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2026-03-31-accounts

THAME YOUTH PROJECTS ‘YOUNG PEOPLE ARE NOT A PROBLEM TO SOLVE BUT A WONDER TO BEHOLD’ ANNUAL REPORT 2025/26

INTRODUCTION

OUR VISION

Supporting the Young People of Thame

Thame Youth Projects Group (TYPG) is dedicated to empowering young people across Thame and the wider community. Our goal is to provide safe, inclusive, and welcoming spaces where young people can access leisure opportunities, trusted guidance, and meaningful support.

Our mission is simple, to help every young person thrive. We strive to build confidence, develop essential life skills, and foster friendships, ensuring they feel valued, supported, and ready to take their place in society.

OUR PRIORITIES

About the Charity

We exist to support and empower young people aged 11–18 in Thame and theThis financial year has been about continuing the rebuilding of the services we provide to the young people, providing consistent support and activities, recruiting a youth worker and continuing with the vision for a community/youth centre in Thame. surrounding villages. We offer advice, guidance, and a diverse range of programmes As 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 happen. This year we have seen Illy a Teid e man step down as a Trustee and some weekly volunteers moving on to other activities. Al l these individuals have contributed that promote physic l, ducational, emotional, and personal deve opment. 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 we are in the process of recruiting Trustees to fill the skills gap on the committee. By helping young people build skills, confidence, and resilience, we support them in becoming independent, responsible, and engaged members of the community.

Our activities include:

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ANNUAL HIGHLIGHTS

OUR THANK YOUS

Our heartfelt thanks go to our dedicated volunteers and committee members. Their commitment, enthusiasm, and passion are the driving force behind all our achievements.

A special thank you goes to Hannah Kape, our youth worker, whose exceptional contribution this year has made a remarkable difference. She has provided outstanding support to young people and has also mentored a volunteer through their youth work qualification, sharing her expertise in a way that strengthens the whole organisation. We were absolutely delighted to have the Mayor of Thame present Hannah with a Certificate of Appreciation. It was a wonderful moment that truly celebrates her hard work and dedication.

We would also like to acknowledge the end of an era as Ian Cleare stepped down at the end of the financial year. Ian has been an extraordinary volunteer, ensuring our policies remained current and effective, and serving as our Secretary, a challenging role given the pace and volume of our meetings! His help organising events, ‑ ‑ ‑ combined with his love of art, enriched our graffiti in the park sessions and inspired young people to express themselves creatively. Ian will be deeply missed by us all.

We were also sad to say goodbye to Sarah, who stepped down as a Trustee. During her time with us, she used her expertise to strengthen our marketing and social media, improving how we communicate our work and how we explain our financial constraints. Thanks to Sarah, our messaging is now clearer and more effective.

Finally, we are delighted to welcome Alison Fahey as a Trustee. Alison has volunteered with us for four years and now brings her editorial expertise to her new role as Secretary. Her expertise with young people and ability to support the organisation is very much appreciated. We are thrilled to have her on board.

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ANNUAL HIGHLIGHTS

OUR THANK YOUS

Now for some highlights from 2025 and 2026. This has been an inspiring year.

Alongside our established mentoring, weekly clubs, holiday activities, and Young

A warm thank you to the young people who take part with such enthusiasm, and to the parents and carers who place their trust in us.

Linda Newton

Chair

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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 fulltime paid 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 have:

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 and extending our summer provision to include them, we saw a noticeable increase in new Year 7s in September.

Our Youth Zone provision, for Years 10-13, has changed again to fit the needs of our young people and we now run that once a month. We also explored a more targeted support group and whilst it wasn’t the right provision needed at the time it is something we will consider again.

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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:

----- Start of picture text -----
DJ-ing
Music Workshop
Pickleball
Book Club
Cooking
Movie Nights
Golf
Laser Tag
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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:

MATHS CLUB

We launched Maths Club at the start of the academic year and have run a session every Monday afternoon for two terms.

The Club provides a supportive environment for completing maths homework, recapping on any missed subjects and undertaking past papers. We also play maths games and quizzes.

The sessions are led by adult volunteers, (who use maths in their work, but are not teachers), and sixth form students who volunteer as part of their DoE Gold Award.

So far, we have had the pleasure of the company of 12 young people, many of whom have become regulars at our sessions.

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EVENTS

The Community

We work closely with the local community to support our activities, and we are fortunate to receive incredible backing from local organisations:

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NEEDS

THE NEEDS AND CHALLENGES OF THE YOUNG PEOPLE

The Challenges Facing Young People in Thame

Although Thame is often seen as an affluent and safe town, many young people here face significant challenges.

