ou council Annual Review 2022- 2023
2022-2023 Annual Review
April 2022
Following the onset of war in Ukraine, our members, along with the Young Inspectors collected and delivered numerous carloads of donations for the Polish community appeal. We also appealed for items to make up welcome packs for any Ukrainian children (or indeed any children) arriving in Gateshead without their belongings, these packs included a backpack for school, underwear, pyjamas and toiletries, funded by Port of Tyne Authority from an underspend from a previous project, this saw us create dozens of welcome packs (loads donated by friends and family, then created from Port of Tyne funds – we try to make the very best use of any money we receive).
May 2022
The Funky Phoenixes successfully completed their Stage One Key Bid for water bottles for GYA members, to reduce the number of single use plastic our members buy. This is part of a wider GYA initiative to lower our consumption generally and see where we can help. This group of young people worked incredibly hard and overcame barriers to deliver a fantastic project. We are very much looking forward to their next project!
Also in May we had a visit from Liz Twist MP for Blaydon (and the MP for some of our members) Liz was interested to hear about our work this past year and how we managed to keep going during Covid. It was good to know that our MPs value the work that we do.
At the Youth Council we always make sure that we mark Mental Health Awareness Week as it’s so so important.
Our young people work all year on projects around mental health and on other projects which, while not under the mental health banner, just happen to help them address their own mental health issues simply by allowing time and space to explore themselves and their world view, and by getting involved in their local communities.
June 2022
June saw us celebrate National Volunteers week as usual – some young people don’t recognise what they do as volunteering, but we are clear – if you give your time to help other people and/or make your community better for anyone – even if you thoroughly enjoy yourself in the process – then you are a volunteer. We worked out that on average, Gateshead Youth Council members (GYC, GYA & YI) volunteer around 800 hours a month which works out (using ONS figures) a contribution to Gateshead of over £11500 every month, or almost £138,000 annually – and that’s staggering!
June also saw us working with Chris Hulme and Alex Thompson, trialling a SEND engagement session before they took it out to schools across Gateshead. The session was designed to engage children and young people with decision making, so we were very happy to help.
July 2022
In July we had our summer residential, we trekked off to Ninebanks Youth Hostel in Northumberland and had a wonderful weekend. We reconnected with each other, took part in development sessions, worked on a Youth Strategy document for Jack at NEYouth, cooked some fantastic food – we were challenged, Come Dine With Me style, to create a three-course meal for 20 people! We also endured Food Olympics – where we (almost)all tried a range of foods we wouldn’t usually eat.
We also took the fabulous executive committee of Gateshead Youth Assembly off to London on what turned out to be the hottest weekend of the year!
Whilst we were there, our technical legends undertook the task of posting every hour for 11 hours to commemorate the Bosnian Genocide. All the art work was designed in house (thank you Sophie Adams) and this online commemoration was well received, not only by other young people and supporters of GYC but also by the Remembering Srebrenica team
August 2022
We had Ian and David from NGI come to talk to us and get our thoughts on an exciting new project in Gateshead! The Young People had some very interesting points to make to them both!
August (and the last week of July) saw us joining forces again with Young Inspectors, One Voice youth Network, the Gateshead Virtual School, the Children’s Rights and Engagement Team and the North East Bus Preservation Trust to deliver Big Red Bus Adventures. Our young people volunteered a week at a time to deliver a summer playscheme for Looked After Children and children who have social workers but live at home. It was funded through the HAF programme and by the Virtual School. It was hard work but loads of fun and interesting to spend time with children and young people who have very different life experiences to us. There is a separate report on BRBA if you would like to see it, please ask Valerie or Sue
September 2022
To celebrate our work on the Big Red Bus our volunteers went for a meal at Sambucas in Gateshead. The was used a chance to relax and be rewarded for the hard work of the summer, it was also an opportunity to evaluate the summer and reconnect with the volunteers and staff without the busyness of the bus. We plan to run the bus scheme next summer (funding dependent obviously).
We ran our pencil case appeal again this summer! We like to make sure that all of our asylum seeking friends go back to school with the right kit! Many thanks to the people who donated, we are so incredibly grateful. We delivered over 100 fully stocked pencil cases to Peace of Mind so that all of the asylum seeking children and young people in Gateshead can go back to school with all the stationary kit they need.
At the Youth Council we are trying different ways of reaching out to Young People – Covid changed the world in so many ways, we are still adapting.
October 2022
Gateshead Youth Assembly met the Mayor of Gateshead and Liz Twist MP whilst attending the premier of the Digital Voice TikTok films! This came after months of work developing a range of Tiktok films around a range of issues identified by young people including online and offline bullying, body image and LGBTQ+ issues.
Another great half term HAF week with a spooky party!!
