OpenCharities

This text was generated using OCR and may contain errors. Check the original PDF to see the document submitted to the regulator.

2025-03-31-accounts

ACCOUNTS 1st April 2024 – 31st March 2025

1[st] April 2024 - 31[st] March 2025

Woking Youth Annual Report

Contents

Introduction .......................................................................................................................... 2 Chief Executive’s Report ........................................................................................................ 7 Chair of Trustees Report ....................................................................................................... 9 Governance ......................................................................................................................... 10 Activities ............................................................................................................................. 11 Achievements and performance ......................................................................................... 18 Financial review .................................................................................................................. 22 Trustee Declaration ............................................................................................................. 23 Accounts ............................................................................................................................. 24

registered charity: 1192098

1 | Page

1[st] April 2024 - 31[st] March 2025

Woking Youth Annual Report

Introduction

Woking Youth is a dedicated youth charity committed to making a positive impact on the lives of young people in the community of Woking. This report serves as a comprehensive overview of the charitable activities undertaken by Woking Youth during the year 2024-2025, highlighting our mission, accomplishments, and the transformative effect of our youthfocused initiatives.

Who We Are and What We Do

Woking Youth was established in 2020 by two local youth workers who identified a significant gap in universal, free, and accessible youth provision in Woking. We provide safe, welcoming spaces where young people can take part in purposeful activities supported by positive role models. Over the past year, we have remained committed to empowering young people and supporting them to reach their full potential. We strongly believe in the lasting and positive impact that consistent youth support can have in shaping the future of the next generation. We have worked with 133 young people in the year 2024-25, striving to engage, encourage, and empower every individual, regardless of the challenges they may face.

Our mission is to identify and respond to the needs of young people in Woking. Central to our work is a commitment to placing young people at the heart of everything we do, recognising and valuing their experiences, ideas, and skills as vital in shaping our services. We are passionate about championing and celebrating the achievements of every young person we support.

We work in close partnership with local agencies, collaborating to ensure young people can access the support they need. Through active engagement with the wider community, we advocate on behalf of young people, creating an environment where their voices are heard and their successes are recognised and celebrated.

Our Approach

Innovative:

Accessible:

Collaborative:

registered charity: 1192098

2 | Page

1[st] April 2024 - 31[st] March 2025

Woking Youth Annual Report

As we look back on the past year, we extend our sincere thanks to everyone who has supported Woking Youth during a challenging social and funding landscape. Together, we have continued to make a meaningful impact on the lives of young people, helping to create a future in which they can thrive, grow, and realise their full potential.

The Need

The need for our services over the past year has been repeatedly demonstrated through our direct work and the feedback we continue to receive from young people and the wider community. While many of the needs remain consistent with previous years, two areas have increasingly underpinned almost all engagement: Special Educational Needs (SEN) and behaviour.

Despite ongoing pressures, we continued to engage young people through our weekly openaccess sessions, and the importance of youth work in our town became ever more apparent. Each interaction brings forward a range of issues affecting young people’s lives, including mental health, identity, SEN, poverty, social media, isolation, bullying, and educational challenges. These issues have a profound impact on daily life and require significant resilience from young people simply to cope. Witnessing these struggles continues to reinforce our belief in the value of early intervention through youth work. Through our support, many young people have been able to face their challenges with increased confidence and reduce negative outcomes. However, demand for our services continues to grow, and there remains significant unmet need.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)

One of the most significant needs identified this year has been a marked increase in young people attending our sessions with identified or emerging Special Educational Needs. The most common needs observed are Autism and ADHD, often occurring together, alongside a growing number of young people presenting with conditions such as Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) and other behaviour-related or personality-based needs.

This reflects national trends, with the number of young people with Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) continuing to rise. The Department for Education reported a 12.8% increase in active EHCPs between January 2023/24 and 2024/25 (Department for Education, 2025). This increase has had a clear impact within our sessions, including higher emotional and energy demands, increased complexity of support, and a growing need for staff training and organisational reflection.

At the same time, this trend highlights one of the core strengths of open-access youth work: inclusivity. We do not exclude young people on the basis of need or diagnosis. This creates a shared space where young people with diagnosed SEN, those in assessment, and those without additional needs interact by choice. This approach supports mutual understanding, social learning, and inclusion—benefitting individuals and contributing positively to wider society.

registered charity: 1192098

3 | Page

1[st] April 2024 - 31[st] March 2025

Woking Youth Annual Report

Behaviour and Antisocial Behaviour

Another key area of need identified this year relates to behaviour. National research highlights increasing behavioural challenges among young people, particularly in early adolescence. A 2025 survey by NASUWT reported that:

The report also identified 12–14-year olds as the age group most likely to demonstrate physical or verbal abuse (NASUWT, 2025).

