The Bridge Central (formerly The Young Women's Christian Association Central Club) IA compony limiled by guaronlee wiihout o shore copilall Chority Regislrolion Number= 1071315 Registered Compony Number. 03606940 Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2023 The Bridge Central Iformerly The Young Women s Christian Association Centrol Clubl contents page Reference ond odminislrolive informolion Trustees, Report 2-48 Independent Auditors, Report 49-53 Sialemenl of Financiol Activilies 54 Bolonce Sheel 55 Coshflow Siolement 50 Notes lo Ihe Finoncial Sialements 57-04 The Bridge Central Iformerly The Young Women s Chrislion Associotion Cenlrol Clubl reference and administrative information Board of Trustees C Binghom (Choir) K Sonders (Company Secretory) M Comeron (Honorory Treosurer F Deinde C Binghom C Sykes J Grist N Lomberl K Spooner R Ahmed Key Management Personnel Chief Executive.. J Grimshow Heod of Operolions= Colelle Horris leffeclive Jon 20231 Heod of Progrommes" Kolrino Rowson-mockenzie leffeclive Jon 20231 Heod of Morkeling: Wendy Bowen Heod of Finance. K Chilty loppoinled Oct 20221 Company Secretary K Sanders Governing Documents Memorondum ond Articles ofAssociolion Registered/Principal Office 73 81 Souihwork Bridge Rood London SEI ONQ Auditors Moore Kingston Smith LLP Chorlered Accounlonls Devonshire House, 60 Goswell Road London EC I M 7AD Solicitors Stone King Sewell LLP 13 Queen Square Bath BAI 2HJ Bankers Clydesdole Bonk plc 154-158 Kensington High Sireet London W8 7RL Inveslmenl Advisers Cozenove Copilol Monogemenl l London Wall Ploce London EC2Y SAU the context of our work Our work continues lo centre on the inlerseclion of gender ond heolih inequolilies. We remain responsive lo new chollenges and reseorch, ensuring Ihol the slrotegy and focus of our work remain fil for purpose. To determine where we should direcl work ond make best use of resources, we engage with project porticiponts to Co-produce solulions to issues high on their ogendo. life expectancy While women in the UK on average live longer ihan men, women spend a significantly greater proportion of their lives in ill health and disability when compared with men. Women living in most deprived areas of England saw a significoni decrease in life expectancy in 2018 to 2020. From 2018 to 2020, women living in the most deprived areas were expeded to live less than two-thirds (66.3 /.) of their lives in good general heolth, compared with more than four-fifths (82.0 /.) in the least deprived areos. Heolih stole lile expecloncies by nohonol deprivation decile5, England.. 2018 10 2020 We recognise Ihe negative impocl sociol delerminonts of heolih hove on protective foclors such as heolihy lifestyles and engogemenl in sociol relationships. As a result, our current slrolegy focuses on reducing inequalities in women's health ond wellbeing, particularly the prevention of ill_heolih, poor wellbeing, food insecurity and sociol isololion, all of which ore mojor issues in Souihwork. To deepen our underslonding of how Ihe inlerconnecled roles of deprivolion, food insecurity, gender inequality ond other forms of discriminolion adversely impocl heolih ond wellbeing outcomes, we work closely with women project porticiponts. Our experience hos informed the holislic opprooch odopled in all projects ond Ihe strong emphosis placed on increasing physicol oclivity levels, sociol connection, occess lo healthy food, improvi ng menlol wellbeing ond facililoling discussions oboul women's healih issues. Southwark: deprivation and health inequalities Approximately 21°/o of Southwark's population live in communities ranked within the most deprived nationally. Stole ol the Borough report 2022.. Souihwork's joint sliolegic needs ossessmenl women living in the most deprived areas in Southwark live on average 5.5 years less than their least deprived neighbours. Heolih Inequolilies Souihwork,. Heolth ond Wellbeing Boord Moich 2019 figures for 2017-19 show ihat while life expedancy among females in Southwark is higher than their male counterparts, these exlra yeors are too often spent in poor health. SouthworkJSNA Annuol Report 2023 in Southwark, 55 % of ihose with one or more long-term conditions are female and.. of those with three or more long-term conditions, 57°/o are female. SouthworkJSNA Annuol Report 2023 food insecurity The inability lo afford odequole nutrition perpeluales heolih inequolilies. According lo the Survey of Londoners120221, almost one in six of Souihwark residenls are food insecure. Experiencing food insecurity is likely lo result in inequalities in health including, diel-reloled heolih problems resuliing from poor nutrition 05 well as experiences of low menlol wellbeing. Poor health and wellbeing also increase the likelihood of food insecurity- People with menlol heolih conditions, long-lerm health problems and disobililies moy have reduced obility lo work, affechng household income ond puming fomilies al greoler risk. A nolionol survey (quoted in Souihwark's JSNA 2021 I showed that those who were limited significontly by heolih conditions or disobililies were five limes more likely lo be food insecure thon those with neither. Southwark: food insecurity and health inequalities one in three cancer deaths and one in two heart disease deaths are caused by poor diet. food insecurity is often ossocioted with overweighi and obesity. Explanations include the higher cosl of nutritious foods, the stress of living with food insecurity, and physiological adoplations lo food reslriction. a severely food insecure person is five limes more likely to experience anxiety disorders and major depressive episodes than someone who has access lo adequate food. Household Food Insecurity Souihwoik 5 Joinl Strotegic Needs Assessment Ploce & Health Improvernenl, Souihwork Public Heolih Division July 201 g (refreshed September 20211 The Survey for londoners estimated odult food insecurity lo be 16 /0 in Souihwork in 2021 /22, eqvivalent to 41,000 residents aged 16+ The survey also found that approximately 2 % of residents across Southwark and Lambeth had used a food bank in the pasl 12 months to colled Food, and l / had used Food banks for other services such as counselling. SouthworkJSNA Annuol Report 2023 mental health and wellbeing Menlal heolih is o key concern in Souihwork, porliculorly fof women, and especiolly within the context of comorbidilies ond multiple disadvonloge. Menlol heolih and o sense OF wellbeing are central lo living o purposeful, healthy, ond enjoyoble life. Southwark: mental health and wellbeing health inequalities In 2017, 54,700 people in Souihwork aged 16+ had a common mental disorder, equating to an estimated prevolence of 21 /0 Wlthin the population. This was significantly worse than the eslimoted prevalence for London 119 % ) and England (17 /.) All types of common mentol disorders are more prevalent in women than among men: I in 5 women report experiencing CMD, compared io l in 8 men. The gender gap is particularly pronounced among those aged 16-24, where more than three limes the number of women have a common mentol disorder than men. Figures for 2022/23 show nearly 4,000 patients regislered with o Souihwark GP have been diagnosed with severe mental illness. This cohort has significant health needs and also experiences great socio-economic disadvantage, with 63 % of those with severe mental illness living in areas in the highesl 30 % of deprivation in ihe borough. SouihworkJSNA Annuol Report.. 2023 physicol inactivity Physical inoclivity contributes to heolih inequolilies, increo%ng the risk of life limiling ill ness, such as d iabeles, heart disease, concer, ond depression. It is o significonl challenge in Souihwork and a greoler risk lo cerloin groups, including women ond girls, block ond ethnic minority communities, and disabled people os well os those already experiencing low levels of wellbeing. Southwark: physical inactivity and health inequalities aboul 20 % of Sovthwark residents do not meet the recommended minimum levels of physical activity- eslimoted that 308 premature deoths are recorded in Souihwark every year as a result of inactivity women and girls . less likely to toke part in physical activity and sport compared to males. Just over 40.2°/o of males compored to only 28.8 /0 of female participate in sport for at least 30 minutes per week. physical adiyity can contribute to a person's mental wellbeing but we also know mental ill health can ad as a borrier to being physically active. residents from black and minority eihnic backgrounds can be up to 13 /. less likely to meet the physical activity guidelines. Active 5ouihwork Sport and Physical Activity Sirole9y 2019 10 2023 social isolation Sociol isololion is more prevolenl among sociolly disadvontoged group& Groups more at risk of bei ng isolated, include people with poor mental heolih, those with illness later in life, disabled people, individuals with long-lerm conditions ond people impocled by socio-economic deprivation, poor housing, ond food insecurity. our response to these themes We respond lo these chollenges by: running o comprehensive programme of corefully designed, targeted heolih ond wellbeing projects which ore free-to-occess, described in our key objectives below- offering women the opportunity lo improve ond enhonce their lives by providing- o offordoble heolih ond fitness focililies,. o a varied progromme of heolih ond wellbeing classes,. o o ronge of free wellbeing events ond progrommes. running Open Weeks three limes o year. Members of the public can toke parl in o seleclion of free or low-cosl oclivilies Ihot support mental ond physical wellbeing, including orl closses, creative wriling, ond reloxolion. Women con olso use Ihe gym ond ottend fitness classes free of chorge during the Open Weeks. putting o strong emphasis on building community in our projects and providing multiple opporlunilies lo bring people together os sociol isolation is o common theme. gym members in boxing class objectives and activities In addition lo furtherance of Ihe charitable purposes ond public benefil, Ihe 3- ear Sirole informed by locol need, nalionol and locol government slrolegies and current ocodemic thinking in heolih ond wellbeing. To ensure the Charity's oims, objectives and oclivities remoin focused on ils sloled purposes, the Boord onnuolly reviews its slrolegy. It looks ot the achievements ond outcomes of ils work in the previous year ond considers the success of eoch key aclivity and Ihe benefits each has brought lo the people the Charity is sel up to support. was Most projects ore inlergeneralionol os our experience shows this works - people of different age groups learn from each other, shore skills and odvice ond bonds ore formed. In all projects we aim lo recruit a wide range of parliciponts os we believe Ihot the diversity of the groups in terms of ethnicity, age, religion, and bockground odds o reol richness lo the work and brings a real sense 'community cohesion. We sel diversity lorgels ond monitor our inloke. In eoch projecl, described below, chorls show the diversity of projecl porlicipanls. All projects ore bosed on the New Economics Foundolion s INEFI 5 Woys to Wellbeing Isloy active, connect, keep leorning, give, lake notice) os loking port in Ihese oclivilies hos been shown lo improve menlal wellbeing. key objectives for 2023 l . to further develop the HUB projed, by: running the DINE projecl wilh the support of o variety of community/guesl chefs lo provide culiurolly relevanl ond occessible planl-bosed meols., offering a wider ronge of fresh food and 'cupboord' items for Ihe FRIDGE project ond increosing community involvement in its development ond delivery-, broodening the ronge of physicol, creolive, leorning ond sociol aclivilies offered on the HUB Doy, following the principles of co-production,. seek funding lo further develop the project. 