AKT UP
Annual Report and Financial Statements
For the first financial period ended 31 March 2026
CHARITY REGISTRATION NUMBER 1213696
Prepared from the confirmed Statement of Financial Activities and balance sheet.
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Reference and administrative details
| Registered charity name | AKT UP |
| Charity registration number | 1213696 |
| Legal form | Charitable Incorporated Organisation (foundation model) |
| Date registered | 18 June 2025 |
| Reporting period | 18 June 2025 to 31 March 2026 |
| Principal address | 5 Rosefield Lane, Newhall, Harlow, CM17 9SE |
| Chair | Serena Stephen |
| Trustees | Erwin Owusu-Gyamfi Adrian Williams Leke Sholuade Terence Donovan |
| Independent examiner | Sohal Accountant, 3 Woodpecker Close, Bushey WD23 1AW |
| Principal bankers | Co-Operative Bank |
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Trustees’ Annual Report
For the first financial period ended 31 March 2026
Message from the Chair
AKT UP was registered as a Charitable Incorporated Organisation in June 2025. Our first reporting period focused on establishing a sound charitable and financial foundation from which we can help young people build confidence, practical skills and greater independence.
AKT Up’s first year marked the transition from a shared vision into practical delivery. We established the foundations of the charity, delivered a sustained 12-week programme and worked with respected partners to create further opportunities for children and young people.
Our principal achievement was the TNL Resilient Futures programme. We also contributed as an active partner to the Condé Nast Summer Camp alongside the Peter Marlow Foundation and Be Heard as One and delivered a session with Rhyl Community School in Kentish Town. Together, these activities enabled AKT Up to test its approach, strengthen partnerships and begin building an evidence base for future growth.
The trustees thank every participant, family, partner, volunteer, facilitator and supporter who helped make our first year possible.
Objectives and activities
Charitable purposes
AKT UP exists to act as a resource for young people, primarily those aged 12 to 30, by providing advice, assistance and physical, educational and other activities. Its purposes include developing skills and independence, advancing education, relieving unemployment, protecting health and providing recreation in the interests of social welfare.
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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;
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b) advancing education;
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c) advancing employability
providing recreational and leisure time activities in the interests of social welfare with a view to improving the conditions of life of such people in need.
Our mission is to empower disadvantaged individuals for the public benefit to lead healthier, more sustainable lives while fostering resilience, confidence, and the ability to participate more positively in society
The trustees have had regard to the Charity Commission’s guidance on public benefit. During the year, AKT Up provided structured educational, wellbeing and personal-development opportunities for children and young people. Activities were designed to be accessible, practical and responsive to the needs of participants. The trustees are satisfied that the activities described in this report advanced the charity’s purposes for the public benefit.
Our approach
The charity’s work is organised around three connected areas: physical wellbeing and resilience through martial arts; food, nutrition and practical catering skills; and financial wellbeing, including money management and introductory bookkeeping. Together, these activities are intended to help young people become active, knowledgeable and thriving.
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Public benefit
The trustees have had regard to the Charity Commission’s guidance on public benefit when planning the charity’s activities. The activities are designed to benefit young people who may face barriers to education, employment, wellbeing or financial independence. Participation is intended to be accessible, with any eligibility criteria applied only where necessary to target charitable need, safeguard participants or meet the conditions of restricted funding.
Achievements and performance
During its first period, AKT UP concentrated on developing its operating arrangements, establishing partnerships and preparing practical programmes that connect physical wellbeing, food and financial skills. The charity also secured restricted National Lottery funding for a project continuing into the year ending 31 March 2027.
TNL Resilient Futures: 12-week programme
AKT Up delivered a 12-week Resilient Futures programme focused on confidence, resilience, wellbeing and practical life skills. With support from Youth of Hackney’s Whitmore community center
The programme brought together elements of physical activity, food education, financial resilience, personal development and mentoring, reflecting AKT Up’s integrated Active, Knowledgeable and Thriving approach. Participants enrolled: 40
Participants completing or regularly attending: 34
Age range and location: 11 - 17
Sessions and total delivery hours: 12 x 3.5 hours (42 hours)
Key outcomes evidenced through feedback and observation: Resilient Futures demonstrated the value of bringing physical activity, financial literacy, creative activity and mentoring together within one programme. Participants had opportunities to strengthen their confidence, well-being, practical skills, teamwork and ability to make informed choices. The programme also enabled AKT Up to test its integrated delivery model and identify improvements for future delivery.
