2026-03-31-accounts - Level Up Gosport

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Trustees’ Annual Report for the period

From: 01/04/2025 Period start date To: 31/03/2026 Period end date

Charity name: Level Up Gosport

Charity registration number: 1199682

Objectives and Activities

	SORP reference
Summary of the purposes of the charity as set out in its governing document	Para 1.17	The objects of the CIO are To act as a resource for young people between 18 and 25 living in Gosport and the surrounding area, primarily, but not exclusively, those with mild to moderate (or hidden) disabilities, with mental health issues such as anxiety or depression, or are neurodivergent, by providing guidance and support and organising work experience and community volunteering programmes, and other activities as a means of: (a) advancing in life and helping young people by developing their skills, capacities and capabilities to enable them to participate in society as independent, mature and responsible individuals; (b) relieving unemployment, including assistance to find employment.
Summary of the main activities in relation to those purposes for the public benefit, in particular, the activities, projects or services identified in the accounts.	Para 1.17 and 1.19	About Level Up Gosport Level Up Gosport empowers young people aged 18–25 years to develop essential life and employability skills, improve their self- confidence and self-esteem and build the foundations for independent living. Our core aim is to support individuals on their journey toward meaningful employment, increased social participation and greater autonomy.

		We achieve this through a range of structured and inclusive activities that focus on personal development, practical experience and community engagement: Our Key Activities: - Volunteering at Local Events: Participants gain real-world experience, build soft skills, and feel a sense of contribution through volunteering at a wide variety of community events and activities. - Bi-Weekly Social Meetings:Regular social gatherings provide a safe, supportive space for young people to build friendships, receive training, develop communication skills and boost their confidence in group settings. - WEXi (Work EXperience initiative):Our tailored work experience programme offers placements with local businesses, charities and organisations, helping participants explore potential career paths and gain valuable workplace skills. - Inclusive Events & Activities:We host engaging events such as board gaming sessions, crafting workshops, and an Annual Volunteer Awards Evening -all designed to foster creativity, motivation and recognition. - Specialised Training Workshops:Our young people have access to a wide range of adapted and accessible training, including: `o` Autism Awareness `o` Health & Safety and Fire Procedures `o` Employability Skills `o` Healthy Food Preparation & Cooking `o` First Aid, Safeguarding and Makaton (sign language) - Community Allotment Volunteering: Participants contribute to and benefit from our local allotment, learning about sustainability, teamwork and healthy living while building practical horticultural skills.
Statement confirming whether the trustees have had regard to the guidance issued by the Charity	Para 1.18	Item confirmed.

Commission on public benefit

Additional information (optional) You may choose to include further statements where relevant about:

SORP reference N/A Para 1.38 N/A Para 1.38 N/A Para 1.38 N/A

Policy on grant making Policy on social investment including program related investment Contribution made by volunteers Other

Achievements and Performance

	SORP reference
Summary of the main achievements of the charity, identifying the difference the charity’s work has made to the circumstances of its beneficiaries and any wider benefits to society as a whole.	Para 1.20	Level Up Gosport (LUPG): Strategic Overview and Impact Summary Charitable Purpose and Strategic Aims Established in 2008,Level Up Gosport (LUPG) previously a community organisation known as Loud & Proud, exists to advance the life prospects of vulnerable young adults aged 18 - 25 years through community volunteering, skills development and employability support. Our core aim is to increase self-confidence, foster self-respect and provide structured pathways into employment, education or independent volunteering. LUPG primarily supports individuals who are: NEET (Not in Education, Employment, or Training); Living with a mild to moderate learning, physical disability or are neurodivergent; Experiencing mental health challenges such as anxiety or low confidence; Living in a town with high deprivation and having to manage the current cost- of-living crisis. Demonstrating Impact LUPG is proud to report that80% of participantssuccessfully transition into employment,return to education or sustained

