2022-12-31-accounts

Bowburn Youth Club - Annual Report 2022/23

Created by Joanne Eden and David Bonarius-Burns

Introduction – A Brief History of the Project

Bowburn youth project is a purpose built youth centre in the semi-rural village of Bowburn in County Durham.

Bowburn youth project is managed by Joanne Eden and supported by a strong Management Committee built up of local community members and County Councillors

Bowburn Boys’ Club was founded in 1935 by “Taff” Evans, headteacher of Bowburn School. It mainly used the old Miners’ Institute, opposite where the later Welfare Hall, where Bowburn Community Centre, now stands. But it also used, at different times, Crowtrees WM Club, the room above Mrs. Storey’s shop in Durham Road West, and Bowburn School. However the old Welfare was demolished after the new one was built in 1961. So plans were made to build a purpose built youth club.

The new DJ Evans Youth Club, named after the Boys’ Club founder, was opened by H.R.H. the Duke of Gloucester, President of the National Association of Boys Clubs, on 25th October 1963. It became a registered charity in 1964.

Though always officially a “youth club”, with registered charitable aims to cater for both boys and girls in the village and surrounding area, it was always known locally as “the boys’ clubs”, or even just “the boysie”. Its leader since 1936, Jim Griffiths, only retired in 1967.

The building was funded originally by local subscription and with the help of the National Association of Boys Clubs (now re-named the Durham Association for Boys and Girls Clubs) and the Coal Industry Social Welfare Organisation (CISWO). CISWO was then part of the NCB but is now an independent charity, and is still our landlord.

We are still affiliated to the Durham Association for Boys and Girls Clubs, whose local representative, Simon Healey, took over from John Ward as our youth leader in 1984 and served us till about 1990.

An extension was built in 1982, with a new games room next to the road and the entrance put round at the side. Access to this became easier in 1998, when a new footpath was constructed past the new entrance, linking Burn Street and Bowburn Library.

The club was forced to close in 1992 but it re-opened about three months later, with a new committee.

In 2003, with Beverley Philips as principal youth worker, the youth centre became the base for a wider area, including Coxhoe. It was re-named unofficially as “Bowburn Youth Project” although its charitable name remains the same, still named after “Taff” Evans. Joanne Eden has been our principal Youth Worker since 2005.

The premises are the responsibility of the local management committee. In about 2004, we started to plan a major refurbishment, after it was announced that a regeneration project in the village would release several million pounds for community buildings and projects. In due course it became clear that those plans could not be successful and the management committee, assisted by Joanne Eden and young members of the youth club, decided to plan a phased improvement to the building, instead.

Over the last ten years or so, we have created the IT room (from part of the old games room), replaced external doors and several windows, created and then completely overhauled the gym / weights room, carpeted floors, fitted a new kitchen and redecorated throughout at least twice. Funding for this came from various sources, including a number of grants from Durham County Council and significant fund-raising by young club members.

In 2008 the future of the youth centre was under threat. Recommendations were in place to only have one Community Centre in Bowburn and Children and Young People would be given a space within the Community Centre, this would mean the youth centre would likely have been demolished. A consultation was held and Young People came out in force to keep the Youth Centre open.

The outcome of these consultations resulted in the Youth Centre continuing exclusively for Children and Young People and the Community Centre for the wider community. The original Constitution has remained in place to protect the centre and Young People allowing it to continue to be exclusively for Children and Young People one of a very few left in the country.

Since then, we have come from strength to strength in terms of what we offer to our young people.

In 2009 we were delighted to receive grants from the governors of Sherburn Hospital and from the Big Lottery Fund, to enable us at last to make the whole building completely accessible. We now have ramps to all external doors, a fully accessible toilet, and all doorways wide enough for wheelchair access

In 2014 - the old gym had a whole new refurb with all new exercise equipment, this was done in partnership with wellness on wheels who identified the need for this resource in Bowburn. The community gym is open to members of the community

In 2015 both the male and female toilets have had a whole new refurb.

In 2023 the kitchen was refurbished. This was donated by Citrus Group who also donated some of their employee’s time to fit the kitchen. The refurbishment included the purchase of new equipment and white goods.

Due to cuts in funding from the County Council, Bowburn Parish Council have committed funds to pay for qualified Youth Workers ensuring Youth Provision continues in Bowburn for the foreseeable future.

Bowburn youth project is a centre based purpose built youth Centre, which provides provision for young people age 10 - 25 years. Over a 200 young people have accessed the provision in the last year. The young people are given the opportunity to participate in projects and activities that they choose to do. The last year has seen projects around raising self esteem and confidence, sexual health, mental health, internet safety, drug and alcohol awareness, health & fitness, cooking and life skills, CVs, interview skills, fundraising, planning events, environment, sport and fitness, Young Mums sessions and fitness class for girls.

