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2023-03-31-accounts

ANNUAL REPORT

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

YOUTH PWR CHARITY REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER: 1193805

ABOUT YOUTH PWR CHARITY

Youth PWR Charity is a youth development and empowerment charity supporting young people aged 13-24 in engaging, inspiring and educating them; empowering them for a sustainable future. We do this through skills development programmes, organising workshops and activities to raise awareness of various subject matters that are relevant and are of interest to young people such as mental health, crime and youth violence, career and employability amongst others.

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CONTENTS

4 INTRODUCTION 5 LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAIL 6 STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT 8 PRIORITIES, ACHIEVEMENTS AND ACTIVITIES 11 FUTURE PLANS 13 MESSAGES FROM OUR YOUNG PEOPLE 15 COMMUNITY SUPPORT & EVENTS 16 OUR IMPACT 20 FINANCIAL REVIEW 21 STATEMENT OF TRUSTEES’ RESPONSIBILITIES 22 INDEPENDENT EXAMINER’S REPORT 23 FINANCIAL ACCOUNTS

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INTRODUCTION.

“YOUNG PEOPLE ARE THE ARCHITECTS OF TOMORROW'S WORLD, HOLDING THE POWER TO SHAPE A BRIGHTER FUTURE.”

I am thrilled and honoured to deliver this year’s Annual Report to you as the new Chair for Youth PWR Charity. This role holds a special place in my heart as I am not only assuming this position of leadership but also have the privilege of being a former beneficiary of this incredible organisation.

Youth PWR's mission has always resonated deeply with me. As someone who once benefited from the unwavering support and transformative programmes of this charity, I am a living testament to the profound impact it can have on young lives. It is with immense gratitude and a profound sense of responsibility that I take on this position.

Over the years, Youth PWR has emerged as a beacon of hope for countless marginalised young people, providing them with opportunities to thrive, develop essential skills, and build a brighter future; and I am dedicated to ensuring that this impactful work flourishes and reaches even greater heights.

In this Annual Report, I am excited to highlight the incredible achievements of our beneficiaries, the tireless efforts of our dedicated team, and the unwavering support of all our stakeholders. We celebrate the milestones achieved, the lives transformed, and the difference we collectively made in the community. I invite you to explore the stories of resilience and empowerment that lie within these pages. Every success story is a testament to the unwavering dedication of all those who contribute to our cause. Together, we have made significant strides in advancing the cause of empowering young people.

As we look ahead, I am excited about the possibilities that lie before us, even in the face of the ongoing cost-of-living crisis. We recognise that challenges persist, but we also know that with your continued support, we can address these obstacles and create an even more inclusive, compassionate, and just society for our young beneficiaries. Together, we can continue to build a world where every young person's potential is nurtured, their dreams are supported, and their power to effect change is realised.

With profound gratitude and determination.

ANUOLUWAPO KEHINDE, CHAIR OF TRUSTEES

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LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAIL.

KEY PEOPLE Chair Miss A Kehinde Trustee Mr I Olowu Trustee Miss A Sowah Trustee (resigned March 2023) Mr A Onigbanjo REGISTERED Weatherill House, OFFICE

Youth PWR Charity, Weatherill House, 23 Whitestone Way, Croydon, London, CR0 4WF.

BANKERS LLOYDS BANK Plc, 25 Gresham Street, London, EC2V 7HN.

CASHPLUS BANK, Cottons Centre, Cottons Lane, SE1 2QG.

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STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT.

GOVERNING DOCUMENT

Youth PWR Charity is a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) with the registered number, 1193805. We are governed by a constitution that establishes the objectives and powers of the organisation.

OBJECTIVES

As stated in our constitution, Youth PWR supports young people to advance in life and help young people through:

We also develop and promote innovative non-formal education programmes for and by young people, working with them to develop their full potential and we act as a platform for young people to develop business skills which are then applied practically through the charity version of PWR Magazine.

APPOINTMENT OR RENEWAL OF TRUSTEES

Existing Trustees elect new Trustees at any point in the year and there are no restrictions on who can be nominated. New Trustees are supported through mentorship and an induction process which includes details of their responsibilities, Charity Commission publications and the governing document. All Trustees are encouraged to meet Youth PWR’s volunteers and beneficiaries.

