Charity Registration No. 1050596
Company Registration No. 03114996 (England and Wales)
THE BRIDGE (EAST MIDLANDS)
ANNUAL REPORT
AND
AUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

THE BRIDGE (EAST MIDLANDS)
CONTENTS
Page
Report of the Board of Trustees
Independent Auditor's Report
Statement of Financial Activities
Balance Sheet
Statement of Cash flows
Notes to the Financial Statements
2 - 10
11 - 13
14
15
16
17-25

THE BRIDGE (EAST MIDLANDS)
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES INCLUDING THE DIRECTORS REPORT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
The Board of Trustees who are also directors of the charity for the purposes of the Companies Act 2006, present
their report together with the financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31 March 2025 The trustees
have adopted the provisions of 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).
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out in the notes to
the accounts and comply with the charity's governing document, Companies Act 2006, Charities Act 2011 and
Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Financial Reporting Standard 102 The Financial Standard applicable to
UK and the Republic of Ireland (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).
Reference and Administrative information
Charity name:
Operating name:
Charity registration number:
Company registration number:
The Bridge (East Midlands)
The Bridge
1050596
03114996
Board of Trustees
Jeanette Webb - Chair
David Sims - Vice Chair
Richard White
Ashiedu Joel - Resigned 20/03/2025
Bhavnaben Patel - Resigned 25/11/2024
Gary Beharrell
Joseph Warwick - Resigned 30/06/2025
Halinka Hepworth
Vina Parekh - Appointed 17/04/2025
Zina Alhilali - Appointed 9/05/2025
Alison Barlow - Appointed 14/05/2025
Veena D'Soni - Appointed 01/06/2025
Company Secretary
Naishad Chhatralia
Senior Staff Members
Naishad Chhatralia - CEO
Anna Maudsley - Head of Programmes and Services
Nicola Jones - Finance and Operations Manager
Registered Office and Operational Address
John Storer House, Ward's End, Loughborough, Leicestershire, LE11 ЗНА
Statutory Auditor
John F Mould & Co. 19-20 Baxter Gate, Loughborough LE11 1TG
Bankers
CAF Bank Limited, Kings Hill, West Malling, Kent, ME19 4TA
2

THE BRIDGE (EAST MIDLANDS)
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES INCLUDING THE DIRECTORS REPORT (CONT.)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
A Message from the Chair
The funding for charities in an ever-changing world is challenging as we compete for funding with so many
others and housing needs escalate exponentially.
The fact that our services are still needed after so many years and indeed more so, is indictment of the lack of
funding to ensure that social housing is available for those on low income and to raise people from poverty. Our
charity was born from the need to do more for our community to prevent homelessness. It has grown an
expanded its services over the years evidencing the continuing need for charities such as ours to support ou
fellow citizens.
We are pleased to report that the organisation has stabilised considerably since our last report. Our financial
management, controls and new systems are working well. We have an excellent team of well experienced and
committed staff and managers led by a now well-established CEO.
We are indebted to several organisations who have supported us working in partnership including Charnwood
Borough Council, John Storer House, North-West Leicestershire District Council, Hinckley & Rugby, Melton
Mowbray and Market Harborough Building Societies and GTS Security Services.
The services we provide have never been more vital as families struggle to manage day to day living, debt,
homelessness, and food poverty.
Applying for funding, raising funds and winning grant funding for our work is vital. Several individuals have made
significant contributions to support the work that we do in the community. We have been fortunate to have been
awarded funding by a number of funders including The National Lottery, Charnwood Borough Council, North West
Leicester and Leicestershire District Councils, Masonic Charitable foundation, Ministry of Housing, Communities &
Local Government through NWLDC, the Ministry of Justice (NACRO Contract supporting prison and ex-
offenders), Henry Smith Foundation, Hinckley & Rugby Building Society, Market Harborough Building Society and
Melton Building Society, Dukes Foundation, Swire Charitable Trust, St James Place and Garfield Weston.
Our Management Team and staff continue to work to deliver current services whilst also proactively seeking
opportunities that will ensure that we remain strategically relevant to meet the changing needs of our communities
and clients.
Growth can only be achieved by hard working and dedicated staff, and I again give them mine and The Board of
Trustees heartfelt thanks for all the work that they, the Strategic Management Team and the CEO have done.
My thanks also go to our dedicated and hard-working Trustees who do so much more than just turning up at a
bimonthly meeting, they get involved and help to support the organisation in so many ways. Particular thanks go
to our Vice Chair David Sims who steadfastly has supported me in the Chair role. This year has felt particularly
good as the organisation has stabilised in terms of financial management and the excellent team we now have ir
place delivering services.
Unfortunately, we have lost some of our very dedicated and hard-working Trustees! My special thanks go to
Ashiedu Joel who has been a particular stalwart on the committee and Bhavnaben Patel who supported our fund-
raising team raising our profile and generating much needed funds.
Organisation like ours, cannot achieve what we do without the help and support of our volunteers and the partner
organisations, BNI Tigers, members of the business community, schools, Loughborough University including the
Students Union and the public for their generous donations so lastly, I would like to thank them all for their help
and continued support.
Jay Webb, Chair of the Board of Trustees
gunmales
3