Further research by the Child Outcomes Research Consortium noted rising reoffending rates and widespread exposure to violence, reporting that 52% of children surveyed changed their behaviour due to fear of violence, while 90% of children who perpetrated violence were offered no support to manage their behaviour (CORC, 2025).

Within our own provision, we have seen an increase in behaviour-related concerns, with behaviour management and bullying becoming more prominent within our recording categories. However, we have not experienced the extreme levels reported elsewhere. This reflects the protective value of open-access youth work.

Young people attend our sessions by choice. They are listened to, accepted, and met without judgement, which helps build trust, respect, and positive relationships. Clear boundaries exist, and young people understand expectations. Where necessary, young people may be asked to leave, but this process encourages self-regulation, respect for others, compromise, and accountability, skills essential for participation in wider society.

Nationally identified contributors to behavioural challenges include:

Youth work cannot address all these factors alone, but it plays a critical role. It provides positive adult relationships, supports re-socialisation, creates space to explore behaviour and emotions safely, and helps young people develop a sense of belonging and responsibility. This support is offered to all young people, whether they have identified SEN or not.

registered charity: 1192098

4 | Page

1[st] April 2024 - 31[st] March 2025

Woking Youth Annual Report

The increasing complexity of need, particularly around SEN and behaviour, demonstrates that youth work is not a luxury, but an essential part of early intervention and prevention. We remain committed to being part of the solution and responding to these needs as they continue to grow.

The Context

The context in which we have worked during this period has had a greater influence on this reporting period than the level of need itself. While need has continued to grow and evolve, the environment in which we operate has shaped how we respond, what decisions we have had to make, and how we understand our role as an organisation. This has been a year of significant change, but also one of opportunity. It has required us to reflect deeply on who we are, what we stand for, and how we ensure that our work remains credible, resilient, and rooted in our values. More than ever, we have had to be confident that our work is not only good, but necessary, and worth standing up for.

This year demanded that we actively test our values and principles in practice. That reality was most clearly demonstrated through the difficult decision to close our Kingsmoor youth project. This was not a decision taken lightly. It meant stepping away from the time, energy, and financial investment we had made, and acknowledging that some young people would lose access to the positive role models and safe spaces we provide. However, it was precisely our commitment to those values that required us to act. To continue would have meant compromising our authenticity and integrity. Youth work depends on trust, and trust depends on being genuine and consistent, both as individuals and as an organisation.

Authenticity and integrity are not abstract ideals in youth work; they are the foundation of effective relationships. This is recognised nationally. A recent government report on key workers supporting children and young people affected by youth violence stated:

“Practitioners and CYP recognised the value of a key worker being their true selves. Key workers who are authentic and genuine foster trust by being open, honest, and consistent in their interactions with CYP.”

(Department for Education, 2025)

Throughout the year, it became increasingly clear that we are not only role models for young people, but also for the communities and partner organisations we work alongside. If we are to have the impact we seek, we must consistently demonstrate honesty, consistency, and authenticity in all aspects of our work.

Alongside these internal reflections, we were also operating within a rapidly shifting external landscape. The year brought significant uncertainty and anticipation, particularly following the election of a new government on 4 July 2024. The incoming government set out a pro-youth agenda, including commitments to Young Futures Hubs, votes at 16, and a youth guarantee for employment and education opportunities for young people aged 18–21.

The proposed Young Futures Hubs were of particular interest, as they echoed many elements of open-access youth work: early intervention, youth workers, mental health support, and careers guidance, albeit within a more structured and centrally organised model. While the ambition of these proposals was welcomed, clarity on delivery had not emerged by March 2025, leaving uncertainty about timescales, implementation, and how existing youth organisations might be involved.

registered charity: 1192098

5 | Page

1[st] April 2024 - 31[st] March 2025

Woking Youth Annual Report

Locally, Surrey and Woking experienced further significant change. Following the instability caused by the borough’s financial collapse, councils across Surrey were invited to explore devolution through the creation of unitary authorities, replacing the existing borough and county council system. While this could potentially offer access to wider funding streams and resources, it also raises fundamental questions for an organisation rooted in hyper-local youth work. Decisions around geography, remit, and identity will need careful consideration to ensure that local commitment is not diluted. This period of uncertainty has made long-term planning more challenging, though we continue to monitor developments closely and intend to engage fully in forthcoming consultations.

Despite these pressures, the organisation has continued to function, adapt, and achieve largely due to the extraordinary commitment of our volunteers and the strength of the communities we serve. Volunteers have been fundamental to our sustainability this year. Existing volunteers stepped up during times of increased need, and new volunteers came forward from within the community because they recognised the value of our work and trusted our integrity. Their support has ensured that we have not let down the young people we work with or the wider community that benefits from our presence.

