# THAME YOUTH PROJECTS YOUNG PEOPLE ARE NOT A PROBLEM TO SOLVE BUT A WONDER TO BEHOLD **ANNUAL REPORT 2024/25** ## INTRODUCTION ## OUR VISION At Thame youth projects we act as a platform for all young people, between ages 11-18, living in Thame and the surrounding area, by providing advice, assistance and organised programmes of physical and educational activities. Through the support we offer young people we hope it will enable them to advance in life, as we help them develop their skills, capacities and capabilities, enabling them to participate in society as independent, mature and responsible individuals. ## OUR PRIORITIES This financial year has been about continuing the rebuilding of the services we provide to the young people, providing consistent support and activities, recruiting a As the only free to access youth provision in the area, TYPG plays a vital role foryouth worker and continuing with the vision for a community/youth centre in Thame. those who might otherwise have nowhere to go after school or during thehappen. This year we have seen Illya Teideman step down as a Trustee and some weekly volunteers moving on to other activities. All these individuals have contributedAs always, I need to start with a massive thank you to the incredible volunteers and committee who have once again dug deep over the last year to make everything hugely into the development of Thame Youth Projects Group (TYPG) and will be missed dearly. We have been fortunate to gain new volunteers throughout the year and holidays. we are in the process of recruiting Trustees to fill the skills gap on the committee. Our key priorities have been to grow our partnership with Lord Williams’s School (LWS) and offer tailored support to young people based on their needs. By providing a comprehensive and diverse schedule of events, we’ve been able to increase our engagement with young people, both during school holidays and throughout the academic term. ## ANNUAL HIGHLIGHTS ## OUR THANK YOU'S As always, we begin this report by expressing our deepest gratitude to our incredible volunteers and committee members. Your unwavering dedication has once again made everything we do possible. At the end of the last financial year, we saw a transition in the Treasurer role. I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to Linda Smith for her hard work, meticulous attention to detail, and passion for the role. Her dedication has been invaluable to our organization. It is with great sadness that we acknowledge the passing of Helena Fickling, a founding member and Trustee of our charity. Helena was deeply committed to creating dedicated spaces and opportunities for young people. Her passion and vision have been instrumental in shaping our work today, ensuring the best possible support for the youth in our community. A particularly cherished memory is of her homemade biscuits, which the young people loved decorating at the end of each term. She is greatly missed by us all. Hannah, our youth worker, remains at the heart of everything we do. Her vision for young people, her dedication to providing meaningful activities, and her leadership continue to be the glue that holds our work together. Without her, so much of what we achieve simply wouldn’t happen. I am delighted to share that the Trustees unanimously agreed to extend her contract for another year—and she has accepted! This is fantastic news as we continue to explore new ways to support the young people of Thame. Thank you, Hannah, for your incredible commitment. It has also been wonderful to see the development of our Young Leader Programme, supporting Lord Williams’s Duke of Edinburgh scheme. This initiative is providing valuable leadership opportunities for young people, fostering their growth and confidence. A special thank you goes out to the young people who joined our activities, bringing so much joy, and to the parents for trusting us with their children. As we look forward to the year ahead, we remain committed to adapting, evolving, and enhancing our work to meet the ever-changing needs of the young people in our community. Linda Newton Chair ## OUR YEAR ## OVERVIEW We are proud to maintain a safe and supportive environment for the young people of Thame and the surrounding areas, even as we navigate various challenges. With one full time youth worker and the dedication of our incredible team of volunteers, we have expanded our services to offer a broader range of opportunities and support for our youth Over the last 52 weeks..... - We supported 1296 young people visits to our activities - We have seen an increase in new attendees to an amazing 111 young people - We ran 22 wide ranging holiday activities - We supported Lord Williams’s School with over 95 sessions. - We are developing a Young Leader Programme for the current 4 young leaders who provide valuable weekly support. ## TERM TIME This year, we’ve continued to offer our weekly Youth Café for students in school years 7-9. Following a successful year 6 taster session, we saw a noticeable increase in new year 7s in September. Following feedback from participants who would transition to Youth Zone for those in years 10-13, we altered date, time, and location based on their preferences. However throughout the year we saw the need for this tail off and therefore have taken the decision to amend the offer for this age group. We still continue to support the core youth zone attendees, meeting weekly, and we are focusing our efforts on a more targeted