THE BRIDGE (EAST MIDLANDS)
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES INCLUDING THE DIRECTORS REPORT (CONT.)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
Structure, Governance and Management
Governing document
The organisation is a charitable company limited by guarantee. The company was established under a
Memorandum of Association, which sets out the objects and powers of the company and is governed under its
Articles of Association. In the event of the company being wound up, members are required to contribute an
amount not exceeding £1.
Recruitment and appointment of Trustees
The Directors of the company are also charity Trustees for the purposes of charity law and under the
company's Articles are known as members of the Board of Trustees. The charity may, by ordinary resolution,
appoint a person who is willing to act to be a Trustee. No person other than a Trustee retiring may be appointed
a Trustee at any general meeting unless:
• he or she is recommended for re-election by the Trustees; or
• not less than fourteen nor more than thirty-five clear days before the date of the meeting, the charity is
given a notice that:
(a) is signed by a member entitled to vote at the meeting.
(b) states the member's intention to propose the appointment of a person as a Trustee.
(c) contains the details that, if the person were to be appointed, the charity would have to file at
Companies House; and
(d) is signed by the person who is to be proposed to show his or her willingness to be appointed.
All members who are entitled to receive notice of a general meeting must be given not less than seven nor
more than twenty-eight clear days' notice of any resolution to be put to the meeting to appoint a Trustee other
than a Trustee who is to retire by rotation.
(a) the Trustees may appoint a person who is willing to act to be a Trustee.
(b) a Trustee appointed by a resolution of the other Trustees must retire at the next annual general
meeting and must not be taken into account in determining the Trustees who are to retire by rotation.
(c) the Trustees may co-opt any individual who has appropriate specialist skills to support them in fulfilling
the objectives of the charity.
The appointment of a Trustee, whether by the charity in general meeting or by the other Trustees, must not
cause the number of Trustees to exceed any number fixed as the maximum number of Trustees.
The organisation recognises that recruitment of new Trustees by way of personal recommendation is flawed.
When looking to recruit new Trustees, the organisation advertises externally and invites expressions of interest
from individuals. Information packs are then dispatched to individuals along with an application form. Individuals
who return a completed application are invited to an interview with the Chief Officer and an existing Trustee
(usually the Chair). The organisation is keen to recruit individuals with specific areas of interest or expertise.
Trustee Induction and Training
The organisation provides all new Trustees with an information pack containing details of the rights and
responsibilities of Charity Trustees - this includes information published by the Charity Commission. All new
Trustees are invited to attend an induction evening facilitated by an experienced Trustee. Training is ongoing and
based around Trustee Meetings with an emphasis on using the individual expertise of Trustees in specific areas
of work.
Risk Management
The Trustees conduct their own review of the risks to which the charity is exposed and establish systems to
mitigate those risks. These systems are periodically reviewed to ensure they still meet the needs of the charity
both now and for the future. The organisation has developed a robust Risk Register which is reviewed by the
Board of Trustees bi-annually.
4

THE BRIDGE (EAST MIDLANDS)
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES INCLUDING THE DIRECTORS REPORT (CONT.)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
Organisational Structure
The charity provides a number of services, early intervention and homelessness prevention services, including
Triage Service, Specialist Housing Advice and Tenancy Relations Service, Housing Related Support Services, the
talk sort Mediation Service, a Single Access Point for 16- & 17-year-olds, a Rough Sleeper Outreach and
Supported Lettings Programme and Homeless Offenders accommodation advice service.
The charity has a central office providing Customer Services including Welfare Provision (Food and Fuel
assistance) and financial and administrative support for the overall operation of the charity. The Trustees are
responsible for developing overall policy, aided by the Chief Officer.
Volunteers are welcomed in all our work and are given training and support to enable them to work alongside our
paid staff.
Objectives and Activities
The objectives, for which the charity was established, as defined by the Memorandum of Association on 29"
February 2012 and amended on 23rd
May 2018 are to promote charitable purposes only; more specifically for the
relief and rehabilitation of homeless persons in need in the East Midlands and in particular by the provision o
accommodation and associated facilities calculated to alleviate their need, to promote any other charitable
purpose for the benefit of homeless persons and those at risk of homelessness in the East Midlands.
Public Benefit
The Trustees confirm that they have referred to the guidance contained in the Charity Commission's general
guidance on public benefit when reviewing the Trust's aims and objectives and in planning future activities. Public
Benefit is demonstrated more specifically in the following Performance and Achievements sections which highlight
specific client work from each of the services within the organisation.