Our youth worker supports individuals with multiple risk factors, both in group ‑ ‑ settings and on a one to one basis. While confidentiality prevents us from sharing details, some cases have required involvement from social care, family support services, and formal risk assessments.

Young people in Thame are facing:

Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND)

We’ve seen an increase in SEND declarations. With limited options for specialist support locally, we cannot meet the demand, including requests for a dedicated neurodiverse group. Some of the challenges that the young people are facing could include:

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NEEDS

OUR NEEDS

Challenges Impacting Our Ability to Deliver Support

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PROJECTS

OUR COMMUNITY YOUTH CENTRE

Over the last 7 years we have worked with the Council to plan for a permanent youth facility in Thame. This has morphed into a Community and Youth Centre, to allow access for all ages. The Centre will have a dedicated space just for young people, whilst allowing activities to cross generations where possible. we now have an official name “Project Link”, which represents the concept of an all-inclusive centre and outside space. We have confirmed funding form the Public Works Loan Board for £3.1 million and a further £750,000 from Section 106 money. There is still a funding gap of over £1million, however we are submitting applications for lottery and SODC funding to reduce that gap. The Project team are now moving forward to appoint a builder and plan to start work in early 2027.

We will be working to finalise interior plans for the youth space over the next 6 months with the young people of Thame.

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ACCOUNTS

Financial Report Year 2025-2026

The statement of accounts is as presented.

Our net income for this year is a credit of £5,969 against a credit of £12,685 last year, with running costs of £40,105.

We have been fortunate again with the grant from Thame Town Council which really helps towards the funding of our youth worker who is key to everything we do and is a large part of our expenses. Employment costs will be increasing again next year, and we are also taking on an additional part-time employee to help meet the increasing demands on TYPG. As this funding cannot be guaranteed each year, we are looking at other ways to help fund this through specific grants and Oxfordshire Youth.

Other grants received this year were SODC Everyone Active for our February half term activities, Asda for first aid training and cooking activities, SODC Councillor grant for development of our young leaders, which has been extended into next year, and National Youth Agency for the delivery of the Thrive programme.

We have had good support from the local community again with generous donations from Thame Rotary Club, Jane Coulcher concert, Connect Scaffolding, Thame Pride, Thame 10K, Thame Runners, Lucy Electrics, Thame District Round Table, Thame Partnership of Schools, Cowell’s Digital Group, Masonic Charitable Foundation, Sandra Brooks’ Christmas event and sadly donations in memory of young member of a family in our community.

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ACCOUNTS

We now have 5 regular donations providing about £70 a month and we are looking at ways to increase this, so we have more guaranteed regular income. Employment and hire costs for premises for our regular weekly sessions have increased this year.

Income from grants and donations has covered over half of employment costs, and we have organised several fundraising events to help cover the remainder. We have changed our insurance provider and reduced our annual premium whilst still having the appropriate cover for our group, and have reviewed our fundraising and donations platforms, concentrating on those that are most cost-effective.

The ways in which we promote TYPG have been increased and improved to try and make it clearer how to donate and gift aid. We are also increasing the awareness in the community of our activities, work and initiatives by attending and supporting community events, e.g. High Sheriff’s breakfast, Thame Pride, Annual Volunteers’ Fair, Thame market stall. Grant applications are still difficult in the current economic climate particularly for youth work, especially as Thame is viewed as an affluent town, but we continue to look at ways to increase our revenue.

The provision of a dedicated community and youth centre for our activities will be important to the finances of the group as we plan how to grow and develop TYPG so we can continue to meet the changing and increasing needs of our young people. The signed accounts are below having been independently reviewed by Fizz Accounting Limited.

