2025-03-31-accounts

Annual Report and Accounts 01.04.2024 – 31.03.2025

Romsey Young Carers

Helping Young Carers Thrive, Not Just Survive

1182278

Romsey Young Carers

Trustees’ Annual Report Charity Number: 1182278 Reporting Period: 1 April 2024 – 31 March 2025

1. Objects

The object of the CIO is to help children and young people residing in the area known as Southern Test Valley, whose lives are affected by looking after; supporting; or living with someone who has a disability; is misusing drugs or alcohol; or who has a long-term illness (physical or mental) by:

• Identifying needs.

• Providing support and services to relieve those needs; and

• Gathering and disseminating information.

• Work in partnership with others to identify and fill gaps in provision, which could benefit young carers and their families.

• Enabling members of the public to volunteer, and or raise funds for the charity, to use to achieve its objectives.

From a parent supported by RYC to attend a family activity with the whole family “There’s no way I could have made this happen without RYC, You guys made this happen for my little family, I’ve not laughed like I am today in years”

2. Trustees

The Trustees shall manage the affairs of the CIO and may for that purpose exercise all the powers of the CIO. There must be a minimum of three Trustees, who are appointed for three years, agreed at a properly convened meeting of the charity trustees. When selecting individuals for appointment the existing trustees must have regard to skills, knowledge, and experience for the effective administration of new Trustees for the CIO

3. Reserves Policy

The Trustees have a responsibility to only spend Restricted Funds on activities designated by the donor. Any unrestricted Funds can be used at the discretion of the Trustees if it is within the objects of the Charity. In line with the Charity Commissions guidelines the Trustees have agreed to maintain 9-12 months running costs to ensure that the children, young people and their families are supported in the event of the Charity not receiving on going funding.

4. Achievements and Performance

This year was one of growth, resilience, and celebration for Romsey Young Carers. From large community events to one-to-one support, every activity was designed to give young carers the recognition, joy, and support they deserve.

Referrals and Family Support

• 173 active young carers supported.

• Referrals increasingly include younger siblings of existing carers , widening family support.

• Parent engagement events – paint nights, coffee mornings, and cupcake decorating – strengthened family connections.

• 45 families received £100 supermarket vouchers through the Household Support Fund.

• Safeguarding remained a key priority, with concerns addressed swiftly and referrals made to ensure young people’s safety.

Respite Activities

Our programme of activities gave young carers the chance to take a break, build friendships, and just enjoy being young.

Season Highlights:

• Easter – Egg Hunt, Nando’s outing, animation workshops.

• Summer – Young Carers Festival, Dream Night, Cameron’s Cottage, Beaulieu Motor Museum, Longdown Farm, Golden Gecko, New Forest Water Park, SWAC Water Activities Day.

• Autumn – Sailing course, Cook day, Gym Sessions (Big Sister Project, Dance Workshop).

• Winter – Light Up Trail, Marie Louise Panto, Christmas Party with 100+ attendees , Olympic weightlifting trial.

• Spring – Minstead residential, Winchester Science Centre, bowling, swimming crash course, Ocean Youth Trust sail training.

Youth Clubs and Regular Respite

• 60 Youth Club sessions delivered, totalling 84.5 hours

• of respite .

• Clubs were restructured to better suit ages and needs,

• including a re-established Moving On group for 16+ .

• Sessions included themed workshops, student-led

• activities, and visits from partners such as Yellow Door.

Parent discussing the impact of RYC. “Yr 4 she joined RYC, she deserves a break, I’m so pleased she is switching off and getting chance to just be her awesome self”

School Engagement

• 78 school sessions delivered across 9 schools (fortnightly and monthly).

• 83.5 hours of direct school support for young carers.

• New partnership with King Edward School (Southampton) .

• Development of a three-tier support package for schools.

• Assemblies, transition picnics, and awareness workshops expanded reach.

• Revised “Unsinkables” programme rolled out successfully.

