2024-03-31-accounts

NOW CIO Sandra Morland Trustee 3 York Terrace North Shields Tyne and Wear NE29 OEF First Step Previously at 435 Westgate Roa(L Newcastle upon Tyne NE4 8RN Reg. Charity No. 1003569 First Step North East Trustees Report to cover 1.04.2023 to 31.03.2024 and 1.04.2024 to 31.03 2025 After much soul s¢ar¢hing It is with heavy hearts that we have decided to sell our Community building at 435 Westgate Road NE4 8RN and Close the Charity. We have been providing our service$ in Newcastle West and beyond for over 34 years and have reached thousands of women and their families locally> regionally, nationally and internationally working within a multi racial, person centred and organic ethos that has enabled sustainability, trust and 501idarity. Many of our beneficiaries have gone on to be community activists both here and worldwid¢ carrying a small part of First Step with them. We have decided that in the current political and economic climate we no longer want to be papering societal cNks. We need to be prtractive politically and effect sustainable change that raises women After taking advice, it was agreed to instruct JIK Property Consultants to take us through the correct process from beginning to end to be paid on completion After tsking advice, It was agreed to appoint Beecham Peacock as our solicitors to be paid on Completion We will use the proceeds of the sale • To support our beneficiaries and volunteers facilitating a meeting place • To support with donations other like-minded local organisations for example th¢ Benwell Food Bank and Refugee services. Our assets/physical resources will be distributed to local community centres, re- cYclin￿re-use projects and schools • To award honorariums and pay those who have patiently waited duTing this process • To make judicious investments • To archive our legacy • To close the Charity On behalf of the Trustees of First Step North East 21.01.2026