2024-03-31-accounts - Sandwell Youth In Action

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Sandwell Youth in Action

Charity Registration Number: 1182971

Report of the Trustees and Unaudited Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 March 2024 for Sandwell Youth in Action

Sandwell Youth in Action - SYIA

1[st] Floor, 130 Cape Hill Smethwick West Midlands B66 4PH

Sandwell Youth in Action

Contents of the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 March 2024

	Page
Trustees' annual report	2
Independent examiner's report to the trustees	11
Statement of financial activities	12
Balance Sheet	13
Notes to the financial statements	14
The following pages do not form part of the financial statements
Detailed statement of financial activities	20

Sandwell Youth in Action

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

1. INTRODUCTION

The Trustees present their report with the financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31 March 2024. The trustees have adopted the provisions of Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2015).

1.1: EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Sandwell Youth in Action (SYIA) is a youth-led organisation from minority ethnic communities in Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council which stands for supporting young people to demand and deliver a just and sustainable society for all. It works to make sure young people have a voice, a living, have sexual rights and are leaders in preventing and solving the community’s challenges. It works in partnership with both local and national organisation in the delivery of its programmes to increase young people’s participation in decision making process from community to national level and provides capacity building training and raises awareness for youth on numerous issues including Sexual and Reproductive Health, Livelihood and Civic Participation, youth poverty, etc.

The group started on 27.03.2017 in Smethwick, Sandwell by a group of young people from different BME communities who were interested in bringing together BME children and young people from African, Asian, Caribbean, British, European, Americas, Middle Eastern, communities, in one platform to tackle the numerous problems faced by BME in the region.

The group took its inspiration from the positive thinking of Black Minority Ethnic group (BME) young people themselves who had initiated the project in response to the enormous needs and problems they face daily in the community. These needs and problems have been voiced and aired by young people during their informal meetings around a cup of tea, coffee, leisure places or sport settings. Example, groups of young people would meet at night to drink, play loud music, and graffiti the walls. Strained relationships between White and Black youths led to open conflict. In response to these emerging needs, the founders of SYIA have expressed the idea of organising young people into an active group to step forward to find solutions to the many problems faced by youth of colour. The creation of this group was then initiated to empower BME young people to play front line role to initiate positive change in their community.

The organisation is a registered charity (Charity No.: 1182971) set up to provide both general and one-to-one support to BME children, young people and young adults living in Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council (SMBC), West Midlands, UK to help them access a wide range of support services that facilitate their full participation in the community and enable them to develop or maintain their skills to live independently in the society.

1.2: REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS

Charity Name : Sandwell Youth in Action - (SYIA) Address: 1st Floor, 130 Cape Hill, Smethwick, West Midlands, B66 4PH Telephone number : 01215652612 Mobile: 07881563472 E-Mail : sandwellyouthinaction@gmail.com OR info@syia.org.uk Website : www.syia.org.uk

Legal status : Registered charity. Charity Number: 1182971

The Trustees

Mr Z P Kashindi Miss S Katanda Miss Z Ibrahimu Miss K Tumba

Charity Secretary

Mr Pena Walingamina

Bank Name & Address Unity Trust Bank PO Box 7193 Planetary Road

Sandwell Youth in Action

Willenhall WV1 9DG

Independent examiner

Godfrey Massa (Chartered Certified Accountant) 472A BEARWOOD ROAD SMETHWICK WEST MIDLANDS ENGLAND B66 4HA

1.3: ORGANISATION’S OBJECTS

The organisation’s main object as laid out in its governing document is to advance in life and relieve the needs of BME young people in particular, but not BME young people, living in Sandwell and the West Midlands through:

(a) The provision of recreational and leisure time activities provided in the interests of social welfare, designed to improve the conditions of life;

(b) Providing support and activities which develop their skills, capacities and capabilities to enable them to participate in society as mature and responsible individuals.

1.3: ORGANISATION’S AIM

The organisation's broad aim is to support disadvantaged young people living in Sandwell in their transitional journey from being a child or young person to a more independent adult in the society. In the process of supporting them to move on, the organisation helps young people to develop community projects which address challenging issues such as community cohesion, healthy living, conflict resolution, drug abuse, gambling dependency, alcohol abuse, unemployment, poverty, education, etc.

2: WHAT THE ORGANISATION DOES

Sandwell Youth in Action (SYIA) is a local organisation of young people who work to support disadvantaged young people from Birmingham and Sandwell. The organisation aims to give young people from the deprived wards of Birmingham and Sandwell equal opportunities in life regardless of personal circumstances. At SYIA:

We run an ABC Literacy Club i.e. a Homework club to support underachieving school children in literacy, numeracy and science

We run a Job Club to develop employability skills and opportunities among young people

We run a Drop-in Centre to provide support, advice and advocacy for disadvantaged and disengaged young

people

We deliver Community Sport and Physical Activity Sport to non-sporty young people

2.1: Our Vision

A service that provides a robust range of support from open access to specialised support, enabling children, young people and young adults (aged 8-25 years) to access what they need, when and where they need it so that they can reach their full personal, social and educational potential.

2.2: Our Mission Statement

Sandwell Youth in Action will make a positive difference to the lives and futures of the young people it supports. We will work with others to provide a quality service to ensure that all young people we support are enabled to lead independent and fulfilling lives through the provision of quality service. SYIA's support programme strives to change the lives of these vulnerable young people including refugees, migrants, asylum seekers, school dropouts, and the unemployed by helping them to discover and maximize their potential to the full.