approach, working with LWS to ensure we reach those who need it. ## OUR HOLIDAY ACTIVITES We continue to provide a variety of activities throughout the school holidays. This past year we have sought feedback from our young people about what they would like to see and used this to create our activities programme. We also expanded our holiday activity offerings, providing a wide range of experiences for our young people, including: Laser Tag Golf - Movie Nights - Activity Day - Cooking Sessions - Book Club - Board Games Sessions ## SCHOOL WORK This year, Hannah has continued to work closely with Lord Williams’s School to support our young people through various initiatives. We have provided: 1:1 mentoring at the upper school - Lunchtime engagement at both the lower and upper schools, connecting with new students and supporting Pride Club. - Support during ACE (Alternative Curriculum Experience) week - Assistance during summer school to welcome the new Year 7 students - Participation in Future Fest, an event for Year 9 and above, featuring over 50 employers, colleges, universities, and training providers to discuss opportunities ## Guidance for young people exploring career opportunities ## EVENTS ## The Community We work closely with the local community to support our activities and are fortunate to receive incredible backing from local organisations. - Theo’s Skate Jam: We were honored to support this event again, in aid of Little Hearts Matter, - Hannah has become an active member of the inaugural Thame Pride by working with LWS Pride Club and being part of the safeguarding team. - Hannah attended LWS Future Fest careers evening - Summer of Skate: We partnered with South Oxfordshire District Council and ATB to deliver the Summer of Skate for young people. - Santa Fun Run: We collaborated with Invictus Fitness Centre to host the Santa 5k run again - Invictus Fitness: continue to support our work through fundraisers - Lucy Electric: Halloween fundraiser and continuing support. - Invictus Kindly donated their time to run a boxing session during one of our Activity Mornings Brian Power kindly donated his time to run a dj workshop during our Activity Morning - TAG (Thame Alliance Group): We work alongside the Thame Alliance Group, which consists of representatives from various charities in Thame, collaborating on how best to support each other and the local community. We started TYP’s first parent/guardian newsletter, delivered termly ## NEEDS ## THE NEEDS AND CHALLENGES OF THE YOUNG PEOPLE - Social Emotional Mental Health - Not in Education, Employment or Training - Emotional Based School Avoidance/Social Isolation - Special Educational Needs - Adverse Childhood Experiences Child Sexual Exploitation - Child Criminal Exploitation - LGBTQIA+ access to support and services. Hannah has worked with young people in Thame that meet all these criteria, both in a general group activity and on a 1:1 basis. Young people in Thame face a lack of provision that allows them time to relax and interact, without too much structure. Outside of school there is no one space they can go to where they know they can get support, even then this puts those not in school at a disadvantage and creates a lack of safety during the school holidays. Additionally, COVID-19 had a profound impact on young people by disrupting their education and social development, and even now, many are still struggling to rebuild friendships and adapt to the lingering changes in school life and social interaction. We are also seeing an increase in need for parental support, especially in helping navigate these difficult times and understanding the world their child lives in. ## NEEDS ## OUR NEEDS ## Challenges for us that impact youth: - **Funding** : our most critical element. It currently costs just under £41k a year to maintain the provision we are providing. £15k of this is given by Thame Town Council, the rest we rely on donations, fundraising, and grants. **Volunteers:** We have one paid youth worker, with no additional admin support. Our volunteers are amazing, however the reliance on them puts young people at risk of not being able to participate in activities due to ratios, or activity cancellation. We also are seeing an increase of young people with various needs which require more volunteers on site in order to support them. Overall we are seeing higher numbers declaring anxiety, SEN, and medical needs when registering for general activities. This creates more pressure on volunteers to be aware of how to support, and a need for more adult support at activities. We are seeing some challenging behaviour that whilst at this stage is low level, it requires Hannah or a volunteer providing some 1:1 time to make sure young people are able to safely engage. This is putting a strain on our resources and we are unable to sustain this. - **Capacity for school work:** Hannah does some 1:1 work with young people dealing with the above mentioned challenges. This work is extremely limited due to capacity but given the time and resources could be increased to reach more at risk young people. - **Space/building:** For general activities we rely on hiring different facilities. We are limited by these facilities in what we can do and how often we can do it. Recently we have been experiencing high numbers at Youth Cafe and have had to put a cap on how many we can accommodate – meaning we will turn young people away if we reach capacity. - **Space/building:** We have been contacted by various