OPEN DOOR- ST ALBANS Report of the Directors For the Year ended 31 March 2025 The Directors present their report with the firkgncial ststements for the Company, for the year ended 31 March 2025. PURPOSES AND AIMS The Charity's purpose, as set out in the objects contained in its Memorandum of Association, is the lief of those in need. by reason of homelessness or other causes of vulnerability. The principal activity of the Company in the year under review was that of fundraising and provision of volunteer ServIS for the relief of financial need and the provision of accommodation and support for the homeless in St Albans and Hertfordshire. The Charity works in partnership with Hightown Housing Association (Hightown), which operates and manages the serViS provided at Open Door Night Shelter. It also provides additional accommodation for homeless people during the winter months" and makes occasional grants to other organisations. Open Door- St Albans is a registered charity (reg no. 1028528) and MpanY limited by guarantee (no. 02868633). How our activities deliver Public Benefit The Open Door- St. Albans Charity contributes to the running costs of the Open Door Night Shetter at 8 Bricket Road. St. Albans. The Shelter benefits from grants from Hertfordshire County Council's Housing-related Support gran( and St Albans City and District Council. The Shelter gives single ensuite accommodation to up to 12 people each night. The facilities are available either by agency referral or by self-referral. Open Door Night Shelter also provides daytime dropin servIS which offer support and advi, induding on housing, health care, and the ServIS available from other relevant agencies. The Open Door Charity supports the Open Door Night Shelter homelessness servi, which during 2024r25 supported 49 individuals into more settled housing. The Charity makes grants ft>r specific purposes to supplement public funding, provides volunteers and raises awareness of homelessness issues. Our volunteers make an important contrFbution to the success of the projecL In parttcular they prepa and serve lunch at the drop-in, and also provide residents and Wnter Beds service users with a hot evening meal. Volunteers also provide services for individuals. such as helping those for whom English is a second language, and a number of local businesses give practical help from the donation of food to working to improve the facilities provided and to enhan the environment for residents. These volunteers are recruited and overseen by our Publicity. Fundraising and Administration Coordinator. directly employed by the Charity- The Charity provides grant funding to Hightown to employ the Safer Streets Outreach Worker, who makes contact wtth and supports those on the streets, to help rough sleepers to lead a more settled way of life. There are still people sleeping rough in St Albans - during 2024125, on average 9 rough sleepers were vetified at quarterly ¢x)unts. though the The Company is a registered charity (number 1028528). In this Port, the Company is referred to on occasion as Ihe Charity,.
actual number is estimated at 12 to 15, unchanged from the previous year. Many of these have limited opb'ons for moving on both because there is a serious shortage of suitable accommodation, andlor because of their particular circumStanS and issues. The Charity also provides food supplies and manages a volunteer team of 70 to prepare lunches and a hot evening meal. these are part funded by Hightown. We meet regularly with Hightown to review service provision through Street Outreach and the Night Shelter, and to consider ways in which services might be developed. Discussions are ongoing to find ways to extend the operating hours of the Night Shelter. Over the winter months the Charity provides volunteer run direct servi5 to rough sleepers. via the Wnter Beds project. This year, the project retumed to a city ntre. shared sleeping space, hosted by Marlborough Road Methodist Church. Accommodation was provided every night from December 2024 through to the end of March 2025: in total, 9 individuals were accommodated, using 72 volunteers across the season. The service was jointly funded by the Council, with referrals managed by our Safer Streets OLrtreath worker. The charity is reviewing with Hightown and the Council how we can best provide effective support to rough sleepers over the winter months. Across the* servIs. volunteers gave almost 4.0(Y) hours of their time during 2024r25. with an estimated value of £45.500. During the year the Charity continued to fund a counselling scheme, provided by Rephael House, to give access to early therapy ft)r service users at the Night Shelter, those rentlY moved to supported accommodation, and rough sleepers. The Servi has been well received by clients, with reasonable levels of engagement. enabling them to begin to address often complex issues, as a prelude to engaging with further support. The Charity provides small grants to assist resettlement of individuals, although none were made in 2024125. We occasionally pay rent and services for people in need who have nowhere to stay and have no access to benefits or other public funds, to give some tj'me to find them a pla to go. We continue to maintain strong relationships with other local charities and statutory agencies including St Albans District Council. for example, liaising in the provision of meals to rough sIperS, and in exploring options for our winter provision and for further daytime facilities. The Charitys funding benefits the direct recipients of the ServIS provided at the Night Shelter and also has indirect impacts on the wider community. We encourage charitable giving by local people, whether through volunteering orthrough fundraising and donations. Many of our supporters and fundraisers are young people, who want to help homeless and vulnerable people. Our support for the Night Shelter over many years has helped improve the lives of homeless people, by enabling them to address their personal issues and live more settled lives. in tum helping them to play a fuller part in the local community.