THE BRIDGE (EAST MIDLANDS)
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES INCLUDING THE DIRECTORS REPORT (CONT.)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
Service Aims and Outcomes
Young People's Services (Single Access Point (SAP), and talk'sort)
Aims (SAP):
To prevent homelessness and reduce the use of B&B accommodation for 16/17-year-olds.
To improve young people's life chances.
To enable family members to plan future accommodation options and avert crises which often result in
youth homelessness.
•
To increase the young person and family members understanding of the reality of their personal and
housing situation(s).
Aims (talk'sort):
•
To prevent homelessness.
• To undertake one to one mediation sessions and facilitate meetings between young people and
families where appropriate.
• To provide an opportunity for families to improve relationships, to build agreements and plan for the
future.
• To raise awareness of mediation services, other local support services and homelessness issues in
general.
Housing Support Services (Getting Help In Neighbourhoods & North West Leicestershire)
Aims (GHIN):
• Intended to improve mental health and wellbeing to people aged 19+ experiencing homelessness
and/or living in poverty with a disadvantage.
Delivered through 1:1 support and drop-in services.
• To prevent homelessness and promote independent living.
Performance:
• 139 clients supported in this period
• 100% reported their emotional/ mental health had improved.
• 96% reported improved economic circumstances.
Street Homelessness and Offenders Services (Dynamic Framework and Rough Sleeper Initiative)
Aims (Dynamic Framework):
• To provide specialist housing advice to those who are homeless and have an offending history.
• To provide intensive support to those who are homeless to help them access accommodation.
• To support those who are homeless to address any barriers to accessing accommodation.
Performance:
•
1048 referrals to the service.
• 845(81%) clients received assessment and advice within 10 days of receipt of referral
• 990 total clients provided with assessments and guidance over the year.
Aims (Rough Sleeper Initiative):
• To support those who are homeless with no accommodation options available to them outside of the
pathway, into suitable accommodation.
• To provide outreach support to those who are rough sleeping.
To support those who are homeless to address any barriers to accessing accommodation.
• To provide support to those who access accommodation to promote positive tenancy management.
6

THE BRIDGE (EAST MIDLANDS)
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES INCLUDING THE DIRECTORS REPORT (CONT.)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
Performance:
• 1259 referrals received in the period.
321 separate individuals verified as rough sleeping
106 successfully assisted into accommodation
• 33% homelessness relieved
Housing Advice, Tenancy Relations Services
Aims:
To provide a free, independent and holistic Housing Advice service to all residents in the Borough of
Charnwood and across the county
• To provide an emergency advice and assistance service to those in housing crisis.
• To prevent homelessness through partnership working and tenancy relations work with both private
and social landlord.
• To provide a free, independent telephone advice service.
Performance:
• 929 referrals during the period.
• 71% improved housing conditions.
• 100% increased knowledge of their housing options.
• 100% emotional/mental health improved.
Triage
Aims:
•
To provide a drop-in/telephone service to those who are homeless or at risk of homelessness.
• To provide an effective and efficient housing triage service to ensure people have access to the right
service for their needs.
• To deliver a welfare service, providing food parcels, fuel vouchers, starter packs and access to the
telephone and/or computer.
• To support the organisation's services in an administrative capacity.
Performance:
• 3092 referrals received within the period.
: 100% tasteroner nancia crumsanes hat improved.
100% stated their financial circumstances had improved.
406 households supported with food parcels and fuel vouchers worth E11,482.05.
7

THE BRIDGE (EAST MIDLANDS)
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES INCLUDING THE DIRECTORS REPORT (CONT.)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
Organisational Achievements
Our Vision is... "Resilient, compassionate communities where individuals thrive in safe and secure homes".
The Bridge (East Midlands) has a 4-year organisational strategy (2024-2028). This strategy serves as the
framework for all that we achieve. During the 2024 - 2025 financial year, the Senior Management Team at the
Bridge has reviewed our strategy to ensure that as an organisation we remain relevant, agile and responsive to
current issues, such as the impact of the pandemic and the rising cost of living
The strategy aligns with The Bridge (East Midlands) vision, mission and core values and is focused upon the
future sustainability of services that provide advice and support for preventing and overcoming homelessness,
as well as securing
and maintaining tenancies, promoting personal wellbeing and providing a number of
projects specifically for young people.
At The Bridge (East Midlands), we are proud of the difference we make, with 94% of respondents who have
accessed support from The Bridge stating that their emotional and mental health has improved. 94% of people
also stated that they felt more independent after the support they received and 100% said that they are more
able to make their own choices and to solve their own problems. Overall, 100% of people who responded to
the exit survey fed back that they were happy with the service they had received
that are responsive to the needs of the local community. The local community have supported service provision
innovative income generation solutions and long-term business/corporate partnerships for the benefit of the
community. Working in partnership with key agencies within our locality is another key component to providing
the best services that we can, and we have continued to develop existing partnerships and to initiate new ones.
We adopt a strengths-based approach and have continued to develop targeted solutions for continual
improvement.
•
Homelessness Prevented 85%
• Accessed Employment 25%
• Improved Housing 79.%
• Accessed Training/Education 80%
Improved Finances 100%
• Improved Independence 88%
•
Improved Mental Health 87%
• Reduced Substance Misuse 8%
•
Improved Physical health 87%
• Reduced Crime/ASB 75%
Feeling Less Isolated 91%
• Improved confidence/Self-Esteem 85%
• Improved Relationships 84%
• Improved Communication Skills 81%
• Involved in the Wider Community 90%
• More Able to Make Own Choices 97%
Plans for Future Periods
The Bridge's vision of "resilient, compassionate communities, where individuals thrive in safe and secure homes"
has provided the foundations for the development of the charity's Four-Year Strategy for the period 2024-2025.
The strategic objectives outlined within the strategy support and guide the organisation with its direction. In
January 2024, the Strategic Management Team reviewed the Strategic Objectives, and they are now as follows:
Strategic Objectives
Prevent homelessness where possible.
a.
Provide advice, support, mediation and signposting to those at risk throughout Leicester, Leicestershire
& Rutland
b.
C.
d.
e.
Work with the justice system to support those leaving prison.
Provide continued long-term support to prevent future homelessness.
Work with local authorities and partner agencies for the benefit of reducing homelessness.
Increase
awareness throughout the county of the current homelessness situation showcasing
awareness and causes of homelessness.
f.
g.
Create and promote public awareness of the support available.
Campaign and advocate for homelessness throughout Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland..
8