Staffing challenges also shaped the year, particularly with one paid youth worker on maternity leave. This reduced capacity placed additional demands on remaining staff, but these pressures were significantly mitigated by volunteer support. In many instances, the relationship between staff, volunteers, and community became so mutually supportive that it was difficult to distinguish who was helping whom. This has been a humbling and hopeful experience, and one that underpins much of what follows in this report.

In summary, while the level of need remains high, it is the context, marked by complexity, uncertainty, and change, that has most influenced our work this year. How we responded to that context, while staying true to our values, has defined the period and reaffirmed the importance of authentic, inclusive, and relationship-based youth work.

registered charity: 1192098

6 | Page

1[st] April 2024 - 31[st] March 2025

Woking Youth Annual Report

Chief Executive’s Report

This year has been one of significant change and challenge for Woking Youth. At the beginning of the year, we were successfully operating three youth clubs; by the end, this had reduced to two following the difficult decision to close the Kingsmoor drop-in after it became clear that we could no longer continue the project with funding from MTVH. This is not a statement any Chief Executive of an open-access youth charity wishes to make. However, within this disappointment there has also been much hope and determination.

Hope has come from the strong support shown by parents and young people who attended the Kingsmoor sessions and wanted the project to continue, even while understanding our reasons for closure. Hope has also come from the communities we serve, who demonstrated how much they value our work by stepping forward to volunteer during a challenging period. Most importantly, hope continues to come from the young people themselves, who keep returning, engaging, and growing. Alongside this hope has been a strong sense of determination: a belief that by remaining true to our principles, even when it is difficult, we build respect, protect our reputation, and, crucially, model the values we want young people to carry forward. To do otherwise would be unfair both to the charity and to those we serve.

Both the Knaphill and Lakeview youth projects have grown in attendance and developed strong individual identities. Lakeview has become increasingly embedded within its local community, supported by the exceptional generosity of parents and residents who volunteered when it became clear that we would not be able to employ maternity cover. At the time, this presented a genuine concern about whether the centre could remain open. In hindsight, it proved to be a turning point. Reaching out for support revealed just how deeply the community values our work. Today, Lakeview is more connected than ever, with volunteers who are known and respected across the estate, and young people who are increasingly seen not as “troublemakers,” but as trusted and responsible members of their community, something clearly demonstrated through our shared involvement in the community fun day.

Knaphill, supported by a new intake of young people and the outstanding commitment of our regular volunteers, has become a safe and welcoming space for teenagers who are too often written off elsewhere. While this work is not without its challenges, meaningful progress is being made, and we are confident that Knaphill will continue to have a growing positive impact on its local area, much like Lakeview already has.

Staffing pressures linked to maternity leave have undoubtedly been a challenge this year. However, this is a challenge we have navigated successfully, resulting in stronger community relationships, increased volunteer involvement, and, somewhat counterintuitively, an overall increase in capacity. We are currently awaiting reimbursement from HMRC to cover maternity pay, and once received, these funds will be placed into reserves to further strengthen the organisation’s future sustainability.

Volunteers have been central to both our success and survival this year. Managing such a generous and diverse group of people has been a privilege, and I have learned as much from them as they may have learned from us, about youth work, community, and the power of positive role modelling. Each volunteer brings something unique, yet all share a belief in the importance of youth work and a willingness to step forward and contribute. Despite being one of the most challenging years of my career, it has also been one of the most rewarding, largely because of them.

registered charity: 1192098

7 | Page

1[st] April 2024 - 31[st] March 2025

Woking Youth Annual Report

Funding has also presented difficulties. We have struggled to secure new regular donors and received only one small grant, from Costco, largely due to limited capacity to pursue funding applications alongside managing day-to-day operations. Something had to give, and unfortunately this was grant development. Looking ahead, this will change. We have already secured funding from the Community Foundation for Surrey, which will support our work moving forward and allow us to rebuild momentum in this area.

As we look to the future, our focus is on sustaining and strengthening our existing projects while remaining open to expansion where opportunities arise. The loss of the Kingsmoor project was disappointing, but we are confident that we demonstrated both the need for and viability of such provision. Should opportunities emerge, we will use this experience to develop sustainable and ethical youth projects in other areas of need across Woking. We will also continue to seek longer-term funding solutions to ensure the stability and growth of our work.

Despite the challenges faced this year, we remain confident in our ability to maintain current operations and optimistic about the future. Both the team and I approach the coming year with resilience, gratitude, and enthusiasm for the opportunities ahead.

Adam Davey

Youth worker & Voluntary CEO

registered charity: 1192098

8 | Page

1[st] April 2024 - 31[st] March 2025

Woking Youth Annual Report

Chair of Trustees Report

Having been fortunate enough to have been involved with Woking Youth since its inception, it has been a pleasure to have watched it develop, not only in size and scope, but also in the depth of the work and responses of the young people who attend.