People think we just play out in the school holidays, and we do. But anyone who has ever organised a party, playscheme or event for more than a couple of people will know, these events don’t happen by magic. An awful lot of planning and work goes into making events like this a success. At GYC, most of this work is carried our by the young people. The design, list write, direct, and deliver. The staff and volunteers pick up the stuff the young people cant do because they’re in school or college during the working day.
During half term some of our young people were part of a Design Sprint developing a plan for teenage HAF projects. They worked so hard! This group were later invited to London to present their ideas, and from that trip Lisa was invited to the Department for Education to pitch our ideas, and we have been asked to be involved in the summer Teen HAF+ pilot.
November 2022
Saw one of our very successful Key groups winning an award at a very posh evening at the Crown Plaza! We’re very proud. The SEA Squad were the group responsible for the amazing anti bullying poster competition. We are beyond chuffed that when visiting primary schools for other reasons we spot these posters!
We did a GCSE and A-Level advice session for the younger members of the group. Our Chair, Sophie, was also home from university so did a 'Top Tips for Choosing a University' session for the members of the group applying to university this year (Also with a visit from Barney )
Fantastic first day of our Gateshead Youth Assembly Training Weekend 2022 photos below ! Lovely to see some new faces!
Our annual GYA training weekend is always a whirlwind and 2022 was no different.
November always sees our young people step up and take part in the remembrance Day Commemoration. We are so proud of Faith, Bethany, James and Sophie for representing Gateshead's Young People at the Remembrance Day Service in 2022. We are always very proud of our young people.
December 2022
December newsletter time!! This is always a bit of a slog but once the young people have finished they are usually astounded by how much work they have actually achieved.
We did our annual appeal this year but we also acknowledged that people are really strapped for cash this year. Gateshead people really stepped up though and we were amazed that almost £2000 was donated. As usual we worked with the councils Early Help service to make sure the donations went to children and young people who would otherwise face a fairly bleak Christmas.
We held our December full GYA meeting and Christmas party in the (freezing cold) Council Chamber and it’s nice to be back in there – just remember your thermals!
January 2023
One of our dedicated trustees Sophie is making our social media look amazing with Motivational Mondays, Training Tuesdays, Wellness Wednesdays, Throwback Thursdays you get the drift … and many more! We are delighted to have such a great social media presence, because, being honest Valerie and Sue can cobble together a post, but can’t do finesse! We are also delighted to announce that Etta, another former GYA member now Board member is writing blogs for us, she is very accomplished at blogging and has offered to include us and we are delighted. Keep an eye on our website
February 2023
This week the young people did some excellent work with the Young Persons Justice System and took part in a presentation on Holocaust Memorial Day 2023!
Yesterday some of our young people along with those from Gateshead Young Inspectors and Gateshead HAF Design Sprint Group visited the cinema followed by sambucas!
With Faith and Ibrahim MYP, representing Gateshead at North East Youth Con #YouthVoice
March 2023
March saw us spending all of our time planning the Easter Holiday HAF and HAF+. We were back on the Big Red Bus Eggs painted , football played, eggs hunted, food eaten - everyone exhausted! A fab holiday had by all OSS
Charity Registration Number: 512712
Gateshead Youth Council Financial Statements For the endi year ng
31 March 2024
Gateshead Youth Council
Financial Statements
Year ended 31 March 2024
| Page No | |
|---|---|
| Trustees’ annual report | 1 - 5 |
| Independent examiner’s report to the trustees | 6 |
| Receipts and Payments account | 7 |
| Balance Sheet | 8 |
| Notes to the financial statements | 9 - 12 |
Gateshead Youth Council
Trustees’ Annual Report
Year ended 31 March 2024
The trustees present their report and the unaudited financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31 March 2024.
Our aims and objectives
The overall aim of the Gateshead Youth Council as set out in its Constitution is to target young people aged 11-25. It develops projects and services and involves itself in areas concerning youth issues. Its aim is to continue to be a channel for organisations to express views and opinions collectively to LAs or government on issues concerning them. GYC responds directly to the issues of organisations and young people in order to fulfil their needs.
The Gateshead Youth Council delivers this mission though its strategic objectives which include:
Identity and Distinctiveness
To be at the forefront of engaging with the young people to advance their education and social transformation by providing engagement opportunities through group work that are relevant to their needs.
To ensure that young people are given correct information, guidance and support, this in turn enables them to make informed choices for themselves.
To raise aspiration and achievement and to enable young people to challenge, question and evaluate, encouraging them to play a full part in a changing society.
To work with young people and their families and give guidance and support with regards to education, health, emotional wellbeing, safeguarding, and any other issues that are relevant to the welfare of young people.
To deliver a person-centred way meaning that the young person is at the core of the support offered.
To work with young p e o p l e t o support and encourage them to develop resilience, problem solving and skills to help them physically and emotionally.
