REGISTERED COMPANY NUMBER: 03328704 REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER: 1062241 REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES AND UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30TH NOVEMBER 2024 TOP CHURCH TRAINING Doc ID.. 884c7efe8cc6c1 aff59d8587719d015d7f2e84b6 TOP CHURCH TRAINING CONTENTS OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDING 30TH NOVEMBER 2024 Page Report of the Trustees Ito12 Accountants, Report 13 Independent Examiner's Report 14 Balance Sheet 15 Notes to the Financial Statements 16to17 Income and Expenditure Account 18to19 Doc ID.. 884c7efe8cc6c1 aff59d8587719d015d7f2e84b6 Top Church Training (TCT) Trustees, Annual Report For the Year Ending 30th November 2024 Page I Doc ID.. 884c7efe8cc6c1 aff59d8587719d015d7f2e84b6 Table of Contents l. Introdurtion 2. Objectives and Activities 3. Achievements and Performance 4. Impact Highlights 5. Twelve Month Review 6. Financial Review 7. Our Staff and Volunteers 8. Our Funders 9. Our Trustees 10. Our Network 11. Community Creativity Highlights 12. Rebuilding Communities after Covid 19 13. Early Years Recovery 14. Tackling Social Injustice and Youth Hornelessness 15. Celebrating Local Heritage 16. Community Enrichment 17. Acknowledgements Page 2 Doc ID.. 884c7efe8cc6c1 aff59d8587719d015d7f2e84b6 l. Introduction The Trustees of Top Church Training (TCT) present their annual report and financial statements for the year ended 30th November 2024. This report has been prepared in accordance with the Charities SORP (FRS 102) and the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland. TCT is a charitable company limited by guarantee. incorporated on 6th March 1997 (Company No. 3328704) and registered with the Charity Commission on 7th May 1997 (Charity No. 1062241). It is governed by its Memorandum and Articles of Association dated 21st February 1997. 2. Objectives and Activities TCT exists to support young people. individuals and families who are socially and economically disadvantaged. particularly those experiencing loneliness, isolation, and low income. Our mission is to build stronger, healthier communities through: Community support and outreach Education and training Work experience and volunteering opportunities Targeted support for young people, individuals and families to help them build confidence, develop life skills, and access opportunities for personal and professional growth We work closely with local partners, businesses, and other charities to deliver our services with sustainability and collaboration at the hearL 3. Achievements and Performance 2024 has been one of the most challenging years in our history. The ongoing cost of living crisis has intensified the struggles faced by many in our community. from povety and housing insecurity to rnental health and relationship breakdowns. In response, we launched a two-strand, evidence-informed model designed to: l. Address immediate and crisis needs through specialist support 2. Reduce isolation and build confidence through rneaningful, inclusive group activities 3. Empower long-term change via volunteering vocational trainin& peer support, and coaching. Our work this year has been shaped by a commitment to: . Co-production with service users Holistic. coordinated support Flexibility and responsiveness Pep.r-led support 2nd volunteering • Diversity and inclusion Access to expert advice and intervention Page 3 Doc ID.. 884c7efe8cc6c1 aff59d8587719d015d7f2e84b6 3. Achievements and Performance (continued) Throughout 2024, we observed a significant increase in referrals for our family support services. By the end of November 2024. we had assisted a total of 219 families, comprising 806 individuals, predominantly from unemployed single-parent households with an average of 3 to 4 children per family. This represents the highest number of individuals we have ever supported in a single year since the inception of our National Lottery Community Fund - Reaching Communities lottery-funded project. Unfortunately, this underscores the ongoing crisis we are facing. The lingering effects of the pandemic, school holiday overspending, the persistent high cost of living, and hikes in food and travel costs, energy, and local council tax bills suggest that this number will likely rise as we move into early 2025. Observations at our groups indicated that parents are not encouraging their children to play with age-appropriate toys, engage in ball games, or build with Lego bricks. Instead, children were being introduced to electronic gadgets and phones at too early an age, which we believe is impacting on their overall development. Therefore, much of our focus has been on improving bonding and reconnecting parents with their children through various family group activities. During group sessions, we