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← The River House Trust

2024-09-30-accounts

THE RIVER HOUSE TRUST

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2024

COMPANY NO 3248808

REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER 1059696

THE RIVER HOUSE TRUST (Company Number 3248808)

INDEX TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2024

1 Corporate Information
2 –15 Trustees’ Report
16 Independent Examiners’ Report
17 Statement of Financial Activities
18 Balance Sheet
19–27 Notes to the Financial Statements

THE RIVER HOUSE TRUST (Company Number 3248808)

CORPORATE INFORMATION YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2024

BOARD OF DIRECTORS/TRUSTEES

Jeremy Booth Pepe Catalan Meg Dillon Ian Govendir Mark Nelson Dean Nicholson Michael Rayment Chris Rogers

COMPANY SECRETARY

Chris Woolls

REGISTERED OFFICE

2nd floor, 289 Green Lanes London N13 4XS

INDEPENDENT EXAMINERS

Hetherington and Company Chartered Certified Accountants 2nd floor, 289 Green Lanes London N13 4XS

BANKERS

National Westminster Bank Plc 143 High Street Bromley Kent BR1 1JH

1

THE RIVER HOUSE TRUST (Company Number 3248808)

TRUSTEES’ REPORT YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2024

The Trustees, who are also Directors of the Trust for the purposes of the Companies Act, present their report and the unaudited financial statements for the year ended 30 September 2024.

REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS Charity Number: 1059696 Company Number: 3248808 Principal Office: Furnivall Gardens, off Rutland Grove, London W6 9DJ

Directors and Trustees

The Directors of the Charitable Company (The Charity) are its Trustees for the purpose of charity law and throughout this report are collectively referred to as Trustees.

The Trustees who served during the year were as stated on page 1.

STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT

Governing Document

The River House Trust was incorporated on 12 September 1996 as a company limited by guarantee, not having share capital. The Company is registered as a Charitable Trust and is governed by its Memorandum and Articles of Association. River House merged with Cara Trust in June 2018.

Appointment of Trustees

New Trustees are appointed by the members of the Board. The provision of support services for people with HIV has, perhaps, become both more specialised in some places and generic in others. As a consequence, we increasingly look beyond the sector to recruit new Board members. Prospective candidates are identified for their requisite expertise and skills. An introduction process is undertaken leading to Board approval.

2

THE RIVER HOUSE TRUST (Company Number 3248808)

TRUSTEES’ REPORT

YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2024

Trustee induction and training

New Trustees are inducted by the Chair of the Board, existing Board members and the director. Once appointed, new Trustees are provided with a brief history of the Charity, the Charity’s governing documents, copies of prior year accounts and minutes of Trustee meetings from the previous twelve months.

Organisation

The Trust is overseen by the Board of Trustees. Day-to-day management is delegated to the director. At times, the Chair and two other Trustees can act as an Executive Group for special projects between Board meetings. The Executive Group reports to the Board of Trustees.

Risk management

The Trustees have identified the major risks, both financial and operational, to which the Charity is exposed. The Trustees have regularly monitored the situation and have put in place plans to mitigate those risks.

The Trustees regularly review and monitor operational policies for improvements.

OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES FOR THE PUBLIC BENEFIT

The principal object of the Charity is to relieve sickness amongst people who are living with HIV.

The Charity aims to achieve its main objective by the provision of a safe and welcoming environment in which individuals with HIV can access appropriate care and support from multidisciplinary working partnerships.

In doing so, the Trustees, in exercising their duties and powers have complied with the duty in Section 4 of the Charities Act 2006 to have due regard to the guidance published by the Charity Commission including Public Benefit guidance.

3

THE RIVER HOUSE TRUST (Company Number 3248808)

TRUSTEES’ REPORT

YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2024

ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE

In 2032-24 we were concerned with navigating the very difficult funding environment, as well as maintaining our focus on improving the lives of our members, people with HIV. Our Aims continue to be about:

Our services are geared towards supporting one or more of these Aims.

Staff Team in this period has been:

Precious Kildare - Homeshare Manager / Social worker
Fiona Reid - Social worker
Nana Sarpong - Chef
Raj Satra - Centre Manager
Chris Woolls - Director

4

THE RIVER HOUSE TRUST (Company Number 3248808)

TRUSTEES’ REPORT YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2024

Numbers and demographic of our members using services was similar to last year, so we’ve opted to look at the needs of our members in this report, which members told us about in our annual survey. These highlight the particular health, welfare and care needs of people as they grow into older age with HIV.

Profile of survey participants.