THE BRIDGE (EAST MIDLANDS)
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES INCLUDING THE DIRECTORS REPORT (CONT.)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
Provide support to those who have become homeless.
a.
b.
Provide a welcoming, kind, and supportive approach.
Listen to those who have become homeless, support them by signposting to relevant health and mental
health care offers, support them to get into temporary accommodation.
C.
Work with partner agencies to provide emergency accommodation.
Care for and invest in staff to provide a high-quality supportive service.
Ensure the future stability and sustainability of the charity.
Build a robust business plan focused around the strategy.
Work with and build good relationships with local authorities, trusts and funding agencies for grants,
contracts and improved communications.
C.
d.
Increase awareness and engagement within the local community of the work we do.
Build
relationships with corporate organisations local businesses and Professional individuals to
increase resources.
e.
f.
g
h.
i.
Strengthen our recruitment, development and retention program.
Develop a volunteers recruitment strategy to build a volunteer team.
Reviewing our technology to make best use of new developments.
Develop plans to purchase/lease premises and offer our own accommodation solution.
Create a strategy to look at new avenues of income generation.
Develop, support, and invest in our staff and volunteers.
a.
Value and recognise the dedication of our staff and volunteers.
Provide good communication and engagement with the team.
C.
Provide a comprehensive training program to ensure the skills set within the organisation are enhanced.
Invest in care and protection for those who work with us.
e.
f.
Aspire to attain relevant agreed quality standards.
Have a flexible, well-trained and compassionate workforce.
Financial Review
The results for the year showed an 11% increase on last year in total incoming resources. Total resources
expended in the year showed an increase of 10% on last year, resulting in a net surplus for the year of £19,934
(2024 - surplus of £6,794).
Investment Policy
Under the Memorandum and Articles of Association, the charity has the power to make any investment which
the Trustees see fit.
Reserves Policy
The charity has set itself a policy of maintaining unrestricted funds, which are the free reserves of the charity, a
a level which equates to approximately six months expenditure. This policy is designed to provide the charit
with sufficient funds to sustain its operations in the event of any changes to its funding streams and is aligned
to Charity Commission recommended good practice. The target level of free reserves based on currend
activities is approximately £542,489. As at 31 March 2025 the actual level of free reserves, excluding restricted
funds, was £211,945. The charity continues to work on adding to these reserves and continues to keep the
policy under review.
9

THE BRIDGE (EAST MIDLANDS)
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES INCLUDING THE DIRECTORS REPORT (CONT.)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
The Trustees (who are also Directors of The Bridge (East Midlands) for the purposes of company law) are
responsible for preparing the Report of the Board of Trustees' and the financial statements in accordance with
applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting
Practice).
Company law requires the Board of Trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year, which 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 the year. In
preparing these financial statements, the Trustees are required to:
• select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently.
• observe the methods and principles in the Charities SORP.
• make judgments and estimates that are reasonable and prudent.
• state whether applicable UK Accounting Standards have been followed, subject to any material departures
disclosed and explained in the financial statements.
• prepare the financial statement on a going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the
charitable company will continue in operation.
The Board of Trustees are responsible for keeping proper 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.
Members of the Board of Trustees who served during the year and up to the date of this report are set out on
page 2.
In accordance with company law, the company's Directors certify that:
• so far as they are aware, there is no relevant audit information of which the company's auditor is unaware;
and
• they have taken all the steps that ought to have been taken in order to make themselves aware of any
relevant audit information and to establish that the charity's auditor is aware of that information.
Signed on behalf of the Trustees:
Chair
10* September 2025
10

THE BRIDGE (EAST MIDLANDS)
INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT TO THE MEMBERS AND TRUSTEES OF
THE BRIDGE (EAST MIDLANDS)
Opinion
We have audited the financial statements of The Bridge (East Midlands) (the 'charitable company') for the year
ended 31 March 2025 which comprise the Statement of Financial Activities, the Balance Sheet, the Cash Flow
Statement and notes to the financial statements, including 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:
- give a true and fair view of the state of the charitable company's affairs as at 31 March 2025 and of its
incoming resources and application of resources, including its income and expenditure, for the year then
ended
- have been properly prepared in accordance with United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice;
and
- have been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006.
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 auditor 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 UK, including the
FRC'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.
Other information
The other information comprises the information included in the Annual Report, other than the financial
statements and our auditor's 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.
11

