## **LAWRENCE WESTON COMMUNITY FARM** ## **ACCOUNTS** ## **Year ended 31[st] March 2024** **Charity Number 1046563 Company Registration Number 03040752** ## **LAWRENCE WESTON COMMUNITY FARM** ## **REFERENCE & ADMINISTRATION INFORMATION** ## **YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024** ## **___________________________________________________________________________** ## **Status** Lawrence Weston Community Farm is a company limited by guarantee (registration number 03040752) and granted charitable status by the Charity Commission under number 1046563. ## **Trustees** The directors of the charitable company (“the charity”) are its trustees for the purposes of the charity law and throughout this report are collectively referred to as the trustees. The Trustees who served during the year and since the year end were as follows: Tim Fell Chair Joan Cox Treasure Sarah Cording Member Irina Povjakel Member Katharine Byrne Member Angie Seward Member ## **Registered Office** Saltmarsh Drive, Lawrence Weston, Bristol BS11 0NJ ## **Independent Examiner** Joanne Trowbridge, Bristol Community Accountants CIC, Daventry Road, Knowle, Bristol, BS4 1DQ ## **Bankers** Unity Trust Bank PLC, Nine Brindley Place, 4 Oozells Square, Birmingham B1 2JB ## **LAWRENCE WESTON COMMUNITY FARM** ## **THE TRUSTEE’S REPORT** ## **YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024** **_________________________________________________________________________** The Trustees present their report and the unaudited financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31[st] March 2024. Reference and administrative information set out on page 2 forms part of this report. The financial statements comply with current statutory requirements, the memorandum and articles of association and the Statement of Recommended Practice - Accounting and Reporting by Charities. ## **Structure, Governance and Management** ## **The Directors** The Board of Directors, who are Trustees for the purpose of charity law, who served during the year and up to the date of this report are set out on page 2. Trustees are elected by members annually at the Annual General Meeting. A vacancy may be filled or an additional Trustee appointed by co-option, but a co-opted Trustee holds office only until the next Annual General Meeting. ## **Organisational Structure** The Organisation is a charitable company limited by guarantee, incorporated on 1st April 1995 and registered as a charity on 19th May 1995. The Company was established under a Memorandum of Association which established the objectives and the powers of the charitable company and is governed under its Articles of Association. The Charity is managed by the Trustees (Directors of the Company) who form the Management Committee. Trustees are all volunteers and are elected annually by the ‘members’ of the farm at the Annual General Meeting. The Management Committee are advised by specialist advisory groups and sub-committees made up of Trustees and invited experts. The Farm employs 9 regular staff (2 full-time and 7 part-time) who are responsible for coordinating the farm’s day-today operation and the services, projects and programmes delivered by the charity. The staff team is managed by a full-time Farm Manager and compromises: Volunteer & Farming Coordinator (FT), Administrator (PT), Fundraiser (PT) Growing Wellbeing Facilitator (PT) Weekend Farm Workers x 2 (PT), Children’s Engagement Workers x 2 (PT). Various sessional, freelance and temporary project staff are also employed as required. In addition to the paid staff the Farm is supported by a large number of volunteers (both adults and children).Usually approximately 80 adults regularly volunteer at the Farm per year. All volunteers are recruited and supported in line with the Farm’s volunteer policy. Volunteers are actively encouraged to participate in the farms decision making process and help to shape our service delivery and development. ## **LAWRENCE WESTON COMMUNITY FARM** ## **THE TRUSTEE’S REPORT** ## **YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024** Reports and suggestions from volunteers and the staff team are captured and passed on to the Management Committee via the Farm Manager: three of our current Trustees started as ‘hands on’ volunteers at the farm. ## **Risk review** The Trustees have assessed the major risk to which the organisation is exposed, in particular those related to operations and finances, and are satisfied that systems are in place to mitigate exposure to major risks. Internal risks are minimised by the implementation of effective systems and control procedures, which ensure appropriate authorisation of all transactions and projects and consistent quality of delivery for all operational aspects of the charity. An annual health and safety audit is undertaken with daily/weekly checks taking place in line with the organisations Health & safety Policy. ## **Objectives and activities** The objects of the charity are: To promote the benefit of the inhabitants of and persons employed in, the wards of Avonmouth/Kingsweston/Henbury/Westbury-on-Trym/Southmead (hereinafter called the beneficiaries) and the neighbourhood thereof (hereinafter called “the area of benefit”) without distinction of sex, or of political, religious or other opinions by associating the local authorities and/or voluntary organisations and inhabitants in a common effort to advance education and to provide facilities in the interests of social welfare for recreation and leisuretime occupation with the objects of improving the conditions of life for the said inhabitants, particularly of those who have need of such facilities by reason of their youth, age, infirmity or disablement, poverty or social and economic circumstances. To advance the education of the said beneficiaries, and particularly young members of the public at large, in agriculture, horticulture, homecrafts, country life and related subjects and in the principles of good citizenship and self-discipline, through their leisure activities so that they develop their physical, mental and spiritual capacities and grow to full maturity as individuals and members of society, and their conditions of life may be improved. To promote among the inhabitants of the area of benefit humanity and morality by educating them in care and consideration for all animals, particularly animals in need of care and protection; and for these purposes to care for and exhibit animals in common agricultural and domestic use so that they the public, particularly the younger members thereof, will learn a greater awareness of and appreciation of such animals. To