SYIA’s mission is to help change the lives of disadvantaged young people by enabling them to achieve their goals & aspirations. Many of our young people have had their education disrupted and are not in education, employment or training. This leaves them with fewer opportunities, low self-esteem and increased vulnerability.

2.3: Our Values

Sandwell Youth in Action

Our values are Commitment; Optimism; Passion; Diversity & Equality; Flexibility & Adaptability:

Commitment - we are committed to attaining the best possible outcomes from the services we provide for our young people. Most of SYIA's work is carried out by dedicated volunteer young people with a constant support and supervision from the Coordinator.
Optimism - we remain optimistic about gaining positive results from our work. Most of our members are trained former mentors and mentees who have already made huge differences in their lives and the lives of others.
Passion - SYIA gives hope to the hopeless. It offers encouragement and motivates its service users to utilise their potentials fully. Our Volunteers enjoy supporting the most disadvantaged young people and work tirelessly to achieve results.
Diversity & Equality - SYIA is a very diverse organisation for children and young people offering support to almost 15 different ethnic groups in Sandwell and Birmingham. Equality is our core value. Ethnic and professional diversity of both service users and members is at the root of the organisation's sustainability. There is a great deal of mutual cultural learning taking place at all stages of mentoring relationships between service users and organisation's members and among Board members and volunteers who come from different cultural background. The range of the client groups varies from highly educated to non-educated, children and young, male young people and female young people, abled and disabled from different communities. The service users are as diverse as the members. We are inclusive in our provision of services, delivery of training and our methods of recruitment, selection and assessment. For those who cannot read and write in English we provide translator/interpreters and also utilise tape recording.
Flexibility & Adaptability - We are flexible to what we do and can change anytime without the need to follow strict set of process. We can change the situation to suit the needs of children without compromising safety.

3: ACHIEVEMENT AND PERFORMANCE

3.1: OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES OF THE CHARITY FROM APRIL 2023 TO MARCH 2024

For the period running from 1[st] April 2023 to 31[st] March 2024, Sandwell Youth In Action (SYIA) had a plan to organise a calendar of regular events and activities in line with its organisational objects.

3.2: SUMMARY OF THE MAIN ACHIEVEMENTS OF THE CHARITY DURING THE YEAR 2023/24

Over the past 12 months we have created and delivered a very varied set of projects, from sexual health to crime, from teenage parents to sport, all with the same aim of exposing the positive world to our children and young people and enabling them to live life to the full.

Core activities covered during the year (period April 2023- March 2024)

Over the last 12 months, we have provided support services to over 165 BME young people. The following main activities have been delivered during the year:

ACHIEVEMENTS

Here’s a roundup of what we’ve achieved over the last year (April 2023 – March 24).

A. WE RAN AN ABC LITERACY CLUB :

The ―ABC Literacy Club‖ is an after school project of Sandwell Youth in Action (SYIA). It is established to support poorly performing local refugee children aged 5-14 with one to one free tuition in challenging subjects (Maths, English & Science). It is a supplementary educational programme being delivered by Sandwell Youth in Action to bridge educational gaps among refugee children whose English is not their first language and it is incorporating STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) into children’s education using fun and practical activities to explore science concepts, workshops, nature walks, Play math games like Sudoku, chess, or logic puzzles. The club introduces refugee children to inspiring STEM role models. Participants share stories of scientists, engineers, astronauts, and inventors. They discuss different STEM careers and the impact they have on society.

The club encourages children to explore science concepts through hands-on experiments. Simple activities like making a volcano with baking soda and vinegar or growing crystals will ignite their curiosity. Building projects together, such as constructing a simple circuit, creating a solar-powered toy, or designing a paper airplane launcher inspire children to take up STEM subjects.

The refugee young people we work with are substantially behind at every educational Key Stage, which can result in low attainment levels, challenging behaviour, risk of exclusion and restricted opportunities in life/employment. To enable

Sandwell Youth in Action

them to thrive in education we run a number of Homework & Activity Clubs including: Junior Club (5-10 year olds), Senior Club (10-15s), GCSE Study Groups (15-16s) and Holiday Clubs (5-18s)

This project is being run by trained community volunteers (DBS cleared at enhanced level). It provides one-to-one mentoring of primary school children in Sandwell who are struggling with their literacy, numeracy and science assignments as a result of language barriers and not getting extra support from home (from parents or siblings).

In the last 12 months, this club helped 32 BME children of refugee background and their families who were regular attendants:

Weekly term-time clubs are an hour of educational support and an hour of informal learning activities such as
drama, sports, music, arts & craft and cookery. We recruit and train volunteers, and work in partnership with local organisations to provide high quality activities.

 GCSE study groups are supported by an experienced tutor and adult volunteers (many are teachers), and enable under-achievers with high potential to boost their learning and achieve the grades they need to take the next steps in their education.

 Holiday activities, particularly over the summer holidays, are a highlight and include visits to the seaside, museums, camping, rock-climbing and art classes. During summer’23 we supported 62 young people in 5 events/activities

Our 6 volunteers mentored these 32 regular children as they needed additional opportunities to read and access the joys of reading, improve their skills in numbers and improving their self-confidence and attitude to learning science.

The club ran weekly throughout the school year on Saturdays from 14.00 pm to 16.30 pm. It was office administered at 1st Floor, 130 Cape Hill, Smethwick, West Midlands, B66 4PH and delivered at 84A High Street, Smethwick, B66 1AQ.

