Charity Registration No. 1209615
Youthsayers Cio
Report And Unaudited Accounts For The Period Ended 31 May 2025
Youthsayers Cio
LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION
| Trustees | Stephanie Minici |
|---|---|
| Michael Ashison | |
| Tamara Howe | |
| Sue Tibballs | |
| Amber Chen | |
| Emily Fielden | |
| Catherine Black | |
| Joe Francis | |
| Sally Kelly | |
| Charity number | 1209615 |
| Independent examiner | Pinnick Lewis LLP |
| Handel House | |
| 95 High Street | |
| Edgware | |
| Middlesex | |
| HA8 7DB |
Youthsayers Cio
CONTENTS
| Page | |
|---|---|
| report | 1 - 7 |
| Independent examiner's report | 8 |
| Statement of financial activities | 9 |
| Balance sheet | 10 |
| Notes to the accounts | 11 - 12 |
For The Period Ended 31 May 2025
Youthsayers Cio
REPORT
The Trustees present their report and accounts for the Period ended 31 May 2025.
The accounts have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out in note 1 to the accounts and comply with the charity's trust deed, the Charities Act 2011 and the Statement of Recommended Practice, "Accounting and Reporting by Charities", issued in March 2005.
Structure, governance and management
Youthsayers has been operating since 2016 and has grown substantially since then becoming a CIC in in 2020 and this year converting into a registered charity (CIO). The charity was established by a charitable trust deed on 15 August 2024
| The Trustees who served during the Period were: | |
|---|---|
| Stephanie Minici | (Appointed 27 August 2024) |
| Michael Ashison | (Appointed 14 March 2025) |
| Tamara Howe | (Appointed 27 August 2024) |
| Sue Tibballs | (Appointed 27 August 2024) |
| Amber Chen | (Appointed 27 August 2024) |
| Emily Fielden | (Appointed 27 August 2024) |
| Catherine Black | (Appointed 27 August 2024) |
| Joe Francis | (Appointed 27 August 2024) |
| Sally Kelly | (Appointed 27 August 2024) |
The board of trustees of Youthsayers have overall legal responsibility for the charity and set its strategic direction in line with its charitable purposes. The trustees meet regularly for the charity to review progress, make key decisions and ensure compliance with charity law and regulatory requirements.
Trustees are recruited and appointed in accordance with the provisions set out in the charity’s constitution. Potential trustees are identified through a combination of approaches, including recommendations from existing trustees, networks within the community, and open calls where appropriate.
All prospective trustees are required to demonstrate a commitment to the charity’s aims and values, and to bring relevant skills or lived experience that strengthen the Board.
New trustees are appointed by resolution of the existing trustees, following an application and interview process. Appointments are formally confirmed at a trustee meeting and recorded in the minutes.
Induction is provided to all new trustees, including information on their legal duties and responsibilities, the structure and activities of the CIO, and key policies and procedures.
Day-to-day operations are carried out by the founders of Youthsayers, Robin Hopcraft and Idris Rahman, who organise and deliver the programmes and activities and manage other staff and mentors who help to deliver the work. The trustees provide oversight, support, and guidance to ensure that activities remain aligned with the charity’s aims and that resources are used effectively.
The charity also works with young people, community members, and partner organizations to shape activities and priorities. This participatory approach ensures that the voices of young people are central to decision-making and the development of new initiatives.
The organisational structure is therefore designed to balance trustee oversight with active involvement of staff, volunteers, and beneficiaries, ensuring both good governance and community-led practice.
In this first year of the charity’s operation, management personnel and the Board have worked together to ensure Youthsayers has robust policies and procedures in place – from safeguarding and risk management to financial controls and GDPR
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Youthsayers Cio
REPORT (CONTINUED)
For The Period Ended 31 May 2025
The Trustees have assessed the major risks to which the organisation is exposed, and are satisfied that systems are in place to mitigate exposure to the major risks.
Objectives and activities
Youthsayers Objectives are:
To act as a resource for young people up to the age of 25, particularly those who may be from economically disadvantaged and/or marginalised backgrounds, by providing opportunities for musical skill development, high quality music training sessions, performances and professional development opportunities 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) advancing education;
(c) relieving unemployment;
(d) providing recreational and leisure time activity in the interests of social welfare for people living in the area of benefit who have need by reason of their youth, age, infirmity or disability, poverty or social and economic circumstances with a view to improving the conditions of life of such persons.
