Report of the trustees and unaudited financial statements for the st year ended 31 January 2025
Charity Information
T r u s t e e s A b r a h a m T r a u b e N i c h a F e l d m a n E s t h e r S p i z e r I n d e e n d e n t p E x a m i n e r D e C l a r o n l t d U n i t A 3 T h e V a l e L o n d o n , N W 1 1 8 S B R e g i s t e r e d A d d r e s s 8 C l a p t o n T e r r a c e L o n d o n E 5 9 B W
Message from the Chair ........................... 2 Report of the Trustees ...................3-12 Structure, Governance and Management ............13-16 Independent Examiner 's Report .......17 Statement of Financial Activities ......18 Balance Sheet ..............19 Notes to Financial Statement ............... 20-21
Background
Message from the chair
A flower does not think of competing with the flower next to it. It just blooms
— Zen Shin
Tools 4 Teens was established in 2019 by Mrs. Esther Spitzer, a dedicated headteacher who saw a troubling pattern among graduating sixth form students. Many were leaving school burdened by low self-esteem and emotional challenges, particularly those from low-income households or complex family environments. Without access to further education or vocational training, these young people often lacked the skills and confidence needed to step into the workforce.
Today, Tools 4 Teens annually supports over 130 young people from Hackney — one of London’s most economically disadvantaged boroughs. Many of our participants live in overcrowded housing and face ongoing financial pressures. Alongside these material challenges, many also navigate difficult home lives, which can further impact their emotional wellbeing.
Mrs. Spitzer founded Tools 4 Teens with a clear mission: to provide culturally sensitive, holistic support that empowers young people to build brighter futures. Through tailored programmes that nurture emotional health,practical skills, and personal growth, we help our teens discover their strengths and shape their own paths forward.
This quote made me smile when I first came across it. It reminded me of our teens — each one growing in their own way, at their own pace, and with their own unique brilliance.
At Tools 4 Teens, we don't ask our young people to be perfect. We ask them to be present. To show up, to try, to
trust. And in 2025, they've done just that — with courage, creativity, and resilience.
This year, we've seen our teens bloom in ways that defy expectation. Whether through our expanded vocational programmes, our new peer-led creative sessions, or our emotional health initiative "In This Together," they've embraced growth with open hearts — even in the face of rising challenges. The cost-of-living crisis continues to affect many of our families, and emotional wellbeing has never been more
vital. That's why we're proud to have invested further in therapeutic support, safe spaces, and community care. The results speak for themselves: more engagement, more confidence, more hope.
I've watched a teen walk into our centre after a sleepless night and leave with a plan for their future. I've seen another lead a group discussion on mental health after months of silence. These moments are quiet revolutions
— and they are happening every day.
To our incredible staff: thank you for your unwavering commitment to nurturing growth.
To our donors and supporters: thank you for being the soil, the sunlight, and the steady presence that makes blooming possible. As we close this financial year, I invite you to celebrate not just the outcomes, but the journey. Because when our teens bloom, they remind us all what's possible.
A b r a h a m T r a u b e T h e B o a r d C h a i r 1 0 t h N o v e m b e r 2 0 2 5
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Management Committee
Our Management Committee is made up of seven dedicated local adults who bring lived experience of the challenges faced by our young people. Their personal insights and professional expertise place them
in a powerful position to guide our work with cultural awareness and a deep understanding of what truly supports our users.
The Committee meets quarterly, including our Annual General Meeting, and includes professionals such as a school principal , community leader, welfare adviser, psychotherapist , and educational psychologist . Their collective knowledge ensures that our strategic decisions remain grounded in the real needs of
our service users.
On the ground, our day-to-day programmes — from workshops to vocational courses — are delivered by a passionate team of eight professionals, supported by 25 volunteers and part-time staff. Our team brings extensive experience working with teenagers, and their qualifications span social work , therapy, financial education, and career coaching. Together, they create a safe, structured, and inspiring environment where our teens can thrive.
I T I S N O T E N O U G H T O S T A R E U P T H E S T E P S , W E M U S T S T E P U P " T H E S T A I R S .( V a c l a v H a v e l )
Our Mission:
Tools 4 Teens aims to equip at-risk teenagers with the skills they need to better their chances for employability in the future. Our mission is to enrich the lives of these young people (ages 17-19,) giving them a safe place to grow and develop their sense of inner selfworth and societal responsibilities.