The Directors (wtK) are also trustees of the Charity. appointed by existing trustees) for the year ending March 2025 were: Rachel Merelie (Chainnan. from November 2024) Peter Graham (Vice Chairman and Acting Chair to October 2024) Lindsey McLeod ffreasurer) Jacqueline Button (Secretary) Richard Upton Andy Thoms Roger Gosine Edward Dunn In addition. Carfa Watson has been appointed as a Director and trustee. (from April 2025). The Directors have complied with the duty laid out in Section 4 of the Charities Act 2011. This report has been prepared in accordance with the special provisions of Part 15 of the Companies Act 2006 relating to small companies. The financial statements were approved by the board of truStS and authorised ft)r . and are signed on its behalf by: Rachel Merelie Chairman Charity Registration Number 1028528 (England and Wales)
OPEN DOOR- ST ALBANS STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES Year ended 31 March 2025 Restricted income funds Total Total Funds Funds 2024125 2023124 Note unstricted funds Income Donations and legacies 64,549 26,6C6 91,155 114,(6 Investments 9,988 9.988 10,790 Total 74.537 26.6[ 101,143 124.856 Expenditu Raising funds Charitable activities 86.760 26,6(IS 113,366 134,593 Publicity & Admin 18,746 18.746 16,026 Total 105,506 26,6( 132,112 150.619 Net incomel{Expenditure) (30,969) (30,969) (25,763)
OPEN DOOR- ST ALBANS BALANCE SHEET AS AT31 MARCH 2025 Total Total 2024125 2023124 Note Current assets Debtors 20,149 23,048 2[,358 244.1 226.507 268,009 Cash at bank arKI in hand Total current assets Creditors: amounts falling due within one year 6.109 16,642 Net current assetsl (liabilities) 220,398 251.367 Reserves Unrestricted funds: General Development Total Reserves 14 14 158.956 189,925 61.442 61,442 220.398 251,367 The Company is entitled to exemption from audit under Section 477 of the Companies Act 2006 for the year ended 31 March 2025. The members have not required the Company to obtain an audit of its financial statements for Ihe year ended 31 March 2025 in accordan with Section 476 of the Companies Act 2006. The Directors acknowledge their responsibilities for" a) ensuring that the Company keeps accounting records which comply with Section 386 of the Companies Act 20(. and b) preparing financial statements which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the Company as at the end of eath financial year and of its profit or loss for each financial year in accordan with the requirements of Section 396 and lch otherwise comply with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 relating to financial statements, so far as applicable to the Company. These accounts have been prepared in accordan with the provisions applicable to small companies subject to the small companies regime and in accordan with FRS102 SORP. ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD: Approved by the Board on .......... .