organisations requesting targeted 1:1 work outside of school, and parental support. With only one youth worker and no building we have had to refuse this. Our challenges impact what we can deliver which impacts the young people. ## PROJECTS ## OUR COMMUNITY YOUTH CENTRE Over the past year, we have continued to work closely with the Town Council to advance plans for the community and youth centre. During this time, a public vote was held to enable the Council to apply for a Public Works Loan, and applications have been submitted to release Section 106 funds for the Southern area. We've also held meetings with residents and made ongoing progress with the architects. In January, the Council voted to proceed with the loan application, and that process is now underway. We're looking forward to an exciting year ahead—focused on community engagement, launching fundraising activities, and potentially even breaking ground on the project. ## ACCOUNTS ## Financial Report Year 2024-2025 This is my first report as Treasurer and Trustee, having taken over from the previous Treasurer John Savell in July 2024. I would like to thank John for his help with the handover. The statement of accounts is as presented. We have opened a Reserve account and have a Reserve policy which details what the Reserve account is to be used for. This year has been an exceptional for donations and grants. We have received grants from Thame Town Council (funding for Youth worker) and SODC Everyone Active (Lasertag activity May 2025 and TYP Takeover event for 2025), and substantial donations from Connect Scaffolding, Thame Runners, Lucy Electrics, Joyce Chapman Trust, Haddenham Healthcare, Lightfoots Solicitors, Thame Schools Partnership, Invictus, Churchill Auctions, Thame & District Round Table, parents/young people and donations in memory of one of our Trustees who sadly passed away this year. As a result, our net income for this year is a credit of £12,685 (previous year’s net income was a debit of £25,666). This level of financial support cannot be guaranteed every year, and we must continue to look at ways of covering our yearly expenses, currently about £40,000, especially in the current economic climate. A large part of our expenses are employment costs for our youth worker who is key to providing the ongoing level of support required for our young people. Although a grant of 15K has kindly been approved by Thame Town Council for the next year, 2025/26 to help fund our youth worker, it is essential that we continue to look at ways to cover this cost. ## ACCOUNTS Areas we are currently pursuing to increase our revenue are, Donations from parents of young people who take part in activities Local Council funds , SODC / OCC - Local business donations - Increase in our own fundraising activities - Use of fundraising platforms Applications to organisations that fund smaller charities We continue to raise awareness and importance of the Charity throughout our community at every opportunity. In February 2025 Fizz Accounting Limited took on our payroll, Pension submissions and the independent review of our annual accounts. They have kindly offered their services at a substantial discount and whilst this is an additional expense, the charity considers this essential to replace our manual submissions which were open to human error, as well as helping to standardise procedures, future proof the charity and enhance our credibility for future grants and donations. The signed accounts are below having been independently reviewed by Fizz Accounting Limited. Linda Smith Treasurer/Trustee 2024-2025 ACCOUNTS Thirne Youth ProSerts Group Icio} 31st Marih 2015 31st Mat¢h 2024 éa lThrtNrwE t￿￿tIDn I4￿5 edrtk Ihieie5f luTrdraI￿￿5 fjlh hl iJEe1larnÈ(￿￿ 31J l?J2S IJJ I￿10 I￿11 56 $3ts10 I4,7J5E E*tr￿lir￿re 818 ¢ys ?4J 622 107 4.211 146 kEnt4nd FLarffi Mire CrADPUter antt ofrFke tr￿1￿ 4.2È9 SJ15 4¥] 201 226 Ad4*fLillr* P¢blI￿rIe•l 9JSi le￿1 s pNfesSrtK￿I Costs bAIJtellaTrè(￿ 850 167 4D.B15 4Q494 12.6 -25.666 Ball￿Tr clf gLJ48 6fjJ 4J117 É4.761 kn ALcowTrt135 daw rKthr} IS.232 T￿1 Nr)t•: fjr4Thts Els￿1 Irorn t0￿ClI lur fundlry YtArth WvrI￿. £IJDO SODC for a¢tlOty May 20l5 4Thrl T•kqo¥4r •wrrt ID25 PrEpircd tsy L￿￿1 Srrvih. TrE**uref, W￿lh p￿lIÈ¢1$ G￿u￿ CIO I tht arcDunt5 and ihE 511PPJrtlns d￿UrnE￿I5 fDr w￿[b P¢tiie(is CIO Chailfy 118755J lor Iho wr 9￿Yo￿ J J st P&lxch IDI￿ l Conf￿ nD malerul rnTllErJ thmÈ ttslliy dllÈrlLNln bi￿1 bellewe ibe KrA>UN5 4rE a tr￿ 4n¢ f4)Ir 5¢o¢yrnwt, PFlrJt narn ryy naffje.. f￿2 Accoumiffjl Lrteil 51ts I￿)l( THAME Y•UTH PROJEcrs ## ADMINISTRITIVE Registered Office 36 Maple Road, Thame, OX9 2BH Bankers Nat West, 22Market Square, Aylesbury, Bucks, HP20 1TR Independent Examiner Fizz Accounting Limited, 6s St Andrews Court, Thame, OXON, OX9 3WY ## STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE & MANAGEMENT ## Organisational Structure Thame Youth Projects Group (TYPG) operates under the governance of its constitution. Strategic oversight is provided by a Board of Trustees, who guide the charity’s direction and ensure compliance with its legal, financial, and operational responsibilities. The charity employs one full-time member of staff to support the delivery of its services. Trustee Board We continue to seek committed individuals with a strong passion for youth development to join our Board of Trustees. Trustees play a pivotal role in shaping the charity's vision and ensuring effective governance. Their responsibilities include overseeing strategic