have implemented a ban on mobile phones and encouraged parents to play with their children. All our toys and learning resources have been carefully selected to boost children's learning while empowering parents to take an active interest in play. We have also provided a selection of age-appropriate snacks and sugar-free juices to encourage healthier eating habits. IOO¥o of these families referred to our charity were unemployed, living in poverty and in need of emergency crisis support and food provision. We heard of the harrowing stories of parents going without food to ensure that their children were fed. Many were at threat of losing their homes due to arrears with their rent and utility bills. Our intense work not only focused on the priority need but also on providing life skills training around managing their budgets and how to manage a home. our cooking workshops focused on eating well for less and savvy shopping techniques, along with hosting more group activities than ever before to reduce their isolation and loneliness. Many families were telling us that they were unable to pay to take their children to play groups and indoor play centers and therefore. their children would spend their holidays at home. 100% of these families received intense support with applying for correct benefit entitlements, including PIP. 100 % of these families reported an increase in their confidence and self-esteem 80 % felt more confident to manage their money independently. Over rhe pasr 12 months. we have seen an increase in the number of children presenting at our parent groups with delayed learning. Many are not potty trained or able to communicate effertively for their age. They also exhibit poor hand-eye coordination, which we believe is due to a lack of parental intervention and the aftereffects of Page 4 Doc ID.. 884c7efe8cc6c1 aff59d8587719d015d7f2e84b6 lockdown. This has now become our main priority for 2025 and to be included in future funding applications. We continued to work in partnership with the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) to offer a weekly Job Club tailored for young people with Autism. This quieter. safer space allowed participants to engage in job search artivities. many of whom progressed into volunteering and group programmes with one young person being accepted a place at Oxford University. With support from TCT, these young people came together to create a youth group specifically designed to support those struggling with Autism and feeling excluded from mainstream provision. They named this the"Outside the Boombox" and met weeldy to take part in group activities. which gradually expanded to include outings and trips. Friendships formed quicldy within the group. fostering a deep sense of inclusion and belongin& something many had never experienced before. These connertions have endured, with many of the friendships going strong today. In recognition of their dedication to community volunteering. the group was honored with a Volunteering Award at the evening of the Dudley CVS Volunteering Award. We are grateful for the continued support of our local MP Mike Wood and Councillor Adam Davies, who have visited Harrfs Café and assisted with complex challenges. Their engagement reinforces the importance of our work within the constituency. 4. Impact Highlights Throughout 2024, Over 1.650 individuals were supported through our various programmes and services, including crisis support. Housing budgeting and finance, food provision, wellbeing activities. parent and coffee morning family activities, youth groups, community events, volunteering and trainee programrnes at Harrys Community Coffee shop and at our allotment project Mental Health continued to remain one of our biggest challenges faced by those engaged with our services, with 100% of all referrals struggling with social anxiety, depression and Agoraphobia. The figures below reflect the fast and ever-changing needs of a flexible service taking us in new directions, but which continue to deliver to our stated objectives. 200 families received support around debt management. prevention of homelessness- through the liaising with landlords and Dudley MBC and referred to more specialist services for supporL 95 % were supported to access corrert benefit entitlements. 6.500* mea13 served in our comfflunity café More than 13.560 volunteer hours contributed through our Community Coffee shop Harrys, Allotment projects, events and activities and youth worlL 54 people have completed their level l and level 2 Trainee and volunteering programmes. Page 5 Doc ID.. 884c7efe8cc6c1 aff59d8587719d015d7f2e84b6 35 young people completed our targeted development programme 50 Weekly peer support groups helping 200 people per year helped reduce their isolation and feeling a sense of purpose. 