and educators to adopt proven solutions for addressing inequities.

• Empowering Future Leaders: Many of our participants come back to mentor or volunteer, turning their struggles into strength for others, creating a cycle of empowerment.

Tackling Root Causes of Injustice

Access to Skills: One participant once said, “I never realised I’d have skills employers wanted.” Through our

workshops and programs, we bridge the gap between talent and opportunity.

• Equity in Opportunity: We ensure every young person, regardless of their background, has access to the tools they need to succeed.

Building Resilience: By fostering mental health, well-being, and confidence, we prepare young people not just for careers, but for life.

Mission Statement:

To provide transformative opportunities for young people through sports, education, and holistic support.

Vision:

A world where every young person, regardless of background, has the tools to achieve their full potential.

2024 Goals:

Expand sports programs, strengthen partnerships, enhance mental health support.

As we close 2023 and reflect on the remarkable progress of the Steve Browne

Foundation, I am overwhelmed with pride and gratitude for the achievements we have accomplished together. This year has been a testament to the power of collaboration, dedication, and shared purpose, all driven by our collective commitment to empowering young people. To our trustees, volunteers, donors, and partners – thank you. Your unwavering support has been the cornerstone of our mission. It is through your contributions that we have been able to impact lives, inspire change, and provide young people with the opportunities they deserve. This year, we reached over 1,200 young participants through transformative sports programs, delivered essential educational workshops to 500 students, and offered over 1,000 hours of mental health support. These numbers are more than statistics – they represent young lives forever changed, barriers broken, and futures brightened.

2023 also marked 5 years of our unwavering dedication to supporting young people. Over this time, we have not only championed their development in sports and education but also equipped them with the skills, confidence, and opportunities needed to thrive in life. From enabling career pathways to helping them achieve their aspirations, our young people continue to make a tangible difference in their communities and beyond – a living legacy of the work we do together.

As we look ahead to 2024, we are inspired to build on this momentum. Our vision is bold:

To expand our reach, ensuring no young person is left behind.
To launch innovative resources, such as a mobile app offering educational and mental health support.
To strengthen corporate partnerships, providing young people with career pathways that align with their aspirations.

These goals are ambitious, but they are necessary. Together, we will continue to break down barriers, create opportunities, and inspire the next generation to believe in their limitless potential. Thank you for being an integral part of our journey. Your support fuels our mission and transforms lives. I am proud of the progress the charity has made and look forward to what we will achieve in 2024

SBrowne

CHAIRPERSON REPORT

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Our Approach
Our distinctive approach combines sport,
education, and employability to create a
comprehensive and impactful service
offering.
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Our distinctive approach combines sport, education, and employability to create a comprehensive and impactful service offering.

The integration of sport, education, and employability creates a transformative framework to reset and rebuild the trajectory of a young person’s life. Unemployment, . low educational attainment, and poor physical and mental health are significant barriers that negatively impact life chances and life expectancy. Research highlights the urgency of addressing these challenges: youth unemployment doubles the risk of mental health issues such as anxiety and depression, while individuals with fewer qualifications are three times more likely to face long-term unemployment. Additionally, physical inactivity is linked to 1 in 6 deaths in the UK, underscoring the critical need for engaging and accessible sports programs.

Our mission-driven model directly tackles these barriers by equipping young people with practical skills, resilience, and self-confidence. Through structured programs, we provide opportunities to overcome their circumstances, enabling them to access new paths filled with options, choices, and opportunities for a better future. Research demonstrates the effectiveness of holistic approaches like ours; young people with access to integrated support are 50% more likely to secure employment or continue further education within six months.

By combining sport to build teamwork and discipline, education to enhance qualifications and career readiness, and mental health support to foster well-being, we deliver a powerful and proven strategy to transform young lives. This model not only changes individual trajectories but also strengthens communities, creating a ripple effect of positive, long-term impact.

Key Achievements

We tackle the root causes of inequities—like the education and skills gap— empowering young people not just to participate in society, but to thrive and lead.

Our key programs, Aspire 2 B Sports & Activity Program and the Aspire 2 B

Employability program have spearheaded the support and gaps

Over 1200 young people participated in our programs last year.
A 68% increase in participants reporting improved confidence and self-esteem.
Stories like Alicia, “I was motivated to apply for my first job because of this program! keep going”.

Impact:

1000+ hours of support
32% of participants pursued higher education, jobs, or mentorship roles as a result of attending or programs
9 partnerships formed with local schools, employers, and community groups.
•Participant Feedback: 90% increased confidence, 85% improved mental health.

Growth Metrics: 40% increase in participation

Sports Programs:

15 events, 1,200+ participants,

Mentorship & well-being support

New mentorship program, created with school partnerships.

100+ hours of mental health and mentoring support

Education Initiatives:

Workshops for 220 students,

Free School uniform giveaway

We proudly stood alongside families in need, providing critical support through our free school uniform giveaway. In an extraordinary effort to ease financial burdens, we distributed over 1,200 pieces of uniform to children across our community. Each item symbolised opportunity, confidence, and a fresh start for students walking into the classroom ready to learn and succeed. By addressing this essential need, we not only alleviated stress for struggling families but also reinforced our commitment to equity.

