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2024-03-31-accounts

Wintercomfort for the homeless

Annual report and financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2024

Overstream House, Victoria Avenue, Cambridge CB4 1EG.

Company registration number 02615905.

Charity registration number 1003083

comfort

Annual Report and Financial Statements to 31 March 2024

Contents

Report of the Chair of Trustees ........................................................................................................................... 2 Report of the Chief Executive Officer .................................................................................................................. 3 Trustees Report …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 4 Beneficiaries of the work of Wintercomfort for the homeless…………………………………………………………………...4 Objectives and activities…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….6 Achievements and Performance………………………………………………………………………………………………………………13 Financial Review and Results for the Year………………………………………………………………………………………………..15 Financial Management and Policies…………………………………………………………………………………………………………17 Governance and Management………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..17 Risk and Safeguarding……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..19 Statement of Trustees Responsibilities………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 20 Independent Auditor's report to the members of Wintercomfort for the Homeless…………………………………...21 Statement of financial activities for the year ended 31 March 2024………………………………………………………..….25 Balance Sheet as at 31 March 2024……………………………………………………………………………………………………..……..26 Statement of cash flows for the year ended 31 March 2024………………………………………………………..……………..27 Notes to the accounts…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..…….28 Legal and administrative details…………………………………………………………………………………………………………..……..44

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Annual Report and Financial Statements to 31 March 2024

Report of the Chair of Trustees

In the 12 months since our last annual report, homelessness statistics in England have shown a concerning rise. The government reported that 3,898 people were sleeping rough on a single night in autumn 2023, a 27% increase from 2022. It also reported the number of households in temporary accommodation has reached an all-time high, with 112,660 households, including 146,800 children, living in such conditions by the end of 2023.

Wintercomfort’s own data reflects these troubling trends. In 2023/24, we supported 707 individuals in crisis, marking a staggering 55% increase in two years (2022/23 - 615 people and 2021/22 - 456 people). The costof-living crisis, rising mortgage rates, a shortage of social housing, and high rents have all significantly contributed to this surge in homelessness.

To address the needs of those newly affected by economic difficulties, at the beginning of 2023 Wintercomfort went mobile. Partnering with the local community - including foodbanks, churches, and housing providers, and funded by the National Lottery Community Fund (NLCF), our outreach work has enabled our Project Workers to deliver regular drop-in clinics at these organisations. This initiative has allowed us to reach a further 197 people during 2023, including those previously unaware of or hesitant to use our services. We are immensely grateful to the NLCF for their continued support of this much needed service.

As always Wintercomfort remains dedicated to supporting individuals experiencing or at risk of homelessness by offering essential welfare services and opportunities for social, learning, and work engagement. Our work, whether at Overstream House or elsewhere, helps people achieve positive, long-lasting change and realise their potential. This work would not be possible without our dedicated team of compassionate and hardworking professionals, led by our Chief Executive Officer Sarah Halls. I am immensely proud of what has been achieved this year.

I would also like to extend my gratitude to my fellow Board members for their time and expertise, ensuring the organisation remains robust and sustainable in the context of funding constraints and increasing demand. Finally, a heartfelt thank you to all our volunteers, funders, and supporters. Your commitment and generosity enable us to deliver our vital and much needed services to those most in need.

Thank you.

Jane Dominey

Chair of Trustees

“Wintercomfort picked me up when I lost all hope. I have a home of my own now and I am getting help for my mental health”

A Service User receiving counselling.

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Annual Report and Financial Statements to 31 March 2024

Report of the Chief Executive Officer

Over the past year, Wintercomfort has continued to deliver essential services to individuals experiencing homelessness and those at risk of losing their homes. During the year we supported 707 people in crisis. We helped 80 people who were homeless gain accommodation and provided tenancy support to a further 130 people who were at risk of losing their homes.

Additionally, we enabled 231 individuals to learn basic skills, provided job skills training to 95 participants, and we helped 73 people to attain accredited and non-accredited qualifications. Notably, during the year, 25 people secured paid employment, many through our own social enterprise, Overstream Clean & Garden. We provided financial and debt advice to 229 people and supported 195 individuals to access over 400 poverty relief grants.

In addition to practical advice and training, we delivered extensive emotional and wellbeing support. Our inhouse counsellors provided one-to-one counselling to 60 individuals, and 206 people received additional mental health support. Furthermore, our sports and social inclusion programme engaged 100 participants, helping to alleviate the immense loneliness and isolation that nearly always accompanies the trauma of homelessness.

Wintercomfort remains the only day service in Cambridge that delivers this depth and breadth of service. We understand that homelessness is multifaceted, and we fully appreciate that providing someone with accommodation alone will not solve the problem. It is only by addressing people’s individual barriers and equipping them with the skills and self-confidence needed for independent living, that people will achieve long-lasting positive change.

I'm tremendously proud of our team at Wintercomfort. Their unwavering commitment and professionalism has truly transformed the lives of those we support. I also extend my sincere gratitude to our funders, corporate supporters, community groups, and individual donors who have generously supported and fundraised for us throughout the year. Your contributions are invaluable and deeply appreciated.

With very best wishes

Sarah Halls

CEO

A Service User

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Annual Report and Financial Statements to 31 March 2024

Trustees report

Beneficiaries of the work of Wintercomfort for the homeless.

Wintercomfort exists to help adults who are rough sleeping, vulnerably housed and/or at risk of homelessness.

The charity’s beneficiaries include many individuals facing multiple disadvantages with problems including substance misuse, poor mental and physical health and contact with the criminal justice system as well as homelessness.

The charity does not work directly with children (but does support adults who are parents). It does not provide specialist provision in the areas of mental and physical health (assessment and treatment), and asylum and immigration (but does support individuals who have no recourse to public funds).

Adults who are rough sleeping or vulnerably housed in Cambridge.

People who are homeless are amongst the most chronically excluded and marginalised individuals in our society. There are several types of homelessness, all of which Wintercomfort supports:

Rough sleeping: living and sleeping in outside conditions often with little to no shelter.

Statutory homeless: this is when local authorities have deemed a person to have a ‘priority need’ and that it is the council’s duty to house them; this is usually in hostels, shelters, and other forms of temporary accommodation.

Hidden homeless: people who may be considered homeless but whose housing situation is not "visible" on the streets or in official statistics. This can include people living with friends or family, sofa surfing, living in a vehicle or squatting.

People at risk of homelessness: this category of homelessness means someone at significant risk of being pushed into homelessness such as people in low paid jobs, living in poverty and poor quality or insecure housing.

Those who are homeless or vulnerably housed face multiple disadvantages. They have limited access to basic needs such as food and hygiene and are highly vulnerable to exploitation and violence. Those we help often have poor physical and/or mental health. Some are battling alcohol or drug dependencies, and many have low educational attainment and little to no training or work experience, but nearly all want to find a job.

All will have suffered some level of significant trauma including job loss, eviction, severe poverty, family breakdown, leaving an institution such as care or prison or fleeing domestic abuse. Many of those we work with have experienced childhood trauma and have little or no knowledge of what a healthy, caring relationship is. They have a severely fractured or no support network and are extremely isolated and alone. All these issues make it so much harder for them to develop healthy relationships, improve self-confidence, gain employment, or build a better future for themselves, without significant support.

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Annual Report and Financial Statements to 31 March 2024

Trustees report

Case Study: John’s Story

John is 29. He has 5 A Levels, a degree and a master’s degree in chemical engineering. He has never experienced alcohol or drug dependency. He is ambitious, focused, and positive.

John came to Cambridge in February 2023, to attempt to reconnect with his father who was in rapidly failing health. A father who had been violent and abusive to his children and former wife and who had been absent in John’s life since he was 6 years old.

When John arrived in Cambridge, he quickly found work and began a new relationship, soon after moving in with his new girlfriend. Unfortunately, the relationship didn’t last, and John moved into hotel accommodation as a temporary solution while he looked for a room to rent in a shared house. He hadn’t anticipated how difficult it would be to find affordable accommodation. Realising that he needed to retain enough money for a deposit and first month’s rent, John was faced with the harsh reality of having to leave his hotel room and sleep rough whilst continuing his search. Living on the streets, John was unable to sleep for nights on end.

“I took to turning up at work at 6am before everyone arrived and then staying until 6pm, long after everyone else had gone home. No-one questioned this – colleagues just thought I was working hard. I’d stay as late as possible and then I’d leave and just walk around throughout the night and then go back to work in the morning. I didn’t feel I could tell anyone.”

At this point, John wasn’t aware of the support available to him but did contact the council. He was told that he would be eligible for a 0% deposit loan under the Rent Deposit Scheme.

Unfortunately, though, the lack of sleep and hardship of rough sleeping began to impact upon his job. Too embarrassed to explain what he was going through, he made mistakes at work and ultimately, was dismissed.

This change in circumstances meant that John was no longer eligible for the Rent Deposit Scheme. With no income he couldn’t afford a place to live. With no place to live, he couldn’t find new employment. He was trapped in a vicious cycle with no obvious way out.