THE BRIDGE (EAST MIDLANDS)
INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT TO THE MEMBERS AND TRUSTEES OF
THE BRIDGE (EAST MIDLANDS) (CONTINUED)
Opinions on other matters prescribed by the Companies Act 2006
In our opinion, based on the work undertaken in the course of the audit:
- the information given in the Report of the Trustees, which includes the Directors Report, for the financia
year for which the financial statements are prepared is consistent with the financial statements; and
- the Report of the Trustees, which includes the Directors Report, has been prepared in accordance with
applicable legal requirements.
Matters on which we are required to report by exception
In the light of the knowledge and understanding of the charitable company and its environment obtained in the
course of the audit, we have not identified material misstatements in the Report of the Trustees.
We have nothing to report in respect of the following matters in relation to which the Companies Act 2006
requires us to report to you if, in our opinion:
- adequate and proper accounting records have not been kept, or returns adequate for our audit have not
been received from branches not visited by us; or
- the financial statements are not in agreement with the accounting records and returns; or
- certain disclosures of trustees' remuneration specified by law are not made: or
- we have not received all the information and explanations we require for our audit; or
- the trustees were not entitled to prepare the financial statements in accordance with the small companies'
regime and take advantage of the small companies exemption from the requirement to prepare a Strategic
Report or in preparing the Report of the Trustees.
Responsibilities of trustees
As explained more fully in the trustees' responsibilities statement set out on page 10, 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.
Auditor's responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements
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 auditor's 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:
• We obtained an understanding of the legal and regulatory frameworks that are applicable to the charitable
company and determined that the most significant which were directly relevant to specific assertions in the
financial statements were Charities SORP 2019, FRS 102 'The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in
the UK and Republic of Ireland, the Companies Act 2006 and the Charities Act 2011.
12

THE BRIDGE (EAST MIDLANDS)
INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT TO THE MEMBERS AND TRUSTEES OF
THE BRIDGE (EAST MIDLANDS) (CONTINUED)
• We enquired of management, whether they were aware of any instances of non-compliance with laws and
regulations or whether they had any knowledge of actual, suspected or alleged fraud and reviewed the contro
environment in place to enable management to prevent or detect fraud. We assessed the susceptibility of the
entity's financial statements to material misstatement, including how fraud might occur;
• We evaluated the assumptions and judgements used by management within significant accounting estimates and
assessing if these indicate evidence of management bias; Our testing included review of journal entries on a
• We tested significant transactions, in particular the evaluation of the business rationale for any which appear
unusual or outside the charitable company's normal course of business;
• We reviewed the financial statements and tested the disclosures against supporting documentation;
Because of the inherent limitations of an audit, there is a risk that we will not detect all irregularities, including those
leading to a material misstatement in the financial statements or non-compliance with regulation. This risk increases
the more that compliance with a law or regulation is removed from the events and transactions reflected in the financial
statements, as we will be less likely to become aware of instances of non-compliance. The risk is also greater
regarding irregularities occurring due to fraud rather than error, as fraud involves intentional concealment, forgery,
collusion, omission or misrepresentation.
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 auditor's
report.
Use of our report
This report is made solely to the charitable company's members, as a body, in accordance with Chapter 3 of Part
16 of the Companies Act 2006 and 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 members and its 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 the charitable company's members as a body and
the charitable company's trustees as a body, for our audit work, for this report, or for the opinions we have formed.
Meirion Thomas (Senior Statutory Auditor)
John F Mould & Co.
Chartered Accountants and Registered Auditors
19 & 20 Baxter Gate
Loughborough
Leics. LE11 1TG
10* September 2025
13

THE BRIDGE (EAST MIDLANDS)
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES (SoFA)
(INCLUDING INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT)
YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
Unrestricted
Funds
Notes
Restricted
Funds
€
Income from:
Donations - personal and
corporate
Investments - interest receivable
Charitable activities
Government and other grants and
9.
64,994
8,173
483,729
Total Income
Expenditure on:
Costs of generating funds
Charitable activities
Total expenditure
Net income/(expenditure)
before transfers
Transfer between funds
Net income/(expenditure for the year
and net movement in funds
Reconciliation of funds
Fund balances at 1 April 2024
556,896
3.
62,212
499,367
561,579
(4,683)
474
(4,209)
216,154
Fund balances at 31 March 2025
211,945
-
550,081
550,081
525,464
525,464
24,617
(474)
24,143
945
25,088
All income and expenditure derives from continuing activities.
The notes on pages 17 to 25 form part of the financial statements
14
-
2025
€
64,994
8,173
1,033,810
1,106.977
62,212
1.024,831
1.087,043
19,934
-
19,934
217,099
237,033
Unrestricted
Funds
€
69,609
7,023
427,628
504,260
99,932
381,087
481.019
23,241
-
23,241
192,913
216,154
Restricted
Funds
€
-
-
490,429
490,429
506,876
506,876
(16,447)
-
(16,447)
17,392
945
2024
69,609
7,023
918,057
994,689
99,932
887,963
987,895
6,794
-
6,794
210,30€
217,09