OPEN DOOR- ST ALBANS NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Year Ended 31 March 2025 Accounting Policies The financial statements have been pPared under the historical cost convention and in accordance with the 2019 Charities SORP (FRS102). Income is included in the Statement of Financial Activitie5 (SOFA) when: the charity becomes enb'tled to the resources" it is more likely than not that the trustees will receive the reSoUrs. the monetary value be measured wilh sufficient reliability. Grants and donations a only included in the SOFA when the general income recognits'on criteria are met There has been no offsetting of assets and liabilities, or income and expenses. Legacies a induded in the SOFA when reIpt is probable, that is, where there has been grant of probate, the executors have established that there are sufficient assets in the estate, and any conditions attached to the legacy are either within the control of the charity. or have been met Gift Aid receivable is included in income when there is a valid dedaration from the donor. Any Gift Aid amount recovered on a donats.on is considered to be part of that gift and is treated as an addition to the same fund as the initial donation unless the donor or the terms of the appeal have specified othenNiSe. Donated ServIS and facilities are included in the SOFA when 1ved, at the value of the gift to the charity (if material) provided the value of the gift can be measured reliably. The value of any voluntary help reiVed is not induded in the accounts but is described in the trustees, annual reporL Liabilities are recognised where it is more likely than not that there is a legal or constructive obligation committing the charity to pay out resources and the amount of the obligation can be measured with reasonable rtainty.
Analysis of Income Restricted income funds Unrestricted funds Total Total 2024125 2023124 Donations and Legacies Donations and gifts 51,218 51,218 64,242 Gift Aid 2,194 2,194 2,412 Legacies 2,500 Grants 26,6( 26,606 27,684 Fundraising 11,137 11,137 17,228 Total 64.549 26,6( 91.155 114.C Income from investments Interest income 9,988 9,988 10,790 Total Income 74,537 26,606 101.143 124.856
Expenditure Unrestricted Restricted funds funds Total Total 2024125 2023124 Expenditure on charitable activities Activities undertaken directly: V¥fjnter Beds Project 10,189 16,2( 26,395 35,527 Night Shelter- food provision 3,305 10,4(K) 13.705 12,979 Volunteer Coordination 12,282 12,282 11,708 Other Night Shelter support 191 191 610 Grant funding of activities: Safer Streets Outreach Worf(er 47,428 47,428 45,569 Counselling 13,365 13,365 13,200 Druglink pilot Night shelter - fumiture & equipment Total Expenditure on Charitable Activities 5,500 86,760 26,606 113,366 134,593 Other Costs Publicity, Fundraising & Admin Coordinator 12.282 12,282 11,708 Other Admin costs 4,318 Fundraising Costs Total Other Costs 18,746 18.746 16,026 TOTAL EXPENDITURE 26 606 132,112 150,619
Debtors and Creditors The followirYJ debtors and creditors were held at 31 March. 31 March 2025 31 March 2024 Debtors.. Gift Aid tax reclaimed St Albans City & District Council Interest Prepayment for ojunselling 2,178 15,000 2,389 17,531 928 20,149 23,048 Creditors: Vthnter Beds Hightown HA - grant for Strt Outreach Other serViS 4.854 11,392 451 6,109 16.642 Operating Surplusl (Deficit) The operating deficit for the year ended 31 March 2025 is £40.957 and the overall deficit after interest eamed is £30,9. There were no reporting fS ft)r accountsncy, and no directors, emoluments or other benefits accruing to Directors. Restricted Funds Income given to meet specific expenditure, and the related expenditure, are classified as restricted in the accounts. All such income r1Ved in 2024125 (St Albans District Council contributs.on to Wnter Bed Projec( and Hightovm contribution to food costs) was fully spent during the year. Taxation The Company is a registered charity wlth no trading activities, and therefore not subject to corporation tax. Company Status The Company is limited by guarantee and dS not have a share capital. Related Parties No transadions have been inCued where trustees hold related party interests. 10 Remuneration No director or any party related to them has reiVed any remuneration. expenses or other benefit during Ihe year.