provide education and training for persons who have need of such facilities by reason of their youth, age, infirmity or disablement, poverty or social or economic circumstances, resident in the said area of benefit, so as to prepare them for any trade, occupation or services and thereby advance them in life or enable them to earn their own livelihood. ## **LAWRENCE WESTON COMMUNITY FARM** ## **THE TRUSTEE’S REPORT** ## **YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024** To relieve physically or mentally handicapped or disabled or deprived inhabitants of the said area of benefit by providing as a remedial recreational or therapeutic activity facilities, subject where appropriate to the consent of the medical advisors of all such persons. - To provide a supportive community managed asset with rich and diverse activities that is accessible to all - To run accessible accredited and non accredited educational programs - To maintain and establish links with schools, colleges, voluntary agencies and community organizations in the area of benefit - To provide a wide range of accessible volunteering and placement opportunities - To promote environmental awareness through educational activities and practice at the farm - To provide a safe and supportive environment that enables and encourages community ownership, participation and development ## **Public Benefit statement** The Trustees regularly monitor and evaluate the Farm’s activities and are of the view that they are in line with our Aims and Objectives, and that these are justifiably cited as delivering a public benefit. ## **Review of activities** ## **The farm is particularly interested in:** - Combating those factors that create and perpetuate exclusion, disadvantage and multiple deprivation - Delivering services that promote and facilitate health, wellbeing and enable people to better manage mental health issues - Facilitating local people and groups to develop stronger communities - Supporting local people towards employment and training - Promoting and practicing sustainability - Acting as an agent for positive, long lasting, social change - Delivering services that meet the needs of children, young people and their families/carers - Delivering services that meet the needs of older people - Delivering services that help to address the ongoing detrimental impact of the pandemic on members of the local community. ## **Implementation of our updated Business Plan 2023 - 2026** We undertake a rolling review of and regularly update our Business Plan. The Management Committee of the farm uses the Business Plan to inform and guide the development of the organisation within the context of a rapidly changing funding, social and economic environment. ## **LAWRENCE WESTON COMMUNITY FARM** ## **THE TRUSTEE’S REPORT** ## **YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024** ## **___________________________________________________________________________** ## **Lawrence Weston Community Plan** The farm has continued to work in partnership with Bristol City Council, Ambition Lawrence Weston, other service providers and local residents to support the implementation of the local Community Plan. ## **Meeting Local Need** The farm helps to meet local need by delivering a wide range of social, environmental, educational, economic and recreational services and facilities, including: ## **Volunteer Placements** During the year 99 adults volunteered at the farm (84 in the previous year). The majority of our volunteers live in the local community, which is amongst the most deprived in Bristol. During the year 41 volunteer placements for young people aged between 12 and 17 years of age were also delivered (42 in the previous year). ## **Referred Placements for Adults** We delivered 7 placements for local adults who were referred to the farm due to them being considered in most need by Social Services, GP’s and other care professionals and service providers. ## **Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Placements** 12 young people completed their DofE Award placements at the farm (11 in the previous year). ## **Corporate Engagement Sessions** A total of 294 individuals from 7 companies participated in corporate engagement sessions at the farm during the year; an increase on the previous years when 223 people form 7 companies engaged with the farm. ## **Work Experience and Alternative Education Placements** 13 work experience placements (22 in the previous year) were delivered for local young people undertaking accredited college / university courses mostly in Animal Care, Land Management and Ecology. In addition to which 10 young people undertook Alternative Education Placements. ## **Visitors** The farm attracted approximately 23,000 during the year. Our 2023 user survey indicated that 88% of visitors to the farm came from those wards with in our area of benefit where individuals experience most need. ## **Membership** 341 individuals (327 in 2022-23) became members of the farm during the year. Membership of the farm is free. ## **LAWRENCE WESTON COMMUNITY FARM** ## **THE TRUSTEE’S REPORT** ## **YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024** ## **___________________________________________________________________________** ## **Improving Access to Psychological Therapy (IAPT) Sessions & Training** As part of a new partnership between Lawrence Weston Community Farm, Vita Minds, Windmill Hill City Farm and St Werburghs City we delivered Wellbeing sessions for a total of 29 individuals including: - Cooking for wellbeing - Walking for wellbeing - Woodland for wellbeing - Gardening for wellbeing - Craft for wellbeing - Animal Care for wellbeing ## **Support for Adults experiencing mental health challenges** During the year the farm delivered a range of supportive groups, activities and services that helped to meet the needs of 32 individuals experiencing mental health challenges. ## **Informal training, learning and social activities** We also delivered sessions enabling 43 local people to take part in informal training, learning activities and taster sessions including: - Knit & Natter (40 weekly sessions) - Orchard Sessions (40 weekly sessions) - Tree planting (6 sessions) - Bee Keeping (8 sessions) - Gardening & Orchard Club (40 weekly sessions) - Walking group (40 weekly sessions) ## **Children & Young People** Throughout the year we delivered a range of services aimed at helping to meet the needs of local children, young people and their parents and carers including: - **Volunteering Placements for Young People** – 41 volunteer placements for young people aged between 12 and 17 years