## **SOUTHSIDE ORG** Charity Registration Number: 1185710 Annual Report and Unaudited Financial Statements For the Year Ended 31 October 2025 Page **1** of **8** ## **Trustees' Annual Report** ## **Objectives and Activities** ## **Policies and Objectives** In setting objectives and planning activities, the Trustees have given due regard to the Charity Commission's guidance on public benefit. The principal objectives of Southside Org remain: 1. To advance, improve, promote, develop and maintain public education and appreciation of the arts and science of music, especially steelpan, through public concerts, workshops and performances in the UK and abroad. 2. To further such charitable purposes as the Trustees deem appropriate. ## **Structure, Governance and Management** ## **Constitution** Southside Org was registered with the Charity Commission on 9 October 2019 and is constituted under a CIO Foundation Constitution. ## **Trustee Appointment** Trustees are elected in accordance with the terms of the constitution. ## **Trustees During the Year** The Trustees served throughout the period 1 November 2024 to 31 October 2025. The Trustees met regularly throughout the year to oversee the charity's activities, finances and strategic direction, ensuring that Southside Org operated in accordance with its charitable objectives and governing document. ## **Organisational Structure** The charity is managed by its Trustees and operated entirely by volunteers. Volunteers continue to play a central role in planning and delivering activities, supporting participants, maintaining equipment and ensuring the smooth operation of the organisation. Their commitment allows Southside Org to deliver programmes and community events despite limited financial resources. Page **2** of **8** ## **Trustees' Statement** ## **Introduction** This year has been characterised by resilience, creativity and community engagement. Southside Org has continued to provide opportunities for children, young people and adults to participate in music, cultural and educational activities within the local community. Participation in our weekly sessions, community events and outreach activities continued to grow throughout the year, reflecting increasing demand for accessible cultural, musical and communitybased opportunities. Operating without grant funding and relying on income generated through project delivery and performances, the charity has maintained regular activities whilst continuing to strengthen relationships with local communities and partner organisations. ## **Key Achievements and Activities** ## **Charitable Activities** Southside Org continued to deliver its weekly arts and music programme at Willington Adventure Playground. These sessions provide opportunities for children, young people and adults to learn steelpan, develop musical skills, build confidence and participate in creative and cultural activities within a safe, supportive and inclusive environment. Alongside steelpan tuition and rehearsals, participants took part in a range of complementary activities designed to promote personal development, teamwork and community engagement. These included: - Cooking activities - Basic metalwork workshops - Team-building exercises - Games and social evenings - Four community bring-and-share events - Steelpan painting and restoration activities - General maintenance of instruments and equipment These activities encouraged confidence-building, practical skills development, teamwork and community participation whilst helping participants develop a sense of ownership and pride in the organisation. ## **Community Partnerships** Southside Org continued to strengthen relationships with local organisations and community partners throughout the year. Page **3** of **8** Our partnership with **Loughborough Community Centre and Max Roach Adventure Playground** continued to develop through the delivery of music, arts and cultural activities. This collaboration culminated in participation in the **Windrush Children's Festival** , where summer workshops enabled children and young people to learn new skills, participate in public performances and celebrate their cultural heritage through music and community engagement. We also strengthened our relationship with **Myatt's Fields Park** through participation in community events, including the **Kwanzaa Celebration** . These opportunities enabled us to introduce steelpan music to wider audiences whilst promoting cultural engagement, community cohesion and celebration of the diverse cultural heritage of the local area. Southside Org continued to work alongside other steelbands and cultural organisations, creating opportunities for collaboration, performances, knowledge-sharing and the wider promotion of steelpan music within local communities across London. ## **Supporting Diverse Needs** The charity has continued to see an increase in participants presenting with additional needs, particularly autism and other neurodivergent conditions. Many individuals remain undiagnosed or face lengthy waiting periods for assessment and support services. Our volunteers have worked hard to ensure sessions remain welcoming, flexible and accessible. Through patience, adaptability and individual support, we continue to provide opportunities for all participants to engage meaningfully in our activities regardless of need or circumstance. ## **Family Engagement and Support** Alongside our youth and community activities, Southside Org continued to provide informal support to participants and their families. As many households continue to experience financial pressures and wider social challenges, volunteers have maintained regular communication with parents and carers, offering encouragement, guidance and signposting to relevant services where appropriate. Building trusted relationships with families remains an important aspect of our community work and contributes significantly to the wellbeing, stability and continued engagement of participants. ## **Special Performances and Community Events** Throughout the year Southside Org participated in a number of community celebrations and cultural events, including: - Windrush Children's Festival in partnership with Max Roach Adventure Playground - Steel The Show at Powis Square - Kwanzaa Celebration at Myatt's Fields Park - New Generation Windrush Blockorama Page **4** of **8** - Lambeth