To offer a service focused on engagement in decision making to improve outcomes for young people. The aim is to address problems at the earliest opportunity before they are able to escalate and by helping to break the longer term intergenerational cycle of poor outcomes. We do this by supporting, enabling and supporting young people to develop their world views in safe spaces and to practice making decisions in a supportive environment.
1
Gateshead Youth Council
Trustees' Annual Report
Year ended 31 March 2024
Partnerships
To develop and sustain productive multiagency relationships which support the development and enhance the life of young people. We actively seek out positive partnerships and welcome other providers who can enhance the outcomes of young p e o p l e .
Innovation
To be imaginative, creative and enterprising: open and responsive to new areas and ways of working to further the mission of the Gateshead Youth Council.
To advocate on behalf of young people.
To work in innovative ways which celebrate and draw upon the experience and knowledge of staff, young people, their communities and relevant professionals sharing expertise and learning from each other.
To be guided and develop good practice by listening to the needs and issues that face young people, and alongside them develop good practice.
Through these activities the Gateshead Youth Council meets its charitable objective of targeting young people aged 11-25, developing projects and services and involving itself in areas concerning youth issues. The aim is to continue to be a channel for organisations and individuals to express views and opinions collectively to LAs or government on issues concerning them. GYC responds directly to the issues of organisations and young people in order to fulfil their needs.
Our Beneficiaries
The Gateshead Youth Council is dedicated to:
-
Young people who either live, work or are educated in Gateshead.
-
The families of these Young People, where their involvement facilitates better involvement of the Young Person.
The Public Benefit we provide:
The Gateshead Youth Council is committed to ensure that it is:
-
Helping to break the longer-term intergenerational cycle of poor outcomes for
-
young people.
-
Improves the qualifications, skills, and employability of the individuals it engages.
-
Benefits in other areas of/contributes to public policy, for example in
-
enhancing health and wellbeing, reducing dependency on public services, supporting families and up skilling volunteers.
-
Transforms the lives of individuals which in turn contribute to the development
-
of cohesive and resilient communities.
-
Supports the regions' need to up skill young people and address issues of
-
social deprivation, poverty and economic inactivity.
2
Gateshead Youth Council
Trustees' Annual Report
Year ended 31 March 2024
How we measure the Benefit we provide
The Gateshead Youth Council measures the impact of its work in several ways, primarily using data which is measured against internal performance indicators and where possible against external benchmarks.
Achievements and performance
GYC deliver weekly sessions with groups of young people to support them in developing and delivering their own social action projects and personal development programmes such as the IMPACT course.
GYC offer at least three separate sessions weekly for young people to attend and work on their social action, volunteering and personal development programmes.
Financial review
The Charity received a gross income during the year of £49,554.
Principal funding sources in 2023/2024 come from Gateshead Council, the Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner and Lankelly Chase group in a collaborative project with NEDES. The Charity has a fundraising strategy in place and will never apply for funding that does not meet the direct needs of the Young People in Gateshead.
Reserves Policy
The Board of Trustees have not had an established a policy whereby the unrestricted funds not committed are held by the Charity but g o i n g f o r w a r d h a v e a g r e e d t h a t i n t h e f i n a n c i a l p e r i o d 2 0 2 3 – 2 0 2 5 w e w i l l a i m t o b u i l d a r e s e r v e e q u a l t o 6 – 1 2 m o n t h s o f r u n n i n g c o s t s . At the current level, the board feel that they would be able to continue the activities of the Charity for 6 months in the event of a significant drop in funding. The figure calculated for this is £8,000.00. At present the free reserves amount to almost £2,500. This is the same as last year as we have not been in a position to accrue more.
Risk Review
The Board of Trustees have examined the major risks the organisation face and confirm that systems have been established to enable regular reports to be produced so that the necessary steps would be taken to minimise any significant risk.
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Gateshead Youth Council
Trustees' Annual Report
Year ended 31 March 2024
Plans for future periods.
Gateshead Youth Council will continue to offer learning opportunities and support services to young people, the work being informed by on-going evaluation of the services offered, involving both participants and workers, and in consultation with the Board of Trustees.
To evolve and develop the Project with the changing needs and issues that face young people, to be responsive to those needs and develop new areas for working. - To continue to work with and train young volunteers, to enhance volunteers self - confidence and self belief.
We will continue to apply for Charity and Statutory Funding as it becomes available. To continually search for new funding opportunities. To develop further training opportunities for young people. That would also bring into the Project some core funding.
We are moving forward and are very positive and excited about the future of Gateshead Youth Council.
Structure, governance and management
Governing Document
Gateshead Youth Council (512712) was originally established as a registered Charity 1979. In 2014 Gateshead Council withdrew its financial support for the Project as part of the government cuts to services. GYC retained the day-to-day support of one Youth & Community worker who while employed and paid by Gateshead Council worked with GYC to deliver our programmes for young people in collaboration.
