AGM Report 2024-25
www.thewayzyouth.co.uk
Annual General Meeting 11th July 2025
----- Start of picture text -----
“ Creating Opportunities for Youth Development ”
----- End of picture text -----
About The Wayz...
The Wayz Youth Centre is a fun, safe and welcoming place for young people from across Bracknell Forest to attend, with a range of engaging programmes and opportunities supporting young people and adults from 8-25yrs These young people attend in order to enjoy and partake in leisure time activities, as well as gain the opportunity to try new things. We feel our role is to support and empower them through their own development; through a consistent and positive pathway of new opportunities, challenges, experiences, training, self–reflection and awareness. All of which is designed to develop each young person in regards to their own needs and aspirations. This provides an arena to help support young people gain the confidence and understanding when dealing with current issues and challenges in their lives.
Centre-Based - Juniors, Inters, Seniors, Chillout, Hangout, Young Carers, Bike Project, Great Holland Session, Great Holland drop-in sessions, Day Camps, and 13-17yr old provision
Volunteer and Community— Training, weekly support and workshops
Mobile Youth Hub - Schools and the street-based / community Programmes,
Youth Support - One-to-one support in school and the community
The Wayz has continued as an offer which enables and empowers young people to engage and take ownership of a number of responsibilities. The young people continue to drive the programmes which are important to them. Through activities and informal discussions, the young people contribute in identifying topics and create a programme which helps tackle the challenges but also offers opportunities for young people to attend and have fun. Through discussions the young people have held individually, or as a collective, they have identified their own focus areas; as well as the impact on the community around them. This promotes engagement and prevents young people being excluded from the group or programme. The Wayz strongly believes young people have interests so it is important to encourage them to exercise that interest in some form which integrates the group, benefits and supports their personal, social and educational development. Our offer has allowed our team, young people and community to witness some great events, activities and contributions from our young people and supporters. This community engagement and support strengthens both opportunities for our young people but also the community around them. We hope that this highlights the potential to other young people and community stakeholders of the opportunities which are/can be offered by The Wayz and its young people.
Management Trustees and Committee
David Seward (Chair), Bianca Askew-Gallipoli (Vice Chair), Brian Coxhall (Treasurer), Carol Staniford (Trustee),
Staff Team
Paige Reeve, Sue Tabor, Mia McCreesh, Chelsea Piggott, Khaled Al-Qudah, Leah Gater, Bhakti Gohel, Laure Amelie-Price, Danielle Dias, Mitch Noble and Gareth Mepham
2
The Wayz 2024-25
----- Start of picture text -----
972 5069
Young people
Session Engagements
engaged in offer
1781
Detached Engagement
1756
School
Engagements
25
Volunteers Youth Volunteers
289
Holiday YP
“Creating Opportunities for Youth Development”
----- End of picture text -----
“Having The Wayz has been a huge support for me, I have done so much and feel much happier ”
3
Chair of Trustees Report
It gives me great pleasure to present this year’s Chairman’s report, reflecting on another successful and dynamic year for The Wayz. The past year has been one of growth, opportunity, and development, showcasing our commitment to providing high-quality services and opportunities for young people in Bracknell and the surrounding areas.
Programmes and Activities
We have continued to expand our programmes, reaching more young people than ever before. New partnerships have been established to support young people with Special Educational Needs (SEN), ensuring that our services are inclusive and accessible. Our holiday programmes have grown in popularity, offering a diverse range of activities that engage and inspire.
Throughout the year, we have provided a variety of sessions and activities, including holiday programmes, volunteering opportunities, and special events. These initiatives have not only enriched the lives of young people but have also strengthened their skills, confidence, and sense of community.
Community Engagement
The community aspect of our work has flourished, highlighted by events such as the Fun Days and the “Summer of Fun” programme. These events brought people together, celebrated our community spirit, and showcased the positive impact of youth work in Bracknell. We remain committed to making The Wayz a hub for community connection and youth engagement.
Staffing
This year saw some changes in our staffing team. We said farewell to several holiday programme staff who contributed significantly to our success, and we thank them for their dedication. At the same time, we welcomed new staff members who have already made a great impact, bringing fresh ideas and enthusiasm to the team. Our existing staff continue to develop their skills through training and professional development opportunities. Notably, Paige completed her Level 4 qualification in Youth Work Practice, an achievement that reflects her hard work and commitment to excellence. We are incredibly proud of her and all our team members who strive to improve their practice.
Partnerships
Partnerships remain at the core of our work. We have continued to collaborate with key agencies, including the Local Safeguarding Children Board (LSCB) and community safety organisations, further building The Wayz as a trusted and recognised brand for youth work in Bracknell. Our work with Crowthorne has also progressed, ensuring young people in this area benefit from our expertise and programmes.
