lo°wdov: , Trustees, Annuol Report supporting young people 2023.2024 1197273 CE027753 (England and Wales) Northampton, NN1 1PP Jan Jourard and Dr John Toby Chair - Stephen Edmonds Vice Chair - Andrea Martin Treasurer - Jonathan Smith Brendan Dunphy Georgina Bayliss Dr Mike Scanlan Dr Martin Clarke (left October 23) Matt Toresen MBE (left June 23) Dr Deborah Patton Andre Gore (joined June 23) Metro Bank Northampton Shaw Gibbs (who acquired DNG Dove Naish LLP) ## Report of the Trustees - Chairs Report Accessibility Youth Groups CEO Report Accounts (separately numbered pages) and Financial Review How to Contact Us Mission and Aims - Young Adult Social LGBTQ+ OutThere Residential Happier Families Mindspace Wellbeing Café - A Year in the Life - Objectives Our Impact - Fundraising - Accessibility Statistics REACH Collaborative Counselling Services Re:Start - How to Support Us - Who’s Who Acknowledgements and Thanks - Youth Advisory Board (YAB) Work Experience Week **The Lowdown** Trustees’ Annual Report 2023-2024 ## **-** ## **for our young people.** Advisory Board. - autumn completion date and return to our much improved facilities. funding landscape, uncertainty and general �nancial pressures. our report. Chair of Trustees **----- Start of picture text -----**
The Lowdown Trustees’ Annual Report 2023-2024
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**Another record-breaking year for The Lowdown with 17,688 support contacts provided for young people and their families. Whilst demand for our services has started to stabilise, the risk and complexity of the presentation from the young people we support continues to increase.** The Lowdown’s strategy is based on implementing a full YIACS (Youth Information, Advice and Counselling Services) model for the young people of Northamptonshire. This framework is proven and provides a holistic approach to supporting young people with easy - access, community based services and has been developed by Youth Access (www.youthaccess.org.uk). Youth Work and Participation Initiatives have been the focus in terms of service development. Because of this, we have launched, (thanks to Youth Investment Funding) the following new services/roles: - **Youth Advisory Board** - **Mindspace** - **Youth groups (in collaboration with Free2Talk)** - **Access and Engagement** All of the above is helping us to amplify the “youth voice” to ensure our services meet young people’s needs. Further details of all the services we offer, their impact and the challenges young people are facing are detailed in this annual report. One of our service user’s recent quotes says it all: In parallel, we are also undergoing an extensive refurbishment and extension of our 3 Kingswell Street building. Work started in January 2024, and all our services were moved out of the building so work could be completed as quickly as possible. who make all this possible. This work will increase the capacity of our building to be able to meet the increased demand for our services. continue to strive to expand and improve our services to give young people the vital support they need. None of this would happen without the brilliant Lowdown team (staff, volunteers, trustees, and counselling student placements) who - continue to deliver high quality services for the young people of Northamptonshire. **----- Start of picture text -----**
CEO
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**- services for 11 25 year olds in Northamptonshire.** on their journey towards positive emotional health and wellbeing. No young person should face mental health issues alone. - Accessible to all, welcoming, non judgemental, safe, responsive, and adaptable. intervention services that improve their mental health, emotional wellbeing and resilience. APRIL 2023 Our Youth Advisory Board was launched. A yeor in the life of the lowdov: . sLippoilin9 peop JULY2023 We hosted Work Experience Week for Youth Advisory Board members. JUNE 2023 We took part in Northampton Carnival & launched our Wellbeing Wednesdav Group. MAY 2023 Mental Health Week and IDAHOBIT. celebrations. AUGUST 2023 Wellbeing Care Packages for young people funded by Northamptonshire Community Foundation. SEPTEMBER 2023 Our Youth Groups ivere launched. DECEMBER 2023 We took part in The Santa Run organised by The Rotary Clubs of Northampton. OCTOBER 2023 We hosted our Annual General Meeting. NOVEMBER 2023 Our Volunteer- Steph Clayson won the Lady Juliet Townsend Award for Volunieering. JANUARY 2024 We hosted the Breaking Ground Event- Launching our building extension and rennovation. FEBRUARY 2024 Firsi RE.'Start Conference was hosted by Youth Works and us. MARCH 2024 Sharon, our CEO, visited YPAS in Liverpool to share learnings. 'Inte¢nat￿naI Day A9ainsi Horywhobia, BipkK>bia. Interphobia and T¥an*￿bla. ## **The Lowdown is a Mental Health Charity, providing free and - confidential support services for 11 25 year olds in Northamptonshire. Our services include Counselling, Information, Advice & Advocacy, Wellbeing, LGBTQ+, Youth Groups and Sexual Health.** Supporting 11-25 year olds from the NN1–NN7 postcode area to manage and improve their mental health. Counselling can facilitate, support and empower young people to make positive changes in - a safe, friendly and non judgemental environment. - Counselling support is person centred, with aspects of cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and solution focused therapy. Our services are developed based on the proven YIACS (Youth Information Advice and Counselling) model developed by Youth Access (youthaccess.org.uk) to provide a holistic approach to supporting young people. Part of this is ensuring that young people’s voices are heard, and we are developing our services **with** young people to meet **their** needs. We offer on average between six and twelve sessions, either face-toface or remotely via telephone or videocall, on a wide range of issues that young people present with. Our services are easy to access, as young people can either, - - drop in, self refer or be referred by professionals such as CAMHS, schools or their GP. We actively promote all our services in the local community so that young people and their families are aware of what we have to offer and how to access them. Our Out There LGBTQ+ groups offer a safe and con�dential space for young people to socialise, meet like-minded people, discuss issues and take part in activities. Robust safeguarding procedures are implemented and regularly reviewed to ensure that any disclosures are dealt with appropriately. The Out There Junior Group is for school years 7, 8 and 9, our Youth Group is for school years 10, 11, 12 and 13, and the Out There Plus - Group is for 18 25 year olds. The Lowdown offers unique and rewarding volunteering and personal development opportunities for young people and members of the public. We also partner with Higher Education providers, including The University of Northampton, Tresham College, Chrysalis etc. to offer placements and internships for students. For parents and carers of young people in the LGBTQ+ community we offer a Facebook group that is accessed by searching for ‘Out There Group Parent and Carers Support Network Northamptonshire’. We also provide Outreach Services to schools, colleges, youth and community groups offering bespoke counselling/wellbeing support services. Further details of our services are shown right, and **continue on the next page:** **The ‘Espresso Yourself’ Wellbeing Café** for 11-18 year olds offers face-to-face and remote support. - These drop in sessions with professional mental health workers offer a young person and their parents and carers a safe space to talk, be listened to and receive support. There are 9 cafés operating 6 days per week across Northamptonshire. ## **Mindspace** Our weekly Mindspace group for 11 to 18 year olds provides a safe space to explore emotional and personal wellbeing with activities - such as relaxation, mindfulness, self care and creativity. Our 4, weekly youth groups for 11 to 18 year olds are a place for young people to have fun and just be themselves. It’s an inclusive and safe space, a chance to meet new people and participate in fun activities; designed collaboratively with the young people that attend. ## **Young Adult Social Group** people and connect with others through fun activities. Our support workers are on hand if needed. ## **Happier Families** A 6-week programme that supports families to learn and try out tips, skills, and tools to boost the wellbeing of individual members and the family as a whole to improve the quality of the time spent together. provides practical and emotional wellbeing support for young people transitioning from CAMHS (Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services) to AMS (Adult Mental Health Services). We have established