Condé Nast Summer Camp
AKT Up was an active delivery partner in the Condé Nast Summer Camp, working alongside the Peter Marlow Foundation and Be Heard as One. The partnership broadened young people’s access to creative, cultural and developmental experiences and enabled AKT Up to contribute its practical, community-led approach within a wider collaborative programme.
AKT Up’s specific activities and responsibilities: Youth outreach and onboarding
Number and age range of participants: 12 aged 15 - 18
Outcomes: Confidence building, soft work skills i.e. time keeping, creative writing, industry specific training. Future registration for work placements.
Rhyl Community School, Kentish Town
AKT Up delivered a session with Rhyl Community School in Kentish Town. The session used an accessible, participatory approach to engage pupils and provided an opportunity to extend AKT Up’s work into a school and community setting.
Year group, number of pupils and session duration: Year group 5 for 180 minutes
Session content and learning objectives: Team building, self-awareness, Time management, cookery skills
Teacher feedback: “Terry was an inspirational presence in the classroom. The pupils clearly responded to his life story, delivery style and ethos of instilling a mutual sense of respect and self-respect as a foundation for building
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a successful life and future. The session itself was extremely well organised and the result - a chicken shawarma - went down a treat.
Emerging Impact
The first year was intentionally focused on establishing delivery and learning what works. Evidence from attendance, participant feedback, facilitator observations and partner feedback should be summarised under the following outcomes:
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Increased confidence and resilience;
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greater engagement in physical activity and wellbeing;
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Improved practical knowledge and life skills;
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stronger teamwork, communication and sense of belonging; and
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clearer personal goals or progression into further opportunities .
The Resilient Futures, Conde Naste and Rhys community schoolwork supported participants to build confidence, resilience and practical life skills through physical activities, food education, financial literacy and mentoring. Facilitator observations identified increased participation, teamwork and willingness to try new activities. One participant reflected: “I didn’t know what to expect the first week, but now I know the teachers and how it all goes I look forward to coming Fridays].” This provides an early foundation for strengthening AKT Up’s integrated programme model
Financial review
Details of the AKT Up’s income and expenditure for the year are set out on page 9
Total income for the period was £35,233 and total expenditure was £3,359, resulting in net income of £31,873. At 31 March 2026, the charity held total funds of £31,873.
The closing funds comprised £17,123 of restricted funding and £14,750 of unrestricted funds. The restricted balance represents funding received for the specified project which remained unspent at the reporting date and is expected to be used by March 2027. It is not available for the charity’s general purposes.
At the reporting date, current assets comprised £31,285 held at bank and £600 in debtors. Current liabilities were £12. The trustees monitor cash flow and restricted funds separately to ensure each fund is applied only for its intended purpose.
Reserves policy
Unrestricted reserves at 31 March 2026 were £14,750 As this was the charity’s first reporting period, the trustees are establishing evidence-based reserves target by reference to committed costs, income reliability, programme delivery risks and the time needed to respond to an unexpected reduction in funding.
The trustees will adopt a reserves policy to ensure that Akt Up can meet its obligations and respond to unforeseen challenges. Our aim is to hold unrestricted reserves equivalent to three months of core operating costs, providing a buffer against income volatility and enabling continuity of services. The policy will be reviewed annually to reflect changes in the organisation’s size, risk profile, and funding environment.
Going concern
The trustees have reviewed the charity’s expected income, committed expenditure, available cash and planned activities for at least twelve months from the date on which these financial statements will be approved.
The trustees consider that the charity has adequate resources to continue in operational existence and therefore the accounts have been prepared on a going concern basis.