Organisational Structure
Gateshead Youth Council is a registered charity with a Board of Trustees which consists of individuals and includes young p e o p l e . The Chief Executive has overall responsibility for the day-to-day management of the organisation,
Public Benefit
As a registered charity the Gateshead Youth Council is committed to demonstrating the benefits that it's work provides for individuals, communities and the wider public. This statement sets out the aims, mission and strategic objectives of GYC, outlines the beneficiaries it serves and the impact and benefits of the personal and social development learning opportunities it provides for young people in Gateshead.
Recruitment, Induction and Training of Management Committee
- Recruitment and Appointment of the Board of Trustees Each year at the Annual General Meeting all members of the Committee stand down and a new Committee is elected. The organisation has a core group of individuals who have a range of valuable skills and experience to bring to the organisation. Each year young pe o pl e (under - 3 0 years) who have first hand knowledge and experience of the Project are also voted on to the Committee. Two members of our groups are also invited to the Board and their involvement is flexible according to their needs.
4
Gateshead Youth Council
Trustees' Annual Report
Year ended 31 March 2024
- Induction and Training of the Board of trustees Each Board meeting forms part of the on-going 'training' of the members, and runs in a way that empowers and informs new members. Young People are given training after being elected, as they are regarded as the 'Experts by experience' and represent all young people who use the project.
Reference and administrative details
Registered charity name Gateshead Youth Council Charity registration 512712 number 11/12 Gladstone Principal office and Terrace registered office Gateshead NE8 4DY
The trustees:
Chair: Sue Adams Vice Chair: Lucy Adams Treasurer: Matthew Spry Ordinary Representatives: Mike Laugharne Richard Adams Mahnoor Mansoor Andrew Adams Josh Smith Etta Beckreck Benjamin Johnson Sophie Adams Faith Henderson Lucie Hardy GYA places on BoT: Edda Stenbom-Moss Maebh Carey Independent Examiner Lilian Hetherington Connected Voice One Strawberry Lane Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 4BX
Approved by the Trustees on 29 January 2025
and signed on their behalf by:
Mrs S D Adams Trustee
5
Gateshead Youth Council
Annual report and financial statements
Year ended 31 March 2024
Independent examiner’s report to the trustees of Gateshead Youth Council
I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of Gateshead Youth Council for the year ended 31 March 2024 as set out on pages 7 to 12.
RESPONSIBILITIES AND BASIS OF REPORT
As the charity trustees of the Trust 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 Trust’s accounts carried out under section 145 of the 2011 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 which gives me cause to believe that in, any material respect:
-
accounting records were not kept in respect of the Trust as required by section 130 of the Act; or
-
the accounts do not accord with the accounting records.
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.
Lilian Hetherington FCA Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England & Wales Connected Voice One Strawberry Lane Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 4BX
Date 29 January 2025
6
Charity Number 512712
GATESHEAD YOUTH COUNCIL
STATEMENT OF RECEIPTS AND PAYMENTS
For the year ended 31 March 2024
| 2 Grant income 3 4 Payments: 5 Net of receipts/payments Operation of the charity Total payments Charitable activities Total receipts Donations, gift aid and legacy Receipts: Investments Charitable activities Voluntary Receipts Notes Cash funds this year end Reconciliation: Cash funds last year end |
Unrestricted Funds £ 4,275 - 673 4,948 6,245 6,245 ( 1,297 ) 3,756 2,459 |
Restricted Funds £ - 44,606 - 44,606 36,072 36,072 8,534 24,596 33,130 |
Total 2024 £ 4,275 44,606 673 49,554 42,317 42,317 7,237 28,352 35,589 |
Total 2023 £ |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8,382 20,806 64 |
||||
| 29,252 | ||||
| 28,885 | ||||
| 28,885 | ||||
| 367 27,985 |
||||
| 28,352 |
The notes on pages 9 to 12 form an integral part of these accounts.
7
Charity Number 512712
GATESHEAD YOUTH COUNCIL
STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES
As at 31 March 2024
| Cash funds: Cash at bank and in hand 8 Liabilities 9 Notes |
Unrestricted Funds £ 2,459 |
Restricted Funds £ 33,130 |
Total 2024 £ 35,589 240 |
Total 2023 £ |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 28,352 | ||||
| 240 |
These financial statements were approved by the Board on: 29 January 2025
and are signed on its behalf by: Sue Adams Chair
The notes on pages 9 to 12 form an integral part of these accounts.
8
Gateshead Youth Council
Notes to the Financial Statements
Year ended 31 March 2024
1. General information
The charity is a registered charity in England and Wales number 512712. The address of the registered office is 12 Gladstone Terrace, Gateshead, NE8 4DY.
Going concern
There are no material uncertainties about the charity’s ability to continue.