a **Youth Advisory Board** (YAB) for 11 to 25 year olds to volunteer their time, share views on our services, building, accessibility, website, social media etc. screening for 14 to 25 year olds. This helps ensure we are providing what young people need and want while offering those involved the opportunity to learn new skills, meet new people and make a difference in their community. l(p°wdov supportlng young peopl• Our Impoct 2023124 Through all The Lowdown services we provided 17 688 support contacts foryoung people and their families. An increase of 80/0 on the previous year. Main issues anxiety low mood familylrelationship problems education and training sleep problems loneliness suicidal feelings self harm self-esteem stress What do our service users say. 99% 97Yo 990 "I would definitely recommend. I think the town is so lucky to have this seniice. They're doing an amazing job." - service user would recommend our service to others. felt they had a p￿lI￿ve ijutcome using our services. ffi)und the service accessible. Accessibility Stotistics • CIS-Female 11 CIS-Male 11 Not Stated INorn-Binary 11 Trans-male Trans-Female Iother Trans-male 2.3% 8- 10YearOlds 0.8% 19- 25 Year Olds 19.7% Not Slat 6.6% Ages of our young people Gender of our young people CIS-Female 55.9% CIS-Male 30.3% 11 18YearOlds 79.6% Asian or Asian Britrsh Ethnicity 70/0 of our service users are from a non-white background Black, Black British. Caribbean or African Mlxed or MuRlple Ethnic Groups Whit8 - British, Irish, Other Other Ethnic Group 500 10 1500 lo.wdov . The Lowdown Trustees, Annual Report 2023-2024 professional and con�dential services for young people across Northamptonshire and consists of 5 agencies: ▪ ▪ ## **- Our counselling service for 11 18 year olds continues to provide vital support to young people facing various challenges in their lives.** Over the past year, our team has faced a signi�cant increase in both the complexity and risk of the young people we support, continuing to highlight the need for the early intervention and preventative mental health support services we provide. Although demand has stabilised, the impact of our dedicated team's hard work and commitment has been truly remarkable when managing such risk and complexity. Despite these challenges, they maintain exceptional standards of care, offering tailored interventions and increasing our client’s resilience. A 16-year-old who was battling severe anxiety and self-esteem issues, came to us at a particularly dark time in her life, feeling hopeless and suicidal. Through weekly sessions, they found a lifeline. They gradually developed coping strategies and built con�dence within themself. - They are a shining example of resilience and growth, having made remarkable progress in their overall well being and embracing a future �lled with hope. Their journey underscores the profound impact of our service and the dedication of our team. ## **- Our counselling service for 19 25 year olds provides invaluable support to young adults navigating the complexities of early adulthood.** Over the past year, this service has witnessed **a staggering 47% increase** in demand, highlighting the intense challenges young adults face today, including complex mental health issues and social isolation. Despite these overwhelming pressures, our incredible team has gone above and beyond to provide accessible and effective counselling, demonstrating dedication and compassion. Their tireless efforts have been a beacon of hope for many, empowering our clients to �nd strength amidst adversity. A 22 year old was struggling with depression and career uncertainty. Through our support, they gained clarity on their goals, coping mechanisms, and is now pursuing their passions with renewed con�dence. **%** **referral to treatment time** **maintained or had improved CORE scores on completion of sessions** **----- Start of picture text -----**
-2024
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**areas of life.** This is the second year of the service and there has been a signi�cant growth in demand and a wide range of support needs for the young people using the service. Our staff have also continued to develop their skills and knowledge to best support them. The Outcome STAR methodology is used to track the progress made. a **74% increase** on the previous year a **91% increase** on the previous year goals and aspirations! look at the different aspects of my life, e.g. health, relationships, self-esteem etc. This aided me to see where I needed improvement the most, which goals were more of a priority, and over time will allow me to reflect and see my growth. always encourages me to do what I feel comfortable with. I highly recommend this service.” **The Youth Advisory Board was established in April 2023 and has seen - 33 members aged 11 25 volunteer with this service across the year.** **an escape room trip, vouchers and pizza nights.** experience, create content for our social media and take on an ambitious youth project. During work experience week the YAB visited Liverpool to meet the Young Persons Advisory Service and learn how to develop and set up our own board. Since, we have introduced Chair and Deputy Chair positions and now have - youth led sessions where the board can discuss topics that they feel are important within adolescent mental health. This year we have seen and push herself in a safe environment. her personal growth and con�dence. **Why we wanted to do our work experience at The Lowdown:** - We are all on the Youth Advisory Board and so we were all eager to get more involved. - Each of us is interested in a career in mental health and wellbeing. - It’s a great place to be. ``` ’ ``` ## **What we did:** ``` ‘ ``` ``` ’’ ``` ``` ’ ``` **What we gained from** `’` **our work experience:** - “Learning the importance of youth participation.” - “The importance of taking the time to organise fundraising events and - - wellbeing activities planning is key!” - “Different ways of using social media and events to increase visibility.” - “Everyone has different skills; we’ve done a lot as a team!” **in October 2023. The key priorities for the role are to:** - Raise awareness and promote our services within the community. - Improve accessibility for all young people regardless of background or individual circumstances. - Identify and address the barriers young people face in accessing our services. - Give young people a voice to help us continue to develop the organisation and its services. - Use any feedback to help us take positive action and maximise the impact we make on so many young people. - Getting young people to ‘know us, before they need us’ by promoting our services for young people, and professionals. We have also attended many community events, had articles in the Chronicle and Echo and have been featured on the radio. - Networking with the many diverse communities within Northampton. Focusing on intersectionality to help identify barriers and gather feedback wherever we go. - Developing and improving links and communication with local secondary schools, colleges and educational providers. - Attending training sessions and conferences on Neurodiversity, health inequalities (young people and minority groups) and Equality and Diversity. - Compiling all the learning, updates and achievements so far to create further actions to embed and support accessibility within The Lowdown. - Improved communication about The Lowdown through websites, newsletters, apps, mental health hubs and social media. **----- Start of picture text -----**
The Lowdown Trustees’ Annual Report 2023-2024
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**The weekly youth groups were launched in September 2023 and are run in collaboration with Free2Talk. This was in response to the real need for safe and inclusive spaces for young people to attend throughout the week.** - The groups are open to all and free to attend. - They are a space to provide both youth work and wellbeing/therapeutic intervention if needed. - They provide 12-week programmes that engage, inspire and empower young people to work collaboratively with workers to create youth-led sessions. - · They promote participation, positive interactions, relationship building, skill development and most importantly, allow young people to feel safe to be themselves and have fun. ## with Termly evaluations see incredibly positive impact and outcomes, such as building trusted relationships, increased feelings of safety, improved self-con�dence/esteem and sense of identity and belonging along with decreased isolation and social anxiety. Attendance has steadily grown monthly with new outcomes, such as young people attending every week. building trusted relationships, who is home-schooled - never leaving the house without their parent or best friend by their side. - community outcomes changing the perception of young people, and building connections and relationships in their wider communities. public transport, con�dently attending relationships in their wider on their own, engaging in all activities communities. and recently sharing a presentation to the whole group. Their journey has been astonishing to witness. support depending on need. **----- Start of picture text -----**
