Adroddiad Blynyddol 2020 Saesneg

Annual
Report
2019-20
22-23 Y Maes
Caernarfon LL552NA
www.gisda.org
gisda@gisda.co.uk
01286 671153

GISDA was established in 1985 to provide shelter and
support for homeless young people in the Arfon area. Since
then GISDA had developed a number of different projects and
today is a charity that provides therapeutic support and
opportunities for young people aged 14 to 25 in Gwynedd.
A word from the chairman
Last year in GISDA’s annual general meeting I became
the chairman of the board once again! Several years
have been since I was last the chairman and there have
been 35 years since GISDA was formed. I was one of the
small group that came together at the time as we were
worried about the young homeless people in
Caernarfon. Four years later GISDA opened their first
Parch. J Ron Williams
hotel in Lon Parc, Caernarfon and more recently another
hostel in Blaenau Ffestiniog. Over the last 35 years I have
had many different experiences as a board member. Some were
difficult and some were exciting and challenging and these
experiences were what was responsible for making me want to
continue to try and help the youth that were asking GISDA for support.
I would like to acknowledge the service of all those who have acted tirelessly on the
GISDA board from the outset. We remember affectionately the many who left us too
early and feeling nostalgic in remembering their great contribution to GISDA. Having new
members on the GISDA board is a process that goes on all the time and to the present
board members I underline my gratitude for their willingness to serve voluntarily. I am
amazed at the time given by board members.
Thanks to all the employees of GISDA by recognizing that since the 2019 annual meeting
it has been a different time and the last few months have been challenging because of
the coronavirus. Like many other companies the period has forced big and challenging
changes. It is nice to be able to say that GISDA services continued over this period and a
very good service under the circumstances. This would not have been the case without
the commitment of the staff. I know that the chief executive and management have
maintained regular contact with the staff and that a special effort has been made to
maintain contact and to support our young people who receive and rely on GISDA’s
service. I welcome new staff who came to work during the year. GISDA has
accomplished a great deal over the last thirty five years. We look forward to supporting
our youth of the future.
Thank you very much to GISDA board members:
Parch . J Ron Williams (Chairman)
Rhys Davies
Gilly Harradence
Peter Harlech Jones
Carys Thomas
Ffion Jon Williams
Elizabeth George (Secretary)
W. Tudor Owen
Dewi Owen Jones
Elen Owen
Dr Elin Walker Jones
Sian Williams

Sian Elen Tomos
A word from the Chief Executive
The lockdown period began around a week before the
end of our financial year. When working from Face to
face contact with partners and young people has been
reduced due to most staff having to work from home but
everyone adapted and managed to provide a very
efficient Service for Young people. Everyone came
together to ensure that the quality of our service was
not impaired. The Welsh government’s guidance was
followed to ensure the safety of staff and young people
throughout the period.
We focused on staff’s health and well-being in 2019.
GISDA’s Management Board took an active role in leading the
company and their presence was prominent in our team days and
business planning days. GISDA will have been providing services for
35 years in 2020 and we are extremely pleased that we continue to be able to support our
most vulnerable young people and play our part in enabling them to secure a better future
for them. Our priority today is to try to provide a home and support for homeless and
vulnerable young people and to enable them to feel confident to move on to live as
independent citizens. We continue to do this by working closely and in partnership with the
Local Authority namely Gwynedd Council, Betsi CADWALADR Health Board, Mantell
Gwynedd and Local housing associations. We also work with a range of social enterprises
and local charities all sharing similar values and vision. As you will see from our statistics
the demand for our service continues to increase and we therefore hope to focus on
ensuring that our resources are maximized for the benefit of young people during the
coming. We would like to acknowledge and thank our funders for their faith and support in
us during the year. We are pleased that we are meeting their needs as commissioners and
hope that we can continue to work together over the coming years.
The greatest thanks are to the staff. We are extremely fortunate and grateful for our highly
committed and hardworking staff who always go the extra mile for the benefit of the young
people. GISDA would not exist without our staff so a heartfelt thanks to them for their hard
work. The young people have also been a pleasure to support and I would like to thank and
pay a special tribute to them for the way in which they have adapted and accepted the new
way of supporting them digitally during the lockdown. They have cooperated and been
extremely patient with a number of changes. We are of course concerned about the
economic impact of the virus on the future of our young people and will make every effort
to do all that is possible to minimise this impact on them. This is why GISDA’s Management
Board has supported the Opportunities Academy Project to focus on offering and providing
new opportunities for young people whether volunteering, work experiences or job search
skills. We are confident in working with young people and our partners that we can reduce
impact and make a difference.
Finally, I would like to thank the management team and GISDA’s Management board for
their time, hard work, support and enthusiasm throughout the year. Team-working is
critical to the success of any company and I am extremely proud of all those who play their
vital role in the smooth running of GISDA.
I very much look forward to working with you during this year.