- Principal accounting policies
Accounting Convention
Being a small charity with total income of less than £250,000 the accruals method of accounting is not adopted.
On this basis only a receipts and payments account is produced together with a balance sheet.
These accounts are prepared on the historical cost convention.
Income
Income is recognised in the period in which it arises.
Expenditure
All expenditure is accounted for when paid. Costs to manage and administer the fund represent costs incurred attributable to the management of the fund’s assets, organisation, administration and compliance with the constitutional and statutory requirements.
Fund accounting
Unrestricted funds are available for use at the discretion of the trustees to further any of the charity's purposes.
Designated funds are unrestricted funds earmarked by the trustees for future projects or commitments.
Restricted funds are subjected to restrictions on their expenditure declared by the donor or through the terms of an appeal, almost all GYC income is in the form of restricted funds.
9
Gateshead Youth Council
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
For the year ended 31 March 2024
Analysis of receipts
| 2 Donations and legacies 3 Charitable Activities Income from grants Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner Gateshead Council HAF Gateshead Council UKYP DWF Foundation 4 Receipts from investments Bank interest Donations and gifts The Key Lankelly Chase Other |
Unrestricted Funds £ 2,687 1,228 360 4,275 - - - - - - 673 673 |
Restricted Funds £ - - - - 32,720 4,090 4,820 1,000 1,976 44,606 - - |
Total 2024 £ 2,687 1,228 360 4,275 32,720 4,090 4,820 1,000 1,976 44,606 673 673 |
Total 2023 £ |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7,086 250 1,046 |
||||
| 8,382 |
||||
| - - 20,806 - - |
||||
| 20,806 | ||||
| 64 | ||||
| 64 |
Receipts were £49,554 (2023: £29,252) of which £44,606 was restricted (2023: £20,806).
10
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Gateshead Youth Council
For the year ended 31 March 2024
Analysis of payments on charitable activities
| 5 | Charitable activities Direct costs Support costs Governance costs Independent examiner's fees for reporting on the accounts Activities/events Travel BBC House Rent Services Bank charges Miscellaneous HAF expenses One Voice Key Projects |
Unrestricted Funds £ - - - - - - 1,643 2,780 1,398 184 240 6,245 |
Restricted Funds £ 6,614 1,370 17,811 4,647 4,241 1,389 - - - - - 36,072 |
Total 2024 £ 6,614 1,370 17,811 4,647 4,241 1,389 1,643 2,780 1,398 184 240 42,317 |
Total 2023 £ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4,076 456 - 19,594 753 - - 2,500 1,418 88 - |
|||||
| 28,885 |
Payments on charitable activities was £22,591 (2023: £50,039) of which £nil was restricted (2023: £nil).
6 Fees for examination of the accounts
| Outstanding independent examiner's fees for reporting on the accounts |
2024 £ 240 240 |
2023 £ |
|---|---|---|
| 240 | ||
| 240 |
There were no other fees paid to the examiner (2023: £nil)
7 Corporation Taxation
The charity is exempt from tax on income and gains falling within section 505 of the Taxes Act 1988 or section 252 of the Taxation of Chargeable Gains Act 1992 to the extent that these are applied to its charitable objectives.
11
Gateshead Youth Council
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
For the year ended 31 March 2024
8 Cash at bank and in hand
| Cash at bank and in hand | ||
|---|---|---|
| Cash at bank Cash in hand |
2024 £ 35,197 392 35,589 |
2023 £ |
| 27,817 535 |
||
| 28,352 |
| 9 Independent examination of accounts Liabilities (payable within 1 year) |
2024 £ 240 240 |
2023 £ |
|---|---|---|
| 240 | ||
| 240 |
10 Events after the end of the reporting period
No events (not requiring adjustment to the accounts) have occurred after the end of the reporting period but before the accounts are authorised which relate to conditions that arose after the end of the reporting period.
11 Capital commitments
As at 31 March 2024, the charity had no capital commitments (2023 -£nil)
12
Charity Registration Number: 512712
Gateshead Youth Council Financial Statements For the endi year ng
31 March 2024
Gateshead Youth Council
Financial Statements
Year ended 31 March 2024
| Page No | |
|---|---|
| Trustees’ annual report | 1 - 5 |
| Independent examiner’s report to the trustees | 6 |
| Receipts and Payments account | 7 |
| Balance Sheet | 8 |
| Notes to the financial statements | 9 - 12 |
Gateshead Youth Council
Trustees’ Annual Report
Year ended 31 March 2024
The trustees present their report and the unaudited financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31 March 2024.
Our aims and objectives
The overall aim of the Gateshead Youth Council as set out in its Constitution is to target young people aged 11-25. It develops projects and services and involves itself in areas concerning youth issues. Its aim is to continue to be a channel for organisations to express views and opinions collectively to LAs or government on issues concerning them. GYC responds directly to the issues of organisations and young people in order to fulfil their needs.