of age were delivered (42 in the previous year). - **Farm Hands** – We delivered 200 x 3 hr sessions for local children aged between 8 and 11. These sessions, focusing on animal care and farm activities, are for children referred to the farm by local schools and care professionals as being in most need, 36 local children have benefited (48 in the previous year). - **Farm Tots** – We delivered 42 weekly sessions for local toddlers and their parents / carers to socialize and take part in environmental and farm based activities. During the year a total of 71 (82 in 2021 – 22) toddlers and their families benefited from this service. ## **LAWRENCE WESTON COMMUNITY FARM** ## **THE TRUSTEE’S REPORT** ## **YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024** - **Alternative Education Placements** - We have developed a new and exciting partnership with Compass Alternative Provision who deliver care, mentoring, support and education to young people. These term time, weekly sessions, initially for 4 young people, have proved to be very successful and we hope to build on this work in the future. - **After School Cooking Sessions** – We ran a series of 8 pilot sessions in the farm’s Community Kitchen for local families and their children focusing on cooking fresh ingredients, healthy eating and having lots of fun! The sessions were attended by 12 families and their children and proved to be very successful, so much so that we are seeking to secure funding to expand this service delivery. - . - **Holiday Activities** – Following Covid 19, we are delighted to have been able to restart our delivery of holiday activities for local children and their families. Back2Basics Forest School delivered 8 holiday sessions attended by over 80 families. The farm also worked in partnership with Community of Purpose (again a new partnership) and Back2Basics to deliver 10 sessions during the year attended by 357 children considered to be in most need. In addition to the above 40 children attended LWCF and Back2Basick Holiday Clubs and 50 families and their children attended holiday open day sessions. - **Forest School Sessions delivered by Back2Basics Forest School** – This is a new area of service delivery. Back2Basics deliver Forest School sessions in the farm’s Community Woodland for groups and schools many of which work with children with special educational needs and disabilities. A total of 289 children have benefited. Partner groups in clued: - Bristol Autism Tam - Ventures E-Act Academy - Bristol Home School Hub - Avon Wildlife Trust - IMAYLA - Children’s Scrapstore **Local Schools -** The ongoing impact of COVID19 resulted in fewer visits from local schools and nursery groups than was usual pre-pandemic. However, despite that, 225 children from 12 local schools took part in 15 tours of the farm focusing on issues such as sustainability, the environment and food production. . ## **LAWRENCE WESTON COMMUNITY FARM** ## **THE TRUSTEE’S REPORT** ## **YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024** ## **___________________________________________________________________________** **Community Woodland & Community Orchard -** Our community orchard and woodland remained open as public green space throughout the year and attract a wide range of visitors and acted as venues for the delivery of community events, Forest School sessions and our Growing Wellbeing initiative; a project helping to meet the needs of those managing and recovering from mental illness. **Community Events & Arts Activities -** Following COVID19 we have been able to resume our delivery of community and arts events. 431 local people attended our Easter Egg Hunt and 91 local residents came to the opening of our Sunflower Forrest. **Room hire, engagement with residents & other local groups –** A total of 16 local groups and service providers delivered activities using our facilities on 72 occasions reaching 417 individual beneficiaries. Groups hiring out training facility, community kitchen and community room included: - Families in Focus (Bristol City Council, North) - Learning Partnership West - BCC Training (various) - Family Centre for Deaf Children - Forest of Avon Trust - Bristol Quilters - Neighbourhood Lab - MP Training - BAND Play Training (various) - Housing Delivery Service - Bristol Scrapstore - Safer Options Children Service - Sirona Care & Health - North Bristol CAMHS - Care Support Centre - NPL Training **Children’s parties –** 28 local families hired our community room for children’s parties attended by 391 youngsters. ## **Publicity & profile raising** The farm has continued to raise its profile, thus enabling more people to know about, contribute to and benefit from the services it provides. This has involved expanding our website www.lwfarm.org.uk , twitter (we now have 1011 followers) & face-book (3,900 followers), web links to a range of other local and city wide service providers, e-newsletters sent to 4,956 individuals ## **LAWRENCE WESTON COMMUNITY FARM** ## **THE TRUSTEE’S REPORT** ## **YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024** ## **The Positive Impact of Our Work:** The feedback gained through regular support session with our beneficiaries and the monitoring and evaluation of our service provision illustrates that: ## **Reducing isolation** 80% of our volunteers and placements said that they feel less isolated as a result of helping at the farm ## **Increased skills and self confidence** 85% of our volunteers and placements said that they had learnt new skills whilst helping at the farm and 84% said that their confidence had improved. ## **Gaining accredited qualifications** 13 local young people gained qualifications as a result of their college and work experience placements at the farm during grant period. ## **Reduced levels of stress, anxiety and mental health problems** 86% of our beneficiaries said that engaging with the farm through volunteering or placements had improved their general wellbeing and had reduced their stress and anxiety. ## **Access to local training and improved employability** Of those who accessed work experience placements and training at the farm, 80% said they thought doing so had improved their chances of gaining employment or progressing to further learning. ## **Improved mental wellbeing** 92% of those who described themselves as have mental heal issues said that they were batter able to manage their condition. ## **Gaining Employment or progressing to further learning** 13 of our beneficiaries who had previously been unemployed for a period of at least six months gained employment and 5 went on to further learning. ## **Feeling happier and more content** 92% of our volunteers and placements said that engaging with the farm had made them feel happier and more content. ## **Better able to make long lasting positive changes to their life** 53% of our beneficiaries said that engaging with the farm had helped to feel more confident in the future and better able to make ‘considered’ life decisions. We consider that the above clearly illustrates the success of the services we have delivered to local people during the year. ## **LAWRENCE WESTON COMMUNITY FARM** ## **THE TRUSTEE’S REPORT** ## **YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024** ## **Quotes from service users and beneficiaries:** ‘I know this sounds a bit over the top, but I was in a really, really bad place before coming here. The support has been fantastic; I can’t thank the farm enough.’ Adult volunteer. ‘The young people we bring here benefit so, so much ... therapeutic activities, one to one support, learning, social skills and increased confidence.’ Teacher, Compass Alternative Provision. ‘I started volunteering at the farm when I was at a crossroads employment-wise and feeling quite socially isolated. It has quickly become the anchor of my week. I have had the opportunity to meet new people from a range of backgrounds, in a friendly and supportive environment. Working with the animals is an absolute joy and I feel trusted and valued by the staff.’ Volunteer ‘We do more drinking tea and chatting than anything ells ... it’s wonderful. The farm is such a relaxing place and everyone is very friendly.’ Local older person ‘I enjoy being here so much. It makes me happy and gives me something to look forward to every week.’ Volunteer Gardner. ‘Bringing my little girl to Farm Tots has helped me get to know others with small children who are in the same situation as me. I don’t feel so alone and she really enjoys it as well.’ Local Single Parent ## **Financial Review:** ## **Grant Funding:** The farm secured £150,691 of grant funding during the year, £74,140 more than in the previous period, including: Bristol City Council, Impact Fund 2 £38,460 OVO £25,000 Henry Smith Charity £17,500 The Nisbet Trust £11,000 Lottery Community Fund £10,857 Shaping Places 1 & 2 £13,005 ## **Community Business Enterprise** Income from social enterprise activities, including room hire, delivery of training, corporate fees and sales of produce was £43,283 this being £8,115 less than in the previous year. ## **Donations** The farm received donations of £2,289 ## **LAWRENCE WESTON COMMUNITY FARM** ## **THE TRUSTEE’S REPORT** ## **YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024** ## **Total Income / Expenditure** The total income for the year to 31[st] March 2024 was £194,139; £47,751 more than in the previous year and total expenditure was £198,190 which was £8,524 less the previous year. The accounts, therefore, show a deficit in the year of £4,051 after £18,293 having been charged for depreciation. ## **Plans for future periods:** As long as they remain relevant to the needs of the community, the Trustees are keen to ensure the farm continues to deliver its existing range of successful services and opportunities for local people. However, following ongoing community consultation and evaluation, they have identified the following as being areas of potential growth and development: **Implementation of the revised Business Plan 2023-26** regarding the future development of the farm in line with identified local need. **Meeting the needs of mental health service users and those who are managing mental health issues** - Developing new and exciting opportunities for individuals to benefit from the therapeutic value of community farming, growing and engaging with the natural environment in a supported and social setting. **Health and wellbeing –** Developing new initiatives that enable local people to improve their health and wellbeing. **Community Enterprise** - Generating more income through community business activities. **Corporate Partnership Scheme** – Increasing income through developing new mutually beneficial partnerships with local businesses **Community Education** – Increased access to accredited and informal learning opportunities for members of the local community **Older People** – New services that help to meet the needs of older local people. **Additional volunteering and placement opportunities** – That help to individuals challenge multiple deprivation. **Children & young people –** Delivering and acting as a venue for more services that help to meet the needs of local children and young people. For example, Forest School sessions in our community woodland and more alternative education placements. ## **LAWRENCE WESTON COMMUNITY FARM** ## **THE TRUSTEE’S REPORT** ## **YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024** **Engaging ‘hard to reach’ communities** - More partnership and out-reach work with other local service providers in order to help meet the needs of members of ‘harder to reach’ communities. **Sustainability** —Increased emphasis on practicing, illustrating and promoting sustainability. **COVID19 recovery** – Delivering services that help local people to recover from the initial and ongoing detrimental impact of COVID19. ## **Brief statement of the Charity’s policy on reserves** Trustees recognize that managing reserves is a tricky balancing act. Too much in reserves and Trustees could be accused of hoarding; too little and should a worst case scenario occur, then Trustees would be unable to meet obligations to staff, animals and creditors. Trustees believe it is prudent to have unrestricted reserves amounting to a sum sufficient to cover salaries and running costs for between 3 -6 months in case of a significant drop in funding. The Trustees therefore aim to maintain a free cash reserve level between £50,000 and £90,000. ## **Unrestricted General Fund** At year end, the farm held a total of £772,207 in its unrestricted fund. However, the largest part of this £684,255 was tied up (and designated to) fixed assets. This, therefore, is not cash available to the farm. The farm held £83,995 in its general fund which is in line with the Trustee’s target range of between £50,000 and £90,000. However, the Trustee’s expect this level of reserve to fall over the next financial year given the current risks facing the farm relating to securing grant funding and rising costs. ## **Responsibilities of the Board of Trustees** The trustees are responsible for preparing the Annual Report and the financial statement in accordance with applicable law and regulations. The trustees are required to prepare financial