Youthsayers is a freely accessible music project based in South London, supporting young people through ensemble work and live performances
We provide free music-making opportunities for young people aged 8 to 18 and beyond, focusing especially on those from under-served or economically disadvantaged backgrounds who may lack access to music tuition, where young musicians learn new music, explore improvisation, and develop teamwork and performance skills, all based around musical styles relevant to the cultures in the localities in which we work. Our weekly rehearsal groups foster a strong community-centred culture that brings high-quality live performances to life, reflecting the cultural richness of South London.
For participants over 18, we offer guidance and career development, including work experience and leadership roles for those aspiring to careers in music. By partnering with organisations across the UK, we bring musicmaking opportunities to more young people, helping them grow in confidence, maturity, and community involvement.
Alongside our weekly activities we run a programme of events, facilitate performances at local, national and international venues and festivals, partner with other organisations around the UK and abroad in order to broaden what we offer to allow our young people to experience different cultures, settings and methods of working with music and other young musicians (more details below) .
The Trustees have paid due regard to guidance issued by the Charity Commission in deciding what activities the should undertake.
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Youthsayers Cio
REPORT (CONTINUED)
For The Period Ended 31 May 2025
This year, we have run three weekly bands:
Younger Youth Vibes - Tuesday 5pm St Margaret’s Church Regular participants: 7
Open to absolute beginners, Rhythm ‘n’ Vibes gets students comfortable with the building blocks of groove music: finding and keeping the pulse, learning and playing different rhythms against the pulse and experiencing how the different rhythms link together to create a fuller sound. Using the abilities of the participants, new grooves are created and built upon, often working them into full songs so that music creation is revealed as accessible to all.
Younger Youthsayers - Tuesday 6.15pm St Margaret’s Church Regular participants: 16 Mentors: 12
Provides an opportunity to be part of a regular rehearsing group focusing on great accessible tunes from iconic reggae, jazz and Afrobeat traditions. The learning is focused on having fun, group performance and developing a love for playing, and is supported by rotating mentors drawn older musicans from Youthsayers’ main band and alumni.
Youthsayers - Weds 6pm at The Portico Gallery, West Norwood Regular participants: 22
This is our main ensemble. Youthsayers is open to all who can play an instrument. The range of experience and playing level in Youthsayers ranges from beginner to advanced. We aim to make the group accessible by using workshop techniques and pieces that accommodate different levels of playing and different learning styles.
This year we have also formed a group for Youthsayers alumni called The Red Earth Collective. This group is designed to give professional paid opportunities to older musicians who have been though Youthsayers’ programme and are emerging onto the professional music scene. They perform once a month at the Effra Hall Tavern in Brixton as well as other performances (most recently at Jazz In the Round and the Jazz Café) in which they can develop their skills in organization, planning rehearsals, promoting and performing professional shows.
The group is a flexible collective that can include of Youthsayers alumni, current Youthsayers members as well as other like-minded young musicians who are emerging onto the scene. Participants: 20
We started a weekly night in November 2024 at a venue in Brixton called Bricks which provides performance opportunities for over 18 musicians drawn from Youthsayers alumni and other emerging young musicians as well- established artists. The night allows a different band each week to perform to a regular audience of averaging 100 people and then to participate in a jam session that facilitates musical interaction between musicians of all ages. We are hoping to develop this further by allowing Youthsayers alumni to run and promote the night and to use it as an opportunity for our sound engineering course students to get regular hands-on experience doing live sound.
This year, we also began a new sound engineering course with a Trailblazer grant from Youth Music, in which have engaged young people wanting to learn about sound engineering, providing them with hands-on experience in live and studio settings. Regular participants 12
We have also run the following activities this year:
Jack Drum collaboration in Crooke and Bishop Auckland - Oct 2024 Participants: Jack Drum musicians: 10/Youthsayers musicians: 5
Youthsayers has an ongoing relationship with Jack Drum Arts, an excellent community music organisation based in Crooke Co. Durham. We travelled to Durham with 6 Youthsayers students to work with young people from the local area and performed a concert at Bishop Auckland Town Hall for families and the local community. .