volunteering. To ensure this impact is evidence-based and measurable, we have partnered with OWL XL CIC to adopt outcomemonitoring software. This allows us to better capture, analyse and report the positive change experienced by our young people. Strategic Programme Development: WEXi In response to growing need and in line with our strategic development plan, we launched the WEXi (Work EXperience initiative) in June 2023. WEXi offers a free, structured and outcome-led work experience programme , supported through partnerships with local businesses, charities and community organisations. Current placements include: A local independent garage - HiQ Tyres & Autocare; a local Public House: The Carisbrooke Arms; & the Co-operative; A community-led entertainment venue; Community support services e.g., The Hub4Stuff; WINGS Community Support; Local heritage sites; charity shops & commercial businesses e.g., Gosport Museum & Art Gallery; Stewarts Garden Centres; RSPCA: Stubbington Ark; Hardway Coffee Company; Who’s got the Bag? This initiative provides vulnerable young adults with meaningful practical experience, complemented by tailored training and a personalised support pathway toward economic independence. Community Engagement and Peer-Led Participation Alongside structured placements, young people supported by LUPG participate in ongoing community-based volunteering activities, including: Supporting local events and civic activities; Taking part in fortnightly volunteer support and social meetings; Managing a community allotment , where participants acquire horticultural skills and promote organic sustainabilit while buildin y, g

intergenerational connections with older plot holders. In 2025, participants also became involved in Raising Voices in Research - reflecting our commitment to providing a youth voice, influencing public health and civic responsibility. Our governance reflects best practices in safeguarding, financial accountability and community engagement, in line with the Charity Commission’s guidance on public benefit, outcome-based reporting and effective strategic planning. Next Steps LUPG continues to evaluate and refine its young person offer & programmes, seeking to expand partnerships, secure sustainable funding and advocate for greater inclusion of neurodivergent and disadvantaged young adults in local development and economic opportunities.

Additional information (optional) You may choose to include further statements where relevant about:

	Achievements against objectives set	Para 1.41	Level Up Gosport (LUPG) – Annual Activity & Impact Summary (April 2025–March 2026) Overview This reporting period reflects a year of continued growth, deepened community engagement and positive outcomes for the young people we support. We have remained focused on our core mission of empowering vulnerable young adults aged 18–25 through supported volunteering, skills development and personal progression. Volunteer Engagement & Progression We have supported between20 to 35 active volunteersover the past year. 9 volunteershave successfully progressed into employment or unsupported volunteering or have re- engaged with education. 1 long-term volunteerhas remained with LUPG and completed internal peer mentoring training, supporting the integration and development of new volunteers; 1 youth representativecontinues to serve on ourBoard of Trustees, ensuringthe voice of ouryoung people

	remains central to our governance and
	decision-making.
Community Involvement
	LUPG has actively participated in41
	community events, building visibility,
	confidence and community
	connections for our volunteers.
	Key events included:
	`o` The Gosport Half Marathon
	`o` Senior Citizens Tea Party
	`o` Annual Rotarian Car Rally
	`o` Michaelmas Fayre
	`o` Fair Trade Event
	`o` Gosport Volunteers Fair
	`o` Gosport Community Cinema
	`o` Gosport Bespoke Market
	`o` The Mayors’ Tea Party
	We have formedstrong working
	relationshipswith local community
	groups, enhancing collaborative
	opportunities and joint project work.
Training & Skills Development
We delivered in-house training across a wide
range	of areas to promote independence and
employability:
1.	Safeguarding Training
2.	Health & Safety, plus Fire Procedures
3.	Employability Skills
4.	Makaton Training: Stage 1
This practical, supportive training approach
continues to build capability and self-
confidence in our young adult volunteers.
Pastoral Support & Wellbeing
	Several volunteers struggling with
	mental health challenges were
	supported through proactive
	signposting,accompaniment to
	appointmentsandinformal
	mentoring, including support with
	applications for governmental benefits,
	which reinforce our safeguarding and
	holistic care principles.
	Volunteers were encouraged to
	developsoft skillssuch as
	communication, teamwork,
	timekeeping and self-regulation.
	We actively promotedsocial
	connectionand peer-led initiatives,
	including informal meetups outside of
	structured volunteering hours.
Community Allotment Project

