Trustees’ Annual Report Reporting Period:
2023 – 2025
Pathfinders Cymru Charity Number: 1205187 Company Number: CE033896
Principal Address: Ystalyfera Community Hall, Heol Ynysydarren, Ystalyfera, SA9 2DY Contact: contact@pathfinderscymru.com | www.pathfnderscymru.org
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1. Introduction
1.1 Our Voice & Values
At Pathfinders Cymru, we are committed to inclusive language and accessible communication in everything we do — including this report. We believe the way we speak about our community should reflect the way we work: with respect, honesty, and joy.
We use:
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★ Respectful language that puts people first, like “young people with learning differences” instead of labels.
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★ Positive framing that celebrates ability, creativity, and contribution — not just need or challenge..
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★ Community-centred tone that speaks to and with the people we support, never about them from the outside..
We avoid:
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★ Negative or deficit-focused language
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★ Stereotypes or generalisations
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★ Anything that suggests people are just “receiving help” rather than actively shaping their experience
We’re also committed to making our materials accessible. This report has been prepared using clear letter font choices, clear headings, and plain language where possible — because accessibility isn’t optional, it’s a foundation.
1.2 Charitable Objectives
To relieve the charitable needs of children and young people with learning disabilities, and those who may also have mild physical disabilities, their parents, carers, and siblings, by providing education, skills training, and activities that support self-expression and independence.
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While our charitable objectives are focused on children and young people (aged 0–25), our vision is intergenerational — to develop an inclusive, lifelong community space that supports and encourages our participants and community members in all aspects of their lives. In future, this may include co-designed services that bring together children, families, and older adults, supporting meaningful connection and shared contribution across all ages.
1.3 Executive Summary
Pathfinders Cymru became a registered charity in October 2023, building on grassroots activities already underway since April 2023. In our first full reporting period, we’ve laid down a powerful foundation for long-term community impact. We achieved AQA accreditation, restored and reopened the long-lost community library in Ystalyfera, and added an inclusive resource lending library and digital technologies hub — featuring 3D printers and VR tools. Alongside this, we’ve delivered a vibrant programme of creative, inclusive activities that bring together children, young people, and families of all abilities.
Our work especially supports the “in-betweeners” — children and young people with additional learning needs who are often excluded from both specialist and mainstream provision. Through volunteering, accredited learning, and inclusive play and social opportunities, we’ve helped build confidence, community, and hope for those who are too often overlooked.
Demand for our services has grown rapidly, and we are now operating at capacity with many of our activities oversubscribed. As we look ahead, securing a dedicated building of our own — particularly somewhere more centrally located or easier for families to access — is a key priority. This would enable us to expand provision across Neath Port Talbot, reach more underserved families, and ensure long-term sustainability for the inclusive spaces we’ve begun to build.
2. Activities & Achievements (2023–2025)
Over the past two years, Pathfinders Cymru has delivered a vibrant and inclusive programme of activities designed to meet our charitable purpose: supporting children and young people with additional learning needs —
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particularly those who do not thrive in either mainstream or specialist settings — through education, self-expression, and community connection.
We focus on removing barriers to participation, recognising individual strengths, and creating spaces where young people can feel confident, valued, and supported.
2.1 Participation, Programmes & Progress
We delivered over 100 structured sessions across Neath Port Talbot, engaging 90+ children and young people and supporting 40+ families. Sessions were routinely oversubscribed, reflecting significant unmet need in the area for accessible and inclusive provision.
Some programme highlights include:
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★ Sensory Garden Adventures – Taking an unused area of land around the hall and having developed a sensory community garden havan where we have developed projects and a monthly gardening club - blending nature, sensory play, and environmental awareness into an accessible, FUN and engaging learning programme.
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★ Home-Ed Investigators Club – A series of accessible STEM challenges that encouraged critical thinking, teamwork, and creativity. From surviving zombie apocalypse with microbits to making movie prosthetics and so much more!
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★ Digital Tech Hub – A not-for-profit 3D printing service and VR learning experience available through our inclusive lending library. Making these current technologies accessible to those most likely to be excluded from developing the skills to use them.
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★ Crafting Connections – Art and enterprise sessions, including resin-making and laser-cut mask design in partnership with Cardiff Met University.
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★ After-school and weekend clubs – Including LEGO D&D, sensory cooking, and seasonal themed blocks.
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83% of participants reported feeling supported and included.
“This is where I belong. Everyone was really nice,
and I felt like I could just be myself.”
Meeting the Need
Our activities are not only inclusive but essential. Many of our sessions are oversubscribed, and the demand reflects a deep lack of suitable, community-based provision across Neath Port Talbot.