Our vision:
Our vision is to see young people in the community grow to become secure, skilled, and contributing members of society.
Aims and objectives:
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·Provide training for at-risk teens, which will enhance their employability levels and skills.
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Develop independence, self-confidence and good work/community ethics in local teenagers.
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Empower young people to find and maintain respectable forms of employment .
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Ensure the emotional well-being of our young people struggling with mental health challenges.
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Our projects in 2025
During the academic year 2024/25, Tools 4 Teens continued to expand and deepen our support for young people in Hackney. Each of our programmes is designed to meet our teens where they are — emotionally, socially, and practically — and help them build the skills and confidence to move forward.
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“I used to keep everything bottled
up. Now I have somewhere to go
when it gets too much.”
This year, 8 teens earned industry- Step Up offered hands-on — Sana , 16 Our beloved Curtains-Down
recognised certificates, and 5 secured training in digital design, food programme returned with a
part-time jobs or apprenticeships. enterprise, and event planning. powerful mix of drama , spoken
Teens learned how to word, and movement .
create visual branding, budget Our teens collaborated to write,
for pop-up cafés, and organise rehearse, and perform original
pieces exploring identity,
community events — from
“I used to panic when people asked me resilience, and hope.
concept to execution.
what I wanted to do. Now I’ve got The final showcase drew a full
We partnered with local
health programme to include,We expanded our physical businesses and venues to offerreal-world experience, and — Esther, 17options.” performing publicly for the firsthouse — with many participantstime.
dance, gymnastics, and hosted monthly “Skill
basketball . Sessions focused Showcases” where participants
on movement as a tool for presented their work to peers
emotional regulation, and mentors.
teamwork , and self-esteem. We
also partnered with local
coaches to offer trauma-
informed training.
Over 65 teens participated
this year, with many reporting
improved mood, sleep, and
body confidence. “I didn’t think I could do anything techy. Building on the success of “I used to hide in the back . Now I’m on
“I designed a menu, cooked the Now I’ve got a certificate and a portfolio TeenBeats, SoundSpace became stage, telling my story.”
food, and served it . Seeing people I’m proud of.” a standout initiative in 2025. — Malky, 16
enjoy it made me feel proud.” — Eva , 18 Teens explored identity
— Jamie, 17 and emotion through
songwriting, beat-making, and
guided mindfulness sessions.
This year, 15 teens completed The programme offered a safe,
mock interviews with creative outlet for self-
expression and emotional
professionals, and 10 began
grounding.
saving regularly for future goals.
This cornerstone programme
expanded to meet rising
emotional needs. Weekly peer-
led support circles created Launched in early 2025, Digital
safe spaces for open with practical digital skills forFutures equips young people This programme continued to
conversation, while art-based the modern flourish, offering modules in
therapy sessions helped workplace communication, time
workplace. Teens learned
participants explore emotions graphic design, basic coding, management , and
through painting, collage, and digital professionalism. Teens
and digital presentation tools —
journaling. We also introduced practiced mock interviews, built CVs,
with many
“Quiet Corners” — drop-in completing AQA and ATHE- and explored career pathways.
zones with sensory accredited modules. The course For many, these skills were
tools, calming music, and also included digital safety and transformative — opening doors to
access to trained listeners. online We saw a 40% increase in engagement internships, part-time jobs, and
this year, with many teens reporting future plans.
“Music used to be my escape. Now professionalism, preparing
improved sleep, reduced anxiety,
it ’s my anchor.” participants for both creative
— Julia , 15 and corporate paths. and stronger friendships.
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Our Impact
🧑🏫 18 presentations delivered by teens, building public speaking skills.
🧠 35 participants completed mental health awareness sessions.
🧪 27 young people engaged in STEM-based activities.
📝 52 CVs created or improved with one-to-one
support .
🗳 36 young people took part in youth voice panels. 🧳 25 work placements formed with local
businesses.
🤝 32 peer mentoring relationships nurtured. ⏱ 4,650 hours of volunteering, powering community change.