2. lo develop partnerships/fvnding lo enable ihe Charity lo run the BODY project. 3. develop a project exploring women's experiences of health and wellbeing, working with researchers and women of all oges, idenlities and backgrounds, with the aim of producing a piece of work that will inform research and future projects. 4. to evaluate ihe RISE projed to inform future projed development and funding. 5. to finolise EDI Policy, Strategy and Action Plan ond implement. 6. to develop a new 3-year strategy for the Charity - 2024-2026. 7. to continue lo reduce the Charity's impoct on the environment. 8. lo continue running the LIFE project. achievements and performance objective I: to further develop the HUB project, by: broodening the ronge of physicol, creolive, learning ond sociol oclivilies offered on the HUB Doy, following ccFproduclion principles-, offering a wider ronge of fresh food and 'cupboord' items for Ihe FRIDGE project and increosing community involvement in Ihe development and delivery of the project,. running the DINE projecl with the support of o voriety of community/guesl chefs lo provide culiurally relevanl and occessible plonl-based meols,. seek funding lo further develop the project. the HUB project The HU B project, was developed in 2022 in response lo" the impocl of the cosl-of_living crisis on physicol ond menlal heolih, leading lo on increosing demond for our services,- the imporlonce of supporl for current project participonts os well as those on our woilingl isls for charity projecls and other Iheropeulic support the need for worm/cool hubs. cost of living crisis the prevalence of moderate lo severe depressive symploms was higher among the following groups: adults who were economically inadive because of lon*term sickness (59 /.), unpaid carers for 35 or more hours a week137 % ), disabled adults (35 % ), adults in the most deprived areas of Englond (25 % ), young adults aged 16 10 29 years128 % ) and women (19%). Cost of Living ond depression in odulis, Great Briloin, 29 September lo 23 October 2022 orl from Off ice of Notional Sialislics HUB is a conslonily evolving project oiming lo co-create o 'community hub,. The community café is o central assel Ihol supports Ihe delivery of HUB ond enobles two addilionol food justice projects lo be port of the progromme - the FRIDGE project ond DINE project. On averoge there are opproximalely 518 visils lo Ihe HUB eoch month. Those allending the H UB are mainly women, oged 24-60, who experience low mentol well_being ond/or physicol health cond ilions ond os o result ore economicolly inoclive ond struggle finonciolly, making them ol high risk lo the delrimenlal effects of the cost-of_living crisis. key demographic dato ethnic background olrican coribbeon while british block or block brit15h osian or 05ion brit15h white ond while osian white ond block coribbean oiher white bockground prekr not 10 50y financial situation I/We Feel like we hove enough incorne lo support ourselves linonciolly ond live o good Stondord of living I/We gel by doy to doy but ore under pre$5ure. It is dilFicult to rnonoge unexpected cos15 and even15 I/We ore folling short of o decenl 51ondard ol I/We conl olFord lo eot. keep clean and sloy worm and dry prefer not lo soy wellbeing l orn o lornily member/ friend of sornebody who hos eperience ol living with low rnenlol wellbeing I hove per50nol experience of living with low rnenlol wellbeing none ol the obove perfer not to soy long term health conditions or learning differences participonls wilh long terrn heolth conditon5 or leorning dilFerence5 porticipant5 wiihout long lerrn heolth conditon5 or leorning dilFerence5 prefer nol lo soy To increase our reoch, we connected with referrol orgonisalions ond other locol chorilies, including social prescribers, supporl workers, CBT Iheropisls, GPS, Souihwork Wellbeing Hub, Places of Welcome, Toucon Employmenl, Souihwork Community Soncluory. The overall aims of HUB are to offer space and opportunities for women to: shore their life experiences ond feel heord,. be oclive porlicipanls in Iheir community, involved in decision- making,. engoge in a voriety of physical, social, creolive, ond learning oclivilies lo support heolih and wellbeing, increase knowledge and skills of oclivilies which con supporl wellbeing, connect and inlerocl with people from different backgrounds,- improve wellbeing,. build o sense of belonging,. support people in the current li nonciol crisis by becoming o worm/cool hub ond supporting food insecurity- a hub story 'Before I storted attending back in February/March my life was ruled by anxiety which drove me into the realm of isolalion. I wasn't leaving the house, I hod no interests or hobbies, I was just a shell of a person but then I discovered The Bridge by chance on the Sovthwark Well-being Hub and what a blessing that was. .Over time The Hub felt more like home, a ploce I could come too regardless of how I felt and I did which in turn made the feelings of loneliness slip away, I began looking forward to Wednesdays ond even leaving the house became less hard. I smiled whilst ot the coffee mornings, laughed hard and through the activities throughout the day I found an interest in painting, have a desire to learn on my own how to crochet ond discovered some hidden gems in London I never knew existed, I got to take part in projeds like the "Touch 4 Love which really was an amazing ihing to have input in. The Projecl runs once o week on Wednesdoys, with some octivilies on other days and in the evening, offering 'oul of hours, support lo the community- It was developed in o woy Ihol enables people lo drop in according to their availability and interests. The activities delivered os parl of the HUB project include. o drop-in morning discussion session a ronge of occessible physical, creolive, learning, ond sociol oclivilies the FRIDGE project the DINE supper club. Mosl of all I gained confidence through The Hub and thal's why I'm able to go back to college and embark on a new advenlure because of places like 'The Bridge,. I would have never dreamt of going back to college at the beginning of the year but the confidence I've gained, the way I've felt empowered across the workshops I've attended have all led to this. DROP-IN morning discussions Drop-in mornings, slorled in 2022 ond developed because of feedback from project porliciponls. They oim lo.. give support lo women on wailing lisls for other projects supporting menlol wellbeing-, provide an opportunity for women from our oiher projecls lo gel togeiher and meet oihers/sociolise ond engage in discussions on topics of inlerestr introduce new women and referrals lo The Bridge Central and ils services- hold informal feedback ond conversalions obout oclivilies/ideos Ihe group hove for HUB project development. These sessions provide o sofe, inclusive, ond non-judgementol space where women con lalk about issues that ore imporlonl lo Ihem over free leo ond pastries. Topics Ihol hove arisen include grief, cori ng for children with learning differences/disobililies, motherhood, counselling, menlol heolih, gender inequolity, adverse ond positive childhood experiences, suicide, politics, and nulrilion. Women support eoch other, shore wellbeing lips and informotion on other services in the areo. A volunteer counsellor attends the sessions in on aclive lislening role lo provide support ond lo steer the conversolion when diff iculi topics orise. physical, creative, and social activities The Project ron an averoge of five oclivities eoch Wednesdoy, ocross the whole yeor and exponded the offer of activities delivered. This included crochet, sewing ond repoir workshops, medilolion, walercolour painling, origami, mosoic making, o creative writing circle, singing ond music sessions, mindful movement, breoihwork, gentle yogo, fomily yoga, wolk ond talk sessions, gordening, group trips lo green spoces ond museums, workshop5 on gym confidence, workshops on nulrilion and o book club. On overoge, 23 people ottended eoch oclivity. HUB participanls ifj bodge maki orkshop to In 2023, we meosured Ihe following oulcomes wilh members toking parl in the physical, creative and social oclivities.. confidence Parliciponts were osked lo rale on o scole of 1 5 if their confidence has increased since joining H U B. The chorl opposite demonslroles Ihe responses, os expressed by the porliciponls. one two three four ive no. nol reolly o little ye5. deh'nitely new knowledge or skills Parliciponls were asked lo rate on a scole of 1 5 if HUB has helped them lo develop new knowledge or skills lo support Iheir well being. The chorl opposite demonstroles the responses, os expressed by Ihe parliciponls. no. real a kmle ye4 defirite￿I sense of belonging Parlicipanls were asked lo rale on o scole of 1 5 if Iheir sense of belonging lo the community hos increased since joining HUB. The chorl opposite demonstrates the responses, os expressed by the porlicipants. cme no, rKJt really ye4 definik developing co-creation: o community-engagement opproach The HUB is developing o community-cenlred opproach. One of the key woys lo ochieve this, was to slort mobilising ond building on assets within The Bridge Community, opening spaces and opporlunilies for women who were inleresled in women's heolih ond wellbein9, lo volunteer, share and develop their skills. We enrolled new sixteen volunteers to deliver octivities ond hod an overoge of Ihree volunteers running sessions each Wednesdoy. In oddilion, we delivered two focus groups with seventeen women, to slarl goihering information about how The Bridge con support Iheir heolih ond wellbeing os well os how they d like lo be involved in future projects, including which assets they con share in the Projecl. Following this, some people expressed inleresl in being parl of a community steering group, which we will look al implementing in 2024, 10 help the design, development, ond delivery of the HUB project ond inform our funding opplicolions. HLJB vnlijntppr 44• 'the HUB has made a big difference to my confidence really...Before I started doing this I would have never ever put myself forward to do it. I wouldn't like to stand up in front of a clossroom, noi that ils like that, bul it's still a bit scary to interact wilh $0 many new people. I'm really glad I've gol involved like this...I'm more confident every session ond it's greal chatting to people, Poppy, Crochet Volunteer the FRIDGE project This oclivity provides free, fresh fruit, vegetobles, and other Fridge ond store ilems lo onyone who needs support lo occess good food. Food is donoled by The Felix Projecl ond local businesses, including Sainsbury's, M&S ond in 2023, we had oddilionol donalions from Square Mile Farms, Poula's Choice, the Hilton ond Hordie Grant, increasing the voriety of goods offered. The Project aims lo supporl people lo save money, occess healthy food, ond reduce waste. It mainly works on a 'lake whol you need, leave whol you con basis allowing people lo drop-in throughout the doy, ond choose food in o dignified monner without sligmo. We hove two 'community fridges,, open Wednesdoy lo Friday which work on o drop-in bosis. We recognise thol Food old orgonisolions ond projects Ihol re-dislribule surplus food ore not long- term susloinoble solulions lo food wasle or food