providing support to
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## **- Young Adult Social Group is a weekly group for 18 25 year olds, to meet new people, connect, have fun and socialise.** The Young Adult Social Group opened at the beginning of this �nancial year and has slowly grown into a safe and welcoming space for young people to meet up and enjoy activities. Originally for 16 to 25 year olds, it was changed to 18 year olds upwards at the end of the �nancial year to ensure a fully adult space. The space has proved helpful in supporting young adults into other appropriate Lowdown services and offers a safe place for young people already in our services to build on their con�dence and social skills. A group member suffers from anxiety, and their neurodiversity can make friendships challenging. As one of the �rst users of the adult social they have built a trusting relationship with the staff so when they began to face some them in building healthy relationships and their peers from the adult social have been a great support, bringing a smile at a dif�cult time. ## **Weekly ‘Out There’ youth groups offering a welcoming, fun, safe, inclusive space for LGBTQ+ young people to meet up, share experiences and offer and receive emotional and wellbeing support.** The groups are well attended with new people joining regularly, and in April 2024 we launched a new group in Towcester - further expanding our support to South Northants. Our groups are now fully youth led, always striving to empower our young people to take ownership, seeing a huge improvement in participation and engagement. with A Plus member has gone from never talking in group, to hosting a Dungeons and Dragons night and regularly socialising with other members outside of group time - a huge success! **What a trip! It is safe to say that the Out There residential of 2023 was a huge success! This year we went to Birmingham and the young people certainly had a good time and the leaders too.** Our Out There members are a diverse group of young people, all unique and with their own strengths and challenges. Many struggle with social anxiety, are neurodiverse and the majority have never been away from home and around groups of people with lots of noise and activity. In the lead up to residential, we asked the young people what their goals and aspirations were and if there was anything they wanted to achieve whilst away. The main objectives were to have fun, to feel safe, to be con�dent, and to socialise and have fun with friends, current and new. For some young people, it was simply just being on the trip and coping with separation anxiety and being away from home. The feedback we had was brilliant, and we are proud to say that we achieved our goals. In addition, here’s what some of the young people had to say about what they liked and achieved from their weekend away: **Happier Families has continued to work 1:1 with families providing tips and tools to improve wellbeing and overall happiness.** Happier Families has enabled a young boy time to work on his con�dence, recognise his strengths and reflect on his emotions. Our 6 week programme aims to support families with activity based sessions to learn tips, skills, and tools to boost the wellbeing of young people and their family. Having learnt these skills, they have even gone on to bene�t his relationship with his younger brother. supported **Our weekly MindSpace group for 11 to 18 year olds provides a safe space to explore emotional and personal - wellbeing through various activities. From the activities to the lighting and music, we ensure the set up creates a calm and welcoming space.** - The group was launched in June 2023 with a 6 week programme with Word Guerilla on creative writing. With youth input, the wellbeing group was renamed MindSpace from Wellbeing Wednesday and a monthly timetable was developed to showcase activities including yoga, painting and making dreamcatchers. These changes have had a positive impact, giving a greater sense of ownership and engagement among the young people and also contributing to their overall mental wellbeing. - A 15 year old participant in the MindSpace group expressed that the group provides them with a safe space where they enjoy the fun activities offered. Meeting peers outside of school who share similar feelings and experiences has been incredibly valuable for them, gaining a sense of belonging and understanding. This has signi�cantly contributed to their overall wellbeing and happiness. **----- Start of picture text -----**
across the service
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- Parent (of a 12 year old) **The ‘Espresso Yourself’ Wellbeing Café provides young people and their families with a safe and confidential environment to talk about their feelings and life’s challenges. If you’re lucky, you may even get a visit from Harper our Therapy Dog!** We have worked hard this year to develop the resources available for young people in the café such as introducing Action for Happinesses monthly wellbeing calendars and 10 Keys to Happier Living booklets. We also introduced a menu of hot food and drinks to provide a welcoming space for everyone and this has signi�cantly enhanced the overall experience and well-being of our visitors. **----- Start of picture text -----**
(2023/24) including
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**%** this café to others The Wellbeing Café has supported a young person facing lots of challenges in life. When they have felt unheard and lost their key worker at school, the café has been the ideal place for them to build new trusting relationships and talk about how they are feeling. Their parent has also been able to seek support weekly. **Each year we have both new and returning supporters of The Lowdown and our services. Yet again we are blown away by the support we have had from our community who go that extra mile to help young people on their journey towards positive mental health, emotional health and wellbeing.** for us in July, took part in the Amazing Northampton Run Relay Race and hosted monthly cheese events raising £804. both already holding events and we look forward to their support over the remainder of 2024. We have also been chosen as Crick Software Ltd’s charity for 2024. They are planning raffles, bake sales and auctioning a ‘Duvet Day’ to their employees. We also continue to be supported by a new initiative called ‘Breaking Silence’ run by Lani Tebbut. It’s a group of car enthusiasts supporting mental health via the world of automotives and we have been chosen as the recipients of their - fundraising. They meet once a month on a Friday at The Workbridge to showcase their automotives, with the tag line ‘Check on your mates.’ So far, they have raised £1,074.24. We are so pleased to be partnered with this new venture. This year our very own counsellor, Adrian cycled up the Cols du Telegraph and Calibier in the French Alps raising - £2,052 for our services. This is a classic Tour de France route of 2100m of climbing over 30 km, up to 14% gradient now that's steep! Adrian said: support; it means so much to be repeatedly chosen. Markey, who sadly passed away. He was a dedicated teacher for over 30 years, and he knew that the wellbeing of young people is incredibly important. The overall total alongside a donation from the National Education Union, Northampton was £3,751. providing activities to support young people in the LGBTQ+ Community. easyfundraising purchases and support us at various events, fundraisers, and promotions. **contributed, you are amazing!** How Con You Support The Lowdown? the Your support and donations are vital so we can continue to provide our services for young people. Our work helps us to increase young people's resilience and equip them with the tools to help them cope with future challenges in their life. lowdov supportit19 young people There are lots of ways you can support us: Set up a monthly donation Make a one off donation Organise a fundraising event or activity Donate via JustGiving, easyfundraising or play The Northampton Lottery DONATE | •• a easyfundraising frel 9ogd skoppin9 JustGivin NCRTIIIJ4PTON SCAN ME! Or scan thls QR code to instantly donate DONATE The Lowdown Trustees, Annual Report 2023-2024 22 ## **Everyone who has worked or volunteered for The Lowdown between 1st April 2023 and 31st March 2024.