Start Young
Empowering young people to Achieve
Charity Trustee Report
2021-2023
SYUK Report 2023 VI AC
Charity no 1196028

Report Date:  03/01/2024 

Produced By: Angela Caroo 

## **MONTHLY REPORT INDEX** 

## **SECTION 1** 

## **1. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY** 

## **SECTION 2** 

- **A) ABOUT US** 

- **B) PROGRAMS/PROJECTS** 

- **C) EVENTS** 

- **D) CHRISTMAS GIFTING** 

- **E) STAFFING** 

- **F) FINANCE** 

- **G) PARTNERSHIPS/COLLABORATIONS** 

SYUK Report 2023 V1 AC _**Charity no 1196028**_ 



## **SECTION ONE** 

## **1. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY** 

|**Item**|**Description**|
|---|---|
|A|Shares an overview of the charity aims and objectives.|
|B|Synopsis of programs run via the charity.|
|C|Events held over the last 18 months for young people on the program.|
|D|Since we started the Christmas gifting initiative, we have gifted over 6000 gift and personal care packages<br>and Hampers to children and their families.|
|E|Update on staffing and new hires.|
|F|All donations, grants and spends.|
|G|Collaborations & Partnerships – This section will share the key stakeholders who have contributed, supported<br>and collaborated with the charity.|



SYUK Report 2023 V1 AC _**Charity no 1196028**_ 



**SECTION 2** 

## **A. ABOUT US** 

Start Young UK is a registered charity and as such, our promise is to act as a resource for young people living in underprivileged and/or disadvantaged areas, from the age of 5 up to the age of 18. With a strong ethos of hard work and support we are engaging with schools and families to ensure we are providing a range of advice, assistance and leisure activities within London and the surrounding Boroughs. 

## **B. PROGRAMS AND PROJECTS** 

The charity currently run two programs “Start Young Uk Program” & “The ASPIRE program”. 

“Start Young UK program” is a comprehensive initiative providing holistic support to underprivileged children in their educational journey from the age of 5-18. The program encompasses mentorship initiatives, connecting students with experienced individuals for guidance. Skill-building workshops aim to develop practical skills, enhancing abilities and broadening future opportunities. Practical support includes supplying school uniforms and establishing school clubs to promote extracurricular activities and a sense of belonging. The program seeks to break down barriers to education, empowering children with essential life skills and fostering an environment that cultivates personal and academic growth. 

“The ASPIRE program” aim is to encourage and support young people from socio-economically deprived backgrounds to aspire and achieve in areas of employment, skillset and qualifications. The program will support with a comprehensive set of personal and interpersonal skills which will contribute to their future careers and provide gateways for further opportunities. This program is for young people from the ages of 16-18yrs. 



Our Start Young UK program supports children referred from schools into our academic accelerator program. We buddy them with a mentor, attendance into the community club one evening per week, and a full logo school uniform to feel included. We provide a 360 Holistic approach to meeting the needs of the community. 

SYUK Report 2023 V1 AC _**Charity no 1196028**_ 




Our ASPIRE program in partnership with Barclays CSO, aims to encourage and support young people from socioeconomically deprived backgrounds, to aspire in areas of employment, skillset and qualifications will appeal to employers and their communities. 

## Case Study – Family A 

We are currently supporting a child whose parents are struggling with addiction. This child was not eating, was not participating in class activities, and was extremely withdrawn. He would hide under the table when he heard loud noises. Since joining the SYUK program in 2021, we have received nothing but positive feedback from the teachers and parents we work with. One year after enrolling into our scheme, he is not only raising his hand in class but also responding to questions and getting involved in class discussions, flourishing in the community club, and developing a strong bond with his buddy. We have also enrolled his two siblings, who are really enjoying the scheme with confidence. 

## **C.EVENTS** 

**Over the last 18 months, StartYoungUK has orchestrated a series of impactful events, each contributing to the organisations mission. These events have served as vibrant platforms for community engagement, creating a positive and inclusive community atmosphere.** 

## **Queens Platinum Jubilee - June 2022** 

## **Barclays Hackathon/ Code Fest – October 2022** 

The aim of this program was to provide the charity with a bootstrap to our web presence, automate our processes and help grow our reach. The hackathon ran from midday to the following day. 

Barclays Charity Hackathon, supported our charity in partnership with Microsoft with a two-day code fest, many teams worked around the clock, to support and create their vision of what a charity app would look like. 

## **Summer Charity Picnic - August 2022** 

We hosted a vibrant Summer Charity Picnic, creating an atmosphere filled with laughter and joy for the children. The event featured an array of engaging sport and fun activities, providing many opportunities for active participation. Each child received an individual picnic bag filled with delicious treats. Sweet treats added an extra layer of delight to the festivities. The picnic not only bought the community together for a day of shared enjoyment but also exemplified out commitment to creating memorable and inclusive experiences for the children. 