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Plans for the next period
In 2026/27, AKT UP intends to use the National Lottery restricted funding for the agreed project and to develop a sustainable programme of support across its three core areas.
Partnership working was central to AKT Up’s first year. Collaboration connected the charity with communities, specialist expertise and opportunities that could not have been achieved through standalone delivery. The year also reinforced the value of consistent relationships, varied practical activities and time for informal conversation and reflection.
The trustees identified the need to strengthen baseline and end-point evaluation, maintain consistent attendance records, develop clearer progression routes and follow up with participants after programmes finish. These lessons will inform future design and delivery.
Structure, governance and management
Governing document and appointment of trustees
AKT UP is a foundation Charitable Incorporated Organisation governed by its constitution and registered with the Charity Commission on 18 June 2025. Trustees are appointed in accordance with the constitution. The board is collectively responsible for strategy, governance, financial oversight, safeguarding and compliance.
The trustees confirm that trustees were identified and appointed in accordance with the CIO constitution. In selecting trustees, the board considered the skills, experience and knowledge needed to support the charity’s purposes, including governance, financial oversight, safeguarding, programme delivery, community engagement and compliance. The trustees also considered the importance of having a board with a suitable range of perspectives and lived, professional and community experience relevant to the charity’s work with young people. Before appointment, prospective trustees were asked to confirm their eligibility to act as charity trustees, declare any actual or potential conflicts of interest, and agree to act in accordance with the charity’s constitution, policies and trustee duties. Trustee appointments were approved by the existing trustees and recorded in the charity’s governance records.
Trustee induction and training
During the period, trustee induction was provided through circulation of the CIO constitution, recent financial information, core policies and a briefing on trustee legal duties, public benefit, safeguarding responsibilities, financial oversight and conflicts of interest. Trustees also considered the charity’s operating model, programme risks and compliance requirements as part of board discussions. The board’s ongoing training plan is to review trustee skills annually, identify any gaps linked to the charity’s activities, and arrange further support where needed, including safeguarding, health and safety, data protection, equality and inclusion, financial controls, grant compliance and charity governance. New trustees will receive the same induction materials on appointments and will be supported by the Chair and existing trustees to understand the charity’s purposes, current programmes, policies, reporting requirements and decision-making processes.
Risk management
The trustees are responsible for identifying and managing the principal risks facing the charity. The main areas of focus include safeguarding, financial sustainability, compliance with funder conditions, data protection, safe programme delivery, dependence on key people and reputational risk. Controls include:
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restricted income and expenditure monitored by funds and reconciled to the accounting records;
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expenditure supported by evidence and subject to documented approval;
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safeguarding and health and safety arrangements reviewed for work with young people; and
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trustee conflicts declared and managed under the governing document and policy.
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Safeguarding
The trustees recognise safeguarding as a central governance responsibility. Activities involving young people are expected to operate under appropriate safeguarding procedures, safer recruitment and DBS arrangements where required, reporting routes and risk assessments.
During the period, the trustees maintained safeguarding arrangements appropriate to the charity’s work with children and young people. The safeguarding policy and related procedures were kept under review, with trustees responsible for oversight and for ensuring that concerns could be raised through clear reporting routes. Where roles involved regulated activity or direct work with young people were involved, safer recruitment checks, including DBS checks where required, were used alongside activity risk assessments and supervision arrangements. No confidential case details are included in this report. The trustees confirm that there were no safeguarding serious incidents during the period requiring reporting to the Charity Commission.
Fundraising
The trustees confirm that the charity’s income during the period arose principally from donations and grant funding. The charity did not engage a professional fundraiser or commercial participator. Public fundraising activity was limited to general appeals and relationship-based support from donors and funders, and the charity did not undertake any intrusive or high-pressure fundraising. No fundraising complaints were received during the period.
Related parties, trustee benefits and custodian funds
The trustees confirm that, during the period, no trustee received remuneration or reimbursement of expenses from the charity. There were no transactions with trustees or connected persons, and no loans, guarantees or other related-party transactions. The charity did not act as custodian trustee and did not hold funds on behalf of another charity. This position is reflected in note 6 to the financial statements.
