T

N E D N DEPE

E L P PEO 15

IN

AL ANNU T R REPO

2014/

CHAIR’SREPORT It has been a challenging year that I reflect back on with a mixture of pride, gratitude and frustration. We are operating in a context of increasingly constrained budgets and the consequent obligation to do more with less.

4

ACHIEVEMENTS

6

STATISTICS

7

PEER SUPPORT

8

NATIONAL LOTTERY AWARDS

8

STOCK CONDITION WORK

9

BRISTOL’S SLEEP OUT

10

FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Funds may shrink, but the problem of youth homelessness and the attendant challenge of equipping the young people who call upon our services with the skills to live independently continue to increase. Consequently, while I observe with pride and gratitude what the whole team at 1625 Independent People has achieved, it is frustrating that we have not had the resources to do more at a time when there is so much need. Against a backdrop of massive local authority change and a number of internal key staff changes, it was predominantly a year in which to take stock, consolidate and work on doing what we already do even better still. That said, we had two valuable new services this year. The first is a pilot scheme, with Bristol City Council (BCC) and Merlin Housing Society, to house and support some of the city’s highest need care leavers. The second is the appointment of a Restorative Approaches worker, in the High Support projects, which is being funded by the Avon & Somerset Police & Crime and Commissioner’s Office. Both projects are already making a difference for the young people involved. Other initiatives included our affiliate membership of the End Youth Homelessness Alliance (EYH). This commenced with a very successful Sleep Out, led by Ovo Energy, that will be part of an annual event in the local and national EYH programme highlighting the need to work on the sadly ubiquitous issue of homelessness in young people. Again Ovo Energy are leading our Sleep Out this year and we will be looking for people to take part in raising awareness and money in November. We are extremely grateful to Ovo Energy for this invaluable support. On the downside, it is with much regret that I report that our work in the Private Rented Sector (PRS) had to end due to lack of funding. The project, funded by Crisis and BCC, had been extremely successful in housing young people. Its absence is a blow for the young homeless people concerned and their prospects of independent living. It is gratifying to report that the work of 1625IP has received both local and national recognition. The lead member of our Youth Board, Na Nash, won the VOSCUR Young Volunteer

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of the Year Award 2014 which was richly deserved for the work and effort consistently put in as Youth Board member, Peer Educator and Mentor as well as assistance with staff recruitment. We were also delighted to be shortlisted for Batook Pandya Award ‘recognising local organisations that work tirelessly to aid and assist young people from Bristol’s diverse inner city communities’. This award celebrates youth and community groups, Saturday schools and public agencies working to improve young lives. In February 2014, based on the success of the Future 4 Me project in supporting young people leaving care and custody to rebuild their lives, we submitted the project for the National Lottery Awards. Following a public vote we were crowned ‘Best Charity Project in the UK 2015’. While there will be more on this later in the report, it is important to record my thanks to all who supported us and, more importantly, the efforts of the Future 4 Me team that made the project so worthy of this national recognition. While it is appropriate to look back it is even more important to look forward. The future remains both challenging and uncertain with demand exceeding the resources available. It is evident that in order to support the young people who call on our services we need to build on the success of our local and national recognition and raise more funds from commercial, charitable and private sources. I am, therefore, hugely appreciative of everyone who already supports us in whatever way and urge all concerned to help us raise our profile, extend our supporter base and get the message out that ‘Young people are our future, they deserve our now’. Finally, while my thanks go to all of the 1625IP team for their amazing work, I wish to record my particular appreciation of the CEO, Dom Wood, and his senior team Jamie Gill, Dawn Taylor and Paul Hale. Paul has now moved on, with our gratitude and good wishes, to a new role. My singular thanks also go to all the members of both the Board and the Youth Board without whose unselfish and unstinting efforts we simply would not exist.

Other developments in services include: • Embedding our Psychologically Informed Environment (PIE) framework throughout the organisation with training and reflective practice for all staff. • Building on the previous year’s stock condition survey of all properties and investing £160,000 in improvements. • Initiating the procurement and installation of a new Integrated Housing Management and Support IT system to improve reporting and case management. • The appointment of a new Head of Finance (Jo Lea-Jones). Jo has already been instrumental in a review and restructure of the Corporate Services team to drive through improved systems at the heart of the organisation. We are most grateful to Catherine Pang for her considerable efforts while acting as Head of Finance over much of the past year.

Oliver Delany 3

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WHAT WE’VE ACHIEVED 38%

MOR PEO E YOUN PLE G SINC HELPED E 20 14

Number of young people supported 2014 2015

2014 2015

South Glos Housing

13

12

Bristol Housing

247

362

South Glos Floating Support

114

118

Bristol Floating Support 102

134

South Glos YISS

34

41

Cashpoint 269 513

South Glos CYPS Resettlement 65

30

Mediation 44 32

St Georges & Bristol Foyer

307

304

Independent Lets

46

53

Future 4 Me

101

96

Bristol Youth Links

-

171

{

TOTAL

4

2014 1353 2015 1866

Targets and outcomes BRISTOL HOUSING Positive move-ons

BRISTOL FLOATING SUPPORT

74% 2014 72%

SOUTH GLOS HOUSING Positive outcome

100% 2014 100%

ST GEORGES AND FOYER Positive move-ons

73% 2014 70%

INDEPENDENT LETS Sustained tenancy 3 mths Sustained tenancy 6 mths

88% 79%

93% 2014 88%

Sustained tenancy

SOUTH GLOS FLOATING SUPPORT

88% 2014 83%

Positive outcome

MEDIATION

100% 2014 83%

Successful interventions

CASHPOINT TARGETS Figures for Project Year 2 to 28/2/15 Number of people with:

Reduced arrears and/or meeting agreed rent payments

119% 2014 109%

FUTURE 4 ME TARGETS Number of people:

Managing accommodation more independently

119% 2014 70%

Progress into good quality housing with support

114% 2014 99%

Improved ability to manage expenditure as a result of changes in how YP borrow, save or spend

166% 2014 125%

Improved understanding of costs, risks and benefits of financial products/services

144% 2014 114%

RHY E V EUTCOME OVAESD O PR E N IM BEE N SINC UPO

2014 5

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THIS YEAR’S STATISTICS Ethnic origin White British

74.21%

White Irish

0.68%

White Other

1.36%

Mixed - White & Black Caribbean

5.77%

Mixed - White & Black African

0.68%

Mixed - White & Asian

0.00%

Mixed - Other

0.45%

Ever in care?

Not disclosed 4.86

Asian/British Asian - Indian

0.23%

34.5% YES

60.63% NO

Asian/British Asian - Pakistani

0.23%

Asian/British Asian - Bangladeshi

0.00%

Asian/British Asian - Other

0.68%

Lesbian/Gay

2.71%

Black/Black British - Caribbean

4.41%

Heterosexual

84.17%

Black/Black British - African

5.20%

Black/Black British - Other

0.57%

Chinese

0.00%

Other Ethnic Group

2.49%

Gypsy/Romany/Irish Traveller

0.45%

Not disclosed

2.60%

Religion None

56.56%

Christian (all denominations)

10.07%

Buddhist

0.68%

Muslim

4.52%

Sikh

0.23%

Any Other Religion

6

1.81%

41.18% FEMALE

58.6% MALE

Not disclosed 0.23%

Disability

Sexuality

3.05%

Bisexual

NO 65.95%

Not Sure

YES 25.23%

Not disclosed Don’t know 1.81% Not disclosed 7.01%

Nature of disability Mobility

5.38%

Visual Impairment

1.35%

Hearing Impairment

2.69%

Progressive disability/Chronic illness

2.24%

Mental Health

49.78%

Learning disability

24.22%

Autistic spectrum condition

4.93%

Agnostic

10.52%

Other

8.97%

Not disclosed

15.61%

Not disclosed

0.45%

1.13% 8.93%

PEER SUPPORT AND COMMUNITY MENTORING There is amazing value in support from volunteers in young people’s lives, but it is important that these volunteers are properly trained and supported. 1625 Independent People recruit, train and support: • Peer Supporters as part of our Bristol Youth Links consortium partnership. These are young people that have experienced some of the challenges faced by our service users and are now in a position to act as positive role models to others. • Paul Hamlyn Foundation funded Community Mentors (people who have ‘achieved’) who are matched with our service users and meet for weekly mentoring sessions. As key members of the community they offer access to new opportunities and relationships. Both groups undertake intensive training in working with young people, the effects of trauma and how to inspire young people using

“Feeling partly responsible for increasing the quality of life of someone coming from incredibly difficult circumstances is one of the best things I’ve done” community mentor

“I feel fortunate to be part of something new, that has been communicated with enthusiasm and understanding” community mentor

trusted relationships as the primary tool for change as part of our Psychologically Informed Environment (PIE) framework. This is supplemented by ongoing support from staff and reflective practice. This year we have trained Peer Supporters who carry out work such as: • Tour guiding for High Support Projects, helping new residents understand how the project works and where important community services are based • Induction sessions for new housing applicants • Art group • Brunch club • 1:1 support We have also trained eight Community Mentors and matched them with young people.

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National Lottery Awards 2015 Having applied to the National Lottery for an award, we were nominated for the Best Voluntary/Charity Project in the UK. The results will be announced in the next financial year. Above is a photo of the day staff went out to collect votes, helped by famous Care Leavers such as Charlie Chaplin, Marilyn Monroe, Ella Fitzgerald and Superman.Thanks to all of our partners and all of you out there who voted for Future 4 Me as the Best Voluntary/Charity Project in the UK. It’s great being nominated for awards but it is also important to note that all staff teams and volunteers have been working excellently and all deserve recognition from us for all the dedication and amazing work put in over the year. The results of this work can be seen in the ‘What we’ve achieved’ section on page 4.

HOUSING CONDITION WORK Housing young people on shorter term contract lengths adds to the wear and tear on houses. This year we invested £160,000 of our reserves on the properties we own and manage, carrying out major repairs and updating kitchens, bathrooms and gardens. In 15/16 we are undertaking Psychologically Informed Environments (PIE) property audits with the young people to make changes that make their environment the most conducive to supporting emotional wellbeing. The academic paper on our PIE framework is available from Housing Care and Support magazine titled Implementing a psychologically informed environment in a service for homeless young people – Jeremy Woodcock and Jamie Gill 2014

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YOUTH HOMELESSNESS SLEEPOUT An event for youth homelessness, powered by Ovo Energy, took place on Thursday 6 November 2014 raising £25,000 for 1625 Independent People. Bristol Temple Meads station was taken over by more than 100 staff from Ovo Energy, 1625IP supporters, local dignitaries, special guests and other fundraising members of the public who all came together with the unified vision of making a stand against youth homelessness. £25,000 was raised as a result of the Bristol Sleep Out. Special guests, Lord Mayor Cllr Alistair Watson; Claire Hiscott, Conservative PPC Bristol West; Sian Evans from Kosheen and members from the Bristol Rugby Academy Squad were in attendance to show their support and raise even more awareness of the troubles that vulnerable young people face when they find themselves without a home. Whilst entertainment and a soup kitchen were provided, the biting cold, damp, noise and difficulty of carrying on your day with little sleep all enabled sleepers to experience some of the practical realities of being homeless, which over 80,000 young people across the UK face every day. This amount is equivalent to filling Ashton Gate Stadium four times over. Each sleeper committed to raising £150 and all funds raised by the Bristol Sleep Out will be used by 1625 Independent People to continue the work we do in supporting the 1,800 young people the charity helps each year; providing warm beds, mental health support and help into education, training and employment.

“Bristol is our community, our home. So when we heard about the national Sleep Out campaign, we knew we wanted to step up and make sure Bristol was represented, and of course to spread awareness about the 80,000 young people each year without homes. Ovo Energy’s work on youth homelessness is one of three missions for our newly launched Ovo Energy Foundation, alongside education and protecting the environment. I was very keen when we set up the Foundation that it be about more than just throwing money at problems. Its core purpose is to develop and support smart ideas that we believe will help build a better future, not just for Ovo Energy customers but for our employees, our community and the planet. Working with 1625ip has been eye opening and inspirational. It’s been a real pleasure collaborating with so many enthusiastic, energetic, smart people on our first Foundation event and I’m proud to see that it has truly captured people’s imaginations and will help to make a real difference to those in our community.”

Stephen Fitzpatrick, CEO of Ovo Energy

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INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2015 These summarised accounts contain information extracted from the annual accounts and certain information relating to both the Income and Expenditure Account and the Balance Sheet. They may not contain sufficient information to allow for a full understanding of the financial affairs of the organisation. Further information and copies of the full accounts which have been subject to an audit, and the annual report of the Management Committee can be obtained from Head Office.

INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2015

2015 2014 ÂŁ

Turnover Less: Operating costs Operating surplus / (deficit) Other income Interest receivable Interest payable Surplus / (deficit) for the financial year Transfer from restricted reserves Transfer from designated reserves

Revenue reserve at start of year Revenue reserve at end of year

ÂŁ

4,376,902

4,192,851

(4,577,893)

(4,005,843)

(200,991)

187,008

-

209,747

1,259

39

(8,660)

(9,141)

(208,392)

387,653

(53,482)

(123,243)

-

-

(261,874)

264,410

1,051,784

787,374

789,910

1,051,784

The results for the year relate wholly to continuing activities. There are no recognised gains or losses other than the results for the year as set out above.

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BALANCE SHEET AT 31 MARCH 2015 2015 £

2014 £

£

£

Fixed assets Housing properties

269,072

316,213

Capital grant

(71,895)

(71,895)

197,177

244,318

570,280

583,672

977

977

571,257

828,967

Other tangible fixed assets Investments

Current assets Debtors

349,867

176,906

Cash at bank and in hand

867,905

1,126,860

1,217,772

1,303,765

(476,650)

(381,876)

Creditors: Amounts falling due within one year Net current assets

741,122

921,889

1,509,556

1,750,856

(528,768)

(561,678)

-

-

980,788

1,189,179

39

38

Revenue reserve

789,910

1,051,784

Restricted reserves

190,839

137,357

980,788

1,189,179

Total assets less current liabilities Creditors: Amounts falling due in more than one year Redundancy provision Net assets

Capital and reserves Called-up share capital

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The leading provider of housing, support and advice to young people in the South West of England Kingsley Hall, 58-59 Old Market Street, Bristol BS2 0ER 0117 317 8800 www.1625ip.co.uk

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