As well as the Centre based activities on offer the young people have the holiday provision provided as well as Community events.

Our Aims

To provide positive opportunities, activities and experiences for young people in a safe warm environment

Supportive Relationships - Young people need supportive relationships with people they trust to help them develop their values and judgments, learn from experience, take responsibility, and manage pressures. We provide early help to inspire, support and protect young people, particularly the most vulnerable and disadvantaged, who need more help than their families and communities are able to provide, or whose family situation puts them at risk.

Strong Ambitions – Young people have energy and enthusiasm to shape and change the world in innovative and exciting ways. Most young people will form their own ambitions and pragmatic goals to achieve the following, whilst some will require extra help to do so:-

• Succeed in learning and work – understanding the value of education and committed to developing their skills for employment

• Live safe and healthy lives – having the confidence and resilience to make informed decisions and manage risk; and

• Be active in society – taking the initiative and demonstrating leadership to make a positive contribution to local communities and the wider world, with public and media recognition of their achievements

Good Opportunities – Young people need opportunities to learn and develop. We will work together so that every young person has the opportunity to reach their full potential and make sure those that require extra help to do so, receive it, through:-

• Education – through the use of informal education during our sessions.

• Personal and social development – through opportunities for personal challenge and responsibility – including work experience, and relationships with adults they trust that help them to develop the character, qualities and capabilities that they need to learn, build relationships, make informed choices, and become employable;

• Voice in society – through opportunities to express their views and influence public decision-making.

• A Focus on Health and Wellbeing – Young people have the opportunity to access sport and healthy lifestyle advice form qualified staff in a safe and peer lead environment.

Reflecting on COVID

Following the COVID pandemic the Centre has been busier than ever before. Nationally the effects of COVID are still being felt with the NSPCC reporting that COVID has had a significant impact on the mental health and welling of young people. There are indications that forms of child abuse have increased during the pandemic. Data shows that the pandemic has impacted on many young people relationships, financial situations and their physical and mental health. This has placed many families under heightened pressure.

This data mirrors what our youth work staff have experienced since opening back up form COVID, we have seen a significant decline in the mental health of our young people and a heightened need for additional support physically, mentally and financially.

As an organisation where lucky to be able to remain open as an essential business. Staff needed to rapidly adapt how they delivered sessions and in 2020 we received a grant from the County Councillors which allowed us to refurbish our outside space, helping us remain open in a safe way for our young people.

Some Key Achievement

 This year has seen the youth club go from strength to strength we have a junior youth club providing a smooth transition for young people into senior sessions.

 The community gym is proving to be a giant step towards our goal of breaking down the barriers between different groups within the community. Spinning classes are open to everyone over the age of 12 years and fitness classes have people aged 12 to 60 all working together with a common goal to get fit and healthy.

 The annual fun day was a huge success which saw young people taking on responsible roles in the planning, organising and delivering on the day.

 The building and outside gardens have continued to be improved, which provides a safe, warm and welcoming place for young people to meet. The interior has been upgraded with new LED lights, using funding donated by our local county councillors which has helped us reduce our energy consumption. We have also had a new fitted kitchen donated by Citrus Group.

 Successful funding has given the young people the opportunity to take part in a wide variety of centre-based projects, off site visits and training opportunities, adequate resources have enabled staff to deliver high quality youth work. The funding from the Parish Council has ensured that we have been able to continue to offer a full programme of youth provision.

Youth Work Staff

Joanne Eden – Senior Youth Worker / Centre Manager / Fitness Instructor Brett Kirkby – Level 3 Youth Worker Mackenzie Smart – Level 2 Youth Worker Ben Davison – Youth Support Worker Joe Renton – Youth Support Worker David Bonarius – Administrator Dave Chapman - Caretaker

Two of our Youth support worker have completed the level 2 Youth Worker course.

Volunteers

Oliver Jenkinson – Youth Club Volunteer Charlotte Proctor - Youth Club Volunteer Rowena Malbon – GYM Volunteer Alfie Dolan – GYM Volunteer Dennis Pilmoor – GYM Volunteer Dave Chapman – GYM Volunteer Ben Griffiths – GYM Volunteer Ryan Dunn – GYM Volunteer Nathan Prince – Fitness Class Volunteer

Management Committee

Councillor Jan Blakey - Chair Joan Beck - Treasure Dennis Morgan – Trustee Rebecca Avery – Trustee Ben Griffiths – Trustee Shaun Carter – Trustee

What we offer

Community Gym - Open 6 mornings and 4 evenings a week and ran by Volunteers. Fitness classes run on a Monday, Tuesday and Thursday evening with a qualified instructor.

Junior Youth Club - A very popular session for young people aged 11-12, they take part in sport and leisure sessions, healthy lifestyles, arts and crafts as well as issue-based sessions around issues that affect them for

example, bullying awareness, Internet safety, drug and alcohol awareness giving young people the chance to make informed decisions.