1186
young people
recieved support
throughout the
projects
“
However, my
life has
improved a
lot and GISDA
helped me to
reach my full
capabilities and
supported me to
become the best
version of
myself.
GISDA Annual Report 4

“
I’m always
thankful to the staff
in GISDA for the
support i received.
I now live
independently in a
one bedroom flat and
looking forward to
the future.
“
Gisda has helped me
overcome obstacles that I didn’t
think i’d be able to overcome by
helping me with my anger and
drug problem. Helping me to
see that there’s always another
way, helping me reconnect with
my mum as we had a terrible
relationship and now I don’t
because of Gisda’s help. I was
no longer homeless and could
see a better future. Thanks to
GIsda all this was possible.
GISDA Anual Report 5

59 172
young people
recieved
support from
the project
throughout the
year
Cefnogi Pobl
The supporting people project provides support for young people who are at risk of
homelessness or are homeless. This is the largest of GISDA projects and provides
support to 62 young people thought out Gwynedd at any one time Within the team there
are key workers, support workers and sleep in workers who provide therapeutic and
intensive support to young people.
We currently offer accommodation in...
Caernarfon, Y Felinheli, Llanrug, Blaenau Ffestiniog, Dolgellau
31 beds - 26 single units - 5 family houses
All of our staff provides a person-centred tailored support package for each individual,
which is delivered though our own therapeutic model of support (model FI). We hope this
support will help each individual gain an understanding of their rights and
responsibilities which will support them with independence which meets their needs
and develops their strengths to continue into adult life.
115
which
Referral to the project
means that 115 young people in Gwynedd were
homeless or at risk of becoming homeless and needed
support throughout the year.
GISDA Annual Report 6

Needs at referral point:
79%
in unsuitable
accommodation
30%
were “sofa
surfing”
6%
sleeping on
the street
61%
not in education
or employment
36%
had mental
health needs
67%
GISDA
of young people in
our temporary
hostels and flats
moved on to suitable
accommodation
moved on to:
move on flats
Private tenancy
Housing association tenancy
Shared housing
Back to the family home
14%
16%
47%
16%
7%
Drop in service
We also offer a number of different services ar part of this project like
the drop in service that offers support and guidance to individuals on
the below matters:
• Housing advice & Signposting
• Benefit advice & Form filling
• Debt advice & Signposting
• Grant applications
• Supporting letters
• Communicating and Corresponding
• Work & Volunteering
117
individuals
used the drop
in service
GISDA Annual Report 7

Homeless Prevention
This project that is funded by the Welsh Government supports young
people who are at a high risk of becoming homeless.
We support these young people to maintain their tenancy or look for a
new tenancy and holding mediation sessions with families that can
sometimes enable young people to return or stay home. The
worker also refers the young people to other services that
could be more suited to their needs. We work very
closely with Gwynedd Council’s homeless
department to support those who are at high
risk and also those who have found themselves
homeless.
The type of support provided:
Income, money and budgeting
Housing - affordable
Rights and advocacy
Health and wellbeing
63
young people were identified as being at risk of becoming homeless
therefore recieved support from the project.
49 were single people - 14 were young families
75%
56% 37%
75% were
prevented from
becoming homeless
GISDA Annual Report 8
56% recieved
support to move into
new accommodation
37% moved on to
training, education or
employment

Awareness workshops
GISDA was commissioned by Gwynedd Youth Services to improve understanding and
raising awareness on accommodation issues, housing and homelessness amongst
young People. We achieved this by:
Visiting a number of schools, colleges, youth clubs and local clubs across
Gwynedd to provide a homelessness workshop.
Holding drop in sessions where young people can drop in for advice or
information on various issues such as homelessness, housing, budgeting,
benefits, access to services and so on.
Social media campaign. Because of the tight time frame to complete the
project we saw that this method could reach a lot of young people fast and
effectively.
28
awareness
workshops
we reached
561
young people!
44
drop in sessions
Our articles appeared on 11 news outlets for local and regional
audiences. We had 233,188 impressions on Snapchat and
130,868 impressons from 13 to 25 years olds on Facebook and Instagram.
GISDA Annual Report 9