Gender %
Female 30
Male 67.5
Non-binary 2.5
Total 100
Age %
30-39 2.5
40-49 10
50-59 32.5
60-69 45
70-79 10
Total 100
Ethnicity %
All Asian 2
Black
African
&
Caribbean
45
**Dual Heritage ** 4
Other 4
White 45
Total 100

5

THE RIVER HOUSE TRUST (Company Number 3248808)

TRUSTEES’ REPORT YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2024

Sexuality %
Bisexual 2.5
Gay men 55
Heterosexual 37.5
Rather not Say 5
Total 100
Length of diagnosis %
Less than 5years 2.5
5-10years 0
11-15years 12.5
16-20years 15
21-30years 37.5
30+years 32.5
Total 100

Use of River House services

Service %
Peer-lunches 62.5
Foodbank 40
Women’sgroup 20
50+ socialprogramme 42.5
Hiking group 20
Complementary Therapies 35
Smallgrants casework 15
Workshops & classes 22.5
Welfare benefits advice & support 42.5
Peer/Emotional support 35

6

THE RIVER HOUSE TRUST (Company Number 3248808)

TRUSTEES’ REPORT YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2024

Income & Money

Income & Money Income & Money
Where doesyour main regular income come from?
Income source
%
Pensions
17.5
Welfare benefits
67.5
Employed full-time
7.5
Employedpart-time
2.5
I have no regular income
5
Income source %
Pensions 17.5
Welfare benefits 67.5
Employed full-time 7.5
Employedpart-time 2.5
I have no regular income 5
Doyou have…? %
More than enough money to get by each
month		 2.5
Just about enough money to get by each
month		 62.5
Not enough money toget by each month 30
**Savings ** 2.5
Debts 2.5
Do you find it difficult to get
welfare benefits advice and
help?		 %
Yes 20
No 22.5
Not sure 22.5
I would ask at River House 35
Do you find it difficult to get
**pensions advice and help? **		 %
Yes 20
No 15
Not sure 7.5
I would ask at River House 37.5
Not applicable to me 20
Do you think you need more advice
& support about benefits orpensions?		 %
Yes 62.5
No 20
Not sure 17.5
About buying food… %
I sometimesgo hungry 10
I worry that I can’tget enough food 22.5
I have no worries about food 67.5

7

THE RIVER HOUSE TRUST (Company Number 3248808)

TRUSTEES’ REPORT YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2024

Health & Care Needs

Looking back over the past 5 years, I think my health has…

Response %
Got a lot better 20.5
Got a little better 12.8
Stayed about the same 20.5
Got a little worse 18
Got a lot worse 28.2

I know where to get help and support about non-HIV health issues…

Response %
Yes 43.5
No 2.5
Unsure 8
I would ask at River House 46

I know where to get help and support about my current or future social care needs…

Response %
Yes 20.5
No 10.25
Unsure 10.25
I would ask at River House 59

Including HIV, how many health conditions do you take medication for?

Mental Health… %
I have a diagnosed MH
condition		 46
I sometimes have MH
concerns		 33
I have no MH concerns 21
1 0
2-3 44
4-5 36
6-10 20

8

THE RIVER HOUSE TRUST (Company Number 3248808)

TRUSTEES’ REPORT

YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2024

Non-HIV health issues
affecting you		 %
Diabetes 34
Neuropathy 47.5
Cancers 18.5
Cholesterol 61
Heartproblems 18.5
Overweight 26
Under weight 10.5
Liverproblems 16
Kidney problems 24

Other health issues mentioned included: COPD, high blood pressure, joint and back pains, depression & anxiety, crystal meth addiction, chronic pain, and mobility problems.

Health & Exercise

Health & Exercise
I should do more exercise and healthy
activities		 28
I would like to do more exercise and healthy
activities		 49
I’m not interested in doing more 0
I’m happy with what I do 23

Loneliness & Isolation

Taking part in social activities

Taking part in social activities
I should get out and about more, taking part
in social activities		 27
I would like to get out and about more, taking
part in social activities		 59
I’m fine as I am 14
I see friends and/or family members… %
**Most days ** 13
Each week 38
Monthly 5
**About enough ** 23
Not enough 21

9

THE RIVER HOUSE TRUST (Company Number 3248808)

TRUSTEES’ REPORT YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2024

About loneliness… %
I never feel lonely 18
I sometimes feel lonely 53
I often feel lonely 26
I always feel lonely 3
About friends… %
I have a lot of friends 13
I have a few friends 58
I don’t have enough friends 8
I have very few friends 21
I have enough friends 0
9
I feel I have enough support from friends
and/or family		 %
Yes 46
No 21
Unsure 33