THE BRIDGE (EAST MIDLANDS)
BALANCE SHEET
AS AT 31 MARCH 2025
notes
Fixed assets
Tangible assets
Current assets
Debtors
Cash at bank and in hand
Creditors
Amounts falling due within one year
8.
2025
2,220
78,084
333,173
411,257
(176,444)
234,813
237,033
211,945
25,088
237,033
2024
€
1,115
64,093
321,629
385,722
(169,738)
215,984
217,099
216,154
471
474
217,099
Net current assets
Net assets
Funds
Unrestricted funds
Restricted -
Income
Permanent endowment
9.
9.
Total funds
These accounts have been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to small companies
within Part 15 of the Companies Act 2006.
Approved by the Board of Trustees on 10" September 2025 and signed on its behalf by:

THE BRIDGE (EAST MIDLANDS)
STATEMENT OF CASHFLOWS
YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
2025
Cash flow from operating activities
Net income for the year per SOFA
Depreciation of tangible fixed assets
Movements in working capital
; increase in debtors
: increase/(decrease) in creditors
Investment income
Net cash flow from operating activities
Cash flow from investing activities
Purchase of office equipment
Investment income received
Net cash flow from investing activities
Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash
equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents at 1 April 2024
Cash and cash equivalents at 31 March 2025
19,934
851
(13,991)
6,706
(8,173)
5,327
(1,956)
8.173
6,217
11,544
321,629
333,173
Cash and cash equivalents consists of:
Cash at bank and in hand
Cash and cash equivalents at 31 March 2025
333,173
333,173
16
2024
6,794
5,982
(4,745)
(37,708)
(7,023)
(36,700)
(776)
7,023
6,247
(30,453)
352,082
321,629
321,629
321,629

THE BRIDGE (EAST MIDLANDS)
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
1.
Accounting policies
The principal accounting policies are summarised below.
(a)
Basis of accounting
The Bridge (East Midlands) is a private company limited by guarantee registered in England and Wales
(registration number 03114996) and registered charity regulated by the Charity Commission (registered
number 1050596) with a registered address at John Storer House, Ward's End, Loughborough,
Leicestershire, LE11 ЗHA.
The charity constitutes a public benefit entity as defined by FRS 102. 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 issued in October 2019, the Financial Reporting Standard
applicable in the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102), the Charities Act 2011, the Companies
Act 2006 and UK Generally Accepted Accounting Practice.
The financial statements are prepared on a going concern basis under the historical cost convention, modified
to include certain items at fair value. The financial statements are presented in sterling which is the functional
currency of the charity. Monetary amounts in these financial statements are rounded to the nearest E.
The significant accounting policies applied in the preparation of these financial statements are set out below.
These policies have been consistently applied to all years presented unless otherwise stated
(b)
Fund accounting
• Unrestricted funds are available for use at the discretion of the Trustees in furtherance of the general
objectives of the charity
• Designated funds are unrestricted funds earmarked by the Board of Trustees for particular purposes.
• Restricted funds are subject to restrictions on their expenditure imposed by the donor.
(c)
Recognition of income
All incoming resources are included in the Statement of Financial Activities when the charity is entitled to the
income and the amount can be quantified with reasonable accuracy. The following specific policies are
applied to particular categories of income:
• Voluntary income is received by way of donations and grants and is included in full in the Statement
of Financial Activities when receivable. Grants, where entitlement is not conditional on the delivery
of a specific performance by the charity are recognised when the charity becomes unconditionally
entitled to the grant. Legacies are recognised where there is an entitlement, certainty of receipt and
the amount can be measured with sufficient reliability.
Incoming resources from grants, where related to performance and specific deliverables, are
accounted for as the charity earns the right to consideration by its performance.
The value of services provided by volunteers has not been included in these accounts.
• Investment income is included when receivable.
17

1.
THE BRIDGE (EAST MIDLANDS)
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
(d)
(e)
(f)
(g)
(h)
Accounting policies (continued)
Expenditure recognition
Expenditure is recognised on an accruals basis as a liability is incurred. Expenditure includes VAT, which
cannot be recovered, and is reported as part of the expenditure to which it relates:
• Costs of generating funds comprise the costs associated with attracting voluntary income and
the costs of fundraising purposes.
• Charitable activities expenditure comprises those costs incurred by the charity in the delivery of its
activities and services for its beneficiaries.
• Governance costs include those costs associated with meeting the constitutional and statutory
requirements of the charity and include the audit fees and costs linked to the strategic
management of the charity.
• All costs are allocated between the expenditure categories of the Statement of Financial Activities
on a basis to reflect the use of the resource. Costs relating to a particular activity are allocated
directly. The resources expended in the operation of the Charity's central services system and central
office which cannot be directly allocated are apportioned between the expenditure categories on
the basis of the estimated amount of staff time involved in each activity.
Tangible fixed assets and depreciation
Depreciation is provided at rates calculated to write off the cost, less the estimated residual value, of each
asset over its expected useful life, at varying rates.
Fixtures and equipment
20.00
Computer equipment
33.33
Straight line
Straight line
All items of equipment that are not consumable in nature are capitalised.
Donated assets are brought in at their second hand value at the date of receipt.
Pensions
The charity participates in a defined contribution pension scheme for the benefit of the employees, the regular
costs of which are expended in the Statement of Financial Activities as and when incurred.
All leases are regarded as operating leases and payments made under them are expended in the
Statement of Financial Activities over the term of the lease.
Employee Benefits
When employees have rendered service to the charity, short-term employee benefits to which the
employees are entitled are recognised at the discounted amount expected to be paid in exchange for
that service.
18