poverly. However, members of our community have expressed the need for further supporl lo access food and we have seen on increased demand as consequence of Ihe cosl-of_living crisis. using the fridge lightened a big heavy load off my shoulder. I am getting free food items, and this saves me o considerable amount of money off my weekly shop. In 2023 we experienced high levels of demand for the FRIDGE project. On overage we had 30 porliciponls using the FR IDGE doily, three limes o week. In 2023, we worked with Souihwark Council ond the Felix project to underslond Ihe needs of those accessing the FRIDGE project. The grophs below show evidence of Ihe need. Participonls were asked if over winter Ihey were worried Ihol their food would run out before they had Ihe money lo buy more food. The charl opposite demonstrates the responses, 05 expressed by the porticiponls. concerns of being without food Porlicipanls were asked if over winter they were worried Ihol their food would run out before Ihey hod the money lo buy more food. The chart opposite demonslroles the responses, os expressed by the porlicipanls. ye5. often ye5. sometimes rorely never access to healthy food Porliciponls were osked if il was difficult for them lo buy heolihy food, such os fruits ond vegetables. The chart opposite demonslroles the responses, os expressed by the porlicipanls. disogree ogree neither ogree or disogree According to The Felix Project, The Bridge distributed the following omounl of food in 2023. FLYXI lknved KG t)y Pr￿.lI([ Food IKGI I 0.ok Meal equivalenls= 23.gK Eslimaled Beneficiories.. F(uit 115 Food value= 31.5K 91 .3 /0 of food donated was surplus food Des*n afL.. 11 CwfectiL IK ZK Food Akn*d KG 4K The graphs demonslrole the variety ond quonlity of products delivered by The Felix Project A4ovÉ%* KG by Year, Quarier, 14)nih Eai Well Caiegory •NgLALWxaL 2D23Qtr 2023Qty 102JQty 2023oir 2023Qtr 2023QLr 2023QLr 2023Qtr 2Q23QLr 2023QLr 2023QLr 2023Qtr l Jarx*ry 1 March 2 W"1 Z lfvay I￿ne l July FeL￿￿ry fLlldJte *mth To offer more voriety of products osked for by members of the Project, we linked with locol businesses ond received donalions from Paulos Choice which donated a lolal of 5,85 I products, including sunscreen ond moislurisers ond The Hilion, which donaled 5,508 Irovel size loilelries, and Lush which donoled 387 products, including shower gel ond lip balm. To develop the projecl's community-engogemenl approach, we goihered feedbock from FRIDGE porlicipants. This informed cerloin logislicol changes lo the running of the Projecl, including o lickeled system during busy periods. We olso increosed volunteering opporlunilies ond now hove four members, including FRIDGE participonts, who help collect ond orgonise food donalions. We also eslablished a partnership with Hardie Grant where eighteen of their slaff rolale weekly lo support with unpocking Ihe Felix Project food deliveries. FRIDGE volunteers 'an opportunity to get experience doing something I haven't done before, 'a way to meet new people, 'keeps me adiye, The increosing demand for Ihe FRIDGE project hos raised further questions around the suslainobility of food provision projects which do not oddress to the causes of food poverty. This is something we will continue looking in 2024 vio our continued work wilh the Food Dignity Network, Souihwork Food Action Alliance Network, Walworih Neighbourhood Food Model, and oiher food justice relaled organisalions, with which we wanl lo explore ways we con toke on o more suslainoble food justice opprooch. 'enjoy doing something for other people,. the DINE Supper Club The DINE Supper Club is o monthly pop-up community reslauronl serving heolihy, susloinable food. With the oim of tackling food injustice ond sociol isololion in the local communily, il runs on a 'poy-it- forward, model, so diners hove the option lo eat for free, pay whol they can/feel, cover the cost of their meol or poy more os o donolion lo supporl others. By seahng oll guests on mixed lobles, diners con meet ond connect with others in Ihe communily, creoling community cohesion. The project was planned ond lesled in 2022 ond started running in Jonuory 2023. In 2023 we delivered len events. Three hundred and four people allend DINE across the whole year ond we provided two hundred ond eighieen free/smoll conlribulion meols. '1 don't have a lot of money to spare bul I still want to be a part of the community. The inclusiveness is appreciated! "It makes you feel partofa community and brings people together. "It has given me a sense of belonging to o community From the len DINE'S delivered, seven were in porlnership with guest chefs and six of those were up- and-coming women chefs. Working in porlnership wilh exlernol chefs, mode DINE a project Ihol delivers exciting, culiurally relevonl, ond accessible planl-based food as each brough a different lake/culiure lo the table such os, Gujaroli food, Scottish_lndian fusion, Mexican food, and Sponish Tapos. It also ocled os o plorform for up-ond-coming women chefs lo further develop their experience and skills in o projecl which hos social Impocl. Feedbock from one of the chefs: thonk you for such o wonderful supper night on Thursday last week. It is honestly one of the best and most rewarding ihings I've ever done and il made me feel so grateful to do what I do, 20 Eight of the events were delivered in porlnership wilh Moll Mocdonald which in oddilion lo donations thol supporl the free meals, olso supports the projecl with volunteers os parl of their CSR pro9romme. In 2023 we had thirty volunteers from Moll Mocdonald. 10070 of volunteers who completed the feedback form sold they would volunleer al DINE ogoin, and l OO/ feli more colloboralive, confident, inclusive, like they were moking o posilive difference after taking port. e Bridge is o friendly and welcoming organising and it was clear lo see how much ihe DINE club posilively impacts all the customers who ottend. The space was welcoming and Ihe staff were lovely. The work we did was very fun and hands on which is a great way lo get involved objectives 2 and 3 to develop partnerships/funding to enable the Charity to run the BODY project (objective 2) to develop a project that explores women's experiences of health and wellbeing, working with researchers and women of all ages, identities, and backgrounds, with the aim of producing a piece of work that will inform research and future projects {objective 3) Although we were successful in finding individuols to supporl the delivery of the Body project, we hove nol yel found o source of funding for this project. However, we did find on opportunity lo lake parl in a funded research project which we hope lo leorn from, ond which could inform how we develop/odopl the Body projecl to support finding a porlner organisalion ond support o funding applicolion. Isee objective 3 below) In 2023, the Charity Teom developed and slorted the delivery of the BOOK OF KNOWLEDGE project - o community-focused research project exploring women s experiences of health ond wellbeing The premise informing the project is Ihal oll women ore experls in their bodies ond experiences, but in the cu rrenl polilicol ond social climole, women ore frequently disregarded, dism issed, and undermined when il comes lo lalking oboul women s heolih ond wellbeing. The aim of this projecl is lo challenge this and provide new ond innovolive approaches lo understanding women s heolih experiences Ihiough knowledge exchanged, led by leslimoniols from women themselves. women s voices 'In the public survey, 84 % of respondenls said that there had been instances in which they had not been listened to by healthcore professionals. We heard that women had experienced this ot every stage of the journey, from initial discussion of symptoms to further appointments, discussion of trealmenl options, ond follow vp care. We heard concerns that women had not been listened to in instances where poin is the main symptom, for example in being told that heavy and painful periods ore 'normal' or that the woman will 'grow out of them" Our Vision for Ihe Women s Heolih Notional Strategy, 2021, DeDorlmenl of Heolih and Sociol Core 22 The Project brings together key porlners to hold o space lo listen and hear women s views on their heolih experiences. The women who chose lo porlicipale ore ol the heart of the development process, content, ond decision-moking. From September 2023 10 September 2024, the projecl will run monihly 'ihemed', creative workshops Ihal focililole open ond honest discussions oboul women s experience of heolih ond wellbeing. Porlicipanls can either commit for 12-monihs or only ollend individual workshops lo discuss Ihemes imporlanl to them. Fifty-four people registered inleresl in joining the Project and on overage fifteen people ottend the sessions. The Ihemes in 2023 workshops were" odvocoling for your heolih (with a focus on navigating GP appointmenls/NHSI; self_refleclion on we wont lo keep ond what we wont lo lel go, whol is women's health2 (community definition topics people want to discuss in 2024 include: our bodies, our slories and our morks connecting with ourselves ond others menopouse/perimenopouse/women s heolih life cycle body image ond social expeclolions/pressures generational relolionships sexuol health In 2024, he projecl will produce o community-led reseorch poper and o 'Book of Knowledge, which captures their experiences, exploring Ihe theme whot I wish I'd known and whal I'd like lo pass on The poper will olso explore how creolive oclivilies con focililale Ihese conversolions. We will hold one final event lo show our work. This project is running in partnership, Dr Koihorine Low from King's College London la researcher and parlicipalory theatre ortisl wilh experlise in women's heolihl ond Maryom Shaharuddin lan early career researcher ond orlisl who works with Muslim women ond in women s heolih Ihrough Iheolre and creolive writing). 23 The objectives for each partner: for participants". for women lo recloim authority on their heolih experiences- for The Bridge.. lo beller inform the services ond projecls il runs l including understanding which women s heolih themes parliciponls wont lo explore furiherl, working lowords future projects being co-produced ond hoving o framework for focililoling creolive, community-led knowledge exchange proclices. It will olso help us to develop objective 2, above),. for ihe reseo rchers.. underslonding the impocl of porlicipaling and exploring particular heolih concerns through creolive ond parlicipolory orls-based processe5,- extending understanding of woys of working ond researching eihicolly and co-colloborolively in on emancipolory manner. This project is made possible with funding received from King's College London's Themolic Impocl Fund and will be fully reported on in 2024. objective 4: to carry out an evaluation of the RISE projed to inform future project development and funding The RISE project operales one doy o week throughout the year, with closure for only 3 weeks. It is o free service and women are referred by a medicol proctilioner, support worker or self_refer. RISE works with women, mony with complex needs. A lot of the women who attend ore struggling with ollachmenl issues, sociol isololion, loneliness, hove been diagnosed wilh mental health conditions ond/or hove a history of sexuol or domestic obuse. Research Ibelowl demonslroles the importance for women s spoces in response lo Ihese issues ond the impocl of the orls on heolih and wellbeing. It oims lo supporl women s wellbeing- enable them to connecl ond leorn from one another,. provide o positive routine ond offer Ihe women the spoce for themselves. There were Ihirty-nine oclive members in 2023, with five new porliciponls joining from the wailing list. Attendance vories from week lo week, largely due lo the heolih conditions which al limes prevent parliciponls from ollending ond leaving their homes. Fomily responsibililies is onoiher factor which often prevenls porlicipanls from ollending. On overoge the ottendonce was nine porlicipants o session. 