Senior sessions - We have three senior sessions a week giving Young People a safe place to meet, sessions are structured around the needs of the Young People and include, confidence and self-esteem, sport and fitness, drug and alcohol awareness,

Senior Drop-in sessions - We have 3 evening drop-in sessions a week where young people aged between 15-21 can drop in to use the centres facilities, access the GYM, sports hall. This offers them a safe space to meet and access support from a qualified youth worker.

Funding

We continue to look and apply for funding sources to enable us to continue to offer an extensive programme for young people and ensure we have provisions in place for core costs.

Recent funding has come from:

• AAP – East Durham Rural Corridor

• Balinger

• CDCF

• Sir James Knott

• Local County Councillors

Holiday provision

We have offered an extensive Holiday Programme to Children in school years 3, 4, 5. This took place over each of the school holidays and half terms. During the summer they were able to go on an off-site visit. The sessions involved sports and fitness, team building games and arts and crafts. Children were given a health hot meal during the session. These sessions were funded by the AAP.

In addition to this our evening youth session continued to run during school holidays allowing our young people a safe place to meet.

Fun day

Yet again another fantastic day at Bowburn, fun-days are a day for the whole community to come together and have fun, our fun day is planned and organised in partnership with the Community Centre and other local organisations, The original aim of the fun day was to break down barriers within the Community with everyone working together with a common goal. This aim continues year on year. We had a lot of young volunteers helping out and the evaluations from them were all positive.

Volunteer Recognition

As a thank you, our volunteers where offered the opportunity to go for a guided tour of the botanical gardens in Durham. Alfie, Ben and Ryan took up the opportunity and had a great day.

Oliver our young volunteer was nominated for Volunteer of the year via DABGC, he enjoyed a night of celebration at Ramside Hall.

Sessions

Mixed senior sessions - These sessions are aimed at young people 13 to 19, this year has seen the young people take part in a variety of projects including health and well-being, Drug and Alcohol awareness, Community Cohesion and Internet safety.

The gym is very popular during our senior sessions and the young people have a system in place so all young people have the opportunity to use the facility's.

Young people have the opportunity to play football, pool, table tennis, bar football during each session. We also offer project-based sessions where young people can take part in cooking, arts and crafts, sports and fitness, nail art etc. The IT room is also available for home work.

Junior club - This is now a well-established popular group which is enabling young people to make a smooth transition from the junior club to the older session. Young people have taken part in cookery, arts & crafts, football, challenges etc as well as receiving issued based information and advice.

Senior Drop-in Session – This session has become incredibly busy over the past 6 month, the session is predominantly used by young people aged 15-19. They have the opportunity to use the facilities which includes the GYM, Sports Hall, pool table and chill room. In Addition to this young people have access to information, advice and C-Card from a qualified worker.

What the Young People Have to Say

• It’s a place to go where I feel safe

• I come to work out and meet my mates

• We get provided with food

• There is someone to talk to

• I come because I like it here

The Future

We will continue to offer a wide variety of youth provision to young people in Bowburn. We constantly evaluate our sessions with young people to ensure we are meeting the needs of our young people.

Thank You

Finally, we would like to thank all our, staff, volunteers, Management Committee and funders for helping to support us over the past year.

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Inde endent Exa I report on the accounts of Bowburn Youth Pmiect/DJ Evons Youth Club for the period January I 2022 to December31° 2022 Res iv Res The trustees of the charity are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. they consider that the audit requirements under section 43121 of the Charities Act 1993 does. not apply. I have been appointed under section 43 of the Charities Act and report In accordance with re8ulations made under sectlon 44 of the Act, It is my responsibility to examine the account and ststement. without perfoming an audit. and report to the trustees. onsibilities of Trustees and Examlner Basis of Examinerfs Statement report is in respect of an examination carrled out under sertlon 43 of the Charities Art 1993 and In actt)rdaftee with the direetions glven by the Charity Commissioner5 under section 4317llbl. An exarnination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity tru5tee5 and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes a review of the accounts making sueh enquirles as are necessary for the purposes of this report. The procedures undertsken do not constitute an audit. Examiner's Ststemen Based on my examination. no matter has come to my attention whlch gives me reasonable cause to believe, that in any material respect, accounting records have not been kept in. accordance with section 41 of the Charities Act 1933. Or that the accountlng records have not been kept in accordance viith section 41 of the Charities Art 1993. Or that the accounts presented do not accord v￿th those records or comply with the a¢counting requirement of the Charitie5 Act 1993. No matter has come to my attention in connection with my examination to which, in rny opinion. attention shwld be dFavm to enable a proper undorstsnding ofthe accounts. S￿ne￿..-.