26 Community events held over the year at our community coffee Shop Harrfs, brought together over 600 new young people and families into the service. 60 Looked After young people were provided 1-2-1 crisis support and intervention support through our Alliance Partnership funded through Dudley Council- Young People's Floating Support. Working alongside Children's Services and YPA'S to bring about better outcomes for the most vulnerable young people in our society. 55 unemployed people were supported through the UK Shared Prosperity funding and have returned to either employment, education, training and volunteering. 85 individuals have become members and regularly attended our Women's and men's group, which have a focus around reducing loneliness and isolation. We have identified emerging leaders from both groups and with our support, will train and support individuals to feel confident to take on this vital role. Harrys Community Coffee shop has become a beacon of hope for our local community, as per figures above show. there has been a significant increase in all ages accessing our various community led activities, community events and trainlng and volunteering programmes highlighting the very need for these services. "Volunteering at the café gave me a reason to get up in the morning. I've made friends. learned new skills, and now I'm applying for a job in catering." Community Café Volunteer. "I am 80 years of age and really enjoy coming to Harrys to meet my friends for coffee and tea cakes. IYS such a wonderful place. the staff are welcoming and helpful. It feels like a home from home. Nothing is too much trouble and if I have a problem, they are always there to help me. I lost my husband awhile ago and feel very lonely and isolated. If it wasn't for Harrys, I think I would stay at home." Throughout much of 2024 we had the rare opportunity through our new business contacts - 5 Alive Networking and Non-League Networking- to trial out our new Harrys Catering services. This initiative has proven to be most successful and provided opportunities for income generation and advanced training for our volunteers and trainees wishing to find emplo￿￿nent in the hospitality and catering industry. 5. Twelve-month Outlook As the cost-of-living crisis continues, we anticipate further challenges for both the communities we serve and the charity itself. However. the TCT team remains motivated and committed to delivering even more services and support- despite limited resources. We are actively developing a robust two-to-three-year financial and operational plan to secure our medium-terni future. Page 6 Doc ID.. 884c7efe8cc6c1 aff59d8587719d015d7f2e84b6 6. Financial Review TCT maintained financial stability in 2024 through a combination of grant funding, donations, and trading income. Key highlights include: Continued support from local and national funders • Careful management of resources to prioritise frontline services Investment in sustainable food initiatives and community engagement 7. Our Staff and Volunteers Our volunteers are the heartbeat of TCT. In 2024. we celebrated their contributions at our annual Volunteer Awards event held at Himley Hall. Each volunteer received a Queen's Award badge and certificate, presented by the Vice Lord Leuitenant Louise Bennett OBE. Special recognition was given to Dawn Copson for her outstanding loyalty, dedication and commitment to volunteering at Harrys Community Coffee shop. The Mayor of Dudley, Cllr Hilary Bills presented our volunteers with their certficates of achievements. The Sheridan Award was presented by Natalie Cunningham, Severn Trent Community Fund to Ken Smith for his dedication and commitment to supporting our volunteers at our allotment plot- Hawbush Community Gardens.. a scheme funded through the Severn Trent Community Fund. This year we also included new categories to thank those in the business sector who have offered continuous support to the charity The Business Partner of the Year Award was given to Claire Lloyd Jones from LJ Modern Boold(eeping and to Kevin Pace - Peachey Teaching. Our CEO Karen Fielder was awarded the Mike Holder Award for Business at the Mayors Ball and Civic Awards in April 2024 by the Mayor of Dudley Cllr Andrea Goddard. Karen was absolutely delighted to win such a prestigious award, she continues to play a key role in shaping the local voluntsry sertor. serving both the Voluntary Sertor Leaders Forum and the Voluntary Sector Safeguarding Leadership Board. Delivering our services requires a team that is committed. adaptable. and tenacious. Page 7 Doc ID.. 884c7efe8cc6c1 aff59d8587719d015d7f2e84b6 8. Our Funders None ofour achievements over the pastyear would have been possible without the generous support of our funders- large and small. Major Funders and