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2024-10-31-accounts

GPYC BPT Annual Report July 2025 Financial Accounts Year Ending October 2024

Charity Name Grove Park Youth Club Building Preservation Trust Ltd (“the Trust”)

Charity Number 1195106

Principal Address
Website
Email
Trustees		 Grove Park Youth Club, Marvels Lane, London, SE12 9PR
www.groveparkyouthclub.co.uk
info@groveparkyouthclub.co.uk
Mr Robert Clayton
Chair
Appointed 06/10/2016
Ms Diana Monkhouse
Trustee
Appointed 16/10/2020
Mr Killian Troy-Donovan
Trustee
Appointed 08/10/2020
Ms Ione Ojanguren Arrazola
Trustee
Appointed 02/05/2023
Mr Errol Donald
Trustee
Appointed 30/04/2024
Ms Ellena A-Schwarte Trustee
Appointed 17/07/2024
Mr Stephen Kenny Trustee
Resigned 16/10/2023

Accountant Mr Jim Smith, Ringtree & Co Ltd, 14 Temple Court, Keynsham, Bristol, BS31 1HA Lawyer Milbank, 100 Liverpool Street, London EC2M 2AT Governing Document Memorandum and Articles of Association, October 2016 Charity Constitution Limited Company, 10414736

Trustee Selection

Appointment by existing trustees

Objectives and Activities

Charitable Objectives: To preserve for the benefit of the people and the environment of Grove Park, Downham, South Lee and of the nation, the historical, architectural, constructional and social heritage of Grove Park Youth Club and its curtilage, Marvels Lane, Lewisham, London, SE12 9PR. Stated Charitable Activity: To run a youth club building and youth services in South East London Stated Charitable Classifications;

What: General Charitable purposes, Arts, Culture, Heritage, Science, Recreation Who: Children / Young People, Other Charities or Voluntary Bodies, General Public, Mankind How: Provide Buildings, Facilities and Open Space, Provide Services

The purpose of the Trust is to preserve Grove Park Youth Club and facilitate its operation as a youth club and community building in Grove Park area of Lewisham, South East London. The Trust has a key role in being a “Building Preservation Trust” to protect and maintain a building which is an important functional piece of social architecture built in 1966 and owned by Lewisham Council (the freeholder). In turn, the Trust has a key role in facilitating and managing the operation of the building and providing key services that operate from within the building and grounds either directly or with contracted partners.

The main activities relating to the purposes are:

In an historical period of decline and closure of such buildings and services, the Trust has reversed a national trend by reopening the youth club in 2021. The Trust has successfully achieved “local listing” status for the building as a piece of notable mid 20[th] century social architecture and is working towards English Heritage Grade 2 National Listing. The trust has been delivering youth services and other community services from the building since July 2021, despite a national trend in closure of such facilities over the last decade.

Achievements and Performance

The Trust have successfully reinstated (lost since 2013) and run youth services since July 2021 and formed a variety of effective partnerships to deliver such services and simultaneously invest in the capital asset which is Grove Park Youth Club. The combination of saving a community asset and delivering much needed services has been a huge benefit to local young people and the wider community.

Our project’s number one objective was to reopen Grove Park Youth Club (GPYC), based in the London Borough of Lewisham, SE12. When the youth club was permanently closed in 2013 by Lewisham Council, it meant an area with high indices of multiple deprivation lost one of its last remaining community assets. In July 2021, we were able to reopen the youth club and since then it has been operating successfully and providing services to young people in the area for over three years. Building on the success of the first two years, we have operated five youth club sessions per week (term time), holiday programmes and continued to expand the number of users of the building.

We successfully achieved two substantial rounds of National Lottery Community Fund funding and this has given the Trust the stability it needed to open in the first instance and to ensure the building

remains available for free-to-access youth services from 2021 to the present. Various stakeholders have used GPYC and since January 2022 the club has been opening five evenings per week. Additionally, we have continued to invest in the capital asset improving the quality of the building and improving access, notably replacing many sets of windows and installing a new mobility impairment access lift to the main entrance. All work has been undertaken in accordance with strict guidelines relating to the building’s “locally listed” status as an important piece of mid-century social architecture.

Our Impact and Achievements:

The project has been successful in achieving many goals and our work’s key achievements are:

existent. We are now called upon by Lewisham Council to advise them on their ongoing emerging strategy for Lewisham youth provision from 2025 onwards.