💡 🙌 18 new community volunteers recruited, expanding our reach.
🚌 45 recreational trips delivered, offering joy and connection.
🧭 40 tailored career plans developed, guiding young people to meaningful futures. 💖 93% of participants reported significant improvements in health and wellbeing. 🎓 96 beneficiaries achieved a recognised qualification.
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Plans for the future
The need to adapt our program as new challenges crop up has affected our budget in a big way. At the same time, our ability to pivot is also our greatest strength. Every year brings a new generation of teens - complete with new challenges. Keeping one step ahead of the game is vitally important for us so that we can make a lasting difference in our users’ lives. Here are some of our plans for next year:
1 . Launching “Community Creators”: We’re developing a new initiative that will pair teens with local organisations to co-design community projects — from mural installations to pop-up events and digital campaigns. This programme will blend creativity, civic engagement , and practical skills, helping teens build portfolios while making a visible impact in their neighbourhoods.
2. Expanding Digital Credentials:
Building on the success of our AQA and ATHE qualifications, we aim to introduce micro-credentials in areas like digital marketing, smart food budgeting and financial literacy. These bite-sized certifications will be accessible, flexible, and aligned with real-world job skills — giving teens more ways to showcase their growth.
Impact and Evaluation
3. Creating a Warm Meals & Wellness Scheme:
Rather than just hot lunches, we’re planning a full wraparound Meals & Wellness scheme. This will include nutritious meals, cooking workshops, and food budgeting sessions — all designed to support physical health and independence. We’re working with local chefs and nutritionists to make this both delicious and educational .
4. Indoor Movement Sessions
We’ll convert one of our existing rooms into a flexible indoor space for movement-based activities — from dance and yoga to circuit training. This will allow us to run sessions year-round, even when the weather turns cold or wet .
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Case Studies
Summary
Leia:
When Leia first joined Tools 4 Teens at age 16, she was quiet and withdrawn, often missing school and struggling to stay motivated. She had recently lost a close family member and was navigating grief while trying to support her younger siblings at home. Things began to shift when Leia enrolled in our Creative Confidence module. Through journaling, photography, and group storytelling, she found new ways to express herself. Her peers responded warmly, and she slowly began to lead activities and share her ideas. By the end of the programme, Leia had created a visual portfolio she proudly presented at our showcase event . She now volunteers at a local youth centre and hopes to study art therapy in the future.
Evelyn
At 17, Evelyn was referred to Tools 4 Teens after struggling with school attendance and involvement in low-level antisocial behaviour. She was bright but bored, and often clashed with authority. Evelyn was skeptical at first , but agreed to try our Employability and Enterprise strand.
She quickly showed talent in our digital design sessions, creating logos and flyers for mock businesses. With support from her mentor, Evelyn completed her microcredential in Communication for Work and built a CV that reflected her strengths. She recently secured a paid internship with a local print shop and is exploring freelance opportunities. Evelyn says the programme helped her “see a future worth showing up for.”
This past year (2024–2025), Tools 4 Teens supported 132 young people on their journey toward greater confidence, independence, and hope for the future. Many arrived carrying the weight of stress, low self-esteem, or difficult personal circumstances. Through a focus on emotional wellbeing and real-world skills, our programmes helped them build practical tools for life: budgeting, communication, healthy routines, and selfbelief. By the time they left , they weren’t just more prepared — they were equipped to step into the world with confidence, ready to take on interviews, placements, and first jobs. This transformation wouldn’t be possible without you, our funders. Thank you for standing with us as we help young people turn challenges into change, one step at a time.
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Structure
Governance & Management
The Trustees present their report with the financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31 January 2025. The trustees confirm that the annual report and the financial statements of the charity comply with the current statutory requirements, the requirements of the charity ’s governing document and the provisions of the Statement of Recommended Practice (SORP) “Accounting and Reporting by Charities” issued in Jan 2015.
Governing Document:
The charity is governed by its Memorandum and Articles of Association which aims to improve employability prospects for young people and prepare teens for the opportunities, responsibilities, and experiences of everyday life.
Risk Management:
The trustees have introduced systems to identify and manage risks effectively. The trustees are satisfied that these systems and procedures mitigate any perceived risks. These systems are reviewed regularly and the necessary amendments are made.