2.2 Volunteering & Skills Development
Pathfinders Cymru offers meaningful, supported volunteering for young people — especially those on reduced school timetables, undertaking the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, or seeking safe spaces to build confidence. We supported 30+ volunteers, many of whom also participated in our programmes.
Collectively, these volunteers contributed over 6,900 hours across 48 weeks — assisting with activities, managing our lending library, supporting events, and contributing to our community spaces.
We use the AQA Unit Award Scheme to ensure skills and contributions are recognised:
100+ AQA certificates were earned by volunteers and participants, helping them build valuable, accredited portfolios.
“I got to show everyone my ideas. Now I know I can try
new things and not be scared to mess up.”
Note : Pathfinders Cymru does not currently issue grants or engage in social investment.
2.3 Impact for “In-Betweeners”
Much of our work focuses on young people who don’t comfortably fit into either mainstream or specialist settings — the group we call the
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“in-betweeners.” These children and young people often feel overlooked, misunderstood, or under-supported by existing provision.
Pathfinders Cymru is helping bridge that gap by offering flexible, creative spaces that centre connection and autonomy.
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★ 25 EBSA learners (experiencing Emotionally Based School Avoidance) re-engaged with learning and peer interaction through our low-pressure, relationship-first activities.
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★ 100% of parents said our STEM blocks helped their children understand science in a creative, accessible way.
“STEM... but fun! We got to make up our own ideas —
it was fun doing things our way.”
2.4 Events & Community Building
Pathfinders Cymru’s events bring families together, reduce isolation, and showcase young people’s strengths in welcoming, inclusive environments.
Some standout events included:
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★ Summer Play Sessions (2023 & 2024): Fully booked and family-led.
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★ UV Sensory Discos: An inclusive Halloween alternative that celebrated sensory engagement and self-expression.
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★ Toys Through Time workshops: Creative, educational events delivered in schools and home ed settings.
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★ Craft fairs and seasonal celebrations: Designed by young people and open to the wider community.
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★ Over 1,000 books were borrowed from our inclusive library
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★ We welcomed 40+ new library members
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★ We established a sensory garden, a lending library, and a digital innovation space — all designed with accessibility at their heart.
2.5 Building Partnerships & Connection
Pathfinders Cymru knows that building inclusion means building partnerships. Over this period, we’ve worked collaboratively with:
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★ Collaborated with Building Blocks (Resolven) to share practice and build strategic links.
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★ Partnered with the West Wales Rivers Trust, which provided an educational river walk and a vital water safety talk. This enabled us to support families in navigating the challenges of accessing local natural spaces safely — building both confidence and community trust.
Accidental drowning accounts for approximately 71% of deaths among autistic people , and nearly 1 in 4 autistic children experience a near-drowning incident. These alarming statistics highlight the urgent need to address water safety — not through fear, but through calm, confidence-building, inclusive education that empowers rather than isolates families and caregivers.
- ★ NPT Library Services – to co-create a sensory-informed library model with accessible resources for ALN learners and home-educating families.
These relationships strengthen our reach, deepen our impact, and reinforce local trust.
3. Financial Review
3.1 Financial Position
Between April 2023 and March 2025, Pathfinders Cymru generated a total income of £39,674.93 and total expenditure of £24,099.72 .
At the end of this period, the charity carried forward a balance of £13,149.12 , of which £9,399.12 is ringfenced grant funding and £3,750.00 is unrestricted reserves.
Breakdown of income sources includes:
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Grants: £37,692.11
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Donations: £146.99
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Fundraising income: £745.05
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Session contributions: £275.00
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AQA sign-ups: £419.49
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3D printing service: £93.00
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Lending library memberships: £70.00
Key expenditure categories included:
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Community library and lending project: £4,325.74
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Garden and nature-based learning projects: £3,274.75
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Inclusive play and block sessions: £4,747.32
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Volunteer costs: £2,317.83
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3D printing project: £1,534.53
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Admin and safety costs: £1,833.38
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Events and community outreach: £1,215.59
3.2 Reserves Policy
Pathfinders Cymru aims to maintain unrestricted reserves to cover at least three months of operating costs, supporting cash flow and resilience. At year-end, unrestricted reserves stood at £3,750.00 , which is in line with this goal.
3.3 Financial Outlook
The charity remains in a positive financial position and continues to operate as a going concern. We are actively seeking new grant funding, building a donor base, and exploring sustainable earned income streams (e.g. training delivery, membership services). We anticipate further growth aligned with demand and our community development plans.
We are also pursuing Gift Aid registration to increase the impact of individual donations, and exploring the feasibility of becoming a registered examination centre, could generate sustainable earned income from accredited programmes.