The project, based in Smethwick, provided vulnerable and disadvantaged refugee children with the opportunity to participate in activities which would typically not be available to them as a result of poverty like paid tuition centres or social exclusion.

On-site activities included science topic experimentation in small group work, individual homework support, maths games, exploring the nature, reading books, etc. Off-site activities included visit to libraries and science museums, pursuits which the children otherwise would not have been able to access.

Success Story: Ali, 10

The benefits of this homework club are apparent. Students are attracted to a number of events and activities as well as the homework club.

Ali arrived in UK after 3 years in a Kenyan refugee camp at the age of 9 years with his mother and two sisters. His father died in the Congo conflicts. Three older brothers have been able to later join the family in UK. All family members have benefitted from attendance at this homework club. Ali was attracted to the ABC Literacy Club by indoor football. He says football did literarily “kick off “his attendance at the homework club and led him in to valuing learning. “A lot of us were isolated through language barriers and other things we didn’t want to talk about, but sport is a common language and that got me involved. From then, especially when Raphael arrived, I got attracted to the homework club.” He was attracted by the fact that “teachers (tutors) were available for me” and feels he benefitted enormously from their personal assistance. He puts his successful completion of secondary education down to the support he received from the homework club and the confidence it gave him at school. Ali is now studying and working part time and could not believe he has been asked to work as a tutor at his old homework club. “I could not believe I was asked to work here. I love this place; it has been like a home to me.” ( Names have been changed to ensure anonymity).

B. WE RAN A JOB CLUB

Our Job Club is a welcoming and inclusive space designed specifically for those young people seeking employment or progression. We understand the unique challenges our young people may be facing, and we are here to provide them with the guidance and tools they need to enter or progress in the workforce successfully.

Our Comprehensive offer during 2023/24 :

Sandwell Youth in Action

Supportive Community : SYIA helped 30 young people to join a community of young people who understand the challenges of being unemployed. The organisation helped these young people to connect with others to share experiences and learn from each other.
Job Search Resources : SYIA helped the 30 young people to gain access to a wealth of job listings, including both local and remote opportunities. We provided them with the tools to streamline their job search.
CV Assistance : Our staff offered guidance on producing CV’s and cover letters to make their applications stand out to potential employers.
Interview Preparation : Helped them to prepare for interviews with confidence through mock interview sessions. Received valuable feedback to enhance their performance in real interviews.
Skills Enhancement : Young people have participated in skill-building workshops and training to update and upgrade their skills and improve their employability.
Guest Speakers : Young people gained insights from guest speakers who shared their expertise on job market trends, industry-specific advice, and successful job search strategies.
Motivational Sessions : Young people stayed motivated throughout their job search journey with inspirational stories, success anecdotes, and motivational sessions.

The Job Club offered a variety of support and opportunities for young people to come together and learn new skills, have fun and improve their quality of life.

Success Stories

Balabebe’s story

Age 18

For many fresh-faced students, the transition from college to the working world can be daunting. It’s a time of uncertainty and questions about the future. For Balabebe, an 18-year-old with dreams of becoming an air host, the journey started with a zero-hour temporary contract at a supermarket. Little did he know that this stepping stone would lead him on an unexpected path to success, thanks to the guidance and support of Sandwell Youth in Action’s Job Club.

Balabebe’s initial opportunity, though temporary, offered a taste of employment. However, he soon realised that it wasn’t the pathway to his dream job as an air host. With qualifications that seemed to align with his goal, he found himself at a crossroads when that path was no longer available. Adding to the challenge was Balabebe’s battle with anxiety. This condition limited his options to only those opportunities within walking distance, making the job hunt even more challenging. That’s when Balabebe discovered Morris, his dedicated SYIA’s mentor.

Balabebe and Morris embarked on a journey to find not just any job but one that would suit Balabebe’s aspirations and address his anxiety. Together, they crafted a plan that involved up skilling and personal development to prepare Balabebe for the working world. Balabebe invested his time in several online courses, learning about customer service, hospitality, and administration. These courses not only expanded his skillset but also boosted his self-confidence. He became successful in securing positions in administration, reception work, and a security role at a local football club.

Through these opportunities, Balabebe learned to set boundaries, understand workplace dynamics, and most importantly, discover what he truly wanted from his career. Months passed, and with each experience, Balabebe’s resolve grew stronger.

Balabebe’s personal and professional growth was evident in his journey. He worked on his anxiety issues, which allowed him to consider job opportunities beyond his immediate vicinity. With the unwavering support of his mentor, Balabebe’s confidence soared.

Today, Balabebe has secured a permanent position that he never imagined he’d find himself in—social media! As he eagerly awaits his start date, he looks forward to entering the world of content creation and expanding his skillset even further.

“Morris is amazing! He helped me not only progress professionally, but he helped me develop personally. He was always patient, and he became someone that I could trust and depend on during my months of mentoring. I will always be thankful to him for helping me manage my anxiety and being my biggest fan at times of self-doubt. Thank you don!”

Belabebe’s journey is a testament to his own mantra. “Don’t settle, keep looking for opportunities that you think are right for you. Don’t be afraid to try something you are not familiar with, you just never know where it can lead you”.

Sandwell Youth in Action

His story is a reminder that, with the right guidance and a willingness to step out of one’s comfort zone, incredible achievements is possible.

C. WE RAN A DROP-IN CENTRE

Youth Support work is one of our core strengths and we put a massive amount of time, resources and energy into providing support and opportunities for the children and young people of Sandwell. This work has taken many different forms throughout the last 12 months; some have been consistent throughout, like the youth clubs, whereas other projects have been reliant on funding, staffing or resources.