Our community allotment continues to be a valued and consistent weekly activity. Volunteers gain practical horticultural skills while working toward our long-term goal of being . 100% organic and sustainable Intergenerational connections have flourished, with older allotment holders engaging in produce exchanges, knowledge sharing and informal mentoring. In 2025/26 we developed our community allotment into a WEXi programme that will support our young people to gain employability skills and self-confidence. WEXi Programme continuation: . WEXi (Work EXperience initiative) Our bespoke programme offers supported, structured and varied work placements in partnership with local charities, businesses and social enterprises. Uptake has been strong , with positive feedback from both volunteers and placement providers. In 2025 we have expanded our WEXi programme; by formalising progression routes into employment, independent volunteering or re-engaging with education; alongside deepening partnerships with local employers and education providers. We have strengthened volunteer retention through peer support and recognition and continue to evidence our impact through collaboration with OWL XL CIC. Our WEXi providers include: - HiQ: Tyres and Autocare Gosport; - Gosport Museum & Art Gallery (GMAG); - Stewarts Garden Centre, Titchfield; - Hardway Coffee Company, Gosport; - “Who’s Got the Bag,” Gosport; - Kellys Wellies Gardening Services, Gosport; - Studio Thirteen-Eight, Gosport; - The Co-operative; - RSPCA: Stubbington Ark; - The Carisbrooke Arms; - Nelly’s Woofers & Grooming: Fareham; - Little Barn Owls Pre-school, Gosport; - Barnardo’s Charity Shop; - Marvels & Meltdowns;

		- Gosport Community Allotments; - Gosport Leisure Centre; - C2U Gosport; - The Hub4stuff; - Gosport Community Association; - Gosport Community Cinema; - Wings Community Support; & - Open Sight, Gosport.
Performance of fundraising activities against objectives set	Para 1.41	We are grateful to the local organisations and charitable groups across Gosport who, through collaborative efforts and aligned values, have fundraised in support of our cause and made generous contributions to help advance our mission.
Investment performance against objectives	Para 1.41	N/A
Other		N/A

Financial Review

Review of the charity’s Para 1.21 Financial Precis financial position at the end of the period 31/03/2025 Unrestricted - £14,172 Use of Unrestricted Funding (£14,172) Unrestricted funds are essential to the ongoing sustainability and flexibility of Level Up Gosport. The £14,172 of unrestricted funds held at the end of this period has been allocated to core operational costs that are not covered by restricted or project-specific grants. These include: Rental Fees: Covering the cost of our premises, which provide a safe, consistent base for our young people to engage in activities, training, and support sessions. Staff Wages: Contributing to salaries not covered by specific, restricted grant funding, for key staff members who manage and deliver programmes; providing pastoral care, and coordinating community engagement. Young People's Welfare Fund: Supporting essential costs such as travel and refreshments to ensure no young person is excluded due to financial barriers. General Operating Expenses: Addressing miscellaneous and necessary running costs that are vital to the deliver of our mission but are y

not eligible under specific grants (e.g., utilities, insurance, supplies & professional fees). The £11,070 Reserve: These unrestricted funds have been set aside to safeguard the charity against unexpected financial difficulties. This amount is based on the necessary staffing, rental and other costs essential to the running of the charity for a period of 6 months, as well as the redundancy costs that would be payable to the charity’s employees in the event of the charity’s closure. Use of Restricted Funding (£33,316) Thanks to receiving 1 year of funding from the Gamechangers fund for the creation of a WEXi scheme at our allotment, we will continue to run this Work EXperience initiative into the coming year, with funding being used for support workers and all allotment and administrative expenses relating to conducting and documenting this scheme. Thanks to funding from the Hampshire Cultural Trust, we have been able to conduct the majority of the work involved in the ‘Bricksy Trail’ project in 2025/26, The official launch of this project was in April 2026 and will run in perpetuity with all costs related to launching this project included in this funding carried over to the following financial year. Thanks to funding from Community Action Healthwatch, the Raising Voices in Research project has been largely carried out in the year 2025/26, with enough funds carried forward from this fund to complete the final parts of this project in the following financial year. Thanks to the National Lottery’s Awards for All funding over the last two years, we have had a lot of support in expanding the services offered by the charity over this period. This has also been utilised to acquire much-needed newer computer and office equipment for our support workers. A nominal amount of this fund has been carried forward to 2026/27 to complete the required updates, ensuring our staff have the a ro riate e ui ment the pp p q p y