All Trustees give their time freely and are reimbursed for out-of-pocket expenses. Trustees are encouraged to disclose all relevant interests and register them with the CEO and withdraw for decisions where a conflict of interest may arise.

GOOD GOVERNANCE

Trustees recognise the importance of good governance as fundamental to the success of Youth PWR, promoting a culture where everyone works towards fulfilling the Charity’s vision and supporting compliance with relevant law and regulation. Trustees regularly review the governance and management of the Charity and have this year started to apply the principles of the Charity Governance Code as appropriate to the structure and operations of the Charity.

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STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT.

ORGANISATIONAL STRUCTURE

The Board of Trustees meet at least 4 times per year and are responsible for the governance of the organisation as set out in, but not limited to, the constitution. Decisions on the day to day running of the organisation are taken by the senior management team. The Board receives regular reports from the Executive. Decisions and matters with significant implications on the organisation are brought to the Board. These include:

RISK MANAGEMENT

Youth PWR have identified risks by looking across all areas of the organisational strategy and any operational risks. Where appropriate, systems and processes have been established to mitigate these risks.

Safeguarding remains a risk that we monitor very closely due to the nature of our work. Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks are carried out for all management or delivery positions and those who regularly work with children and vulnerable adults.

We also recognise the cost-of-living crisis as a significant risk that could impact both our beneficiaries and our operations. The rising cost of living affects vulnerable young people and their families, making it challenging for them to access essential resources and support. To address this risk, we will continually assess the needs of our beneficiaries and adapt our programmes to ensure they remain accessible and effective, even amidst economic challenges. Additionally, we will actively seek collaborations and funding opportunities to maintain the sustainability of our services and provide much-needed relief to those affected by the crisis.

Procedures are also in place to ensure compliance with health and safety regulations.

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PRIORITIES, ACHIEVEMENTS AND ACTIVITIES.

VISION

A society where all young people are empowered to achieve their full potential, and shape the future with power and confidence.

MISSION

To work with communities to engage, inspire and educate young people; empowering them through leadership development, improving communication and creating a network of support by organising workshops, activities and skills development programmes; assisting them in becoming innovative and integrative leaders and to affect positive change in their local communities.

STRATEGIC PRIORITIES

SKILLS ENRICHMENT

We immerse young people into new and challenging environments enabling them to develop and learn new skills through:

SELF-EMPOWERING POTENTIAL

We enable young people to develop through increased personal and social responsibility, opportunities and recognition. We do this through youth-led projects and activities, co-designed by them.

ORGANISATIONAL DEVELOPMENT

We are committed to establishing a sustainable, skilled and effective organisation. Across this strategic priority, the past twelve months has focused on the following:

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SKILLS ENRICHMENT.

Through our skills enrichment programmes, we have seen young people develop their skills and access information that supports them in developing their capacities and capabilities to become mature and responsible individuals of society, thereby serving as channels of engagement and education to other young people in their immediate environment. Here are the elements of the skills enrichment programme:

Employability Sessions:

We tailor sessions to cover communication, teamwork and problem solving. Our employability sessions also cover CVs & interview skills.

Industry Insight:

We organise industry insight sessions where we deliver hands-on workshops with support from local, regional and national organisations offering an insight into their industry. These sessions also offer our young people the opportunity to network with leaders and professionals who they can then contact for work experience and mentorship opportunities.

PWR [®] :

The charity version of the publication, published by Youth PWR Network is another one of our vehicles for skills development and youth voice. It is a tool for young people to express themselves, gain experience and support their CVs.

Young people involved in the magazine not only write, design or photograph, they lead it, too. The magazines cover a variety of topics carefully striking the balance between popular content and ‘life lesson’ content. Music, fashion and entertainment are featured alongside cultural and social issues such as mental health, employability and youth crime.

2022-23 SKILLS ENRICHMENT IN NUMBERS:

28 SESSIONS HAVE BEEN DELIVERED 156 YOUNG PEOPLE HAVE TAKEN PART IN AT LEAST ONE SESSION

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SELF-EMPOWERING POTENTIAL.