The Gateshead Youth Council delivers this mission though its strategic objectives which include:
Identity and Distinctiveness
To be at the forefront of engaging with the young people to advance their education and social transformation by providing engagement opportunities through group work that are relevant to their needs.
To ensure that young people are given correct information, guidance and support, this in turn enables them to make informed choices for themselves.
To raise aspiration and achievement and to enable young people to challenge, question and evaluate, encouraging them to play a full part in a changing society.
To work with young people and their families and give guidance and support with regards to education, health, emotional wellbeing, safeguarding, and any other issues that are relevant to the welfare of young people.
To deliver a person-centred way meaning that the young person is at the core of the support offered.
To work with young p e o p l e t o support and encourage them to develop resilience, problem solving and skills to help them physically and emotionally.
To offer a service focused on engagement in decision making to improve outcomes for young people. The aim is to address problems at the earliest opportunity before they are able to escalate and by helping to break the longer term intergenerational cycle of poor outcomes. We do this by supporting, enabling and supporting young people to develop their world views in safe spaces and to practice making decisions in a supportive environment.
1
Gateshead Youth Council
Trustees' Annual Report
Year ended 31 March 2024
Partnerships
To develop and sustain productive multiagency relationships which support the development and enhance the life of young people. We actively seek out positive partnerships and welcome other providers who can enhance the outcomes of young p e o p l e .
Innovation
To be imaginative, creative and enterprising: open and responsive to new areas and ways of working to further the mission of the Gateshead Youth Council.
To advocate on behalf of young people.
To work in innovative ways which celebrate and draw upon the experience and knowledge of staff, young people, their communities and relevant professionals sharing expertise and learning from each other.
To be guided and develop good practice by listening to the needs and issues that face young people, and alongside them develop good practice.
Through these activities the Gateshead Youth Council meets its charitable objective of targeting young people aged 11-25, developing projects and services and involving itself in areas concerning youth issues. The aim is to continue to be a channel for organisations and individuals to express views and opinions collectively to LAs or government on issues concerning them. GYC responds directly to the issues of organisations and young people in order to fulfil their needs.
Our Beneficiaries
The Gateshead Youth Council is dedicated to:
-
Young people who either live, work or are educated in Gateshead.
-
The families of these Young People, where their involvement facilitates better involvement of the Young Person.
The Public Benefit we provide:
The Gateshead Youth Council is committed to ensure that it is:
-
Helping to break the longer-term intergenerational cycle of poor outcomes for
-
young people.
-
Improves the qualifications, skills, and employability of the individuals it engages.
-
Benefits in other areas of/contributes to public policy, for example in
-
enhancing health and wellbeing, reducing dependency on public services, supporting families and up skilling volunteers.
-
Transforms the lives of individuals which in turn contribute to the development
-
of cohesive and resilient communities.
-
Supports the regions' need to up skill young people and address issues of
-
social deprivation, poverty and economic inactivity.
2
Gateshead Youth Council
Trustees' Annual Report
Year ended 31 March 2024
How we measure the Benefit we provide
The Gateshead Youth Council measures the impact of its work in several ways, primarily using data which is measured against internal performance indicators and where possible against external benchmarks.
Achievements and performance
GYC deliver weekly sessions with groups of young people to support them in developing and delivering their own social action projects and personal development programmes such as the IMPACT course.
GYC offer at least three separate sessions weekly for young people to attend and work on their social action, volunteering and personal development programmes.
Financial review
The Charity received a gross income during the year of £49,554.
Principal funding sources in 2023/2024 come from Gateshead Council, the Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner and Lankelly Chase group in a collaborative project with NEDES. The Charity has a fundraising strategy in place and will never apply for funding that does not meet the direct needs of the Young People in Gateshead.
Reserves Policy
The Board of Trustees have not had an established a policy whereby the unrestricted funds not committed are held by the Charity but g o i n g f o r w a r d h a v e a g r e e d t h a t i n t h e f i n a n c i a l p e r i o d 2 0 2 3 – 2 0 2 5 w e w i l l a i m t o b u i l d a r e s e r v e e q u a l t o 6 – 1 2 m o n t h s o f r u n n i n g c o s t s . At the current level, the board feel that they would be able to continue the activities of the Charity for 6 months in the event of a significant drop in funding. The figure calculated for this is £8,000.00. At present the free reserves amount to almost £2,500. This is the same as last year as we have not been in a position to accrue more.
Risk Review
The Board of Trustees have examined the major risks the organisation face and confirm that systems have been established to enable regular reports to be produced so that the necessary steps would be taken to minimise any significant risk.
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Gateshead Youth Council
Trustees' Annual Report
Year ended 31 March 2024
Plans for future periods.