John’s fortunes took a turn for the better when he was told about Wintercomfort by an advisor at the Job Centre. With the team’s support he managed to find a place in a shared house and soon after, to find new employment. Wintercomfort was able to provide the emotional and practical support that he needed at a time when he felt hopeless and alone. Despite the huge range of advisory services that Wintercomfort can offer, sometimes, it’s the simple act of human kindness and compassion which makes the difference.

“I used to be someone who would walk past someone on the street and look the other way – feeling helpless when faced with someone in need. I’m different now. I know that this could happen to anyone and that everyone who faces homelessness is simply a person who has fallen on hard times.”

That’s what is so different about Wintercomfort. There is such a human element here. Every interaction is professional but really human. Even when there are difficult situations here, everyone is dealt with such care and respect. I wouldn’t be where I am today without their support.”

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Annual Report and Financial Statements to 31 March 2024

Trustees Report

Objectives and activities.

Our charity was founded in May 1991, over 31 years ago, in response to a clearly identified need to support those who find themselves homeless and/or vulnerably housed in Cambridge. We now deliver a range of services that don’t just meet the potentially life threatening, immediate urgent needs of the people we support but also strive to facilitate lasting and proactive change in their lives.

OUR MISSION

OUR VISION

OUR VALUES

Wintercomfort is the only information, advice, training, and support centre for those who are homeless or vulnerably housed in Cambridge. We offer vital activities designed to provide learning, training and improve self-esteem; empowering those we support to move out of homelessness, as well as a free daily welfare service. Because those we help often have multiple issues, it is essential that we take a person-centred, trauma-informed approach. We are open seven days a week. Wintercomfort provides several services from its city centre location and out in the community.

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Annual Report and Financial Statements to 31 March 2024

Trustees Report

Objectives and activities.

Housing support and prevention service: We offer comprehensive housing advice and practical assistance to help individuals navigate the housing pathway. Once accommodation is secured, we provide ongoing support to ensure tenancy stability, including education and guidance on managing bills, cooking and budgeting. Additionally, a home furnishing fund is available to assist with essential white goods and soft furnishings. For those struggling to maintain their accommodation, we provide tenancy support, addressing issues such as overcrowding, rent arrears or poor living conditions.

Employment, training, and volunteering: We offer a range of services to help individuals gain vocational qualifications, improve their CVs, enhance literacy and numeracy skills, conduct job searches, and prepare for interviews. Our social enterprise, Overstream Clean & Garden, a professional cleaning and gardening business, provides training and paid employment opportunities. Additionally, individuals can gain work experience and earn food hygiene accreditation by volunteering in our commercial kitchen. We supply specialist work attire and, where appropriate, provide work references to support career advancement.

Money and debt advice: Delivered by experienced Money and Debt Advisors, this service offers practical guidance on benefit entitlements, rent arrears, money management, debt resolution, creditor negotiations, and repayment planning. Our goal is to equip individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to reduce their debts and manage their finances more effectively.

Counselling and therapy: We offer 1:1 counselling to all service users, available in person or via telephone. Our highly qualified counsellors provide support on a wide range of issues, including addiction recovery, low to moderate depression and anxiety, health anxieties, accommodation concerns, abuse, childhood trauma, family breakdown, parenting, bereavement, and relationship issues.

Health and wellbeing: We assist with GP registrations and access to dental treatment, accompany service users to medical appointments to advocate for them when necessary. We provide referrals to drug and alcohol support services. Additionally, we offer access to a specialist sexual health and hepatitis clinic, as well as a monthly footcare clinic.

Women’s only service: Our accredited Independent Sexual Violence Advisor provides 1:1 emotional support and accommodation assistance for women. We refer individuals to a broad range of general and gender-informed services, including counselling and practical support, to help them maintain their dignity. We supply toiletries, sanitary items, clean clothes, and offer advice on staying safe, alongside access to physical and mental health support and personal development plans. Additionally, we host regular group activities, such as evening sessions, coffee mornings, cooking classes, sports activities, and arts and crafts. We encourage peer support so they can help each other, improve their social skills, and feel more empowered by knowing they are not alone in their experiences.

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Annual Report and Financial Statements to 31 March 2024

Trustees Report

Objectives and activities.

Non-UK national support: Including support for those at risk of exploitation and trafficking through modern slavery, support with official documentation, help with immigration services including legal advice, translation services and English language tuition.

Social inclusion and sports : Including a weekly men’s group, cooking group, museum visits, fishing trips, outings, and gardening. We also offer daily and weekly sports & exercise programmes including individual fitness plans.

Digital inclusion: We offer free access to computers at the centre alongside support to use online services and improve digital skills as required. We help people to set up online banking, manage benefits, access healthcare services, create email accounts and to use social media and other platforms to promote inclusion and connectivity.

Welfare support: Includes a free daily breakfast and lunch for rough sleepers. There is daily access to showers, toiletries, laundry services, free clothing, and footwear, helping people to maintain a sense of dignity and selfrespect. Food and fuel vouchers are provided, along with sleeping bags and mobile phones and data top-ups where necessary.

Outreach work : This year we have increased our presence within the local community, delivering outreach advice clinics at housing providers foodbanks and other community spaces. We want to ensure those we have not reached before and those who may not have considered using Wintercomfort, either because of stigma, fear or because they assume Wintercomfort only offers support to those sleeping rough, have access to our services.

In setting the objectives of the Charity, the Trustees have due regard for the public benefit guidance set out by the Charity Commission.

How did we meet our objectives?

LEARNING, DEVELOPMENT AND EMPLOYMENT

Throughout 2023/24, 73 people (2022/23: 64) gained accredited or non-accredited qualifications, this included Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) and Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH) Managing Safety Scheme, Colour Coding of Cloths and Infection Control, Health and Safety, Introduction to Cleaning, Manual Handling, Sharps Handling, Washroom Hygiene and Housekeeping. 70 people (2022/23: 43) volunteered with Overstream Clean & Garden or within our commercial Kitchen. 95 (2022/23: 83) people gained work ready skills including writing CVs, learning job seeking skills and interview techniques. 113 people (2022/23: 55) people gained knowledge around maintaining employment including time keeping, money management and appropriate behaviour in the workplace and 25 (2022/23: 32) gained paid employment, mainly within Overstream Clean & Garden, the hospitality sector, or the construction industry.

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Annual Report and Financial Statements to 31 March 2024

Trustees Report

How did we meet our objectives?

HOUSING SUPPORT AND PREVENTION SERVICE

During 2023/24, our Housing Support and Prevention Service provided accommodation support and advice to 302 people (2022/23: 250) and we supported 80 people to gain accommodation (2022/23: 92) In addition, we supported a further 130 people to maintain their tenancy (2022/23: 130).

At the beginning of 2023, our Housing Support and Prevention Team started offering new drop-in clinics at food banks and community spaces to reach a broader audience who might not have accessed our services before. Through these clinics, we have been able to deliver more preventative work, helping people maintain their current accommodation and address issues such as rent arrears, debt, and housing disrepair. We have also been able to sign post people to other places for support.

During the year we have developed a successful relationship with Law Stop (www.lawstop.co.uk). They support people entitled to Legal Aid, providing advice and support to help them navigate the legal system in the areas of housing, community care, public law and education. Our Housing Advisor has been working closely with them, referring people to them to access legal aid. In addition, their housing specialists attend some of the drop-in sessions we are doing out in the community, and they visit Overstream House on a monthly basis, to provide drop-in advice and support.

For those needing to secure accommodation, we explained their options and supported them closely through the housing pathway. For particularly vulnerable individuals, mainly those with mental health issues, we made phone calls on their behalf or attended meetings with them. When applicable, we encouraged people to register and bid on Home-Link. Through our Streets to Home Partnership (funded by Cambridgeshire County Council), we worked closely with housing providers to ensure that people's rights were respected, and the accommodation offered was the most appropriate for their needs. Throughout the year, our Housing Advisor participated in the Housing First Panel, providing recommendations on suitable candidates for the programme.

Once individuals moved into accommodation, we continued to offer support, providing them with white goods and soft furnishings through our furnishings fund when needed, and helping them apply for poverty relief grants. During the year, we assisted 195 people in securing 404 poverty relief grants (2022/23: 114). We provided weekly support until they were able to manage independently, recognising that sustained support is crucial to prevent them from risking their tenancy and repeating the cycle of homelessness, which often occurs when support is withdrawn too quickly.

Alongside practical advice, we offered ongoing emotional support to ease the transition from life on the streets and help people feel connected to their new communities, thereby improving their chances of successful integration and sustained tenancies.

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Annual Report and Financial Statements to 31 March 2024

Trustees Report

How did we meet our objectives?

COUNSELLING AND WELLBEING

This year we delivered 1:1 counselling to 60 people (2022/23: 31). As part of our work, it is essential people can access free mental health support, from an organisation they know, trust, and feel comfortable with.