2.
THE BRIDGE (EAST MIDLANDS)
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
Debtors and creditors receivable/payable within one year
Debtors and creditors with no stated interest rate and receivable or payable within one year are
recorded at transaction price. Any losses arising from impairment are recognised in expenditure.
()
Cash at bank and in hand
Cash at bank and in hand includes cash in hand and cash on deposit.
Taxation
The Company is a registered charity and thus is exempt from taxation on its income and capital gains.
(1) Judgements and key sources of estimation uncertainty
The charity makes estimates and assumptions concerning the future. The resulting accounting
estimates will, by definition, seldom equal the related actual results. The estimates and assumptions
that have a significant risk of causing material adjustment to the carrying amounts of the assets and
liabilities within the next financial year are addressed below.
i)
Deferred and accrued income:
Income is deferred or accrued as considered to be appropriate in accordance with the guidance
in Charities SORP 2019..
The financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis as the trustees believe that
no material uncertainties exist. The trustees have considered the level of funds held and the
expected level of income and expenditure for 12 months from authorising these financial
statements. The budgeted income and expenditure is sufficient with the level of reserves for the
charity to be able to continue as a going concern.
Legal status of the charity
The charity is a company limited by guarantee and has no share capital. The liability of each
member in the event of a winding up is limited to E1.

THE BRIDGE (EAST MIDLANDS)
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
Total resources expended including VAT)
Salaries and related costs - see note 4
Rent and room hire
Telephone and internet
Travel and staff expenses
Staff training
Recruitment
Insurance
Subscriptions
Marketing, publicity and fundraising
Printing, and stationery
Professional fees and services, including interpreters
Business support costs
Audit
Client welfare
Bank charges
Bad debt recovered
Depreciation
Contra expenditure
Support costs and activities
Salaries and related costs
Rent and room hire
Telephone and internet
Travel and staff expenses
Staff training
Recruitment
Insurance
Subscriptions
Marketing, publicity and fundraising
Printing, and stationery
Repairs
Professional fees and services, including
interpreters
Business support costs
Audit
Client welfare
Bank charges
Depreciation
Contra expenditure
Administration
and triage
178,579
5,424
4,872
1,905
431
103
4,851
2,513
8,597
723
359
3,756
1,911
1,649
13,654
44
851
185
230,407
20
2025
906,826
20,833
17,311
28,565
7,541
938
17,356
8,213
20,534
1,827
1,256
16,692
11,908
6,000
18,976
183
1,233
1.087.043
Advisory
and
advocacy
728.247
15,409
12,439
26,660
7,110
835
12,505
5,700
11,937
1,104
897
12,936
9,997
4,351
5,322
139
-
1,048
856,636
2024
€
780,036
17,792
15,638
34,256
4,950
13,909
10,341
15,091
2,300
37.200
1,465
14,820
4,515
-
(154)
5,979
27.178
987,895
Total
2025
906.826
20,833
17,311
28,565
7,541
938
17,356
8,213
20,534
1,827
1,256
16,692
11,908
6,000
18,976
183
851
1,233
1.087.043

THE BRIDGE (EAST MIDLANDS)
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
Support costs and activities continued
Salaries
Rent and room hire
Telephone and internet
Staff training
Recruitment
Insurance
Subscriptions
Marketing, publicity and fundraising
Printing, and stationery
Repairs
Professional fees and services, including interpreters
Business support costs
Audit
Client welfare
Depreciation
Contra expenditure
Bad debt recovered
Administration
and triage
143,168
4,331
4,301
3,139
884
3,947
2,466
4,380
578
1,832
9,135
305
4,048
533
1,697
27,178
( 154)
211.768
Advisory
and
advocacy
636,868
13,461
11,337
31,117
4,066
9,962
7,875
10,711
1,722
28,440
1,160
10,772
3,982
4,282
776,127
Total
2024
€
780,036
17,792
15,638
34,256
13,950
10,341
15,091
2,300
2,204
37,575
1,465
14,820
4,515
5,979
27,178
( 154)
987,895
Support and governance
The charity identifies the indirect costs of the support functions to the Advisory and advocacy activities as
shown above. The basis used for allocation of costs is explained in note 1(d).
Within the above, the costs attributable to governance were
Staff salaries and related costs
Audit costs
2025
18,381
4,800
23.181
2024
17,500
10,800
28,300
4. Staff costs and numbers
Salaries
Social security costs - employers NIC
Employer pension costs
Agency staff costs
810,682
54,897
41,247
906,826
The average number of employees during the year was as follows
Fundraising
Charitable activities
684,922
44,381
34,833
15,900
780,036
35
32

