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2024-03-31-accounts

Derwentside Detached Youth Project Supporting young people in the Community Sin￿ 1981 Annual Report Aprll 2023 - March 2024 DERWENTSIDE Detached Youth Project Iir I'ii Room 40, Glenroyd House, Medomsley Road, Consett, Co Durham DH8 5HL Tel: 01207501863 Email: Websits: h Facebook: Derwentside Detached Youth Project Registered Charity No: 513336

Contents

Foreword-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Owen Temple, Treasurer--------------------------------------------------- 3
Meet the Trustees-------------------------------------------------------------- 5
Meet the Team ------------------------------------------------------------------ 6
Chair’s Report
Jeff Davison------------------------------------------------------------------ 7
Project Managers Report
Jackie Forbes ----------------------------------------------------------------- 8
About The Project--------------------------------------------------------------- 11
Workers’ Reports
Diane Wordsworth – Youth Worker & Megan Sinden – Support Worker-- 13
Megan Sinden – Community Worker – Grove & Moorside----------------- 15
Lynn Walton, Youth Worker & Hannah Lesley, Support Worker----------- 16
The Young People Comments-------------------------------------------------- 19
Community Transport ----------------------------------------------------------- 23
DDYP Accounts 2023 - 2024 --------------------------------------------------- 24
Statement of Assets & Liabilities --------------------------------------------- 25
Independent Examiners Report ----------------------------------------------- 25
Acknowledgements ----------------------------------------------------------- 27

Front Cover: Leadgate YP Trip to InflateSpace. See: Youth Worker Report: Diane Wordsworth – Youth Worker & Megan Sinden – Support Youth Worker; pages 13 – 15 for further information

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FOREWORD

I first came across Derwentside Detached Youth Project through a contact at church when I returned to Consett in 1993. In those days the project was still called Consett Churches Detached Youth Project, having been set up in 1981 by visionaries in the local churches who recognised the problems that the closure of the steel works would cause for the town’s young people.

Equally visionary was that they recognised that its mission must be to meet young people where they hung out, not in organised youth clubs. They recognised that many of them, living in homes that had lost employment and without expectations of finding local employment quickly, would be rootless and directionless. That meant that the task would be for trained youth workers to get alongside them and help them to find positive opportunities in life – not to preach at them!

I was immediately impressed with the variety of activities the young people got up to: reaching out to the people of Chernobyl after the nuclear power plant’s disaster, exploring the natural world from a base in Kielder, making and editing videos to name just a few things. I was impressed, but never imagined I would ever become involved with it.

Now, just finishing off my 15[th] set annual accounts for the project, I watch it from the inside and am just as impressed. Young people’s daily lives today are very different from those of the 1980s. They live in a much more technological age, but they are fundamentally the same – seeking to make sense of and find a future that makes life look good. And the project still has the same vision, to get alongside those young people, especially young people whose future looks less bright, and help them to find positive opportunities in life.

The young people who come to the project find inspiration in doing things they would never have expected, like going a residential trip on a sailing ship, a theatre or skiing trip, or even just organising and serving a meal to older people. It’s not always the extraordinary that lives longest in the memory. Some find their place in the calm of the art therapy group, others their confidence in the LGBTQ+ group, but in whatever they choose, all have a place where they can explore life alongside a trusted adult.

It demands the same professionalism, empathy and resilience in our youth workers as it did in earlier days. They work unsocial hours, often out in bad weather, and take the rough with the smooth whilst always retaining their positive commitment to young people. I couldn’t do it, and nor could most of those who read this!

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It takes skill and dedication for the Project Manager to attract and cultivate the funding sources that we rely on so heavily, and to keep doing it through the cycle of short-term funding which charities and the “Third Sector” live with. And all that has to be done alongside the ordinary demands of managing the organisation’s team and back-room administration single-handedly.

Finally it takes a team of volunteers to guide the project and ensure that it meets its charitable goals. It’s an ongoing challenge to renew and refresh the trustee body, a task that gets no easier in an age in which charities regularly report that they are experiencing a decline in volunteering.

I can only say that I take my hat off to the whole team, and all that it achieves.