Under the Drop-in programme, during April 2023 through March 2024, we have supported 57 young people and have great pleasure when we see them grow into responsible, caring and purposeful adults.

Achievements:

During 2023/24, the heart and soul of SYIA were focused on the children and young people in Sandwell and Birmingham, with the aim of broadening their horizons through a plethora of opportunities and unconditional support to help them through the difficulties they faced on a daily basis. We are a needs led organisation that builds positive, meaningful relationships with the children and young people. Through these relationships we are able to constantly adapt and develop our work to reflect the desires and dreams of those we are here to serve.

Our generic youth work during the year sought to enable groups of young people to increase the range of choices and opportunities available to them, in order that they may have new and diverse experiences and increase the influence that they can have in the decisions that affect their lives.

WELFARE BENEFITS & DEBT ADVICE

We provided free, confidential advice on any debt issue or benefit claim for young people in Sandwell and Birmingham. Our highly experienced advisers were able to guide and support young people through the financial difficulties they might have been experiencing. Over the past 12 months, we have reduced debt and increased benefit entitlements, supporting many young people mainly BME young people and families through the stress and pressures of financial poverty.

MONDAY DROP-IN

Every Monday we opened our doors and offered a safe space for young people to enjoy a cup of tea, socialise and make friends. Our team of brilliant volunteers also helped refugee young people practice and improve their English language skills through informal conversations. This built confidence, encouraged integration and increased their employability.

WEDNESDAY DROP-IN

Our Wednesday drop-in solely focused on informal English lessons. Some of our volunteers were retired languages

teachers. This was a great opportunity for our service users to improve their English and socialise.

FRIDAY DROP-IN

Led by volunteers and our staff, the drop-in was a place for young people to connect with a variety of organisations and resources.

Each week we organised for our service users to meet with relevant charities, statutory agencies, potential employers, and be signposted to specialist services.

Every other week there was an opportunity for young people to meet with a representative from the local authority for help with finding longer term accommodation.

The Friday drop-in was also the place where young people could meet older people from our TOY (Together Old and Young) project.

D. WE RAN YOUTH THRIVING MINDS

Sandwell Youth in Action

Our Youth Thriving Minds is a youth mental health support programme funded through UK Youth. The programme aims to boost the profile of the young people with mental health problems in Sandwell and Birmingham, making them known as a respected, loyal and helpful group of mature young adults. During the year under review, the programme supported 55 young people. A number of activities have been carried out during the year 2023/24:

OUTSIDE PROGRAMME

This programme was passionate about adventure and enabling children, young people and families to experience opportunities away from the community where they live. We have had the opportunity to attend attractions in Birmingham and further afield, a bug hunt in a forest, a BBQ on a beach, a ride on the train or a day on a farm – all of these experiences and many more were provided as part of a package of adventure and excitement, which in turns broadened young people’s horizons and opportunities.

RESIDENTIAL EXPERIENCE

During the year under review, The UK YOUTH FUND provided a wide variety of trips and residential experiences for young people (go camping and use youth hostels to spend time together and have new experiences).

We have been to a variety of venues around the UK and tried many new experiences such as surfing, trout fishing, midnight walks under the stars and cooking on real fires.

E. WE DELIVERED COMMUNITY SPORT AND PHYSICAL ACTIVITY SPORT

During the year, SYIA was active in running its ―Keeping Children and Young People Active through Sport & Physical Activities ” project , a Multi-Sport Club that brought 39 non-sporty BME children and young people from Sandwell and Birmingham aged 5 to 17 years-old closer to sported life. These were in majority refugee children and young people who were inactive and not participating in sport or physical activity sports delivered locally by local providers.

To continue celebrating the Birmingham Commonwealth Games 2022, we have developed partnerships with many different sports clubs and national governing bodies, to provide opportunities for our children and young people to experience 30 different sports. These sports include British Judo, British Cycling, Birmingham Moseley Rugby Club, WASPS Rugby, Aston Old Edwardians Rugby & Erdington Rugby and many more.

Working with these clubs and organisations has significantly increased the access to sports which would otherwise not be available to our children and young people.

Success Story: The Anselme’s story, Aged 21

Anselme first heard of SYIA Sport Club back in 2021 when he was only 19. Anselme used to go to his local Youth Club and this was when he started getting involved with youth-related activities. His passion for changing the lives of young people was born. Volunteers from SYIA’s Sport Club used to visit his local Youth Club when they introduced him to the work of SYIA Sport Club and he started getting involved with the programme from there and started participating in activities.

Anselme graduated from UCB in 2023 with a Sports Fitness Studies degree, after being recommended this course by SYIA. When first introduced to SYIA Sport Club, Anselme was doing his A Levels, which he was not enjoying.

“A dream of mine is to help younger people than me succeed in life through the power of sports-themed activities and mentoring. This is what helped me and I’d like to share that with the world and support more young people”

He has always wanted to work with young people and support them through sports-themed activities. For Anselme, working with SYIA Sport Club throughout the year was a way of connecting with like-minded young people who enjoy what he does.

“I am happier and a lot more organised now. I know how to manage my time effectively and I feel like I have learnt a lot about myself”

“SYIA SPORT CLUB HELPED ME FIND A DIRECTION. IT INTRODUCED ME TO JOB OPPORTUNITIES IN THE SPORTS INDUSTRY AND HELPED ME DEVELOP A STRONG PASSION AND DRIVE FOR SPORTS”

Sandwell Youth in Action

Anselme is passionate about sports, outdoor activities and socialising with his friends he has known for 3 years now through SYIA Sport Club’s activities.

