Charity Registration No. 1069672
THE GREAT BRIDGE COMMUNITY FORUM
TRUSTEES' REPORT AND UNAUDITED ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
THE GREAT BRIDGE COMMUNITY FORUM
LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION
Trustees
B Patel M Whatmore L Paskin A Whitehouse J Dawson L Whitehouse M Turner M Whitehouse
Charity number 1069672 Independent examiner Xeinadin Unit 1, Castle Court 2 Castlegate way Dudley West Midlands DY1 4RH
THE GREAT BRIDGE COMMUNITY FORUM
CONTENTS
| Page | |
|---|---|
| Trustees' report | 1 - 3 |
| Independent examiner's report | 4 |
| Statement of financial activities | 5 |
| Balance sheet | 6 |
| Notes to the accounts | 7 - 9 |
THE GREAT BRIDGE COMMUNITY FORUM
TRUSTEES' REPORT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
The trustees present their report and accounts for the year ended 31 March 2025.
Structure, governance and management
The trustees who served during the year were:
B Patel
M Whatmore
L Paskin
A Whitehouse
J Dawson
L Whitehouse
M Turner
M Whitehouse
Trustees
The Trustees of the Great Bridge Community Forum have been with us for several years and are committed to helping provide a good, structured service for our local community. They are also the main members of the Management Committee of our base which is Farley Park Lodge.
Objectives and activities
Our basic aims remain what they have always been i.e. to welcome all members of the community with information, expertise and contact with partner organisations where necessary and to provide a safer and friendly environment for all young people.
We continue to build our groups and support our service users. We have seen an increase in numbers at our Place of Welcome and had service users asking us for advice regarding the current cost-of-living crisis. We have been able to signpost them to organisations who can help them during this difficult time. For us, this has highlighted the importance of continuing to grow our Place of Welcome group, encourage the attendance of new members and we aim to develop this further.
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THE GREAT BRIDGE COMMUNITY FORUM
TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
Core Work Programme
Our services for children and young people continue to do well. We have been able to provide 24 sessions (the maximum allowed) of holiday playscheme funded by Sandwell Council’s ‘Holiday, Activities and Food programme’. This has enabled us to offer children and families opportunities and provisions they may not have been able to access if it weren’t for these services. As well as families entitled to benefit related free school meals, we have been able to offer a small number of places to universal families. This has been welcomed by families who are just above the poverty line and need that extra help and support for their children. We are extremely grateful to Sandwell Council and the Department of Education for this funding, as it has given our families memories to last a lifetime. We will be applying for this program next year, we know how important it is to our families.
‘Creating a Playable Sandwell’ funding gave us the opportunity to provide children activities during the half term holidays. Parent feedback informed us that they rely on our services, during the holidays, to keep the children active and off the streets. The children tell us they feel safe and comfortable at our centre.
We had 2 young volunteers work with us during the holidays giving them experience and input for their C.V’s. We have also had 2 more young people approach us regarding volunteering at our children’s services to help them with their work experience.
Following on from the Digi-Comm Power up course delivered by SCIPS delivered last year, our trained volunteers have been able to help digitally excluded and disadvantaged individuals including the elderly with help and support. This has been in the form of accessing ‘My Sandwell’ Sandwell Councils online services to pay bills, report faults or other council matters. The volunteers have said they enjoy helping out digitally excluded members and are proud of the work they do for the community.
Healthy eating and exercise continue to be at the centre of some of our provision. Staff have been trained and are knowledgeable on other issues impacting our community i.e. information of local food banks and how to access them. Staff are also aware of Sandwell Councils website and the information listed on the Route2wellbeing site (warm spaces, help with energy costs etc).
Our volunteers have set up a gentle walking group. This has enabled members of the community to come together and use the facilities Farley Park has for us. They enjoy light refreshments afterwards. This has seen us grow and sustain our membership at our Place of Welcome.
Training for our employees has taken place, where possible, face to face but also online. We continue to be flexible and open to new ideas and ways in which we can serve our community.
We continue to build on our relationship with Sandwell Leisure Trust, SCVO & Newtown Primary School, Older Adult Therapy Services (NHS), Caretech care providers (based in Furnace Parade) and Sandwell Community Information and Participation Service (SCIPS.) Our community development officer continues her work with children and young people, focussed in collaboration with Sandwell Council, in making Sandwell a true Child Friendly Borough. This will make positive changes to enhance the well-being of the entire community. This being one of the Councils focus areas for the next 3 years.
It is important to us to continue to serve as much of our community as possible with new ideas and new opportunities. Many thanks to our supporters and funders who help us to provide these services to our community and enable us to employ local people and thus contribute to our local economy.
Finally, we would like to thank staff for their endless support, enthusiasm and willingness to go the extra mile.
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THE GREAT BRIDGE COMMUNITY FORUM
TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
On behalf of the board of trustees
M Whitehouse
Trustee Dated: 29 January 2026
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THE GREAT BRIDGE COMMUNITY FORUM
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF THE GREAT BRIDGE COMMUNITY FORUM
I report on the accounts of the charity for the year ended 31 March 2025, which are set out on pages 5 to 9.
Respective responsibilities of trustees and examiner
The charity's trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. The charity's trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year under section 144(2) of the Charities Act 2011 (the 2011 Act) and that an independent examination is needed.