All charities are challenged by economic and social circumstances, but those in Surrey and Woking have had to deal with a complex and changing governance. As a place-based organisation, the difficulties experienced by Woking Borough Council from whom we had been fortunate to have funding previously, had a direct impact. The change to future unitary authorities may bring benefits and opportunities, but the 2024-2025 period and currently has created a limbo with fewer and fewer grant or statutory funding opportunities. We will rise to the challenge with a focus on individual giving, and remain greatly appreciative of the faith shown in us by the Community Foundation for Surrey.

I have been impressed and energised by attending some of the drop-in sessions and to have witnessed the skill of the support given to young people in a positive and human interaction which the testimonies from young people and volunteers reinforce wonderfully. From the welcome and positive environments provided, the energy and enthusiasms of the young people to the professional and thoughtful debriefs at the end of each session, Woking Youth does an amazing job in provision where the support and opportunities for young people have all but disappeared.

I want to pay tribute to the staff, volunteers and my fellow trustees for their commitment, care, professionalism and good humour in all that they do.

Jane de la Rosa Chair of Trustees

registered charity: 1192098

9 | Page

1[st] April 2024 - 31[st] March 2025

Woking Youth Annual Report

Governance

Woking Youth Trustees:

Governance
WokingYouth Trustees:
Trustee name Office Dates acted from:
Jane de la Rosa Chair 12/12/2020
Edward Stokes Treasurer 19/12/2023
Kristina James-Talbot 19/12/2023
FayKearley 12/02/2021

Chief Executive and senior staff members:

Name Paid role Voluntary role
Adam Davey Youth Worker CEO
BrionyFoat Youth Worker COO

Structure, Governance and Management:

Structure, Governance and Management:
**Governing Document Type ** Constitution adopted 31 January 2020
How charity is constituted Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO)
Trustee Selection Method Apart from the first charity trustees every
trustee must be appointed for a term of one
year by a resolution passed at a properly
convened meeting of the charity trustees.
In selecting individuals for appointment as
charity trustees the charity trustees must
have regard to the skills, knowledge and
experience needed for the effective
administration of the CIO.
Additional governance information Woking Youth works with young people
aged 11-25 within the Borough of Woking in
Surrey
Day to day running of services is managed
by voluntary CEO and COO overseen by
Trustees.
There are child protection and safeguarding
policies in place for staff, volunteers, and
trustees all of whom must have a Current
Disclosure and Barring Check. These are
renewed in line with statutory requirements.
All trustees give their time voluntarily and
receive no renumeration or other benefits.

registered charity: 1192098

10 | Page

1[st] April 2024 - 31[st] March 2025

Woking Youth Annual Report

Activities

The objects of Woking Youth are:

  1. To provide support, help and resource for young people between the ages of 11-25 living in the Borough of Woking, by providing advice and assistance and organising programmes of physical, educational, and other activities as a means of:

  2. a. Advancing in life and helping young people by developing their skills, capacities, and capabilities to enable them to participate in society as independent, mature, and responsible individuals.

  3. b. Advancing education.

  4. c. Providing recreational and leisure time activity in the interests of social welfare for people living in the area of benefit who have need by reason of their youth, age, infirmity or disability, poverty, or social and economic circumstances with a view to improving the conditions of life of such persons.

Over the past year, our charity set ambitious goals while navigating significant challenges. These objectives included:

  1. Building on the successes of the previous year and maximising the reach and impact of our services

  2. Increasing community engagement and volunteer recruitment

  3. Managing the closure of the Kingsmoor youth drop-in.

  4. Addressing reduced staffing capacity during periods of maternity leave

Throughout the year, our commitment to these goals resulted in strong and measurable outcomes. We supported 133 young people , recorded 1,165 individual attendances , and delivered 305 hours of direct support . This represents a 13.5% increase in footfall , demonstrating that young people are attending more frequently and that our sessions are becoming an increasingly valued part of their lives.

These results reflect both the effectiveness of our work and the growing relevance of our charity within the Woking community. As we look back on the year, we are proud of what has been achieved and remain committed to building on this momentum as we continue to support and empower young people across Woking in the years ahead.

Knaphill Youth Drop-In

Knaphill continues to be a highly popular session, attracting a diverse range of young people. Attendance continued to increase throughout the year, and in the summer of 2024 a new cohort, predominantly boys entering year 7, began attending regularly. Their arrival changed the dynamics of the groups significantly, with some older young people stepping up as role models whereas others reduced their attendance.