The cost-of-living crisis has had a considerable impact on people’s wellbeing, and they are reporting feeling more anxious about the future. Issues around debt, food and fuel poverty are becoming more of a regular talking issue with our counsellors. In addition, other subjects which service users are coping with include substance misuse, childhood trauma, family/relationship breakdown, poverty, depression, anxiety and worry about their accommodation and future life. For the women, childhood trauma, unhealthy adult relationships, past and present sexual abuse, and domestic violence play a significant contribution to their counselling needs. Impressively 100% of those who received counselling this year self-reported an increase in confidence and wellbeing. In addition, of those who were struggling with alcohol or drug addiction, 100% self-reported a reduction in usage or are now abstaining completely. All acknowledge that the counselling has played a significant part in their progress.

In addition to our counselling, the overall wellbeing of the people we support remained paramount. During the year, 655 (2022/23: 336) people received some form of medical/wellbeing support. Acting as a hub for other partner services, we were able to host monthly foot care clinics, lung clinics, Hep C and HIV testing, twice weekly Drug and Alcohol drop-in sessions, weekly visits from the DDSP (supporting people with mental health and drug addiction) and regular visits from the Access Surgery Team. All partner services have reported that the ability to host clinics and visits at Wintercomfort is of significant value in achieving engagement in their services. Where necessary, our team supported people to make and attend appointments with other healthcare providers including dentist appointments and encouraging people to registers with the Access Surgery. Overall, a large proportion of people reported an increase in physical and mental wellbeing from working with Wintercomfort.

WOMEN’S SERVICE

During the year, we worked with 165 (2022/23: 145) women who were homeless or vulnerably housed. Throughout the year 554 key working sessions took place either face to face or via telephone or Zoom. These 1:1 sessions focus on a variety of different issues including emotional support, personal development, life skills, money management, housing advice, family issues, isolation and loneliness, mental wellbeing, sexual abuse and violence, health anxieties, job skills and benefit advice. At present, the cost-of-living crisis and the worry about paying bills and buying food, continues to dominate much of these conversations. During the year we helped secure 86 different poverty relief grants for 61 women.

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Annual Report and Financial Statements to 31 March 2024

Trustees Report

How did we meet our objectives?

Peer support is incredibly beneficial to this group and chatting whilst taking part in activities such as the cooking sessions and the evening sessions provides great support to the women.

Domestic abuse and sexual violence remained a prominent and serious issue for the women we supported and during 2023/24, 31 women were supported in this area. As part of their personal development plan, we worked closely with each individual, supporting them to develop self-worth and to understand the difference between a healthy relationship and one that is coercive and abusive. Our Senior Women’s Project Worker is trained in supporting women who are/have experienced abuse, and we worked closely with Cambridge Women’s Aid, Independent Sexual Violence Adviser (ISVA) and the Police to ensure they were fully supported.

“It’s great to be able to learn some new skills and to add another string to my bow. The team in the kitchen are so friendly and helpful and it’s been great being involved with something productive and being able to give something back. If I can get some experience that might lead to work, then that’s even better!”

A Service User

SOCIAL INCLUSION AND SPORTS

During the year our Project Workers worked with a 100 people on 831 occasions (2022/23: 158 people on 1,693 occasions). Activities undertaken included the gym, badminton, swimming, cycling, walking, aerobics, circuits and racket sports. There were also some sessions exclusively for women, including boxercise.

This year we saw the launch of our first men’s group. This group has been co-produced and offers a unique and supportive environment that addresses the specific needs and challenges faced by men, supporting their overall wellbeing and personal development. Sessions include a variety of activities, ranging from Play Station 4, to drawing, poetry and board games. The men’s cooking club is also on at the same time, which provides a great complement. Every session the group sits down to eat a meal together. Attendance has been highly promising so far and the team is keen for the group to grow and evolve based on what the men want to do.

NO RECOURSE TO PUBLIC FUNDS (NRPF)

During the year we provided (via IR Immigration Law), free legal advice to 77 people who had NRPF (2022/23: 77). Project Workers along with our translator worked with this cohort to explain the rights that pre-settled and settled status provides, as well as the general conditions for acquiring settled status. Significant time has been spent acquiring the necessary paperwork such as passports and National Insurance numbers, and we have attended meetings with individuals if we felt additional support was required. We have also worked closely with this group to secure paid employment as private rental is often their only housing option.

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Annual Report and Financial Statements to 31 March 2024

Trustees Report

How did we meet our objectives?

Wintercomfort’s Outcomes

“I’ve worked really hard to get where I am and get over the set-backs I’ve faced. I feel really happy with the way life is coming together for me now.”

A Service User.

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Annual Report and Financial Statements to 31 March 2024

Trustees Report

Achievements and Performance.

Attendance information

During this financial year Wintercomfort supported 707 (2022/23:615) people who were homeless or vulnerably housed, an increase of 15% from last year. Over the year, people visited Wintercomfort 9,088 times (2022/23:11,139).

Total number of individuals 476 456 615 707
Total number of visits 5,767 7,540 11,140 9,088
Totalpeople supported
~~a~~		 222
~~a~~		 348
~~a~~		 378
~~a~~		 344
~~a~~
Visits to centre
~~		 ~~ 1,853
~~		 ~~
Breakfasts & lunches served
~~		 ~~ 1,983
~~
Average visitsper individual
~~		 ~~ 8.3
~~		 ~~

Employees

Wintercomfort operates an equal opportunities recruitment programme. Over the year, circa 45% (2022/23: 45%) of Wintercomfort’s staff team reported having had experience of homelessness. All frontline staff are enhanced DBS checked and trained in Safeguarding Of Vulnerable Adults (SOVA).

Volunteers

Volunteers play an important role in providing Wintercomfort’s services for those who are homeless or vulnerably housed. As a charity, we know and appreciate the value, skills, and experience that volunteers can bring. In addition to our 7 volunteer Trustees, last year Wintercomfort worked with 3 volunteers from the local community on a regular basis, and more corporate volunteers on a less regular basis. All volunteers are recruited to the needs of the charity and the people we support. They all have a comprehensive induction, training, and on-going support from their designated Project Worker. All volunteers are enhanced DBS checked and trained in safeguarding of vulnerable adults (SOVA).

We are so privileged to have such a wonderful team of committed and gifted volunteers who work tirelessly every week to support the most vulnerable people in our society. We are committed to providing volunteers with a safe, fulfilling and rewarding experience, as well as offering the opportunity to meet new people, experience new things and help to make a real difference to the lives of people in Cambridge who are struggling with homelessness. We could not deliver our services without our volunteers, and we are immensely grateful to them.

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Annual Report and Financial Statements to 31 March 2024

Trustees Report.

Fundraising aims and achievements.

Thanks to the generosity of our supporters our total income for the year was £1,058,389, excluding investment and Social Enterprise income (£162,904).

The 2023 Christmas Appeal was a great success, raising just over £100,000.

On Friday 1[st] March, we held our fundraising Sleepout event at Abbey Stadium, working in partnership with Cambridge United Community Trust. 115 brave souls from across the city spent the night sleeping outside on the terraces in what was a cold, uncomfortable but very humbling experience. We were very grateful for the support of many local businesses including Astrazeneca, Green and Purple, Hill Group, Kameo Recruitment, Redgate, Sitec and Cambridgeshire County Council. The event raised an impressive £29,496 which was split evenly between the two charities after expenses.

Trusts and foundations fundraising has been highly competitive, and we are extremely grateful and fortunate to have such a good level of regular and loyal supporters. Our income generation strategy has always been to have a diverse number of income streams, to ensure we are never reliant on just one channel of funding. We will also continue to invest time and resources into our social enterprise, Overstream Clean & Garden.

Wintercomfort’s current fundraising team consists of two part-time consultants who specialise in major grant funding bids, as well as a full-time Fundraising Manager and a part-time Communications Lead. In 2023/24 thanks to the generosity of our supporters, fundraising costs equated to 6% (2022/23: 6%) of all our income which we believe is an excellent return on investment.

We honour communication preferences and make a single annual fundraising appeal prior to Christmas each year and otherwise issue a quarterly newsletter to supporters for information only. We strive to reflect the values we have for vulnerable people in our fundraising practices by providing guidance whenever possible. All our fundraising activities comply with the guidelines laid down by the Fundraising Regulator. We have adhered to the fundraising standards and have not received any fundraising complaints.

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Annual Report and Financial Statements to 31 March 2024

Trustees Report

Financial review and results for the year

The financial results show a surplus for the year of £125,816 (2022/23: surplus £11,840). Revaluation gains/(losses) in the year were £162 (2022/23: £ (15,820), excluding which the net outturn would have been a surplus of £125,654 (2022/23: surplus £27,660).

Income

Income was £1,221,293 for 2023/24, which is an increase of £95,265 on the previous year (£1,126,028). Of this, £623,091 (2022/23: £600,635) was given for specific projects whilst the remaining £598,202 (2022/23: 525,393) was given or raised for unrestricted use. Income for the year includes £4,300 of Gifts in Kind.

The outturn for the year was better than anticipated due to several factors:

Expenditure

Total Expenditure for the year (£1,095,639) is line with 2022/23 (£1,098,368)

The largest item of expenditure is staff costs (circa 70% of total cost). Underlying staff costs for the year have been lower than budget due to:

Staff costs for 2023/24 (£740,426) are higher than 2022/23 (£720,626) due to a 3% pay rise from October 2023.