** every opportunity we get to support young people. Adrian Shaw, Anna Tutt, Becca Ibbs, Charlotte White, Gemma Ainge, Geraldine Ward, Hitomi Palmer, Jenny Gee, Katie Redding, Laura Kaye, Leanne Allsop, Natalie Morrison, Rachael Moss, Rebecca Wheeler, Steph Clayson and Toni Allard Sharon Womersley Lisa Braithwaite Ellie White Rachel Welsh Laura Simms Helen Heng Chelsea Buswell, Becky Truman, Ryan Parkinson, Steph Gardener and Meghan Wright Helen Heng Adrian Shaw, Anna Tutt, Rebecca Ibbs, Becky Chelsea Buswell, Becky Truman, Truman, Carol Jeyes, Charlotte White, Chelsea - Buswell, Daniel Kwayke, Da Sheena Fulford, and Meghan Wright Meghan Wright Gemma Ainge, Geraldine Hardcastle, Helen Heng, Maxine Eborall and Alison Inglese Hitomi Palmer, James Young, Jenny Gee, Katie Chelsea Buswell Redding, Kanan Robinson, Kelly Lane, Kenny Pang, Kirsty Roberts, Kristyana Jimdar, Laura Farmer, Rebecca Laura Kaye, Leanne Allsop, Matthew Price, Meghan Wright, Natalie Morrison, Rachel Welsh, Rachael - Moss, Rebecca Wheeler, Rosse Marie Golaub, Kelly Emmanuel Ryan Parkinson, Sophie Goode, Steph Gardner, Kelly Emmanuel Toni Allard and Toniiae Smith Carol Jeyes, Gemma Ainge, Meghan Wright, Jess Hudson, Kirsty Bees, Matthew Price, Caroline Parnell, Geraldine Ward, Kelly Lane and Katie Redding (�nished October 2023) Kings (started November 2023) Kirsty Robers and James Young Kelly Emmanuel Kelly Emmanuel Callum Crawford-McKellar and Maxine Eborall Julie Holt, Ash Harrison, Ioana-Camelia Martin and Sophie Turner - Helen Shouler, Callum Crawford McKellar, Roliste Anna Tutt Jerman, Emma Roddis, Colette Rose, Nyasha Nyamariwata and Sophie Goode Matthew Price, Daniel Kwakye, Alison Souster, Clare Marshall, Kate Williams and Rebecca Vivash (�nished May 2023) Carol Jeyes, Sophie Goode, Kirsty Bees, Julie Holt, Rebecca Kings, Laura Farmer and Rebecca Townson Stephen Edmonds (Chair), Andrea Martin (Vice Chair), Jonathan Smith (Treasurer), Brendan Dunphy, Dr Martin Clarke, Georgina Bayliss, Dr Mike Scanlan, Matt Toresen MBE, Dr Deborah Patton and Andre Gore - Emma Roddis, Niamh Roe, Karoline Bardin Bryant, Lisa Greenough, Hazel Scott, Kelly Lane, Kristyana Jimdar, Emma Miller, Laura Farmer, Donna Shrubb, Cheslea Buswell, Anna Tutt, Chelsea-Luca Members Glazebrook, Jennah West, Summer Rowe and Rebecca Kings ## **We would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has supported The Lowdown during 2023 and 2024.** our vital services to young people. We feel very honoured to be recognised by so many in our community. - .· **Beckett’s and Sargeant’s Educational Foundation** - The Bridge - **Michael Jones Jewellers** - **Northamptonshire Community Foundation** - Bosworth Independent College - NHS – ICB and NHFT - Voluntary Impact Northamptonshire - **Northampton Partnership Homes** - **Public Health Northamptonshire** - **Northampton Chronicle and Echo** - Scott Bader - Youth Investment Fund - Sure�re Creative (and Santander) - **St James Place** - **St Andrew’s Healthcare** - **Ashby Computers** - Northampton Quakers - West Northamptonshire Council - Gateway HR - **The Access Group** - **Northampton Town Council** - **BBC Radio Northampton** - T J Marketing - Jane Dollar - Nlive Radio - **National Youth Agency** - **Our Reach Partners – Youth Works, Time2Talk, Chat and Service Six** - National Lottery Community Foundation - **Northampton Partnership Homes** - **Social Investment Business** - Northampton Lottery - Dunphy Associates - **Rotary Clubs of Northamptonshire** - Mental Health Northants Collaboration (MHNC) - **Cards Direct** - Rotary Club of Northampton Becket - **Department for Culture, Media and Sport** - Guilsborough Academy - **Faraway Children’s Charity** - The Key Fund - **Abbey�eld School** - **Fusion21** - The Wilson Foundation - Malcolm Arnold Academy - **The Laing Family Trust** - Elaine Barratt Trust - **Northampton School for Girls** - Northampton Golf Club - **Mercedes AMG** - Northampton School for Boys - **Rushden Golf Club** - Kier Marriott - **Earl Spencer Primary School** - Postcode Places Trust - **Northampton Lottery** - The Duston School - Faraway Children’s Charity - **Northamptonshire Police** - **Pitsford School** - Northamptonshire Sport - **National Education Union – Northamptonshire** - Camelot – Match Funding - **Metro Bank** - **The University of Northampton** - Breathe HR - Department of Work and Pensions - Free2Talk - **GXO Logistics – Wellingborough** - Hewitsons - **Jogo Behaviour Support** The Trustees have taken due regard of the Charity Commission’s guidance on public bene�t. - positive emotional health and wellbeing regardless of their socio economic circumstances, ethnicity, gender, religion, ability, sexuality, or perceived disadvantage. part of and enjoy family and community life and achieve their full potential. The services we provide along with our varied outreach services, not only bene�t young people directly, but also the wider community. support the escalation in demand for mental health services for children and young people. �ll them. Young people are involved when introducing new services to ensure that they meet young people’s needs. The Lowdown is a charity governed by its constitution. The trustees are responsible for the strategic direction of The Lowdown, meeting quarterly or more frequently to review the performance of the organisation. We have a Services Committee, chaired by a mental health practitioner to review the delivery of the Lowdown Services and a Finance and Operations Committee chaired by our Treasurer to review our �nancial and operational performance. These then independently feed back to the Board of Trustees if there are any concerns. The CEO is responsible for the day-to-day management of the organisation and is in regular contact with the Chair of Trustees/Trustees to report progress. The Lowdown became a CIO from the 1[st] of April 2022 due to the growth of the organisation. in the advertisement, selection, recruitment, and training of its trustees, and within all aspects of its service delivery. candidate. is regularly reviewed. REGISTERED COMPANY NUMBER: CE027753 (England and Wales) REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER: 1197273 REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 FOR the lowdov . •upportl ng young p•opI• THE LOWDOWN CONTENTS OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENOED 31 MARCH 2024 lo.wdov . supportln* Wotsng p•opI• Paga Report ol the Trnstees Report ol the Independent Audllors Slalement of Flnanclal Acllvllles Stalomont of Flnancl81 P081tlon Statomont of Ca$h Flow8 Note$ to the Statement of Cash Flows 10 Not88 to the Financial Statement8 11 10 21 Dolailad Statom8nt of Financial Activiti08 22 10 23 THE LOWDOWN REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENOED 31 MARCH 2024 lo.wdov . supportln* Wotsng p•opI• The tfuslges who are also directors ol the charily lor the purposes of the Companies Act 2006, presenl their report with Ihe financial slalemenls ol the charity lor Ihe year ended 31 March 2024. The Iruslees have adopted the provisions of Accounting and Reporting by Charities.. Slalemenl ol Recommended Practice applicable lo charities preparing their aecounls in a¢¢ordance with the Financial Reportino Slandard appli¢able in the UK and Republic ol Ireland IFRS 1021 lelleclive 1 January 20191. STRATEGIC REPORT STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT Govemlng document The charity is a Charitable IncoTporated Organisation Ilhe CIOI governed according lo the new and rnore flexible Conslilulion dated 22 December 2021. 