## DIVERTED TO SUCCESS
Annual Report and Accounts 2023
Charity Number 1201029
## CHAIRS STATEMENT
Meirim has successfully grown from a small support group into a safe community space for at-risk teens. Our aim is not just to handhold, but to help our teens heal. Through multiple approaches, we support our young teens in a holistic , user-involved way.
Our trained facilitators have been working with struggling teens for 13 years, accepting their choices without judgement and providing them with a chance for change, a space to reconnect and make different life choices.
Meirim teens often feel suspicious of authority. They’ve disconnected from their families, act in a passiveaggressive manner and live at the edge of society. There is no one-size-fits-all approach for them. Meirim specialises in an individualised system, along with peerto-peer mentorship support to ensure that each of their needs are attended to.
In conjunction with therapy, we offer a range of activities to encourage them to develop healthy lifestyles, interpersonal skills, and teamwork.
In this financial year, we have successfully supported 24 young teens through substance abuse, hospitalisation, and mental health crises. But we have a waiting list of 18 teens who would tremendously benefit from our services as well. That’s why we need your support to extend Meirim’s vital services to every teen who’s struggling. Your donation enables us to grant them a lifeline, taking them off the streets and into a healthy future.
## VISION
**We steer at-risk teens toward meaningful growth and achievement and help them create a purposeful life.**
## MISSION
**We help teens develop their natural talents, build healthier relationships and explore their options for lifelong careers.**
## The Meirim Distinction
Stabilise - We prepare teens for real life as they Stabilise engage in learning and personal development
**----- Start of picture text -----**
Through a nurtured
environment, young teens
Cultivate can thrive, develop and
grow daily
**----- End of picture text -----**
Equipped with essential Develop interpersonal life skills, young teens are prepared to face daily life
Through a commitment to Grow self-development, team building and social action, young teens learn trust, connection and respect
## WHO WE ARE
## **HOW WE STARTED**
In 2018, eleven parents of at-risk teens started Meirim Illuminating Ltd as a small volunteer group to help their children. In 2022, Meirim was registered as a charity. The organisation’s role has exploded into a unique service supporting education, social engagement and personal development for teens at risk.
## **WHY WE’RE NEEDED**
The eleven parents who founded Meirim found support from compassionate professionals, including doctors, social workers, and therapists. They were concerned about the challenges their teens faced, such as homelessness, substance abuse, and trauma. They wanted to give their a second chance at a successful life. By identifying the core issues behind the teens’ chaotic behavior and providing guidance, Meirim helps them overcome their shame and fear of seeking help.
## **WHAT SUCCESS LOOKS LIKE**
We know we’re succeeding when we see our teens climb out of their mental health crises or overcome their substance addictions. Our alumni are motivated to support other struggling teens and show them what they can be.. Each success story looks different, but when we see them working toward a healthy future and giving back to the community, we know Meirim’s work has made a difference.
## INTRO THEME
“AT RISK” SAYS SO LITTLE ABOUT WHO OUR TEENS ARE AS PEOPLE. MEIRIM VALUES AND EMBRACES DIFFERENCES. RE-ROUTED. THEY HAVE TAKEN A DIFFERENT PATH TOWARD THEIR PERSONAL LIFE JOURNEYS. WE OFFER A SPACE FOR LEARNING, GROWTH, AND DEVELOPMENT, WHERE THEY CAN SPEND TIME TOGETHER AND GROW. FOR THEM, THEIR DESTINATION WILL BE REACHED IN A DIFFERENT WAY.
Meirim offers services to young teens developing atrisk behaviours, those who have tried and tested the system. These kids repeatedly failed in their education, only to fail yet again. Whilelife is a repetition of failures, Meirim celebrates diversity, uncovering strengths and supporting change.
We empower teens who feel like they’re failing at life with the tools they need to grow into successful, motivated adults.
We cultivate a safe, warm space ; a robust, dedicated professional team, and fun, stimulating activities. Meirim teens learn to model good behaviours, find their unique path in life, and become the healthy adult they wish to be.
We also work with parents strategically, training them to approach their children’s issues from an empathetic, helpful perspective.