Gateshead Youth Council will continue to offer learning opportunities and support services to young people, the work being informed by on-going evaluation of the services offered, involving both participants and workers, and in consultation with the Board of Trustees.
To evolve and develop the Project with the changing needs and issues that face young people, to be responsive to those needs and develop new areas for working. - To continue to work with and train young volunteers, to enhance volunteers self - confidence and self belief.
We will continue to apply for Charity and Statutory Funding as it becomes available. To continually search for new funding opportunities. To develop further training opportunities for young people. That would also bring into the Project some core funding.
We are moving forward and are very positive and excited about the future of Gateshead Youth Council.
Structure, governance and management
Governing Document
Gateshead Youth Council (512712) was originally established as a registered Charity 1979. In 2014 Gateshead Council withdrew its financial support for the Project as part of the government cuts to services. GYC retained the day-to-day support of one Youth & Community worker who while employed and paid by Gateshead Council worked with GYC to deliver our programmes for young people in collaboration.
Organisational Structure
Gateshead Youth Council is a registered charity with a Board of Trustees which consists of individuals and includes young p e o p l e . The Chief Executive has overall responsibility for the day-to-day management of the organisation,
Public Benefit
As a registered charity the Gateshead Youth Council is committed to demonstrating the benefits that it's work provides for individuals, communities and the wider public. This statement sets out the aims, mission and strategic objectives of GYC, outlines the beneficiaries it serves and the impact and benefits of the personal and social development learning opportunities it provides for young people in Gateshead.
Recruitment, Induction and Training of Management Committee
- Recruitment and Appointment of the Board of Trustees Each year at the Annual General Meeting all members of the Committee stand down and a new Committee is elected. The organisation has a core group of individuals who have a range of valuable skills and experience to bring to the organisation. Each year young pe o pl e (under - 3 0 years) who have first hand knowledge and experience of the Project are also voted on to the Committee. Two members of our groups are also invited to the Board and their involvement is flexible according to their needs.
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Gateshead Youth Council
Trustees' Annual Report
Year ended 31 March 2024
- Induction and Training of the Board of trustees Each Board meeting forms part of the on-going 'training' of the members, and runs in a way that empowers and informs new members. Young People are given training after being elected, as they are regarded as the 'Experts by experience' and represent all young people who use the project.
Reference and administrative details
Registered charity name Gateshead Youth Council Charity registration 512712 number 11/12 Gladstone Principal office and Terrace registered office Gateshead NE8 4DY
The trustees:
Chair: Sue Adams Vice Chair: Lucy Adams Treasurer: Matthew Spry Ordinary Representatives: Mike Laugharne Richard Adams Mahnoor Mansoor Andrew Adams Josh Smith Etta Beckreck Benjamin Johnson Sophie Adams Faith Henderson Lucie Hardy GYA places on BoT: Edda Stenbom-Moss Maebh Carey Independent Examiner Lilian Hetherington Connected Voice One Strawberry Lane Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 4BX
Approved by the Trustees on 29 January 2025
and signed on their behalf by:
Mrs S D Adams Trustee
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Gateshead Youth Council
Annual report and financial statements
Year ended 31 March 2024
Independent examiner’s report to the trustees of Gateshead Youth Council
I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of Gateshead Youth Council for the year ended 31 March 2024 as set out on pages 7 to 12.
RESPONSIBILITIES AND BASIS OF REPORT
As the charity trustees of the Trust 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 Trust’s accounts carried out under section 145 of the 2011 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 which gives me cause to believe that in, any material respect:
-
accounting records were not kept in respect of the Trust as required by section 130 of the Act; or
-
the accounts do not accord with the accounting records.
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.
Lilian Hetherington FCA Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England & Wales Connected Voice One Strawberry Lane Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 4BX
Date 29 January 2025
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Charity Number 512712
GATESHEAD YOUTH COUNCIL
STATEMENT OF RECEIPTS AND PAYMENTS
For the year ended 31 March 2024
| 2 Grant income 3 4 Payments: 5 Net of receipts/payments Operation of the charity Total payments Charitable activities Total receipts Donations, gift aid and legacy Receipts: Investments Charitable activities Voluntary Receipts Notes Cash funds this year end Reconciliation: Cash funds last year end |
Unrestricted Funds £ 4,275 - 673 4,948 6,245 6,245 ( 1,297 ) 3,756 2,459 |
Restricted Funds £ - 44,606 - 44,606 36,072 36,072 8,534 24,596 33,130 |
Total 2024 £ 4,275 44,606 673 49,554 42,317 42,317 7,237 28,352 35,589 |
Total 2023 £ |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8,382 20,806 64 |
||||
| 29,252 | ||||
| 28,885 | ||||
| 28,885 | ||||
| 367 27,985 |
||||
| 28,352 |
The notes on pages 9 to 12 form an integral part of these accounts.