Linda Smith Treasurer/Trustee 2025-2026

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ACCOUNTS Thame Youth Projects Group (ao) Accounts year endlng Bthnce 31st March 2026 31st March 2025 Donations 19.514 J28 1.026 5.582 304 321 31.09d GTrnts Bank Interest Fundralsing Glft Akl Mlscellaneous 17A25 2.810 712 Gross IncM)e 46 53JiO Equipment InterneLIMoblle Phone Insurance Staff Training Fundralsin£ costs Rent and Roorn Hlre Computer and OffKe 52 417 818 8S9 199 2,217 98 107 d231 246 Refreshrnents Advertising and PromolM)n Employment Legal & Professoonal costs Mtscellane¢xAS 514 393 30,790 420 602 197 29.851 47 40.105 N•t IrK(X 1159 4.017 69.781 75 232 Totsl 87318 £L500 NYA lor the roll <xrt of the Thrfve proyamn and £L060 OCC for Mats aub and TYPG hlre of h•ll fty weekly •ctlvhies Prepafed by Linda Smith. Tfeasurer. Than￿ Youth P(oiects Gn)up ao 5ned'. Date: I have examined the accounts and the supporting docurnents Thame Youth Proierts GTOUP CK) Charity number 1187S53 for the year ended 3151 March 2026. I confimi no rnaterial rnatte￿ ha%* come to my attention and believe the accounts a￿ a In￿ and faif slatement. Si8ned: Prlnt name: Company name: Fizi A￿oun11n6 Llmfted Date". Iq iflio THAME Y•UTH PROJEcrs

ADMINISTRATIVE

Thame Youth Projects Group CIO Administrative Information as at 31st March 2026

REGISTRATION DETAILS Registered Charity 1187553 GOVERNING DOCUMENT Thame Youth Projects Group is covered by its Constitution

G
G		 Name Position Date (if not whole year)
ts
ts
Tha
Administra
Chris Bruce-Morgan		 me Youth Projects Grou
ive Information as at 31

Trustee		 p CIO
March 2026
st

REGISTRATION
Paul Cowell
ETAILS Ri
Trustee
d Chi 1187553

OVERNING DOCUMENT
Alison Fahey		 egster
Thame Youth Proj

Trustee		 arty
ects Group is covered by i
Added 29 Dec 2025
th
Tha

Linda Newton		 Constitution.
me Youth Projects Grou


Chair		 p CIO
Administra
Alex Pazik		 tive Information as at 31

Trustee		 March 2026
st
REGISTRATION D
OVERNING DOCUMENT
Linda Smith		 ETAILS Register
Thame Youth Proj
Treasurer		 ed Charity 1187553
ects Group is covered by i
Sarah Welford Constitution.
Trustee		 Removed 29th April 2025

Registered Office 36 Maple Road, Thame, OX9 2BH Bankers Nat West, 22Market Square, Aylesbury, Bucks, HP20 1TR Independent Examiner Fizz Accounting Ltd , 6s St Andrews Court,Thame, Oxon, OX9 3WY

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ADMINISTRATIVE

Structure, Governance and Management

Organisational Structure

We operate under the governance of TYPG’s 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 us organisationally, fostering community partnerships and advocating for young people in Thame and surrounding areas.

Objectives and activities

We are 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 wellbeing, 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 £7,755 for insurance purposes. A detailed inventory of tangible assets is available upon request.

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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 yearend is excluded, in accordance with our financial policy.We maintain a formal Finance Policy and Reserves Policy, which guide the charity’s financial management and ensure sustainability.

Statement of Trustee’s 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

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:

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LOOKING FORWARD

OUR PLANS

Our Plans for the Financial Year Ahead

Over the next 12 months, we have two main priorities:

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FEEDBACK

Feedback on the year

“Gives your child a chance to potentially experience something new, meet new people and have fun in a safe environment.” Parent/Guardian

“My child always loves the TYP activities, they feel safe and valued and we are grateful for free activities that get them out of the house. They have grown in confidence and made new friends.” Parent/Guardian

“Such a supportive and welcoming group. Provides a safe space for youngsters which is so important. Volunteer staff are friendly and approachable. Thank you so much.”

Parent/Guardian

“Thame youth/families are lucky to have you!” Parent/Guardian g

“I first started attending youth zone with my friend (who I still go with) in October 2023 when it was held every other Thursday at monkey puzzle, and it has been really nice as it is always chill (and interesting talking to the volunteers and youth workers :)) ) and the main reason me and my friend wanted to join because there aren't many (free and accessible) places for young people to hang out in Thame. Youth zone has definitely been that place for us, later on, I also started volunteering as a young leader at youth cafe, and it has been a great way for me to be able to give back that same positive experience to the younger years. Not only have i gained confidence and a sense of leadership in making sure they are having the best time, but i have also made new friends who also volunteer/ are young leaders, and it's also fun for us while we make sure the younger kids feel welcomed and have fun!!” Young Person

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CONTACT US

OUR SOCIAL MEDIA Contacts and social media www.thameyouthprojects.org.uk

www.facebook.com/thameyouthprojects

www.instagram.com/thameyouthprojects/

admin@thameyouthprojects.org.uk

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