**----- Start of picture text -----**
David G. 14 years
**----- End of picture text -----**
I never budgeted; all I did was demand endless funds from my Dad.
That stopped abruptly after I entered Meirim. I didn’t want to conform to the rules, but that was exactly what led to my life becoming so much better. My Dad said no to me, he was no longer frightened of my tantrums. I loved that stability and kindness. I felt cared for the first time in my teen life.
Before attending Meirim, I was way too caught up in my own world, thinking only about myself and what I wanted. But Meirim changed all that. It was like a wake-up call to the reality of human connection. For the first time, I learned the value of truly listening to others. Meirim taught me that listening isn’t just about hearing words; it’s about understanding emotions, empathizing with others, and building meaningful relationships.
Sam* entered Meirim youth group having been expelled from 4 schools. Sam developed a knack for avoiding authority so he could remain under the radar. However, for Sam, school and social life were an absolute mess. He was ready for change. Sam came to Meirim after being shifted from institution to institution, suspicious of anyone who tried telling him what to do. Our trained facilitators sensed deep distrust and aggressive attitude. We proved to him that there is a way towards success. Now Sam works as an IT technician in a local office, earning a steady wage through a job that gives him fulfillment and stability. He credits his new lease on life to Meirim.
## MEIRIM’S SERVICES
## **ARTS AND DRAMA MENTORING & THERAPY**
**To stimulate our teens’ creative side, we offer a range of activities such as art, clay, pottery, painting, woodwork, music and drama.**
**Meirim provides oneon-one mentorship and therapy, including psychotherapy and trauma support.**
## **FUNCTIONAL SKILLS**
## **EXCURSIONS CLUBS**
We offer a wide range of hands-on, lifeskills development workshops, including digital tech, financial resilience, first aid, smoking prevention, anti-bullying, relationship development, and safety awareness sessions.
During holidays and throughout the year, Meirim arranges adventurous getaways and retreats, creating a positive, uplifting time off to reconnect and boost young teens’ energy.
## **CRISIS INTERVENTION**
## **CAREERS TRAINING AND JOB PLACEMENTS**
**Our licensed social workers guide Meirim teens through crisis, taking care of case management, overdoses, and hospitalisations until they’re ready for a longterm plan.**
As soon as Meirim teens are ready, they can take advantage of our career assessments and options for careers training and work placements where they’ll feel successful.
## **PHYSICAL ACTIVITIES**
Meirim offers a range of activities both on- and off-campus, including exercise fitness, swimming and nutritionist-led health groups.
## MEIRIM ILLUMINATING LTD TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT YEAR ENDED 31 MAY 2023
The trustees have pleasure in presenting their report and the unaudited financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31 May 2023.
## **REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS**
Reference and administrative details are shown in the schedule of trustees and professional advisers on page 1 of the financial statements.
## **THE TRUSTEES**
The trustees who served the company during the period were as follows:
Y Stroh P Benedikt B Stempel
All major decisions are taken collectively by the trustees. The trustees are unpaid and details of any related party transactions are disclosed as applicable in the notes to the accounts.
## **STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT**
The charity is constituted as a company limited by guarantee, and is therefore governed by its Memorandum and Articles of Association.
The governors (trustees) administer the day – to – day affairs of the charity. None of the trustees have any beneficial interest in the charity.
It is not currently the intention of the trustees of the charity to appoint new trustees. Should the situation change in the future, the trustees will apply suitable recruitment training and induction procedures.
## **OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES**
Meirim Illuminating Limited was set up to advance education and training of young people in subjects which will develop their capacity and skills to reach their full potentials. The charity also helps relieves financial hardship in particular but not exclusively by the provision of grants.
## **RISK MANAGEMENT**
The trustees have put in place systems to identify risks and review the systems regularly.
## **A REVIEW OF OUR ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCES**
The Trustees are satisfied with the results of the first year.
## **RESERVES**
The trustees aim to maintain free reserves in unrestricted funds at a level which equates to approximately three months of unrestricted charitable expenditure, and they feel fortunate in having been able to maintain that level of reserves.
## **PLANS FOR THE FUTURE**
As part of our ongoing plans for the future, we are looking to carry on with our successful work and are constantly fundraising to cover our expenses.