This younger group also brought a noticeably different attitude, making behaviour management a key focus for the first time. Purposeful conversations around behaviour and expectations took place during ten sessions. Staff and volunteers explored potential contributing factors, including the longer-term impact of the Covid pandemic and challenges within the local school attended by this group. While no definitive conclusions

registered charity: 1192098

11 | Page

1[st] April 2024 - 31[st] March 2025

Woking Youth Annual Report

were reached, consistent and proactive work by the team led to a reduction in behavioural issues by the end of the reporting period.

During this time, our placement youth worker successfully completed his training and, to our great benefit, chose to continue volunteering while seeking a permanent role in the sector. Alongside additional support from Board members, this ensured the Knaphill session continued to operate with minimal disruption during the period of maternity leave, although her absence was keenly felt. This speaks to the strength and value of the relationships built by Woking Youth staff with the young people they support.

The Knaphill drop-in operated every Monday evening from 7:15 to 9:15 pm. Throughout this reporting period, we dedicated 132 hours to delivering support , and had 515 individual attendances .

Lakeview Youth Drop-In

Lakeview Youth Drop-In operated weekly on Wednesdays from 6:30pm to 8:30pm and has become a vital fixture within the local community. Membership continued to grow during the year, with 39 young people registered. The group remains notably diverse, representing a wide range of ethnic backgrounds, faiths, sexual orientations, and gender identities.

A significant proportion of those attending are experiencing poverty. This year, it became particularly evident that period poverty was affecting many of the young women in the group, with the free-to-use sanitary products dispensary being heavily relied upon. Many young people also reported feeling negatively impacted by the Covid pandemic, resulting in isolation from the wider community. Several are home-educated, and most face barriers to accessing other services or leisure activities due to the cost of provision or transport. By delivering a free service directly within their community, we were able to remove these barriers and build trusted relationships more quickly.

Of all our sessions, Lakeview generated the highest level of signposting, referrals, and advocacy work. In one notable case, staff supported a young person to secure funding through the Community Foundation For Surrey to sit GCSE examinations they would otherwise have been unable to take, enabling them to successfully progress into further education.

We again participated in a local community fun day to raise both awareness and funds for the drop-in. Young people planned and delivered the stall activities, including a Hook-a-Duck game, with support from youth workers. Using £89.77 from the previous year as a starting float, they raised a total of £165 by the end of the 2024 event. The group chose to reinvest this funding into future community events and add the remainder to Lakeview’s petty cash. For many, the event was a powerful and perspective-changing experience, providing an opportunity to demonstrate to the wider community that they can be proactive and positive contributors.

The most significant development at Lakeview arose from what initially appeared to be a major challenge. During the summer, discussions began with young people about the impact of a youth worker’s upcoming maternity leave and the potential risk to the continuation of the drop-in and our need to find volunteers or funds for staff to help cover the sessions. But our wonderful young people solved that one for us. Knowing their drop-in was at risk two of the members independently called their parents and asked if they could help out. Something we had been avoiding doing as we were concerned having attendees’ parents could limit their

registered charity: 1192098

12 | Page

1[st] April 2024 - 31[st] March 2025

Woking Youth Annual Report

freedom. But this was their choice, and after discussing with both them and the young people about how we could manage it to the benefit of all, we ended up welcoming Mel and Coral. Two fantastic, funny and motivated women who allowed us to stay open, added enormous benefit to the sessions, and to representing us positively within the community they live in. At the end of this period they were joined by another male volunteer, Pete, who has a wealth of prior experience and eager to contribute to work he knows can make a meaningful difference.

This year at Lakeview we delivered 129 hours’ worth of support and had 520 individual attendances . Lakeview Youth Drop- in is firmly embedded within its community and plates a meaningful and valued role in the lives of the young people it serves.

Kingsmoor Park Youth Club

The Kingsmoor Youth Project launched in November 2023 following extensive discussions with Metropolitan Thames Valley Housing (MTVH). After a successful pilot phase, the project was warmly received by young people and valued by the local community.

During negotiations to extend the project, new funding conditions were proposed that would have limited access to young people from specific housing areas. As these conditions conflicted with Woking Youth’s inclusive ethos and charitable objectives, and despite sustained efforts to reach a compromise, a mutually acceptable agreement could not be achieved. The decision to close the project in July 2024 was therefore taken with considerable reluctance. We were acutely aware that this would directly impact the young people involved and would be felt as a loss within the wider community, making it one of the most difficult decisions of the year.

We communicated openly with young people and their families about the reasons for the closure, recognising the disappointment and disruption it would cause, and provided information and signposting to alternative local youth provision. Wherever possible, staff supported young people to transition into other services.

In the final months of delivery, the project provided a further 36 hours of direct support and recorded 130 individual attendance s. Overall, Kingsmoor delivered 60 hours of youth work, with a total footfall of 186 across 20 registered members . We are pleased to report that since the project’s closure, many of these young people have successfully engaged with other Woking Youth projects or with other local providers.