Public Benefit
We have referred to the guidance contained in the Charity Commission’s general guidance on public benefit when reviewing our aims and objectives and in planning our future activities.
Trustees, Staffing and Organisational Structure
Trustees are appointed by the board based on competence, specialist skills, and experience. No Trustees are paid or remunerated (in money or in-kind) and no funds are held as a ‘custodian trustee.’ The Charity has a
Constitution and Codes of Conduct for Trustees and for Staff. The Charity also has a range of policies including Safeguarding, Child Protection, Equality, Diversity, Health, Safety, and others. Latest accounts are presented to each meeting of the Board of Trustees and annual accounts are presented to the Board at the first meeting following our financial year end (31st January.) Mr. Abraham Traube was appointed in 2019 as Managing Director for Tools 4 Teens.
Mrs Esther Spitzer as the founder takes the role of Programme Manager.
In February of 2020, our Trustees appointed Mrs Chippy Flohr as our Safeguarding Lead. Mrs Flohr oversees the overall safety and wellbeing of our users, collaborating with social workers or other community organizations to give our users the best experience possible.
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Financial Review
Reserves Policy:
The Trustees ensure that sufficient reserves are kept to cover foreseeable demands. The Trustees are working
towards building free reserves of at least 3 months operating costs in order to protect services where there are
uncertainties as to whether funding will continue and to ensure adequate cash flow for the organisation’s needs
Principle Funding Sources
The cost-of-living crisis is continuing to have an immediate effect on our organisation. Our income levels have been largely reduced as many of our past benefactors are currently not in a position to support us, which is intensified by the high competition we face within outside funding sources. This financial setback combined with the increased cost of living expenses which has caused a significant rise in our daily running expenses, is making delivering our programme considerably more challenging. We are working overtime to ensure that the needs of our users are met in the best possible way and have taken several steps over the past year so we can keep our organisation running effectively and sustainably. These steps include; initiating local fundraising events, recruitment of more local volunteers, reducing staff members on our payroll , soliciting donated equipment and food and securing more pro bono/reduced rates on our activities and trips.
Our income this year includes £10,800 from local fundraising events, £16,000 from private donors and close to
£50,000 in grants from various Trusts and Foundations. The figures are shown in the attached financial statements, and the Trustees are satisfied with the results for the year.
The Trustees gratefully acknowledge that the expansion of our services and reach which has increased our positive impact on the lives of disadvantaged young people within the community is largely due to the substantial and generous support we received from Hackney Giving, UK Youth, Grocers ’ Charity, London Freemasons Charity, Merchant Taylors ’ Foundation and Tesco Community Grants amongst our other many valuable supporters and community donors.