planning, financial stewardship, and overall performance monitoring. In addition to these duties, Trustees act as ambassadors for TYPG, fostering community partnerships and advocating for young people in Thame and surrounding areas. ________________________________________ ## ADMINISTRITIVE OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES Thame Youth Projects Group is a community-led charity with the core aim of providing a safe, inclusive, and engaging environment for young people. Our mission is to deliver meaningful activities and support services that encourage personal development, mental well-being, and social inclusion. We are committed to nurturing the potential of local youth and creating lasting, positive impact within the community. ________________________________________ ## TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS Fixtures and fittings have been valued at £7,500 for insurance purposes. A detailed inventory of tangible assets is available upon request. ________________________________________ FUNDS AND FINANCIAL POSITION These accounts are prepared on a receipts and payments basis, reflecting income actually received during the financial year. Income pledged but not received before year-end is excluded, in accordance with our financial policy. TYPG maintains a formal Finance Policy and Reserves Policy, which guide the charity’s financial management and ensure sustainability. ________________________________________ STATEMENT OF TRUSTEES’ RESPONSIBILITIES The trustees are responsible for preparing both the annual report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and UK accounting standards (UK Generally Accepted Accounting Practice). Charity law in England and Wales requires the trustees to prepare financial statements that provide a true and fair view of the charity’s financial position and its incoming and outgoing resources for each financial year. In doing so, trustees must: - Select and apply appropriate accounting policies consistently - Observe the principles set out in the Charities SORP - Make reasonable and prudent judgements and estimates - Disclose and explain any departures from applicable accounting standards - Prepare the financial statements on a going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to do so Trustees are also responsible for maintaining accurate accounting records that reflect the financial position of the charity and ensure compliance with the Charities Act 2011, the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008, and the charity’s governing document. Furthermore, trustees are charged with safeguarding the charity’s assets and taking appropriate steps to prevent fraud or other financial irregularities. ________________________________________ Approved by the Trustees on ……………… Signed: ________________________________________ ## LOOKING FORWARD ## OUR PLANS Looking forward we are focusing on both the next 12 months together with the developing a longer term strategy for youth provision in Thame. Our focus is to - grow youth work grow volunteer and staff team 2025 more and varied activities for young people continue to work with LWS - launch group targeted support work continue to work with TTC for the youth centre and develop the strategic growth/business plan to secure the future of Thame Youth Projects. In 2025/26, we are projected to deliver: - 21 Holiday Activities - 35 Youth Cafés - 35 Youth Zones - 4 Targeted support groups Additionally, our youth worker will continue providing weekly lunchtime support at both the lower and upper campuses of Lord Williams’s School, offering weekly mentoring at the upper campus, and assisting with non-curriculum activities. ## FEEDBACK ## Feedback on the year ‘***** always feels welcome and safe. He is encouraged to be himself and he has lots of fun. As a parent, knowing that he has enjoyable activities with people who genuinely care is hugely reassuring.’ ## _**Parent/Guardian**_ ‘I like getting to spend time with friends, doing fun things. I'm grateful for the time put in by helpers.’ ## _**Young person**_ ‘Seeing my friends and tasting brand new foods (amazing) 😋 being able to chill out with friends i wouldn't always get to see. I love the friendly helpers, hanging out with my friends and doing the fun activities. Thank you’ ## _**Young Person**_ ‘I like the way everyone treats you with respect. I also like how you always do different activities.’ ## _**Young Person**_ ‘It’s a great social session to go to and I make lots of friends. The workers here are very nice and g supportive’ ## _**Young Person**_ ## ‘It's a safe place to really be myself’ _**Young Person.**_ ## **Statistics** ## ‘I don't have to be at home, where I'd be alone’ _**Young Person.**_ It helps me spend time and connect with different friends from school. Helps me get away from my phone.’ _**Young Person.**_ ## ‘It's very rewarding to see the children enjoying themselves & interacting with each _(from feedback survey)_ 88% feel happier, - 83% feel less isolated, 88% feel safe and welcome, 78% feel less anxious or worried 71% say their wellbeing has improved 45% would otherwise be lonely 80% would ask a youth worker for advice 93% of young people have fun, - 85% of young people found it creative 60% say they made new friends other. ‘ _**Volunteer**_ ## CONTACT US OUR SOCIAL MEDIA **Contacts and social media** www.thameyouthprojects.org.uk www.facebook.com/thameyouthprojects www.instagram.com/thameyouthprojects/ contact@thameyouthprojects.org.uk