2024-03-31-accounts

REGISTERED COMPANY NUMBER: 03647391 (England and Wales) REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER: 1073822 rt of the Trustees and Unaudited Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 March 2024 for FIRST STOP DARLINGTON Mitchell Gordon LLP 43 Coniscliffe Road Darlington Co. Durham DL3 7EH

FIRST STOP DARLINGTON Cont¢nt$ of the Finan¢lJl Statements for the Year Ended 31 March 2024 Pagc Report of the Truste¢s to 12 Independent Examiner'5 Report 13 ststement of Flnanclal Activities l4 Balance Sheet 15 to 16 Notes to the Financial Statements 17 to 24 Detailed Statement of Financial Activiti¢$ 25 to 26

firstst -p Darlington TRUSTEES, REPORT MARCH 2024 32 Houndgate, Darlington, DLI IPD Tel: [phone] Registered Charity Number 1073822 Company Limited by Guarantee 3647391

FIRST STOP DARLINGTON Trustees, Annual report for the year ended 31 March 2024 The Trustees present their report and the unaudited financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31 March 2024. The trustees have adopted the provisions of the Statement of Recommended Practice ISORP) "Accounting and Reporting by Charities" (FRS 102) in preparing the annual report and financial statements of the charity. The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out in the notes to the accounts and comply with the charity's governing document, the Charities Act 2011 and Accounting and Rewrting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordan￿ with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland published on 16 July 2014 (as amended by Update Bulletin I published on 2 February 2016). The trustees are directors of the Company for the purpose5 of the Companies Act 2006. Reference and Adminlstration Information Charity Name: Charity Registration number: Company registration number: Registered office and operational address: Governing document: First Stop Darlington 1073822 3647391 32 Houndgate, Darlington, DLI 5RH Memorandum and Articles of Association dated 215t September 1998 and amended by special resolution{sl dated 20 october 2011 and amended further by special resolution(s) dated 9 February 2021 Board of Trustees William John Kilgour Replaced as Chairman April 2024- after the year end date but prior to the reporting date Maire Margaret Kennan Resigned I" March 2024 Alan Coultas th Resigned 19 September 2023 Bernadette Mary Chapman Debra Irving James Stephen McGill Victoria Kate Gill Appointed 29" August 2023 (Appointed as Chair person April 2024 - after the year end date but prior to the reporting date} Appointed 23rd January 2024 Julie Whitehou5e Company Secretary Vacancy Independent Examlner Lee Harris Bsc (Honsl, FCCA Mitchell Gordon LLP 43 Coniscliffe Rd Darlington DL3 7EH Sollcltors Close Thornton 31 Houndgate Darlington DLI 5RH Bankers Unity Trust Bank plc, Nine Brindley Place, Birmingham, Bl 2HB

Chair Report This year's Trustee Report reflects the adaptability of the Charity to the increasing need5 of people in Darlington. The Charity has developed innovative ways to addres5 some of the fundamental i55ues underlying the challenges people are having atthis difficulttime. The work of giving practical advice and supportto obtain their rightful benefits and access to housing are complemented by the Well-8eing and skills programmes. The important recognition of peoples, mindset and fear of IT lead to support that improves their confidence, self-esteem and ability to cope with the life challenges they face. First Stop continues to recelve funding from a variety of sources which reflects the value our funders apply to our work but also gives a fSnanclal confidence that we are not reliant on one funder. We are very grateful for the generosity of ourfunders for not only financial but also moral support. The Charity has adapted to the changes after the sad closure of the Bikestop enterprise which was a success in the benefits it brought to many people but not financially sustainable. TheTrustees and CEO benefitted from the Pilotlight Projectwhich helped usto review and evaluate the Charity. We are grateful to Garfield Weston for the Award funding. On behalf of the Trustee board, I would like to thank the staff for their hard work and enthusiasm during the year, they all make a difference. They fulfil the ethos of First Stop in providing a listening ear and time to work through issues. I would also like to thank my fellowTrustees fortheircontributions to the governance and strategy of First Stop as well as sUPPOrt to the Staff and local fundraising. Special thanks to Alan Coultas, a founderTrustee who has been a majorfactor in the success of First Stop and has stepped down. Along with Maire Kennan who has given 6 years of support and wlse advice. William John Kilgour Chalr

FIRST STOP DARLINGTON Trustees, Annual report for the year ended 31 March 2024 Who are we? First Stop Darlington {FSDI is a charity in Darlington. We work with people aged over 16 of any denomination who experience disadvantages due to poverty, isolation, mental health, poor attainment etc. Anything that means a person has fewer options and faces more barriers to Ilve a fulfilled life due to their circumstances. Most of our clients live in the most deprived wards of our town, which are in the lowest IO% decile of deprivation. The biggest need that we are currently addressing 15 that of poverty and all its ugly guises. We are supporting people who are unemployed, people who are in full-time work and peop5e in part-time work, we are working with single people, couples, families, and everything in between. Nobody is turned away,. it is literally a person's first stop to getting help in a time of crisis. The charitywa5 founded in 1999 to support people'in need and distress within Darlington,. Unfortunately, that need is Still here, and we have adapted our services to help meet historic and emerging demands, increasing 5UPPOrt to families and all on low income. We continue to find ways to adapt ensuring we provide a high- quality service to as many people who need us as possible. FSD is situated in Houndgate, within an area of deprivation under IO% percentile of the Indices of Multiple Deprivation, where we operate a centre with an appointment service, with crisis acce55 available every day on the ground floor and have offices and a traininglactivity room/meeting room on the firstfloor. We offer an In- depth advice service with the use of phones and laptops SO that clients can be supported to solve their problems and increase their access to benefits, housing, mental health support, employment support and other services. Since we began in Feb 1999, we have supported over 10,000 vulnerable people to help them work on their issues and move forwards towards an independent life. We have provided, In total, a range of support services to over 12,000 people overthe years, with the addition of various outreach events. How are we constituted? First Stop Darlington is a company limited by guarantee, No. 3647391, governed by its Articles and Memorandum of Association. It is registered charity No 1073822 with a core membership of 12 people. The directors of FSD are the Board of Trustees and are elected by the membership. In 2023-2024, the board had 6 members serving on the Board, none of whom are related to each other. The Board has an appointed Chair with a vacant Vice Chair position at present. The Articles of Association require that one third of the directors/ trustee5 retire each year by rotation- retiring trustees are eligible for re-election. We do not have a treasurer, but all trustees have undergone training in the field of financial management of charities. All trustees are expected to oversee all financial reporting by our financial officer, the CEO and our financial advisors. We are pleased to announce that as of I" April 2024 we now have a Treasurer- James McGill, who is an existing Trustee who has past and present experience of Treasury roles within the charitable settor. The role of the trustee5 15 to furtherthe objectives of FSD through taking part in formulating and regularlv reviewing Strategic aims, ensuring that policy and practice are in keeping with its aims and that FSD functions within the legal and financial requirements of a charitsble company and strives to achieve best practice. The Board has updated the Risk Register, tsking account of the increased risks posed bythe economic pressure caused by the years of inflation and increased energy prices on all aspects of publlc life. As clients, needs increased $0 also does the pressure on our staff and donors. The Risk Register has these fattors taken into account along with the various risks pertinent to our building, staff, fundlng etc.

Through the course of this year no trustee has received any remuneration or reimbursement of expenses. As well as participating in Board meetings and strategy reviews, individual board members have participated in fund raising activities. Raising money at a local level remains a challenge, but coffee mornings, CEO Sleepout and Carnival activities remain on the agenda. During this financial year £14,613 was raised through fundraising events and £5,144 raised in donations from the general public. FSD employs a CEO whose responsibility is the general management of all FSD projects, management of staff and volunteers, building management and leading the team in procuring funding. The CEO attends Board meetings and reports to The Board on finance and operational matter5. The CEO is Tracy Freeman and there are 7 other members of experienced and dedicated staff who provide support and share skills with our clients. Grant giving funding bodies are our main source of income, supplemented by fund raising efforts by Trustees and staff, and personal donations as mentioned above. Our thanks for 2023-24 funding go to, National Lottery Community Fund, Ballinger Trust, Garfield Weston Trust, Watson Hope Foundation, County Durham Community Foundation, Gregg5 Foundation, Trusthou5e Foundation. 1989 Willan Trust, Harrison Foundation and all those who sponsored, donated and 5UPPOrted our fundraising efforts throughout the year. Our aims and how we work First Stop Darlington provides a Wellbeing and Work Hub in the town centre of Darlington and house5 a range of practical, free facilities and activities designed to help people navigate from poverty and all its trappings, through to employment with decent wages that helps lift people out of poverty and achieving long lost goals. The aims of the organisation are: To ensure that confidential, impartial information, advice and support is provided in ways that empower local people to make informed decisions about their life choices and in a way that is sensitive to their needs. To support local people to help themselves move forward out of life's difficulties and onwards towards independence. To promote positive mental health among service users, including Mindset and Mindfulness work. To provide activities around prevention of poor mental health, addiction behaviours and to promote a healthy sense of well-being and increased self-worth. To provide I nformation, Advice and Guidance services regarding welfare benefit claims, benefit issues, money issues, expenditure, poverty, housing issues, access to services etc. To provide one to one support while people are workingthrough their issues, sharing problem solving skills and increasing self-esteem and self-confidence to make behavioural changes in their lives. Support people to broaden their CV, increase skills through volunteering and courses, improving their job opportunities. To work in partnership with other likeminded organisation5 to deliver wrap around services. To highlight the problem of poverty and its associated issues. To provide accurate Statistical information on poverty issues to inform service planning and delivery. The Centre is open to the public everyweekdayto provide impartial confidential information, advi￿, guidance, support, and onward referral to our clients. There are 2 Core Project Support Staff, 1.5 Mental Health Support Worker, 1.5 Dlgltal Incluslon Worker, I Administrative officer and the CEO. The CEO works directly with cllents durlng holidays and staff Illness, ensuring there is full cover for our services.

Strategic Developments During the Year Darlington Connert & Additional Partnershlp Engagement Our commitment to working with other organisations locally involving dealing wlth the negative results of poverty has continued through the involvement and support of Darlington Connect, a multi-agency project in Darlington Town Centre that First Stop supports through providing staffing one morning per week and through the strategy board. The CEO also sits on the Voluntary, Charity, Social Enterprise Strategy Group and attends regular meetings, fitting into appropriate task and finish groups as and when appropriate. The group is one of the ways thatthe VCSE and the Public and Private sector can join together to champion those people in our town who need services and pmvision. Representing their view5 at Board meetings is extremely important to all charities. Pilotli ht Pro ect We continued our work with the Pilotlighters through to October 2023 and continued to gain further insight and strategic support from our team of experts. This resulted in a refreshed Strategy, including a helpful and clear Stratebry On A Page, designed to inform quickly and sets out our mission, vision, aims and objectives in an easily accessible visual representation of the larger document. We continue to work towards the alms and objectives set out in the strategy. Who do we help. We have an instant access policy and offer appointments with 5UPPOrt staff on the same day of presentation or within 24 hours. This is a crucial part of the relationship that we build with people, if they are brave enough to reach out for help, then we must be attentive enough to begin helping as fast as we can. We support vulnerable people and families who are experiencing severe poverty. Issues such as finances, housing or benefit problems initially presented by clients, but they may frequently hide other issues such as debt, hunger, poor hygiene, anxiety & stress and often relationship troubles. Our support workers use various tools in theirwork, such asTrauma Informed Care approach and Mindfulness and are skilled in takingan holistic approach with clients to help them feel at ease and galn the confidence needed to discuss difficult issues. Our clients are often: cash poor o struggling to manage on low income struggling to compete for work due to digital exclusion experiencing anxiety, stress and other related mental health issues under threat of eviction due to arrears or no accommodation of their own sofa surfing and have no permanent address o have poor prospects of obtaining paid employment unable to escape out of poor living conditions withoutfinancial and legal support. Our clients may have experienced at least 3 of the following: at risk of homelessness,. low income and/or zero hour contracts,. fuel poverty,. hunger,. socially excluded,. povertyi. debt. unemployment,. mental ill health,. mental illness," low self-esteem,. lack self-confidence.. low or no self-worth,. young parents,. leoving care young adults,. domestic abuse victims,. domestic violence perpetrators,. relotionship breakdown,. sey-harm," sexuol abuse,. survival sex,. bereavement,. removal of child/children from family home,. coplng with bereavement,. widowed,. widower," isoloted.

Our servlces are avallable In the following formats: Pre-booked appointments between 9.30am- 12.30pm- {minlmum 6 appolntments per day) Daily accessed appointments between 1.30pm - 4.30pm- (minimum 6 appointments per day) 7 week Mindset Mentor Course running 6 times per year Weekly Gardening Club Weekty Walk & Talk Session Weekty Men's Group/Activities Daily Digital Indusion Sessions Differing activity sessions, such as art, meditation etc. Outreach sessions for appointments in the community x 2 sessions per week. Outputs In 2023- 2024 were privileged to work with and support 424 people: This is again an increase on the previous year's figures, the current economic climate that we are all experiencing continues to cause significant problems for so many people Ilving in our communities. There remains no sign of this abating for those with the lowest incomes. There continues to be a shift in how many women have used the services thls year, this continues to bare up the eviden￿ of poverty and bill paying etc. as it is still mainly females who are responsible for organising the household income. The￿ are now only 24 more males accessing the services to women. this has changed from a predominantly male oriented Servi￿ in the past. Women are also more likelyto keep returning and continuing with their support. slightly more than their male counterparts. Total Clients 2023-2024 53% Male Female We have also experienced a change in the age range of people accessing the services. We have seen mo people in the higher age brackets, as shown in the graph below. The largest increase has been in the 46-65 age group, we have supported many people in this age group who have lost their employment and are struggllngto find furtherwork due to the changes in the accepted ways of job searching and applicatlons. Thls is mostly due to the Covid-19 legacy of most applications now being done online. The people who come to us have not had any regular use of digital equipment or know how to apply for work in what is classed as current

day expectstions. They are also severely struggling to live on benefits when they have been used to v￿geS and Ilvlng to thelr means, thls causes a range of problems that can get out of hand qulte qulckly wlthout support and help to navigate the system and to teach new digital skills. Age Groups 140 120 100 20 16-2S 26-39 40-55 5fv66 OVER 67 Increase In resentatlon over the ast2 ears Increase in Clients 23-24 424 22-23 21-22 231 50 loo 200 250 300 3SO doo 450 As you can see from this graph, our clients have almost doubled tn numbers since 2021/2022. It demonstrates the comeback to levels prior to Covid 2019, alongslde the amount of people who are struggling with poverty and destitution in our town. We know that over 10.O(X) household5 continue to live in poverty today with almost 4,500 children within those homes. 4,378 households living with only 60% of the average income median. include 3,361 children in those homes. We still have a long way to go before we see a recovery for those living on low incomes. In what ways have our 424 beneficiaries benefited from our support Benefits and Income 256 people gained support with their financial income. All reported an Improvement In their household situation through accessing various solutions such as. an increase of. or new benefits; additional support through increments available through our charty and other organisations e.g. utility vouchers, food

vouchers, discretionary payments to assist with temporary situations, budgeting and understanding essential payments etc. We supported 176 people to successfully claim annual benefit of £965,246.41 during the year. Mental Health & Wellbein 221 people who attended our services identified themselves as having varying degrees of poor mentsl wellbeing through to significant mental health diagnosis. Those with significant needs were supported with their mental health and wellbei ng services, 82 of whom report a significant increase in their self-confidence, self-esteem, self-worth, with improved mental health and reduced isolation also being high on their list of benefits. They have attended a range of activities and also had support through our information & advice team which has resulted in re501ving stressful and difficult financial situation5 all of which were causing additional anxiety and stre55. 38 people attended our Mindset Mentoring Course and successfully worked on their thoughts, behaviours and actions that have been holding them back from living to their true potential. This group achieved immense milestones and continue to practice self-care and use the tools they were given to continue their progres5 of change. Achievement5 reported include career developments and career changes, new learning and qualifications, increased volunteering and much more social engagement. This course is set to continue for the next four years, with great thank5 to the National Lottery Community Fund and we look forward to increasing the number of courses and supporting more people with thi5 very empowering and life affirming course. Pre-Em lo ment 75 people successfully attended classes to improve and gain support towards employment or to improve thelr working options. They successfully improved their communication and IT skills through our Digital Inclusion courses and our pre-employment supported job search sessions. 39 reported a significant increase in their motivation and aspirations for their futures, using the lessons and skills they were given to help them understand thelr needs and identlfy their next steps towards gaining their aspired employment. This included further education and training with other providers, in-work training for promotion and applicatlons for newjobs. Housin 70 people needed help and gained support with their housing needs. 39 were living in unstable accommodation or sofa surfing. 14 were immediately referred to DBC Homeless Housing Officers, 21 were supported to find more stable solutions, with most opening a Darlington Home Search account and supporting them to bid on properties. 4 people are living in mobile homes and a van, we continue to support them with their housing needs. The remaining 31 people presented with issues which were causing their tenancies to become unstable. We were able to secure the existing tenancy for 26 of those people, through working on their income and budget, ensuring they could keep up with their rent payments and still manage their household bills. We supported the remaining 5 people into more afft)rdable accommodation. Case study- Male aged 54 Summar of Presentin Issues and Client Back round Client presented in October 2023. He is a 54-year-old male who has worked for most of his working life a5 a train conductor. He has Bipolar type I but has always been able to keep his condition well managed at work. He did work throughout Covid but when places started to open again, he found he could not keep up his work pace and cope wlth the stress of his job in the way he had before Covid. He had bouts of sickness and times off work but had been long term sick for a few months. HIS SSP was coming to an end when he presented at First Stop.

While chatting he also explained that his partner had just been sectioned in a mental health hospitsl recently, however there was no local places available, so she had been placed in a hospital 70 miles away, which was making visiting difficult. Intervention We made a universal credit IUCI claim but as a single man because UC does not allow you to claim benefit when someone is not physically at the appointment, meaning we could not make a joint claim due to partner being in hospital. We also sent for PIP forms as client had not wanted to clalm when he was working as he stated he had enough money to live on when they both worked. This was befr)re their mental health had deteriorated. He now accepted that they needed some additional help. We saw the client over the next few months, sometimes to complete forms, but sometimes just a chat and catch up with what was going on in his life and how he wa5 coping. He always stated just entering the projett put him at ease and he could feel himself relaxing and felt he was in a safe place. Partner was transferred to a hospital locally in January and they arranged an afternoon release so we could make her a universal credit claim and join it to clients claim. Client's partner was discharged from h05Pltal in February and although still unwell was at least back at home. Outcome Client then felt he was well enough to try and go back to work which he did manage for a few weeks but was not coping with hi5 bipolar, work and a clinically dep￿Ssed partner. Something had to give, we spoke at length about asking for a meeting at work and just laying his cards on the table. Client spoke highly about his work managers and how they had supported him but felt it would be best if he left work to concentrate on his mental health, and the health of his partner who was struggling to get out of bed most day5. Is this the perfect end, probably not but it is what is working for them at this moment in time. We will continue to support them both on theirjourney for as long as they need us. Be that helping with benefits. finances etc. But a150, and much more importantly, just by having an listening ear, welcoming place and frlendly smlle. This can mean so much more and offer them the type of 5UPPOrt that we believe is unique to our charity. And as the client often tells us we were there when he didn't even know he needed us. Total amount of annual benefits applied and in receipt of was £19,013.12. This exclude5 council tax rebate and the housing element of universal credit which we did apply for, but amount given Is unknown to us. Case study- Female 62 Summar of Presentin Issues and Client's Back round 62 year old female, married, working part-time in the retail sector. Client has worked with same employer for 28 years. Changes to working practices and an unsettled working environment leading to client wishing to consider alternative employment. They desired to know rnore about using technology and improve digital skills. They were able to commit to attending at various times during the week. Intervention and En ement Client attended a wide range of digital sessions between May and September 2023, they dropped into sessions sometime5 213 times per week depending on work commitments. Their development included general computer awareness including scams, phishin& cyber security, internet, email, photos, using QR code5, introduction to word processing and using features of a smartphone. The client was given assistance to create their CV and searching for jobs. Client was able to attend more than one session per week when not working. Outcome5 Client was recently made redundant due to closure of the retail outlet. Client was confident in job searchin8 due to the training and in applying forjobs, they were successful in being offered several interview5 and offered jobs. Within a couple of weeks of redundancy client was able to secure employment which utilises her new computer skills and is exactly what she was looking for. Client's confidence using digital equipment was much improved. 10

Who do we work alongslde? It is important to acknowledge the work that is undertaken in Darlington by a range of charities who all help to support our work with vulnerable people and provide fantsstic services themselves. First Stop works well in partnership, and has links with the following agencies: Citizens Advice TV&DYMCA Darlington Mind St Augustine's SVP Group We Are With You Age UK Tandem DBC Housing Department DWP Darlington Refuge St Marfs Food bank Additional Food Banks 700 Club Darlington Credit Union Human Kind Learning & Skills Council Kings Church Outreach in the Communit We support St Mary's Foodbank with our IAG and support service- Firth Moor Community Centre and Quakers Meeting House with IT courses during the year. We also attended The Bread & Butter 5e55ion5 to ensure their attendees know what help and sUPPOrt they can access at First Stop. We also attended numerous one off events to spread awarene55 of our sep4ices, such as Job Fairs, Volunteer Fair5 etc. Darlin on Connect We continue to be part of a new connection of charities within the town and we support the manning of the Darlington Connect Building in the Town Centre on Wednesday mornings. Plans are afoot this year to provide one or two courses from these premises too, due to their accessibility for those who have additional needs. How do we assess outcomes and Impacts? As a Board, we strive to monitor the impact our work has on the lives of our clients. Due to the comp5ex nature of the support offered to individuals with complex problems, this is never easy. Our staff use various techniques to measure how successful their outcomes have been. Outreach clinic sessions and time spent on one to one meetings can be listed but ultimately success will only be measured by the individuals, own stories: those who are able to manage their own finances, those whose self-confidence has grown so that they can look for work, those who are SUC￿SSfUl In finding and holding down a job, and those who manage to find long term security of housing. The Board continues to investigate ways of assessingthe effectiveness of our methods of delivery and co- operate with the CEO in exploring way5 of developing the service5 offered. All our grant work is collated through our Inform Database and is reported to each funder on the successes and the difficulties that people face in their lives. We are grateful to our clients for the feedback they supply to the support workers so that we can have an indicator of how the client feels about the support he or she has been offered. We also value the feedback we receive from our funders and partners, analysis of which helps us improve our offers of support, improve our bid writing skills and ensure we are giving our funders what they need to develop their interaction with the charity and the support they provide. StafFin ortandA raisal Staff are offered regular support and an open-door policy by the CEO; they have opportunities to talk about their work and progress both formally and informally and to also have input and ideas into the running of our services and how they develop. FSD is fortunate to have had minimal staffing restructures for downsizing purposes and we are blessed with a staff team who have been a crucial part of our charity for some years. We do enjoy the energy that new people bring and always welcome new team members when funding allows. 11

First Stop Thanks Trustees This year we have said a very fond farewell to Alan Coultas, who is a founding member of First Stop and remained on the Board for 25 years. Alan has dedicated much of his life to many charities Wlthin the town always leaving them in a strong, healthy positlon and all the better with his input but First Stop has held special place for him and we have flourished with his involvement. We are indeed sad to see Alan go but happy for his wife, Ann, who now gets to spend more time enjoying their retirement together. We also know that Alan is always just a phone call away and enjoys a catch up and a healthy discussion about our strategy as we move forward in our complicated and difficult economy and polltical landscape. We have also said goodbye to Maire Kennan who resigned at the end of the financial year. Maire has been a Trustee for 6 years and has helped guide the organisation towards its current position, helping navigate the charity through Covid, keeping a keen eye on our Risk Register and ensuring Governance and Safety were foremost in mind, alongside supporting fundraising events and a cold sleepout event too. Staff The Trustees of First Stop wish to pay tribute to the dedicatlon and hard work of all members of staff and volunteers who ensured those who need our servi￿$ and help were able to access support throughout the year. They work with dedication, professlonallsm, compassion and their wonderful sense of humour, putting everyone at ease as soon as they meet us, Financial Review . Going concern After making approprlate enquiries, the Trustees have a reasonable expectation that the Charity has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. Forthis reason, they continue to adopt the going concern basis in preparing the financial statements. Further detalls regarding the adoption of the going concern basis can be found In the accounting policies. b. Reserves Policy The Trustees have examined the charity's requirements for reserves considering the main risks to the organisation. It has established a policy that the Charity's unrestricted funds, not committed or invested in tangible fixed assets and that are cash-backed, should be adequate to cover foreseeable shortfalls in income for a sufficient period to enable the Trustees to take corrective action. At 31 March 2024, the Trustees have calculated the reserves level required to be £130,000 in light of the level of project expenditure planned in 2024125, ensuring we have 6 months reserves. The management committee will continue to keep this pol- icy, and the reserves level under review. At 31 March 2024 the actual level of free reserves Is £66,640 equallin8 4 months reserves. (2023: £64,897). C. Flnanclal Revlew The Statement of Financial Activities on pages 14 and the Balance Sheet on pages 15 - 16 show a healthy financial position, the main features of which are: Unrestricted reserves of £232,904 Which included the building. Restricted reserves of £nil. Approved by order of the board of trustees on 16 July 2024 and signed on its behalf by: frfJ_ William John Kilgour-Trustee 12

Ind endent Examlner's Re ort to the Trustees of First Sto Darlin ton Independent examlner'$ report to the tru$tee% of First Stop DarllnEton ('the Company,) I report to the charity trustees on my examination of th¢ accounts of tbe Company for the year ended 31 March 2024. Responsibilities and basis of report As the chaTity's trustses of the Company (and also its directors for th¢ Pu￿OseS of company law) you are responsible for thc preparation of the accounts in ac¢ordan¢e with the requiTements of thc Companics Act 2006 Cthe 2006 Ac￿. Having satisfied myself that the accounts of the Company are TLOt required to be audited under Part 16 of the 2006 Act and are eligible for independent examination, I report ill respect of rny examination of your charity's accounts as carried out under Section 145 of the Charities Act 201 I ('the 2011 Art,). tn Carrying out my examination I have followed the Directions given by the Charity Commission under Section 145(5) (b) of the 2011 Act. Independent examiner's Statement Since your charity's gross income exceeded £250,0(K> your examiner must be a member of a listed body. I Can ¢onfLrm that l am qualified to undertake ihe examination because l am a member of the Association of Chart¢red Certified A¢count2nts, which is one of the listed bodies. I have completed my examination. I confinn that no matters hav¢ come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe.. accounting record8 were not kept in respect of the Company as required by Section 386 of the 2006 Act- or the accounts do not accord with those records. or the accounts do not comply with the accounling requirements of S¢rtion 396 of the 2006 Act other than any requirement that the accounts give a true and fair view which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination. or the accounts have not been prepared in accordance with the methods and principles of the Statement of Recommended Practice for accounting and reporting by charities (applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporling Siandard applicabl¢ in the UK and R¢publir of Ir¢land {FRS 102)). I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn tn thi's report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be rea¢h¢d. L Ha￿lS Bsc (Hons), FCCA Mitchell Gordon LLP 43 Coniscliffe Road Darlington Co. Durham DL3 7EH 16 July 2024 Page 13

FIRST STOP DARLINGTON ststement of Financigl A¢tivldes (or ¢he Year Ended 31 March 2024 3113124 Total funds 3113123 Total nds Unrestricted funds Restricted fi￿d$ Notes In¢ome and endowments fro]D Donations alld legacies 8.912 5,000 13,912 3.309 Charltable actlvitles Charitable activities 218.750 218,750 184,975 Other trading activities Investment income 28,283 28,283 2,426 7.420 Total 39.621 223,750 263,371 Expenditure on Raising ftmd8 532 532 1,064 Charhtable activities General activities Charitable activities 38.273 187 38,273 223 749 34,038 183,975 223,562 Total 223.562 262 554 219.077 Net gains/{losse8) on inveslmenls NET llYCOMEI(EXPENDITURE) 628 188 816 (22,733) Reconciliation of fund$ Total funds brought forward 232277 232,277 255,010 Total funds earried fornard 232,905 188 233,093 232277 The not¢s forni part of these financial statements Page 14

FIRST STOP DARLINGTOI BAlan¢e SheÈt 31 March 2024 3113124 Total funds 3113123 Total fijnds Unrestri¢ted funds R¢5tri¢ted nds Notes Fixed assets Tangible assets Investments io 167.222 167.222 168.712 167,222 167.222 168,713 Current assets D¢btors Cash at bank and in hand 12 14.074 227,517 14,074 227517 11,114 207,807 241,591 241,591 218,921 Creditors Amounts falling du¢ within on¢ year 13 (112205) 189 (112,016} (86,572} Net ¢urrent assets 129 386 189 129 575 132,349 Total assets less current lfiabllides 296.608 189 296.797 301,062 Credltors Amounts falling due aftei more than one yeat 14 (63,704) (63,704) (68,785) NET ASSETS 232.904 189 233,093 232 277 Funds Unrestricted funds Restricted fund$ 17 232,904 189 232.277 Total fund8 233 093 232 277 The charitable company 1$ entitled to exemption from audit under Section 477 of the Companies Act 2006 for the year ended 31 March 2024. The members have not required the company to obtain an audit of its financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2024 in accordance with Section 476 of the Companies Act 2006. The trnstees acknowledge their responsibilities for (a} ensuring that the charitable company keeps accounting records that comply with Sections 386 2nd 387 of the Companies Act 2006 and preparing financial statements which give a trne and fair view of the state of affairs of the charitable company as at the end of each financial year and of its surplus or deficit for each f￿anCIal year in accordance with the requirements of Sections 394 and 395 and which otherwise comply with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 relating to financial statements, so far as applicable to the charitable company. (b) The notes forn part of these fitlancial statements Page 15 continued...

FIRST STOP DARLINGTON Balance Sheet- continlled 31 M&reh 2024 These financial statement8 have been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to charilable companies subject to the small cornpanies regime. Thc financial statem¢nls were appmved by the Board of Trustees and authorised for issue on 16 July 2024 and wer¢ signed on its behalf by.. W J Kilgour - Ttustee The notes form part of these financial statements Page 16

FIRST STOP DARLINGTON Notes to Ihe Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 March 2024 STATEMEIYT OF FUNDS Unrestrl¢ted Funds: General - The free filnds of the charity which are available for the general work of the chartty at the discretion of the TNstees. Restrieted Funds: The￿ funds Ielate to grants and donations received for specific purposes as follows: Th¢ Bailinger Charitable Trusi - 3 year funding of £20.000 from April 2022 - March 2025 filllding is for Core Servi￿5. Th¢ National Lottery Fund - Reaching Con)munities Fund - A 2_y¢ar pilot project from ApTiI 2022 _ March 2024 foT the illtroduction of a Mental He&lth Support Worker aud the delivery of a Mindset Mentor programme to Tcsearch the benefits of this approach to people who arc s￿ck and unablc to movc forward in thcir livcs. Garfield Weston- l year core funding to support the cbaTity to support those who aTr homeless. at risk of bomelessness and those wbo are marginalised in our community. (July 2022 - June 2023 £25.000). Additional funding gained - February 2024 - January 2025 for rore funding. Watson Hope Foundation This is a new foundation that kindly di)nated £20,000 per year for 3 years (2023-2026) The granl is for core funding and given due to the work and d¢di¢ation of the ¢harity in supporting people out of their worst circumstances, with opportunities, a gain of confidence and enhance $¢lf-belief. Greggs Foundation -£20,000 Nov¢mber 2023 - 2026 3 year funding towards the strategic and administrative d¢veloprnent of the organisation. Harrison Foundation - November 2023 - October 2024 to provide Digital Inclusion Courses to those who do not have IT skills and experience digital exclusion. Awards4AII £9.469 September 2023 - August 2024 provide activities to support people with their mental wellbeing alld activities towards gaining employment skills. Trusthouse c}￿ritable Foundation - £9,764 November 2023 October 2024 towards the cost of core service provision - Welfare benefits and financial wellbeing. 1989 Willan Trust - £4.613 Novemb¢r 2023 - October 2024 towards salary cost of Support Worker delivering core services. Tees Esk & Wear Valley NHS Trust - £9.646 frir lyear funditig November 2022 - October 2023 to deliver support and activities io those experiencing anxiety. str¢ss and depression ID addition to the cost of living crisis. County Durham Community Foundation - £5,000 core cost fundtng January 2023 - Decenther 2023 to support the core work of th¢ charity. The Princes Trnst - £4.500 November 2023 - October 2026 3 year fjjndmg towards Digitsl Inclusion promotional and publicity activities. County Durham Community Foundation - Povety Hurts Fund - £9.906 January 2023 - December 2023 to provide support to those strnggling in the Cost of Living Crisis, providing help and support to maximise the income of the hous¢holds of the people we are supporting. NHS - Health Irnprovement Fund - £17,119 to provide mental health wellbeing s¢rvir¢5 and acliviti¢s b¢tw¢¢n October 2022 - September 2023 to improve their overall w¢llb¢ing and improve their self-confidence and self-worth. Page 17 continued...