11 Employee Costs The Charity employs one part time member of staff, with total salary, pension and employerfs national insurance costs below £25.(KK). A PAYE scheme is operated in compliance with HMRC regulations. 12 Defined Contribution Pension Scheme The employee is enrolled in a Defined ContributJ"on pension scheme, to which both employerfs and emplOy'S contributions are made. 13 Grants to Other Organisations and Individuals Grants to other organisations for the provision of homeless support activities at or from the Bricket Road Night Shelter comprise: Hightown - Safer Streets Outreach Worker Rephael House - Counselling 47,428 13365 60,793 No other grants were made to other organisations and individuals during the financial year. 14 General Reserves Movements on General Reserves are as shown in the Statement of Financial Activities. The balan on the General Fund at 31 March 2025 vS £158.956, and on the Development Fund was £61,442. Reserves Policy The General Fund is held to support the ongoing activtties of the tharity- It is the Charity's policy to hold in reserves, as a minimum. the amount needed to meet running costs for 9 months. This reflects the unrtain nature of donations income, and the commitments made to grant funding and specific projects. The Charity's expenditu budget for 2025126 is £133,OtX). giving 9 months costs of £99,750. The current level of the General Fund (£159k) represents a balance built up since 2010, during which time the Chanty has benefited from reductions in the net annual running costs of the Open Door Night Shelter servIs, largely due to increased income from higher occupancy" continued generous donats"ons, legacies and fundraising. For the last four years, Ihe Charity has run with an annual deficit of £25-30k. This reflects the cost of the IV¥fjnter Beds project. along with more general cost increases. Vve are working to cover this shortfall by generating new sources of income. including grants, but we expect the General Fund to continue to reduce in 2025126 and possibly beyond, until this additional income is achieved. The Charity also holds a Development Fund accounL which at 31 March 2025 stands at £61,442. This nd is used for the development of new projects in line with our charitable objectives" and for the refurbishment and development of
facilities at the Night Shelter, which is leased to Hightown by St Albans Cty and District Council at a peppercom rent. The TruStS recognise the nd to use its reserves to help address the continuing issues facing homeless people and those at risk of trKKnelessness, in the St Albans area. Vthilst support for the Night Shelter and drop in ServIS provided at 8 Bricket Road remains a core activity. the Charity has the scope to use its reserves to fund and support new initiatives which help vulnerable people in St Albans, particularly the homeless, change their lives for the better, and to find suitable short or long term housing solutions whith meet their particular nd5. These may be either at or away from Bricket Road, with Hightown ancvor in conjunction with other charitable organisations. We are currently exploring options to provide increased support for Night Shelter guests, in partnership with Hightown and the District Council. We will draw on reserves as we develop the portfolio of new projects based on these Search findings and the changing homelessness situation, over the future monlhs and years. We will also extend our fundraising activities to support new ventures where appropriate.
Independent examinevs report to the trustees of Open Door St Albans I repcyt to the trustees on my examination of the accxjjnts of Ihe Open D(x)r_ St Albans Charitable Company (Ihe Company) for the year erKled 31 March 2025. Responsibillties and basis of report As the charity's trustees of the Company (arKJ also its direct for the purFM)ses of company law) you are responsiue for the Preparati( of the accounts in ac(x)rdance with the requirements of the Ci)mpanies Act 2006 {'the 2006 Act'}. Having satisfied myself that the aCntS of the Company are Tr)t required to be audited under Part 16 of Ihe 2006 Act and are eligible for independent examination. I repcmt in respect of my exarnination of your chartvs accxmjnts as otried out under sect.on 145 of the Chartties Act 2011 {'the 2011 Act.). In carying out my examinati I have followe(I the Dire&$ given by Charity Commission under section 14515> {b) of Ihe 2011 Act. Independent examinerfs statement I have completed my examinati. I cJ)nfirm that no matters have c*Jme to my attentton in connection with the examinab'on givirwJ me (zuse to believe that in any material resped: 1. accounting records weTe rK)t kept in res[ of the C(Knpany as required by sedK)n 386 of the 2006 Act.. I 2. the accounts do not accord with those records: c 3. the accounts do not ccmply with the accounting requirements of section 396 of the 2006 Act other than any requirement that the accnts give a 'tvue ar¥J fair view vthith is not a matter considered as part of an independent examiThation; or 4. the accounts have not been prepared in accordan with the methtxjs arKI principles of the Statement of Recommended practi fi actounting and reporting by small cx)mpanies sutyect to Ihe small company's regime. I have no COnmS and have cx)me acms5 no other matters in cimnection wilh the examination to which attentic)n should be drawn in this retx)rt in order to enatle a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached. Signed: Name". A Address.. Date.. 5 October 2025 Hutthison B CA