24 bma-womens-mental-health-report-aug-2018.pdf https://www.tnlcommunityfund.org.uk/media/insights/documents/WGI-Briefings-FeministServices.pdf?mtime=20230420112403&focal=none Each week the group agree a Iheme, which people con reflecl on ond work on their own norralive. The women can also creale orl unrelated lo the theme. Once individuols have hod lime lo work on their pieces, everyone gathers with the artwork, taking turns lo speak oboul whol they have created, how they hove been feeling or the meoning behind their ortwork. They also have the option lo not shore. It con be very healing lo heor the experience of others, with one member saying "I con often relole lo issues that other members bring up which in turn helps me lo reflect ond olso breoks my isololion The level of need in the group is such Ihot ottachmenls con grow slowly due lo previous erosion of Irusl. It hos taken some members oiound eighteen months lo disclose experiences of sexuol abuse or drug dependency. From the responses received, 75% of parliciponls shared that when Ihey begon the group, they hod diff icu Iiies with Irusl ond of those, 78 /0 sold Ihol their lime with the group hos helped lo change this. From the responses received l OO°L of the participonls 0150 said Ihal RISE has supported their wellbeing and hos enobled them lo connect and leorn from Ihe other women in the group. physicol activity The group is offered free gym membership ond is encouroged lo access the gym ond classes. Porlicipants are encouroged lo allend the HUB project, where there is Ihe option lo engage in physicol activity closses alongside o voriety of wellbeing aclivilies. one-to-one therapy Limiled one-lo-one counselling was made available for those most in need ond fifty oppoinlmenls were delivered lo eleven individuals. These oppointmenls as515led participonls who were new lo the group lo feel comforloble inlegroting, Ihe oppoinlmenls olso supporled porlicipanls through parliculorly difficult chollenges such os leoving the house. peer support group {WhatsAppl A WholsApp group, focililoled by stoff, the orl therapisl ond volunleer wellbeing praclilioner, enobles the group lo slay connecled. It hos focililaled porliciponls who hove been unoble lo connect remotely or in person lo sloy connected with the group. Individuols often shore when experiencing a diff iculi lime ond other members offer words of support ond encouragement. They olso share locol events Ihol people might be interested in ond hove 0150 begun lo ottend some of these together. art iheropy exhibition The group creoled an exhibilion liiled invisible mode real, which went live in the cofé and online in December 2023. Three of the forty-two imoges submilled ore shown below. The group members reflected on the work they had creoled Ihroughoul the yeor, selected Ihe ortwork which they wanled lo include and wrole some occomponying words. 26 Just like the seasons change and the garden does not stay the same. The same applies to me and my life. Working through trauma, mental and physical health challenges. Some pain never fully goes away but I keep moving forward to grow and blossom like a flower 27 What do you learn to live with? Are you exactly on the same page as me. Do we have absolutely nothing in common and you are learning to live with totally differing issues. Most probably we share some commonalties. However sadly we sometimes perceive ourselves to be the only one dealing with our issues. Learning to live with my issues has made me stronger and braver than l ever perceived myself capable. It means I can now truly love myself, regardless of how others perceive me. Also, most importantly I remember to love myself especially when my perception of myself is unkind. ING TO LIVE wrni... yself. T¢8uffia. Alcdiol ull love. Peo in airn Illness. Sa&)eS. Self do4lJL. Grlef. IrleThdshiPfj. Abuse. Olxs'4J, An%1 ety. lknoLl*ff hoo(L 28 When my mental health is low and unstable these words are gentle reminders to be kind to myself and that things will be ok even if in the moment it is not. I will rl•• to Gholl•ng•• I hav• uniqu• tol•ftl• I d•••fV• good ihings I I hav• *• rn4b¢h to off•r lh• T*Ofld I am proud ol my4•1f l am tryin9 the bLbSt l eaA I hqve frh• POVArer lo cr•at• chang• l om always l•arnin9 & growing Today I will iry lo b• th• b••1 v•r•ion of my••ll My body d•••rv•8 lo b• tr•ot•d with r•#p•cl 1 oce•pt rny8•11 un¢•nditTonally My Ihoug141• and l••llng• rn•ll•r l offl wor•hy •f klhdA••J ond ••ll-¢•mpa••l•ft 29 the value of exhibiting I succeed to go through such horrible times, but they are out there inside the arts of the exhibition. l am here happy and strong enough to look at them. The poin is out, far away ond every day is a better doy for me "I feel empowered having my artwork on display. It mokes me feel proud to be part of on amazing exhibilion. Feeling invisible in my day-to-day life and nol acknowledged puls me in a downward spiral to depression and this exhibition hos highlighted the fad ihat l am apprecioted and wanted." 'It's aboul saying I'm here and I'm importonl I'm not going lo be quiet anymore." "The Rise Projed Exhibition means thal I have achieved a lot more this year ihon I originally thought. It has been an affirming and a posilive experience having to choose only 3 pieces of my work to exhibit. I feel privileged to be part of ihe exhibition this year. l am very excited for people lo view my work. It was nice to be able to share the exhibition with my family by shoring the online link. key demographic data: ethnic background block 01 block brikn.sh osion 01 osion brilish while ond block coribbeon while biikn.th south otnericun uliicon gieek imtnigronl indion othei rnixed bock9iound oihei while bockground oihei ethnic buckgiovnd The chorl obove shows the ethnic background of the group, os expressed by the participants. 30 financial situation l/we gel by doy lo doy bul ore under pressvre. li is dith.cult lo monoge unexpected costs ond events l/we conl offoid lo eol, keep cleon und sloy wortn ond dry l/we ole lolling shoil of o decenl slondord ol l/we leel like we hove enou9h incorne lo support ourselves linonciolly ond live o good slondord ol living The chorl above shows the financiol siluolion of the group, 05 expressed by the participonls and the charl below demonslroles Ihe group's experience with wellbeing, os expressed by Ihe porlicipanls. wellbeing I hove peisonol experience of living with low menlol wellbeing I cole or look oftei sorneone who h05 experience ol living with low tnentol wellbeing l om o lotnily mefflbei or friend ol sotnebody who hos expeiience ol living with low rnenlol wellbeing The chorl below shows parlicipanls living with long term heolih condilions. long term health condilions or learning difference yes no prefer nol lo soy why RISE? "This project helps me so much with my low self-esteem, I feel confident, positive and alive. I feel comfortable in lalking or not in the group. "It is the place where I con think only obout me, where I put myself first, I feel free and soFe, strong enough to tolk about my worries and time to limes, my tears feel free to roll down my foce with relief. l am cosy and well looked after, comfy and happy with all the friends here" 'RISE is a place to express my inner world, explore ways of expression using o variety of mediums, meet new friendly people and most importantly find love and acceptance. All age groups, ethnicities, and religious congregate here on Fridays and everybody is accepted for who they ore" "the group offers a safe and nurturing spoce. It helps lift women when ihey ore down. It is o community ond brings women together from different cultures and backgrounds. The group has widened my horizons and has made me feel accepted and connected. It offers o way lo self occeplance and healing. The group is o one of a kind haven and l am grateful for it". "a safe supportive space where I can be myself and l am accepted.. I come away feelinq more positive and unburdened" 32 objective 5: to finalise the EDI Policy, Strategy and Action Plan We continued lo work on EDI Ihroughoul the year, both on Principle Six of the Charity Governonce Code and on o complete revision of the EDI Policy. As the EDI Policy hos been identified as a 'key policy, a lol of efforl was pul into communicoting key messoges and moking il accessible. An EDI Working Group of Trustees ond sloff wos sel up ond ofter much consuliolion ond mony revisions, o draft policy was agreed ol the end of 2023 ond formally opproved by the Boord 13.02.24. In addition lo the EDI Policy, Trans Equolily ond Transitioning ol Work policies were drofied and will be sent lo the HR sub-commillee in 2024. objective 6: to develop a new 3-year strategy for the Charity 2024-2026 We wanted lo involve os mony people os possible in the developmenl of the new slrolegy and lo enoble this we- planned ond held o half doy slarf workshop re.. vision, mission ond values, inviling oll employees,. colloled and shared the feedback we received, arranged a holf doy workshop for Iruslees and Ihe senior sloff- colloled and shared the feedback we received, estoblished o Sirolegy Working Group lo dislil the informolion/suggeslions goihered and produce drafts of the vision mission ond volues for the Board to consider. We had hoped lo agree ol least Iwo impocl gools ond produce the slrolegy ond oclion plons, however we were unoble lo follow the plonned limeloble os o result of the avoilobility of key individuols on or around Ihe planned dotes - childcore, summer holidoys, worklood, elc. We did, however, lake o lot of views inlo occount and worked hord to make our messages accessible and in ils first meeling of 2024, the Booid odopled the new vision and mission slolemenls. We have o limeloble in place lo finalise the plans in the first quorler of 2024. objective 7: to continue to reduce the Charity's impact on the environment During Ihe yeor we looked al oliernolive energy options for the building, including researching heal pumps ond solar ponels. We have delayed the inlroduclion of air pumps os we feli the lechnology was still in ils infancy, however we created o l O-yeor costed mainlenonce plan in which environmenlol foclors were considered lo fulureproof the building, eventually eliminaling use of gas lo reach the ECP roling of B by 2030, in line with government legislolion. In addition lo building/plant equipment ond to oddress our environmental impact in oll areas, the Boord off icially moved lo Ihe Susloinoble Mulii-Assel Fund foi in ils investment porrfolio. This model is designed for chorilies wishing lo align their inveslmenls with good environmental proclice and have o 33 positive im pact by ovoiding engaging in hormful investments in the usual 'sin oreos e.g. arms Irade, fossil fuels elc. Within our HUB project, we hove been running crealive workshops lo moke/mend cloihes Ihrough sewing and crochet lo promote reusing moleriols and move owoy from the overconsumplion of fast fashion. Our FRIDGE project conlinues to distribute surplus food Ihot would otherwise go lo wosle to those who are experiencing food