SUPPORTING THE YOUNG PEOPLE OF THAME
Annual Report March 2021
Thame Youth Projects Group – now known as Thame Youth Projects Group (CIO) Registered No.1187553
I started last year’s report with the phrase “well, what a year” and I feel the same can be said for this year as well. Little did we know what a year it would be.
Let me start by saying a thank you and well done to everyone who helped make this year happen. Between the amazing volunteers who deliver the youth work, the team of volunteer committee members and trustees and James Edney our youth worker, none of what has been achieved would be possible, so thank you.
We started the year in the first weeks of lockdown due to the COVID 19 pandemic and amazingly within a week moved from face-to-face youth work to an online provision. Thank you to everyone who made this possible. Our volunteers adapted incredibly and the phrase “you’re on mute” has never been used so much.
The Trustees moved all the meetings online and we look forward to meeting again in person soon. Thank you to Gordon our Secretary who managed to continue the minutes online.
Thank you to John Savell our Treasurer for this year’s accounts and for all his hard work to ensure the transition to CIO.
There were a couple of points during the year when we could offer restricted face to face youth work and were lucky enough in October to be able to take a group to Go Ape. As we start unlocking meetings in line with the Government roadmap, we look forward to returning to more face-to-face activities.
Work has continued with the development of a youth and community centre and in partnership with Thame Town Council this project is progressing to ensure the needs of the youth and the community groups are met. This is an exciting project for the young people and the town.
As we look forward to the next year, we must not forget the learnings from this year, the need for community, and to support everyone.
Linda Newton
Chairman
SUPPORTING THE YOUNG PEOPLE OF THAME
Report from Youth Worker covering April 2020/March 2021
Because of the Pandemic much of the year was spent Online through a mixture of activities
Vingle , our online interactive page for school Years 11-13 was a success, held weekly and appreciated by the young People who logged on, which included a mix of games to engage with each week.
Upper Café , not as many but still an activity which was not available and Young People were able to interact with their peers with Weekly Quiz/online games.
Lead by YP towards end; decisions on what to do & running games.
We also were able to organise one off event online such as Escape Room, Journal 29, and Crystal Maze.
When able we organised activities outside:
Go Ape, Oct Half Term, Laster Tag, Scavenger Hunt, 14 Young People taken to Go Ape
Laser Tag organised on the Southern Road recreation ground thoroughly enjoyed by those who took part.
Scavenger Hunt again held around town.
The Youth Café was held at the Barn Centre however not many Young People attended Detached work a number of volunteers were trained and were able to go out and meet with Young People.
School Activity
With permission of Lord Williams School able to visit during Lunchtimes (Sept-Oct) There was a number of 1-2-1 session with Young People who needed some additional support.
Funding Applications
Home Office Micro Funding for outreach worker during the Pandemic including activity on the recreation ground, some much needed additional equipment as well welfare and hygiene material. Youth Opportunity Fund for funding salary, office, and ongoing activity.
Volunteers
We have been incredibly fortunate with our volunteers we have 12 at present with a variety of skills which the Young People appreciate.
Safeguarding is always at the forefront of our activities and all our volunteers have safeguarding training as well has been DBS cleared when they join.
James Edney Youth Worker
SUPPORTING THE YOUNG PEOPLE OF THAME
Finance Report
We have been greatly supported by many local organisations the generous grant from the Town Council, both District Councillors as well as Thame Valley Police with the Home Office grant. As well as these grants local service groups have also supported us, Roundtable, Rotary, Thame Belles, Aylesbury Lions Thame Runners and many smaller but no fewer welcome donations from individuals.
Because of all this support we are in a healthy position financially going forward and be able to weather any storm which may come our way should there be any further pandemic related closures. The accounts for the year are shown below.
My thanks to Gordon for stepping into the breach and independently examining the accounts. We will have to find someone else for next year even if we appoint a firm of accountants.
John Savell Treasurer
THAME Y•UTH PROJECTS SUPPORTING THE YOUNG PEOPLE OF THAME Th•M•YrthPtvJ•¢tsGrwlCIOI E a5JM ?wJs £ 274 113A7 1.66 £ SnaEksindlppd CvtsDDSTThknh*c¢5ts OL47 1 4QJYJ £ 175 Jo