11 was established to take forward the wor1( of the unincorporated charity with registered charity number 801886. REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS R8glst6rod Company numbor CE027753 (England and Wa1851 Regl$tered Chorlty number 1197273 Register8d off ico 3 Kingswell Street Norlhamplon Norlhamplonshire NN1 1PP Tru$loeg S Edmonds G Bayliss M Tores8n Ir8sign8d 12161231 J Smith A Martin M Clarke (resigned 111101231 D Patton M Scanlan B Dunphy A Gore lappoinled 1216123 Audltors Shaw Gibbs IAudill Limi18d, Sialulory Auditor Eagle House 28 Billing Fload Norlhamplon Norlhamplonshire NN1 5AJ Page 1 THE LOWDOWN REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENOED 31 MARCH 2024 lo.wdov . supportln* Wotsng p•opI• STATEMENT OF TRUSTEES, RESPONSIBILITIES The Iruslees are responsib18 lor preparing Ihe Report ol the Trustees and the financial slalemenls in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards Iuniled Kingdom Generally Accepted Ac¢ounling Praclicel. The law appltcable lo charities in England and Wales, Ihe Charities Act 2011. Charity (Accounts and Reports) Regulalions 2008 and Ihg provisions ol the trust (Jged requires the Irusle9s lo prepar9 financial slalgmenls lor each linancial year which give a Iru9 and lair vigw ol the slal8 of allairs ol the charity and of the incoming rèsources and application ol resources, including tha income and expenditure, ol the charity lor that period. In pr8paring thosè financial slalemenlg, tha Iruslèès are required lo select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently., observe the methods and principles in the Charity SORP., make judgements and estimates that ale reasonable and prudent.. slate whether applicable accounting standards hav& been followed, subject lo any material departures disclosed and explaingd in the linanGial slaleJngnls', prepare the financial slalefflgnls on Ihg going conc8rn basis unlgss il is inappropriatg lo presume that the charity will continue in business. The trustees are responsible for keeplng proper accounllng records which disclose with reasonable accuracy at any lime the financial position ol the charity and lo enable them lo ensure that the financial slalemenls comply with the Charities Act 2011, the Charity IAccounts and Heportsl Regulations 2008 and the provision5 ol the trust deed. They are also responsiblg lor safeguarding th8 assets ol the charity and hence lor taking reasonable $18p$ lor the prevention and d818clion ol fraud and olh8r irr8gularilies. AUDITORS The auditors, Shaw Gibbs IAudill Limlled, Slalutory Auditor. will be proposed lor re-appoinlmenl al the forthcoming Annual General Meeting. Report ot ltte trustees, incorporaling a strategic reFQrt, approved by order ol the board ol truslegs, as Ihg company directors, on 13 September 2024 and signed on the board's behalf by.. J Smith . Truslee S Edmonds - Trustee Page 2 REPORT OF THE INDEPENDENT AUDITORS TO THE TRUSTEES OF THE LOWDOWN lo.wdov . supportln* Wotsng p•opI• Opinion We have audited the linancial slalemenls ol The Lowdown lih8 'charily'l lor the year ended 31 March 2024 which comprise the Sialemenl ol Financial Aclivilies. the Sialemenl ol Financial Posilion and notes lo the financial slalemenls, including a summary DI significant accounling policies. The financial reporting framework that has been applied in their preparation is applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generdly Accepted A¢¢ounling Pracli¢el. In our opinion the financial slatemenls.. give a true and lair view ol the slate ol Ihg charity's affairs a5 al 31 March 2024 and ul its incoming rgsources and application ol resources, lor the year Ihgn endgd.. havè béen properly prepar￿ in aecordanee with Uniled Kingdom Gènèrally Accepted Accounting Practice; and have been prepared in accordance with the requirements ol the Charities Act 2011. Basls lor oplnlon We conducted our audit in accordance wilh International Standards on Auditing IUKI IISAS IUKII and applicable law. Our responsibilities under those standards are further described in the Auditors, responsibililies lor lh8 audit ol the linancial slalefflenls S8clion ol our reporl. We are indgpendgnl ol th& harily in accordance with th8 ethical requirements that are relgvanl lo our audit ol the linancial slalements in the UK, including the FRC'S Ethical Standard, and we have lulli118d our olher ethical responsibili118s in accordance with these requirements. We believe that th8 audil evidence we have obtained is sullicient and approprfaie lo provide a basis lor our opinlon. Coneluslons relatlng to golng eoneem In auditing the linancial slalemenls, we have concluded that the Iruslees, use ol the going cO￿ern basis ol ac¢ounling in the preparalion ol th8 financial slalemenls is appropriate. Bas6d on the work we have p8rlormed. w8 have nol id8nlili8d any material uncertainties r81aling lo events or conditions that, individually or collectively, may cast significant doubl on the charity's ability lo continue as a going concern lor a period ol al least twelve months from wh6n tha linancial statements are auihorised lor issue. Our responsibilities and the responsibilities ol the trustees with respect lo going concern are described in the r8levanl s8clion8 01 this reporl. Other inform8tlon The trustees are responsible lor the other intormalion. The other inlDrmalion comprises the inlormalion included in the Annual Report, other than the financial slalements and our Report of Ihe Independent Audilors thereon. Our opinion on the financial statements does not cover Ihe other inlormabon and, except lo the extent otherwise explicitly slaled in our report, we do not express any forffl ol assurance Gonclusion Ihereon. In connection with our audit ol Ihe financial slalemenls, our responsibility is lo read the olh8r information and, in doing so, consider whether the other information is materially inconsisler¢l with the financial slalemenls or our knowledge obtained Sn the audh or otherwise appears lo be materially misstated. If we identify such material inconsistencies or apparent material misstatements, we are required lo delermlne whether thls gives rise ID a material misslalement in the financial slalemenls Ihemselves. It, based on the work we have performed, we conclude that there is a material misslatemenl of this other information. we are required to report that fact. We have nothing to report in this regard. Matters on whlch we are requlred to report by exceptlon We have nolhing to report in respect ol the following matters where the Charities IAccoLFnls and Reports) Regulations 2008 requires us to report lo you il, in our opinion.. the information given in the Report of the Trustees is inconsistent in any material respect with the financial slalemenls- or Page 3 REPORT OF THE INDEPENDENT AUDITORS TO THE TRUSTEES OF THE LOWDOWN lo.wdov . supportln* Wotsng p•opI• 5ullicienl accounting records have not been kept., or the financial 51alemenls are not in agreernent with the accounting records and returns., or we hav8 nol received all Ihe inlormalion and explanations w8 requir8 lor our audil. Respongibilities of trustees As explained more lully in the Slalemenl ol Trustees, Responsibilities, Ihe Iruslees are responsible lor the pr8paralion ol the financial slalemenls which give a true and lair view, and lor such inlemal control as the Iruslees determine is necessary lo enable the preparation ot financial slalemenls that are free from material misstalemenl, whether due to fraud or error. In preparing the financial statements. Ihg trustees are responsible lor assessing the charity's ability lo continue as a going concern. disclosing, as applicablè. matters rèlated lo going concern and using thè going concern basis ol accounting unless the Iruslè88 erf(h8r inténd lo liquidate thè ¢harily or lo ceasè operations, or have no realistic allemalive bul lo do 50. Our responslbllltles for the audlt of the flnanclal statemenls We have been appointed as auditors under Section 144 01 the Charities Act 2011 and report in accordance with the Act and relevant regulations made or having etre¢l thereunder. Our objgcliv85 ar8 lo obtain reasonable assurance about wh8lhgr th8 financial statements as a whole ar Ir8e ITOM material misslalemenl, whether due lo fraud or error, and lo issue a Report ol the Independont Auditors Ihal includes our opinion. Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance, bul is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance with ISAS IUKI wlll always detect a material misstatement when il exists. Misslatemenls can arise fTOrn traud or error and are considered material if, individually or in the aggregate, Ihey could reasonably be expected lo influence the economic decisions ol users taken on the basis ol these financial slal8menls. Th9 exlenl lo which our procedur8s are capable ol delecling irr8gulariligs, including fraud is dglailed b81ow: We identified Ihe greatest risk ol material impacl on the financial statements from irregularities. induding fraud, lo be the ¢verride ol controls by management and the underslaiement ol revenue. Our audit pr¢xedures lo resp¢nd lo these risks included enquiries ol management about Ihoir own idenlilicalion and assessment ol the risks ol irregularities, sample lesling on the posting ol journals, reviewing meeting minutes, regulatory correspondence and professional lees, detailed subslanlive testing on the completenes5 ol income, and reviewing accounting 8slimales lor biases. W8 will also review th8 regulatory correspondence with the Charity Commission. OwSng lo the inherent limitations ol an audit, there is 8n unavoidable risk that we may not have detected some material misstalemenls in the financial slaiements, even IhoLJgh we h2ve piopedy planned and performed our audit in accordance with auditing standards. We are not responsible lor prevenling non-compliance and cannot be expected lo delecl non-complianoe with all laws an¢ regulations. These inherent limitations are particularly signilicanl in the case of misslalemenl resulting from fraud as this may involv8 sophislicalgd schemes designed lo avoid deleclion, including deliberate failure lo record