insecurity- Our DINE project runs o complelely plonl-based supper club menu each month, using seasonol ingredienls where possible. Our cofé now provides o completely vegelarion menu and operoles o plaslic-free service. We ore also sourcing produce from more environmenlolly conscious vendors such os Rejuice who use 'wonky fruit and reducing the carbon foolprint by ordering larger, bulk deliveries less often. We continue lo implemenl the recycling procedures, use ecofriendly cleoning products ond are digilising records lo move lo poperless. objective 8: to continue running the LIFE project In response lo feedback received in 2022, the LIFE projecl wos revised. Porliciponls requested one day o week, roiher than two, bul o longer duralion of the projecl. The oim wos to increase accessibility for those who couldn t commil to ollending fwice weekly ond lo extend support and opporlunilies for community building. Whol originally ron os a 12-week project Was exlended to fifteen monihs - Ihe first three monihs, from Seplember-December 2023, where porliciponls mel once o week" Ihe second parl from January - December 2024, with porlicipanls meeling once o month. The Project lakes o psycho-sociol approach lo ageing to supporl women living through peri- menopouse, menopause and posl-menopouse. li is 0 space for sociol support, learning and the explorolion of physical, social, and creative oclivilies Ihot focus on health ond wellbeing, shatler age and gender slereotypes and encouroge positive ageing. By tockling the culiurol belief5 and expeclolions around menopause, ogeing ond the role of women in society, il acts as o space lo encourage lifestyle modifications ond dismantle culiurol narrolives around women ond ogeing that research hos shown negolively impacl their heolih and wellbeing. It is cenlred on the premise Ihat each womon's experience of perimenopause ond/or menopause is unique. Research Isee box below) shows women from ethnic minorilies often have dirferenl experiences from Iheir While peers, ond these ore nol being considered in conversations oboul menopouse. The projecl offers a ploce for women ond health professionols lo come together ond learn from eoch other. The Project olso largels women wilh long term health conditions and women with experiences of living with low menlol wellbeing, as research shows Ihol these foclors moy negolively influence the way symploms ore experienced during the menopousol Ironsilion. 34 menopause in the UK alone, Ihere are approximalely 13 million women going through the menopause or perimenopouse For 20-40% of women the symptoms are debilitating, affed Iheir daily lives. and can last for up lo l O years. oya ociety, I co emyo ica ciences- ocme sci.oc.u own ood 52585079 there is no universol experience of menopause due to symptoms being impacted by a combination of fadors, such as socioeconomic stalus, education level, social and cultural attitudes to menopouse, pre-existing exposure to stressors, which act with biological foctors, such 0$ hormonal changes and lifestyle behaviours. 09309.lull. dl & nl systemic discrimination, racism and sexism, including ihe social values around reprodudion and ogeing can impad women's experience of menopause. nl 77 while women make vp 51 % of the population, historically the healih and core system has been designed by men, for men. This is evident in research and clinical trials, education and iroining for health professionals and the design of healthcare policies and seryices. Therefore, there is gaps in our dota which means thal not enough is known and not enough focus is placed on women's health or women-specific issues, such os the menopause, overoll affecting women's health outcomes. there is a lack of recognition of symptoms from both women and healthcare professionals, leading menopouse to be confused and treated as other conditions, such as depression. Only 9 /0 of respondents sold they have enough information about the menopause, and only 64°/. felt comfortable tolking to healthcare professionals about the menopause. Wornen s Health Strategy loi England, 202 The project consisted of: moYement/physical activities All aclivilies delivered respond lo evidence showing certain types of exercise con make o difference lo menopouse symptoms ond help reduce heolih risks posl-menopause. There was a strong emphosis on activities thol can counlerocl some of Ihe effects of menopause, including cordiovoscular exercise such os dancing, boxing and HIIT for energy ond heort heolih, strength Iroining for bone health and 35 other oclivilies like menopouse specific yogo lo address common symploms of menopause ond pelvic heolih. The parliciponls olso received a free gym membership for the durolion of the project. health and wellbeing knowledge exchanges These included informolion sessions wilh health professionals on Iopics thol were identified by the previous group. Topics included were- mind and body connection. underslonding fitness, the bio-psychTrsociol_culiurol perspeclive of the menopause, nutrition workshop - focusing on supporting hormonol balance, bone heolih and cordiovasculor wellbeing. The workshop olso focused on slrolegie5 for miligoting menopausal challenges. symptoms of menopouse ond pelvic floor heolih via educolionol yogo workshops. creative activities Creative oclivilies explored themes reloled lo menopouse. Porliciponls received nolebooks al the beginning of the projecl lo encourage journoling Ihioughoul the project. social connection Sessions hod a strong social connection componenl ond olwoys ended with dedicoled lime lo sil and enjoy food 10geiher. This emphasis stems from research identifying inleroclions with community, nurturing relalionships, and healthy emolionol supporl from friends as essential for general health and wellbeing and as on effective means to support liwng through the difficulties Ihol perimenopause and menopause bring. outcomes The projecled outcomes for Ihe end of Ihe projecl ore- I 00/0 women are experiencing the stages of menopause 80°A women will increase their oclivity levels 80/0 women feel they hove the knowledge ond tools lo monage menopouse symptoms. 80/0 of women report improved wellbeing 70/0 of women report improved mind body conneclion 80°A of women will hove mode ol leosl one connection with o peer on the programme. Currently this project is ol the midway poinl ond from the responses received so far 56/0 of parliciponls believe Iheir knowledge and skills lo monage menopouse symptoms hove increased, whereas 33 / did nol feel Iheir knowledge ond skills lo manage menopause symptoms hod increased. This will be token into consideration in 2024 with Ihe aim of ochieving oll outcomes by the end of the project. The results will ossisl in determining which oreos require more focus. We will evaluole how we collect this dolo lo ensure the results ore on occurole reflection. 36 mid-point feedback 'It has been amazing, I felt welcome, and I learned plenty. l am grateFvl for this wonderful opportunity lo meel women my oge going through what l am going through." 'Everything has been $0 inleresting, relevant, important, appreciated, valuable, necessary. Please carry along these lines. Offering heartwarming, supportive enrichment 'it's been an amazing couple of months, friendship, bonding over food, the sessions, fitness." "I feel totally blessed to be part of this group. '1 felt very welcoming and many limes I left the session with the positivity and smile on my face." "Rpfrp¢kinn nnA p.mnt)wp.rinn key demographic data: ethnic backgrounds white british coribbean The chorl opposite shows the ethnic backgrounds of the group, os expressed by porlicipantS. osion or 05ion brit15h block or block british white ond block ofricon white ond block coribbean other block bockground other white bockground prefer not lo soy 37 financial situation l/we Feel like we hove enough incorne to SUPPOrt ourselves linonciolly and live o good stondord of living. The chorl opposite illuslrales the financial silualion of the group, os expressed by participants. l/we get by doy lo doy but ore under pressure. It is diHicult to mono9e unexpected c05t5. l/we ore Folling short ol o decent Stondord ol living. wellbeing krnily rnernber or friend ol somebody living Wlth low mental wellbeing I have personal experience ol living with low rnentol wellbeing The chorl opposite demonslrales the wellbeing of the group, as expressed by participants. I core or look olter sorneone who hos experience ol living with low rnentol wellbeing none ol the obove onother 38 long term health conditions The chorl OPPOSlte shows the porlicipanls with long term healih cond itions in the 9roup. participants who ore living with o long lerm heolih condition participonls who ore not living with long lerm heolth conditions age •42 44 ll46 48 •52 53 The chart opposite shows Ihe age range of the parlicipanls. 54 m55 ll57 58 ll59 60 •09 39 objectives for 2024 to develop the HUB project 2. to redevelop the RISE project to widen reach and make it more in line with funding opportunities. 3. to run the second half of the LIFE project. 4. to deliver the final port of ihe Book of Knowledge project, Co-produce a community research paper and o projed 'artefoct.' 5. to revise and run the BODY project, with learnings from the BOOK of KNOWLEDGE projed. 6. to produce 3-year strategy for the Charity- 2024-2026 and related action plans. 7. to develop the EDI Strategy and Action Plan ond implement. safeguarding We aim lo promole a welcoming culiure where everyone who encounters Ihe Charity is Irealed with dignity and respecl and feels Ihol Ihey ore in o sofe ond supportive environmenl. In carrying out our work, we do not wish lo couse harm ond work lo minimise risk porliculorly those associoled with working with vulnerable odulis. Truslees underslond their sofeguording responsibi lilies and ensure Safeguarding ond Boundories Policies ore in place ond that Ihese ore reviewed o minimum of onnuolly. The policy wos reviewed ot the end of 2023 ond was passed lo the HR Subcommillee for review ol the beginning of 2024. Safeguarding has been identified os a 'key policy and so musl be reviewed by the Boord after scruliny by the Human Resources Sub-commillee. Al sloff agree lo obide by the policies ond undertake annual sofeguording Iroining. Staff who work closely with vulnerable women hove specialist quolificolions in Iheir field ond are req uired lo undergo DBS checks. The Chority has 0 sofeguording leod who is known lo the whole staff leom and sloff are encouraged lo speok up and roise ony concerns. There are olso forums such os de-briefing ond reflective proclice, sessions where sloff discuss potential sofeguording issues. Sofeguording risks are considered in plonning oll oclivilies. public benefit The Truslees confirm Ihol Ihey hove complied with Iheir duty under seclion 17 of the Charities Act 2011, lo have due regard lo the Charity Commission's generol guidonce on public benefil, including 'public benefit.. running o charity., In eoch of the oclivilies, summarised above, the Trustees believe they comply with their responsibilities regording public benefit. Even though most of the Chority's projects are reslricled lo women, Iruslees believe this is o suff icienl section of the public. Additionolly, mony project porliciponls hove experienced some form of gender- based violence or obuse ond osked for women-only projecls. Our research 0150 tells us that women are disproporlionolly offecled by mental heolih issues. 