Trustees’ responsibilities
The trustees are responsible for preparing the Trustees’ Annual Report and financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards, including FRS 102. Charity law requires the trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial period which give a true and fair view of the charity’s affairs and of its incoming resources and application of resources.
In preparing the financial statements, the trustees are required to:
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select suitable accounting policies and apply them consistently;
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observe the methods and principles in the Charities SORP;
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make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
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state whether applicable accounting standards have been followed, subject to material departures disclosed and explained; and
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prepare the financial statements on a going concern basis unless inappropriate.
The trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records, safeguarding the charity’s assets and taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.
Approval of the Trustees’ Annual Report
| Approved by the trustees on | |
| Signed on behalf of the trustees by | Serena Stephen |
| Role | Chair |
| Signature |
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Independent Examiner’s Report
To the trustees of AKT UP • Charity no. 1213696
Report on the accounts
I report to the charity trustees on my examination of the accounts of AKT UP for the period ending 31 March 2026.
Responsibilities and basis of report
As the charity trustees of the CIO, you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 (the Act).
I report in respect of my examination of the CIO’s accounts carried out under section 145 of the Act and in carrying out my examination I have followed all the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Act.
Independent examiner’s statement
I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respect:
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accounting records were not kept in respect of the CIO as required by section 130 of the Act;
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the accounts do not accord with those records; or
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the accounts do not comply with the applicable requirements concerning the form and content of accounts set out in the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 other than any requirement that the accounts give a ‘true and fair view, which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination.
I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
| Signature | |
| Name | Ivan Quental |
| Qualification | Independent Examiner |
| Address | Sohal Accountant 3 Woodpecker Close Bushey WD23 1AW |
| Date | |
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Statement of Financial Activities
For the first financial period ended 31 March 2026 Incorporating an income and expenditure account
| Note | Unrestricted | Restricted | Total 2026 | |
| Income from: | ||||
| Donations and legacies | 3 | £14,750 | £19,683 | £34,433 |
| Charitable activities | 4 | £800 | — | £800 |
| Total income | £15,550 | £19,683 | £35,233 | |
| Expenditure on: | ||||
| Raising funds | 5 | — | — | — |
| Charitable activities | 5 | £800 | £2,560 | £3,360 |
| Total expenditure | £800 | £2,560 | £3,360 | |
| Net income / net movement in funds | £14,750 | £17,123 | £31,873 | |
| Funds brought forward | — | — | — | |
| Funds carried forward | £14,750 | £17,123 | £31,873 |
The National Lottery grant is a restricted fund. The £17,123 unspent balance is carried forward for expenditure on the specified project by March 2027.
Balance Sheet
As at 31 March 2026
| Note | 31 March 2026 | |
| Current assets | ||
| Debtors | 7 | £600 |
| Cash at bank and in hand | £31,285 | |
| Total current assets | £31,885 | |
| Creditors: amounts falling due within one year | 8 | (£12) |
| Net current assets / net assets | £31,873 | |
| Funds of the charity | ||
| Restricted funds | 9 | £17,123 |
| Unrestricted general funds | 9 | £14,750 |
| Total charity funds | £31,873 | |
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The financial statements were approved by the trustees and authorised for issue on
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| Signed on behalf of the trustees by |
Serena Stephen |
| Role | Chair |
| Signature | |
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Accounting policies
1. Basis of preparation
The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention in accordance with the Charities SORP (FRS 102), FRS 102 and the Charities Act 2011. AKT UP meets the definition of a public benefit entity.
2. Reporting period
The CIO was registered on 18 June 2025. These statements are presented as the first financial period ended 31 March 2026. Transactions before registration must be identified and supported by appropriate transfer documentation or removed.
3. Going concern
In auditing the financial statements, we have concluded that the trustees’ use of the going concern basis of accounting in the preparation of the financial statements is appropriate.