Despite the impact of inflation, the remaining costs for 2023/24 (£355,213) are lower 2022/23 (£377,742) due to:

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Annual Report and Financial Statements to 31 March 2024

Trustees Report

Financial review and results for the year (continued)

Review of investment performance

At the end of the year the value of the corporate bond investments (in the Invesco Perpetual Corporate Bond Fund and the M&G Gilt and Fixed Interest Fund) stood at £93,935 (2022/23: 93,773). These investments increased in value by £162 during the year.

Funds and Reserves

Within restricted funds are £96,506 of costs which will fund future activities of the charity (2022/23: £89,593).

The charityheld the followingfunds at 31 March(£’s) 2024 2024
2023
Restricted funds 96,506 96,506
89,593
Designated funds: 232,018 232,018
237,148
-
Designated strategic fund		 90,000 90,000
90,000
-
Designated fixed assets fund		 128,097 128,097
133,227
-
Designated building fund		 13,921 13,921
13,921
Remainingfree reserves 710,771 771
586,738
Total 1,039,295 295
913,479

Restricted funds are used only for the purposes specified by the donor or grant giver, details of which are given in note 15 to these financial statements. Designated funds are funds set aside by the Trustees for specific purposes according to the needs of the organisation.

The designated strategic reserve provides for major changes to funding and operational matters anticipated in the foreseeable future.

The designated fixed assets fund represents the book value of the building owned by Wintercomfort and from which its services are run, and the equipment used by the charity. This is designated because these assets are essential to the running of the charity and the funds are not readily available for other purposes.

The designated building fund remains to assist in funding building works and improvements to the premises.

Free reserves are held by the Trustees to ensure continuity of service should the charity experience any unexpected changes in circumstances. We currently have seven months, and we aim to have between six to nine months expenditure cover and therefore believe our Reserves are sufficient to meet the future needs of the Charity.

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Annual Report and Financial Statements to 31 March 2024

Trustees Report

Financial management and policies

Reserves policy

The Trustees of Wintercomfort aim to oversee and manage a level of reserves to meet the current and future needs of our beneficiaries, and to do this by establishing reserves for designated matters and free reserves as explained in the Trustees report on page 16.

Investment policy

The Trustees have decided to retain short term funds in cash reserves which are in low-risk interest bearing deposit accounts, to provide for seasonal fluctuations in operating cash. Funds not required to meet this liquidity need are held in medium term investments in corporate bonds and gilt-edged securities.

Governance and management

Governing document

Wintercomfort, a company limited by guarantee, is governed by its memorandum and articles of association. Liability of the members in the event of the company being wound up is limited to £1 each.

The Board

The board of Trustees is responsible for the strategic governance of the charity and all act in their capacity as Trustees as unpaid volunteers. Members of the board who are directors for the purpose of company law who served during the year are set out under legal and administrative details on page 44.

The board meets bi–monthly and receives written reports on all aspects of the charity’s work at each meeting. Trustees regularly review the skillsets that would strengthen the board’s overall effectiveness. The board operates an equal opportunities recruitment policy and Trustees are recruited to provide specific or general skills. New Trustees follow an induction process and are required to spend some time experiencing the different aspects of the charity’s activities to gain an understanding of all aspects of the work of Wintercomfort and to meet key members of staff. All Trustees are required to understand their legal obligations in taking on the role of Trustee. All Trustees are SOVA trained and have an enhanced DBS.

17

Annual Report and Financial Statements to 31 March 2024

Trustees report

Governance and management

Management

Decisions about matters of policies, finances, and changes to the way the charity is run are made by the Trustees at bi-monthly board meetings (on a majority vote with a quorum present of three or one third whoever is the greater). The board delegates certain areas of governance to the finance committee. This comprises of the Chair and other Trustees with relevant financial experience. The finance committee meets bi-monthly or more often should the need arise.

The day to day running of the charity is delegated to the chief executive officer (CEO) who is responsible for the delivery of the agreed strategy and for ensuring that the charity’s policies are adhered to. Pay is benchmarked against equivalent roles in similar sized UK charities, considering geographical variations in cost of living. The CEO and SMT are listed in the legal and administrative section of these financial statements and their employment costs are disclosed in note 5c to the accounts.

Staff remuneration

Salaries are reviewed annually and uplifted as appropriate and sustainable.

Pensions

Wintercomfort provides pension arrangements for staff using the National Employment Savings Trust (NEST) plan which was chosen as it caters to small organisations such as ours and provides staff with flexibility and control over their arrangements

Future plans and activities

Wintercomfort’s main aim is to continue to support the homeless and vulnerably housed in Cambridge. Over the years our organisation has evolved and adapted to meet the changing needs of the homeless community. We will continue to do this by listening to our service user views through our Service User Forums and through our 1:1 key working sessions.

Collaboration is at the heart of helping people to progress. As an organisation, we have worked hard to build excellent relationships with all local stakeholders, especially our fellow partners on the Streets to Home partnership. Continuing to deliver a joined-up approach that best supports people’s needs whilst ensuring there is no duplication of service remains paramount.

We know that securing paid employment is one of the most sustainable routes out of homelessness. Over the next few years, we will continue to operate Overstream Clean and Garden social enterprise, to provide training and work opportunities for our service users.

18

Annual Report and Financial Statements to 31 March 2024

Trustees report

Due to the cost-of living crisis, we know we will continue to see an increase in people needing our support. Our biggest challenge will be raising the much-needed funds to meet this increasing demand. We have always endeavoured to have a robust Income Generation Strategy, and to not be overly reliant on one channel of income. As part of 2024 to 2027 Income Generation Strategy, we will work hard to develop new funding partnerships, especially within the corporate community and individual donors, to ensure that we continue to help people who are in crisis move forward positively and secure a place to live.

Risk and safeguarding

Risk

The Trustees have a risk management process to assess risks to which the charity is exposed. This process identifies the types of risks the charity faces, prioritises them and identifies mitigation strategies. Risk management forms an integral part of all the charity’s strategic management thinking and decisions. All projects and services are risk assessed at the outset as well as being regularly updated. Overall responsibility for ensuring that this process is carried out lies with the Board of Trustees and the Chief Executive Officer. Each quarter, progress against strategic objectives is measured and reviewed and the most significant risks to meeting strategic goals are identified and reported to the board.

The Trustees consider that the most significant risks currently facing the charity, and their mitigating factors remain as follows:

Failing to raise the income required to deliver
services.		 Financial planning, scenario planning, management of
reserves, risk mitigation strategies.
Failure to provide appropriate care for service
users / abuse of service users.		 Safeguarding best practice, policy, procedures, training for
staff, volunteers and Trustees.
Failure to comply with human resource
procedures and / or employment regulations.		 Ensure all policies and procedures reflect statutory
requirements and good practice and are regularly
reviewed.

Safeguarding

Wintercomfort works with vulnerable adults and the policies and procedures that have been implemented to ensure the safety and protection of service users include:

19

Annual Report and Financial Statements to 31 March 2024

Statement of Trustees responsibilities

The Trustees (who are also directors of Wintercomfort for the homeless for the purposes 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 directors to prepare financial statements for each financial year. Under that law the directors have elected to prepare the financial statements in accordance with United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice (United Kingdom Accounting Standards and applicable law). Under company law the directors must not approve the financial statements unless they are satisfied that they give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charitable company and of the incoming resources and application of resources, including the income and expenditure, of the charitable company for that period. In preparing these financial statements, the Trustees are required to:

The Trustees are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charitable company 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 charitable company and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.

Insofar as the Trustees are aware at the time of approving our Trustees annual report:

The Trustees are responsible for the maintenance and integrity of the charity and financial information included on the charity’s website in accordance with legislation in the United Kingdom governing the preparation and dissemination of financial statements.

Auditors

The auditors, Goodman Jones LLP, have indicated their willingness to continue in office and a motion proposing re-appointment will be proposed at a meeting of the Trustees. These accounts have been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to companies subject to the small companies’ regime and in accordance with FRS 102 “The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland” (effective 1 January 2019).

Signed on behalf of the Trustees 1[st] October 2024. Jane Dominey (Chair).

20

Annual Report and Financial Statements to 31 March 2024

Independent Auditor’s Report to the Members of Wintercomfort for the homeless Opinion

We have audited the financial statements of Wintercomfort For The Homeless (the 'charitable company') for the year ended 31 March 2024 which comprise the Statement of Financial Activities, the Balance Sheet, the Statement of Cash Flows and the related notes, including a summary of significant accounting policies. The financial reporting framework that has been applied in their preparation is applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards, including Financial Reporting Standard 102 'The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland' (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).

In our opinion the financial statements:

Basis for opinion

We conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (UK) (ISAs (UK)) and applicable law. Our responsibilities under those standards are further described in the Auditors' responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements section of our report. We are independent of the charitable company in accordance with the ethical requirements that are relevant to our audit of the financial statements in the United Kingdom, including the Financial Reporting Council's Ethical Standard, and we have fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance with these requirements. We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion.