statements for each financial year in accordance with United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice (United Kingdome Accounting Standards and applicable law). The financial statements are required by law to give a true and fair view of the statement of affairs of the charity and of its incoming resources and application of resources of the charity for that period. In preparing these financial statements, the trustees are required to: - select suitable accounting policies; - make judgments and estimates that are reasonable and prudent; ## **LAWRENCE WESTON COMMUNITY FARM** ## **THE TRUSTEE’S REPORT** ## **YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024** - state whether applicable accounting standards and statements of recommended practice have been followed, subject to any departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements; and - prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the charity will continue in operation. The Trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records which disclose with reasonable accuracy the financial position of the charity and which enable them to both ascertain the financial position of the charity and which enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with applicable law and trust deed. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charity and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities. Approved by the trustees and signed on their behalf by: ..................................................................... Date ................................................. Tim Fell - Director LAWRENCE WESTON COMMUNITY FARM FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 31 MARCH 2024 Charity Number 1046563 Company Registration Number 03040752 LAWRENCE WESTON COMMUNITY FARM FINANCIAL STATEMENTS YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 CONTENTS PAGE Reference and adm i nistration details of the charity and it5 advlsors Trustees, annual report 2to12 Independent Examiners Report 13 Statement of financia l activities {including income and expenditure account) 14 Balance sheet 15 Notes to the financia I statements 16to28 LAWRENCE WESTON COMMUNITY FARM REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 Status Lawrence Weston Community Farm is a company Ilmited by guarantee Ireglstration number 03040752) and granted charitable status by the Charity Commission under number 1046563. Trustees The di rectors of the charitable com pany I'the charity") are its trustees for the purposes of the charity law and th roughout this report are collectively referred to as the trustees, The Trustees who served during the year and since the year end were as follows,. Tim Fell Joan Cox Sarah Cording Irina Povjakel Katharina Byrne Angle, Seward Chalr Treasurer Member Member Member Member Key Management Personnel Paul Jayson Farm Manager Registered Office Saltmarsh Drive, Lawrence Weston, Bristol, BSII ONF Independent Examiner Joanne Trowbridge MAAT, Bristol Community Accountants CIC, Daventry Road, Knowle, Bristol, BS4 IDQ Banker5 Unity Trust Bank PLC, Nine Brindley Place, 4 Oozells Square, Birmingham, Bl 2JB LAWRENCE WESTON COMMUNITY FARM TRUSTEES, REPORT YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 The trustees present their report and the unaudited financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31 March 2024. Reference and 2dministrative information set out on page I forms part of th15 report. The financlal statements comply with the Charities Act 2011, the Companies Act 2006, the Memorandum and Articles of Association, and Accounting 2nd Reportin8 by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice appl icable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republlc cf Ireland IFRS 102) (effective ljanuary 20191. Structure Governance and Mana ement The Dlrectors The Board of Directors, who are trustees for the purpose of charity law, who served during the year and up to the date of this report are set out on page l. Trustees are elected by members annually at the Annual General Meeting. A vacancy may be filled or an additional Trustee appointed by co-option, but a co-opted Trustee holds office only until the next Annual General Meeting. Organlsatlonal Structure The Organisation is a charitable company limited by guarantee, incorporated on 1st April 1995 2nd registered as a charity on 19th May 1995. The Company was established under a Memorandum of Association which established the objectives and the powers of the charitable company and is governed under its Articles of Association. The Charity is managed by the Trustees {Directors of the Company) who form the Management Committee. Trustees are all volunteers and are elected annually by the 'members' of the farm at the Annual General Meeting. The Management Committee are advlsed by speclali5t adv150ry groups and sub-committees made up of Trustees and invited expert5. The Farm employs 9 regular staff12 full-time and 7 part-tlme) who are responsible for coordinating the farm's day-today operation and the services, projects and programmes delivered by the charity. The staff team is managed by a full-time Farm Manager and compromises: Volunteer & Farming Coordinator IFTI, Administrator Ipn, Fundraiser IPT} Growing Wellbeing Facilitator IPTI Weekend Farm Workers x 2 (PTI, Children's Engagement Workers x 2 IPTI. Various se55ional, freelance and temporary project staff are also employed as required. In addition to the paid staff the Farm is supported by a large number Df volunteers {both adults and children). Usual ly approximately 80 adults regularly volunteer at the Farm per yea r. All volunteers are recruited and supported in line with the Farm's volunteer policy. Volunteers are actively encouraged to participate in the farms decision making process and help to shape our service delivery and development. Reports and suggestions from volunteers and the staff team are captured and passed on to the hAanagement Committee via the Farm Manager.. three of our current Trustees started as 'hands on, volunteers at the farm. LAWRENCE WESTON COMMUNITY FARM TRUSTEES, REPORT YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 Rlsk revlew The Trustees have assessed the major risk to which the organisation is exposed, in particular those related to operations and finances, and a re satisfied that systems are i n place to mitigate exposure to major risks. Internal risks are rninimised by the implementation of effectlve systems and control procedures, which ensure approprlate authorisation of all tra nsactions a nd projects and consistent quality of del ivery for all operational