40 Borriers lo access ore minimised - individuals con self_refer to projects which are free lo access. There is a very occessible fee structure for gym membership, including conce55ionory ond free memberships in cerlain coses. structure, governance, and management This report is prepored in accordonce wilh the Memorandum ond Articles ond the recommendolions of the Sialemenl of Recommended Praclice - Accounting ond Reporting by Chorilies and complies wilh opplicoble low. The Bridge Central, formerly The Young Women's Chrislian Associalion Centrol Club I'ihe Chority'l was incorporoled on 30 July I 998 05 o company limiled by guoronlee ond not having o shore capitol Iregislered number 030069401. It hos olso been regislered os o chorily Ino. 10713151 ond is permilled lo exclude the word 'limiled' from ils nome. It Is Ihe successor to on unincorporated regislered charity of the some nome I'ihe Old Chorily'l which has been wound up and deregislered with oll nel ossels Ironsferred lo this Charity- organisational and decision making structure The Trustees ore responsible for Ihe generol control ond monogemenl of the Charity. To ossisl in the smooth running of operolions, there ore Ihree sub-committees which advise the Board (Humon Resources, Finance ond Markelingl. The Finance SuEicommittee meets on a quarterly bosis, the others os needed bul o minimum of twice o year. A sloff Heolih and Safety Commillee reports lo the Humon Resources Sub-committee. The doy-to-doy monogemenl of the Charity's services, focililies and projects is delegoled lo staff. A Delegolion Fromework guides staff ond sub-commillees on the scope of Iheir delegoled ouihorilies. recruitment and appointment of trustees Trustees carry out an onnuol 'skills oudil, to estoblish the skills, knowledge ond experience withi n the existing Board membership ond identify ony gops and ofter this, if necessary, o period of recruilmenl follows. Vacancies are widely advertised lo ottracl o brood diversity of appliconls, ensuring a balance of skills, experience, knowledge, ond backgrounds. Interested polenliol Iruslees meel with a small group of Truslees and slarf lo give them Ihe opportunity lo find out more about our oims, objectives, ond octivilies. They ore then invited lo allend o Boord Meeling as observers. This process allows proper consideration of Ihe individuol's eligibility, specialist skills ond knowledge. New Trustees ore then elecled by the members al their Annuol Generol Meeting. The Trustees moy al any lime c(iopI any person quolified lo be appointed 05 o Trustee lo fill a vocancy until the next AGM. It was plonned lo recruil o trustee from the project porliciponls, ond this hos recenily happened. 41 trustee induction and training All new Trustees ore encouroged lo spend some lime with sloff to fomiliorise themselves with our work and the context within which we operole. On oppoinlmenl, they ore given a copy of the Board Member Handbook, The Memorandum and Articles of Association, the lalesl sel of Manogemenl Accounts ond Ihe most recent Annual Reporl ond Finonciol Siolemenls. The handbook conloins key information about the Chority - the work il does, the responsibilities of Trustees, governonce relating lo the Chorily, Terms of Reference for the Boord and its Sub-committees, role descriptions, information on complionce, Trustee biogrophies, elc. Trustees and senior sloff recognise the importonce of keeping up to dole with governonce developments, the regulolory environment and the charity landscope ond attend seminars and oiher events opplicoble lo their oreos of interest and experlise. Details of relevant Iraining opporlunilies are circulated to the Boord ond stoff. pay policy for senior staff and trustees According lo the Directors, the key monogemenl personnel comprise of the Board of Trustees and the Senior Manogemenl Teom. All Iruslees give Iheir lime freely and no Iruslee received remuneration from the Charity during the yeor. Deloils of tru51ees' expenses and ieloled porty Iransoclions ore d isclosed i n note 15 10 the occounls. Salaries are sel and reviewed annually by the Boord of Truslees. They- use benchmarking lo ensure Ihol solories remain competitive., approve the onnual percenloge increase in poy for oll slaff (which con be zero, aporl from those receiving the London Living Wogel, considering issues such os offordobility and the RPI os of 31 December of the previous year. principal sources of funding The Charity used the designaled reserves lo fund projects and occounled for funding of £103,000 gifts in kind ond £ l 0,183 in donotions lincluded £3094 from MOM MocDonald Lid for the DINE project, £ 1,000 from chority known os HSM Choritoble Trust ond £5,000 that was given in 201 from Celasimplicity ond spent on gym equipment. The charity wos oworded £9,999 from Kings College London for The Book of Knowledge project Ihot will run September 2023 10 September 2024, funds were received in Jonuory. principal risks and uncertainties We have considered the financiol and operolionol risks thol the Chority foces ond confirm Ihal we have pul in ploce systems ond controls lo miligole exposure lo these risks. We hove drown up o risk regisler which identifies risks occording lo areo of octivity- the colegory of risk,. Ihe likelihood of occurrence,. the miligoling actions ond the level of risk remoining ond whether the retained risk is ol an acceplable level. The register is reviewed on on onnuol bosis os o minimum. To keep aware of emerging issues, risk monogemenl is o stonding item on the Boord Agendo. 42 The Iruslees and senior monogemenl hove identified Ihe following 05 the principol risks.. m ajor1055 01 investment income os o result of vololility of stock markets. We have an Inveslmenl Policy and engoge professionol advisors to monage the Charity's funds and receive regulor reports. The odvisors ore invited lo presenl lo the Board annually and when advice is needed,. The long term investment slralegy is to moinloin portfolio, generole income and navigole risk through diversified porrfolio. 105s of lenan15'. 05 o result of lease ends or defauli. The fenlol londscape has chonged post- pandemic ond there ore mony vaconl properlies in the oreo. A provision hos been made in the reserves policy lo monoge o period with a voconl floor. losses through fraud documenled finonciol conlrols and procedures ore in ploce,. tasks ore segregated,. reconciliolions ore corried out on a regulor bosis,. auihorisolion li mits in ploce and Nvo 5ignolories ore required for Ironsoclions, Wlth one of Ihose being a Iruslee for higher values. losses through IT.. We hove o designoled member of slaff with overall responsibility for information security-, dalo proleclion policies ond procedures with responsibilities cleorly designated ore in place,. nelwork possword is known only to netrwork odminislralors (CEO and OMI. Downloads controlled by network odminislrolors-, delailed policies in place around implemenlolion of GDPR ond DPIAS hove been completed. u nloreseen events trade disruption 05 o resuli of unforeseen events like terrorism, future pondemics, elc. The Chority is bosed close lo a number of high_profile London siles - miligaling actions include Terrorism Insurance, strong security meosure and emergency plans ore in place. We hove a robust Reserves Policy in place, ond this is reviewed on o regular basis and o minimum of annually. 43 investment policies, objectives, and performance investment powers Under the Memorandum ond Articles of Associolion the Truslees have the power lo deposit or invest funds in any manner Ibul lo invest only ofter odvice from a finonciol experl and having regard lo the suilabilily of investments and the need for diversificolion governance Decisions are mode by the Boord of Trustees ond the have delegoled the monogemenl of investments lo finoncial experts, bul only on terms thal- the investment policy is sel down in wriling for the finonciol experts by the Iruslees,. timely reports of all Iransoclions ore provided lo the Iruslees,. the performance of the investments is reviewed regulorly with the trustees, the Iruslees are enliiled lo cancel the delegolion orrongemenl ol ony lime-, the investment policy and Ihe delegolion orrangemenl are reviewed ol least once a year-, all poymenls due lo the financiol experls ore on o scole or ol a level which is agreed in advance ond are notified promptly to the Iruslees on receipt,. Ihe Finoncial Experl musl not do onyihing outside the powers of the Iruslees,. investment objectives The Trustees are looking to achieve on income relurn of 4°A from the Charity's inveslmenl portfolio. During 2023 the portfolio ochieved a lotol return of 6.5% with cosh income conlribuling on averoge 2.7/. In the finol quorler begon switching inlo o Susloinoble Mulii-Assel Fund which pays 0 41. distribution per onnum. risk attitude to risk The charity depends on the income, or lolol relurn of ils inveslmenls lo fund annual choritoble expenditure. Whilst there is flexibility in some expenditure oreas, a minimum is needed lo generole income. The charity is willing lo occepl a medium lo higher degree of risk in order lo generole o lolal relurn ahead of inflation over the medium lo long term. ethical investment We considered moving lo o Responsible Mulii-Assel Fund lo minimise the Charity's impocl on people and the planel. Investing in this Fund would reduce the lolol costs and simplify odminislration, whilsl preserving the long-lerm inveslmenl objective. Management, reporting and monitoring Cazenove Capitol Management was oppoinled os the investment monogers in January 2011 and monoges the inveslmenl policy. Quarterly reports ore circuloled lo Board with the Investment Monogers presenting lo Board ol least annuolly 44 financial review The market volue of Cozenove Copilol Monogemenl os OF December 2023 wos £4,316,520. (The morket value 31 December 2022 was £ 4,776,353). The lola12023 income was £767,59112022. g546,8461. Key sources of income for the period included. income from inveslmenls (including interest receivable on bonk deposits ond investment property) which lolalled £352,42612022.. £ 299,9571, Heolih & Wellbeing gym membership subscription income, which tolalled £136,18912022= £99,5851 ond granls and donalions of £113,18312022. £12,249) which included gifts in kind valued ol £103,000. INCOME 2023 Health & Wellbeing Membership Subscription5 18/ Cafeteria & Evenls Investment income Room Hire 13/. 