It is my responsibility to:
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(i) examine the accounts under section 145 of the 2011 Act;
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(ii) to follow the procedures laid down in the general Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act; and
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(iii) to state whether particular matters have come to my attention.
Basis of independent examiner's report
My examination was carried out in accordance with the general Directions given by the Charity Commission. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts, and seeking explanations from you as trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit and consequently no opinion is given as to whether the accounts present a ‘true and fair view’ and the report is limited to those matters set out in the statement below.
Independent examiner's statement
In connection with my examination, no matter has come to my attention:
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(a) which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in any material respect the requirements:
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(i) to keep accounting records in accordance with section 130 of the 2011 Act; and
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(ii) to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records and comply with the accounting requirements of the 2011 Act;
have not been met; or
- (b) to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
Xeinadin
Unit 1, Castle Court 2 Castlegate way Dudley West Midlands DY1 4RH
Dated: 29 January 2026
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THE GREAT BRIDGE COMMUNITY FORUM
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES INCLUDING INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
| Unrestricted Restricted funds funds Notes £ £ Incoming resources from generated funds Funding 2 568 - Grants Receivable 3 - 79,418 Total incoming resources 568 79,418 Resources expended 4 Charitable activities After school and volunteer costs - 2,550 Activities, events and trips - 14,560 Total charitable expenditure - 17,110 Governance costs 21,069 25,985 Total resources expended 21,069 43,095 Net (expenditure)/income for the year/ Net movement in funds (20,501) 36,323 Fund balances at 1 April 2024 27,994 8,849 Fund balances at 31 March 2025 7,493 45,172 |
Total Total 2025 2024 £ £ 568 5,041 79,418 53,466 79,986 58,507 2,550 12,098 14,560 9,198 17,110 21,296 47,054 69,226 64,164 90,522 15,822 (32,015) 36,843 68,858 52,665 36,843 |
|---|---|
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THE GREAT BRIDGE COMMUNITY FORUM
BALANCE SHEET
AS AT 31 MARCH 2025
| Notes Fixed assets Tangible assets 7 Current assets Cash at bank and in hand Creditors: amounts falling due within one year 8 Net current assets Total assets less current liabilities Income funds Restricted funds Unrestricted funds |
2025 £ 51,504 (1,612) |
£ 2,773 49,892 52,665 45,172 7,493 52,665 |
2024 £ 34,877 (1,501) |
£ 3,467 33,376 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36,843 | ||||
| 8,849 27,994 |
||||
| 36,843 |
The accounts were approved by the Trustees on 29 January 2026
M Whitehouse Trustee
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THE GREAT BRIDGE COMMUNITY FORUM
NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
1 Accounting policies
1.1 Basis of preparation
The accounts have been prepared under the historical cost convention.
The accounts have been prepared in accordance with applicable accounting standards, the Statement of Recommended Practice, "Accounting and Reporting by Charities", issued in March 2005 and the Charities Act 2011.
1.2 Tangible fixed assets and depreciation
Tangible fixed assets are stated at cost less depreciation. Depreciation is provided at rates calculated to write off the cost less estimated residual value of each asset over its expected useful life, as follows:
Plant and machinery 33% PA Fixtures, fittings & equipment 20% PA
2 Funding
| Donations and gifts 3 Grants Receivable SMBC Baron Davenports SVCO |
2025 £ 568 |
2024 £ 5,041 |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 £ 52,366 600 500 |
||
| 2025 £ 78,818 600 - 79,418 |
||
| 53,466 |
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THE GREAT BRIDGE COMMUNITY FORUM
NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
4 Total resources expended
| Charitable activities After school and volunteer costs Activities undertaken directly Activities, events and trips Activities undertaken directly Governance costs |
Staff Depreciation costs £ £ - - - - - - 26,229 694 26,229 694 |
Other costs £ 2,550 14,560 17,110 20,131 37,241 |
Total 2025 £ 2,550 14,560 17,110 47,054 64,164 |
Total 2024 £ 12,098 9,198 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 21,296 | ||||
| 69,226 | ||||
| 90,522 |
5 Trustees
The trustees do not draw any emoluments from the charity.
6 Employees
Number of employees
The average monthly number of employees during the year was:
| 2025 | 2024 | |
|---|---|---|
| Number | Number | |
| Employees | 4 | 5 |
| Employment costs | 2025 | 2024 |
| £ | £ | |
| Wages and salaries | 26,229 | 47,648 |
There were no employees whose annual remuneration was £60,000 or more.
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THE GREAT BRIDGE COMMUNITY FORUM
NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
| 7 Tangible fixed assets Plant and machinery Fixtures, fittings & equipment £ £ Cost At 1 April 2024 and at 31 March 2025 24,787 31,395 Depreciation Transfers 296 398 At 1 April 2024 and at 31 March 2025 23,605 29,804 Net book value At 31 March 2025 1,182 1,591 At 31 March 2024 1,478 1,989 8 Creditors: amounts falling due within one year 2025 £ Accruals 1,612 9 Analysis of net assets between funds Unrestricted Funds Restricted Funds £ £ Fund balances at 31 March 2025 are represented by: Tangible fixed assets - 2,773 Current assets 7,493 44,011 Creditors: amounts falling due within one year - (1,612) 7,493 45,172 |
Total £ 56,182 694 53,409 2,773 3,467 2024 £ 1,501 Total £ 2,773 51,504 (1,612) 52,665 |
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