Training

Training and development were a key focus during this period, ensuring that we met all safeguarding and legal requirements while continuing to deliver high-quality, effective youth work. Our aim was not only to protect young people but also to inspire, equip, and support staff and volunteers in their roles.

Annual safeguarding training is mandatory for all staff, and this year it was made available to both staff and volunteers through the National Youth Agency’s Academy. In addition, a range of specialist training opportunities were accessed to support the upskilling of our team. This was particularly important as volunteers played an increasingly significant role in service delivery and as volunteer numbers continued to grow.

registered charity: 1192098

13 | Page

1[st] April 2024 - 31[st] March 2025

Woking Youth Annual Report

Training undertaken by staff and volunteers included:

Access to high-quality training is essential in recognising and supporting the commitment of our volunteers. Encouragingly, one volunteer was inspired through this training to pursue further education in the sector, with the ambition of becoming a children’s social worker.

Volunteering

With one of our paid staff on maternity leave, volunteers were crucial to the continued delivery of our services, and in many cases were essential to keeping sessions running. Over the year, the number of regular volunteers doubled from two to four, with Board members also stepping in to provide frontline support when needed.

At Lakeview, we were delighted to welcome two volunteers from the local community, parents of young people who proactively offered their support to ensure the continuation of the dropin. Their involvement brought a strengthened sense of community and valuable local insight. Through clear boundary-setting, they and their children were able to maintain independence and safety, while becoming powerful advocates for both the project and the young people who attend. Later in the reporting period, a further volunteer joined Lakeview: a former youth worker and trustee of a local primary school. His extensive experience has enriched the sessions and helped strengthen links between primary provision and Woking Youth.

Our former trainee returned and continued volunteering throughout the year, becoming indispensable to the delivery of the Knaphill sessions. Alongside this, he continued his professional development through further training, ultimately securing a paid role in the sector with strong references from Woking Youth.

At Kingsmoor, our volunteer remained committed until the project’s closure, supporting delivery and playing a key role in communicating with parents and advocating for both the young people and the project during a challenging period.

Our Board members also deserve particular recognition. At times when sessions were at risk due to staffing shortages, Board members consistently stepped in to provide hands-on support. This not only ensured continuity of provision but also gave Trustees valuable direct experience of our work, further strengthening their commitment to the charity.

registered charity: 1192098

14 | Page

1[st] April 2024 - 31[st] March 2025

Woking Youth Annual Report

In total, volunteers contributed 307 hours of their time over the reporting period. Their dedication enabled us to remain active within our communities and to continue making a meaningful difference in the lives of young people. We are profoundly grateful for their support.

Fundraising and Financial management

At the start of the year, a multi-agency Expression of Interest was submitted to the National Lottery. Although this application was unsuccessful, constructive feedback was provided, and the proposal will be refined and resubmitted in the 2025–2026 financial year.

Fundraising during the reporting period was particularly challenging due to limited organisational capacity and a contraction in the local funding environment. Income secured included a small grant of £111 from Costco, £165 raised through fundraising at the Lakeview Community Fun Day (allocated to that centre’s petty cash), and £280 received through individual giving. As a result of reduced income, the charity relied more heavily on reserves to meet ongoing running costs.

Despite these challenges, a funding application for a substantial grant was submitted to the Community Foundation for Surrey towards the end of the reporting period and was successful, securing funding for the 2025–2026 year. This represents a significant positive step for the charity’s financial sustainability.

The management of maternity pay also had a temporary impact on cash flow, due to delays in HMRC reimbursement. Once received, this funding will be returned to the charity’s reserves, further strengthening financial resilience and long-term viability.

Safeguarding

Woking Youth views safeguarding not only as a core responsibility but as an ongoing and dynamic practice that is central to our mission. We are committed to continuously reviewing and strengthening safeguarding arrangements, ensuring that staff and volunteers are equipped with up-to-date knowledge and best practice. This proactive approach underpins a vigilant, responsive safeguarding culture and supports our ability to provide a safe, supportive, and nurturing environment where the wellbeing of every young person is paramount.

During the year, all volunteers received training in both basic safeguarding and contextual youth work practices. In addition, Adam Davey completed training as a Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL), enabling effective cover during Briony Foat’s maternity leave and further strengthening the organisation’s safeguarding capacity. This has also supported the ongoing review and development of safeguarding policies and procedures.

Safeguarding remains a standing agenda item at every Trustee meeting and is formally discussed and minuted, ensuring strong oversight and governance at all levels of the organisation.

registered charity: 1192098

15 | Page

1[st] April 2024 - 31[st] March 2025

Woking Youth Annual Report

Publicity and Community Engagement

During the year, we placed increased emphasis on using social media, particularly Facebook and Instagram, to promote our work, share key messages, and keep young people and parents informed and engaged. This has helped improve the visibility of our services and strengthen communication with the communities we support.

For the first time, we also attended the Working Together for Woking volunteer event, organised by Woking Borough Council. The stall was led by the CEO and supported by members of the Board. This provided a valuable opportunity to raise awareness of Woking Youth’s work, highlight its impact and importance, and engage directly with potential volunteers, trustees, and partner organisations who may support or collaborate with us in the future.

registered charity: 1192098

16 | Page

1[st] April 2024 - 31[st] March 2025

Woking Youth Annual Report

Future Work

The trajectory of our future work is defined by a holistic and forward-thinking approach. Our commitment to the community remains strong, with a focus on sustaining and enhancing the services we currently provide, ensuring that young people continue to receive essential support and opportunities.

While previous plans included ambitious expansion through a multi-agency bid, we recognise that with current capacity, this is a period to consolidate and maximise the impact of our existing work. A key part of this will be building on the successes of the past year, developing capacity through volunteering, and increasing broader community involvement. At the same time, we remain ready to expand quickly should the next Expression of Interest to the National Lottery be successful.

Our success in attracting volunteers this year provides an opportunity to invest in their training and development, increasing overall capacity and enabling paid staff to focus more proactively on the needs of young people.

In addition, we are working to foster a culture of collective responsibility through the development of an individual giving strategy. By engaging community members in supporting our mission, and by enhancing our use of social media and developing an online giving platform, we aim to make it easy for supporters to contribute and become active partners in our work.

In essence, our future strategy combines continuity, collaboration, and targeted growth. Through careful consolidation, volunteer development, community engagement, and strategic fundraising, we are committed to continuing to uplift and empower the young people of Woking.

registered charity: 1192098

17 | Page

1[st] April 2024 - 31[st] March 2025

Woking Youth Annual Report

Achievements and performance

Key Statistics:

Centre Highlights
Centre Registrations Increase Footfall Avg
YP/session		 Staff
hours		 Volunteer
hours
Lakeview 39 +11 520 12 129 177
Knaphill 73 +12 515 12 132 84
Kingsmoor 20 0 130 11 36 30

Topics covered:

----- Start of picture text -----
100
90
96
8070 86 [89] 84 80 91 82 82 88 84 81
75 77 77
60 72 70 72 72 69 72 [74]
50 65 62 63
40
Sum of total
30 41
20 Sum of KH
10
Sum of LV
0
alcohol arts bereavment community issues drugs education financial friendships having a voice healthy lifestyle housing lgbtqia+ mental health other personal identity pregnancy relationships sexual health sport the law travel and holidays wider world youth violence Sum of KM
employment/unemploy…
family breakdown/issues
----- End of picture text -----

registered charity: 1192098

18 | Page

1[st] April 2024 - 31[st] March 2025

Woking Youth Annual Report

----- Start of picture text -----
OTHER TOPICS DISCUSSED IN SESSIONS
NOT NORMALLY RECORDED
12
10
8
6
4
Sythwood - Lakeview centre
2
0 Knaphill - WYAC
kingsmore
----- End of picture text -----

Significant conversations are one of the strongest indicators of the real impact Woking Youth has on young people’s lives. We define a significant conversation as one that:

These are moments when a young person shares who they are, how they feel, or seeks help and guidance. They represent an enormous privilege and the core of the positive difference we can make. Crucially, these conversations only happen because young people trust and respect the staff and volunteers they engage with.

By recording and reflecting on these conversations, we can clearly demonstrate the depth of our work and the meaningful relationships we build.

registered charity: 1192098

19 | Page

1[st] April 2024 - 31[st] March 2025

Woking Youth Annual Report

----- Start of picture text -----
Number of significant conversations in each location
kingsmore
Knaphill - WYAC
Sythwood - Lakeview centre
0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100
no of SigCons
Location
----- End of picture text -----

Volunteer Feedback

“ I became a volunteer for Woking Youth after I left my volunteer role at the local primary school, I knew many of the young people through my own daughter who also attended so seemed a natural progression

Volunteering for Woking Youth has given me the opportunity to give back to my community and learn great skills, my colleagues are great people and the young people are amazing. It’s an honour to guide them on their journey to adulthood.” – Mel, volunteer at Lakeview.

“ It's awesome! a great bunch of young people and great leaders it's so much a part of the local life” – Pete, volunteer at Lakeview.