LGBTQ+ Project
The LGBTQ+ club has been running every other Monday night in Caffi
Gisda, Caernarfon. It has proved to be very popular and successful and
there is now over 80 young people members of the club. At the
moment the club offers a platform for young people to socialise in
a safe space. Ideally, we need more resources to be able to provide
support and advice where needed. We will continue to provide the best
service possible even with the lack of resources. We would like to thank all of
our committed volunteers that give their time voluntary to run the club.
We will continue to try and attract more money and grants to strengthen
our provisions.
We have seen a high increase of young people becoming homeless because of their
sexuality and tensions in the home .We believe strongly in GISDA that every young
person has the right to feel comfortable and happy without having to face any
oppression or discrimination because of their sexuality within our community and we
will continue to work on this.
89%
noted that the club is essential or very important to them
“
The club
has stabled my
mental health
dramatically,
and made me
gain a lot more
friends”
GISDA Annual Report 10
“
Being able to
be myself in front
of everyone has
helped, also
knowing I have
people around me
that care is very
important to me.”

Leaving Care Project
This project is funded by Social Services, Cyngor Gwynedd. The
project offer support to individuals between 16 and 25 years old
that has been under the care of the local authority where there is
a responsibility to support them as they leave their care placement. We
employ a senior therapeutic personal advisor, a therapeutic personal advisor
and a part time education and employment officer. The personal advisors offer support,
advice and guidance to prepare the young people on their journey to becoming independent
adults. Every young person receives a pathway plan that focuses on:
Accommodation, education, training, . health, family, social relationships and their rights.
The education and employment officer work with these individuals that have left care to
support them in addition to the personal advisor to try and keep them engaged in any
work, college or training.
81
young people were supported
ACCOMMODATION
• Access to accommodation that
is available and affordable
• High rent and deposit
• Suitable move on houses
OPPORTUNITIES
• Paid work is seasonal and
short term contracts
• Difficult for young people to
stay engaged in work when
they have complex needs
MENTAL HEALTH
• Individuals experience mental
health difficulties
• Young people experiencing low
confidence and self esteem
SERVICES
• Individuals find it difficult to
accept help
• Difficult to get access to some
help - services are stretched
“You answer fast and always put in 110% no matter what the
circumstances are. You’re reliable and as a care leaver I
know that I can always message and trust you will help.”
A QUOTE FROM A YOUNG PERSON WHO RECIEVES
SUPPORT FROM A PERSONAL ADVISOR
Adroddiad Blynyddol GISDA 11

Young Parents
This project is funded by Children in Need and it supports young parents
that are 18 years old or less. It offers intensive 1:1 support to young parents
to create healthy relationships, become part of the community, keeping and
maintaining a tenancy, budgeting, raising confidence and more!
20
40% 70%
young parents
have recieved
support
40% were
referred by health
visitors
70% were NEET
(Not in education,
employment, training)
Manon’s* Story - the type of support offered
Manon came to GISDA for support as she fell pregnant and there was no room for
her in the family house. The fact that she became pregnant at a young age also
caused the relationship with her mother to breakdown. Because of constant
arguments and lack of space Manon had to sofa surf between her family home, the
baby’s father’s home and her aunt’s home which also caused arguments. Manon was
referred to the Young Parents project and to start with the worker would meet with
her on a regular basis to create a relationship by usually going for walks or meeting
up in cafes. It was decided that they would put Manon’s name down on the housing
list, to provide regular support and to also try and work on her
relationship with her mother.
Manon was successful in receiving a house just before the baby was born. They
tried for grants to get furniture for the house and she was awarded with new
carpets and white goods which was a huge help! The worker
took Manon to baby groups to raise her confidence as she said
she felt intimidated to go due to her age. We also worked with
Manon on setting up her bills, budgeting, cooking and even looking
at options to return to college when her baby was older. Through
working very closely with Manon we saw that her confidence grew
and the bond with the baby was great along with the relationship
with her mother and the rest of the family had improved.
Due to this intense support Manon had her own house, the skills needed to live independently
and raise her son and more importantly she had a network of
support and help when she needed it from her family!
*Name changed
GISDA Annual Report 12