Housing & Home

Aboutyour housing / home situation… %
I rent from aprivate landlord 15.5
I rent social housing 74.5
Sheltered Housing 0
Care Home 0
I own my home 10
I’m homeless 0
Whoyou live with… %
I live alone 69
With my partner 21
With friends 0
With otherpeople 5
Other 5

Other includes – with family members and with carers

10

THE RIVER HOUSE TRUST (Company Number 3248808)

TRUSTEES’ REPORT YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2024

I worry about having to move to a Care or Nursing Home later in my life

Yes 69
No 18
Not sure 13
I would describe my housing situation as… %
Secure 77
Insecure 10
Not sure 13
I know where to get help about my current or
future housing needs…		 %
Yes 41
No 5
Not sure 18
I would ask at River House 36

And finally…some comments about River House

River House members of staff have been excellent, helpful, sociable, heartful

Excellent services provided by River House, attending to clients and serving. I do suggest that River House has the best services at the moment.

I’ve always found that River House has been able to answer and provide solutions to my questions. A wonderful service 5 stars! I am very happy with the support of the River House…my close friends and some family always love to come along with me and love the food and atmosphere and know it’s a 2[nd] home for me. On occasion River House has been a life saver. Sugar free desserts please, as more of us because diabetes (sic)

11

THE RIVER HOUSE TRUST (Company Number 3248808)

TRUSTEES’ REPORT YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2024

Our casework and what it delivers for members.

Our staff team of caseworkers & social workers provides one-to-one advice, advocacy and casework for our members, mostly on welfare benefits and housing related issues. Increasingly the team’s time is taken up with appeals related to Employment Support Allowance (ESA) or Personal Independence Payments, the majority of which are successful.

Caseworkers also work on Hardship Grants for our poorest members. Successful applications were made to Charitable Trusts, Foundations and Local Authorities for grants for essential items such as cookers, fridges, personal living expenses, clothing etc.

Thanks to Heinz, Anna & Carol Kroch Foundation (and especially Beena Astle) and Wandsworth Oasis Hardship Fund.

We also managed a small Hardship Fund, supported by London Catalyst. During the year we distributed 9 small grants to our members in need.

Our housing related work often involves trying to help some of our most vulnerable members maintain their tenancies in difficult circumstances. Issues facing some of our members can include mental health problems, drug and alcohol addiction, isolation, HIV stigma and hoarding, all of which can make maintaining a tenancy very tenuous.

Partnership working remained a priority during the year. This has facilitated the expansion of our services whilst continuing to increase our visibility across the social care, voluntary and educational sectors. We’ve worked with a number of other groups, providers and agencies during the year to provide services for our members. We would like to acknowledge the valuable input of:

Chelsea & Westminster Hospital (Kobler and Hammersmith Broadway clinics) – maintaining good working relationships with HIV clinicians has greatly benefited our members. Citizens Advice Hammersmith & Fulham - a key agency to refer people to.

Homeshare UK – for providing expertise, knowledge and support on developing Homeshare services.

University of West London – which previously provided student social workers for placement experience.

12

THE RIVER HOUSE TRUST (Company Number 3248808)

TRUSTEES’ REPORT

YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2024

Our Nutrition focused services were enhanced a great deal through partnership working: + Our Foodbank – which supports the very poorest people with HIV in London – is made possible by relationships with our wonderful partners City Harvest and Sainsburys , which also prevents valuable food products from being wasted and sent to landfill.

Given that many of our service users experience quite profound social isolation, we see social connection and social activities as important aspects of our service provision. During the past year we expanded on our volunteer led social events , particularly for members aged 50 and over. Big thanks are due to the British Museum, Historic Royal Palaces, English National Opera, Victoria & Albert Museum and Kew Gardens for offering our members free access to some great events!

Our Psychotherapy programme delivered Neuro-Linguistic Programming this year.

Our Complementary Therapies are all delivered by our volunteers – this year they included Bowen Technique, Healing, Massage and Qi Gong.

Volunteers , and particularly peer-volunteers , have played an important role this year, meaning we’ve provided many more services than we’d be able to do without them. Roles have included 50+ group leaders, Cooks, Food-bank supervisors, Gardeners, Kitchen Assistants, Receptionists, Therapists, Trustees and Waiters. Big thanks to all of them and to all the informal volunteers who help around our centre.

Strategic considerations for River House continue to focus on the development of services that support an ageing client group with emerging welfare, clinical and psychosocial needs. We have developed our peer programmes, and we will continue to do so in coming years, to provide a comprehensive support system for our older clients to help them to deal with the challenges that lie ahead.