461. Other Income Donations and gron15 15/. Expenditure Amounted lo £1,350,11612022. gi,102,1871. EXPENDITURE 2023 Inveshnent fees Health & Wellbeing Membership Subscriptions Staff costs 28/. Cafeteria & Evenls Projeds programme 21/. Support and overhead cosls 32°/. Room Hire cosls 45 reserves policy section one: overview In selling this Reserves Policy we have considered our slrolegy ond ossocialed budgels, logeiher with mojor risks lo income ond expenditure. The policy aims to hold reserves Ot o level Ihol enobles us to monoge finoncial risk ond shorl-lerm income volahliw,. mainloin optimal levels of service over the long term,. ensure that finoncial commilmenls con be mel as they arise- implement new strategic priorities and respond lo emerging need in uncertoin times. We have approved a liquidity-bosed opprooch lo reserves, which requires us lo hold reserves in cash ond realisoble inveslmenls equivolenl lo the sum of £2,630,000. Deloils of this ore provided in seclions 2 and 3 of this policy. The lolal funds of Ihe Chority as of 31 December 2023 were £11,438,409. Included in these funds are longible ond inlongible fixed assels lotolling £4,144,176,. on investment property valued al £2,762,094 ond two designaled funds, described below. The investment property consists of the first and second floors of the Charity building plus leosed spaces on Ihe Ihird ond fifih floors, ond ore therefore not considered free reserves. The inveslmenl property and inveslmenl porrfolio generate income of £352,426 which forms o subslanliol port of Ihe Chority's fundinglsee section 2 of this policy) designated funds The Board ogreed the need lo set up Iwo designoled Funds: l. building mainlenance ond equipment: £1,570,000 As owner of Ihe property where The Bridge Central Iformolly the YWCA Cenlrol Clubl has ils headq uarlers,. runs ils choritable aclivilies ond projecls- ond has responsibilities lo leoseholders, it musl keep the building and ils fixtures and fitting well_mointoined and sofe for oll users. The designoled fund provides for replacement of plonl coming lo Ihe end of its useful life, includi ng items such os lift, windows, air exlrocts ond replocemenl boilers. Being aware of climole chonge, the Charity hos mode o provision lor energy-soving meosures ond fulure proofing le.g. replacing gas plonl wilh electric, plonning for inslolling solor ponels ond upgroding the windows) We also recognise Ihol mony funders will not contribute lo copilal expenditure. I n view of this ond the above, we consider il prudent lo provide, within our reserves, for capilol expenditure for the next l O years. existing choriloble projects ond emerging need. £ 1,000,000 We wish lo be oble lo quickly respond lo uigenl need ond hove designaled the obove funds lo allow for, in oddilion lo existing projecls, development of work in Ihe above oreos ond ony others that may emerge. Deloils of existing projects ore obove, under Achievements ond Performance. section two: the charity landscape and risks faced by the Charity funding Over recent years public funding hos diminished,. governmenl ond k)col ouihorilies hove cul back services and gronls,. there is increased competition for funds from privote companies ond better resourced larger charities with fundroising departments. Consequently, small charities like The Bridge Central, find themselves in o position of competing for o pool of ever4ecreosing funding whilst the demond on services grows. 46 diversification stralegy To ensure ils long-lerm viobility in limes of reduced funding ond economic uncerlointy, the Charity hos adopted a slralegy of diversificotion so il con be largely independent of exlernol funding. As parl of this, il wishes lo make Ihe besl use of oll potential sources of income, including ils properly ond investments lo fund chorilable oclivilies for present ond future beneficiaries. To achieve a degree of fi noncial independence, Ihe Chority hos esloblished several income slreams, including the leasing of some spaces not currently needed by the chority, membership income, dividends from inveslmenls, and some oncillory income from sales from o cofé. The Oreos of diversificolion bring with them risks Ihol musl be miligaled, monoged, ond provided foi. reseries provisions lease income: £720,000136 months) One diversificolion meosure pul in ploce is the leasing to third Poflies of space not currently needed by the Charily. Although anlicipoled lo be o regular and relioble income stream, the Boord identified Ihe risk of occosionol gaps between lenoncies and o provision of renlol income hod been mode for this, key staff costs: £310,000 Reserves lo cover key staff costs for O monihs should the Chority hove lo close ond for potential redundancy costs,. operating costs: £500,000 As these ore exceplionol limes, with the possibility of several spikes of Covid-l g, Ihe Boord hos decided that for the foreseeable future, il should maintoin one year of budgeled generol expenditure, other thon Ihal spent on income generolion- potential liligation issues £ 1,000,000 Although the Boord has identified risks relating lo issues such 05 doto breaches/GDPR ond HR issues as low, the severity of risk is measured os high, ond the Boord thinks il prudent lo provide the above sum lo cover such risks. cashflow: £1 00, 000 A working cashflow balonce lo loke account of uneven coshflows during the year as o resuli of loss of income from Ihe cofé, meeling room hire ond membership income- section three: summary The Trustees normally operole on a Ihree-yeor plon, with reserve thresholds reviewed a minimum of annually. The Trustees hove sel oside 2 designaled funds to ensure the delivery of ils slralegy with reserves remoining ol on appropriate level. This reserves policy lakes into considerolion Ihe nature of the services il delivers with little recourse to external funding. It Iherefore holds funds lo ensure thal il con meel the service delivery plans emerging from ils strategy- balance The desired level of reserves of £2,630,000 compares lo octuol free reserves £2,216,700 0131 December 2023. The Chority is reviewing plans lo invesligole miligalion options further lo ollow a reduclion of provided reserves. review This policy will be monilored Ihroughoul the year ond reviewed ogoin in December 2024. 47 statement of trustees, responsibilities The Trustees, who are 0150 direclors of The Bridge Cenlral (formerly The YWCA Cenlral Clubl for the purposes of compony lowl are responsible for preparing the Trustees, Report and Ihe Finoncial Sialemenls in occordance with opplicoble low and United Kingdom Accounting Siondords (United Kingdom Generolly Accepted Accounting Procticel. Company low requires trustees lo prepare finonciol slotemenls for each finonciol yeor which give o true ond foir view of the slate of the offoirs of the choritoble compony ond of the outgoing resources and opplicolion of resources. In preparing these finonciol slalemenls, the Iruslees are required 10- select suitable occounling policies and then opply Ihem consislenily-, observe the methods ond principles in the Chorilies SORP,. moke judgements ond eslimoles thol ore reasonoble and prudent-, stole whether opplicoble occounling stondards hove been followed, subjecl lo any material departures disclosed and explained in Ihe occountS- prepore the accounls on o going concern bosis unless 1115 inoppropriole lo presume that the chority will continue in business. The Trustees are responsible for keeping proper occounling records Ihol disclose with reasonable accuracy ol ony lime the financiol position of the Chority and lo enable them to ensure Ihol the accounts comply with Ihe Companies Act 2006. They ore olso responsible for sofeguording the assets of the Charity ond the group ond hence for toking reasonable steps for Ihe prevention and detection of froud ond oiher irregulorities. In so for os the trustees ore awore.. there is no relevont oudil informolion of which Ihe chariloble compony's oudilor is unowore-, ond the Iruslees have laken oll sleps Ihal they ought lo hove taken lo make themselves owore of any relevant oudil informolion and lo esloblish Ihol Ihe oudilor is oware of Ihol informolion. The company hos loken odvonloge of the smoll componies, exemption in preparing the Truslees, Report. Approved by the Boord of Trustees, ouihorised for issue and signed on its behalf.. C Binghom July 2024 48 INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF THE BRIDGE CENTRAL Opinion We hove oudiled the finonciol slalemenls of The Bridge I'ihe company I for the yeor ended 31 December 2023 which comprise the Siolemenl of Finonciol Aclivilies, the Bolance Sheet, the Cash Flow Siolemenl and noles lo the finonciol slolemenls, including a summary of significonl occounling policies. The finonciol reporting fromework Ihot hos been opplied in their preparolion is opplicoble low and United Kingdom Accounting Siondords, including FRS 102 'The Finoncial Reporting Siondard Applicable in the UK ond Republic of Irelond, (United Kingdom Generolly Accepted Accounting Practice). In our opinion the financial slalemenls.. give o true ond foir view of the stole of the choritoble company s offoirs os 0131 December 2023 and of its incoming resources ond opplicalion of resources, including ils income and expenditure, for the yeor then ended,. have been properly prepored in occordonce wilh Uniled Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Proclice-, ond hove been prepored in occordonce with Ihe requirements of the Componies Act 2006. Basis for opinion We conducted our oudil in accordance with Internalionol Siondards on Auditing IUKI IISASIUKII and applicable low. Our responsibilities under Ihose slondords ore further described in the Auditor s Responsibilities for the audit of the financiol slotements seclion of our report. We are independent of the choriloble compony in accordonce with the eihicol requirements Ihot ore relevant lo our oudit of the financiol slalemenls in the U K, including the FRC'S Eihicol Siondord, ond we have fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in occordonce with Ihese requirements. We believe that the oudil evidence we have obioined is suff icient and appropriole lo provide a bos15 for our opinion. Conclusions relating to going concern In auditing the finoncial slolemenls, we hove concluded thol the Iruslees, use of the going concern basis of occounling in the preporalion of the financial slalements Is oppropriole. Based on the work we have performed, we have nol identified ony moleriol uncerloinlies relating lo events or conditions Ihot, individuolly or collectively, moy cost significant doubt on the charitable compony's obility lo conlinue as o going concern for o period OF ol least Iwelve months from when the fi nonciol slolemenls are ouihorised for issue. 49 Our responsibilities and the responsibilities of the trustees wilh respect lo going concern ore described in the relevonl sections of Ihis report. Other information The other informalion comprises Ihe informotion included in the onnuol report, oiher than the financial slolemenls and our oudilor s report Ihereon. The trustees ore responsible for Ihe oiher informolion. Our opinion on the financiol slolements does not cover Ihe oiher informolion ond, except lo the exlenl otherwise explicitly sloled in our reporl, we do nol express ony form of ossuronce conclusion Ihereon. In connection with our oudil of the finonciol slalemenls, our responsibility is lo read the other information and, in doing so, consider whether the other information is moteriolly inconsislenl wilh the finoncial slolemenls or our knowledge obioined in the oudil or otherwise oppeors lo be maleriolly misslaled. If we identify such moleriol inconsistencies or apparent moleriol misslolemenls, we ore required lo determine whether there is o moleriol misstolemenl in the finonciol stolemenls or o moleriol m isstolement of the oiher information. If, based on the work we hove performed, we conclude Ihol there is o moleriol misslalemenl of this other informolion, we ore required lo report Ihol foct. We have nothing lo report in Ihis regord. Opinions on other matters prescribed by the Companies Ad 2006 In our opinion, based on Ihe work underloken in the course of Ihe oudil.. the informalion given in the slrolegic report ond the trustees, onnuol reporl for the financial yeor for which the finonciol stolemenls are prepared is consislenl wilh the finoncial slalemenls., and the slrolegic report and the Irustees, annuol reporl hove been prepared in accordance with opplicoble legol requirements. Matters on which we are required io report by exceplion In the lighi of the knowledge ond underslonding of the company ond ils environment obtained in the course of the audit, we hove not identified malerial misslalemenls in Ihe slrolegic reporl or the trustees, annuol report. We have noihing lo report in respect of the following motters where the Companies Acl 2006 requires us lo report lo you if, in our opinion- odequale accounling records have nol been kepl, or returns odequale for our oudil have not been received from bronches not visited by us- or the financiol slolemenls ore not in ogreement with the occounling records ond returns,. or certain disclosures of Iruslees, remunerolion specified by low ore not mode., or we have not received oll the informolion ond explonolions we require for our audit. 