Iransaclions, collusion or the provision ol intentional misrepr8senlalions. A further description ol our responsibililies lor the audil of the linancSal statements is located on the Flnancial Reportlng Council's website al www.frc.org.uklaudllorsresponslbililles. This description forms parl ol our Report ol the Independent Auditors. Use ol our report This report is made solely lo the charity's Iruslee$, as a body, in ac¢ordan¢e wtth Part 4 01 the Charities (Aecounts and Reporlsl Regulations 2008. Our audit work has been undertaken so that we mighl stale to Ihe charity's Iruslees those matters we are required to stale 10 them in an auditors, report and lor no other purpose. To Ihe lullesl extent permitted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility lo anyone other than the charity and the charity's trustees as a body, tor our audit work, for this report, or for the opinions we have formed. Page 4 REPORT OF THE INDEPENDENT AUDrroRS TO THE TRUSTEES OF THE LOWDOWN lo.wdov . supportln* Wotsng p•opI• ,4&CA.J,ÉJl Shaw Gibb5 IAuditl Limilgd, Sialutory Auditor Eligible to act as an auditor in lerms ol Section 1212 01 the Compani9s Act 2006 Eagle House 28 Billing Hoad Norlhamplon Norlhamplonshire NN15 Dale.. 13 S8ptember 2024 Page 5 THE LOWDOWN STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 lo.wdov . supportln* Wotsng p•opI• 2024 Total funds 2023 Total funds Unr8slricled R8slricled funds lunds Notes INCOME AND ENDQWMENTS FROM Donations and leoaoies 27,384 308,087 335.471 255,786 Charitable activities Charitable Aclivitlgs 862,422 193.952 1,056,374 831,036 Inv8slment income 7,215 7.215 Total 897.021 502,039 1,399.060 1,086,822 EXPENDITURE ON Charitable activities Charilable Aclivi118S 792.221 207,591 999,812 877,986 NET INCOME 104,800 294,M8 399,248 208,836 RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS Tolal funds brought fofward 412,131 230,195 642,326 433,490 TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD 516,931 524.643 1041 574 642,326 CONTINUING OPERATIONS All income and expenditure has aris8n from continuing a¢iivilies. The notes form part ol these financial slalem8nts Page 6 THE LOWDOWN STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION 31 MARCH 2024 lo.wdov . supportln* Wotsng p•opI• 2024 Total funds 2023 Total funds Unr8slricled funds R8slricled lunds Notes FIXED ASSETS Tangible assets 40,417 417,785 458,202 278,236 CURRENT ASSETS Deblors Cash at bank 60,284 674.083 60,284 780,941 69,151 600.853 106.858 734.367 106.858 841.225 670,004 CREDITORS Amounts falling due within ono year 13 1257,853} 1257,8531 1305,9141 NET CURRENT ASSETS 478.514 106,858 583,372 364,090 TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT LIABILITIES 516,931 524,643 1,041,574 642,326 NET ASSETS 516 931 524,643 1,041 574 642,326 FUNDS Unreslricled funds Reslricled funds 15 516,931 524 643 412,131 230,195 TOTAL FUNDS 1 041574 642,326 The charitable company Is enlltled to exemption IrDm audlt under Secllon 477 of the Companies Act 2006 lor the year ended 31 March 2024. The members have nol deposited notice, pursuant lo Section 476 01 the Companies Aci 2006 requiring an audit ol these financial slalemenls. The Irusl8es acknowledg8 their responsibilities for lal ensuring Ihal Ihe charitable company keeps accounting records that comply with Sections 386 and 387 of the Companies Act 2006 and Ibl preparlng financial slatemenls whlch gSve a true and talr vlew of the stale ol allairs ol the charllable company as at the end ol each financial year and of its surplus or delicil for each linancial year in accordance with the requirements ot Sections 394 and 395 and which otherwise comply with the requiramenls of the Companies Act 2006 relating lo financial slatomenls, so lar as applicabl8 to the charitable company. The financial slalemenls were approved by the Board of Trusle8s and aulhorised for issu8 on 13 September 2024 and were signed on ils behalf by.. The notes form part ol these financial slalem8nts Page 7 continued... THE LOWDOWN STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION - continued 31 MARCH 2024 lo.wdov . supportln* Wotsng p•opI• J Smith - Trustee S Edmonds- Trustee The notes form part ol these financial slalem8nts Page 8 THE LOWDOWN STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS FOR THE YEAR ENOED 31 MARCH 2024 lo.wdov . supportln* Wotsng p•opI• 2024 2023 Notes Cash flows trom operatlng actlvltles Cash generated from operations 370,433 123,8851 N8t cash provid8d byllus8d in) 0￿rating aclivi118S 370,433 123,8851 Cash IIow9 from Invesllng acllvltleg Purchase ol tangible fixed assets Interest received 1197.5601 7,215 1255,418) Nel cash used in inv8sling activities 190,3451 255,4181 Change In cash and cash equlvalents In the reportlno perlod Cash and cash equlvalenls at Ihe beglnnlng ot the r6portlng perlod 180,088 1379,3031 6DO,853 980 156 Cash and cash èqulvalents at tha ènd of the reportlng perlod 780,941 600 853 The notes form part ol these financial slalem8nls Page 9 THE LOWDOWN NOTES TO THE STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS FOR THE YEAR ENOED 31 MARCH 2024 lo.wdov . supportln* Wotsng p•opI• RECONCILIATION OF NET INCOME TO NET CASH FLOW FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES 2024 2023 Net Income for the reportlng perlod (as per the Statement of Flnanclal Actlvltlesl Adjustmenls lor: Dgprecialion charges Inlèresl received Décrease in debtors Decrease in creditors 399.248 208,836 17,594 17.2151 8,867 48,061 9,649 104,022 446,3921 Not ¢88h provlded byl{u$od In) operallon8 370.433 123,8851 ANALYSIS OF CHANGES IN NET FUNDS Ai 114123 Cash flow Ai 3112124 Net cash Cash al bank 600 853 780 941 600.853 180,088 780,941 Total 600.853 180,088 780,941 The notes form part ol these financial slalem8nts Page 10 THE LOWDOWN NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENOED 31 MARCH 2024 lo.wdov . supportln* Wotsng p•opI• ACCOUNTING POLICIES Basls of preparlng the flnanclal statements The financial stalemenls ol the charity, which is a public bengfil enlily under FRS 102, have been piepared in accordance with the Gharilies SORP IFRS 1021 'Accounling and Reporting by Gharilies.. Slatemenl ol Recommended Practice applicable lo Charities preparing their accounts in a¢¢ordan¢e with the Financial Reporting Standard aFwlicable in the UK and R9public ol Ireland IFRS 1021 lelleclive 1 January 20191,, Financial Fleporling Standard 102 'The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and R8PLJblie ol Ireland, and the Charitiès Act 2011. The finaneial slalemenl8 havè b8en prepared under the hislori¢al eost convention. No material uncertainties exist in relation to going concern. The presentation currency of the financial slatemenls is the Pound Sterling (£1. Charlly Status The Lowdown is a Charitable Incorporalod OTganisalion r8gisl8red wilh th8 Charily Comfflission lor England and Wales. The Charity becatll8 a CIO on l April 2022. Registered address Ilsled In the annual report, managed and controlled by the Management CommilleelTTuslees named in the annual reF#Jrt. Critical accounting judg8ment8 and key 80urce8 of estimation uncertainty The preparation ol linancial slalements requires th8 usg ol cert&'n crilical accounling 8slimales. 11 also requires managem8nl lo exercise ils judg8menl in the process ol applying the company accounting polici&8. The areas involving a higher degrea ol judgem&nl or complexity. or areas where assumptions and esiimales are significant lo the financial slalemenls are disclosed within the Individual accounting policies below Income Voluntary income, including donations ,legacies and gran15 that provide core funding or are ol a general nature are reccgnised wher8 there is enlillem8nl, certainly ol receipt and the amounl can be measured wilh sullicienl relialilily. Investment income is brought into account on a receivable basis and dividend income on a received basis. Income from charitable activities includes income received under contract or where entitlement lo grant ftjnding is subject lo specific performance conditions is recognised as earned. Grant income in this category provides funding to supporl performance activities and is recognised where there is entitlement, Certainty ol receipt and the amount can be measured with sutti¢ient reliability. Intanglble Incoma Inlangible incorne. in Ihe form ol donal8d facilities and voluntary help 81c., is not includ8d in the financial slalemenls since il is not considered practicable to qLbanlily such income. Expendlture Expenditure is recognlsed when a Ilabilily Is Incurred. Cost ot generating lunds are those costs incurred In attracting volunlary income. Charitable a¢livilie$ include expenditure asso¢i8led wtth dire¢l seNi¢es and membership support. Governance costs include those incurred in the governance ol tho charty and its assets and are piimarily associated wilh conslitulional