Conclusions relating to going concern

In auditing the financial statements, we have concluded that the Trustees use of the going concern basis of accounting in the preparation of the financial statements is appropriate.

Based on the work we have performed, we have not identified any material uncertainties relating to events or conditions that, individually or collectively, may cast significant doubt on the charitable company's ability to continue as a going concern for a period of at least twelve months from when the financial statements are authorised for issue.

Our responsibilities and the responsibilities of the Trustees with respect to going concern are described in the relevant sections of this report.

21

Annual Report and Financial Statements to 31 March 2024

Other information

The other information comprises the information included in the Annual Report other than the financial statements and our Auditors' Report thereon. The Trustees are responsible for the other information contained within the Annual Report. Our opinion on the financial statements does not cover the other information and, except to the extent otherwise explicitly stated in our report, we do not express any form of assurance conclusion thereon. Our responsibility is to read the other information and, in doing so, consider whether the other information is materially inconsistent with the financial statements or our knowledge obtained in the course of the audit, or otherwise appears to be materially misstated. If we identify such material inconsistencies or apparent material misstatements, we are required to determine whether this gives rise to a material misstatement in the financial statements themselves. If, based on the work we have performed, we conclude that there is a material misstatement of this other information, we are required to report that fact.

We have nothing to report in this regard.

Matters on which we are required to report by exception.

We have nothing to report in respect of the following matters where the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 requires us to report to you if, in our opinion:

Responsibilities of Trustees

As explained more fully in the Trustees Responsibilities Statement, the Trustees (who are also the directors of the charitable company for the purposes of company law) are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements and for being satisfied that they give a true and fair view, and for such internal control as the Trustees determine is necessary to enable the preparation of financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.

In preparing the financial statements, the Trustees are responsible for assessing the charitable company's ability to continue as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going concern and using the going concern basis of accounting unless the Trustees either intend to liquidate the charitable company or to cease operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so.

22

Annual Report and Financial Statements to 31 March 2024

Auditors' responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements

We have been appointed as auditor under section 144 of the Charities Act 2011 and report in accordance with the Act and relevant regulations made or having effect thereunder.

Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements as a whole are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue an Auditors' Report that includes our opinion. Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance but is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance with ISAs (UK) will always detect a material misstatement when it exists. Misstatements can arise from fraud or error and are considered material if, individually or in the aggregate, they could reasonably be expected to influence the economic decisions of users taken on the basis of these financial statements.

Irregularities, including fraud, are instances of non-compliance with laws and regulations. We design procedures in line with our responsibilities, outlined above, to detect material misstatements in respect of irregularities, including fraud. The extent to which our procedures are capable of detecting irregularities, including fraud is detailed below:

Based on our understanding of the charity and sector, we identified that the principal risks of noncompliance with laws and regulations related to sector regulations and unethical and prohibited business practices, and we considered the extent to which non-compliance might have a material effect on the financial statements. We also considered those laws and regulations that have a direct impact on the preparation of the financial statements such as the Companies Act 2006, the Charities Act 2011, Charity Commission and sector regulations, and UK Tax Legislation. We evaluated management’s incentives and opportunities for fraudulent manipulation of the financial statements including the risk of override of controls). Appropriate audit procedures in response to these risks were carried out.

These procedures included:

We also communicated relevant identified laws and regulations and potential fraud risks to all engagement team members; and remained alert to any indications of fraud or non-compliance with laws and regulations throughout the audit.

There are inherent limitations in the audit procedures described above and the further removed noncompliance with laws and regulations is from the events and transactions reflected in the financial statements, the less likely we would become aware of it. Also, the risk of not detecting a material misstatement due to fraud is higher than the risk of not detecting one resulting from error, as fraud may involve deliberate concealment by, for example, forgery or intentional misrepresentations, or through collusion.

A further description of our responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements is located on the Financial Reporting Council's website at: www.frc.org.uk/auditorsresponsibilities. This description forms part of our Auditors' Report.

23

Annual Report and Financial Statements to 31 March 2024

Use of our report

This report is made solely to the charitable company's Trustees, as a body, in accordance with Part 4 of the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008. Our audit work has been undertaken so that we might state to the charitable company's Trustees those matters we are required to state to them in an Auditors' Report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the charitable company and its members, as a body, for our audit work, for this report, or for the opinions we have formed.

Goodman Jones LLP

Chartered Accountants

Statutory Auditors

1[st] Floor, Arthur Stanley House

40-50 Tottenham Street

W1T 4RN

Date: 18-11-24

Goodman Jones LLP are eligible to act as auditors in terms of section 1212 of the Companies Act 2006

24

Annual Report and Financial Statements to 31 March 2024

Statement of financial activities for the year ended 31 March 2024 (Incorporating an Income and Expenditure Account)

----- Start of picture text -----
|||||||| |---|---|---|---|---|---|---| |Unrestricted Unrestricted| |general|designated|Restricted|Total|Total| |Notes|funds|funds|funds|funds|funds| |2024|2024|2024|2024|2023| |Income from:|£|£|£|£|£| |Donations|3a|405,905|-|4,300|410,205|414,515| |Charitable activities| |Welfare service|3b|-|289,218|289,218|220,964| |Learning & Development activities|3b|-|314,760|314,760|309,973| |Social enterprise|3b|115,529|-|14,813|130,342|125,273| |Other trading activities|3c 44,206 - 44,206 50,658| |Investment income|32,562|-|-|32,562|4,645| |──────|──────|────── ──---────|──────| |Total Income|598,202|-|623,091 1,221,293 1,126,028| |──────|──────|────── ────---──|──────| |Expenditure on:| |Raising funds|74,188|-|-|74,188|64,786| |Charitable activities| |Welfare Service|76,651|-|286,605|363,256|407,975| |Learning & Development activities|165,826|-|314,760|480,586|455,269| |Social Enterprises|162,796|-|14,813|177,609|170,338| |──────|──────|────── ────--──|──────| |Total Expenditure|4&5|479,461|-|616,178 1,095,639 1,098,368| |──────|──────|──────|───---──|──────| |Net income/(losses) before investment gains|118,741|6,913|125,654|27,660| |Net losses on investments|7|162|-|-|162|(15,820)| |──────|──────|──────|──────|──────| |Net (Expenditure)/income for the year|118,903|-|6,913|125,816|11,840| |Transfers between funds|15|5,130|(5,130)|-|-|-| |──────|──────|──────|──────|──────| |Net movement of funds|124,033 (5,130) 6,913 125,816 11,840| |Total funds at 1 April|586,738|237,148|89,593|913,479 901,639| |─-─────|──-────|──────|──-────|──-────| |Total funds at 31 March|710,771|232,018|96,506 1,039,295|913,479| |═════|═════|════|═════|═════|

----- End of picture text -----

The statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year. All income and expenditure derive from continuing activities. The attached notes form part of these financial statements.

25

Annual Report and Financial Statements to 31 March 2024

Balance Sheet as at 31 March 2024

Balance Sheet as at 31 March 2024
Company number 02615905 Notes 2024 2023 Company number 02615905 Notes 2024 2023 Company number 02615905 Notes 2024 2023 Company number 02615905 Notes 2024 2023 Company number 02615905 Notes 2024 2023 Company number 02615905 Notes 2024 2023
£ £ £ £
Fixed assets
Tangible assets 6 128,097 133,227
Investments 7 93,935 93,773
────── ──────
222,032 227,000
Current assets
Debtors 8 78,529 76,276
Cash at bank and in hand 929,253 726,887
────── ──────
1,007,782 803,163
Creditors: amounts falling due within one year Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
9		 (86,768) (63,480)
Creditors: deferred income 10 (103,751) (53,204)
────── ──────
Net current assets 817,263 686,479
──--──── ──---───
Net assets 14 1,039,295 913,479 14 1,039,295 913,479 14 1,039,295 913,479 14 1,039,295 913,479 14 1,039,295 913,479
═════ ═════
Unrestricted funds
General funds 15 710,771 586,738
Designated funds 15 232,018 237,148
────── ──────
942,789 823,886
Restricted funds 15 96,506 89,593
──--──── ──--──── ──--────
Total funds 15 1,039,295 913,479
═════ ═════

The attached notes form part of these financial statements. These accounts have been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to companies subject to the small companies’ regime. The Charity was entitled to exemption from audit under section 477 of the Companies Act 2006. The members have not required the entity to obtain an audit for the year in question in accordance with section 476 of the Companies Act 2006. However, an audit is required in accordance with section 144 of the Charities Act 2011. The Trustees acknowledge their responsibilities for complying with the requirements of the Act with respect to accounting records and preparation of financial statements.