		need to best support our youth volunteers. Thanks to the Tesco Stronger Starts grant received, we have been able to run board games and arts and crafts sessions for children during school holidays. Some of this has been carried forward into 2026/27 to fund the last of these sessions.
Statement explaining the policy for holding reserves stating why they are held	Para 1.22	1. Financial Stability and Risk Management This creates a buffer against income fluctuations: donations, grants and other income sources, which can be unpredictable. Reserves ensure continuity during lean periods. It also provides protection against unforeseen costs: Emergencies like legal issues, unknown costs or unexpected demand for services, which can be covered by reserves.
		2. Operational Continuity Cash flow management: Even if income is delayed (e.g., a late grant payment), reserves can help pay for salaries, bills and other expenses on time. Project sustainability: Our reserves can bridge funding gaps, ensuring that our ongoing programmes aren’t suddenly cut due to short-term financial challenges. Our reserves model of holding 6 months of costs includes the expected costs incurred in running the youth volunteers’ bi-weekly meetings and the work experience initiatives, including the allotment, for this period of time.
		3. Strategic Flexibility Enabling investment: LUPG may use our reserves to invest in new initiatives, pilot a new programme, or infrastructure (e.g., digital tools or training). Our reserves respond to opportunities: If a valuable opportunity arises - such as match funding or expanding a service - our reserves can provide the necessary capital.
		4. Donor and Stakeholder Confidence Demonstrating responsible governance: We believe that by maintaining a well- structured reserves policy, this reassures funders, partners and regulators that our charityis well-managed and sustainable.

		Meeting regulatory expectations: Many regulators (like the Charity Commission in England and Wales) expect charities, like our own, to have and explain a reserves policy.
Amount of reserves held	Para 1.22	£11,070
Reasons for holding zero reserves	Para 1.22	N/A
Details of fund materially in deficit	Para 1.24	N/A
Explanation of any uncertainties about the charity continuing as a going concern	Para 1.23	1. Reliance on External Funding (Current Vulnerability) Concern:Our charity is still heavily dependent on uncertain income streams (donations, CSR, grants & fundraising), which may fluctuate due to external factors. Justification: This is a common and valid concern for LUPG. Economic downturns, shifting donor priorities, or changes in grant criteria can reduce available funding. Acknowledging this reliance shows transparency and reinforces the need for future sustainability planning.
		2. Sustainability of Services Concern:If our traditional funding streams decline before self-sufficient models are in place, core services or operations could be at risk. Justification: Highlighting this concern underlines why we're proactively working toward greater independence. Planning for sustainability ensures that our charity can deliver on its mission without interruption.
		3. Transition Risk Concern:Developing income-generating activities or diversifying revenue streams can be resource-intensive and may not produce immediate returns, potentially straining our current operations. Justification: This is a realistic risk in strategic planning. By our trustees addressing this openly, it allows for better governance decisions, such as ring- fencing certain funds or securing transition grants to support the development phase.
		4. Strategic Alignment Concern:Any move toward income-generating or self-sufficient activity must align with our charity’s mission and values and not compromise service delivery.

Justification: This concern highlights the need for due diligence, stakeholder consultation and impact assessment when designing any new income streams (e.g., consultation arms, social enterprises, or service contracts). How LUPG is attempting to address these Concerns in Communication While our charity remains dependent on donations, fundraising and grant income, we recognise the inherent risks of this funding model. To ensure the long-term sustainability of our services, we are actively exploring strategic opportunities to diversify our income and reduce reliance on external funding. This includes carefully planned initiatives that align with our mission, while maintaining financial stability and safeguarding the continuity of our core work.