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STATEMENTOF FINAIKIAi *Mt5 F(Ythe Yew Ewjed JI Iary2025 INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S UNQUALIFIED REPORTTO THE MEMBERS OF TOOLS 4 TEENS Independent Examimtrs Rewtto theTtuSttes tsf Too15 4 Teen I reporr on the accounts of the Char¢y lor rheyear ended 31 January 2025.whKh aresw p4ge5 5 to7. Furrfts FUd5 Fund5 23.510 25.%¥Jl 26.2 Respec vewnslbllltles of irustees•nd examlner The charit¥'struStees are responsible for the prepaTation of the accounts. The tharity'strustee5 con5iderthat an audit 15 not required lorthi5 year undertheCharihe5Act 2021 (the 2022 ktll arthat an independent examination is needed. )1 57.702 It is my resw)nsibility to examine the account5 lunderthe 2022 Actl.- . to followthe pr(Kedures laid down in the General Dirensaln lyrCharIty Commissioner5 lunderthe 2022 Acrl.. and . to 5t3tewhether Darhcular rnattet5 have come to ttrd attpnbon. 1.]05 A521 4J$7 17.014 Basls of Independefft eXamIne9 wort My examination was tarrièd otst in accordance with ihe General DiiethOnsgnn by the Charity Commissioners. An examination includes a review of the accountin8 record5 kept bythe Ihartry and comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items ordisclosures in the accounts, and kIn8 explanation5from you as trustee5concernir¥ any sh matters. The procedure5 undertaken do not provide all the evidence that vId be required in an audit. and consequently I do not express an auditopinion on the view &ven bythe ac(ounts. 10.951 20.615 92.707 SE7 SEI Independent exominerfs statement In tonnÉtrion with my Èxamination, no matter has ¢ome to myatténti¢)n- 111 which 8i¥es me reasonable cause to belie¥e that in any material respe(tthe TequiTements . to kèèp attounting rÉcr>rds in 3ctr>idantÈ with the 2022 Art." and . to prepare accounts which accofd with the accounting records and comptywtth rhè atCOunttnE rèquirèmènts of ihè 2022 Ad have not mèt." 9E 138 20.aij 92.707 62.?47 95,$ 121 towhich. in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order ioenable a woper understandir#dof the account5 to be reached. METkVIEMEIIT5 INFUND5FOR THEIY 61.Ba7 1767 LO,067 ]bTf4V4 TorFUl(6 16A61 2.767
TOOLS 4 TEENS BALANCE SHEEr For th• Y•ar End•d 31 J•nu•ry 2025 TOOIS 4TEENS Notes tothe fina1•1 Statements ForthÈYeai EndÈd JlJawary1025 31.01.25 31.01.24 Thefinanc15tSLeIentshWe Ln prepared und&rthehistorKal 5tnInonasMadffiedto Includeth? revaluatronol land bJIbJiwith theev(eptK>n Df IDbEstmentswlMthare Induded at rn3rketvalue.The5efiTrCIalState[Trets have bee red InattordanW1thth@SL7téfflOnt of RecomfflÈrd Prxtrél50RPI."ArLountki8and Répornn8 bycharl. publlshed Jan 2019. FLxEDErS CURRENT ASSETS Loan Debtor5 sh In nd & Bank 1fj.861 2.767 I661 2.767 cuRT LL4BILrrifS Shcrft tem C¥editor5 c31d5areUrestrKtedfvsthh atE availab{Druse atthE discretio0fttrustEE5 infUrthEnofthegeeal obiectrs0ftaIityw whKh W n¢t beert de$4nedfty trprM> NE[CuR[s I66] 2.767 I InEoming rES¢Ju I1le intheStateTnentof A(tivibe5fftnthe(hatityi5 kgaltyentrtledtothe Inwme and th¢arnt ¢ahtyety)0tedvrithreawnab4¢¢u. TOTALASSEfs LESSCuRRELl4B1LrnEs I661 2.767 Irowetsxre¢tyrable il rebrw yndèrfjiftAKlvdeed of fObEnant i$1$ed31 ihetyme of Ihe FUNDAccoupir 1661 2.767 l Èyrmlrtrè Iscntedan3£ash basIsaidhasb [ndLrrÈvrÈ ratwrlesthala88ro8atèalltostsftsr to whre costs canrKrtb2direLty4ttntxrtedto particu&f4ctMttwh beens11(K3tsdon4 C¢15tEnt1thth use ofthefe%iufre ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD SIGNELf. Ipdrtur@ a)untedkn on a dsh basis ha5 beon Induded undoreKponsocatQ8onosthat a88regateall costsfor allotsbon fo Wherec05t5¢annot bedireaiyr1ted to Wftrul¥r awvmes they have allocated on a ba515 ment and admistrat)n [05t55relntU[rd1nlnCnwth Iministtion ofthe chartyand wfflp1LgeWrth Abraham Traube Jrtt5 been bagsasthetruStees(owderttr*chèrity Will cothnue tooperatefoi a Pofatttwele1Irthsr[thn the Oate¢fthÈapmalofthesÈ atnts. 10th November 2025 Irtthear notrustÈes rec@Kdary rerNnoratlrAI.bÈnÈffts In klndor rÈlrnbuisemÈntof pens&.
- *ICOME FRQM tKX4ATI(A450J4DLE&•Th5 20 RE5tri(ted Fund5 Unrestricted Fund5 TDtsI Total 22,610 53,231 7641 87?2 4 RESTRICTED AND UNRESTRicfED INCOME 2025 Restricted Hackney6iwn8 UK Youth Grocers. Charity London Freemason5ChaTity Merchart Taylors, Foundation TÈ0 Community Grants 4.210 23.610