Owen Temple, Treasurer

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Meet the Trustee’s

Jeffrey Davison – Chair

----- Start of picture text -----
Anne Leech– Secretary Owen Temple – Treasurer
Jane Brown Catherine Harwood
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The Trustees play a vital role in any Project and it is appreciated the work and time they give to our success.

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Meet the Team

Jackie Forbes – Project Manager

Diane Wordsworth – Detached Youth Worker

Lynn Walton – Detached Youth Worker

Megan Sinden – support Youth Worker

Hannah Lesley - Support Worker

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CHAIRS REPORT

It’s hard to believe another year has gone by so quickly, I have lost count of how many years I have been involved with the Project, as a Detached Youth Worker, a Trustee and now the Chairperson. It has all been a privilege and a great experience watching so many young people benefit from the support they receive from youth workers.

Back in 1981 when the Project was founded, I believe it was thought to be short term, to ensure the welfare of the young people in the area, who knew it would last this long.

The Project has changed with the times, however our principles remain the same, nonjudgmental, reaching out to young people is still the motivation for the team, and the only change has been our name.

In some cases it seems nothing has changed, young people still need to share their fears, anxieties and hopes for the future. As we look forward to the future our hope and vision is to see a non-judgmental and fair minded society where young people are accepted for who they are and for what they contribute. Of course they are all different, not all will be “big achievers” but they all deserve their place in society and all contribute in their own way.

The strength of the Project has grown stronger each year, facing new challenges, changing the approach to the way we work. The work takes time and commitment, we can’t walk away from problems as they arise, and there is no quick fix!

The Project has faced so many obstacles over the years, each year brining its own particular issues. Poverty with today’s economic climate has left so many young people, and their families, wondering what the future holds for them.

Funding has always been an issue to small charities like ours, however we have overcome this obstacle, not always easy, but our longevity says a lot about us and the support our grant giving bodies give us, some for many years, highlights the trust in our commitment.

The Project is still here, with a dedicated team, thriving and surviving everything that comes their way, simply for the wellbeing of the young people we engage. I am certain it will still be around for many years to come.

Jeff Davison – Chair of Trustee

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PROJECT MANAGERS REPORT

My many years working within the Project brings me great joy, no two years are the same. Each year we face new challenges, not only financially but also emotionally. We see so many issues facing young people and their families, this has not changed since the beginning.

We have a solid team of dedicated youth workers who all go that extra mile to support young people and their families in the area.

Over the past year we have worked in new areas, at the request of residents we set up a drop in for young people in Leadgate, run by Diane & Megan. They are also responsible for the much attended drop in at Burnhope, a very rural area where there is no other youth provision and transport is to sparse for them to go into the towns. Diane & Megan are also responsible for the re-launch of the LGTBQ+ drop in. A group which has always been well supported, however as is the nature of the young people we engage with they move on to other things, i.e. college, work etc., and find they do not have the time to attend. We now have a new regular group attending each week. This is invaluable as there is no other facility of this nature in the area.

This year we were fortunate to receive funding to provide a Community Worker in the Moorside/Grove area. This was at the request of local residents and Councillors. Since the closure of the Phoenix centre which provided so many community activities in the Moorside area there has been nothing at all. The local residents were left feeling isolated and forgotten, they felt they were not belonging to any Community. The area comes with many issues with a high level of depravation. The community have really welcomed our input and are relating to Megan, who is also continuing with her support youth work. She has been able to support many groups and initiated new ones.

Lynn and Hannah, our other team are equally busy with their Art Therapy Group for young people, the weekly Roots & Wings café, the much attended drop in at Moorside and their wellbeing group which is held in the Tesco Community Room.

Young people come to us either through referrals from other agencies or our engagement through detached work.

There are many highlights over the years, some of which will be in the workers reports. Sometimes I am fortunate to be able to go along and meet the young people either at the drop ins or during an offsite activity, giving me the opportunity to hear what they have to say and how the youth workers have made a difference in their lives.

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My highlight is just seeing the difference our work makes to the young people and families in the area and the positive feedback we receive.