Additional information (optional) You may choose to include further statements	Additional information (optional) You may choose to include further statements	where relevant about:
The charity’s principal sources of funds (including any fundraising)	Para 1.47	- Grants - Donations - Charitable fundraising events - CSR opportunities - Individual fundraisingevents
Investment policy and objectives including any social investment policy adopted	Para 1.46	N/A
A description of the principal risks facing the charity	Para 1.46	1. Risk: Insufficient Funding to Sustain Activities Mitigation Strategies: a. Diversify Income Streams - Earned income:We are considering exploring alternative options: consultancy, training services, or practical social enterprise models related to our mission. - Community fundraising:We are currently engaging with more local supporters, who are offering our charity regular giving campaigns, events, or peer-to-peer fundraising. - Corporate partnerships:We are attempting to build relationships with local businesses for sponsorship, CSR projects, or payroll giving. - Legacy giving:We would like to further explore the opportunity to promote gifts in wills to build long-term sustainability.

b. Develop a Reserves Policy - We aim to build reserves that cover at least 3–6 months of core costs to provide a buffer during low-income periods. We believe that we are building upon this aim. c. Impact Reporting - We believe that we are strengthening how we evidence our outcomes. Our impact is becoming clearer and easier to attract and retain funders. We use our varied social media platforms in an attempt to promote these aims. d. Partnerships and Collaborations - We are looking into working with other charities or public sector bodies to share costs or co-deliver services. ~~-~~ 2. Risk: Loss of Staff or Trustees Mitigation Strategies: a. Succession Planning - We are looking to identify potential future leaders (internally or externally), alongside creating a formal succession plan and reviewing it annually. b. Trustee Recruitment Pipeline - We are continually attempting to recruit or stay in touch with individuals who could become future trustees— diverse, skilled, who are aligned with our mission. - We have joined various online websites that advertise for volunteers & Trustees and have established good links with local volunteer centres. c. Training and Support - Our charity offers training or mentoring for potential leaders or new trustees. - We ensure knowledge is shared across our board and not concentrated in one person. d. Governance Review - We conduct a regular board meeting to identify gaps early. - We co-opt trustees with specific skills to manage transitions smoothly. e. Volunteer/Staff Development - We train existing staff or volunteers to step into leadership or management roles, if needed. ~~-~~ Our Risk Register We will, within the next 12 months… Oversee… - Each risk ranked by likelihood and impact;

Assign mitigation actions and owners; - Create a schedule for reviewing and u datin . p g N/A Other

Structure, Governance and Management

Description of charity’s trusts:		N/A
Type of governing document (trust deed, royal charter)	Para 1.25	‘Foundation’ Model Constitution
How is the charity constituted? (e.g. unincorporated association, CIO)	Para 1.25	Constitution of a Charitable Incorporated Organisation‘foundation’model is for charities who’sonlyvoting members will be the charity trustees
Trustee selection methods including details of any constitutional provisions e.g. election to post or name of any person or body entitled to appoint one or more trustees	Para 1.25	As per our Constitution: 10. Appointment of charity trustees (1) Apart from the first charity trustees, every trustee must be appointed for a term of three years by a resolution passed at a properly convened meeting of the charity trustees. (2) In selecting individuals for appointment as charity trustees, the charity trustees must have regard to the skills, knowledge and experience needed for the effective administration of the CIO.

Additional information (optional)

You may choose to include further statements where relevant about:

Policies and procedures adopted for the induction and training of trustees	Para 1.51	As per our Constitution: 11. Information for new charity trustees The charity trustees will make available to each new charity trustee, on or before his or her first appointment: (a) a copy of the current version of this constitution; and (b) a copy of the CIO’s latest Trustees’ Annual Report and statement of accounts.
The charity’s organisational structure and any wider network with which the charity works	Para 1.51	The charity is currently run by a Board of 5 Trustees, 1 Support Worker, 1 Young Supporter Representative (who resides on our Board of Trustees), a part-time Administrator; plus, Ad Hoc individuals e.g., an Allotment Support Worker; OWL XL CIC and an Accountant that oversees the wages.

N/A Para 1.51 Relationship with any related parties N/A Other

Reference and Administrative details

Charityname	Level UpGosport
Other name the charityuses	N/A
Registered charitynumber	1199682
Charity’s principal address	Thorngate Halls Bury Road Gosport PO12 3PX

Names of the charity trustees who manage the charity

Trustee name	Office (if any)	Name of person (or body) entitled to appoint trustee (ifany)
Mrs Mary Ive	Chair of Trustees	Level Up Gosport
Mr Thomas Finn	Treasurer	Level Up Gosport
Mrs Diane Furlong	HR Lead/Interim Deputy Chair	Level Up Gosport
Mrs Susan Wright	WEXi Coordinator/ Safeguarding Lead	Level Up Gosport
Mr Andrew Newbold	Trustee	Level Up Gosport