GPYC Studios Youth Club – Our Flagship Youth Offer

Studios is GPYC’s flagship in-house open access youth club. Its ethos rests on a creative approach to wellbeing, valuing empathy, acceptance, positivity, and growth. Our programming is designed to spark curiosity, support self-discovery, and build social connection in a safe and inclusive environment. Through creativity, opportunity and advocacy, GPYC Studios empowers young people to make a positive impact on themselves, their community, and beyond.

GPYC Studios runs every Tuesday and Thursday evening from 6–8.30pm, welcoming young people aged 11–17 and up to 21 with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). Over the past

year, support from The National Lottery Community Fund has enabled the Trust to significantly expand the Studios programme, deepening its offer and increasing its reach across Grove Park and neighbouring areas.

In March 2024, Studios doubled its delivery from one to two weekly sessions. Attendance on Tuesdays began modestly but has steadily grown to match the energy and numbers of our Thursday sessions. By April 2025, Studios had grown from 80 to 340 registered members, more than quadrupling in under a year and far exceeding our original target of reaching 175 young people over three years. We now engage an average of 37 young people per session, with our highest singlesession attendance reaching 74.

This rapid growth has required the development of a more structured and resilient delivery model. We recruited additional youth workers and wellbeing staff, including two Creative Wellbeing Practitioners, to support the increasing complexity of young people’s needs. Staff have undertaken specialist training in safeguarding, autism support and youth work principles, with the Trust investing in team wellbeing, supervision, and reflective practice to sustain capacity and care.

Our programme includes creative arts, music production (in collaboration with Beats Lab CIC), multisports, roller skating, games and social activities. Young people also access tailored wellbeing support and take part in creative projects that explore identity, political awareness, and emotional expression. These have included spoken word responses to current events, mural design, and a collaborative album project as part of Beats Lab’s 40-week Future Flow initiative. Throughout the year, we’ve also partnered with a range of community organisations, including Make Mee Studio, Curly Riot, Resources for Autism and Vasi Fușle Academy, to deliver specialist workshops that expand opportunities and deepen community connection.

We have continued to embed youth voice in the programme’s design and delivery through town halls, interactive notice boards, and informal consultation. This input has directly shaped developments such as the creation of our Chill Room, monthly themes, and specialist workshops, including those inspired by our members’ enthusiasm for roller skating.

Smiling faces of our GPYC Studios community. Images courtesy of Igoris Taran.

A majority of our cohort face multiple barriers to opportunity. Over 60% of Studios members are eligible for free school meals, and around 40% have a medical condition, disability or SEND. Many face wider social and economic challenges, including financial hardship, insecure housing or

reduced access to services. In response, Studios remains entirely free at the point of access and is designed to meet young people where they are, providing consistency, trust, and opportunity.

Safeguarding and Inclusion

In the last year, safeguarding has remained our highest operational priority, especially as increased attendance brought new and more complex challenges. In response, we have strengthened our safeguarding strategy, introduced a new internal policy, and appointed a new Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) and Deputy (DDSL). Our approach is responsive and trauma-informed, and we have coordinated closely with other youth providers operating from the GPYC building to ensure consistent safeguarding practice across all services.

To manage behaviour and support positive engagement, we co-developed a new “Card System” with young people and staff. This framework reinforces boundaries through clear expectations, fair consequences, and positive reinforcement. It continues to evolve in response to feedback and practice.

Shared community boundaries applicable to all service providers at Grove Park Youth Club. GPYC Studios’ Card System featuring warnings (yellow), consequences (red), and rewards (purple).

Following a planned pause in summer 2024, our SEND provision resumed in October after recruiting new staff and investing in appropriate training. We now offer 1:1 support, adapted activities, and a more inclusive approach that reflects the needs of neurodivergent young people. These changes have been essential to maintaining a safe and accessible environment as demand increases.

Looking Ahead

Studios continues to deliver high engagement and positive feedback, with our May 2025 Youth Engagement Survey (YES) producing a strong score of 3.99 out of 5. While this marked a small dip from the previous round, we recognise it as a natural result of growing attendance and are already working to strengthen individual engagement and programme quality in response.

As the Studios programme enters its next phase, the Trust remains focused on delivering safe, creative, and youth-led services that can adapt to the changing needs of our community. This year has affirmed the value of Studios as a vital, trusted, and inclusive space, and one that we are committed to strengthening for the long term.