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3.4 Principal Sources of Income
Pathfinders Cymru's income during this period was primarily derived from grant funding (e.g. National Lottery, People’s Postcode Lottery, National Grid, Tesco Community Fund, POBL Trust, NPTCBC ENRaW and WarmHub Funds), alongside community donations, local fundraising, and income from activities such as the 3D printing service, resource lending, and AQA registration.
3.5 Statutory Statement on Liabilities (CIO Requirement)
The charity has given no guarantees where potential liability under the guarantee is outstanding at the date of this statement. The charity has no debt outstanding at the date of this statement which is secured by an express charge on any assets of the CIO.
4. Governance
4.1 Charity Details
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Name of Charity: Pathfinders Cymru
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Charity Number: 1205187
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Legal Form: Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO)
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Date of Registration: 12 October 2023
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Governing Document: Constitution adopted on 12 October 2023
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Principal Office Address: Ystalyfera Community Hall, Heol Ynysdarren, Ystalyfera, SA9 2DY.
Correspondence Address: ℅ 6 Evelyn Road, Skewen, Neath Port Talbot, SA10 6LH
4.2 Trustees (As of March 2025)
Trustees are appointed following the charity’s constitution. Selection is based on relevant skills and lived experience, with a commitment to diversity and inclusion.
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Erika Lye (Chair) Bethan Knight (Treasurer) Hajar Clarke Victoria Leigh Martin Strike Bethan Wallace
4.3 Governance Structure
Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO). Trustees are selected through skills-based nomination with lived experience of learning challenges and/or neurodiversity. All act voluntarily with no remuneration beyond approved expenses.
4.3 Banking
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★ Bank Name: Lloyds Bank
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★ Branch: Neath
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★ Account held in the name of: Pathfinders Cymru CIO
4.4 Independent Examiner
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Name: Mrs Rebecca Platt
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Organisation (if applicable): Neath Port Talbot CVS
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Contact Address: 3 Ashleigh Terrace, Jersey Marine, Neath, SA10 6JL
An independent examination was carried out in accordance with Charity Commission guidance for charities under £250,000 annual income.
4.5 Statutory Public Benefit Declaration
The trustees confirm they have paid due regard to the guidance issued by the Charity Commission on public benefit when reviewing the charity’s aims and objectives and planning future activities.
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5. Risk Management
The trustees have considered the major risks to which the charity is exposed and are satisfied that systems are in place to mitigate them. The key risks currently identified are:
- ❖ Funding continuity – Reliance on short-term grants poses a sustainability risk.
Mitigation: Ongoing diversification of income through local fundraising, small-scale trading, and multi-source grant applications.
- ★ Capacity and demand – Activities are currently at capacity, with high levels of oversubscription.
Mitigation: Expansion planning is underway, including property acquisition, volunteer recruitment, and development of scalable delivery models.
- ★ Volunteer dependency – The scale of delivery depends significantly on a committed volunteer base.
Mitigation: We are actively seeking funding to recruit one to two part-time paid staff members to provide core operational support. In parallel, we continue to strengthen our volunteer model through training, mentoring, and formal recognition pathways.
- ★ Governance as a new CIO – As a recently registered charity, systems and roles are still maturing.
Mitigation: Trustees continue to review policies, undertake governance training, and strengthen infrastructure.
The board reviews risks annually and takes a proactive, values-led approach to balancing ambition with responsibility.
6. Future Plans (2025–26)
Pathfinders Cymru is entering a new phase of development, driven by growing community need, successful programme delivery, and a vision of inclusion that reaches across the county.
Key priorities for the coming year include:
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Expand our AQA-accredited and skills-based learning programmes , including enterprise, digital creativity, and outdoor learning.
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Secure a dedicated building , particularly in Port Talbot, to enable wider access and reduce capacity constraints.
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Develop staff and volunteer training , including Makaton, trauma-informed practice, and inclusion strategies — to improve support for ALN learners and volunteers.
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Scale up provision for “in-betweeners” and EBSA learners , offering flexible, relational spaces that reduce school avoidance and build self-esteem.
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Strengthen strategic partnerships and develop corporate connections
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Pursue multi-year funding streams to stabilise delivery, invest in infrastructure, and explore earned-income potential through training and consultancy.
