SOAR Project - Charity Commission Annual Report 1 April 2024 to 31[st] March 2025
Charity Number 1068361 Register of Charities address: 5 Howard Close, Loughborough, Leics. LE11 4TL
Trust Deed dated 22 January 1999
Trustees: Keith Rose, Sue Willetts, Tim Whitehead, Tom Wearn, Charis Daly (resigned 7 October 2024), Diane Paine (appointed 20 January 2025).
Bankers: National Westminster Bank plc, Market Place, Loughborough, Leics.
Independent Examiner:
Mr Howard Needham
Aims and Organisation
The objects of the Charity are the furtherance of the Christian Gospel in the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, or elsewhere throughout the world in accordance with the doctrine set out in the Statement of Faith and for the advancement of the Christian religion in anyway which the Trustees shall in their absolute discretion think fit and in particular but without prejudice to the generality of the foregoing to support the preaching and teaching ministry of evangelists to produce and distribute Christian literature and tape and video recordings to promote the use of Christian music in the advancement of education and the relief of poverty and sickness and to do all such things being charitable as are incidental or conducive to the attainment of these objects or any of them.
Brief Summary of the Activities for the Year
Keith M took a sabbatical over the summer, visiting several churches around the UK to study their work amongst “non-churched” people.
Working with schools in the town and local area has continued with assemblies and festival events such as Easter. Coordination with local church youth workers has provided town wide youth work, and also termly meetings where all involved in the education sector are invited. The Town Chaplaincy work has continued around Loughborough market, and involvement in local community hubs is providing support to local residents.
Fundraising and marketing initiatives have included a programme of presentations at local churches, and a matched giving campaign together with a supporting trust. Social media posts continue.
Public Benefit
In line with our governing document, we provide public benefit by supporting schools in the delivery of their RE obligation and supporting local churches in youth work. Town Chaplaincy helps the wellbeing of those involved with the town’s daytime economy through pastoral care, and support to local council community hubs.
Review of Financial Activities and Affairs
Support was received by regular gifts and general donations from individuals, trusts and churches. The SOAR Project is dependent on its supporters to fund its activities. During the period SOAR has not:
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received government contracts or grants
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carried out trading, and has no trading subsidiaries
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made grants
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Excluding expenses, made payment to any trustee
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Owned any property
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Worked outside the UK
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Been part of a wider group structure
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Had anyone with voting rights beyond trustees.
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SOAR Project - Charity Commission Annual Report 1 April 2024 to 31[st] March 2025
Employees and Volunteers
There have been two full-time permanent employees all year. Three volunteers have assisted with the Town chaplaincy.
Policies
SOAR has policies for:
Complaints, Equal Opportunities, Finance, Health & Safety, Lone working, Staff handbook, GDPR, Safeguarding, Code of Conduct, Risk management, Whistleblowing.
Safeguarding
DBS checks are in place for all employees and safeguarding trustees.
Serious incidents
None have occurred during the period.
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SOAR Project - Charity Commission Annual Report 1 April 2024 to 31[st] March 2025
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