We are delighted to see Silva homes get involved again, exploring new opportunities to support young people. Their commitment to fostering volunteerism and leadership development among young people is a promising avenue that we are excited to pursue further.
Support from Berkshire Youth
Berkshire Youth has been a steadfast supporter, contributing significantly to our ability to deliver impactful services. The spring and summer of 2023 saw a remarkable increase in opportunities through the Safer Street programmes, which provided centre-based, community-based, and activity-based options for young people. The efforts of The Wayz team have not gone unnoticed, with Bracknell Town Council committing to continued support for our detached youth work. This strengthened partnership has enhanced our already positive relationship and allowed us to broaden our reach and impact.
Looking Ahead
As we reflect on the achievements of the past year, we also look ahead with optimism. Our focus remains on providing innovative and inclusive opportunities for young people while strengthening our partnerships and community connections. Together, we will continue to make The Wayz a beacon for youth work in Bracknell and beyond.
In closing, I extend my heartfelt thanks to our staff, volunteers, partners, and supporters. Your dedication and passion make everything we achieve possible. Here’s to another year of success and impact.
David Seward
4
Youth Worker’s Report
Throughout this period we have developed our partnership working, collaboration with young people and services to optimise our capacity, and access for young people. Working together we have introduced new sessions at The Wayz and Great Hollands, new resources for our community work and a revitalised volunteer and leadership programme. This has enable
Centre Based
Working with young people through our evening sessions, holiday schemes and activities programmes.
Schools Programmes
Focused programmes to support groups in school, including Youth Achievement Awards, Fusion.
Mobile Youth Hub
Support in schools and the community, offering detached and 1:1 support, working in partnership
Volunteer and Community
Creating opportunities for young people to learn and apply skills and training into their community
972 Different Young People (85% increase on previous year)
5069 Sessional engagements (26% increase on previous year)
1781 Community-based engagements (95% increase on previous year)
289 Young People in School holidays (48% increase on previous year)
Our weekly offer of sessional has continued, with each session having a range of activities available through a youth-led programme. Each session provides opportunities such as; cooking, consoles, sports, topical support around safety, relationships, managing emotions, confidence and achievements. Each programmes is delivered and monitored to achieve development within six socio-emotional skills; Empathy, Initiative, Emotion Management, Teamwork, Responsibility and Problem Solving.
Alongside each session there has been a range of activities available which have included Go-Karting, camping, beach, escape rooms, London trips, swimming, ice-skating, paddle sports, meals out and many more.
We have seen an increase in all engagements throughout the year. Young people taking on more opportunities and our offer reach more young people.
A huge thank you to Bracknell Forest Council to working with us to introduce a new project through Lottery funding supporting positive activities for young people. These new projects started in November 2024 and have offered extended opportunities for young people to learn skills but also direct their time to positive activities and trusted adults.
5
Youth Worker’s Report
Volunteer and Community
Thanks to Abri for supporting our volunteer and leadership programme. We have been able to offer more training workshops for the new and existing young people involved. Through engaging with this, young people have felt like they can take and have enjoyed more responsibility. During the year, young people have completed leadership training, awareness of Safeguarding, activity workshops, along with team building challenges.
25 Volunteers through programme
100% of volunteers felt they had increased in skills and confidence.
11 Volunteers have completed a Leadership ASDAN award.
Mobile Youth Hub
Our work in schools have grown hugely in this year, we have seen more young people supported through 1:1 youth support, as well as this we have incorporate group work sessions through our Fusion programme, along with a new SPARK programme. 80 YP completed SPARK. Young people have also benefitted from having a youth working in schools to drop-in too. A big part of this schools work is giving young people a voice in and out of the school day, working with teacher and professional to ensure a network of support is there when needed.
We have seen young people with increase school engagement, improved behaviour and self belief.
Community and Partners
It has been a huge year for community work. Working with partners we have been able to support young people and the community with a range of activities. Through holidays we saw the increased engagement through Summer of Fun events, street-based work across Bracknell and Crowthorne, including structured community sports. We have also supported a range of community events including carnivals, shopping events, town centre events. As well as this we have re-directed our safe space sessions into holiday programme in the centre of the Great Holland community.
A highlighted event was the Bracknell Bike and Scooter competition which was held at Mill Pond Skate Park, in partnership with Bracknell Town Centre.
As well as this we had a hugely successful Community Fun Day in July 2024 with over 500 people attending throughout the afternoon to engaged in fun and friendly activities, whilst supporting our offer.
Huge Thank you to Bracknell Town Council and Crowthorne Parish Council for supporting our work with valuable fund, along with community safety and other partners to help optimise the resource and awareness of community needs.