and stalulory requirements. Page11 continued... THE LOWDOWN NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. conlinued FOR THE YEAR ENOED 31 MARCH 2024 lo.wdov . supportln* Wotsng p•opI• ACCOUNTING POLICIES- continued Tangibl8 fixed a88et8 Deprecialion is provided al Ihe following annual rates in order lo write off each asset over ils estimated useful life. Improvements to properly 10°A on cost and over the remaining term ol the lease 33 /¢ on cost 50 /0 on cost and 33°/0 on cost Fixtures and fittings Cofflpuler and Ollicg Equipm8nl Fixed assets are slated al cost less accumulated depreciation and accumulated impairment losses. Where parts ol an item of property, plant and equiprnenl have different useful lives, they are accounted for as separate items ol property, plant and equipmenl. Depre¢ialion melhcjds, uselul lives and residual values are reviewed al each balance sheet date. The selgclion ol Ih8se residual valu8s and gslimaled Iivgs requires the gxercise ol ju(Jggrnenl. Tho dirgclors ar8 requir￿1 lo assess whether there is an indication ol impairment lo lh8 carrying valu8 01 assgts. In making that assessment, judgemen15 are made in eslimaling value in us8. The directors consider that tho individual carrying values of ass8ts are supportable by their value in use. Taxatlon The charity is exempl Irom Co￿Oration tax on ils charitable aclivilies. Fund accounting Unreslricled funds can be used in a¢cordanc8 with the charitable obj8cIiv88 al the discretion ol the trustee$. Restricted funds can only be used for particular reslricled purposes withln the obl6cls ol the eharily. Restrictions arise when specified by the donor or when funds are raised lor partlcular restricted purposes. Further explanation ol the nature and purpose ol each fund is included in the no18s lo th8 financial slalemenls, Penslon cogt9 arKI other pogt-retlrement benelltg The charitable company operates a defined contribution pension scheme. Contributions paYa￿e to the charitable company's pension scheme are charged lo the Statement ot Financial Activities in the period lo which they relate. Ro$•rve$ The current reserv8 policy is lo rnaintain sullicienl cash flow for known commilm8nls, and the replacement ol certain assets. Grants are receive(J al various limes during the year. The required res8rves ar8 calculated based on 12 months operaling costs plus 4 months direcl costs. Rlsk The Iruslees do not believe 11 is subjecl to any substantial risk beyond the Ilabllities disclosed In ils Annual Report and Accounts. The organisalion has publi¢. employer in$uran¢& lo protect Ihe Charity in the case ol a claim. Flnancl81 In$lrum•nt$ Poll¢y Cash and cash equivalenls in the balance sheet comprise cash al banks and in hanc6 and short term deposits with an original maturity dale ol three months or less. Page 12 continued... THE LOWDOWN NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. conlinued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 lo.wdov . supportln* Wotsng p•opI• ACCOUNTING POLICIES- continuod Reserves Debtors and ¢redilors with no slated ir71erest fate and receivable or payable within one year are recorded al transaction price. Any losses arising from impairment are recognised in the slalemenl ol offlprghgnsiv8 income ullder adminislraliv8 gxp8ns85. Financial liabilities and equity instruments are classifièd according to the substance of the contraclual arrangements entered into. An èquity instrument is any ttsnlracl that evidèncès a rèsidual interest in the assets ol the enlily after deducting all ol its tinancial liabilities. Where the conlraclual obligations ol 1Snancial instruments Ilncluding share capilall are equivalent lo a similar debt inslrumenl, those financial instruments ale classed as linancial liabilities. Financial liabilities are presented as such in the balance sheet. Finance costs and gains Of losses relaling to financial liabililies are included in Ihg profil and loss account. Financg Costs ar8 calGulaled so as to pioducg a constant ral8 ol rglurn on the oulslanding liability. DONATIONS AND LEGACIES 2024 2023 Donations Grants 32,365 303,106 90,786 165.OOD 335,471 255,786 Grants recoived, Included in the above, are as follows- 2024 2023 NHFT- Espresso Yourself Cale Youth Investment Fund B8ck811's & Sargeanls The B8alric8 Laing Trust NCF 5,OOD 301.546 40.OOD 120.000 303,106 165,000 Page 13 continued... THE LOWDOWN NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. conlinued FOR THE YEAR ENOED 31 MARCH 2024 lo.wdov . supportln* Wotsng p•opI• INVESTMENT INCOME 2024 2023 Deposit account interest 7,215 INCOME FROM CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES 2024 Charitable Activities 2023 Total activities Grants & Contract Services Outreach SelV￿ces Other incom8 999,829 52,378 4,167 782,960 46,191 1,885 1 056,374 Grants received, included in the above, are a5 follows: 2024 2023 LGBTQ VCSE Happier Families NHFT - Espresso Yourself Cale NHS Norlhamplonshire Integrated Care Board Aspire Higher Thomas Bringlo Constance Travis National Loll8ry Queen's Inslilule Youth Investment Fund Northampton Town Council Si James's Place Foundation Goodwill Solutions Faraway Children's Charity Wesl Northamplonshire Councll Scoll Bader The Access Foundation 33,700 19,950 61,160 657,967 22,OOD 25,975 68,84D 595,466 270 1,800 1,50D 9,990 4,995 249 15,000 9,99D 9,90D 2,000 14,985 8.300 20.250 5,000 160,252 10,000 13,250 5,000 5,000 999 829 Page 14 continued... THE LOWDOWN NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. conlinued FOR THE YEAR ENOED 31 MARCH 2024 lo.wdov . supportln* Wotsng p•opI• CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES COSTS Supw)rl costs (see note 61 Direct Costs Totals Charitable Activities 982,516 17.296 999,812 SUPPORT COSTS Governance Costs Financè Tolals Charitabl8 Activities 1,426 15,870 17,296 NET INCOMEI(EXPENDITURE) Not incom&llexpondilur81 is sla18d alt&r chargingllcr8dilingl.. 2024 2023 Audilots, rèmuneration Auditors. remuneration lor non audit work Deprecialion - own8d assets 6,260 3,740 17,594 5,700 1,50D TRUSTEES. REMUNERATION AND BENEFITS There wer8 no trustees, remuneration or other b8nelils tor the ygar ended 31 March 2024 nor lor the year ended 31 March 2023. Trusteè8' èxp&n809 There were no trustees. expenses paid lor the year ended 31 March 2024 nor lor the year endgd 31 March 2023. STAFF COSTS 2024 2023 Wages and Salaries Social security cosls Other pension costs 702,037 51 ,781 13,616 579,275 41.190 10,846 767,434 631,311 Th8 av8rag8 monthly numb8r ol employ88s during the y8ar was as follows.. 2024 46 2023 35 Staff No employees received emoluments in excess of £60,QOO. Page 15 continued... THE LOWDOWN NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. conlinued FOR THE YEAR ENOED 31 MARCH 2024 lo.wdov . supportln* Wotsng p•opI• STAFF COSTS - continued Key Management Remuneration in the year was £64,53912023: £59,606). 10. COMPARATIVES FOR THE STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL AcnviTIES Unrestriclgd lunds Reslricl8d funds Total funds INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM Donations and legacies 81,944 173,842 255,786 CharFlable actlvltl69 Charitable Activities 807,036 24.000 831036 Total 888 980 197842 1086 822 EXPENDITURE ON Charllable acllvllles Charftable Activllies 824 695 53.291 877 986 NET INCOME Transfers between lunds 64,285 4191 144,551 419 208,836 Net movemont In funds 63.866 144,970 208,836 RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS Total tunds brought lotward 348,265 85,225 433,490 TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD 412 131 230,195 642.326 Page 16 continued... THE LOWDOWN NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. conlinued FOR THE YEAR ENOED 31 MARCH 2024 lo.wdov . supportln* Wotsng p•opI• 11. TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS Computer and Office Equipment Assets under construction Improvements lo property Fixtures and fi'ttings Tolals COST Al 1 April 2023 Additions 285,759 4,296 13.311 303,366 197,560 197.560 Al 31 March 2024 197,560 285.759 4.296 13,311 500,926 DEPRECIATION Al 1 April 2023 Charge lor year 10.6D8 4,296 10,226 25,130 At 31 March 2024 4.296 NET BOOK VALUE Al 31 March 2024 197560 559 458 202 Al 31 Maroh 2023 275.151 3.085 278,236 12. DEBTORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR 2024 2023 Trade d8blors Other debtors Prepayments and accrued income 17,208 216 60,284 69,151 13. CREorroRS: AMouKfs FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR 2024 2023 Trad6 cr8dilors Social security and othef taxes Other creditors Deferred Income Accru8d expenses 12,484 48,832 13,158 133,784 91,876 20,264 132,400 93.839 19,130 257 853 305 914 Deferred Income Reconciliation.. 