Signed on behalf of the trustees
## **RISK REVIEW**
The Trustees have assessed the major risks to which the charity is exposed, in particular those related to the operations and finances of the Trust, and are satisfied that systems are in place to manage our exposure to the major risks.
Trustee
28th December 2023
## MEIRIM ILLUMINATING LTD TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT YEAR ENDED 31 MAY 2023
The charity’s trustees are responsible for preparing the Trustees Annual Report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).
The law applicable to charities in England and Wales requires the trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charity and of the incoming resources and application of resources of the charity for that period. In preparing these financial statements, the trustees are required to:
- select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;
- observe the methods and principles in the Charities SORP;
- make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
· state whether applicable accounting standards have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements;
- prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the charity will continue in operation.
The trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records that disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charity and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Charities Act 2011 and the Charity (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008. The trustees are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charity and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.
## MEIRIM ILLUMINATING LTD NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS YEAR ENDED 31 MAY 2023
I report on the accounts of the charity for the year ended 31 May 2023 set out on pages 6 to 10.
## **Respective Responsibilities of Trustees and Independent Examiner**
The charity’s trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. The charity’s trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year under section 144 of the Charities Act 2011 (“the Act”) and that an independent examination is needed.
## It is my responsibility to:
- examine the accounts under section 145 of the Act;
- to follow the procedures laid down in the general directions given by the CharityCommission (under Section 145(5)(b) of the Charities Act); and
- state whether particular matters have come to my attention.
## **Basis of Independent Examiner’s Statement**
My examination was carried out in accordance with the general directions given by the CharityCommission. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts, and seeking explanations from the trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit, and consequently no opinion is given as to whether the accounts present a ‘true and fair’ view and the report is limited to those matters set out in the statement below.
## **Independent Examiner’s Statement**
In connection with my examination, no matter has come to my attention:
a) which gives me reasonable cause to believe that, in any material respect, the requirements:
- to keep accounting records in accordance with Section 130 of the Charities Act; and
- to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records and comply with the accounting requirements of the Charities Act have not been met; or
b) to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
## MEIRIM ILLUMINATING LTD STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES for the year ended 31 May 2023
|Notes
**INCOMING RESOURCES**
**Incoming resources from generated funds**
Donations and legacies
3
Government grants
**Total Incoming resources**
**RESOURCES EXPENDED**
**Fundraising costs**
Expenditure on charitable activities
4,5
**Support Cost**
Total resources expended
**NET INCOMING/(OUTGOING) RESOURCES**
**RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS**
**Total funds brought forward**
**TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD**|Unrestricted
funds
£
Total 2023
£
158,405
158,405|
|---|---|
||158,405
158,405
29,105
29,105
70,871
70,871
5,588
5,588|
||105,563
105,563
52,842
52,842
0
0
52,842
52,842|
## BALANCE SHEET 31-May-23 28 December 2023
|BALANCE SHEET
31-May-23
28 December 2023|||
|---|---|---|
|Notes
CURRENT ASSETS:
6
Debtors
Cash at bank and in hand
CREDITORS: Amounts falling due
within one year
7
Net Current assets/(liabilities)
CREDITORS: Amounts falling after
more than one year
8
NET ASSETS:
FUNDS
Unrestricted funds
9
TOTAL FUNDS|£
49,700
3,802|2023
£
52,842|
||53,502
-660||
||||
|||52,842|
|||52,842|
|||52,842|
The Charitable company is entitled to exemption from audit under section 477 of Companies Act 2006 for the year ended 31 May 2023.
The trustees have not required the charitable company to obtain an audit of its financial statements for the year ended 31 May 2023 in accordance with section 476 of Companies Act 2006.
The trustees acknowledge their responsibilities for
a) ensuring that the charitable company keeps accounting records that comply with Section 386 and 387 of the Companies Act 2006 and
b) preparing financial statements which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charitable company as at the end of each financial year and of its surplus or deficit for each financial year in accordance with the requirements of Section 394 and 395 and which otherwise comply with all the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 relaiting to financila stataments, so far as applicable to the charitable company.