Impact stories

Restoring Confidence Through Support

Jade, a 15-year-old, joined the Steve Browne Foundation after struggling with

low self-esteem and bullying at school. Participating in our programs, she developed her communication skills and rediscovered her confidence. Through our free uniform giveaway, Jade received everything she needed to feel proud walking into school again. She shared, “The Foundation didn’t just give me a uniform—they gave me my confidence back.” Now, Jade is excelling in her studies and even mentoring younger participants

From the Sidelines to the Spotlight

12-year-old Jamal was a shy and reserved student who struggled with low self-confidence. When he joined the Aspire 2 B Sports and Activity Program, he discovered his love for football. Through team-building exercises and mentorship, Jamal grew not only as a player but also as a leader on and off the field. Today, he’s captain of his school’s football team, and his teachers say he’s more engaged and self-assured. Jamal shared, “I used to doubt myself, but now I feel like I can achieve anything.”

Aspire 2 B Sports and Activity Program-Finding Purpose Through Teamwork

Tasha, a 16-year-old struggling with social anxiety, joined the Aspire 2 B Sports and Activity Program at her mother’s encouragement. Initially hesitant, she began participating in team sports and discovered her talent for leadership. Over time, Tasha gained confidence and became a volunteer assistant coach. She shared, “I never thought I’d feel like I belonged anywhere. Now, I’m helping others feel included.” Tasha’s experience inspired her to pursue a career in sports coaching, and she is now volunteering at community events to mentor younger children.

Aspire 2 B Employability Program - From Uncertainty to Career Clarity

At 17, Maria was unsure about her career path. She joined the Aspire 2 B Employability Program, where she learned CV writing, interview skills, and how to communicate effectively. After completing the program, Maria secured a work placement at a local company. She shared, “This program gave me the tools and confidence to chase my dreams.” Today, Maria is on . track for a career in marketing and volunteers to mentor other young people in the program

Our finances

Financial Overview (2023-24)

• Income Highlights:

Total income for the year 2023-4 amounted to £ 17876.26 derived from donations, charitable services, and fundraising activities.
Restricted funds accounted for 13.71%, supporting specific projects like Derby Enrichment program], while unrestricted funds supported general operational costs.

• Expenditure Overview:

Total expenditure was £16268.46, with 70.24% allocated to charitable activities and 29.76%] to support costs..
Key investments included project delivery for The Aspire 2 B Programs and infrastructure development to support future growth.

• Reserves:

The charity-maintained reserves of £1500, representing in line with our reserves policy.

INCOME

DONATIONS	CHARITABLE SERVICES	FUNDRAISING
£14070.00	2450.00	£1356.26
	TOTAL	17876.26

EXPENDITURE

SUPPORT COST	CHARITABLE SERVICES
£1954.57	£4613.89
	TOTAL	£6568.46

The following page illustrates the progress already made in 2024-25 due to the planning and strategies to expand our support and attract income to do so. Please see management accounts on next page.

Management Accounts 2024 to date

Overview of Fundraising Efforts in the Past Year

The trustees are delighted to report that we have made remarkable progress in strengthening our charity’s financial position over the last nine months of the tax year. Thanks to the tireless efforts of our team, strategic initiatives, and the unwavering support of our donors and partners, we have been able to secure essential funding that has allowed us to further our mission.

This increased income has enabled us to significantly enhance the services we offer, directly impacting the lives of the young people and communities we support. Key achievements include:

Expansion of Programs : We are introducing new certified programs covering financial literacy, employability skills, communication, and leadership. These initiatives have empowered young people with practical tools to improve their confidence, self-esteem, and career prospects.
Broader Reach : With additional funds, we expanded our reach to more diverse communities, ensuring that our programs are accessible to those most in need, particularly from low socioeconomic backgrounds.
Improved Resources : We upgraded facilities, provided better learning materials, and offered more comprehensive mental health and well-being support, ensuring that young people receive holistic care and opportunities to thrive.
Community Engagement : Our fundraising has supported key community events, fostering inclusion and offering young people a platform to showcase their skills in areas like event management, sports coaching, and DJing.

These accomplishments are a testament to the generosity of our supporters, including individuals, , and grant-making organisations. Notably, the Fore Foundation, along with other vital contributors, played a pivotal role in enabling our growth and the sustainability of our programs.

As we approach the end of the tax year, we remain committed to diversifying our income streams and forging new partnerships to ensure our long-term stability. The past year has been a period of growth and impact, and we are deeply grateful for the collective effort that has allowed us to change so many lives for the better.

Together, we look forward to continuing this momentum and making an even greater difference in the year ahead.