50 Responsibilities of trustees As explained more fully in the Iruslees, responsibilities stolement sel out on page 48, the trustees (who are also the directors of Ihe choriloble compony for Ihe purposes of company lowl ore responsible for the preparation of the financiol stolemenls and for being salisfied Ihot they give o true and foir view, and for such inlernol control 05 the trustees determine is necessary to enable the preporotion of finoncial slolements thol ore free from moleriol misstolement, wheiher due lo froud or error. In preparing the finoncial slalemenls, the Iruslees Ofe responsible for assessing the chorilable compony s obility lo continue as o going concern, disclosing, os applicable, mallers related lo going concern ond using the going concern bosis of occounling unless the Iruslees either intend to liquidate the chorilable company or lo cease operolions, or hove no reolislic oliernolive bul lo do so. Auditor's responsibilities for ihe audit of the finoncial stalemenls Our objectives are lo obtoin reosonoble ossuronce oboul whether the finoncial slolemenls os a whole are free from maleriol misslolemenl, whether due lo froud or erfor, ond Io issue on oud ilor s report that includes our opinion. Reosonoble ossuronce is o high level of ossuronce, bul is not a guorontee that an audit conducted in occordonce with ISAS IUKI will olwoys delecl o moleriol misslalemenl when il exists. Misslalemenls con arise from froud or error ond are considered moteriol if, individuolly or in oggregale, they could reosonobly be expecled to influence the economic decisions of users token on Ihe basis of these financial slalemenls. Irregularilies, including froud, ore instances of non-compliance wilh laws and regulations. We design procedures in line with our responsibilities, outlined obove, lo delecl moleriol misslotemenls in respect of irregularities, including fraud. The extent t) which our procedures ore capable of delecling irregulorilies, including froud is detailed below. Explanation as lo what extenl the audil was considered copable of detecting irregularities, including fraud The objectives of our audit in respect of froud, ore,. lo idenlify and assess the risks of maleriol misstalemenl of the finoncial slolements due to froud,. lo obioin sufficient oppropriale audit evidence regarding the assessed risks of moterial misstolemenl due lo froud, Ihrough designing ond implementing appropriole responses to those assessed risks,. ond lo respond oppropriolely lo inslonces of fraud or suspected froud identified during the audit. However, the primory responsibility for the prevention and detection of fraud rests with both monogemenl ond Ihose chorged with governonce of the charitable company. Our approach was as follows" We obioined on understonding of the legal ond regulotory requirements opplicoble lo the chorilable compony ond considered Ihol the most significant ore the Companies Act 2006, the Chorilies Act 201 I, the Charity SORP, ond UK financial reporting slondords as issued by the Financial Reporting Council We obioined an understonding of how the choritable company complies with these requirements by discussions with managemenl ond those chorged with governance. We assessed the risk of moteriol misslotemenl of the financiol stolemenls, including the risk of moleriol misslolemenl due lo froud ond how il mighi occur, by holding discussions with monogemenl and those chorged with governonce. We inquired of management ond those chorged with governance as lo ony known instances of non-compliance or suspecled non-compliance with laws and regulolions. Based on this understanding, we designed specific oppropriole oudil procedures lo identi inslonces of non-complionce wilh lows ond regulations. This included moking enquiries of monogemenl ond Ihose charged with governance and obioining oddilional corroborative evidence os required. As part of on oudit in occordance wilh ISAS IUKI we exercise professionol judgement and mainloin professional sceplicism throughout Ihe oudit. We also- Identify and ossess the risks of moleriol misslolemenl of Ihe finonciol slalemenls, whether due lo fraud or error, design ond perform audit procedures responsive lo those risks, ond obtain audit evidence Ihol is sufficient ond appropriote lo provide o bass for our opinion. The risk of not delecling o moleriol misslotemenl resulting from froud is higher Ihon for one resulting from error, as froud moy involve collusion, forgery, intentional omissions, misrepresenlalions, or the override of internal control. Obioin an understanding of inlernol control relevonl lo the oudil in order lo design audit procedures Ihol are oppropriale in the circumslonces, bul not for the purposes of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the choritoble company s internal conlrol. Evoluole the opproprialeness of accounting policies used and the reasonableness of accounting eslimales and related disclosures made by the Iruslees. Conclude on the opproprioleness of the Iruslees, use of the going concern bosis of occounling and, based on the oudil evidence obioined, whether o material uncertointy exists related lo events or conditions thol moy cost significonl doubl on the chorilable company s ability lo continue as o going concern. If we conclude Ihol o moleriol uncertainty exists, we are required lo draw ollenlion in our auditor s report lo the related disclosures in Ihe finonciol slolemenls or, if such disclosures are inadequote, lo modify our opinion. Our conclusions are based on the audit evidence obioined up lo the dale of our oudilor s reporl. However, future events or condilions may couse the choriloble compony to ceose to continue as o going concern. Evoluole the overoll presenlolion, slruclure and content of the finonciol slalemenls, incl uding the disclosures, ond whether the finonciol slalements represent the underlying Ironsoclions and events in a monner Ihol achieves foir presenlalion. 52 We communicole wilh those charged wilh governonce regording, omong other mallers, Ihe planned scope and liming of Ihe oudil and significont oudil findings, including ony significonl deficiencies in internal conlrol that we identify during our audit. Use of our report This report is mode solely to the choriloble compony's members, os o body, in occordonce with Chopler 3 of Parl l 6 of Ihe Companies Act 2000. Our oudil work hos been underloken so Ihol we might stole lo Ihe company s members those matters we are required lo stole lo them in on oudilor s report and for no oiher purpose. To the fullest exlenl permilled by law, we do not occepl or assume responsibility lo ony party oiher thon the choritoble company ond chorilable company's members os a body, for our oudit work, for Ihis report, or for the opinions we hove formed. JALL Neil Finloyson (Senior Siolulory Auditor) Date: 30 July 2024 for and on behalf of Moore Kingston Smith LLP, Sialulory Auditor Floor 6 g Appold Sireel London EC2A 2AP 53 ## **The Bridge Central Statement of Financial Activities** ## **(incorporating the Income and Expenditure Account) For the year ended 31st December 2023** Page :54 ## **The Bridge Central Balance Sheet as at 31st December 2023** ## Note Page: 55 ## **The Bridge Central Cashflow Statement For the year ended 31st December 2023** |Cashflows from operating activities:
Net cash used in operating activities
Cashflows from investing activities:
Dividends and interest from investments
Purchase of property, plant and equipment
Net investment withdrawals
Net cash provided by investing activities
Change in cash and cost equivalents in the reporting period
Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the reporting period
Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the reporting period
Reconciliation of net expenditure to net
cashflow from operating activities:
Net expenditure
Depreciation
Loss on disposal of fixed assets
Dividends and interest from investments
(Increase)/Decrease in stocks
(Increase)/Decrease in debtors
(Decrease)/Increase in creditors|Total
2023
£
(826,604)
352,426
(29,529)
613,440
936,337
109,733
263,226
372,959
(582,525)
104,794
0
(352,426)
(749)
(5,830)
10,131
(826,604)|Total
2022
£
(751,741)
299,957
(46,288)
470,114
723,783
(27,958)
291,183
263,225
(555,342)
94,451
0
(299,957)
(806)
(38,392)
48,304
(751,741)| |---|---|---| The notes on pages 57 to 63 form part of these financial statements. Page: 56 **The Bridge Central Notes to the Financial Statements For the year ended 31st December 2023** Page: 57 **The Bridge Central Notes to the Financial Statements For the year ended 31st December 2023 (Continued)** Page: 58 ## **The Bridge Central Notes to the Financial Statements For the year ended 31st December 2023 (Continued)** Page: 59 ## **The Bridge Central Notes to the Financial Statements For the year ended 31st December 2023 (Continued)** Page: 60 ## **The Bridge Central Notes to the Financial Statements For the year ended 31 December 2023 (Continued)** Page : 61 ## **The Bridge Central Notes to the Financial Statements For the year ended 31st December 2023 (Continued)** Page: 62 ## **The Bridge Central Notes to the Financial Statements For the year ended 31st December 2023 (Continued)** Page: 63 The Bridge Central Notes to the Financial Statements For the year ended 31 st December 2023 (Continued) 12 Fulure Rents due from T8nonts 2023 2022 The Charity hos 5 12022.. 41 tenon15 leasing propety within Iheii buikling. Amoufjls due wiihin l year Amounts due betheen 2 ond 5 yeors 149,565 227586 128.829 328,872 13 Deferred Income Analysis 2023 2022 Brought lorword Releosed in Ihe yeor Nev￿ Provision odded 41,527 141,5271 85,550 39,506 139,5001 41,527 Carried forward 85,550 41,527 Deferred income reloles lo rent, service choiges, memborthip ond conlrocl income where the chority hos nol eoTned entitlement lo the income 14 Fund$ 2023 Opening Bolonce Investment Goins Closing Bolonce Income ExPendI￿re Unreslricled generol Unreslricled revoluolion reserve 7,043,321 1,204,197 767,5 11,254,402) 153,607 324,890 7,310,116 1.589,087 Designated - l Oyr Mosintenosnce Plon Designated - Choritoble Projecks 1,570,(XX) 939,235 1.570,000 843,521 195,7141 Total 11.416,753 767.51X) 11,350.1161 478,497 11,312,724 2022 Opening Balante Investment Gain$ Closing Bolance Intome Expendibjre Unreslricled- generol Unreslricled revaluction reserve 8.529.d)7 1,237,282 546.846 11,041,422) 1391,7101 26,915 7.643,321 1,264,197 Designated - l Oyr Maintenance Plon Designated - Choritoble Projecks 1.570,(XX) I,000,(xx) 1.570,000 93Q,235 160,7651 Total 12.336,889 546 840 11 102.1871 13647951 11416,753 15 Trust8es' Rernuneration and Expenses None ol the Trustees received ony remunerolion From Ihe chority eiiher in their copocity 0$ Tiuslee or in ony oiher copocity. None ol The Bridge Centrol Tru5tee512022- 01 reCep￿d reirnbur5etnenl ol expen5e5 incurred during the yeor in connection with Iravelling expeTr3es and meehngs 01 £012022 - £01. Meeting c0515 01 £276 weie incurred by 9 Iruslees during the yeor12022 Meeling cos15 01 £52 were incurred by 6 Iivsleesl Page.. 64