6
Theory of Change 11 Ii'il
Accounts
| 2024-25 Income £ 169,018.02 Expenditure £ 175,871.58 Inc/Exp -£ 6,853.56 |
2024-25 Income £ 169,018.02 Expenditure £ 175,871.58 Inc/Exp -£ 6,853.56 |
|---|---|
| Income | £ 169,018.02 |
| Expenditure | £ 175,871.58 |
| Inc/Exp | -£ 6,853.56 |
| Income | |
|---|---|
| Grants | £ 71,784.39 |
| Programmes | £ 71,409.50 |
| Hall Hire | £ 14,465.00 |
| Cofee Bar | £ 4,577.01 |
| Other | £ 6,782.12 |
We saw a BFC grant of 71032.85 along with Programme Support through Bracknell Town Council an Crowthorne Parish Council. We received further money for Targeted Youth Support and the introduction of the new Lottery project.
Hall Hire remains a significant contributor of income with a focus to increase this moving forward.
| Expenditure | |
|---|---|
| Programmes & Salary | £ 125,168.12 |
| StafCost | £ 4,717.93 |
| Building | £ 28,622.26 |
| Cofee Bar | £ 2,859.51 |
| Other | £ 13,752.22 |
In expenditure you will see the majority of expenditure is toward providing the range of activities for young people. As a focus on providing safe and positive spaces for young people we are please to see that 71.5% of our expenditure is going on planning, delivery and monitoring of these programmes and opportunities.
There has been an increase in building due to utilities, insurance and general costs
8
Accounts TWO RIVERS ALCOVN'I"ANCY Independent examlner¥ reportio the Trumees of The Wa I report on the accounts the charTrty for thÈ year ended 31K March 2025. Respe¢tive responsibilitles of tvustees examlner The charity's trustee5 are re5ponslble foT the preparation of the accounts. The charity's trustees £onsiderthat a dit is not requlred for thls year under section 144121 of the CharItS Art 2011 Ithe 2011 Attl that an independent examination Is needed. It Is my responslbility to= exan)Ine the accounts under section 145 of the 2011 A£t." to follow the procedures laid down in the General Directions glven by the Charlty Comrnlsslon under sectioTr 14515llbl of the 2011 Act,- and to state whether particular matter5 have come to my attentlon. B15 of Independent e¥amlnees report My examination was carried out In aciordance with the General Dlrertions given by the Charity Commi$5ion. An examination includes a revlew of the accountlng records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with ihose records. It also include5 conslderatlon of any unusual iterns or disclosures in the account5, and the seeking of explanations frorn you as trustees concernlng any such matter5. The proiedijres undertaken do not provide all the evidente that would be requlred in an audlt and, consequeniiy nD opinion 15 given as to whetherthe accounts present a 'true and fair view, and the report is Ilrnited to those matter5 sei out in the statement below. i#dependent txamlnef$ $tatemeni In connettion wlth my examlnation, no matter has Come to my attention.. which gNes me reasonèble cause to believe thèt, in any maierial respect. the reqvirements: to keep accountin8 records in accordance wlth 5ettion 130 of the 2011 Act,. and to prepare accounts whlch accord With the 4ccounting record5 and to comply with the accounting reoulreTnent5 of thE 2011 Act have not beEn fflet,. or 2. to whlch, In my oplnion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached. Delia Allott FCCA Two River5 Accountancy 38 Eton Wick Road Eton Wick Wind50r Berkshire Oore.. B1? Witk I{¢). F.?11 WA. Wi#dsDT. IlerkJl?iii. SL4 6JL -33¢}y?y E llo.1tFriT&)LX..I)UntsL7g.Lo.Ik WWw.tworivtrs&cU¢IM.Cts.k cc
Gareth Mepham
Area Youth and Community Worker
E: gareth@thewayzyouth.co.uk
T: 07928 816 186
The Wayz Youth Centre Calfridus Way
Bracknell Berkshire RG12 9ET
T: 01344 483596
www.thewayzyouth.co.uk Registered Charity No. 1181340
Acknowledgements and how to get involved
As a centre, The Wayz is highly reliant on community investment and genuine support towards our intentions, focus and young people. When I refer to investment it is obvious financial investment is reassuring, however it is often the investment in people’s time and openness to work with us and commit to our young people. The Wayz has made a great impact towards the community and young people over the years, with each year getting stronger. Whilst we hope for this to continue I think it is important we recognise the contributions made over the past 12 months.
-
Berkshire Youth
-
Bracknell Forest Council
-
Bracknell Town Council
-
Crowthorne Parish Council
-
Abri
-
Cadence
-
Rotary Club of Easthampstead
As our offer moves forward we welcome support and input from others to ensure the quality on offer to young people. If you would like to be involved in supporting us, we are very happy to explore this with any individual or organisation that may have something to offer our projects. We are very proud of our members, volunteers, staff and supporters and are excited moving forward. For more information please refer to the contact details above.
“ Creating Opportunities for Youth Development ”
10