The financial statements were approved by the Board of Trustees on 1[st] October 2024 and signed on their behalf by:

J Dominey (Chair of Trustees) I Barker (Treasurer)

26

Annual Report and Financial Statements to 31 March 2024

comfort

Statement of cash flows for the year ended 31 March 2024

Statement of cash flows for the year ended 31 March 2024 Statement of cash flows for the year ended 31 March 2024
Notes 2024 2023
£ £
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net cash (used by)/provided by operating activities 219,839 88,561
Cash flows from investing activities:
Proceeds from the sale of property, plant and equipment - -
Purchase of property, plant and equipment 6 (17,473) (13,491)
Net cash used in investing activities (17,473) (13,491)
Change in cash and cash equivalents in the reporting period 202,366 75,071
Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the reporting
period 726,887 651,816
Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the reporting period 929,253 726,887
Reconciliation of net income to net cash flow from operating
activities
Net income for the reporting period (from SOFA) 125,816 11,840
Adjustments for:
Depreciation charges 6 22,603 32,055
Losses/(Gains) on investments 7 (162) 15,820
Losses/(Gains) on disposal of tangible assets - -
Decrease/(increase) in debtors (2,254) (17,924)
Increase/(decrease) in creditors 73,836 46,770
Net cash (used by)/provided by operating activities 219,839 88,561
Analysis of changes in net debt At start of Cashflows At end of
year year
£ £ £
Cash in hand 624,284 211,723 836,007
Notice deposits 102,603 (9,357) 93,246
Total 726,887 202,366 929,253

27

Annual Report and Financial Statements to 31 March 2024

Notes to the accounts

1. Accounting Policies

General Information.

Wintercomfort For the Homeless is a charitable company, limited by guarantee and registered in England and Wales, whose registered office is Overstream House, Victoria Avenue, Cambridge, CB4 1EG. The charity's objects are stated in the Trustees Report on page 8.

Accounting convention

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with 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) (effective 1 January 2019) – (Charities SORP (FRS 102)), the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102), the Companies Act 2006 and the Charities Act 2011. Wintercomfort meets the definition of a public benefit entity under FRS 102. Assets and liabilities are initially recognised at historical cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant accounting policy. The Financial Statements are prepared in Sterling, the functional currency of the charity, and monetary amounts in these financial statements are rounded to the nearest £. Wintercomfort’s legal status is shown on page 44.

Going concern

The Trustees have assessed whether the use of the going concern basis is appropriate and have made this assessment for a period of at least one year from the date of approval of the financial statements. The Trustees have concluded that there are no material uncertainties about the charity’s ability to continue as a going concern and that the organisation’s financial performance and 2024-25 budget and financial plans are robust and deliverable. In addition, the reserves position is sufficient to mitigate any adverse financial risks within the next twelve months from the date these financial statements were approved.

Financial instruments

The charity only has financial assets and 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. Fixed assets are recorded at depreciated historical cost and investments are recorded at fair value, being the closing market value rate as shown in note 7. All other assets and liabilities are recorded at cost which is their fair value.

Funds

Unrestricted funds are donations and other income receivable or generated for the objects of the charity without further specified purpose and are available as general funds. Designated funds are unrestricted funds earmarked by the Board of Trustees for specific purposes. Restricted funds are to be used for specific purposes as laid down by the grant providers and donors. Expenditure which meets these criteria is charged to the fund together with a fair allocation of management and support costs.

Income

Voluntary income received by way of donations from fundraising activities and unsolicited gifts is included in full in the Statement of Financial Activities when receivable. Performance related grant income is recognised in accordance with meeting the attached performance conditions, while Income for non-performance related grants is recognised when received. Income from social enterprise sales is recognised when the service is performed. Legacies are accounted for when received or when receipt is probable, can be estimated and has been notified before the balance sheet date. Income is analysed according to the activity that produced the resources.

28

Annual Report and Financial Statements to 31 March 2024

Notes to the accounts

1. Accounting Policies

Interest on funds held on deposit is included when receivable and the amount can be measured reliably by the Charity; this is normally upon notification of the interest paid or payable by the institution with whom the funds are deposited.

Donated goods and services

Donated professional services are recognised as income when the charity has control over the item, any conditions associated with the donated item have been met, the receipt of economic benefit from the use by the charity of the item is probable and that economic benefit can be measured reliably. In accordance with the Charities SORP (FRS 102), the time contribution of our volunteers is not recognised.

On receipt, donated professional services are recognised on the basis of the value of the gift to the charity which is the amount the charity would have been willing to pay to obtain services of equivalent economic benefit on the open market; a corresponding amount is then recognised in expenditure in the period of receipt.

Expenditure

Expenditure is recognised in the period in which it is incurred and includes attributable VAT which cannot be recovered. Expenditure is allocated to the particular activity where the cost relates directly to that activity. However, the cost of overall direction and administration, comprising the salary, governance and overhead costs of the central function, is apportioned based on time spent on each activity.

Pension

Contributions to employees' personal pension plans are charged to the statement of financial activities in the year in which they become payable. The assets of the scheme are held separately from the assets of the Charity.

Operating Leases

Rentals paid under operating leases are charged to the statement of financial activities on a straight-line basis over the period of the lease.

Fixed assets

Tangible assets are measured at depreciated historical cost. Tangible fixed assets costing £500 or more are capitalised and recognised when future economic benefits are probable, and the cost or value of the asset can be measured reliably.

Land and buildings include the costs of enhancements to the buildings after acquisition. The land element is not depreciated.

Depreciation is provided at rates calculated to write off the cost of assets over their expected useful life as follows:

Freehold property 2% on cost Property improvements 5% on cost Equipment 15% - 25% on cost

29

Annual Report and Financial Statements to 31 March 2024

Notes to the accounts

1. Accounting Policies

Investments

Quoted investments are valued at the balance sheet date, at market value. Revaluation gains or losses are recognised in the statement of financial activities and attributed to the fund for which the investments are held.

Debtors

Trade and other debtors are recognised at the settlement amount due and prepayments are valued at the invoice amount which relates to future periods after the year end date.

Cash at bank and in hand

Cash at bank and cash in hand includes cash and short term highly liquid investments with a short maturity of three months or less from the date of acquisition or opening of the deposit or similar account.

Creditors and provisions

Creditors and provisions 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 and provisions are normally recognised at their settlement amount after allowing for any trade discounts due.

Taxation

The Charity is exempt from taxation on its income and gains falling within the Corporation Tax Act 2010 as all income and gains are applied to charitable purposes. In common with many other charities, Wintercomfort is unable to recover most of the value added tax incurred on expenditure.

2. Critical accounting judgements and accounting estimates

In application of the Charity’s accounting policies which are described in note 1, the Trustees are required to make judgements, estimates and assumptions. Estimates and associated assumptions are based on historical experience and other factors considered relevant and are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Critical judgements having the most significant effect on amounts recognised in the financial statements are as follows:

3. Income

The following grant providers are considered government grants: Cambridge City Council and Cambridgeshire County Council. Further detail on the nature and scope of these grants is given in Note 15. All grants relate to revenue expenditure and are recognised in the periods over which the related costs are recognised

30

Annual Report and Financial Statements to 31 March 2024

comfort

Notes to the accounts

Notes to the accounts
3a. Income from donations 2024 2023
£ £
Restricted
Donated goods: food, second-hand clothing & consumables 4,300
-		 -
Donated goods: refurb of showers at Overstream House by MACE. -
40,016		 40,016
Total restricted 4,300 40,016
Unrestricted
Donations from individuals 146,840
137,227		 137,227
Donations from companies and other organisations 33,453 Donations from companies and other organisations 33,453
20,939		 20,939
Unrestricted income from trusts and foundations 81,834
65,609		 65,609
Appeal donations 108,905
106,541		 106,541
Gift Aid 34,873
44,183		 44,183
Total unrestricted 405,905
374,499		 374,499
Total Donation Income 410,205
414,515		 414,515

3b. Income from charitable activities

Income from charitable activities is disclosed according to the various programmes for which it is given. Income from local government is restricted and was £178,133 (2022/23: £174,860).

31

Annual Report and Financial Statements to 31 March 2024

Notes to the accounts

3b. Income from charitable activities

For the year ended 31 March 2024 Learning & Social Total
Welfare development enterprise 2024
£ £ £ £
Learning & development
programme 48,996 114,324 14,813 178,133
Pathways & progression projects 60,870 91,305 - 152,175
Housing support 54,059 - - 54,059
Digital & Financial Empowerment 18,919 28,378 - 47,297
Access & outreach project worker 16,000 24,000 - 40,000
Employment programme 3,002 4,503 - 7,505
Restart Programme - 1,500 - 1,500
Women’s project 9,799 14,700 - 24,499
Service User Small Grants 20,614 - - 20,614
Counselling Costs 35,259 - - 35,259
Service Manager 4,000 6,000 - 10,000
Health & Wellbeing project worker 3,000 4,500 - 7,500
Migrant Project 1,000 - - 1,000
Sports project worker 3,000 4,500 - 7,500
Sports Program 8,000 12,000 - 20,000
Tenancy Advisor 4,700 7,050 - 11,750
Total restricted 291,218 312,760 14,813 618,791
Social enterprise - - 115,529 115,529
Total 291,218 312,760 130,342 734,320