– Corporate trustees names of the directors at the date the report was approved

Director name N/A

Name of trustees holding title to property belonging to the charity

Trustee name Dates acted if not for whole year N/A

Funds held as custodian trustees on behalf of others

Description of the assets Nil held in this capacity Name and objects of the Nil charity on whose behalf the assets are held and how this

falls within the custodian charity’s objects Details of arrangements for Nil safe custody and segregation of such assets from the charity’s own assets

Additional information (optional)

Names and addresses of advisers (Optional information)

Names and addresses of advisers (Optional information)	Names and addresses of advisers (Optional information)	Names and addresses of advisers (Optional information)
Type of adviser Name Address
N/A

Name of chief executive or names of senior staff members (Optional information)

N/A: We do not have a CEO

Exemptions from disclosure

- Reason for non disclosure of key personnel details

N/A

Other optional information

All new Trustees are required to confirm that they have read the Charity Commission advice for Trustees.

Declarations

The trustees declare that they have approved the trustees’ report above.

Signed on behalf of the charity’s trustees

Signature(s) Full name(s) Position (eg Secretary, Chair, etc) Date	M. Ive
	Mrs Mary Elizabeth Ive	Mr Thomas Finn
	Chair	Treasurer

	02-06-2026	04-06-2026

LEVEL UP GOSPORT Recei ts and a ments accounts p p y

1199682

CC16a

For the period To from 01/04/2025 31/03/2026

Section A Receipts and payments

A1 Receipts	Unrestricted funds to the nearest £ - 8,457 70 8,527 8,527 12,192 2,058 223 664 882 - 776 16,795 - 100 100 16,895 - 8,368 - 2,546 25,086	Restricted funds to the nearest £ 15,549 - - 15,549 15,549 7,246 70 - 1,629 2,064 2,459 1,498 14,966 2,330 - 2,330 17,296 - 1,747 2,546 32,517	Endowment funds to the nearest £ - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -	Total funds to the nearest £ 15,549 8,457 70 24,076 24,076 19,438 2,128 223 2,293 2,946 2,459 2,274 31,761 2,330 100 2,430 34,191 - 10,115	Last year to the nearest £
Grants	-				38,427
Donations	8,457				2,100
Other receipts	70				70
*Sub total*(Gross income for AR) *Total receipts* A3 Payments	8,527				40,597

					40,597


Wages,salaries and associated costs	12,192				18,292
Rent/hire of rooms	2,058				1,983
Insurance	223				223
Telephone,internet andpostage	664				389
Stationeryand computer supplies	882				34
Allotment	-				2,904
Costs of charitable activities	776				2,617
**Sub total **	16,795				26,442

A4 Asset and investment purchases, (see table)
Office computers and staff laptop	-
Office fridge	100
**Sub total **	100				-
*Total payments* *Net of receipts/(payments)* A5 Transfers between funds A6 Cash funds last year end *Cash funds this year end*
					26,442

	- 8,368	- 1,747	-	- 10,115	14,155
	- 2,546	2,546	-	-	-
	25,086	32,517	-	57,603	43,448
	14,172	33,316	-	47,488	57,603

CCXX R1 accounts (SS)

03/06/2026

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

Details *Total cash funds* Cash at bank Details Office computers and staff laptop Office fridge Details Pension contributions for Mar-26 Signature M. Ive	Unrestricted funds Restricted funds to nearest £ to nearest £ 14,172 33,316 14,172 33,316 Fund to which asset belongs Cost (optional) Restricted 2,330 Unrestricted 100 Fund to which liability relates Amount due (optional) Unrestricted 24 Print Name THOMAS FINN MARY IVE	Endowment funds to nearest £
		-
		-
		Current value (optional)
		2,291
		82
		When due (optional)
		09 April 2026
		Date of approval
	THOMAS FINN	04/06/2026
M. Ive	MARY IVE	04/06/2026

B5 Liabilities Signed by one or two trustees on behalf of all the trustees

CCXX R2 accounts (SS)

03/06/2026