Of course funding is a major priority for myself and we are thankful for every penny we receive. Our longevity speaks volumes, so many small charities have disappeared over recent years, however with hard work and determination I am confident Derwentside Detached Project will be here for many years to come.

Jackie Forbes – Project Manager

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ABOUT OUR PROJECT

Our Project was founded back in 1981 following the closure of the main employers in the area, The Steel Works and local coalmines. Unemployment brought with it many problems, families breaking up, depression, alcoholism, mental health, petty crime and anti-social behaviour. The main concern of the founders was for the young people in the area and their futures.

Today there has been very little change in circumstances, although new employers have come into the area, very few have stayed and there has been none on the same scale as the Steel Works. Although we are situated in Consett town centre, we are surrounded by many rural villages, most of which have no youth provision, or very little. The young people have a feeling of been “left behind” due to the lack of opportunities available to them. Our Detached Youth Workers target these young people considered “at risk” hanging around streets, parks, bus shelters etc. Our aim is to engage them in alternative leisure activities, usually initiated and planned by young people themselves.

Experience has taught us that boredom plays a major part in them becoming involved in antisocial behaviour, petty crime, dabbling in drugs and/or alcohol. By talking to them, and more importantly listening to them we can address issues and problems facing young people engaged. Alongside our detached work we run many residentials, outdoor activities, and issue based workshops often working in partnership with other agencies in the area. The workshops include many relevant topics, i.e. sexual health, healthy eating, drug and/or alcohol misuse, teenage pregnancy, emotional and mental wellbeing, and life skills. Our workers are here to listen to the needs of the young people and address them accordingly. Workshops are targeted at topics raised by the young people.

Emphasis is placed on improving quality of life, raising self-esteem, learning new skills, physical and emotional wellbeing. Our workers listen to their needs in relation to social, health and education, facilitating them in attaining their goals and become active members of their communities. We are learning more young people are suffering from anxieties and mental issued, this came to light during the recent pandemic, they seemed to take on the stress that the whole family were dealing with. We can offer guidance and support, sometimes referring them to specialist agencies.

Our role is not to “get kids off the streets” but to work alongside the young people, guiding them through adolescence and helping them to make the successful transition to adulthood with the confidence to achieve their personal goals. It is important to allow young people to also enjoy

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their young lives and have fun, engaging with others, experiencing new challenges and letting them know they are never alone; that there is always somebody to listen to them.

Not every young person we work with becomes “high flyers”, our ultimate outcome is for them to grow confident, happy, achieving their full potential and their own personal goals.

Positive youth work is as crucial today as it was back in 1981 with as many young people needing our support as ever. With the continued support of our funders, volunteers and staff we will maintain our high level of service in the area.

Young People Walks

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Youth Worker Reports

Youth Work is vital for nurturing the potential of young people providing them with the guidance, support and opportunities they need to flourish, through helping young people to develop skills, explore their identities and engage with their communities, youth work plays a vital role in shaping the future of society. I love my job because it allows me to witness the impact of empowering young people, seeing them grow in confidence, resilience and capability and knowing that I am contributing to creating a brighter and more inclusive future for generations to come.

ACTIVITIES

Throughout the year we hold various activities, trips and residentials. See a selection of images from in the following below, these being from the last 12 months.

Leadgate Trip to InflateSpace

Burnhope at Winter Wonderland

LGBTQ+ Drop In

Our LGBTQ+ Youth Drop In is going really well. We provide a safe space for young people to connect, share experiences and access resources. The success of the drop in is a testament to the importance of fostering acceptance and empowerment; however we are aware of the challenges faced by young LGBTQ+ including discrimination, bullying and rejection by family and peers. Even attending our drop ins takes immense courage for many because of the fear of judgement., but despite this their determination to seek support is inspiring. We are committed to improving our services to ensure that every LGBTQ+ young person feels valued, respected and able to embrace their authentic selves without fear or shame.