“SYIA Sport Club helped me be able to lead a sports session confidently, become more work-ready and most importantlyit gave me various ideas of creative ways I could use to deliver and plan sessions”.

F. THE TOY PROJECT

The TOY ( T ogether O ld and Y oung) project delivered sporting activities and workshops that aimed at creating intergenerational fun memories between older and younger people. The project has supported individual older people through court processes, as well as many other issues like employment and financial challenges, relationships, gaining access to their children and even how to fulfil their role whilst in prison.

Some of the Activities Delivered:

 Befriending

Our Befriending and Conversation Sessions helped reduce loneliness and improved mental health, while helping the young people taking part to build their confidence, employability, and encouraging integration.

Befrienders were matched with their Befriendees based on their availability and interests. We introduced them to each other, and then between them they decided when to hold the classes, and what they wanted to cover in the 24-week period.

The TOY project ran several activities which ranged from community events and setting up a befriending scheme, to offering all kinds of social activities, groups, and initiatives such as basic IT- skills learning (e.g., setting up an email account, doing your shopping online, searching the internet safely, how to stay safe online, using YouTube, using Skype, using computer as a useful tool, etc.), chat to each other, plenty of opportunities for one-to-one interactions, playing table tennis, painting, exercise classes, English language conversation buddy, etc.. Throughout this period, the project helped to knit stronger ties between 22 children/young people and 28 older people in the local community

Achievements

The project has provided opportunities for both generations to interact around computer and internet lessons.
The project delivered bespoke activities to share collections (E. g. lived storytelling, etc.)
The project delivered engaging activities (E.g., wall activities & games, etc.
The project delivered Activity Workshops

Success story – Camile’s story, Age 21

Growing up in Sandwell, Camile faced academic struggles and mental health challenges that often left him feeling isolated. Despite these obstacles, he found his passion in performing arts during college, but further setbacks in university and personal life led him down a difficult path.

Between battling personal loss, a high rise in cost of living, and the demands of education, Camile’s mental health suffered, leading to a drinking problem and a sense of aimlessness. Reflecting on this tough period from 2022 to 2023, Camile admitted, “I was just existing, I wasn’t achieving anything. I wasn’t even my normal self.” However, Camile’s journey took a turn when he discovered SYIA’s TOY’s programme, a project that offered him much-needed support for both his physical and mental well-being. Initially hesitant but hopeful, Camile began weekly sessions with mentor Morris, where he found a safe space to unload his struggles and rebuild his confidence among young people of his age and the older generation with much needed life experience. “It was what I needed. It felt informal, I could take my mask off and be me,” Camile commented.

“Thanks toSYIA, I accomplished more in 2 months than I did in 2 years”. Engaging in various intergenerational sports sessions like moderate karate, boxing, and gym workouts not only improved his physical health but also expanded his social circle, providing much-needed camaraderie.

“TOY PROJECT WAS MY LIFE LINE. I FOUND MYSELF AGAIN”

Camile’s newfound confidence enabled him to pursue employment opportunities facilitated by SYIA. Enrolling in a security programme with G4S and Edgbaston Cricket Ground offered promising prospects for his future. “I can’t thank Morris enough for everything he has done for me. I will shout it from the rooftops if I have to,” Camile expressed gratefully.

Sandwell Youth in Action

Today, Camile looks ahead with optimism, empowered by the support he received from SYI. “Thanks to Morris, I got the help and therapy needed,” he affirmed. With a positive outlook and renewed sense of purpose, Camile is ready to embrace the future, leveraging his experiences to continue his journey toward success.

3.3 OUR IMPACT

A survey carried out at the end of the financial year 2023-2024 with service users showed the following:

1) In total, SYIA directly assisted 263 children and young people locally and indirectly 31 through its community support services. All young people beneficiaries were empowered to build bright futures, regardless of their background or circumstances. Where our resources were limited, young people were signposted and brokered to special services. 2) More than 232 young people were provided with access to appropriate, high-quality services in their local community or online.

3) Together with our network, we have been able to offer support, advice and training to equip young people with the vital life skills needed to engage in education, volunteering and employment.

4. DIFFICULTIES AND SETBACKS

SYIA faced the combined challenges of increasing need, escalating running costs, and donations failing to keep up with demand. As rising living costs saw more BME young people struggle to make ends meet, our organisations saw donations declining at the same time as demand increased. More unrestricted funding was more than needed during the year to surmount this challenge.

In response, six of our young people Volunteers (4 full time and 2 part time) have liaised with housing providers, utility companies and other administrative bodies to address numerous concerns that the young people have raised, especially during the cost of living crisis.

5. FINANCIAL REVIEW

The Trustees present their report with the financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31 March 2024. The Trustees have adopted the provisions of the Statement of Recommended Practice (SORP) 'Accounting and Reporting by Charities' issued in March 2005.

5.1. Brief statement of the organisation's policy on reserves

It is the policy of Sandwell Youth in Action to hold £3,000 in reserves for three months after the end of financial year to cover running costs and unforeseen emergencies. To achieve this, we will aim to put £250 per month into reserves from income until that level is achieved.

5.2. INDEPENDENT EXAMINER

Godfrey Massa has been re-appointed as independent examiner for the ensuing year.