2024 2023 Balance brought forward Amount released lo the Slalement ol Financial Acb'vities Amount D818rred in the year Balanoe ¢arried forward 191.876} 91,876 839 1409,4411 409,441 91.87 Page 17 continued... THE LOWDOWN NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. conlinued FOR THE YEAR ENOED 31 MARCH 2024 lo.wdov . supportln* Wotsng p•opI• 13. CREDrroRS: AMouKfs FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR- continued Deferred income relates to amounts receivable lor Ihg provision ol seNi¢es that have been invoi¢ed in financial year ending 31 Maroh 2024. Whe￿ performance conditions will not be mel until lulure accounting periods. 14. LEASING AGREEMENTS Minimum lease payments under non-oaneellable opèrating lèases tall due ag lollows.. 2024 2023 Within one year Between one and live years 5,400 10.450 5,400 16,750 15. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS Nel movemerrt in funds Al 3113124 At 114123 Unr•slrl¢tod fund8 G8n6ral fund 412,131 104,800 516,931 R8$trlctod lunds LGBTQ Children in Need Youth Investment Fund Grant Outbuilding Leasehold Improvements - Kitchen Leasehold improvements - 2 Slorey Extension 2,872 2,872 7,656 214,539 8,000 11,0241 17,9461 11.000} 6,632 206,593 7,OOD 301,546 301,546 230.195 524 643 TOTAL FUNDS 642 326 399 248 1 041574 Page 18 continued... THE LOWDOWN NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. conlinued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 lo.wdov . supportln* Wotsng p•opI• 15. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS- con1inued Nel mov8ment in funds, included in the above are as follows.. Incoming resources Resources expended Movement in funds Unreslricted funds General fund 897,021 1792,221 } 104,800 RogtrScted lunds LGBTQ Children in Ne8d Youth Investment Fund Grant Outbuilding L8asghold Improvements - Kitchen Lgasehold improvements - 2 Slorey Extension Youth Investment Fund - Revenue Fundina 40,242 137,3701 2,872 11.0241 17,9461 11.000} 11,0241 17,9461 11,OODI 301,546 301,546 502.039 207,5911 294,448 TOTAL FUNDS 1,399,060 999,812} 399,248 Comparalives for movement in fund8 Nel movement In funds Transl8r8 batween funds Ai 3113123 Al 114122 Unres1rlcted funds General fund NVCT Right Resolution 347,455 810 65,095 14191 412,131 348,265 64,285 14191 412,131 Restrlcted lunds LGBTQ Scoll Bad8r Commonw8allh Children in N8gd Youth Inveslm8nt Fund Grant Outbuilding Leasehold Improvements - Kilchgn 13.544 4.000 113,5441 14,0001 8,681 50,ODO 11,0251 164,120 1,0001 7,656 214,539 8,OOD 419 85.225 144,551 419 230,195 TOTAL FUNDS 433 490 208,836 642 326 Page 19 continued... THE LOWDOWN NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. conlinued FOR THE YEAR ENOED 31 MARCH 2024 lo.wdov . supportln* Wotsng p•opI• 15. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS- con1inued Comparative nel movemgnt in funds, included in the above are as follows.. Incomin resources Resouices expended Movement in funds Unreslricted funds General fund NVCT Right Resolulion 888,980 1823,885} 810) 65,095 8101 888.980 1824,6951 64.285 Re$lrS¢tod lunds LGBTQ Scoll Bader Commonw8alih Children in Need Youth Investment Fund Grant Outbuilding Leasehold Improv8menls - Kil¢h9n Faraway Children's Charity 26,682 140.226} 14,000} {13,5441 14,0001 11,0251 15,0401 11,0001 11.0251 164,120 11,OODI 169,160 2,000 197842 TOTAL FUNDS 1,086,822 877,986) 208,836 General reserve - lo maintain $uffici8nl cash flow due to lim8 di118rences ol gr8nls received and expenditure paid NVCT Rloht Resolullon Is lor a Counselllng Contract. Leas8hold Improvemenis . Funding lo renovate and improve Ihe kitchen facilities and create a slaff afea within the properly, in which the charity operal85. Th8 balance oll this fund repr988nls the Net Book Value ol the assels, are being depreciated over 10 years. LGBTQ - Funding for youlh seNices lo support young people who are lesbian, gay or bisexual, transgender or quesllonlng. Scoll Bader Commonwealth - Donation lowards Sexual Health Sorvice that wo have not beon able to deliver due to COVID Children In N88d Youth Futur8s Funding . Building, IT and S8fviG8 improvemenls. The balance on this fund r8presenls lh8 Nel Book Value ol Ihe assets being depreciated over 10 years. Outbuilding - Funding lor the building ol the Outbuilding at the Kingswell Sireel Property. Leasehold Improvements 2 Storey Extension Kingswell Street leased pioperly. The building ot the 2 slorey extension to the Youth Investment Fund . Revenug Fund . Funding lor Wellbeing and Youth Sgrvices lo support young people. Page 20 continued... THE LOWDOWN NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. conlinued FOR THE YEAR ENOED 31 MARCH 2024 lo.wdov . supportln* Wotsng p•opI• 16. RELATED PARTY DISCLOSURES Donations received from Iruslees in the year lolalled £33012023.. £3601. There were no other related paty transactions lor etther the currenl or prior year. Page 21 THE LOWDOWN DETAILED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 lo.wdov . supportln* Wotsng p•opI• 2024 2023 INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS Donatlons and leaa¢les Donations Grants 32.365 303.106 90,786 165,000 335,471 255,786 Invasirnent Incorne Deposil account inler8sl 7.215 Charlt8bla actSvlt108 Grants & Contract S8rvic8S Outreach Services Other income 999,829 52,378 782,960 46,191 1,885 1,056.374 831,036 Total Ineomlng r880urc88 1,399,080 1,086,822 EXPENDITURE Charltable actlvltles Wages Social security Pensions R8nl. Rates and wal8r Insurance Light and heal Telephone Postage and slatlonery Advertising Sundries Stall Training SLJpervi$ion Expen8e8 Propety Repairs & Maintenance Subs¢ripiions and Aff iliations IT Equipment Gleaning Volunteers Expenses LGBTQ Espresso Yours811 Calé Fund¥aising - Specific Travel Expenses Cafded forward 702.037 51,781 13,616 25,180 9,372 10,075 6,032 4,429 5,697 6,305 9,707 28,284 13,448 1,664 19,5D7 20,067 245 11,906 3,281 35 2,333 945.001 579,275 41,190 10,846 7,642 7,254 11,529 6,569 3,956 5,855 9,036 10.926 23,328 64,189 1,199 24,676 20,239 388 11.593 1,333 180 2.225 843,428 This page does not form part of the slalulory financial slal8m8nls Page 22 THE LOWDOWN DETAILED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENOED 31 MARCH 2024 lo.wdov . supportln* Wotsng p•opI• 2024 2023 Ch8ritsble activities Broughl lO￿ard Youth expenses Improvements lo property - depreciation Gompyler equipment depreciation 945,001 19,921 15,068 2,526 843,428 7,122 2,527 982,516 853,077 Support costs Fln8nce Bank charges 1.426 715 Governance c0818 AuditOfS' remuneratlon AuditOfS' remuneration for non audit wort( Aceounlancy and18gal188s 6,260 3,740 5,870 5,700 1,500 16,994 Total resourc8s exp8nded 999,812 877,986 Nel Income 399 248 208,836 This page does not form part of the slalulory financial slalemenls Page 23 **consolidating its position to provide resilience and flexibility for the future.** are restricted funds of £524,643, the bulk of which relates to the extension and outbuilding at Kingswell Street. Reach Partners for 24/25 funding. Deposit Platform account. at 31st March 2024 and the additions �gure shown of £197,560 represents the value of certi�ed works at that date. increased by £225,338, mainly attributed to the Youth Investment Fund and additional RE:Start funding. Donations decreased by £58,421 compared to the previous �nancial year. A more detailed summary of income streams can be found in Notes 2 & 3 to the Financial Statements. The net effect of this is that Total Income has increased during the year by £312,238 (29%). Staff salaries of £767,434 increased as expected during the year due to the expansion of Lowdown services and amounted to 77% of total expenditure. This represents an increase of 22% over the previous year, due to increased staf�ng levels and pay reviews. from additional premises in St.Giles Street and the Innovation Centre. land. Thanks also to all the organisations and individuals who have made donations, given their time or supported the Lowdown in any other way. How to get in touch with us: Call us: 01604 634385 the lowdov ¥iftce Monday to Friday: 9am - 5pm Saturday: 9am4pm supporting young people Email us: General Enquirie5: nfo@thelowdownnorthampton.co.uk Fundraising. Events and Business Partnership- elliewhite@lhelowdownnorthampton.co.uk Wellbeing Services: welll)eiiigservices o)Ilielowdownnorthampton.co.uk LGBTQ+ Support Enquiries: . Jiowdownnorthampton.co.uk RE:Start Enquiries= p*k ST ￿￿TFERINE'S T)11 Gu COLO STREET IIGEL STREET OÈf "'nnorthampton.co.uk Youth Groups Enquiries: you,'IIoi"OUPb,,_'Llielu. L'Jbl'iinorthampton.co.uk Iowdovr, How to find us: The Lowdown, 3 Kingswell Street (off Gold Street). Northampton NN1 1 PP Vle are 2 mins from Ihe North Gate Bus Station. If coming from Gold Street, iurn at the Travelodge. Find the Red Door and ring the buzzer when you arrive Follow us on Social Media For information on all our services or to make a referral, visit our website... thelowdown1989 thelowdownnnl in The Lowdown www.thelowdown.info 27