Financial Review

Please see separate PDF document, “Grove Park Youth Club BPT, Statement of Financial Activities (including Income and Expenditure Account) for the year ended 31[st] October 2024

Summary

The Trust is in a healthy position financially.

Through receipt of income as described in the Statement and careful financial management, governance and accountability, the Trust has managed to achieve sustainability in its business planning. Moreover, it has also managed to build a healthy reserve of funds.

As of 31[st] October 2024, the Trust held funds circa £111,361

As of 31[st] October 2024, the Trust held unrestricted reserve funds of £103,305

The Trust carefully manages all financial aspects of our operation which include day to day running costs to implementation of capital improvement projects. We depend upon three sources of income:

Grant funding Rental Income Gifts and Donations

Through this period the Trust has overseen a stable bank balance whilst delivering all our objectives and responsibilities. Checks and balances are in place where all expenditure is discussed in minuted meetings.

Major projects are agreed at Trust level in accordance with directives from grant funders.

Trust directors’ expenses, with all appropriate receipts are submitted on a monthly basis and are signed off by Trust directors accordingly.

As our charity has grown, and resultant frequency of transactions increased, we have in place a “GPYC Charging and Financial Policy” ratified at our AGM on 21[st] September 2023 and updated November 2024. The policy will pay particular attention to ensuring a rigorous checks and balances procedure relating to all Trust expenditure is in place and can be reviewed accordingly as the charity grows.

The Trust has confidence that our charity is sustainable in the long term especially with the added new National Lottery Funding award now on stream and in place until May 2027. We continue to develop multiple income streams based on rent and external funding.

Reserves Policy

Our Reserves Policy is to hold a minimum of £50k in reserve, representing approximately nine months of operating costs.

The Reserve Policy is contained within our “GPYC Charging and Financial Policy” clause 3.3

Trust Statement

GPYC BPT is a going concern and is completely confident that we will continue to operate successfully and meet all our future obligations and financial responsibilities.

Structure, governance, and management

We are a community-led organisation, with all five out of six of our board members also being current or former local residents with a range of experiences: a parent of a child who uses the youth club, someone who grew up in the area and served as property guardian for the youth club building, a local school governor and parent of teenage children, a local young woman who was born and grew up in Lewisham and our chair, who led the campaign to save the building, has lived locally, bringing up his family, for twenty three years and is a local businessman.

In April 2024 and July 2024 we appointed two additional directors bringing the board total to six.

The desire to save the youth club and reopen it arose from significant distress in the community on the news that the building was to be demolished and turned into flats. After gathering momentum between people in the area the trust was formed and hundreds of people were involved in different ways in the campaign to save the building which culminated in our community Trust opening the building in 2021.

Our trust funds three trustees (total 2.25 days per week) in management roles on a freelance basis. This contractual engagement is in accordance with item 7.3, in our Articles of Association referring to payments to Trustees. We have paid rigorous attention to the fact that our Articles of Association permit 50% of the board to receive payment for goods or services at any single time. In strict adherence to this rule only three Trustees receive payment out of the six directors during this period at any given time. Any payment is for work and services required by the Trust and can be shown to be so.

Our Trust also funds the operations team who deliver our twice weekly youth club offer, which varies from four to five paid adult workers in the space supported by volunteers each session.

Our Trustees also work tirelessly for this charity and often work additional pro-bono hours to ensure the future well-being and promotion of our work.

We also have around twelve active local volunteers between the ages of 18-70, who contribute in different ways such as gardening, volunteering during youth club sessions, helping with maintenance, and much else.

Our board of Trustees meets approximately six times per annum plus an annual AGM. All meetings are prepared with agendas and subsequently minuted accordingly. In addition, Trustees hold regular meetings with our wider partners, such as existing and potential service providers, the local authority and general enquiries from Third Sector organisations, statutory bodies and the public.