Management Financial overview

	DONATIONS	FUNDRAISING	CHARITABLE SERVICES	GRANTS
INCOME	£1215	£7366.70	£20965.20	£64800
TOTAL				£94,346.90

Future strategy

Strategic Priorities:

Expand Areas of Support: Broaden the scope of our programs to reach underserved communities, including rural areas, ensuring equitable access to our services.
Launch Mobile App: Introduce an innovative digital platform providing educational resources, mental health support, and employability tools, making our services accessible anytime, anywhere.
Strengthen Corporate Partnerships: Build new collaborations with industry leaders to create tailored career pathways, offering mentorship, internships, and job placements for young people.
Align Programs with Skills Builder Framework and a recognised bodies certification: Ensure all programs are rooted in the universally recognised Skills Builder competencies, enhancing their credibility and impact.

Improve community outreach by 25%

Rebrand the charity with aligned aims

Increase corporate partnership by 20%

Proposed Systemic Impact:

Reduce Youth Unemployment: Equip young people with the skills, confidence, and opportunities to secure meaningful employment, contributing to a measurable reduction in unemployment rates within our program areas.
Policy Influence Through Advocacy: Leverage insights and success stories from our work to advocate for policy changes, ensuring a ripple effect that benefits future generations by addressing root causes of youth disadvantage.

Expand the Aspire 2 B Program

Increase funds attraction by 25%

Breaking Cycles of Poverty: By integrating employability, education, and well-being, create long-term systemic change that breaks intergenerational cycles of poverty and disadvantage.
Community Uplift: Strengthen communities by fostering a generation of skilled, confident, and engaged young people who actively contribute to their local areas.

Leverage data insights to measure outcomes

----- Start of picture text -----
OUR MISSION OUR VISION
Using sport and education, A society in which all young
SPORT EDUCATION
we help young people into people have the opportunity
work. a
of secure employment and
GROWTH brighter future.
WELL
CAREER
BEING
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Our Values for our strategy

Blended Approach : By integrating sport, education, career, and wellbeing, we create a holistic framework for personal and professional growth.

Impact : This blend nurtures well-rounded individuals

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SPORT
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W e use sport to build teamwork, discipline, and confidence, fostering .
physical and mental well-being
W e use sport to build teamwork,
discipline, and confidence, fostering .
physical and mental well-being

EDUCATION

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.
physical and mental well-being
•
We connect young people to career
Career opportunities, enhancing
employability and inspiring future
•
We prioritise mental health and self-
esteem, helping young people develop
resilience and a positive mindset.. Well-Being
Inclusion : Our approach ensures every young person,
regardless of their background, can achieve their potential.
Community : Through this strategy, we build stronger, more
connected communities
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W hy we do what we do

The work of the Steve Browne Foundation addresses the

interconnected challenges faced by young people from low :. socio-economic backgrounds. Research highlights key correlations between these challenges

1. Low Socio-Economic Backgrounds and Educational Attainment

Young people from disadvantaged families are 18 months behind peers by GCSEs.
Limited educational attainment reduces access to employment, perpetuating cycles of disadvantage.
Unemployment and Mental Health o 37% of unemployed youth report mental health challenges, including anxiety and depression.
Employment not only improves financial stability but also provides a sense of purpose and community.
Lack of Extracurricular Participation and Opportunity Gaps
Only 39% of low-income youth participate in extracurricular activities, compared to 71% of wealthier peers.
Engagement in such activities is linked to improved confidence, skills, and wellbeing.

Exclusion, Crime, and Sports as a Positive Outlet

Excluded youth are five times more likely to engage in criminal activity.
Sports provide an alternative to anti-social behaviour, with research indicating that areas with strong youth sports programs experience up to 25% reductions in youth crime rates.
Through structured sports programs, young people develop a sense of belonging and accountability, reducing the likelihood of exclusion and criminal behaviour.

Addressing the Cycle

The Foundation’s programs break this cycle by:

Supporting employability to reduce unemployment and its mental health toll.
Increasing access to extracurricular activities to bridge opportunity gaps.
Mentoring and skill-building to reduce school exclusions and involvement in crime. Using Sport as a tool to attract young people to support their well being and galvanise their aspirations

By addressing these issues holistically, the Foundation empowers young people to achieve better life outcomes and creates lasting community impact.

Where we focus our efforts Enfield Bamet artow Redbrldge Havering Hillingdon • Wounslow aodsworth Bexley e•15h Mertqb" . Sutton Bromley Croydon Least Deprived M(k5t Deprived Economic Deprivation Index. We focus our support in hotspot areas of deprivation because these communities face the most significant barriers to opportunity and well-being. In areas with high levels of socio-economic disadvantage, such as Waltham Forest Hackney, Barking & Dagenham, and Newham, young people are disproportionately affected by povety, unemployment and limited access to resources. These challenges contribute to lower educational attainment, higher rates of youth crime, and poor mental health outcomes. By targeting these areas, we can address systemic inequalities and provide tailored interventions where they are most needed. Our programs aim to break cycles of deprivation by fostering skills, confidence, and opportunities, empowering young people to create briqhter futures for themselves and their communities. Where we focus our effort5 14

Steve Browne Foundation

For further information www.stevebrownefoundation.co.uk info@stevebrownefoundation.co.uk

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