32

Annual Report and Financial Statements to 31 March 2024

Notes to the accounts

3b. Income from charitable activities

For the year ended 31 March 2023 Learning & Social Total
Welfare development enterprise 2023
£ £ £ £
Learning & development
programme 48,343 112,800 13,716 174,860
Pathways & progression projects 38,951 58,427 15,966 113,344
Housing support 27,675 7,200 - 34,875
Financial Support 8,000 12,000 - 20,000
Digital & Financial Empowerment 20,493 30,739 - 51,232
Moving forward project 3,320 4,980 - 8,300
Access & outreach project worker 16,000 24,000 - 40,000
Employment programme 13,726 23,590 - 37,316
Catering Training - 1,250 - 1,250
Women’s project 9,200 13,800 - 23,000
Service User Small Grants 20,131 - - 20,131
Equipment funding 4,292 6,437 - 10,729
Health & Wellbeing project worker 2,000 3,000 - 5,000
Migrant Project 1,000 - - 1,000
Sports project worker 3,000 4,500 - 7,500
Tenancy Advisor 4,833 7,250 - 12,083
Total restricted 220,964 309,973 29,682 560,619
Social enterprise - - 95,591 95,591
Total 220,964 309,973 125,273 656,210

33

Annual Report and Financial Statements to 31 March 2024

comfort

Notes to the accounts

3c.
Income from other trading activities		 2024
2023		 2023
£ £ £ £
Fundraising Events 35,554 39,239
Internal cleaning recharge from Overstream Clean and Garden. 7,601 10,395
Other activities 1,051 1,024
At 31 March At 31 March
44,206		 50,658

All income from other trading activities was unrestricted.

4. Analysis of expenditure on charitable activities

Direct Staff Support Deprec- Donated Total
For the year ended 31 March 2024 costs costs costs iation Items 2024
£ £ £ £ £ £
Charitable activities
Welfare 66,981 236,225 47,052 8,698 4,300 363,256
Learning & Development 51,629 354,315 62,996 11,645 - 480,585
Social enterprise 13,220 149,901 12,228 2,260 - 177,609
Raising funds 74,189 - - - - - - 74,189
Total 206,019 740,441 122,276 22,603 4,300 1,095,639
Direct Staff Support Deprec- Donated Total
For the year ended 31 March 2023 costs costs costs iation Items 2023
£ £ £ £ £ £
Charitable activities
Welfare 72,568 231,358 51,139 12,895 40,016 407,975
Learning & Development 29,005 347,036 63,273 15,955 - 455,269
Social enterprise 12,188 142,232 12,712 3,206 - 170,338
Raising funds 64,786 - - - - - - 64,786
Total 178,547 720,626 127,124 32,055 40,016 1,098,368

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Annual Report and Financial Statements to 31 March 2024

comfort

Notes to the accounts

4a. Analysis of support costs

4a. Analysis of support costs
For the year ended 31 March 2024 Welfare Learning & Social Total
development enterprise 2024
£ £ £ £
Governance (note 5) 2.582 3,457 671 6,710
Office costs 7.601 10,177 1,975 19,753
Finance 13,453 18,012 3,496 34,961
I.T. & Telephones 4,948 6,625 1,286 12,859
Professional advice 3,527 4,722 917 9,166
Premises and utilities 14,940 20,003 3,883 38,826
Total 47,051 62,996 12,228 122,275

Support costs are allocated on the percentage of time spent by staff on each activity. Finance costs include irrecoverable vat amounting to £18,819 (2022/23: £20,500).

4b. Analysis of support costs

4b. Analysis of support costs
For the year ended 31 March 2023 Welfare Learning & Social Total
development enterprise 2022
£ £ £ £
Governance (note 5) 5,077 6,282 1,262 12,621
Office costs 6,514 8,059 1,619 16,192
Finance 14,622 18,091 3,635 36,348
I.T. & Telephones 5,058 6,259 1,258 12,575
Professional advice 3,244 4,013 806 8,063
Premises and utilities 16,624 20,568 4,132 41,325
Total 51,139 63,273 12,712 127,124
5.
Governance costs		 2024 2023 2024 2023
£ £
Audit fees 6,640 12,350
Trustee expenses 70 271
At 31 March 6,710 12,621
5a. Net movement in funds for the year 2024 2023 2024 2023
£ £
This is stated after charging:
Depreciation on fixed assets owned 22,603 32,055
Profit on disposal of tangible fixed assets - -
Other operating leases - equipment (see note 12) 1,911 1,200
Audit fees 6,640 12,350

35

Annual Report and Financial Statements to 31 March 2024

comfort

Notes to the accounts

5b. Staff costs and numbers 2024 2023 2024 2023
£ £
Staff costs were as follows:
Salaries, wages and other staff costs 675,680 658,220
Social security costs 51,114 48,748
Pension contributions 13,632 13,658
At 31 March 740,426 720,626

All staff were paid at or above the Living Wage of £10.42 per hour during the year ended 31[st] March 2024.

5c. Full-time equivalent number of employees during the year was as follows: 5c. Full-time equivalent number of employees during the year was as follows:
Charitable activities 18.1 18.8
Management and administration 5.0 4.6
At 31 March 23.1 23.4

The average headcount during the year was 39.7 (2022/23: 39.2). No employee received emoluments of more than £60,000 in either the current or prior years. Staff costs of the Senior Management Team (see page 44) during the year totalled £196,963 (2022/23: £197,652) including £3,704 employer’s pension contributions (2022/23: £4,180).

6. Tangible fixed assets

6.
Tangible fixed assets
Land and Plant and Land and Plant and
buildings machinery Total
Cost £ £ £
At 1 April 2023 379,285 168,185 547,470
Additions 3,300 14,173 17,473
Disposals - - -
At 31 March 2024 382,585 182,358 564,943
Depreciation
At 1 April 2023 277,025 137,218 414,243
Charge for the year 7,195 15,408 22,603
Disposals - - -
At 31 March 2024 284,220 152,626 436,846
Net book value at 31 March 2024 98,365 29,732 128,097
Net book value at 1 April 2023 102,260 30,967 133,227

36

Annual Report and Financial Statements to 31 March 2024

comfort

Notes to the accounts

Notes to the accounts
7.
Investments		 2024 2023
£ £
Corporate bond fund investments:
Market value as at 1 April 93,773 109,593
Revaluation 162 (15,820)
Market value as at 31 March 93,935 93,773
Investments are UK based and comprise:
Invesco Perpetual Corporate Bond 47,758 45,517
M&G Gilt and Fixed Interest Fund 46,177 48,256
93,935 93,773
Historical cost 100,000 100,000
8.
Debtors		 2024 2023
£ £
Trade debtors 37,363 29,674
Other debtors 34,377 39,072
Prepayments 6,789 7,530
At 31 March 78,529 76,276
9.
Creditors: Amounts falling due within one-year		 2024 2023
£ £
Trade creditors 18,578 12,012
Taxation and social security 27,803 17,275
Other creditors and accruals 40,387 34,193
At 31 March 86,768 63,480
10. Creditors: Deferred income 2024 2023
£ £
At 1 April 53,204 37,956
Received during the year 257,377 209,435
Released to income during the year (206,830) (194,187)
At 31 March 103,751 53,204

Deferred income relates to performance-based trust and foundation grant income given for the delivery of specific projects but which the charity is not yet entitled to at the balance sheet date.

11. Pension commitments

The Charity operates a defined contribution pension scheme. The assets of the scheme are held separately from those of the charity in an independently administered fund. The pension charge represents contributions payable by the charity to the fund.

Total employer contributions paid for the year were £13,632 (2022/23: £13,658). Employer contributions totalling £1,289 (2022/23: £1,093) were payable to the fund at the balance sheet date.

37

Annual Report and Financial Statements to 31 March 2024

comfort

Notes to the accounts

Notes to the accounts
12. Operating leases 2024 2023
£ £
The Charity has commitments under non-cancellable operating
leases for office equipment which are payable:
Within one year
1,911		 1,911 1,200
In two to five years
7,463		 7,463 -
At 31 March 9,554 1,200

13. Related parties

Trustees received no remuneration in the year (2022/23: £nil). During the year expenses amounting to £70 were paid to one Trustee (2022/23: £271 to one Trustee). In the same period the Trustees donated a total of £12,500 including gift aid (2022/23: £8,830). No restrictions were attached to these donations.