aspect5 of the charity. An annual health and safety audit is underta ken with dai Iylweekly checks taki ng place i n l ine with the organisatlons Health & safety Policy. Ob"ectives and actlvitles The objects of the charity are,. To promote the benefit of the inhabitants of and persons ernployed in, the wards of Avonmouth/Kingsweston/Henbury/Westbury-on-Trym/Southmead Ihereinafter called the beneflciaries) and the neighbourhood thereof Iherelnafter called "the area of benefit"} without distinction of sex, or of political, religious or other opinions by associating the local authorities andlor voluntary organisation5 and inhabitants in a common effort to advance education and to provide facilities in the interests of social welfare for recreation and leisure-time occu pation with the objects of improving the conditions of l ife for the said i nha bita nts, particularly of those who have need of such facilities by reason of their youth, age, infirrnity or disablement, poverty or social and @conomic circumstances. To advance the education of the said beneficiaries, and particularly young members of the public at large, in agricultu re, horticulture, homecrafts, country life and related subjects and i n the princi ples of good citizenship a nd self-disci pline, through thelr leisLJre activities so that they develop their physical, ment31 and spi ritual ca pacities and grow to full maturity as i ndivid uals and members of society, and their conditions of life may be improved. To promote among the inhabitants of the area of benefit humanity and morality by educating them in care and consideration for all animals, particularly animals in need of care and protection; and for these purposes to care for and exhibit animals in common agricultural and domestic use so that they the public, particularly the younger members thereof, will learn a greater awareness of and appreciation of such animal5, To provide education and training for persons who have need of such facilities by reason of theiryouth, age. infirmity or disablement, poverty or social or econom ic clrcumstances, resldent in the said area of benefit, so as to prepare them for any trade, occupation or se￿iceS and thereby advance them in life or enable them to earn their own livelihood. To relieve physically or menta Ily handica pped or disabled or deprived inhabitants of the said area of benefit by providing as a remedial recreational or therapeutic activity facilities, subject where appropriate to the consent of the medical advisors of all Such persons. LAWRENCE WESTON COMMUNITY FARM TRUSTEES, REPORT YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 To provide a supportive community managed asset with rich and diverse activities that is accessible to all To run accessible accredited and non accredited educational programs To maintain and establish links with schools, colleges, voluntary agencies and communitv organizations in the a rea of benefit To provide a wide range of accessible volunteering and placement opportunities To promote environmental awareness through educational actlvlties and practice at the farm To provide a safe and supportive environment that enables and encourages communitv ownership, partiClP3tion and development Public Benefit statement The Trustees regularly monitor and evaluate the Farm's activlties and are of the view that they are in li ne with our Aims a nd Objectives, and that these a re justifiably cited as delivering a public benef it. Revlew of activities The farm is particularly Interested In: Combating those factors that create and perpetuate exclusion, disadvantage and multiple deprivation Delivering services that promote and facilitate health, wellbeing and enable people to better manage rnental health issues Facilitating local people and groups to develop stronger communities Supporting local people towards employment and training Promoting and practici ng sustainability Acti ng as an agent for posltive, long lasting, social change Delivering services that meet the needs of chi Idren, young people and their familieslcarers Delivering services that meet the needs of older people Delivering services that help to address the ongoing detrimental impact of the pandemic on members of the local community. Implementatlon of our updated Buslness Plan 2023- 2026 We undertake a rolling review of and regularly update our Busines5 Plan. The Management Commlttee of the farm uses the Business Plan to inform and guide the development of the organisatlon within the context of a rapidly changing funding, social and economlc environment. Lawrence Weston Community Plan The farm has continued to work in partnership with Bristol City Council, Ambition Lawrence Weston, other service providers and local residents to support the implementation of the local Communitv Plan. LAWRENCE WESTON COMMUNITY FARM TRUSTEES, REPORT YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 Meetlng Local Need The farm helps to meet local need by delivering a wide range of social, environmental, educational, econom ic and recreational services and facilities, includi ng: Volunteer Placements During the year 99 adults volunteered at the farm 184 in the previous year). The majority of our volunteers live in the local community, wh ich is amongst the most deprived In Bristol, During the year 41 volunteer placements for young people aged between 12 and 17 years of age were also delivered {42 in the prevlous yea rl. Referred Placements for Adults We delivered 7 placements for local adults who were referred to the farm due to them being considered in most need by Social SeNices, GP'S and other care professionals and service providers. Duke of Edlnburgh's Award Placements 12 young people completed their DofE Award placements at the farm111 in the previous yearl. Corporate Engagement Sessions A total of 294 individuals from 7 companies participated in corporate engagement sessions at the farm durlng the year,. an increase on the previous years when 223 people form 7 companies engaged wlth the farm. Work Experlence and Alternative Education Placements 13 work experience placements {22 in the previous yearl were delivered for local young people undertaking accredited college / university courses mostly in Animal Care, Land Management and Ecology. In addition to which 10 young people undertook Alternative Education Placements. Visitors The farm attracted approximately 23,000 during the year. Our 2023 user survey indlcated that 88% of visitors to the farm came from those wards with in our area of benefit where Indlvlduals experience Most need. Membershlp 341 individuals1327 in 2022-231 became members of the farm during the