Upon request, we can supply the following policies:

Grove Park Youth Club - BPT

Statement of Financial Activities (including Income & Expenditure Account) for the year ended 31 October 2024

Incoming resources
Notes
Incoming resources from generated funds
Voluntary income:
Donations and grants
2
Activities for generating funds:
Rents received
2
Total incoming resources
Resources expended
Fund raising
3
Charitable activities
3
Total resources expended
Net income for the year
Transfer of funds
11
Reconciliation of funds
Total funds brought forward
11
Total funds carried forward		 Unrestricted Restricted
Total
Total
Funds
Funds
Funds
Funds
2024
2024
2024
2024
2023
£
£
£
£
£
2,340
46,392
-
48,732
79,160
25,900
-
-
25,900
26,916
Transfers
28,240
46,392
-
74,632
106,076
-
2,407
38,943
50,854
89,797
82,479
38,943
50,854
-
89,797
84,886
(10,703)
(4,462)
(15,165)
21,190
2,667
(2,667)
-
111,341
15,184
126,525
105,335
103,305
8,055
-
111,360
126,525

The statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses in the year. All incoming resources and resources expended derive from continuing activities.

Grove Park Youth Club - BPT Balance sheet as at 31 October 2024

Notes
Fixed Assets
Tangible Assets
6
Intangible Assets
7
Current Assets
Debtors
8
Cash at bank and in hand
10
Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
9
Net Current Assets
Net Assets
Restricted Funds
11
Unrestricted Funds
11
Total Funds		 £
£
-
-
112,719
(1,359)
111,360
111,360
8,055
103,305
111,360
2024		 £
£
1,943
-
1,943
833
124,349
(600)
124,582
126,525
15,184
111,341
126,525
2023		 £
£
1,943
-
1,943
833
124,349
(600)
124,582
126,525
15,184
111,341
126,525
2023
126,525
15,184
111,341
126,525

These accounts are prepared in accordance with the special provisions of Part 15 of the Companies Act relating to small companies and constitute the annual accounts required by the Companies Act 2006 and those prepared for circulation to members of the company.

The notes on pages 3-6 for part of these accounts

Signed by Mr RM Clayton on behalf of the trustees

Date:

Notes forming part of the Financial Statements for the year ended 31 October 2024

1. Accounting Policies

The principal accounting policies are summarised below. The accounting policies have been applied consistently throughout the year and in the preceding year.

1.1 Basis of accounting

The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention and in accordance with Financial Reporting Standard 102 section 1A Small Entities "The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland" and the Companies Act 2006.

1.2 Fund accounting

Unrestricted funds are available for use at the discretion of the trustees in furtherance of the general objectives of the charity.

Restricted funds are subjected to restrictions on their expenditure imposed by the donor or through the terms of an appeal.

1.3 Incoming resources

All incoming resources are included in the statement of financial activities when the charity is entitled to, and virtually certain to receive, the income and the amount can be quantified with reasonable accuracy. The following policies are applied to particular categories of income:

Voluntary income is received by way of grants, donations and gifts and is included in full in the Statement of Financial Activities when receivable. Grants, where entitlement is not conditional on delivery of a specific performance by the charity, are recognised when the charity become unconditionally entitled to the grant.

Incoming resources from charitable trading activity are accounted for when earned.

1.4 Resources expended

Expenditure is recognised on an accrual basis as a liability is incurred. Expenditure does not include VAT, which has been recovered, and is reported as part of the expenditure to which it relates:

Costs of generating funds comprise the costs associated with attracting voluntary income and the costs of trading for fundraising purposes.

Charitable expenditure comprises those costs incurred by the charity in the delivery of its activities and services for its beneficiaries. It includes both costs that can be allocated directly to such activities and those costs of an indirect nature necessary to support them.

1.5 Fixed assets

Other intangible assets are the trust website. It is amortised to income and expenditure account over its estimated economic life of 3 years.

Tangible fixed assets are measured at cost less accumulated depreciation and any accumulated impairment losses. Depreciation provided at rates calculated to write off the cost of the fixed assets, less their estimated residual value, over their expected useful lives on the following bases:

Fixtures and fittings Straight-line at 33% per year

(cont.)

Notes forming part of the Financial Statements for the year ended 31 October 2024