Resident Engagement Event at Lambeth Town Hall - Wheatsheaf Community Centre Christmas Celebration These events provided valuable opportunities for participants to perform publicly, develop confidence, showcase their skills and represent their local community through music. The charity also invested in the maintenance and preservation of its steelpan instruments, including professional tuning and restoration work, ensuring participants continued to have access to instruments suitable for learning and performance. ## **Challenges Faced** ## **Funding Constraints** Despite applying for a number of funding opportunities, Southside Org did not secure any grant funding during the reporting period. The charity therefore continued to rely on income generated through performances, project delivery and community activities to support its work. Whilst this approach has enabled the charity to remain operational, securing grant funding remains important for ensuring long-term sustainability and expanding services. ## **Venue Capacity** As participation continues to grow, suitable rehearsal, storage and activity space is becoming increasingly limited. Whilst Willington Adventure Playground remains an important base for our activities, the availability of additional space will be critical to supporting future growth and meeting increasing demand. ## **Transport and Logistics** Transporting steelpan instruments to rehearsals and performances remains a significant operational challenge. The size and volume of instruments frequently require vehicle hire and additional logistical planning, creating additional costs and demands on volunteers. ## **Meeting Growing Needs** The continuing increase in participants, alongside the growing number of individuals requiring additional support, places increasing pressure on the charity's resources and volunteer capacity. We remain committed to responding positively to these challenges whilst maintaining the quality and accessibility of our programmes. Page **5** of **8** ## **Future Outlook** ## **Programme Development** Southside Org aims to continue developing its music, arts and community-based activities whilst maintaining regular opportunities for participation and performance. ## **Community Partnerships** We will continue strengthening relationships with local organisations, steelbands and community groups to create further opportunities for participants and expand our reach. ## **Fundraising and Sustainability** Securing grant funding and developing additional income streams will remain a priority. We will continue exploring opportunities that support the long-term sustainability of the charity and its activities. ## **Inclusion and Participation** We remain committed to ensuring our activities are accessible and inclusive, particularly for individuals who may face barriers to participation. ## **Facilities and Equipment** The charity will continue exploring options for additional rehearsal and storage facilities whilst investing in the maintenance and preservation of its steelpan instruments and equipment. ## **Acknowledgements** ## **Volunteers** The Trustees wish to thank all volunteers whose dedication, commitment and hard work have enabled Southside Org to continue delivering activities throughout the year. ## **Community Partners** We are grateful to our community partners and event organisers for the opportunities they have provided for participants to perform, learn and engage with wider audiences. ## **Supporters** We thank all supporters, families and participants who continue to contribute to the success of the organisation. Page **6** of **8** ## **Lambeth Partnership** We thank Lambeth Council for its continued support and for providing access to facilities that assist in the delivery of our activities. We look forward to continuing and strengthening this relationship in the future. ## **Conclusion** Southside Org has continued to provide valuable educational, cultural and community activities despite operating with limited resources and without grant funding. Through the dedication of volunteers and the support of participants, families and partners, the charity has remained financially stable whilst continuing to provide meaningful opportunities for local people. The Trustees remain committed to developing the organisation, strengthening sustainability and ensuring that steelpan music and community engagement continue to benefit future generations. ## **Financial Review** Despite continued financial pressures and the challenge of operating without grant funding, Southside Org has maintained a stable financial position throughout the year. The charity did not receive any grant funding during the reporting period and instead relied on income generated through performances, project delivery and community activities. ## **Financial Summary** **Total Income:** £6,935.00 **Total Expenditure:** £2,047.36 **Net Surplus for the Year:** £4,887.64 **Opening Fund Balance (1 November 2024):** £4,596.59 **Closing Fund Balance (31 October 2025):** £9,484.23 Income was generated through the delivery of charitable activities, performances, workshops and community events throughout the year. Expenditure related primarily to the delivery of charitable activities, including transport, vehicle hire, fuel, instrument tuning, equipment maintenance, activity materials, administration and website costs. The Trustees consider the charity's financial position to be stable and sufficient to support current activities whilst pursuing future development opportunities. Page **7** of **8** ## **Statement of Financial Activities** **For the Year Ended 31 October 2025** ## **Income** |**Description**|**£**| |---|---| |Income from charitable activities and performances|6,935.00| |**Total Income**|**6,935.00**| ## **Expenditure** |**Description**|**Amount (£)**| |---|---| |**Charitable activities and programme delivery**|**1,949.88**| |**Administration, governance and communications**|**97.48**| |**Total Expenditure**|**2,047.36**| ## **Net Movement in Funds** |**Description**|**£**| |---|---| |Net surplus for the year|4,887.64| |Opening fund balance (1 November 2024)|4,596.59| |**Closing fund balance (31 October 2025)**|**9,484.23**| ## **Approval** This report was approved by the Trustees on 12[th] April 2026. Signed on behalf of the Trustees: **Julian Gibbs Trustee Southside Org** Page **8** of **8**