Many individuals, Trusts and Foundations generously provided grants and donations which have enabled us to provide a range of services and/or goods for our service users. We would like to take this opportunity to thank these individuals, as well as:

The National Lottery Community Fund London Catalyst Fund Hammersmith & Fulham United City Bridge Trust Gilead Chris Graham Bell charity Julia Rausing Foundation Wandsworth Oasis

13

THE RIVER HOUSE TRUST (Company Number 3248808)

TRUSTEES’ REPORT

YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2024

FINANCIAL REVIEW

For the year under review overall income generated totalled £199,971 (2023: £183,396).

The main source of income in the period again derived from charitable institutions and individuals. Of the amount received in the year £77,364 (2023: £65,648) related to general funds with the balance (£100,570) relating to restricted funds (2023: £91,920). Other revenues generated predominately through lunches served, social placement fees and hiring of rooms totalled £21,409 (2023 £24,842). The charity also received £628 In bank interest (2023: £986).

Expenditure for the year totalled £217,506 (2023: £230,272) of which £81,156 (2023: £97,069) related to general funds and £136,350 (2023: £133,203) to restricted funds.

For the year under review the charity incurred a deficit of £45,038 (2023: deficit £5,311) on general funds, after taking account revaluation investment gains of £702 (2023: gains of £282) and transfers between funds of £63,985 (2023: £30,447).

As a consequence of the deficit for the year, general funds were in deficit by £14,140 at the year-end date. However, since the year end, the trustees have taken steps to rectify the situation through cost savings and by securing additional donations. At the time of approving these financial statements, the general funds were no longer in deficit.

The trustees are confident, based on actions already taken and to the best of their knowledge and belief, that the Charity is able to continue as a going concern.

Restricted funds show a underspend of £28,205 for the year (2023: overspend of £10,836) and, when with the balance brought forward from the previous accounting year, shows restricted funds stood at £68,820 at the year-end date.

Reserve policy

In order for the Charity to meet its stated aims and objectives, it continues to be dependent upon grant making Trusts and Foundations, as well as individual donations and fund-raising activities. Revenues generated dictate the amounts that can be applied by the River House for its charitable purposes.

Historically, the Trustees have considered it appropriate to carry forward a sufficient level of reserves, general or specifically designated, to cater for reductions and or delays in receiving grants in order to meet its immediate needs and also to ensure the short-term liquidity and longterm financial stability of the Charity. Despite the year end deficit mentioned above, it is the charity’s intention to aim to hold at least 3-6 months’ worth of working capital as unrestricted reserves.

14

THE RIVER HOUSE TRUST (Company Number 3248808)

TRUSTEES’ REPORT YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2024

SMALL COMPANY EXEMPTION

This report has been prepared in accordance with the special provisions of Part 15 of the Companies Act 2006 relating to small companies.

The attached financial statements comply with relevant legislation and with the charitable company’s governing document.

By Order of the Board

Christopher Rogers (Chair)

Dated: 24 June 2025

15

INDEPENDENT EXAMINERS’ REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF THE RIVER HOUSE TRUST

I report on the financial statements of The River House Trust for the year ended 30 September 2024, which are set out on pages 17 to 27.

Responsibilities and basis of report

As the charity trustees of the Company (and also its directors for the purposes of company law) you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 (‘the 2006 Act’).

Having satisfied myself that the accounts of the Company are not required to be audited under Part 16 of the 2006 Act and are eligible for independent examination, I report in respect of my examination of your charity’s accounts as carried out under section 145 of the Charities Act 2011 (‘the 2011 Act’). In carrying out my examination I have followed the Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act.

Independent examiner's statement

I have completed my examination. I confirm that no matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe:

I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.

M Koureas FCCA For and on behalf of Hetherington & Co Chartered Certified Accountants Second Floor, 289 Green Lanes, Palmers Green, London N13 4XS

Dated: 24 June 2025

16

THE RIVER HOUSE TRUST

(Company Number 3248808)

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES

(Incorporating an Income and Expenditure)

YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2024

Note
General
Fund
£
Income:
Donations and legacies
2
77,364
Other trading activities
3
21,409
Investment income
4
628
Total income
99,401
Expenditure:
Cost of raising Funds
6
4,783
Expenditure on charitable
activities:
7
76,373
Total expenditure
81,156
Net income/(expenditure)
for the year before
gains/(losses) on investments
8
18,245
Net gains/(losses) on investments
702
18,947
Transfer between funds
(63,985)
Net movement in funds
for the year
(45,038)
Reconciliation of Funds
Total funds brought forward
30,898
Total funds carried forward
£
(14,140)		 General
Fund
£
77,364
21,409
628		 Restricted
Funds
£
100,570
-		 Total
2024
£
177,934
21,409
628		 General
Restricted
Total
Fund
Funds
2023
£
£
£
65,648
91,920
157,568
24,842
-
24,842
986
-
986
91,476
91,920
183,396
4,483
-
4,483
92,586
133,203
225,789
Year ended 30 September 2023		 General
Restricted
Total
Fund
Funds
2023
£
£
£
65,648
91,920
157,568
24,842
-
24,842
986
-
986
91,476
91,920
183,396
4,483
-
4,483
92,586
133,203
225,789
Year ended 30 September 2023		 General
Restricted
Total
Fund
Funds
2023
£
£
£
65,648
91,920
157,568
24,842
-
24,842
986
-
986
91,476
91,920
183,396
4,483
-
4,483
92,586
133,203
225,789
Year ended 30 September 2023
99,401 100,570 199,971 91,476 91,920 183,396
4,783
76,373		 -
136,350		 4,783
212,723		 4,483
92,586		 -
133,203		 4,483
225,789
81,156 136,350 217,506 97,069 133,203 230,272
18,245
702		 (35,780)
-		 (17,535)
702		 (5,593)
282		 (41,283)
-		 (46,876)
282
18,947
(63,985)		 (35,780)
63,985		 (16,833)
-		 (5,311)
(30,447)		 (41,283)
30,447		 (46,594)
-
(45,038)
30,898		 28,205
40,615		 (16,833)
71,513		 (35,758)
66,656		 (10,836)
51,451		 (46,594)
118,107
68,820 54,680 30,898 40,615 71,513

The notes form part of these financial statements.

17

THE RIVER HOUSE TRUST (Company Number 3248808)

BALANCE SHEET AS AT 30TH SEPTEMBER 2024

Note 2024 2023
£ £
FIXED ASSETS
Tangible assets 10 536 2,374
Investments 10.1 6,297 5,595
6,833 7,969
CURRENT ASSETS
Debtors 11 16,274 8,053
Cash at bank and in hand 48,452 72,441
64,726 80,494
CREDITORS- amounts falling
due within one year 12 (16,879) (16,950)
NET CURRENT ASSETS 47,847 63,544
NET ASSETS £ 54,680 £ 71,513
RESERVES
General funds 14 (14,140) 30,898
Restricted funds 15 68,820 40,615
£ 54,680 £ 71,513

The charitable company is entitled to exemption from audit under Section 477 of the Companies Act 2006 for the year ended 30 September 2024.

The members have not required the company to obtain an audit of its financial statements for the year ended 30 September 2024 in accordance with Section 476 of the Companies Act 2006.

The Trustees acknowledge their responsibilities for:

a) ensuring that the charitable company keeps accounting records that comply with Sections 386 and 387 of the Companies Act 2006 and

b) preparing financial statements which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charitable company as at the end of each financial year and of its surplus or deficit for each financial year in accordance with the requirements of Sections 394 and 395 and which otherwise comply with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 relating to financial statements, so far as applicable to the charitable company.

These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the special provisions of Part 15 of the Companies Act 2006 relating to small companies.

Approved on behalf of the Board of Trustees on 24th June 2025 by :-

….............................................

Christopher Rogers (Chair)

The notes form part of these financial statements.

18

THE RIVER HOUSE TRUST (Company Number 3248808)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2024

1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES

The principal accounting policies adopted in the preparation of the financial statements were as follows:

1.1 Basis of Accounting

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the 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 1st January 2015) the Companies Act 2006, The Charities Act 2011 and applicable

regulations.

The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention with items recognised at cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant note(s) to these accounts.

The Charity meets the definition of a public benefit entity. The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention with items recognised at cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant note(s) to these accounts.

The Trustees have assessed whether the use of the going concern basis of accounting is appropriate and have considered possible events or conditions that might cast significant doubt on the ability of the charitable company to continue as a going concern. As explained in the Trustees' Report, the Trustees have taken steps to mitigate risk and in particular, the trustees have considered the charity's forecasts and projections

The Trustees have made this assessment for a period of at least one year from the date of the approval of these financial statements. After making enquiries, the Trustees have concluded that there a reasonable expectation that the charitable company has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. The charity therefore continues to adopt the going concern basis in preparing its financial statements.

1.2 Income

Income is recognised when the charity has entitlement to the funds, any conditions attached to the item(s) of income have been met, it is probable that the income will be received and the amount can be measured reliably.

Income from grants, whether 'capital' or 'revenue' grants, is recognised when the charity has entitlement to the funds, any performance conditions attached to the grants have been met, it is probable that the income will be received and the amount can be measured and is not deferred.

Grants represent core funding by local authorities in order for the Charity to provide a range of agreed specified services for users in accordance with its stated objects. Such income is only deferred when:

19

THE RIVER HOUSE TRUST (Company Number 3248808)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2024

1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES- Continued

1.3 Donated services and facilities

Donated services and donated facilities are recognised as income when the charity has control over the item, any conditions associated with the donated item have been met, the receipt of economic benefit from the use by the charity of the item is probable and that economic benefit can be measured reliably.

Catering receipts represent amount received by the Charity from users to whom they provide subsidised meals.

1.4 Interest receivable

Interest on funds held on deposit is included when receivable and the amount can be measured reliably by the charity; this is normally upon notification of the interest paid or payable by the bank.

1.5 Fund accounting

Unrestricted funds are available to spend on activities that further any of the purposes of the charity. Designated funds are unrestricted funds of the charity which the Trustees have decided at their discretion to set aside to use for a specific purpose. Restricted funds are donations which the donor has specified are to be solely used for particular areas of the charity's work or for specific projects being undertaken by the charity.

1.6 Expenditure and irrecoverable VAT

Expenditure is recognised once there is a legal or constructive obligation to make a payment to a third party, it is probable that settlement will be required and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably. Expenditure is classified under the following headings:

Irrecoverable VAT is charged as a cost against the activity for which the expenditure was incurred.

1.7 Allocation of support costs

Support costs are those functions that assist the work of the charity but do not directly undertake charitable activities. Support costs include office costs, finance, personnel, payroll and governance costs which support the charity's activities. These costs have been allocated between cost of raising funds and expenditure of charitable activities and the bases on which the support have been allocated are set out in note 5.

1.8 Tangible fixed assets

All tangible fixed asset expenditure is capitalised at cost. Provision is made for depreciation on all tangible fixed assets, at rates calculated to write off the cost or valuation less residual value of each asset over its expected useful life as follows:

Fixtures, fittings and equipment - 33.33% straight line

1.9 Debtors

Trade and other debtors are recognised at the settlement amount due after any trade discount offered. Prepayments are valued at the amount prepaid net of any trade discounts due.

20

THE RIVER HOUSE TRUST (Company Number 3248808)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2024

1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES- Continued

For Legacies, entitlement is taken as the earlier of the date on which either: the charity is aware that probate has been granted, the estate has been finalised and notification has been made, or when a distribution is received from the estate. Receipt of a legacy in whole or in part is only considered probable when the amount can be measured reliably and the charity has been notified of the executor's intention to make a distribution. Where legacies have been notified to the charity, or the charity is aware of the granting of probate and the criteria for income recognition have not been met, then the legacy is treated as a contingent

1.10 Realised gains and losses

All gains or losses are taken to the Statement of Financial Activities as they arise. Realised gains and losses on investments are calculated is the difference between the sale proceeds and their opening carrying value or their purchase value if acquired subsequent to the first day of the financial year. Unrealised gains and losses are calculated as the difference between their fair value at the end of the year and their carrying value. Realised gains and losses are combined in the Statement of Financial Activities.

1.11 Fixed Asset Investments

Investments are a form of basic financial instrument and are initially recognised are their transaction value and subsequently measured at their fair value as at the balance sheet date using the closing stock market price. The Statement of Financial Activities include the net gains and losses arising on the revaluation and disposals throughout the year.

1.12 Cash at bank and in hand

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

1.13 Creditors and provisions

Creditors and provisions are recognised where the charity has a present obligation resulting from a past event that will probably result in the transfer of funds to a third party and the amount due to settle the obligation can be measured or estimated reliably. Creditors and provisions are normally recognised at their settlement amount after allowing for any trade discounts due.

1.14 Leases

Rentals paid under operating leases are charged in the statement of financial activities in the year to which they relate.

1.15 Pensions

The Charity operates a defined contribution pension scheme. The assets of the scheme are held separately from those of the company in an independently administered fund. Contributions payable for the year are charged in the statement of financial activities.

2. INCOME FROM DONATIONS AND GRANTS

INCOME FROM DONATIONS AND GRANTS INCOME FROM DONATIONS AND GRANTS
General
Funds
£
Donations from individuals, companies and
other charitable institutions
77,364
77,364		 Restricted
Funds
£
100,570
100,570		 Total
2024
£
177,934		 Total
2023
£
157,568
77,364 177,934 157,568

21

THE RIVER HOUSE TRUST (Company Number 3248808)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2024

3. INCOME FROM OTHER TRADING ACTIVITIES

INCOME FROM OTHER TRADING ACTIVITIES
Social work placement fees
Catering receipts
Thrive-consultancy fee
Homeshare fees
Room hire		 Total
2024
£
3,800
11,248
-
3,045
3,316		 Total
2023
£
1,400
11,032
-
4,230
8,180
21,409 24,842

4 INVESTMENT INCOME

INVESTMENT INCOME
UK Bank interest Total
2024
£
628		 Total
2023
£
986
628 986

5. ALLOCATION OF SUPPORT AND GOVERNANCE COSTS

The charity initially identifies the costs of its support functions. It then identifies those costs which relate to the governance function. Having identified its governance costs, the remaining support costs together with the governance costs are apportioned between the three key charitable activities undertaken in the year. Refer to the table below for the basis of apportionment and the analysis of support and governance costs.