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----- Start of picture text -----
Senior Citizens Christmas Afternoon Tea Trip to Hollywood Bowl
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----- Start of picture text -----
Edinburgh Residential Frightwater Valley Trip
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Burnhope Youth Drop In

The success of Burnhope Youth Drop In situated in a semi-rural area with no other amenities for young people is a testament to its invaluable role in the community. Despite the challenges of operating in a semi- rural setting the drop in has thrived, offering a safe and inclusive space where young people can explore their interests, create friendships and access guidance and support.

Leadgate Youth Drop In

Leadgate Drop In is a crucial lifeline in the community. Serving as a place where young people can find positive outlets for their time and energy. By offering engaging activities, workshops, mentorship and a supportive environment it serves as a deterrent to the risk and temptation of alcohol and substance abuse which is a major concern for local residents in the village. The drop In’s presence not only safeguards the wellbeing of our young people but also creates a sense of belonging and purpose.

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“Be the Scriptwriters of your destiny and feature yourselves as stars that showed the way

towards a brighter future”

Quotation by (Nelson Mandela)

Diane Wordsworth – Youth Worker

Megan Sinden – Support Youth Worker

The Grove & Moorside

Embracing my new role as a community worker in Moorside has been a rewarding experience. While it differs from my previous positions, I have adapted quickly and discovered a deep passion for this work. Both my youth work and community work bring me great joy, and I am grateful to be one of the fortunate few who genuinely look forward to starting each workday with enthusiasm.

The past year has been filled with remarkable achievements within community work. Since its launch in October, the community meals programme has thrived, attracting around 20-30 attendees weekly, along with providing takeaway and delivery options for those unable to join in person.

Additionally, I have organised a variety of events and programmes that have been very well received by the community. These include:

In my role, I have also supported various groups in the church hall, including the baby and toddler group, the adult arts and crafts group, and the drama club. I have provided guidance and assistance, particularly in securing funding and advising on how to maximise their financial potential. I hope these groups continue to thrive, and I will always be available to help whenever needed.

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One of the greatest successes in my community work over the past 12 months has been the Christmas party held at St. John's Church Hall. With over 80 children in attendance, it was wonderful to see the hall bustling with vendors and community members. The event was a tremendous success, and I look forward to organising it again this year.

Reflecting on the past year, I am proud of the progress and positive impact made in the Moorside community. At the start, it was challenging to engage with the community, but gradually, strong connections have been built and it's heartening to hear positive feedback from residents. I am excited to continue this journey and look forward to the coming year.

I would like to say a huge thank you to County Durham Foundation; The Ballinger Trust; Derwent Valley AAP; Councillor Dominic Heaney and all the volunteers without all this input the work could not have gone ahead and become a successful project.

Megan Sinden – Community Worker; The Grove & Moorside.

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We have had a very busy but productive year working with young people aged 10 to 18 years of age across the groups we facilitate.

Moorside St John’s Hall:

In addition to the weekly drop in we provided holiday activities and 2 fun days supported by Holiday Hunger.

Our first fun day was during the Easter Holidays with an attendance of 35.

We provided art and craft activities, and a face painter young people were provided with free food. The event was a huge success. During the summer we went on a woodland walk down to Allensford Picnic site, ten young people enjoyed time with the workers as well as the picnic we provided.

Christmas time we ran an Intergenerational project, Young people and older members of the community made Christmas Wreaths, giving everyone the opportunity to mix with other members of their community. The finished wreaths very impressive thanks to our floral instructors. The activity enabled the young people to take part in a different kind of activity as well as learning new skills.

Since January we have had a steady number of young people attending the weekly drop in which is growing week by week.

One successful wreath with one very proud young person.

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Roots and Wings:

Has grown in numbers over the last year with an average attendance of 35 young people. During the summer young people went on a boat trip to the small Islands near Holy Island. At Christmas time the older ones attended the pantomime at Consett Empire while the younger ones had a trip to Raby Castle and explored the enchanted wood as well as seeing the deer in the grounds. January we had new members joining us.

Therapeutic Art Group

Young people appreciate this group as most of those attending are autistic, or have issues which prevent them from socialising in large groups.