Quote from a young person who attended a series of school support sessions. “Being part of the school group has not only been so much fun but as also taught me to put life in perspective. I can now manage difficult situations and adapt. I am a lot more resilient than I was”.

Residential Trips

Residentials remain a cornerstone of our work, giving young carers unforgettable experiences and time to recharge.

This year included:

• Young Carers Festival

• Cameron’s Cottage

• Honeypot House

• Rotary Residential

• RSYC Sailing Courses and Regatta

• Ocean Youth Trust sail training

Volunteers

Volunteers are at the heart of RYC.

• 32 volunteers contributed across clubs, outings, and befriending.

• 6 active befrienders provided consistent one-to-one support.

• A new rota system improved organisation.

• Recruitment drives brought in DofE students and recent graduates .

• Plans are in place to launch an Ambassador Programme , recognising contributions of ex-young carers.

5. Public Benefit

The trustees confirm that Romsey Young Carers complies with the Charities Act 2011 in demonstrating public benefit.

All services subsidised and accessible to any eligible young carer who has been referred and is living in or attending school in the southern Test Valley Area regardless of background or circumstance.

6. Structure, Governance and Management

Romsey Young Carers is a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) governed by a board of trustees. Trustees meet quarterly and oversee strategy, compliance, and safeguarding.

Operations are delivered by a dedicated staff team , supported by volunteers.

Trustees are recruited for their skills and experience and are fully involved at all levels of the charity.

7. Risk Management

Key risks and mitigations include:

• Funding sustainability → diversifying income and applying for multi-year grants, whilst expanding local fundraising activities and awareness raising.

• Safeguarding & data protection → regular audits, training, and reporting systems review.

• Staff & volunteer capacity → recruitment drives, improved rotas, and volunteer training.

6. Fundraising and Income Generation

This year we were hugely grateful for the generosity of funders, donors, and the local community.

Highlights included:

• £20,000 – Awards for All (National Lottery)

• £6,500 – Charlotte Bonham Carter Trust

• £3,000 – Cash4Kids for summer provision

• £2,411 – “An Enchanted Evening” Ball

• £2,000 – Romsey Rotary (Young Carers Festival)

• £1,500+ – School contributions

• £900 – London Marathon (Izzy Richardson)

• £9,000 – Food vouchers distributed to families and clubs

7. Strategic Partnerships and Sector Engagement

Romsey Young Carers continues to play an active role locally, regionally, and nationally.

• Active member of the HYCA consortium , securing a 5-year Hampshire County Council contract.

• Represented at the Hampshire Chamber of Commerce Charity Forum .

• Engaged with actively with local business networks and partnership meetings raising awareness and generating funding.

• Attended the International Young Carers Conference , showcasing RYC’s innovative service delivery.

• Partnerships with Romsey Abbey, Turner Sims, RSYC Trust, and local schools strengthened community ties.

8. Future Plans

Looking ahead, we will:

• Strengthen school and health partnerships.

• Secure multi-year funding to ensure continuity.

• Continue measuring impact and sharing learning across the sector.

• Deliver training to partners, including the University of Southampton.

• Launch the Young Carers Ambassador Programme .

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INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF ROMSEY YOUNG CARERS I report to the Trustees on my examination of the accounts for the year ended 31 March 2025, which are set out in the Annual Report and Accounts. Responsibilities and basis of report As the Trustees of the charity, you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 ("the 2011 Act"). I report in respect of my examination of the charity's accounts carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act. In carrying out my examination I have followed the applicable directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145 (5)(b) of the 2011 Act. Independent examiner's statement I have completed my examination. I confirm that no matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respect: accounting records were not kept in respect of the charity as required by section 130 of the 2011 Act; or the accounts do not accord with those records; or the accounts do not comply with applicable requirements concerning the form and content of accounts set out in the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 other than any requirement that the accounts give a "true and fair view" which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination. I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached. Dated: 23 June 2025