Approved by the Trustees and signed on their behalf
Date: 4th June 2025
Chair: Erika Lye Treasurer: Bethan Knight
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Appendix A: Receipts & Payments Statement For the period 1 April 2023 to 31 March 2025
Receipts (Income)
| Receipts (Income) | |
|---|---|
| Description | Amount (£) |
Grants |
37,692.11 |
| Donations | 146.99 |
| Fundraising Income | 745.05 |
| Session Contributions | 275.00 |
| AQA Unit Sign-ups | 419.49 |
3D Printing Income |
93.00 |
LendingLibraryMemberships |
70.00 |
| Refund of Expenditure | 233.29 |
| Total Receipts | 39,674.93 |
| Payments (Expenditure) | Payments (Expenditure) |
|---|---|
| Description | Amount (£) |
| Community Library & Lending Resources Service |
5,729.96 |
| Rent of CommunityHall | 1,215.00 |
| Garden / Outdoor Learning Projects |
3,274.75 |
| Inclusive Play & Interest Led Blocks |
4,747.32 |
| Volunteer Support | 2,317.83 |
| 3D Printer Project | 1,534.53 |
| AQA Costs | 399.85 |
| Events & CommunityOutreach | 2,415.50 |
| Admin, Insurance, DBS, First Aid, IT |
1,833.38 |
| Advertising and Printing | 631.60 |
Total Payments |
24,099.72 |
| Summary | Summary |
|---|---|
| Description | Amount (£) |
| Net Surplus (Receipts – Payments) |
15,575.21 |
| Reserves | 3,750.00 |
| Restricted (Grant) Funds | 9,399.12 |
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Charity April 2023
Accounts to March
Summary 2024 Charity Accounts Summary Totals for Combined
1st April 2024 to 31st March 2025
Balance
Carried
Forward to
2023-2025 2025-2026
Of which
Ringfenced
Total Total Grant
Income £ 14,956.98 Income £24,717.95 £24,808.43 Total Income £ 39,674.93 Funding is £ 9,399.12
Total
Breakdown Breakdown Reserves To
Summary Summary income breakdown Date £ 3,750.00
Unrestricted
Grants £ 14,103.11 Grants £ 23,589.00 Grants £ 37,692.11 Funds 2426.09
Donations £ 136.58 Donations £ 10.41 £ 146.99
Session Session
Contributio Contributio
ns £ 249.00 ns £ 26.00 £ 275.00
Fundraising £ 235.00 Fundraising £ 510.05 £ 745.05
3D Printing
Service £ 93.00 £ 93.00
AQA Sign
Ups £ 419.49 £ 419.49
Resource
Lending
Membership
s £ 70.00 £ 70.00
Expenditure
Refunds £ 233.29 £ 233.29
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Total Total
Expenditu Expenditu
re £ 12,530.89 re £ 11,568.83
Breakdown Breakdown
Summary Summary Total Expen £ 24,099.72 £ 15,575.21
Garden Garden
Project £ 3,127.78 Project £ 146.97 £ 3,274.75
Interest Led
Events (Play, Blocks/Play
Social etc) £ 1,221.20 Sessions £ 3,526.12 £ 4,747.32
Library Library
Project £ 3,836.98 Project £ 488.76 £ 4,325.74
3D Printer 3D Printer
Project £ 1,411.97 Project £ 122.56 £ 1,534.53
Advertising Advertising
/ Printing £ 393.96 / Printing £ 237.64 £ 631.60
Rent of Rent of
Community Community
Centre £ 1,215.00 Centre £ - Payment in April 2025 £ 1,215.00
Volunteer Volunteer
Costs (DBS, Costs (DBS,
training, training,
expenses expenses
etc) £ 929.75 etc) £ 1,388.08 £ 2,317.83
Micellaneou
s Admin
Micellaneous
Cost
Admin Cost
(insurances,
(insurances,
safety safety
equipment, equipment,
website etc) £ 394.25 website etc) £ 1,439.13 £ 1,833.38
AQA Costs £ 399.85 £ 399.85
Fundraising
Costs
(Winter Fair
etc) £ 160.59 £ 160.59
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WarmHub
Project £ 2,254.91 £ 2,254.91
Lending
Resources
Service £ 1,404.22 £ 1,404.22
Balanced
Carried
Forward
Into
2025/202
6 £13,149.12
Of which Ringfe £ 9,399.12 £ 13,149.12
Total Reserves T £ 3,750.00
2426.09
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Statement of Independent Scrutiny Financial Period: October 2023-March 2025 I, the undersigned, confirm that I have independently reviewed the accounts of Pathfinders Cymru for the financial period October 2023-March 2025. My review involved scrutinising the financial statements, accounting records, and any relevant supporting documentation in accordance with the guidelines set forth by the government. Based on my review, l am satisfied that the accounts present a true and fair view of the financial position of the charity as at March 2025 and of its income and expenditure for the period then ended. I have found no significant irregularities or discrepancies that would cause me to question the accuracy or reliability of the financial statements. Name Address: Signature: Date: