The Trustees present their annual report and financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2026.
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out in note 1 to the financial statements and comply with the Charity's governing document, the Companies Act 2006, FRS 102 "The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland" and the Charities SORP "Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102)".
The charity's purposes as set out in the objects contained in the company's memorandum of association are the advancement of religion and of religious teachings and beliefs in the period leading up to the second millennium of Christ's birth and beyond by the promotion of spiritual teaching among mankind and young people in particular.
The principal activity of Youth 2000 Charitable Trust is the advancement of religion, specifically Catholic Christian teachings and beliefs. This is achieved through prayer festivals, events, prayer groups, and formation and training opportunities for young people-primarily aged 18 to 24, though retreats are open to those aged 16 to 35 and to families.
Following the adaptations made during the Covid-19 pandemic, when activities were moved online, the trustees have now adopted a hybrid model. Events and training are offered both in person and online, enabling the charity to extend its reach and respond more effectively to the needs of young people.
The financial results for the year and the charity's position at year end are set out in the attached statements. During 2025/26, the charity continued to make strong progress against the goals established in the strategic plan that followed the 2018 strategic review.
Highlights of the year included the annual summer prayer festival at Ampleforth Abbey, which was well attended, highly impactful, and financially sustainable without significant reliance on reserves. In addition, Youth 2000 hosted three one-day retreats, two online formation courses, and a retreat for our volunteers in Walsingham.
We started the year with four full-time members of staff (National Director; Head of Operations and Safeguarding; Head of Mission and Partnerships; and a Communications Coordinator). This was reduced to two members of staff in the later part of the year (National Director & Head of Mission and Partnerships) due to staff resignations. We also worked with two contractors throughout the year and offered three Summer internships.
The trustees confirm that they have considered the Charity Commission's guidance on public benefit, including Public benefit: running a charity (PB2), and have complied with the duty under section 4 of the Charities Act 2006 to have due regard to this guidance.
Public Benefit
Access
All Youth 2000 festivals and retreats, both in person and online, are open to young people aged 16-35. While attendees are encouraged to contribute towards costs, no one is excluded on financial grounds; subsidised or free places are offered where needed. Online events are provided at no charge, further extending accessibility.
Impact
Events offer opportunities for community, guidance, and spiritual and practical support in a Catholic context. Many young people report that attendance helps them find identity, value, and purpose, with a positive impact on mental, emotional, and physical wellbeing. Festivals and retreats also encourage healthier life choices, moving away from harmful behaviours such as substance misuse and self-harm. Safeguarding is a key priority, overseen by the designated safeguarding lead trustee, the assistant safeguarding lead trustee, and a safeguarding sub-committee working with staff.
Wider benefit
Attendees often go on to make positive contributions to society through work and volunteering. Events are widely publicised and are open to young people of all backgrounds, regardless of religious belief or practice, ensuring significant community engagement.
Risk Management
The trustees have considered the potential risks of detriment or harm and concluded that none arise from the charity's activities when delivered properly. Risk management is embedded through a comprehensive risk register, safeguarding policies aligned with Catholic Safeguarding Standards Agency (CSSA) guidance, and robust health and safety practices. Staff and key volunteers receive safeguarding, health and safety, and mental health first aid training.
Personal Benefits
The trustees are satisfied that any personal benefits arising from participation in activities are incidental and aligned with the charity’s purposes.
Charitable Purpose
The objects of the charity, as set out in the memorandum of association, are the advancement of religion through the promotion of Catholic teaching and belief, particularly among young people. The aim is to introduce them to the love of God - Father, Son, and Holy Spirit - and to help them discover and live out their unique vocation for the benefit of society, the Church, themselves and their family, friends and communities.
Significant Activities
Between April 2025 and March 2026, Youth 2000 operated across England, continuing its hybrid approach of in-person and online activities.
Key developments and activities included:
Growth of Mission Team (volunteers aged 18-35) and Mission Partners (volunteers aged 35+)
Digital outreach
Continued delivery of online formation through the Sycamore Course, regular formation programmes, a monthly prayer group, and training for volunteers. Three summer internships were also offered.
Events
A four-day summer prayer festival at Ampleforth Abbey (465 attendees, including 38% first timer attendees), three one-day retreats (Sheffield, Preston and Wimbledon), three online formation courses, and a volunteer’s weekend retreat in Walsingham.
New models
One-day retreats continue to be trialled in new areas as a lower-risk format for safeguarding and health and safety, with strong uptake in new regions and great potential for future growth.
Engagement
Approximately 44% of event attendees were first-timers, demonstrating the effectiveness of the charity's "Focus on the First Timer" value and invitation-led approach.Across the year, around 1,400 people participated in Youth 2000's events.
Vocations
This year we have seen four Mission Team members enter or prepare to enter seminary with their local Dioceses; reflecting our vision that Youth 2000 serves the local Church.
Partnerships
Youth 2000 continued its involvement with CYMFed and the National Office for Vocations, and collaborated with partner organisations including Catholic Student Network, St. Vincent's Mission Hub, NET Ministries, Big Church Festival, Joel's Bar, the ASCENT, One Hope Project, Divine Renovation, Mary's Meals, Aid to the Church in Need, and CAFOD.
The trustees express their gratitude to all benefactors and partners for their prayers, support, and encouragement, which make this mission possible.
During the financial year, incoming resources (which were mainly donations and grants received) amounted to £148,357 (2025: £131,940). The charity also received £76,884 (2025: £101,389) in respect of festival income and £294 (2025: £5,271) interest. Resources expended amounted to £253,865 (2025: £295,273) resulting in a deficit during the year of £28,330 (2025: £56,673).
No material uncertainties exist about the ability of the charity to continue as a going concern for the foreseeable future. Whilst the lingering impact of the cost-of-living crisis has been considered, our cashflow forecasts and budgets do not suggest that there is any reason for concern with any financial risks mitigated as far as possible.
It is the policy of the Charity to maintain at any one time a balance of unrestricted funds to provide a level of working capital that protects the continuity of its core work and cover for risks such as unforeseen expenditure or unanticipated loss of income.
The charity is controlled by its governing document, and constitutes a limited company, limited by guarantee, as defined by the Companies Act 2006.
The organisation is a charitable company limited by guarantee, incorporated on 18 April 1990 and registered as a charity on 17 September 1990. The company was established under a Memorandum of Association which established the objects and powers of the charitable company and is governed under its Articles of Association. By special resolution of the members, an amended memorandum and articles of association was adopted on 18 June 2022 and filed at Companies House on 27 June 2022. In the event of the company being wound up members are required to contribute an amount not exceeding £1.
The Trustees, who are also the directors for the purpose of company law, and who served during the year and up to the date of signature of the financial statements were:
The directors of the company are also charity trustees for the purposes of charity law and under the company's Articles are also members of the company. Under the requirements of the Memorandum and Articles of Association the directors are elected to serve until the third Annual Retirement Meeting following the commencement of their term of office.
To increase diversity and expertise on the Board of Trustees, in early 2024 a further round of recruitment took place. This process yielded 4 very high-quality candidates who were offered the opportunity to act as consultants to the Board as part of the recruitment process. After a 6 month probation period they joined the board of trustees.
All members of the Management Committee give their time voluntarily and received no benefits from the charity. Any expenses reclaimed from the charity are set out in the accounts.
The Trustees' report was approved by the Board of Trustees.
The Trustees, who are also the directors of Youth 2000 Charitable Trust for the purpose of company law, are responsible for preparing the Trustees' Report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).
Company law requires the Trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the Charity and of the incoming resources and application of resources, including the income and expenditure, of the charitable company for that year.
In preparing these financial statements, the Trustees are required to:
- select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;
- observe the methods and principles in the Charities SORP;
- make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent; and
- prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the Charity will continue in operation.
The Trustees are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the Charity and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Companies Act 2006. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the Charity and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.
I report to the Trustees on my examination of the financial statements of Youth 2000 Charitable Trust (the Charity) for the year ended 31 March 2026.
Having satisfied myself that the financial statements of the Charity are not required to be audited under Part 16 of the Companies Act 2006 and are eligible for independent examination, I report in respect of my examination of the Charity’s financial statements carried out under section 145 of the Charities Act 2011. In carrying out my examination I have followed the Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Charities Act 2011.
I have completed my examination. I confirm that no matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respect:
accounting records were not kept in respect of the Charity as required by section 386 of the Companies Act 2006.
the financial statements do not accord with those records; or
the financial statements do not comply with the accounting requirements of section 396 of the Companies Act 2006 other than any requirement that the financial statements give a true and fair view, which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination; or
the financial statements have not been prepared in accordance with the methods and principles of the Statement of Recommended Practice for accounting and reporting by charities applicable to charities preparing their financial statements in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102).
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 financial statements to be reached.
The statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year. All income and expenditure derive from continuing activities.
Youth 2000 Charitable Trust is a private company limited by guarantee incorporated in England and Wales. The registered office is Douglas Bank House, Wigan Lane, Wigan, Lancashire, WN1 2TB.
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the Charity's governing document, the Companies Act 2006, FRS 102 "The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland" and the Charities SORP "Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102)". The Charity is a Public Benefit Entity as defined by FRS 102.
The Charity has taken advantage of the provisions in the SORP for charities not to prepare a statement of cash flows.
The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention. The principal accounting policies adopted are set out below.
Unrestricted funds are available for use at the discretion of the Trustees in furtherance of their charitable objectives.
Restricted funds are subject to specific conditions by donors or grantors as to how they may be used. The purposes and uses of the restricted funds are set out in the notes to the financial statements.
Cash donations are recognised on receipt. Other donations are recognised once the Charity has been notified of the donation, unless performance conditions require deferral of the amount. Income tax recoverable in relation to donations received under Gift Aid or deeds of covenant is recognised at the time of the donation.
Expenditure is recognised once there is a legal or constructive obligation to transfer economic benefit to a third party, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefits will be required in settlement, and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably.
Expenditure is classified by activity. The costs of each activity are made up of the total of direct costs and shared costs, including support costs involved in undertaking each activity. Direct costs attributable to a single activity are allocated directly to that activity. Shared costs which contribute to more than one activity and support costs which are not attributable to a single activity are apportioned between those activities on a basis consistent with the use of resources. Central staff costs are allocated on the basis of time spent, and depreciation charges are allocated on the portion of the asset’s use.
Support costs are those functions that assist the work of the charity but do not directly relate to charitable
activities. Support costs include office costs, finance and governance costs which support the charity activities.
Tangible fixed assets are initially measured at cost and subsequently measured at cost or valuation, net of depreciation and any impairment losses.
Depreciation is recognised so as to write off the cost or valuation of assets less their residual values over their useful lives on the following bases:
The gain or loss arising on the disposal of an asset is determined as the difference between the sale proceeds and the carrying value of the asset, and is recognised in the statement of financial activities.
At each reporting date assets are reviewed to determine whether there is any indication that those assets have suffered an impairment loss. If there is an indication of possible impairment, the recoverable amount of any affected asset is estimated and compared with its carrying amount. If the estimated recoverable amount is lower, the carrying amount is reduced to its estimated recoverable amount, and an impairment loss is recognised immediately in the profit and loss.
Where an impairment loss subsequently reverses, the carrying amount of each asset is increased to the revised estimate of its recoverable amount, to the extent that the increased carrying amount does not exceed the carrying amount that would have been determined (net of depreciation) had no impairment loss been recognised for the asset in prior years. A reversal of an impairment loss is recognised as income immediately.
Cash and cash equivalents include cash in hand, deposits held at call with banks, other short-term liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less, and bank overdrafts. Bank overdrafts are shown within borrowings in current liabilities.
The charity only has financial assets and financial liabilities of a kind that qualify as basic financial instruments. Basic financial instruments are initially recognised at transaction value and subsequently measured at their settlement value.
The charity is exempt from corporation tax on its charitable activities.
The charitable company operates a defined contribution pension scheme. Contributions payable to the charitable company's pension scheme are charged to the Statement of Financial Activities in the period to which they relate.
Debtors
Trade and other debtors are recognised at the settlement amount due after any trade discount offered.
Prepayments are valued at the amount prepaid net of any trade discounts due.
Creditors
Creditors are recognised where the charity has a present obligation resulting from a past event that will probably result in the transfer of funds to a third party and the amount due to settle the obligation can be measured or estimated reliably. Creditors are normally recognised at their settlement amount after allowing for any trade discounts due.
Trustees' expenses
During the year costs amounting to £264 (2025: £685) were reimbursed to the trustees.
The average monthly number of employees during the year was:
The charity is exempt from taxation on its activities because all its income is applied for charitable purposes.
The Charity operates a defined contribution pension scheme for all qualifying employees. The assets of the scheme are held separately from those of the Charity in an independently administered fund.
The restricted funds of the charity comprise the unexpended balances of donations and grants held on trust subject to specific conditions by donors as to how they may be used.
These funds are set aside to pay for very specific things. Funding for the National Director (in the past chief executive officer); to help finance the rebranding and creating an online presence and fundraising costs; to employ the office and communications coordinator; to finance worship leader training.
The unrestricted funds of the charity comprise the unexpended balances of donations and grants which are not subject to specific conditions by donors and grantors as to how they may be used. These include designated funds which have been set aside out of unrestricted funds by the trustees for specific purposes.
The purpose of the general fund is to deliver the charity's objects and help meet the charity's obligations in respect of public benefit.
During the year donations amounting to £7,059 (2025: £2,201) were made to the charity by the trustees and £1,500 (2025: £Nil) by other related parties.
The charity is under the control of the trustees.