## **Greenwich Theatre, Robin Hood Performance – December 2022** 

SYUK Report 2023 V1 AC _**Charity no 1196028**_ 



Adding to our repertoire of enriching experiences, StartYoungUK organized a memorable trip to Greenwich Theatre, treating our participants to a captivating performance of “Robin Hood”. The outing, filled with the excitement of live theatre, offered children a delightful bled of entertainment and cultural exposure. As part of our commitment to holistic development, these experiences extend beyond the classroom, nurturing a love for the arts and fostering a well-rounded appreciation for creativity among the young minds we serve. 

## **Easter Adventure at Hargreaves Scout Campsite – March 2023** 

In the spirit of Easter, we organised a delightful trip to Hargreaves scout campsite, providing children with a day of brimming with outdoor excitement and festive activities. The day unfolded with an Easter Egg hunt, as children joyfully scoured for hidden treasures. Indoors, a variety of fun Easter-themed activities further enriched the day, emphasizing our dedication to our aim. 

## **D. CHRISTMAS GIFTING** 

**Our Christmas fundraisers underscore our dedication to making a meaningful difference in the lives of those we serve. Since we have started this fundraiser, we have gifted over 6,000 gift parcels to families. Funds raised enable us to provide essential items such as underwear, socks, hats, gloves, as well as thoughtful personal hamper sets for the parents and food hampers for the entire families, ensuring that the spirit of generosity echoed through our community during the festive season.** 

## **Christmas Gifting 2021** 

Through the generosity of our community, these contributions enabled us to deliver over 1000 gifts, ensuring that children and their families experienced the warmth and joy of the holiday season. The success of the initiative this year laid the groundwork for our subsequent impactful Christmas campaigns and allowed us to learn more to grow for next year Christmas gifting. 

## **Christmas Gifting 2022** 

Building on the success of the previous years, our Christmas 2022 fundraiser exceeded expectations. Over 1400 gifts were distributed, thanks to the unwavering support received through our website and sponsor contributions. This initiative not only bought joy to countless families but also raised enough funds to continue our mission of providing essential items during the festive season. 

## **E. STAFFING** 

In the past 18 months, StartYoungUK welcomed 3 new members to our team, bringing diverse skills and experiences that enrich our organizational capabilities. 

During this period, there have been in changes in our team composition, including departures and transitions. While we bid farewell to valued members, these changes have opened opportunities for fresh perspectives and growth. 

In collaboration with our new partnership with Barclays to introduce the Aspire program, we have received funding for 2 part time employees to manage the Aspire Program for its launch in January 2024 with contracts fulfilled for 1 year. 

We currently have two trustees, 7 volunteers, and 3 paid staff. 

SYUK Report 2023 V1 AC _**Charity no 1196028**_ 



## **E. FINANCE** 

Start Young UK Charity is pleased to present the financial report for the year ending 31st March, 2023. 

The following report outlines the Charity’s financial performance, sources of income, and the allocation of funds to various programs. Income sources Start Young UK relies on a diversified set of income sources to support its mission. The primary contributors to the charity's revenue are as follows: 

1. Donations Generous contributions from individuals and organisations who share our commitment to the wellbeing of children and families in Newham. 

2. Grant Applications Secured a successful grant from Groundworks Tesco to assist with the costs for weekly attendance for children attending the Community Club. 

3. Fundraising Engaged in various fundraising events to gather financial support from the Community. 

4. Buddy Donations Ongoing support from dedicated Buddies who contribute their time, resources, and efforts towards the success of Start Young initiatives. 

## **Allocations of Funds** 

1. School Uniforms Start Young has provided a full uniform to all children on the scheme, ensuring they have the necessary attire for their education. 

2. Community Club Support Uniforms for children attending the weekly Community club, including Beavers and Squirrels, have been purchased, fostering a sense of belonging and community engagement. Community Club weekly subscription for all children on the scheme is paid by the charity. 

3. Holiday Activities Funds have been allocated to organise activities and various days out for families during the holidays promoting recreational and bonding opportunities. 

4. Christmas Gifting Initiative One of the highlights of our efforts is the Christmas gifting program, where over 800 gifts, including personal care packages, toys, vests, undergarments, and food hampers, were gifted and distributed to low income and disadvantaged families in schools and the broader community in Newham. 

**Financial Highlights:** Total Income: £9,793 Inclusive of Donations: Grant Funding: Fundraising: Buddy Contributions: 

**Total Spend as of 31st March 23:** £4,924 Inclusive of School Uniforms: Community Club: Holiday Activities: Christmas giving Initiative: 

## **G. COLLABORATIONS AND PARTNERSHIPS** 

**We have partnered and collaborated with the following organisations over the last 18months:** 

**11[th] Newham West Scouts EMR Barclays Chief Security Office London Borough of Newham Schools University of East London Newham College** 

SYUK Report 2023 V1 AC _**Charity no 1196028**_