The trustees' annual report and the strategic report were approved on 21/04/2024 and signed on behalf of the board of trustees by

Mr. Z P Kashindi, Chairman of the Trustees

Sandwell Youth in Action

INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF SANDWELL YOUTH IN ACTION PERIOD FROM 1 APRIL 2023 TO 31 MARCH 2024

Responsibilities and basis of report

As the charity trustees of the Trust you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 ('the Act').

I report in respect of my examination of the Trust's accounts carried out under Section 145 of the Act and in carrying out my examination I have followed all applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under Section 145(5)(b) of the Act.

Independent examiner's statement

I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material 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 Trust as required by Section 130 of the Act; or
the accounts do not accord with those records; or
the accounts do not comply with the 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.

Godfrey Massa Certified Accountant GM Accountancy 472a Bearwood Road Smethwick West Midlands B66 4HA

Date: 21[st] April 2024

Sandwell Youth in Action

Statement of Financial Activities for the Year Ended 31 March 2024

Notes INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM Donations and legacies EXPENDITURE ON Charitable activities ABC Literacy Club CORE COSTS Job Club Job Skills Training The Toy Project Sport and Physical Activities General Running of The Charity Youth Thriving Minds Holiday Food Hunger Project Multi-Sport Empowering Girls Through Sports BME Young People Mental Health Cost of Living Award Ex- Offenders Club Girls Sport- Additional Fund Holiday Play Scheme Sports Project Supporting BME Young People YP Moving into adulthood Empowering YP Through Cost of Living BME YP in Warm Home Total NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE) RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS Total funds brought forward TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD	Unrestricted funds £ 29,100 - 5,955 - - - - 16,125 - - - - - - - - - - - - - 8,000 30,080 (980) 3,951 2,971	Restricted funds £ 32,800 550 527 - 2,776 - 10,123 - - - - 800 3,869 1,500 - - - - - 3,667 10,358 - 34,170 (1,370) 32,005 30,635	31.3.24 Total funds £ 61,900 550 6,482 - 2,776 - 10,123 16,125 - - - 800 3,869 1,500 - - - - - 3,667 10,358 8,000 64,250 (2,350) 35,956 33,606	31.3.23 Total funds £ 127,040 2,000 65,913 144 4,331 3,357 - 7,989 15,500 2,500 5,430 8,255 6,131 3,500 5,000 1,960 550 1,000 3,000 - - - 136,560 (9,520) 45,476 35,956

The notes form part of these financial statements

Sandwell Youth in Action

Balance Sheet 31 March 2024

Unrestricted funds Notes £ FIXED ASSETS Tangible assets 4 2,788 CURRENT ASSETS Cash in hand 183 NET CURRENT ASSETS 183 TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT LIABILITIES 2,971 NET ASSETS 2,971 FUNDS 5 Unrestricted funds: General fund THE UK YOUTH FUND Members Contributions Sales of Service The Garfield Weston Foundation he Garfield Weston Foundation Restricted funds: Boost Charitable Trust Michael Marsh Charitable Trust The 29th May 1961 Charitable Trust General Restricted The Higgs Charity Comic Relief/ Groundwork Sport England Voice 4 Change England/ Sport England The David Riddell Memorial CIO The Roger & Douglas Turner CT The Allen Lane Foundation TNL Community Fund TOTAL FUNDS	Restricted funds £ 18,997 11,638 11,638 30,635 30,635	31.3.24 Total funds £ 21,785 11,821 11,821 33,606 33,606 (4,634) 748 2 560 2,250 4,045 2,971 200 430 - 22,453 130 - 260 560 1,877 3,000 333 1,392 30,635 33,606	31.3.23 Total funds £ 21,785 14,171 14,171 35,956 35,956 393 748 - 560 2,250 - 3,951 200 430 2,776 22,453 130 527 260 1,360 869 3,000 - - 32,005 35,956

The financial statements were approved by the Board of Trustees and authorised for issue on 21/04/2024 and were signed on its behalf by:

Mr. Z P Kashindi,, Chairman of the Trustees

Sandwell Youth in Action

Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 March 2024

1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Basis of preparing the financial statements

The financial statements of the charity, which is a public benefit entity under FRS 102, have been prepared in accordance with the Charities SORP (FRS 102) 'Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2019)', Financial Reporting Standard 102 'The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland' and the Charities Act 2011. The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention.

Income

All income is recognised in the Statement of Financial Activities once the charity has entitlement to the funds, it is probable that the income will be received and the amount can be measured reliably.

Expenditure

Liabilities are recognised as expenditure as soon as there is a legal or constructive obligation committing the charity to that expenditure, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefits will be required in settlement and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably. Expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis and has been classified under headings that aggregate all cost related to the category. Where costs cannot be directly attributed to particular headings they have been allocated to activities on a basis consistent with the use of resources.

Tangible fixed assets

Depreciation is provided at the following annual rates in order to write off each asset over its estimated useful life.

Taxation

The charity is exempt from tax on its charitable activities.

Fund accounting

Unrestricted funds can be used in accordance with the charitable objectives at the discretion of the trustees.

Restricted funds can only be used for particular restricted purposes within the objects of the charity. Restrictions arise when specified by the donor or when funds are raised for particular restricted purposes.

Further explanation of the nature and purpose of each fund is included in the notes to the financial statements.

2. TRUSTEES' REMUNERATION AND BENEFITS

There were no trustees' remuneration or other benefits for the year ended 31 March 2024 nor for the year ended 31 March 2023.

Trustees' expenses

There were no trustees' expenses paid for the year ended 31 March 2024 nor for the year ended 31 March 2023.