14. Analysis of net assets between funds

As at 31 March 2024 General Designated Restricted Total
funds funds funds funds
£ £ £ £
Fixed assets – tangible assets - 128,097 - 128,097
Fixed assets – investments 93,935 - - 93,935
Net current assets 616,836 103,921 96,506 817,263
710,771 232,018 96,506 1,039,295
As at 31 March 2023 General Designated Restricted Total
funds funds funds funds
£ £ £ £
Fixed assets – tangible assets - 133,227 - 133,227
Fixed assets – investments 93,773 - - 93,773
Net current assets 492,965 103,921 89,593 686,479
586,738 237,148 89,593 913,479

38

Annual Report and Financial Statements to 31 March 2024

comfort

Notes to the accounts

15a. Movement of funds in year to 31 March 2024

Transfers/ Transfers/
1 April Gains & 31 March
Employment & learning service 2023 Income Expenditure Losses 2024
Learning & development
programme - 178,133 (178,133) - -
Employability programme - 7,505 (7,505) - -
Moving forward project
Migrant project - 1,000 (1,000) - -
Housing support service
Housing support service - 54,059 (54,059) - -
Tenancy advisor - 11,750 (11,750) - -
Sports activity
Sports project worker - 7,500 (7,500) - -
Sports program 15,000 20,000 (20,000) - 15,000
Other funds
Progression project - 152,175 (152,175) - -
Service Manager costs - 10,000 (10,000) - -
Women only service - 24,499 (24,499) - -
Access & outreach project
worker - 40,000 (40,000) - -
Digital & Financial
Empowerment 34,155 47,297 (47,297) - 34,155
Restart Programme - 1,500 (1,500) - -
Counselling costs - 35,259 (35,259) - -
Health & Wellbeing Project
Worker - 7,500 (7,500) - -
Support activities 15,305 20,614 (13,701) - 22,218
Driving lesson fund 477 - - - 477
Donated goods & services 24,656 4,300 (4,300) - 24,656
Total restricted funds 89,593 623,091 (616,178) - 96,506
Designated funds
Designated strategic fund 90,000 - - - 90,000
Designated fixed assets fund 133,227 - - (5,130) 128,097
Designated building fund 13,921 - - - 13,921
Total designated funds 237,148 - - (5,130) 232,018
General funds 586,738 598,202 (479,461) 5,292 710,771
Total unrestricted funds 823,886 598,202 (479,461) 162 942,789
Total funds 913,479 1,221,293 (1,095,639) 162 162 1,039,295

39

winter comfort

Annual Report and Financial Statements to 31 March 2024

Notes to the accounts

15b. Movement of funds in year to 31 March 2023

Transfers/
1 April Gains & 31 March
Employment & learning service 2022 Income Expenditure Losses 2023
Learning & development
programme - 174,860 (174,860) - -
Employability programme - 37,316 (37,316) - -
Moving forward project
Moving forward project - 8,300 (8,300) - -
Migrant project - 1,000 (1,000) - -
Housing support service
Housing support service - 34,875 (34,875) - -
Tenancy advisor - 12,083 (12,083) - -
Sports activity
Sports project worker - 7,500 (7,500) - -
Sports program - 20,000 (5,000) - 15,000
Other funds
Progression project - 103,604 (103,604) - -
Stepping forward - 9,740 (9,740) - -
Women only service - 23,000 (23,000) - -
Access & outreach project worker - 40,000 (40,000) - -
Digital & Financial Empowerment - 51,232 (17,077) - 34,155
Catering Training - 1,250 (1,250) - -
Equipment funding - 10,729 (10,729) - -
Health & Wellbeing Project
Worker - 5,000 (5,000) - -
Support activities 12,201 20,131 (17,027) - 15,305
Driving lesson fund 477 - - - 477
Donated goods & services 24,656 40,016 (40,016) - 24,656
Total restricted funds 37,334 600,635 (548,376) - 89,593
Designated funds
Designated strategic fund 90,000 - - - 90,000
Designated fixed assets fund 151,792 - - (18,565) 133,227
Designated building fund 13,921 - - - 13,921
Total designated funds 255,713 - - (18,565) 237,148
General funds 608,592 525,393 (549,992) 2,745 586,738
Total unrestricted funds 864,305 525,393 (549,992) (15,820) 823,886
Total funds 901,639 1,126,028 (1,098,368) (15,820) 913,479

40

Annual Report and Financial Statements to 31 March 2024

Notes to the accounts

15c. Movement of funds:

Restricted funds Explanation
Employment and learning service Support to gain employment by providing work experience, vocational
qualifications, vocational training, education, employability training as
well as paid employment opportunities through our social enterprise
Overstream Clean and Garden.
Moving forward project This project supports migrant service users with outcomes around
employment and training, legal advice, language skills and
accommodation.
Housing support service Housing advice service supporting people to maintain their tenancies
and provide assistance to those moving from homelessness to housing.
Sports activity Providing a variety of sporting activities to reduce isolation and improve
physical and mental wellbeing.
Women only service A variety of support services focused on women.
Foodbank To support the provision of meals for the homeless in Cambridge
Reaching Out Project Working out in the community to reach a wider audience of those are
homeless or vulnerably housed.
Social enterprise supervision & To support supervisory services and training towards vocational
training qualifications and employability in Overstream Clean and Garden.
Digital and financial empowerment To support the homeless and vulnerably housed, to develop their
financial literacy and gain essential digital skills to access appropriate
mainstream financial services online.
Catering training Providing training in catering skills and qualifications to help gain
employment in the catering industry.
Equipment funding Equipment to help improve the lives of those who are homeless or
vulnerably housed.
Health and wellbeing services Providing practical and emotional support including professional
counselling to improve both physical and mental wellbeing.
Support activities The provision of small grants to individuals for specific items from
various sources such as CCF, CEA, MEAM, Staywell, Street Aid.
Driving Lesson fund To provide driving lessons for service users.

41

Annual Report and Financial Statements to 31 March 2024

Notes to the accounts

15c. Movement of funds: (continued)

Restricted funds Explanation
Donated goods and services Gifts in kind.
Designated funds Explanation
Designated building fund This represents funds accumulated towards the cost of significant
building improvement works required to be undertaken in the next
three to five years.
Designated fixed assets fund This fund represents the book value of Overstream House, and the
equipment owned by the charity
Designated strategic fund This fund provides for major changes to funding or operational
challenges, such as a pandemic/Covid resurgence.

42

Annual Report and Financial Statements to 31 March 2024

Notes to the accounts

16. Analysis of statement of financial activities figures to 31 March 2023

----- Start of picture text -----
|||||||| |---|---|---|---|---|---|---| |Unrestricted Unrestricted| |general|designated|Restricted|Total|Total| |Notes|funds|funds|funds|funds|funds| |2023|2023|2023|2023|2022| |Income from:|£|£|£|£|£| |Donations|3a|374,499|-|40,016|414,515|438,277| |Charitable activities| |Welfare service|3b|-|220,964|220,964|148,949| |Learning & Development activities|3b|-|309,973|309,973|242,888| |Social enterprise|3b|95,591|-|29,682|125,273|156,588| |Other trading activities|3c 50,658 - 50,658 58,644| |Other income|3d|-|-|-|-|3,584| |Investment income|4,645|-|-|4,645|79| |──────|──────|────── ──---────|──────| |Total Income|525,393|-|600,635 1,126,028 1,049,009| |──────|──────|────── ────---──|──────| |Expenditure on:| |Raising funds|64,786|-|-|64,786|65,765| |Charitable activities| |Welfare Service|169,761|-|238,214|407,975|355,126| |Learning & Development activities|174,789|-|280,480|455,269|446,131| |Social Enterprises|140,656|-|29,682|170,338|174,591| |──────|──────|────── ────--──|──────| |Total Expenditure|4&5|549,992|-|548,376 1,098,368 1,041,613| |──────|──────|──────|───---──|──────| |Net income/(losses) before investment gains|(24,599)|52,259|27,660|7,396| |Net losses on investments|7|(15,820)|-|-|(15,820)|(7,012)| |──────|──────|──────|──────|──────| |Net (Expenditure)/income for the year|(40,419)|-|52,259|11,840|384| |Transfers between funds|15|18,565|(18,565)|-|-|-| |──────|──────|──────|──────|──────| |Net movement of funds|(21,854) (18,565) 52,259 11,840 384| |Total funds at 1 April|608,592|255,713|37,334|901,639 901,255| |─-─────|──-────|──────|──-────|──-────| |Total funds at 31 March|586,738|237,148|89,593|913,479|901,639| |═════|═════|════|═════|═════|

----- End of picture text -----

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Annual Report and Financial Statements to 31 March 2024

Legal and administrative details

Wintercomfort for the homeless (limited by guarantee)

Registered office Overstream House, Victoria Avenue, Cambridge, CB4 1EG. Company registration number 02615905 Charity registration number 1003083 Trustees Jane Dominey (Chair) Joanne Crellen (appointed as Secretary 9[th] May 2023) Christine Leonard (resigned as Secretary 9[th] May 2023) Roderick Cantrill (resigned 12[th] December 2023) Jo Kibble (resigned 4[th] July 2023) Ian Barker (appointed as Treasurer 3[rd] October 2023 Anne Pollintine Emma Barker (appointed 19[th] March 2024) Andrew Archer (appointed 19[th] March 2024) Matthew Mckeague (appointed 3[rd] October 2023) Chief Executive Officer Sarah Halls Senior management team Chris Goldsmith – Finance Manager Sarah Foreman – Services Manager (resigned 9[th] June 2023) Agnieszka Gada – Services Manager (appointed 9[th] May 2023) Melody Brooker – Fundraising and Communications Manager (resigned 17[th] January 2024) James Holden – Fundraising Manager (appointed 26[th] March 2024) Bankers Royal Bank of Scotland 21 Petty Cury Cambridge CB2 3NE Auditors Goodman Jones LLP, 1[st] Floor Arthur Stanley House, 40-50 Tottenham Street London W1T 4RN

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