Performance at London Jazz Festival - Nov 2024
Participants: 25
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Youthsayers Cio
REPORT (CONTINUED)
For The Period Ended 31 May 2025
Performance at Music For Youth Proms - Nov 2024
Participants: 25
Performance at Junior Open Mic - Dec 2024 Participants: 21
Youthsayers Christmas Social and performances Portico Gallery - Dec 2024 Participants: 45
Performance for Illuminated Arts Christmas Social - Dec 2024 Participants: 7
Red Earth Collective started monthly residency at Effra Tavern - Jan 2025 Participants: 6 per performance, rotating monthly to include a total of 25 so far
Regular monthly performance opportunity at the Thift fair, Portico Gallery Participants: 5 per performance, rotating to include a total of 25 so far
Collaboration with Span Arts in Narberth Wales Feb – 2025
Participants: Span Arts Musicians: 8 / Youthsayers musicians: 6
Youth Music Funded Sound Engineering Course (Trailblazer Grant ) April - 2025 (ongoing) Participants: 12
Fundraising event Portico Gallery May 2nd 2025 (raised £4k) Participants: 30
Performance at Elder Flower Fields Festival May 2025 Participants: 20
Performance for Amnesty International May 2025 Participants: 25
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Youthsayers Cio
REPORT (CONTINUED)
For The Period Ended 31 May 2025
Achievements and performance
Youthsayers provided a total of 45 participants with weekly sessions and regular performances and we interacted with 150 young people in different projects throughout the year. We provided work experience opportunities to 15 mentors and also supported 20 young musicians in paid performance opportunities as part of The Red Earth Collective. We also engaged 12 young people on our sound engineering course.
We collected data and feedback throughout the year from Youthsayers participants and families to better understand how we are meeting our goals and the impact of the programme.
Count of Ethnicity (percent)
White – 37 Black Africcian CarribeanCaribbean – 14.8 Asian/British Asian – 7.4 Mixed/Multiple ethnicities – 40.7
Count of Gender (percent)
Female – 31 Male – 65 Prefer Not To Say – 3.4 Pronouns: she/her – 31; he/him 69
Religion (percent)
Christian 20.7 No religion or atheist – 58.6 Prefer not to say – 13.8 Hindu – 3.4 Other – 3.4
Do participants consider themselves to have a disability:
Yes – 13.8 No – 79.3 Prefer not to say – 6.9
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Youthsayers Cio
REPORT (CONTINUED)
For The Period Ended 31 May 2025
SURVEYS
We carried out surveys via google forms of Youthsayers participants and families to better understand their experiences, the impact of the programme, and how they would describe it to others. The findings provide a clear picture of Youthsayers’ achievements during this period, both musically and personally, showing the strength of its community and the life-changing opportunities it creates for young people.
Participants consistently emphasized that Youthsayers is:
Fun and Enjoyable – a joyful, exciting environment to play and learn music
Confidence-building – helps young people grow as performaers and individuals
A supportive community – described as a “musical family” and “safe space”
Unique and valuable – offering opportunities not found in schools or traditional ensembles
Professional and High Quality – led by expert musicians, with many opportunities to perform.
Selected quotes: from participants:
“Best confidence builder ever”
“Youthsayers changed my life”
“It’s more than music, it’s family”
“The nicest team of people, so much space to grow and develop without judgement”
Our Recent (June 2025) Participant and Parer/ Care Survey Showed us : 99% of participants agreed that ‘ Youthsayers helped them with increasing their confidence “ 100% of participants who responded agreed that they had ‘ improved as a musician ‘ since joining . 100% of participants who responded agreed that ‘Youthsayers is a supportive environment where I feel able to try things out and take risks, without being judged ‘ 100% of participants who responded agreed that ‘ Youthsayers is always fun ‘ 99% of parents who responded agreed that ‘Youthsayers is well organised ‘ 100% of parents who responded agreed that ‘Youthsayers creates a caring and supportive environment ‘
Parents surveyed generally agreed that Youthsayers was well organized, their child has fun at rehearsals and events, that it is run in a safe and caring environment, and that they feel part of a strong community when they attend Youthsayers events.
Selected quotes from parents:
“Youthsayers helps create wonderful young human beings. I wish every young person would have the opportunity to experience something like the Youthsayers”
“My son has learned great musicianship - not only in terms of playing his instrument, but also how to interact as a band with fellow musicians. Taking party has also hugely improved his confidence.”
“Youthsayers is the most incredible urban family. While it no doubt has massively helped our son to become a great sax player and it has been incredible for his confidence - the most important impact it has had is that it has turned him into a wonderful and open minded young human being.”
"Youthsayers has been an integral part of my son’s upbringing over many years and has been an absolutely incredible influence on so many levels: music, joy, confidence, purpose, collaboration, camaradery, community, role models, life -llong relationships.”
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Youthsayers Cio
REPORT (CONTINUED)
For The Period Ended 31 May 2025
Financial review
During the year, the charity’s total incoming resources amounted to £101,603, of which £64,495 related to unrestricted funds and £37,108 to restricted funds. Expenditure for the year totalled £50,788 (£23,276 unrestricted and £27,512 restricted).
This resulted in an overall surplus of £50,815, comprising £41,219 from unrestricted funds and £9,596 from restricted funds. The surplus has strengthened the charity’s reserves, ensuring greater financial stability and enabling the organisation to continue delivering its charitable objectives.