Social Action Participation Programme:

We believe in a society where the contributions of young people to their communities are valued, supported and recognised. Young people taking practical action in the service of others is central to their futures - it is linked to social mobility and not only supports the young people involved but the community around them.

Our SAP Programme sees young people design and deliver a short-term, high-impact social action. Working with our partners, they create real change in their communities and develop a whole host of skills from leadership and time management to planning and marketing.

Our youth social action project this year took the form of an outreach campaign, speaking with members of the public to raise awareness and support for our #ALOUD Campaign, which is a youth mental health & well-being campaign . The campaign saw the young people plan and strategise on interacting with members of the public to raise awareness and seek support; in the process, they learnt about handling rejections, striking conversations, persuading them and dealing with objections.

Through our Sports Programme , we have seen young people develop and improve their physical wellness and levels of personal and social responsibility, promoting a youth-friendly environment where the young people feel a sense of belonging, self-worth and personal satisfaction through participation and peer interaction.

2022-23 SPORTS & LEISURE ACTIVITIES IN NUMBERS:

45 SESSIONS HAVE BEEN DELIVERED

127 YOUNG PEOPLE HAVE TAKEN PART IN AT LEAST ONE SESSION

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FUTURE PLANS.

The next year for the organisation looks incredibly exciting as we start to deliver our new strategy.

During the 2022-2023 financial year, the cost-of-living crisis spiralled. While everyone in the UK is affected by the cost-of-living crisis, it most substantially affects low-income individuals, of which most of our young beneficiaries are. At the time of writing this Annual Report, we have started to adapt our projects to address the cost-of-living crisis, and have been working with other youthsector organisations to monitor the impact of the cost-of-living crisis on children and young people in order to alleviate the strain caused by the cost-of-living crisis and improving their overall well-being.

Dependent on funding, we aim to double our skills enrichment training target and our employability training target, as well as increase our recreational and leisure time activities, such as movie trips, art sessions, and self-care routines. This will counter the cost-of-living crisis that restricts their access to enjoyable experiences. We will also provide food and essential support for them and their families, thereby alleviating daily burdens.

Cost-of-living crisis aside, we’re very much looking forward to delivering our new strategy and supporting many more young people. Our primary aim is to nurture confidence, self-esteem, and personal responsibility. By addressing their needs, empowering them with skills, and nurturing their talents, we create a pathway for success. We believe in equal opportunities and strive for a more equitable society, ensuring that no young person is left behind due to their background or circumstances.

We will continue to adapt our successful programmes based on the needs of young people, and we will establish an Advisory Council to harness the positives of intergenerational collaboration where the Advisory Council can support our Young Trustees.

Our priorities at governance level during the 2023-24 financial year are as follows:

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HIGHLIGHTS IN PICTURES. ANNUAL REPORT. 12 2022-2023

MESSAGES FROM OUR YOUNG PEOPLE

The Space Project creative expression programme has been such a great experience for me! It helped me focus on my future and figure out what I want to achieve. I really enjoyed the sessions on self discovery and goal setting. I learned how to make my dreams happen, and it's been really inspiring. Thank you so much for this opportunity!

----- Start of picture text -----
Joel, 19
----- End of picture text -----

Being part of the Industry Insight Programme was so cool! I learned lots of stuff about different careers and what I want to do in the future. The people I met from the company were super nice and helpful. It made me feel more confident about my future, and now I know I can achieve my dreams. Thanks for this experience.

----- Start of picture text -----
Jay, 17
----- End of picture text -----

The programmes at Youth PWR were very helpful for me. The workshops and one to one support helped me build great skills and increased my confidence, learning to create CVs and how to ace interviews. I have also felt safer living in London as a female following the self defence classes, where professionals came and trained us in the art of self defence. The support from the team was awesome!

----- Start of picture text -----
Aliyah, 18
----- End of picture text -----

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FROM BENEFICIARY TO ADVOCATE:

Anu's journey with Youth PWR began as a young person seeking support and guidance. She actively participated in a series of creative media projects that left a lasting impact on her life. Inspired by the transformative power of the charity's work, Anu decided to give back as a volunteer, supporting other young people facing similar challenges. Her dedication and passion for helping others allowed her to develop her own skills and capabilities, ultimately leading to a successful, sustainable life.

Her first-hand experience as a beneficiary and volunteer at Youth PWR gives her invaluable insight into the needs and aspirations of the organisation's service users.

Anu Kehinde

Empowering Youth Voices as Trustee

"We are delighted to welcome Anu as our new Chair of Trustees," said Adeola Onigbanjo, CEO and founder of Youth PWR Charity. "Her lived experience and personal journey with our organisation will ensure that our services and activities are continually tailored to the needs of our beneficiaries. With Anu's leadership, we are confident that our commitment to empowering young people will reach even greater heights."

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COMMUNITY SUPPORT, EVENTS AND FUNDRAISING.

In year 2022-2023, we received support and endorsement from numerous public figures, as well as the Met Police who all expressed their admirations for our commitment and service to young people. We were invited and featured on Sutton Police weekly community programme and BBC Radio programme, sharing Youth PWR Charity and our work to their online and social media audiences, further raising awareness of our charity. We received donations from some of them and their audiences, made through our online platforms following these engagements. Among our supporters are music artiste and gamer DTG , and professional Chelsea U21 football player, Derrick Abu .

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OUR IMPACT.

CAREERS & EMPLOYABILITY PROGRAMMES

156 …

----- Start of picture text -----
77%
Yes
Not yet
----- End of picture text -----

Secured more interviews following employability workshops and work experience with PWR Magazine within 6 months.

… young people took part in at least one session. (Employability Sessions & Industry Insight)

----- Start of picture text -----
100%
3 of 5 Points & Above
2 of 5 Points & Below
----- End of picture text -----

Felt they had increased knowledge of different industries following the sessions.

----- Start of picture text -----
61%
----- End of picture text -----

----- Start of picture text -----
Yes
Not Yet
----- End of picture text -----

Secured employment opportunities following participation in one or more skills enrichment sessions within 6 months.

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OUR IMPACT CONT.

SOCIAL ACTION PARTICIPATION PROGRAMME

Percentage of young people whose communication has 94% improved following participation. 3 of 5 Points & Above 2 of 5 Points & Below

Percentage of young people that gained new skills: Including time management, 90% planning and marketing. 3 of 5 Points & Above 2 of 5 Points & Below

Percentage of young people whose confidence has increased following participation.

----- Start of picture text -----
100%
3 of 5 Points & Above
2 of 5 Points & Below
----- End of picture text -----

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OUR IMPACT CONT.

SPORTS & LEISURE ACTIVITIES PROGRAMMES

127 …

…young people took part in at least one session.

----- Start of picture text -----
100%
3 of 5 Points & Above
2 of 5 Points & Below
Reported improvements with their
mental and/or physical wellbeing as
a result of the activities.
----- End of picture text -----

----- Start of picture text -----
100% 92%
3 of 5 Points & Above 3 of 5 Points & Above
2 of 5 Points & Below 2 of 5 Points & Below
Felt like they were part of a Reported an increase in their self
community following their esteem and self worth following their
participation. participation and peer interactions.
----- End of picture text -----

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OUR SUPPORTERS.

THE GRACE TRUST

Ohana Hobby Workshop

APPRECIATION

We would like to express our utmost gratitude to our funders and all the organisations and individuals that have supported us this year. We are also grateful to our Trustees and team of volunteers for their commitment and dedication to our mission in supporting young people to achieve their full potential and to make a positive difference to their lives.

HOW YOU CAN HELP...

We’re always on the lookout for organisations and individuals to support our work through mentoring young people, sponsoring our programmes, events and publications, providing venues and other in-kind support such as marketing, professional services and impact measurement.

Visit: youthpwr.org/get-involved

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FINANCIAL REVIEW.

As per Charity Commission guidance for CIO’s, we have completed a receipts and payments accounts which have been examined independently. The accounts and examination can be found overleaf.

PRINCIPAL FUNDING SOURCES

Our principal funding sources are through grant income and donations. In the financial year ending 31 March 2023, the following grant-making organisations generously supported our work:

RESERVES POLICY

Reserves are needed to build the sustainability and viability of Youth PWR Charity, to bridge the gap between the receipt and spending of income and cover unanticipated expenditure.

The Board of Trustees’ examination of the charity’s need for reserves concludes that to allow the protection of current core activities, the meeting of day-to-day responsibilities and the building of sustainability and viability of Youth PWR Charity, a sum is needed.

The Trustees at this stage consider that the level of unrestricted reserves stands at £2,000. The Trustees wish to increase total reserves to £6,000 in the upcoming financial year to cover three months running costs. The Trustees review the reserves policy every year.

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STATEMENT OF TRUSTEES’ RESPONSIBILTIES.

The Trustees are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements for each financial year, which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charity. In preparing these reports, the Trustees are required to:

The Trustees are also responsible for ensuring that the charity has appropriate systems of internal control across the organisation. They are responsible for keeping proper accounting records, which disclose with reasonable accuracy, at the time, the financial position of the charity and enable them to ensure that the financial statements follow best practice. They are further responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charity and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.

The systems of internal control are designed to provide reasonable, but not absolute reassurance against material misstatement of loss. Internal control processes implemented by the Trustees include:

By order of the Trustees dated 01 August 2023

ANUOLUWAPO KEHINDE CHAIR

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INDEPENDENT EXAMINER’S REPORT ON THE ACCOUNTS.

I report to the charity Trustees on my examination of the accounts of Youth PWR Charity for the year ended 31 March 2023 which are set out on page 23.

RESPONSIBILITIES AND BASIS OF REPORT

As the charity’s Trustees, you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 (‘the Act’).

I report in respect of my examination of the charity’s accounts carried out under section 145 of the Act and in carrying out my examination I have followed all the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Act.

INDEPENDENT EXAMINER’S STATEMENT

I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respect:

  1. Accounting records were not kept in respect of the charity as required by section 130 of the Act; or

  2. The accounts do not accord with those records.

I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.

Ololade Akinmade ACCA ACA MBA 165, Kingsdown Avenue, Croydon, London CR2 6QN

14 August 2023

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RECEIPTS AND PAYMENTS ACCOUNT.

FOR THE PERIOD 1 APRIL 2022 TO 31 MARCH 2023

Receipts and payments
Receipts Unrestricted funds
to the nearest £		 Restricted funds
to the nearest £		 Total funds
to the nearest £		 Last year
to the nearest £

Grants		 2,500.00 9,986.00 12,486.00 10,000.00
Donations 2,820.00 0.00 2,820.00 1,864.00
Services 200.00 0.00 200.00 0.00
0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00
Sub total 5,520.00 9,986.00 15,506.00 11,864.00
Total receipts
Payments
11,864.00
Volunteer Management 1,071.74 0.00 1,071.74 483.50
Communications & Marketing 1,189.46 0.00 1,189.46 826.00
Stationery & Postage 451.71 0.00 451.71 344.66
Project Costs 1,651.90 0.00 1,651.90 0.00
Travel & Subsistence 625.78 0.00 625.78 439.11
IT & Software 348.26 0.00 348.26 255.69
Accommodation & Services 3,747.15 0.00 3,747.15 2,622.88
Professional & Consultancy cost 650.00 0.00 650.00 0.00
Bank Charges 128.28 0.00 128.28 58.70
0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00
Sub total 9,864.28 0.00 9,864.28 5,030.54
Total payments
Net of receipts/(payments)
Transfers between funds
Cash funds last year end
Cash funds this year end
5,030.54
-4,344.28 6,833.46
0.00 0.00
6,833.46 0.00
2,489.18 6,833.46
Statement of assets and liabilities at the end of the period
Categories
Cash funds		 (agree balances with receipts and payments account(s))
Details
Trustee
Trustee
Bank
Grant Receivable
Total cash funds		 Unrestricted funds
to nearest £
2,489.18
-
-
2,489.18
OK
Anuoluwapo
Kehinde
Adjoa
Sowah		 Restricted funds
to nearest £
-
9,986.00
-
9,986.00
OK
01 August 2023
01 August 2023

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CCXX R1 accounts (SS)

WEATHERILL HOUSE, 23 WHITESTONE WAY, CROYDON, LONDON CR0 4WF

CONTACT@YOUTHPWR.ORG

REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER: 1193805