2. Incoming resources

2.1 Donations
Unrestricted
£
Donations and grants
2,340
The National Lottery Community Funds #1
The National Lottery Community Funds Uplift
The National Lottery Community Funds #2
Locailty Locality
Stephen Taylor Foundation
2,340
2.2 Other trading activities
Rent
25,900
25,900
3. Resources expended
3.1 Expenditure on raising funds
Unrestricted
£
Incurred seeking grants
-
3.2 Expenditure on charitable activities
Accounts
1,095
Amortisation
Depreciation
1,943
Facilities management
1,171
Insurance
568
Office and admin consumables
2,937
PR Expenses
Professional fees
26,007
Repairs and renewals
1,380
Telecommunications
Travel and transport
Utilities
-
Wages
3,786
Youth club consumables
56
38,943		 Restricted
£
38,242
8,150
46,392
-
-
Restricted
£
-
1,560
1,993
31,674
2,160
5,469
7,998
50,854		 2024
Total
£
2,340
-
-
38,242
8,150
-
48,732
25,900
25,900
2024
Total
£
-
-
1,095
-
1,943
2,731
568
4,930
-
57,681
3,540
-
-
5,469
11,784
56
89,797		 2023
Total
£
1,315
27,073
5,772
-
-
45,000
79,160
26,916
26,916
2023
Total
£
2,407
2,407
1,160
217
1,550
10,470
530
1,486
-
35,350
27,950
-
136
2,986
644
82,479

4. Average number of employees

Number of employees during the year was as follows: 1 (2023:NIL)

Notes forming part of the Financial Statements for the year ended 31 October 2024 (cont.)

5. Taxation

As a charity, Grove Park Youth Club - BPT is exempt from tax on income and gains falling within section 505 of the Taxes Act 1988 or s256 of the Taxation of Chargeable Gains Act 1992 to the extent that these are applied to its charitable objects. No tax charges have arisen in the Charity.

6. Tangible Fixed Assets

ixed Assets
Fixtures and fittings
£
Cost
At 1 November 2023 4,649
Additions
At 31 October 2024 4,649
Accumulated Depreciation
At 1 November 2023 2,706
Charge for the year 1,943
At 31 October 2024 4,649
Net book value
At 31 October 2024 -
At 31 October 2023 1,943

7. Intangible Fixed Assets

Cost
At 1 November 2023
Additions
At 31 October 2024
Amortisation
At 1 November 2023
Amortisation
At 31 October 2024
Net book value
At 31 October 2024
At 31 October 2023		 Website
£
-
-
-
-

8. Debtors

8. Debtors
Other Debtors - VAT owed
9. Creditors: amount falling due within one
Taxation and social security
VAT
Accruals and deferred income		 2024
£
-
year
2024
£
137
127
1,095
1,359		 2023
£
833
2023
£
600
600

(cont.)

Notes forming part of the Financial Statements for the year ended 31 October 2024

10. Cash at bank and in hand

Cash at bank and in hand
11. Movements in funds
11.1 Restricted funds
The National Lottery
Community Fund #1
The National Lottery
Community Fund Uplift
The National Lottery
Community Fund #2
Locaility Locaility
11.2 Unrestricted funds
General funds
Stephen Taylor		 At 1 November
2023
£
11,985
3,199
-
-
15,184
66,341
45,000
-
111,341
126,525		 2024
£
112,719
Incoming
Resources
£
38,242
8,150
46,392
28,240
28,240
74,632		 2023
£
124,349
Outgoing
Resources
£
(9,318)
(3,199)
(30,720)
(7,617)
(50,854)
(38,943)
(38,943)
(89,797)		 At 31 October
2024
£
£
(2,667)
-
-
-
-
7,522
-
533
-
(2,667)
8,055
47,667
103,305
(45,000)
-
-
2,667
103,305
-
111,360
Transfers
2,667
-

The transfers of £45,000 from the Stephen Taylor Foundation and £2,667 from the National Lottery Community Fund #1 represent allocations to General Funds.

12. Transactions with trustees and related parties

12.1 Payments to Trustees

Name of trustee
Robert Clayton
Diana Monkhouse
Errol Donald		 Payments
Details
£
20,588
Professional fees for services
6,540
Professional fees for services
250
Professional fees for services
27,378

Independent examiner’s report to the trustees of Grove Park Youth Club BPT Limited

I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of Grove Park Youth Club BPT Limited (the Trust) for the year ended 31 October 2024.

Responsibilities and basis of report

As the charity trustees of the Trust 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 Trust’s accounts carried out under section 145 of the 2011 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 Trust as required by section 130 of the Act; or

  2. the accounts do not accord with those records; or

  3. the accounts do not comply with the applicable requirements concerning the form and content of accounts set out in the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 other than any requirement that the accounts give a ‘true and fair view which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination.

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.

Signed:

Name: Nigel Prout

Relevant professional qualification or membership of professional bodies (if any): ACA

Address: 30 Le May Avenue, Grove Park, London SE12 9SU

Date: 29 July 2025