We provide activities for art and craft, sometimes the young people suggest or take ownership of how the session will run. We have some fabulous art work which the young people have completed. Those who attend appreciate the safe space and the workers who are there to listen to them. We have had referrals from One Point social services. The group is kept small to enable the young people to receive the support they need as well as giving them time to talk to the workers.

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Tesco Community Room:

We have an average of 8 young people attending this group which is mainly for emotional support and well-being. It is an ideal setting for providing workshops. Our last group work session looked at the health risks of vaping. Young people have had discussions around a variety of different topics examples, bullying, and problems at school, sexual health and much more. The topics are initiated by issues that are relevant to the group. When it is felt that a young person in the group is confident enough to leave the group they are encouraged to move on to other projects leaving space for a another young person who needs the support.

Lynn Walton Youth Worker & Hannah Lesley - Support Worker

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SOME COMMENTS FROM THE YOUNG PEOPLE 4t4.t&. • JS ootr Lall. 01 19

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Community Transport

Our Project is very fortunate to have a 16 seater minibus with disabled access which is part of the Community Transport scheme. It is not for general hire we are not competing with local businesses. The minibus is available for community groups in the area also for individuals who cannot access public transport through disability or poverty. It is also a massive boost to our own work as we have the availability of the bus for residentials and offsite activities.

Again in brings small problems as we no longer have volunteer drivers, mainly due to age and retirement so hirers do need to find their own drivers.

A group of young people (YP) accessing the minibus for a residential.

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DDYP Accounts 2023 - 2024 Derwentside Detsched Youth Project Accounts 2024 2024 ZO23 Total R•¢•lpts Grants Qon•lSffi5: Chur¢hes & lThJlvldua Fund Ralsl Glft Akl Red•lm Interest Other 8u5 Hlres Totsl recelpts Totsl £ 114.76926 1,185.85 50.467.IY) 196.24 £ 64.302.26 989.61 £ 77,853.30 167.95 1.860.22 167.95 1.860.22 9.97 1318.$0 £ 120.61&75 372.65 432.47 2.223.CO £ 8OJ41.42 2.31850 55J14.91 £ 65.301.84 Salar6es Nl & Pension Stjff Expenses Staff Tralni Actfv￿•eS £t4vltles Counseifi Posta e Prlnt & ststlone Telephone Insurance 47.130.27 99.74 £ 27.793.34 73.65 £ 74J23.61 17339 00 £ 17,8893B 4345A2 £ 55.869.45 199.80 252.20 8.922.85 1,769.50 400. 321.08 2.480.40 524.77 152.16 3.015.Tr) 74.70 30.(Y) 2.400.13 149.CKI 866.25 552.88 £ 17.336.70 4.162.76 524A8 219.07 743J5 I65L76 $6&71 795.52 1765.00 568.71 335.52 1765.00 J42.iJ) nt & ￿her ¢osts Rent & rèles Volunteer & Committee E T￿stee & stsff develo Bus Cost5 Bank IT & Sodal Medla inc consuttan nt feiwned Mlscellaneous 2.927.33 115. 192733 i￿.00 4)L22 331.23 20.(X) £ 50,135.SI 20.00 £ I￿￿$$.49 58.317.98 £ 77A27.29 3.￿3.07 £ 15.166.33 £ 11163.26 3.514,13 Totsl F(thds b ht fotward 73.(￿.04 £ 23.683.26 £ 96.747.30 £ 76,96&61 70,(W.97 £ 38,849.59 £ ￿￿￿10.56 £ 80.410AI Trnnslers and 4d}ustthents DYP FUNDS AT YEAR END 4,798.34 6S,262.63 4.798.34 £ 43,647.93 £ 108,910.56 É 80.480.81 24