Based on the work we have performed, we have not identified any material uncertainties relating to events or conditions that, individually or collectively, may cast significant doubt on Akt Up’s ability to continue as a going concern for a period of at least twelve months from when the financial statements are authorised for issue.
Our responsibilities and the responsibilities of the trustees with respect to going concern are described in the relevant sections of this report.
4. Fund accounting
Unrestricted funds are available for use at the trustees’ discretion in furtherance of the charity’s objects. Restricted funds may only be used for the purposes specified by the donor. The National Lottery grant is treated as restricted; its unspent balance is carried forward and is not available for general use.
5. Income recognition
Income is recognised when the charity has entitlement, receipt is probable and the amount can be measured reliably. Donations are recognised when received unless entitlement arises earlier. Grant conditions are reviewed to determine whether income should be deferred or restricted.
6. Expenditure and liabilities
Expenditure is recognised on an accruals basis once there is a legal or constructive obligation, settlement is probable and the amount can be measured reliably. Expenditure is classified between raising funds and charitable activities. Support and governance costs are allocated on a reasonable and consistent basis were material.
7. Debtors and creditors
Trade and other debtors are recognised at the settlement amount due. Creditors and accruals are recognised where the charity has a present obligation resulting from a past event and the amount can be estimated reliably.
8. Cash
Cash at bank and in hand comprises cash held in current accounts and deposits repayable on demand.
9. Taxation
As a charity, AKT UP is generally exempt from corporation tax on income and gains applied for charitable purposes. Irrecoverable VAT is included in the related cost.
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Notes to the Financial Statements
For the first financial period ended 31 March 2026
1. Legal status
AKT UP is a Charitable Incorporated Organisation registered in England and Wales on 18 June 2025. Its registered charity number is 1213696 and its principal address is 5 Rosefield Lane, Newhall, Harlow, CM17 9SE.
2. Comparative information
These are the first financial statements of the CIO; therefore, no comparative Statement of Financial Activities is presented.
3. Donations and legacies
| Unrestricted | Restricted | Total | |
| Corporate donations | £14,745 | — | £14,745 |
| General donations | £5 | — | £5 |
| Trusts and foundations | — | £19,683 | £19,683 |
| Total | £14,750 | £19,683 | £34,433 |
National Lottery funding is restricted to the specified project; £17,123.00 remained unspent at 31 March 2026 and is carried forward.
4. Income from charitable activities
| Unrestricted | Restricted | Total | |
| Other revenue | £800 | — | £800 |
| penditure | |||
| Unrestricted | Restricted | Total | |
| Fundraising Expenditure | £163 | — | £163 |
| Insurance | £329 | — | £329 |
| Project expenditure | — | £2,560 | £2,560 |
| Stationery | £268 | — | £268 |
| Travel | £40 | — | £40 |
| Total charitable expenditure | £800 | £2,560 | £3,360 |
5. Expenditure
6. Trustees, employees and related parties
The charity had no employees during the period. No trustee received any remuneration or reimbursement of expenses from the charity. There were no transactions with trustees or connected people, and no loans, guarantees or other related-party transactions during the period.
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7. Debtors
| 2026 | |
| Trade debtors | £600 |
| Total debtors | £600 |
8. Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
| 2026 | |
| Trade creditors | £12 |
| Accruals | — |
| Total creditors | £12 |
No grant-related accrual is recognised. The £17,123 unspent grant is included in restricted funds .
9. Movement in funds
| Fund | Brought forward |
Income | Expenditure | Carried forward |
| General unrestricted fund | — | £15,550 | £800 | £14,750 |
| National Lottery restricted fund | — | £19,683 | £2,560 | £17,123 |
| Total funds | — | £35,233 | £3,360 | £31,873 |
The National Lottery restricted fund must be used only for the funded project. The remaining balance is expected to be spent by March 2027.
10. Cash at bank and fund representation
Cash at bank and in hand was £31,285. The restricted fund is represented within cash at bank; it is not a separate asset and need not be held in a separate bank account, provided the charity maintains adequate fund accounting records.
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