year. Membership of the farm is free. Improving Access to Psychological Therapy (IAPT) Sessions & Training As part of a new partnership between Lawrence Weston Community Farm, Vita Minds, Windmill Hill City Farm a nd St Werburghs City we delivered Wellbeing sessions for a total of 29 individ uals including: Cooking for wellbeing Walking for wellbeing Woodland forwellbeing Gardening forwellboinE Craft for wellbeing Animal Care for wellbeing LAWRENCE WESTON COMMUNITY FARM TRUSTEES, REPORT YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 Support for Adults experiencin8 mental health challenges During the year the farm delivered a range of supportive groups, actlvities and services that helped to meet the needs of 34 individuals experiencing mental health challenges. Informal trainingj learning and social activltles During the yea r the farm delivered a ra nge of supportive groups, activities and services that helped to meet the needs of 32 Indlviduals experiencing mental health challenges. Informal tralnlngl learning and soclal actlvltles We also delivered sessions ena bling 43 local people to take pa rt in informal training, learning activities a nd taster sessions i ncluding: Knit & Natter140 weekly sessions) Orchard Sessions140 weekly sessions) Tree planti ng16 sessions) Bee Keeping18 sessions) Gardening & Orchard Club140 weekly sessions) Walking group140 weekly session51 Children & Young People Throughout the year we delivered a range of services aimed at helping to meet the needs of local children, young people a nd their pa rents and carers including: Volunteering Placements for Young People- 41 volunteer placements for young people aged between 12 and 17 years of age were delivered {42 in the previous yearl. Farm Hands We delivered 200 x 3 hr sessions for local children ag@d between 8 and 11, These sessions, focu51 ng on animal care and fa rm activities, a re for children referred to the farm by local schools and care professionals as belng In most need, 36 local children have benefited {48 in the previous year), Farm Tots We delivered 42 weekly se55ions for local toddlers and their parents I carers to socialize and take part in environmental and farm based activities. During the year a total of 7 1182 i n 2021- 221 toddlers and their famil ies benefited from this service. Alternative Education Placements - We have developed a new and exciting partnership with Compass Alternative Provision who deliver care, mentorin& support and education to young people. These term time, weekly sessions, initially for 4 young people, have proved to be verv successful and we hope to build on this work In the future. After School Cooking Sessions - We ran a series of 8 pilot sessions in the farm's Community Kitchen for local families and their children focusing on cooking fresh ingredients, healthy eating and having lots of fun l The sessions were attended by 12 families and their children and proved to be very successful, so much so that we are seeking to secure funding to expand this service delivery. LAWRENCE WESTON COMMUNITY FARM TRUSTEES, REPORT YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 Holiday Activities Following Covid 19, we are delighted to have been able to restart our del ivery of holiday activities for local children and their families. Back2Basics Forest School del ivered 8 holiday sessions attended by over 80 families. The farm also wc>rked in partnership with Community of Purpose (again a new partnershipl and Back28asics to deliver 10 sessions during the year attended by 357 children considered to be in most need. In addition to the above 40 chlldren attended LWCF and Back2Basick Holiday Clubs and 50 families and their children attended holiday open day sessions. Forest School Sessions delivered by Back2Baslcs Forest School - This is a new area of service delivery. Back2Basics deliver Forest School sessions in the farm's Community Woodland for groups and schools many of which work with children with special educational needs and disabi lities. A tot21 of 289 children have benefited. Partner groups included: Bristol Autism Tam Ventures E-Act Academy Bristol Home School Hub Avon Wildlife Trust IMAYLA Children's Scrapstore Local Schools -The ongoing irnpact of COVID19 resulted in fewer visits from local schools and nursery groups than was usual pre-pandemic. However, despite that, 225 children from 12 local schools took part in 15 tours of the farm focusing on issues such as sustainability, the environment and food production, Community Woodland & Communlty Orchard Cur community orchard and woodland remained open as public green space throughout the year and attract a wide range of vi51tors and acted as venues for the delivery of community events, Forest Schccl sessions and our Growing Wellbeing initiative; a project helping to meet the needs of those managing and recovering from mental illness, Community Events & Arts Activities - Following COVID19 we have been able to resume our delivery of community and arts events. 431 local people attended our Easter Egg Hunt and 91 local residents came to the opening of our Sunflower Forrest. Room hire, engagement with residents & other local groups- A total of 16 local groups and service providers delivered activities using our faci l ities on 72 occasions reaching 417 Indivld ua I beneficiaries. Groups hiring out training facility, community kitchen and community room included,. Families in Focus (Bristol City Council, Northl Learning Partnership West BCC Training Ivariousl Family Centre for Deaf Children Forest of Avon Trust LAWRENCE WESTON COMMUNITY FARM TRUSTEES, REPORT YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 Bristol Quilters Neighbourhood Lab MP Training BAND PlayTraining Ivariousl Housi ng Del ivery Service Bristol Scrapstore Safer Options Chlldren Service Siron2 Care & Health North Bristol CAMHS Care Support Centre NPL Training Children's parties- 28 local families hired our community room for children's parties attended bv 391 youngsters. Publlclty & Proflle Ralsing The farm has continued to raise its profile, thus enabling more people to know about, contribute to and benefit from the servlces it provides. This ha5 involved expanding our website www.Iwfarm.org.uk twitter (we now have 1011 followers) & face-book13,900 followers), web links to a range of other local a nd city wide service providers, e-newsletters sent to 4,956 individuals The Positive Impact of Our Work: The feedback gained through regular support session with our beneficiaries and the monitoring and eva luation of Dur service provision11 lustrates that: Reducing1501ation 80% of our volunteers 3 nd placements sa