These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the special provision of Part 15 of the Companies Act 2006 relating to small charitable companies and with the Financial reporting Standard for smaller entities (effective April 2008)
Approved by the board of Trustees on:
And signed on their behalf by:
Y Stroh Trustee
## MEIRIM ILLUMINATING LTD NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS for the year ended 31 May 2023
## **1 ACCOUNTING POLICIES**
## **2 TRUSTEES REMUNERATION AND BENEFITS**
Accounting convention
These accounts have been prepared in accordance with the historical cost convention and in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard for Smaller Entities (FRSSE) (effective January 2015). In preparing the accounts, the charity follows best practice as laid down in the Statement of Recommended Practice “Accounting and Reporting by Charities” (SORP) issued in March 2005. Where there is a conflict between the FRSSE and the SORP, the SORP has been adopted in accordance with paragraph 419ff of the SORP.
## **Incoming resources**
There were no trustees remuneration or other benefits for the year ended 31 May 2023
## **Trustees Expenses**
There were no trustees expenses paid for the year ended 31 May 2023
## **3 DONATIONS AND LEGACIES**
A list of donations and legacies received are available from the office upon request in writing.
All incoming resources are included in the statement of financial activities when the charity is entitled to the income and the amount can be quantified with reasonable accuracy.
## **Resources expended**
Expenditure is accounted for on accruals basis and has been classified under headings that aggregate all cost related to the category. Where costs cannot be directly attributed to particular headings they have been allocated to activities on a basis consistent with the use of resources
## **Fund accounting**
Unrestricted funds can be used in accordance with the charitable objectives at the discretion of the trustees.
## **Tangible fixed assets and depreciation**
Tangible fixed assets are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation is provided at rates calculated to write off the cost residual value of each asset over its expected useful life, as follows:
Fixture and fittings -15% reducing balance
## MEIRIM ILLUMINATING LTD NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS for the year ended 31 May 2023
## INCOMING RESOURCES
## **Incoming resources from generated funds**
|**3. Donations and legacies**
Total incoming resources|Unrestricted
funds
£
Total 2023
£
158,405
158,405|
|---|---|
||158,405
158,405|
## **4. Expenditure on charitable activities by fund type**
|College expenditure
Fundraising costs
Support costs
Theraphy
TOTAL|Unrestricted
Funds
£
Total
2023
£
65,060
65,060
29,105
29,105
5,588
5,588
5,811
5,811|
|---|---|
||105,564
105,564|
|**5. Analysis of support costs**
Communications and IT
General office
Accountancy fee
Governance cost -Legal and
professional fees
Governance cost -Other
finance costs
**College costs**
Food
Wages
Activities
Camp
Books|Unrestricted
Funds
£
Total 2023
£
3,693
3,693
427
427
660
660
719
719
89
89|
|---|---|
||5,588
5,588|
||Unrestricted
Funds
£
Total 2023
£
25,694
25,694
13,502
13,502
13,374
13,374
11,400
11,400
1,090
1,090|
||65,060
65,060|
Average number of employees, during the year was as follows: 2
## **6. DEBTORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR**
|**6. DEBTORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR**||
|---|---|
|Other Debtors|2023
£
49,700|
||49,700|
## **7. CREDITORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR**
|**8.Unrestricted funds**
General fund
TOTAL FUNDS|At
16.11.22
0|
Net movement
in funds £
52,842|2023
£
660|
|---|---|---|---|
||||660|
||||
At
31.05.23
£
52,842|
||0|52,842|52,842|
Net movement in funds, included in the above are as follows:
|Unrestricted funds
General fund
TOTAL FUNDS|Incoming
Resources
Resources
Expended
Movement
in Funds
158,405
105,563
52,842|
|---|---|
||158,405
105,563
52,842|
## MEIRIM ILLUMINATING LTD TRUSTEES AND PROFESSIONAL ADVISERS
**Registered charity name Charity number Principal office**
**Trustees**
**MEIRIM ILLUMINATING LTD 1201029**
**3 The Approach London NW4 2HU Y Stroh P Benedikt B Stempel**
**Accountant**
**Bankers**
**JS& Co Accountants 26 Theydon Road London E5 9NA Wise Virgin Money**