3. COMPARATIVES FOR THE STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES

INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM Donations and legacies	Unrestricted funds £ 30,500	Restricted funds £ 96,540	Total funds £ 127,040

Sandwell Youth in Action

EXPENDITURE ON Charitable activities ABC Literacy Club CORE COSTS Job Club Job Skills Training The Toy Project General Running of The Charity Youth Thriving Minds Holiday Food Hunger Project Multi-Sport Empowering Girls Through Sports BME Young People Mental Health Cost of Living Award Ex- Offenders Club Girls Sport- Additional Fund Holiday Play Scheme Sports Project Supporting BME Young People Total NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE) RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS Total funds brought forward TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD 4. TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS COST At 1 April 2023 and 31 March 2024 NET BOOK VALUE At 31 March 2024 At 31 March 2023 5. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS Unrestricted funds General fund THE UK YOUTH FUND Members Contributions Sales of Service The Garfield Weston Foundation he Garfield Weston Foundation	- 28,250 - - - 7,989 - - - - - - - - - - - 36,239 (5,739) 9,690 3,951 Plant and machinery £ 11,397 11,397 11,397 At 1.4.23 £ 393 748 - 560 2,250 -	2,000 37,663 144 4,331 3,357 - 15,500 2,500 5,430 8,255 6,131 3,500 5,000 1,960 550 1,000 3,000 100,321 (3,781) 35,786 32,005 Computer equipment £ 10,388 10,388 10,388 Net movement in funds £ (5,027) - 2 - - 4,045	2,000 65,913 144 4,331 3,357 7,989 15,500 2,500 5,430 8,255 6,131 3,500 5,000 1,960 550 1,000 3,000 136,560 (9,520) 45,476 35,956 Totals £ 21,785 21,785 21,785 At 31.3.24 £ (4,634) 748 2 560 2,250 4,045

Sandwell Youth in Action

Restricted funds Boost Charitable Trust Michael Marsh Charitable Trust The 29th May 1961 Charitable Trust General Restricted The Higgs Charity Comic Relief/ Groundwork Sport England Voice 4 Change England/ Sport England The David Riddell Memorial CIO The Roger & Douglas Turner CT The Allen Lane Foundation TNL Community Fund TOTAL FUNDS	3,951 200 430 2,776 22,453 130 527 260 1,360 869 3,000 - - 32,005 35,956	(980) - - (2,776) - - (527) - (800) 1,008 - 333 1,392 (1,370) (2,350)	2,971 200 430 - 22,453 130 - 260 560 1,877 3,000 333 1,392 30,635 33,606

Net movement in funds, included in the above are as follows:

Unrestricted funds General fund Members Contributions National Grid/ Location he Garfield Weston Foundation Restricted funds The 29th May 1961 Charitable Trust The Souter Charitable Trust Goodenough Charitable Trust Magic Little Grant Comic Relief/ Groundwork Voice 4 Change England/ Sport England The David Riddell Memorial CIO Baron Davenports Charity The William Dudley Trust The Allen Lane Foundation TNL Community Fund Edward Cadbury George and Thomas Henry Salter Trust TOTAL FUNDS	Incoming resources £ - 11,100 8,000 10,000 29,100 - 3,000 2,000 500 - - 10,000 550 1,000 4,000 10,000 1,500 250 32,800 61,900	Resources Movement expended in funds £ £ (5,027) (5,027) (11,098) 2 (8,000) - (5,955) 4,045 (30,080) (980) (2,776) (2,776) (3,000) - (2,000) - (500) - (527) (527) (800) (800) (8,992) 1,008 (550) - (1,000) - (3,667) 333 (8,608) 1,392 (1,500) - (250) - (34,170) (1,370) (64,250) (2,350)

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Comparatives for movement in funds

Unrestricted funds General fund THE UK YOUTH FUND Sales of Service The Garfield Weston Foundation Restricted funds Boost Charitable Trust CB and HH Taylor 1964 CH Trust Michael Marsh Charitable Trust The Garfield Weston Foundation The 29th May 1961 Charitable Trust The Edger E Lawley Foundation The Souter Charitable Trust General Restricted The Higgs Charity Comic Relief/ Groundwork Sport England Voice 4 Change England/ Sport England The David Riddell Memorial CIO The Roger & Douglas Turner CT TOTAL FUNDS Comparative net movement in funds, included in the above are as Unrestricted funds General fund The Woodward Charity Trust The Garfield Weston Foundation Restricted funds THE UK YOUTH FUND Boost Charitable Trust CB and HH Taylor 1964 CH Trust The Garfield Weston Foundation The 29th May 1961 Charitable Trust The Edger E Lawley Foundation The Souter Charitable Trust Goodenough Charitable Trust The Higgs Charity Magic Little Grant Comic Relief/ Groundwork	At 1.4.22 £ 8,382 748 560 - 9,690 - 144 430 7,795 2,107 828 2,029 22,453 - - - - - - 35,786 45,476 follows: Incoming resources £ - 500 30,000 30,500 15,000 750 3,500 - 5,000 - - 1,000 20,525 500 10,000		Net movement in funds £ (7,989) - - 2,250 (5,739) 200 (144) - (7,795) 669 (828) (2,029) - 130 527 260 1,360 869 3,000 (3,781) (9,520) Resources expended £ (7,989) (500) (27,750) (36,239) (15,000) (550) (3,644) (7,795) (4,331) (828) (2,029) (1,000) (20,395) (500) (9,473)	At 31.3.23 £ 393 748 560 2,250 3,951 200 - 430 - 2,776 - - 22,453 130 527 260 1,360 869 3,000 32,005 35,956 Movement in funds £ (7,989) - 2,250 (5,739) - 200 (144) (7,795) 669 (828) (2,029) - 130 - 527