Basis of
allocation
General office expenses
Usage
Independent Examiners' fee
Governance
Human resources
Staff time		 General
Support
Costs
£
63,072
-
6,317		 Governance
Costs
£
-
6,893
-		 2024
£
63,072
6,893
6,317		 Total
2023
£
60,461
6,553
18,406
69,389 6,893 76,282 85,420

22

THE RIVER HOUSE TRUST (Company Number 3248808)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2024

6. COST OF RAISING FUNDS

COST OF RAISING FUNDS
Directly attributed staff costs
Other directly attributed costs
Attributed support costs		 General
Funds
£
-
2,007
2,776		 Total
2024
£
-
2,007
2,776		 Total
2023
£
-
1,328
3,155
4,783 4,783 4,483

7. ANALYSIS OF EXPENDITURE ON CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES

Directly attributed costs
Directly attributed staff costs
Other directly attributed costs
Support and Governance costs		 Peer
Support
£
76,224
11,168
20,312		 Holistic
£
4,015
1,204
6,771		 Advisory
£
12,118
345
6,771		 Foodbank
£
34,005
5,936
33,854		 Total
2024
126,362
18,653
67,708		 Total
2023
£
113,997
29,527
82,265
107,704 11,990 19,234 73,795 212,723 225,789

For the year ended 30th September 2024 charitable expenditure was £212,723 (year ended 30th September 2023 £225,789) of which £136,350 (2023: £133,203) was expenditure from restricted funds

8. NET INCOME /(EXPENDITURE) FOR THE YEAR

This is stated after charging:-
Independent Examiners' fee
Other accountancy services
Depreciation
Amounts paid under operating leases:-
(a) Rent
Analysis of staff costs and trustees remuneration
Staff salaries and related costs
Social security costs
Staff pension costs		 Total
2024
£
1,093
8,182
1,838
12,414		 Total
2023
£
6,553
8,932
1,838
11,859
Total
2024
£
120,877
5,784
6,018		 Total
2023
£
120,246
5,911
6,246
132,679 132,403

8.1 Analysis of staff costs and trustees remuneration

The average number of persons employed during the year was 5 (2023-5). None of the employees were paid a salary in excess of £60,000 per annum . None of the Trustees of the Charity were remunerated for their time in carrying out their duties. Salaries include £Nil of costs (2023: £Nil) incurred on hiring agency staff to provide cover in respect of kitchen staff.

23

THE RIVER HOUSE TRUST (Company Number 3248808)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2024

9. TAXATION

As a registered charity, The River House Trust is potentially exempt from taxation of income and gains falling within section 505 of the Income and Corporation Taxes Act 1988 and section 256 of the Taxatio of Chargeable Gain Act 1992. No tax charge has arisen in the year.

10.
TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS
Cost:
At 1 October 2023
Additions in the year
Disposals in the year
At 30 September 2024
Depreciation:
At 1 October 2023
Charge for the year
Disposals for the year
At 30 September 2024
Net book value
As at 30 September 2024
At 30 September 2023
10.1 FIXED ASSET INVESTMENTS
Market value at 1 October 2023
Additions at cost
Proceeds on sale of investments
Unrealised/realised gain on revaluation of investments
Market value as at 30 September 2024
11.
DEBTORS
Prepayments and other debtors
Trade debtors
Accrued income		 Plant and
Equipment
£
87,286
-
-
87,286
84,912
1,838
-
86,750
536
2,374
Total
2024
£
5,595
-
-
702
6,297
Total
2024
£
7,544
-
8,730
16,274		 Total
2023
£
5,313
-
-
282
5,595
Total
2023
£
5,813
2,240
-
8,053

24

THE RIVER HOUSE TRUST (Company Number 3248808)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2024

12. CREDITORS - AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR

Deferred income (see note 12.1)
Taxes and social security
Sundry creditors and accruals
12.1 DEFERRED INCOME
As at 1st October 2023
Released in the year to income earned from charitable activities
Incoming resources deferred in the year
As at 30th September 2024		 Total
2024
£
-
1,437
15,442
16,879
Total
2024
£
-
-
-
-		 Total
2023
£
-
-
16,950
16,950
Total
2023
£
15,680
(15,680)
-
-