The trustees are satisfied with the financial performance during the year and consider the charity to be in a strong position to support its ongoing programmes and to respond to future opportunities and challenges.
Reserves Policy
The trustees regularly review the level of reserves to ensure that the charity can continue to operate effectively and meet its obligations, even in the event of unforeseen circumstances. The aim is to maintain unrestricted reserves at a level sufficient to cover at least three to six months of core operating costs. At year end, unrestricted reserves stood at £41,219, which the trustees consider to be adequate for the charity’s current scale of activities.
On behalf of the board of Trustees
..............................
Dated: .........................
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Youthsayers Cio
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF YOUTHSAYERS CIO
I report on the accounts of the for the Period ended 31 May 2025, which are set out on pages 9 to 12.
Respective responsibilities of Trustees and 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 Period under section 144(2) of the Charities Act 2011 (the 2011 Act) and that an independent examination is needed.
It is my responsibility to:
-
(i) examine the accounts under section 145 of the 2011 Act;
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(ii) to follow the procedures laid down in the general Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act; and
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(iii) to state whether particular matters have come to my attention.
Basis of independent examiner's report
My examination was carried out in accordance with the general Directions given by the Charity Commission. 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 you as 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:
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(a) which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in any material respect the requirements:
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(i) to keep accounting records in accordance with section 130 of the 2011 Act; and
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(ii) to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records and comply with the accounting requirements of the 2011 Act;
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have not been met; or
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(b) to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
Pinnick Lewis LLP
Chartered Certified Accountants Handel House 95 High Street Edgware Middlesex HA8 7DB
Dated: .........................
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Youthsayers Cio
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES INCLUDING INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT
For The Period Ended 31 May 2025
| Unrestricted Restricted funds funds Notes £ £ Incoming resources from generated funds Donations and legacies 2 45,658 37,108 Activities for generating funds 18,801 - Investment income 3 36 - Total incoming resources 64,495 37,108 Resources expended 4 Costs of generating funds Costs of generating donations and legacies 2,567 540 Net incoming resources available 61,928 36,568 Charitable activities Mentoring and support costs 15,570 21,490 Governance costs 5,139 5,482 Total resources expended 23,276 27,512 Net income for the year/ Net movement in funds 41,219 9,596 Fund balances at 15 August 2024 - - Fund balances at 31 May 2025 41,219 9,596 |
Total 2025 82,766 18,801 36 |
|---|---|
| 101,603 | |
| 3,107 | |
| 98,496 37,060 |
|
| 10,621 | |
| 50,788 | |
| 50,815 - |
|
| 50,815 |
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Youthsayers Cio
BALANCE SHEET
As At 31 May 2025
| Notes Current assets Cash at bank and in hand Creditors: amounts falling due within one year 7 Total assets less current liabilities Income funds Restricted funds Unrestricted funds The accounts were approved by the Trustees on ......................... .............................. |
2025 £ 52,975 (2,160) |
£ 50,815 |
|---|---|---|
| 9,596 41,219 |
||
| 50,815 | ||
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Youthsayers Cio
NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS
For The Period Ended 31 May 2025
1 Accounting policies
1.1 Basis of preparation
The accounts have been prepared under the historical cost convention.
The accounts have been prepared in accordance with applicable accounting standards, the Statement of Recommended Practice, "Accounting and Reporting by Charities", issued in March 2005 and the Charities Act 2011.
2 Donations and legacies
| Unrestricted Restricted funds funds £ £ Donations and gifts 15,658 2,768 Grants receivable for core activities 30,000 34,340 45,658 37,108 |
Total 2025 18,426 64,340 |
|---|---|
| 82,766 |
3 Investment income
| 4 | Interest receivable Total resources expended Costs of generating funds Costs of generating donations and legacies Charitable activities Mentoring and support costs Support costs Governance costs |
2025 36 |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 £ 3,107 37,060 10,621 |
||
| 50,788 |
Governance costs include rent, travel, accountancy, printing, and other administrative expenses.
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Youthsayers Cio
NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS (CONTINUED)
For The Period Ended 31 May 2025
| 5 Support costs Staff costs |
2025 £ 37,060 |
|---|---|
| 37,060 |
6 Employees
There were no employees during the Period.
7 Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
| Creditors: amounts falling due within one year | 2025 |
| £ | |
| Accruals | 2,160 |
| 8 Analysis of net assets between funds Unrestricted Restricted £ £ Fund balances at 31 May 2025 are represented by: Current assets 43,379 9,596 Creditors: amounts falling due within one year (2,160) - 41,219 9,596 |
Total £ 52,975 (2,160 |
|---|---|
| 50,815 |
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