Supporters.. so we would like to thank all our funders for their continued support. The National Lottery Community Fund - Reaching Communities Fund The National Lottery- Awards for All The National Lottery- Heritage Fund Severn Trent Community Fund DudleyMBC - UK Shared Prosperity Fund Dudley MBC- Inclusive Community Fund DudleyMBC- Young People's Floating Support Fund Heart Of England - Inclusive Communities Fund DudleyCVS - Household Support Fund Eveson Trust Community Matters NHS The Wider Determinants Fund NHS Recovery College West Midlands Combined Authority 9.. Our Trustees This year. we said farewell to David Durie and loanne Goldie and thanked them for all their support to the Charity and CEO throughout their time with us. We would like to thank all our trustees, Robert Bowker, Liz Rowe and Megan Price, for their time. expertise, and unwavering dedication to charity. Thank you. 10. Our Network TCT is proud to work in partnership with a wide range of organisations. including: The National Lottery Community Fund Severn Trent Community Fund Dudlry CVS Dudley MBC Adults and Children's Social Care Black Country Foodbank YMCA, CHADD, Page 8 Doc ID.. 884c7efe8cc6c1 aff59d8587719d015d7f2e84b6 Just Straight TalK Green Square Accord Adult Community Learning NHS, CCG Local schools, churches, and community groups Local businesses - Dreamlands: Business Members of the 5 Alive Networking: LJ Modern Bookkeeping EC Human Resources Lewis Smith & Co - Accountants Jukes Insurance SecurePro Asset Wealth Prosperity Wealth Dirert to Print The Brierley Hill Community Forum West Midlands Police The Phase Trust Beacon Vision The What Centre St Marfs Catholic Church The Brierley Hill Babybank Kids Clothing Projert NHS Foundation Trust Leslie's Care PacKAGES Mindfullife Counselling 5 Alive Networking partnership The Welfare Benefits Team DWP Black Country Housing Group Higgs & Sons LLP Barnardos Hawbush Community Gardens Jasmine Road Community Gardens Ekho Collective Dudley Healthwatch Team Lloyds Bank Dudley Building Society Public Health England All our funders. Page 9 Doc ID.. 884c7efe8cc6c1 aff59d8587719d015d7f2e84b6 11. Community Creativity Highlights: "Say Hello, Bench Project Our Women's Group members came together again to participate in this fantastic scheme to combat loneliness. With the support from staff and Adult Community Learnin& again we hit the target to knit 100 colourful squares to create a vibrant, welcoming cover for the bench in the centre of the Moor Centre in Brierley Hill. This creative and heartfelt contribution promoted community connertion. mental wellbeing, and the importance ofsimply saying hello. The women are keen to participate every year to support this projecL 12. Rebuilding Community After COVID-19 We have worked to rebuild trust, connection, and a sense of belonging. Initiatives such as the"Say Hello" bench project, our cooking workshops. and family outings have helped individuals take those first steps back into community life. We are now receiving more referrals of young people than ever before struggling with mental health issues, especially around social anxiety that has been proven to be a direct impart to the constraints of lock down. 13. Early Years Recovery We ran over 50 mother and baby groups throughout the year, encouraging parents to leave their homes and helping children interart, play, and explore. We worked closely with local Family Hubs to ensure families could access expert advice. This will be a key feature for 2025. 14. Tackling Social Injustice and Youth Homelessness We will continue to work with young people facing homelessness. including Looked After Children, providing floating support. help accessing benefits, advocacy, and emergency food. We will continue to champion their cause and overcome barriers so they can lead fulfilling lives. 15. Celebrating Local Heritage We proudly opened Harrfs Café to take part in this yearfs Brierley Hill Heritage Day. Through funding from the Brierley Hill Community forum, we were able to host free art and craft workshop3. 3crYc fvcc food, aiid CfC Audit trail Audit trail 9 Dropbox Sign Sign Top Church Training 2024 Accounts Title Title File name File name 2025_Top_Church_T...inal_Accounts.pdf Document ID Document ID 884c7efe8cc6c1aff59d8587719d015d7f2e84b6 Audit trail date format Audit trail date format MM / DD / YYYY Status Status 9 Signed **08 / 26 / 2025** Sent for signature to Robert Bowker (rab68@hotmail.co.uk) 10:10:41 UTC from angela@handmill.co.uk IP: 151.2.213.107 **08 / 28 / 2025** Viewed by Robert Bowker (rab68@hotmail.co.uk) 15:07:08 UTC IP: 92.18.172.161 **08 / 28 / 2025** Signed by Robert Bowker (rab68@hotmail.co.uk) 15:08:18 UTC IP: 92.18.172.161 **08 / 28 / 2025** The document has been completed. 15:08:18 UTC > Powered by Powered by ~€ Dropbox Sign Sign