Adroddiad Blynyddol GISDA 13
CAFFI GISDA
CAFFI GISDA is a training centre and a community café. Our aim is to work
with young people to develop new skills, raise confidence and offer training
in catering to enable the individual to move on to employment or further education.
The staff have supported 27 volunteers over the year. The volunteers learn a variety of
skills including serving food, cooking, using a till, customer service and more! We are
incredibly grateful to all of our loyal and regular customers for their willingness to be
patient at times when young people are learning new skills. It has been a busy year with
a new menu, a high demand for buffets and we took part in Caernarfon’s food festival.
In the next year the café will focus more on the training side and we hope to strengthen
this support.
Volunteering
We provide experiences and training for young people but
also volunteering opportunities for people of all ages!
The Volunteer Coordinator is funded by the CIST grant by
Cyngor Gwynedd and Gwirfoddoli Cymru, WCVA.
94
individuals
volunteered
75
new
enquiries
4008 hours volunteered! GISDA Annual Report 13

Living Well
Living Well is a maintenance project that is
funded by the Nationwide Bank. The aim of the
project is to teach gardening and DIY skills to
young people to enable them to live
independently. The project worker had
experience and the qualifications in building
work and he had an interest in DIY and
recycling furniture.
Some examples of workshops included;
Painting, changing a bulb,
putting up frames, building benches
and boxes using wood skills, gardening,
creating homemade decorations
and more!
Unfortunately the project came to an end in
September 2019 but many young people benefited
from it and learnt skills that will be with them
for the rest of their lives. We hope to find a grant to
set up a similar project again.
EMPYRE
EMPYRE is an exiting project that is funded by the European Social
Fund through the popular scheme called Erasmus+. GISDA is one of
8 partners from 4 countries. One university from each country which
are Poland, Wales, Finland and Austria pair up with a charity from
youth work in their country to study and learn from different youth
practices accross Europe.
Towards the end the aim is to evaluate all the practices and
choose one that gives the best results to young people. We
will create and E-learning module to share with
others at the end. GISDA and Bangor University
presented out findings in Poland this year and our
LGBTQ+ project was chosen to be researched further.
It is a pleasure to be part of a project like this where
we can learn from others but also contribute to the future
development of youth and social work.
GISDA Annual Report 14

Adroddiad Blynyddol GISDA 15
Staff Wellbeing
We value the hard work that our staff does every day and we understand that at times
it can be challenging. As a company we decided to invest in our staff’s wellbeing to
give something back, to bring everyone together, to raise spirit and to have fun!
The staff has had opportunity to take part in different activities and throughout the
year we have had a team day with a chance to kayak, paddle board, play golf and have
a nice lunch on the beach, they have had a yoga taster session, took part in the Slate
Trail walks, biking and more! Our wellbeing plan includes:
Flexible
working e.e.
TOIL and FLEXI
Reflective
practice
sessions for
front line staff
Team days and
actitivites
Other
absences policy
Staff wellbeing will continue to be a priority in 2020-2021
especially after the lockdown period. We have received
a small grant from the Lottery Fund to hold fitness and
wellbeing sessions to bring the company together after
this difficult period.
GISDA Annual Report 15

GISDA Summary Accounts
Year ending March 31 2020
Independent auditor’s statement to the trustees of GISDA
We have audited the financial statements (including income and expenditure accounts) of GISDA
Cyfyngedig for the year ending 31st of March 2020.
Respective responsibilities of trustees and auditors
The trustees are responsible for preparing the summarised financial statements in
accordance with applicable United Kingdom law and the recommendations of the
charities SORP. Our responsibility is to report to you our opinion on the consistency of the
summarised financial statement with the full financial statements and Trustees’ Annual
Report. We also read the other informationcontained in the summarised annual report and
consider the implications for our report if we become aware of any apparent misstatements
or material inconsistencies with the summarised financial statements. We conducted our
work in accordance with Bulletin 2008/3 issued by the Auditing Practices Board. Our
report on the company’s full annual financial statements describes the basis of our opinion
on those financial statements and on the Trustees’ Report.
Statement of financial activities (including income and expenditure
account) for the year ended 31 March 2019
INCOME
Voluntary Income
Donations and grants
2020 2019
£8,699
£11,851
INCOME FROM CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES
Grants, rental agreements etc
Profits on disposal of fixed assets
Bank interest
Other income
TOTAL INCOME
EXPENDITURE
Charitable activities
NET EXPENDITURE / INCOME AND NET
MOVEMENT IN FUNDS FROM THE YEAR
Funds at 1st of April 2019
Funds at 31st of March 2020
GISDA Annual Report 16
£1,283,601
-
£283
£21,734
£1,314,317
£1,219,614
£94,676
£1,143,376
£1,238,052
£1,447,079
£4,075
£118
£1,886
£1,465,009
£1,482,781
(£17,722)
£1,161,148
£1,143,376