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Charity Number 512712
GATESHEAD YOUTH COUNCIL
STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES
As at 31 March 2024
| Cash funds: Cash at bank and in hand 8 Liabilities 9 Notes |
Unrestricted Funds £ 2,459 |
Restricted Funds £ 33,130 |
Total 2024 £ 35,589 240 |
Total 2023 £ |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 28,352 | ||||
| 240 |
These financial statements were approved by the Board on: 29 January 2025
and are signed on its behalf by: Sue Adams Chair
The notes on pages 9 to 12 form an integral part of these accounts.
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Gateshead Youth Council
Notes to the Financial Statements
Year ended 31 March 2024
1. General information
The charity is a registered charity in England and Wales number 512712. The address of the registered office is 12 Gladstone Terrace, Gateshead, NE8 4DY.
Going concern
There are no material uncertainties about the charity’s ability to continue.
- Principal accounting policies
Accounting Convention
Being a small charity with total income of less than £250,000 the accruals method of accounting is not adopted.
On this basis only a receipts and payments account is produced together with a balance sheet.
These accounts are prepared on the historical cost convention.
Income
Income is recognised in the period in which it arises.
Expenditure
All expenditure is accounted for when paid. Costs to manage and administer the fund represent costs incurred attributable to the management of the fund’s assets, organisation, administration and compliance with the constitutional and statutory requirements.
Fund accounting
Unrestricted funds are available for use at the discretion of the trustees to further any of the charity's purposes.
Designated funds are unrestricted funds earmarked by the trustees for future projects or commitments.
Restricted funds are subjected to restrictions on their expenditure declared by the donor or through the terms of an appeal, almost all GYC income is in the form of restricted funds.
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Gateshead Youth Council
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
For the year ended 31 March 2024
Analysis of receipts
| 2 Donations and legacies 3 Charitable Activities Income from grants Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner Gateshead Council HAF Gateshead Council UKYP DWF Foundation 4 Receipts from investments Bank interest Donations and gifts The Key Lankelly Chase Other |
Unrestricted Funds £ 2,687 1,228 360 4,275 - - - - - - 673 673 |
Restricted Funds £ - - - - 32,720 4,090 4,820 1,000 1,976 44,606 - - |
Total 2024 £ 2,687 1,228 360 4,275 32,720 4,090 4,820 1,000 1,976 44,606 673 673 |
Total 2023 £ |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7,086 250 1,046 |
||||
| 8,382 |
||||
| - - 20,806 - - |
||||
| 20,806 | ||||
| 64 | ||||
| 64 |
Receipts were £49,554 (2023: £29,252) of which £44,606 was restricted (2023: £20,806).
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NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Gateshead Youth Council
For the year ended 31 March 2024
Analysis of payments on charitable activities
| 5 | Charitable activities Direct costs Support costs Governance costs Independent examiner's fees for reporting on the accounts Activities/events Travel BBC House Rent Services Bank charges Miscellaneous HAF expenses One Voice Key Projects |
Unrestricted Funds £ - - - - - - 1,643 2,780 1,398 184 240 6,245 |
Restricted Funds £ 6,614 1,370 17,811 4,647 4,241 1,389 - - - - - 36,072 |
Total 2024 £ 6,614 1,370 17,811 4,647 4,241 1,389 1,643 2,780 1,398 184 240 42,317 |
Total 2023 £ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4,076 456 - 19,594 753 - - 2,500 1,418 88 - |
|||||
| 28,885 |
Payments on charitable activities was £22,591 (2023: £50,039) of which £nil was restricted (2023: £nil).
6 Fees for examination of the accounts
| Outstanding independent examiner's fees for reporting on the accounts |
2024 £ 240 240 |
2023 £ |
|---|---|---|
| 240 | ||
| 240 |
There were no other fees paid to the examiner (2023: £nil)
7 Corporation Taxation
The charity is exempt from tax on income and gains falling within section 505 of the Taxes Act 1988 or section 252 of the Taxation of Chargeable Gains Act 1992 to the extent that these are applied to its charitable objectives.
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Gateshead Youth Council
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
For the year ended 31 March 2024
8 Cash at bank and in hand
| Cash at bank and in hand | ||
|---|---|---|
| Cash at bank Cash in hand |
2024 £ 35,197 392 35,589 |
2023 £ |
| 27,817 535 |
||
| 28,352 |
| 9 Independent examination of accounts Liabilities (payable within 1 year) |
2024 £ 240 240 |
2023 £ |
|---|---|---|
| 240 | ||
| 240 |
10 Events after the end of the reporting period
No events (not requiring adjustment to the accounts) have occurred after the end of the reporting period but before the accounts are authorised which relate to conditions that arose after the end of the reporting period.
11 Capital commitments
As at 31 March 2024, the charity had no capital commitments (2023 -£nil)
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