THE BRIDGE (EAST MIDLANDS)
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
4. Staff costs and numbers continued
The company operates a defined contribution pension scheme for its employees. The scheme and its assets are
administered and held by independent managers. The pension charge in the accounts of £41,247 (2024 - £34,833)
represents contributions due from the company. Unpaid contributions at the balance sheet date were E4,633 2024-
No trustee received remuneration or was in receipt of reimbursed out of pocket expenses in this year or the preceding year.
No employee received emoluments of more than £60,000.
The Chief Officer was considered to be a key employee along with the Head of Programmes & Services and the Finance
Manager. Their remuneration and benefits for the year totalled £142,011 (2024 - £116,578).
5. Auditors remuneration
Audit
Other services
6. Tangible fixed assets
Cost
At 1 April 2024
Additions
Cost of disposals
At 31 March 2025
Accumulated depreciation
At 1 April 2024
Charge for year
Relating to disposals
At 31 March 2025
Net book values
At 31 March 2025
At 31 March 2024
Computer
equipment
16,448
1,396
(6,188)
11,656
15,753
569
(6,188)
10,134
1.522
695
2025
4,800
1,200
6,000
Fixtures &
equipment
53,469
560
(51,517)
2,512
53,049
282
(51,517)
1,814
698
420
2024
11,220
3,600
14,820
Total
69,917
1,956
(57,705)
14,168
68,802
851
(57,705)
11.948
2,220
1,115
22

THE BRIDGE (EAST MIDLANDS)
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
7. Debtors
Trade Debtors
Prepayments and other debtors
2025
25,620
52,464
2024
€
28,313
35,780
78.084
64.093
8. Creditors (amounts falling due within one year)
Trade creditors
Other taxes and social security
Accruals and deferred income
Other Creditors - pension contributions
19.005
152,131
4,633
176.444
112351
4,136
169,738
Restricted funds
31 March 2025
At Incoming Resources Transfers
At
01/04/2024
resources
expended
31/03/2025
Leicester Charity Link
Buttle Trust
Loughborough Welfare Trust
Heinz Anna
St Martin in the Field
LCC hotel
Henry Smith charity
NWLDC rough sleeper initiative
LCC food and fuel poverty
Masonic Charitable Foundation
National Lottery - triage
Getting help in the Neighbourhoods
NWLDC household support fund
Pukka pies
Dukes Foundation
National Lottery Awards for All
Next plo
St James Place
278
192
1
521
452
347
192
1
471
419
250
201
47,500
272,344
12,380
29,292
105,466
25,226
1,500
3,000
10,000
19,982
12,000
10,000
550,081
419
250
185
47,500
272,344
12,166
29,210
104,767
25,226
1,381
1,473
9,990
19,982
214
82
699
119
525,345
119
1,527
10
12,000
10,000
25,088
=
The main restricted funds are for the following purposes;
Henry Smith Charity - funding for salary for head of programmes and services
NWLDC RSI - funding for 5 outreach and 3 supported lettings workers
23

THE BRIDGE (EAST MIDLANDS)
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
9. Restricted funds (continued)
The main restricted funds are for the following purposes (continued)
Masonic Charitable Foundation - funding for a mediation worker and other non staffing costs
National Lottery - Triage - funding triage team and setting up hubs
Getting Help in Neighbourhoods - funding to boost help in local communities -
Dukes Foundation - funding for a mediation worker
National Lottery Awards for All - funding for a tenancy relations officer
Next plc - Drop-In community hubs
St James Place - "talksort mediation services
Restricted fund balances represent cash at bank held within the Charity's cash resources. These
balances will be spent during 2025/26.
Restricted funds 31
March 2024
At
01/04/2023
Incoming
resources
Resources
expended
€
Transfers
At
31/03/2024
Children in Need Fund
Vicars Relief Fund
Glasspool
Leicester Charity Link
Buttle Trust
Henry Smith Charity
Aston on Trent WI (Food Vouchers)
TNL grant - Triage
Getting Help in Neighbourhoods
NWLDC-RSI
Mountsorrel United Charities
Loughborough Welfare Trust
Other food poverty donations
Food Poverty Contain funding
CBC Food Poverty
Masonic Charitable
Creative 62
1,218
500
50
1,218
543
50
241
192
380
278
192
12,452
2,391
1
16,918
46,300
11
101,334
23,696
268,986
7,179
1,220
14
26,000
14,802
300
490,429
46,680
11
113,786
23,696
268,986
9,570
1,220
14
26,000
14,802
300
506,876
1
471
Restricted funds - permanent endowment
This fund represented the assets donated by Charnwood Shelter Project to The Bridge (East Midlands).
There has been no movement on this fund during 2024 or 2025.and in view of the triviality it has
been released to unrestricted funds.
24

THE BRIDGE (EAST MIDLANDS)
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
10. Operating lease commitments
The charity had the following commitments under non-cancellable operating leases as set out
below:
Land and Buildings
2025
2024
5,700
5,700
5,200
5,200
Other Operating Leases
2025
2024
€
177
177
Operating leases which expire:
Within one year
11. Related Party Transactions
Trustee Jeanette Webb is also managing director of Jay Webb Consultancy Services Limited.
During the Year Jay Webb Consultancy Limited supplied the BreatheR software to the charity
at cost price.
12. Deferred income
Deferred income comprises grants subject to terms or performance related conditions which mus!
be met before there is unconditional entitlement to recognise the income. The balances carrie
forward to be recognised in 2025/26 amounted to £132,341 ( 2024 - £128,435).
25