Statement of Assets & Liabilities Derw•ntside Detsdd Yoirth Projert stalen￿nt of Assets •nd Uabllftles- Year Ended 31 Marth 2024 Unrestrtted Ftsn Re51rthd FurMIs Pfe¥l￿S year Funds Retonclll¥ E 65.262.63 43647.93 £ 108.910.56 80480.81 Cash èt Bank and ift hand 31.3.23 £ 73,064.04 £ 23.$83.26 £ 96,747.30 Surpluslldéfkitl this year end TTrnsf¢rs 3D)3.07 4.798.34 £ 15.166.33 £ ￿.163.26 4.798.34 C•sh at bank and In h•xl 31.3.24 E 65.262.63 1 £ 43.647.93 J £ 108,910.56 B•nk ¥nd C•sh Balantès CAF Current Account CAF Gold ActOÈFnt CAF Cashcard Account Tax & Nl 04érpaMII-underpaid Petty Cash £ 26.755.22 £ 35.179.77 2,851.15 £ 26.755.22 £ 78,827.70 2,851.15 É 18mo.07 É 78.012.70 588.86 £ 43.647.93 476.49 476.49 55.67 £ 108.910.56 E 96,7a7,30 ptMocopkr lestimated value) cOmp￿er$ lestimated vjlue) i)ffite Furfiiture lestimatedl 500.00 21)0.00 71J).l)O 2fX). 700. OtPr Assets Iftestrlrt￿ lund) Minlbus Iwrlnen down 15% ojffeni ye•r) 7.512.00 £ 10.Ol6.IX> NIL NIL 25

Independent Examiners Report THE TRUSTEES OF DERWE This report Is on the Jccount of Derwenlydè Oetxhed Youth ProRrt (Charity Number 513336) for the year er4led 31 Marth 2024. AespMslbllltl•s and basls of repwl: s the Charltys ttustees. you are responslble for the preparation of the ￿to￿Tr￿ In •c¢ordance wlth the requirements of the Chafits Act 2011 {'the a$ amended. I report In respert of my examlnatton of the project's actounts carrled out under seCt￿n 145 of the Art and, in c4rrWng out my e3Kaminai¥)n, J have tolk)wed •U the •pplkablè DIre￿IOnS 8i¥n by the Ch•rity CJxnmi55ion under section 145{Sllbl of the A£t. I have completed my examination. I confimi that fio matt￿1 matters have come to my 4ttention in conrrtioD with the examinatlon whkh give me ¢ause to believe that any material re$F￿L . the &¢¢ounting records were N)t kepr in accordan￿ with SeCt￿n 130 of tr kt; or • the accounts do not accord wlth the aCmLthtlry record I have no concerns and come 4cross no other matters kn connect#)n with the examinat¥)n to wlmrh •ttentlon shoutd be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understandin8 of the accounts to be reached, In connection wilh my e¥aminaiKJn, no matiw has comè to my attent￿￿.. {11 whith gives me reasonable cause io believe thai in any material re5pert the feqvirernenl% to keep ac£ounting Trcords in accordance with S￿l0n 130 of the Ch•rities A￿." and to prepare accounts which accord with the accouniing ￿cOr[l$ •nd tompty wlth the It￿u￿tI requirements of the Charit￿5 Acl have not been met: ot 121 to whi¢h. in my opinion, atteniion should be drawn in order io enable a pmpr Understandi￿ of the •e¢oufitsto be rn¥hed. Si8ned,' enneth Williamson 28 Wh•rnley W•y. C•stltside CO￿ DH8 9QN Quallfflcall￿. Approved •t • General Nleetift8 of Derwentside Detsched Yourh Project on &"gned.' Dated 1&/7/l£y 26

Acknowledgements

The support we have received over the years has been immense, allowing us to continue to provide a valuable and much needed service in the community. From everyone here at our Project we say a big thank you to all who have given their support. Without this our work would be impossible.

Also a big “thank you” goes to our volunteers who are essential to the smooth running of any project. They give their time and commitment their support is immeasurable and very much appreciated.

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li/ the B.,IT.I,INGER Tudortrust Altogether better Durham LOTfERY FUNDED Derwenl Valley Area Actlon Partnernhlp COVNTY (OIAAVNITY H ADRIA vKHhlA TIIE Barbour FOITNDATION COMMUNITY FUND The Rothley Trust SIR TOM C.nWIE CHARITABLE TRL'5T 28

Derwentside Detached Youth Project (DDYP) Annual Report 2023 - 2024 Published by Jackie Forbes, Project Manager on behalf of the Trustees Design & Layout by DDYP Design Team

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