Sandwell Youth in Action

Local Giving/ Western Power Distribution Sport England Voice 4 Change England/ Sport England The David Riddell Memorial CIO The Roger & Douglas Turner CT The Grimmitt Trust Comic Relief The Albert Hunt Trust The Charles Plater Trust TOTAL FUNDS	2,500 5,690 11,575 5,000 3,000 2,000 3,500 2,000 5,000 96,540 127,040	(2,500) (5,430) (10,215) (4,131) - (2,000) (3,500) (2,000) (5,000) (100,321) (136,560)	- 260 1,360 869 3,000 - - - - (3,781) (9,520)

A current year 12 months and prior year 12 months combined position is as follows:

Unrestricted funds General fund THE UK YOUTH FUND Members Contributions Sales of Service The Garfield Weston Foundation he Garfield Weston Foundation Restricted funds Boost Charitable Trust CB and HH Taylor 1964 CH Trust Michael Marsh Charitable Trust The Garfield Weston Foundation The 29th May 1961 Charitable Trust The Edger E Lawley Foundation The Souter Charitable Trust General Restricted The Higgs Charity Sport England Voice 4 Change England/ Sport England The David Riddell Memorial CIO The Roger & Douglas Turner CT The Allen Lane Foundation TNL Community Fund TOTAL FUNDS	At 1.4.22 £ 8,382 748 - 560 - - 9,690 - 144 430 7,795 2,107 828 2,029 22,453 - - - - - - - 35,786 45,476	Net movement in funds £ (13,016) - 2 - 2,250 4,045 (6,719) 200 (144) - (7,795) (2,107) (828) (2,029) - 130 260 560 1,877 3,000 333 1,392 (5,151) (11,870)	At 31.3.24 £ (4,634) 748 2 560 2,250 4,045 2,971 200 - 430 - - - - 22,453 130 260 560 1,877 3,000 333 1,392 30,635 33,606

Sandwell Youth in Action

A current year 12 months and prior year 12 months combined net movement in funds, included in the above are as follows:

Unrestricted funds General fund Members’ Contributions The Woodward Charity Trust The Garfield Weston Foundation National Grid/ Location The Garfield Weston Foundation Restricted funds THE UK YOUTH FUND Boost Charitable Trust CB and HH Taylor 1964 CH Trust The Garfield Weston Foundation The 29th May 1961 Charitable Trust The Edger E Lawley Foundation The Souter Charitable Trust Goodenough Charitable Trust The Higgs Charity Magic Little Grant Comic Relief/ Groundwork Local Giving/ Western Power Distribution Sport England Voice 4 Change England/ Sport England The David Riddell Memorial CIO The Roger & Douglas Turner CT The Grimmitt Trust Comic Relief The Albert Hunt Trust The Charles Plater Trust Baron Davenports Charity The William Dudley Trust The Allen Lane Foundation TNL Community Fund Edward Cadbury George and Thomas Henry Salter Trust TOTAL FUNDS 6. RELATED PARTY DISCLOSURES	Incoming resources £ - 11,100 500 30,000 8,000 10,000 59,600 15,000 750 3,500 - 5,000 - 3,000 3,000 20,525 1,000 10,000 2,500 5,690 11,575 15,000 3,000 2,000 3,500 2,000 5,000 550 1,000 4,000 10,000 1,500 250 129,340 188,940	Resources Movement expended in funds £ £ (13,016) (13,016) (11,098) 2 (500) - (27,750) 2,250 (8,000) - (5,955) 4,045 (66,319) (6,719) (15,000) - (550) 200 (3,644) (144) (7,795) (7,795) (7,107) (2,107) (828) (828) (5,029) (2,029) (3,000) - (20,395) 130 (1,000) - (10,000) - (2,500) - (5,430) 260 (11,015) 560 (13,123) 1,877 - 3,000 (2,000) - (3,500) - (2,000) - (5,000) - (550) - (1,000) - (3,667) 333 (8,608) 1,392 (1,500) - (250) - (134,491) (5,151) (200,810) (11,870)

There were no related party transactions for the year ended 31 March 2024.

Sandwell Youth in Action

Detailed Statement of Financial Activities for the Year Ended 31 March 2024

INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS Donations and legacies Donations Grants Donated services and facilities Total incoming resources EXPENDITURE Charitable activities Activity Costs Salaries and Wages General Running Expenses Training Communication In-Kind Assistance Volunteer Expenses Project Publicity Hire of Venue Sport Coaching Refreshment and Snack Travelling Expenses Materials and Resources Utilities Rent Consultancy and Advice Legal and Professional Travel Total resources expended Net expenditure	31.3.24 £ 4,250 50,800 6,850 61,900 61,900 1,626 14,208 16,760 2,935 1,325 590 8,312 2,050 8,389 550 2,255 - 150 250 3,000 1,250 250 350 64,250 64,250 (2,350)	31.3.23 £ - 127,040 - 127,040 127,040 12,463 42,371 16,582 3,950 7,003 3,605 8,730 4,130 6,207 5,700 1,641 5,060 1,758 3,600 11,080 1,250 1,430 - 136,560 136,560 (9,520)

This page does not form part of the statutory financial statements