id that they feel less isolated as a result of helping at the fa rm Increased skills and self confidence 850A of our volunteers and placements said that they had learnt new skills whilst helping at the farm and 84% said that their confidence had improved. Gaining accredited qualificatlons 13 loca l young people gained q ualifications as a result of their college and work experience placements at the farm during grant period. Reduced levels of stress, anxiety and mental health problems 86% of our beneficiaries said that engaging with the farm through volunteering or placements had im proved their genera I wellbei ng and had red uced thei r stress and anxietv. Access to local tralning and improved employablllty Of those who accessed work experience placements and training at the farm, 80Yo said they thought doing so had improved their chances of gaining employment or progressing to further learning. LAWRENCE WESTON COMMUNITY FARM TRUSTEES, REPORT YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 Improved mental wellbeing 92Yo of those who described themselves a5 have mental heal issues said that they were batter able to manage their condltion, Galnlng Employment or progressing to further learnlng 13 of our beneficiaries who had previously been unemployed for a périod of at least six months gained employment and 5 went on to further learning. Feellng happier and more content 92% of our volunteers and placements said that engaging with the farm had made them feel happier and more Content. Better able to make long lasting positive changes to their life 53% of our beneficiaries said that engaging with the farm had helped to feel more confident in the future and better able to ma lrked in partnership with Community of Purpose (again a new partnershipl and Back28asics to deliver 10 sessions during the year attended by 357 children considered to be in most need. In addition to the above 40 chlldren attended LWCF and Back2Basick Holiday Clubs and 50 families and their children attended holiday open day sessions. Forest School Sessions delivered by Back2Baslcs Forest School - This is a new area of service delivery. Back2Basics deliver Forest School sessions in the farm's Community Woodland for groups and schools many of which work with children with special educational needs and disabi lities. A tot21 of 289 children have benefited. Partner groups included: Bristol Autism Tam Ventures E-Act Academy Bristol Home School Hub Avon Wildlife Trust IMAYLA Children's Scrapstore Local Schools -The ongoing irnpact of COVID19 resulted in fewer visits from local schools and nursery groups than was usual pre-pandemic. However, despite that, 225 children from 12 local schools took part in 15 tours of the farm focusing on issues such as sustainability, the environment and food production, Community Woodland & Communlty Orchard Cur community orchard and woodland remained open as public green space throughout the year and attract a wide range of vi51tors and acted as venues for the delivery of community events, Forest Schccl sessions and our Growing Wellbeing initiative; a project helping to meet the needs of those managing and recovering from mental illness, Community Events & Arts Activities - Following COVID19 we have been able to resume our delivery of community and arts events. 431 local people attended our Easter Egg Hunt and 91 local residents came to the opening of our Sunflower Forrest. Room hire, engagement with residents & other local groups- A total of 16 local groups and service providers delivered activities using our faci l ities on 72 occasions reaching 417 Indivld ua I beneficiaries. Groups hiring out training facility, community kitchen and community room included,. Families in Focus (Bristol City Council, Northl Learning Partnership West BCC Training Ivariousl Family Centre for Deaf Children Forest of Avon Trust LAWRENCE WESTON COMMUNITY FARM TRUSTEES, REPORT YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 Bristol Quilters Neighbourhood Lab MP Training BAND PlayTraining Ivariousl Housi ng Del ivery Service Bristol Scrapstore Safer Options Chlldren Service Siron2 Care & Health North Bristol CAMHS Care Support Centre NPL Training Children's parties- 28 local families hired our community room for children's parties attended bv 391 youngsters. Publlclty & Proflle Ralsing The farm has continued to raise its profile, thus enabling more people to know about, contribute to and benefit from the servlces it provides. This ha5 involved expanding our website www.Iwfarm.org.uk twitter (we now have 1011 followers) & face-book13,900 followers), web links to a range of other local a nd city wide service providers, e-newsletters sent to 4,956 individuals The Positive Impact of Our Work: The feedback gained through regular support session with our beneficiaries and the monitoring and eva luation of Dur service provision11 lustrates that: Reducing1501ation 80% of our volunteers 3 nd placements sa id that they feel less isolated as a result of helping at the fa rm Increased skills and self confidence 850A of our volunteers and placements said that they had learnt new skills whilst helping at the farm and 84% said that their confidence had improved. Gaining accredited qualificatlons 13 loca l young people gained q ualifications as a result of their college and work experience placements at the farm during grant period. Reduced levels of stress, anxiety and mental health problems 86% of our beneficiaries said that engaging with the farm through volunteering or placements had im proved their genera I wellbei ng and had red uced thei r stress and anxietv. Access to local tralning and improved employablllty Of those who accessed work experience placements and training at the farm, 80Yo said they thought doing so had improved their chances of gaining employment or progressing to further learning. LAWRENCE WESTON COMMUNITY FARM TRUSTEES, REPORT YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 Improved mental wellbeing 92Yo of those who described themselves a5 have mental heal issues said that they were batter able to manage their condltion, Galnlng Employment or progressing to further learnlng 13 of our beneficiaries who had previously been unemployed for a périod of at least six months gained employment and 5 went on to further learning. Feellng happier and more content 92% of our volunteers and placements said that engaging with the farm had made them feel happier and more Content. Better able to make long lasting positive changes to their life 53% of our beneficiaries said that engaging with the farm had helped to feel more confident in the future and better able to ma l