Young People’s Feedback

This year, we introduced a feedback form across all our services to capture consistent input from young people. Their responses highlight the positive experiences and impact of Woking Youth:

Why people started attending:

“a friend recommended and been coming ever since” “a friend told me too”

Why young people keep attending:

“gave me a place where I could be myself and not feel judged”

“it’s a good place to make new friends”

What are young people’s favourite things about attending sessions:

“being able to have a place to go to when I’m feeling down and I instantly feel happier”

“talking to Adam about my week and being able to chill with my friends”

registered charity: 1192098

20 | Page

1[st] April 2024 - 31[st] March 2025

Woking Youth Annual Report

Young people’s favourite memories:

“we had a nerf gun fight with the PCSO Rob it was adults vs kids and the kids won obviously”

We also asked all respondants to rate the service out of 5 stars. 100% of recipients gave the service 5 stars.

registered charity: 1192098

21 | Page

1[st] April 2024 - 31[st] March 2025

Woking Youth Annual Report

Financial review

Financial review
Statement on reserves Cash in the bank on 31 March 2025 was
£5,633.00in unrestricted funds.
The charity aims to have a reserve that
will cover four months expenditure
based on projected business. This will
remain a priority in the next financial
period
Funds materially in deficit None
Principle sources of funding Small grant funding
One-off individual giving from donors
made the majority funding in this period.
We also received a small but consistent
amount of repeat individual giving.
How expenditure has supported
objectives
 All funding goes directly into the
development of projects, business
activities in support of projects or
reserves.
All projects are designed to ensure they
meet our charitable objectives.

registered charity: 1192098

22 | Page

1[st] April 2024 - 31[st] March 2025

Woking Youth Annual Report

Trustee Declaration

The trustees declare they have approved the above trustees report.

Signed on behalf of the charity trustees.

Full name: Jane Elizabeth de la Rosa

Position: Chair of Trustees

Date : 23.12.2025

Signature:

Full name: Kristina James-Talbot

Position: Board member

Date: 23.12.2025

Signature:

registered charity: 1192098

23 | Page

1[st] April 2024 - 31[st] March 2025

Woking Youth Annual Report

Accounts

Woking Youth 1192098 Receipts and payments accounts CC16a 1st April 2024 31st March For the period To 2025 from Section A Receipts and payments

payments
A1 Receipts Unrestricted
funds
to the nearest
£
280.01
111.00
391.01		 Restricted
funds
to the nearest
£
1,556.16
75.00
1,631.16		 Endowment
funds
to the nearest £
-		 Total
funds
to the
nearest £
280.01
111.00
1,556.16
75.00
-
-
-
-
2,022.17		 Last year
to the nearest
£
donations 280.01 280.01 913.00
unreservedgrants 111.00 111.00 16,983.00
restrictedgrants 1,556.16 700.00
pettycash - LV funday 75.00 75.00 90
-
-
-
-
Sub total(Gross
income for AR)		 391.01 1,631.16 - 2,022.17 18,686.00
Sub total(Gross
income for AR)		 391.01 1,631.16 - 2,022.17 18,686.00
A2 Asset and
investment sales, (see
**table). **
Sub total
Total receipts 391.01 1,631.16 - 2,022.17 18,686.00
A3 Payments
cost of charitable activities 161 161.03

registered charity: 1192098

24 | Page

1[st] April 2024 - 31[st] March 2025

Woking Youth Annual Report

governance costs
190 190.30
insurance
42.26 700.00 742.26
stationary and printing
38 38.00
internet and telephone
455 454.68
wages/salaries & NI
8,448.12 1556.16 10,004.28
maternity pay
3,320.07 3,320.07
-
-
Sub total
12,654.46 2256.16 - 14,910.62 -
A4 Asset and
investment purchases,
(see table)
Sub total
Total payments 12,654.46 2,256.16 14,910.62
Net of - - -
receipts/(payments) 12,263 625 - 12,888 18,686
A5 Transfers between
funds
A6 Cash funds last
year end 17,896.00 790 18,686
Cash funds this year
end 5,633 165 - 5,798 18,686

Section B Statement of assets and liabilities at the end of the period

Unrestricted Restricte Endowment Categories Details funds d funds funds B1 Cash funds Woking Youth account 5,633.00 petty cash lakeview 165 5,633.00 165.00 - OK OK OK

registered charity: 1192098

25 | Page

1[st] April 2024 - 31[st] March 2025

Woking Youth Annual Report

B2 Other monetary assets B3 Investment assets B4 Assets retained for the charity’s own use

B5 Liabilities

registered charity: 1192098

26 | Page

1[st] April 2024 - 31[st] March 2025

Woking Youth Annual Report

Signed by one or two trustees on behalf of all the trustees

Signature Print Name
J de la Rosa
E Stokes		 Date of
approval
J de la Rosa 23.12.2025
E Stokes 23.12.2025

registered charity: 1192098

27 | Page