12.1 OBLIGATIONS UNDER LEASE AGREEMENTS

The charity had total commitments under non-cancellable operating lease over the remaining life of those leases of £Nil (2023: £2,163)

13. ANALYSIS OF NET ASSETS BETWEEN FUNDS

Tangible fixed assets
Investment
Current assets
Creditors		 General
Funds
£
536
6,297
(4,094)
(16,879)
(14,140)		 Restricted
Funds
£
-
-
68,820
-
68,820		 Total
2024
£
536
6,297
64,726
(16,879)
54,680

The charity has sufficient resources to enable each fund to be applied in accordance with the donors restrictions.

14. UNRESTRICTED FUNDS

General fund Balance at
1st October
2023
£
30,898
30,898		 Incoming
Resources
£
99,401
99,401		 Resources
Expended
£
(80,454)
(80,454)		 Transfers
Between
Funds
£
(63,985)
(63,985)		 Balance at
30th September
2024
£
(14,140)
(14,140)

25

THE RIVER HOUSE TRUST (Company Number 3248808)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2024

15. RESTRICTED FUNDS

The fund balances listed below represent the excess of donations or grants received over expenditure incurred for those projects whereby the purpose is specified by the donors as to their use:-

Advisory
Advocacy
Peer Support
Walking group
Peer to Peer Support
Kitchen and shed refurbishment
50+ social programme
Services for Women
Holistic
Respite Breaks
Hardship Fund
Foodbank
Food bank
Volunteer fund
Volunteer Support		 Balance at
1st October
2023
-
2,968
-

10,593
-
-
0
-
1,750
4,266
-
11,026
10,012		 Transfer
from
general fund
£
8,148
7,329
35,010
423
4,467
-
-
3,209
5,399		 Incoming
Resources
£
17,711
-
26,080
-
7,500
500
-
2,345
4,221
42,213		 Resources
Expended
£
(8,148)
(10,297)
(42,667)
-
(7,923)
(4,967)
-
(922)
(18,456)
(42,970)		 Balance at
30th September
2024
£
17,711
-
-
18,423
10,593
-
-
-
1,750
5,689
-
-
14,654
40,615 63,985 100,570 (136,350) 68,820

16. FUNDS

16.1 Advocacy

This fund relates to welfare benefits and advice and small grants case work. At the year end there was an unexpended balance of £17,711

16.2 Walking group

This represents monies received towards a project that encourages older people with HIV to exercise more in a friendly, social and peer-supportive way. This is particularly useful for reducing frailty and isolation risks. At the year end date the fund was fully expended.

16.3 Kitchen and shed refurbishment fund

This funds relates monies received towards refurbishment of kitchen and shed At the year end date there was an unexpended balance of £10,593

16.4 Peer to Peer Support

This funds relates monies received in support of social programmes for people with HIV. At the year end date there was an unexpended balance of £18,423

16.5 50+ social programme

This fund relates to the provision of both social and peer support for people with HIV aged 50+. At the year end date the fund was fully expended.

26

THE RIVER HOUSE TRUST (Company Number 3248808)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2024

16 FUNDS (...continued)

16.6 Services for Women

This fund relates to a specific peer support programme for women with HIV. At the year end date the fund was fully expended.

16.7 Respite Breaks

The fund represented received for a one-off respite break for older people with HIV. Due to the pandemic the charity was unable to spend this money. It is envisaged the funds will be expended in the ensuing year.

16.8 Hardship Fund

This fund relates to monies received in order to provide grants to clients to cover the cost of basic needs and essential household items such clothing, toiletries, cookers, fridges, beds etc. At the year end date there was an unexpended balance of £5,689

16.9 Food bank

This fund relates to the provision of a food bank service for people with HIV particularly affected by poverty. At the year end date the fund was fully expended.

16.10 Volunteer Support

This relates to monies received to help recruit, manage and support volunteers who support the work of the charity. At the year end date the was an unexpended balance of £14,654

17. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

During the year, the Charity paid an insurance premium of £ 2,986 which included cover for Trustees legal liabilities for loss in their capacity as Trustees. There were no other transactions involving Trustees or any expenses reimbursed to the Trustees.

During the year the Charity received an unrestricted donation of £25,000 from Oasis Wandsworth, a UK registered charity in which Chris Woolls (Chief Executive) is a Trustee.

18. LEGAL STATUS

The Charity is a company limited by guarantee with no share capital. The liability of each member in the event of a winding up is limited to £10.

19. CONTROLLING PARTY

The Charity is ultimately controlled by the Trustees.

27