FIRST STOP DARLINCTON Notes to tbe FinanciJl Sl#tements- Continued for the Yegr Ended 31 March 2024 ACCOUNTlliG POLICIES Basls of preparing the financlAI $tstem¢nt$ The financial statements of the charitable ¢ompany, which is a public benefit entity under FRS 102, have been prepared in accordance with the Charities SORP (FRS 102) 'Accounting and Reporting by Clwities: Statement of Recommended Pra¢ti¢e appli¢able to ¢lwÉties preparing their accounts in accordan¢¢ with tbe Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and R¢publi¢ of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective l January 2019),. Financial Reporting Standard 102 The Finoncial Reporting Standard applicable in tbe UK and Republic of Ireland, and the Companies Act 2006. The financial statements have been prepared under the bistorical cost convention, with the exception of investments which are included at matket value. Income All income is r¢co8ni8¢d in th¢ Statement of Financial Activities once the Charity has entitlement to the fimds, it is probable that the income will be received and the amount can be measured reliably. Expendlture Liabilities are recognised as expenditure as soon as there is a legal or constructive obligation committing the charity ¢0 tknat expenditure, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefits will be required in settlement and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably. Expenditure is a¢¢ounted for on an aCen￿lS basis and has been classified under headings that aggregale all cost related to the category. Where cost5 cannot be directly attributed to particular headings they have been allocated to activities on a basis consisient with the use of re50ur¢es. Tangible fixed assets .knated useful Depreciation is provided at the followin8 annual rates in order to wrÈte off each a55Ct over its ¢-. life. Freebold property Fixtures and fittings Computer equipment not provided 330/0 on cost and 200/ib on cost 33010 on cost Tgxation The Charity is exempt from corporation tax on its charitable activities. Fund accounting Unre5tri¢ted funds can be used in accordance with the charitable obje¢tive$ at the discretion of the trustees. R¢stri¢ted fi￿dS can only be used for particular restricted putposes within the objects of th¢ charity. Restrictions arise when specified by the donor or whell funds are raised for particular reslricted putposes. Further explanation of the natt￿e and purpose of each fund is in¢luded in the notes to the financial ststements. Pension costs and other post-reilrement benefits The charitable company operates & def￿¢d contribution pension scheme. Contributions payable to the charitabl¢ ¢omparty's pension $¢h¢me are charged to the Statement of Financial Activities in the period to which they relate. Page 18 continued...

FIRST STOP DARLINGTON Note$ to th¢ FAllancial Statements - conthiued for the Year Ended 31 Mareh 2024 OTHER TRADING ACTIVITIES 3113124 3 113123 Fundraising events Management clwges income Room hire 14,613 7.440 6.230 4,480 2.940 28.283 3113124 3113123 Deposit account interest 2,426 640 NET INCom￿(EXPENDITURE} Net incoTnd(expenditure) is stated after chargingl(crediting): 3113124 3113123 D￿reCiation - owned 4ss¢ts 1,260 TRUSTEESI REMUNERATION AND BENEFITS During the year, no Trustees received any remuneration OT other benefits (2023 - £nil). Trustee5' expenses During the year, no Trustee expenses were incurred (2023 - £nil). STAFF COSTS The average monthly number of employees during the year was as follows: 3113124 3113123 Charitable services No employees received emoluments in excess of £60,000. COMPARATIVES FOR THE STATEMENT OF FtNANCIAL ACTIVITIES Unrestrlcted fund5 Restricted funds Total fi￿dS In¢ome and endoTrTrment5 from Donations and legacies 3.309 3,309 CharfitAble acdvltles Charitable activities 3,720 181,255 184,975 Other trading activities Investment income 7.420 640 7.420 640 Total 181255 196 344 Page 19 continued...

FIRST STOP DARLINGTON Notes to the Finlncfial Statements - continued for the Year Ended 31 Mareh 2024 COMPARATIVES FOR THE STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES - ¢ontinued Unr¢stri¢ted Restricted funds funds Total funds Expenditure oll Ratsing ￿ndS 1,064 1.064 Charitable activities General activities Charitable activities 34,038 34.038 183.975 181.255 Total 37.822 181,255 219 077 NET INCOMEI(EXPENDITURE) (22,733) (22,733) Recondllatlon of funds Total funds brought forward 255,010 255,010 Total funds earried fonvard 232,277 232 277 INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REMUNERATION Fees payable to the Charity's independent exarnination of the Charitys annual a¢¢ounts £1,588 (2023: £1.512). io. TA￿,GIBLE FIXED ASSETS F.ixtures Freehold propety Compuler equipment fittings Totals COST At l April 2023 Disposals 165.000 10.226 456 16,591 12 590} 191,817 l3.046) At 31 March 2024 165,000 178771 DEPRECIATIOIY At l April 2023 Charge for year Eliminated on dis￿SaI 9.478 168 13,627 1,321 12.740) 23,105 1.489 13.045) At 31 March 2024 9.341 11,549 NET BOOK VALUE At 31 March 2024 165.000 429 1.793 167.222 At 31 March 2023 165.ly)O 748 2.964 168.712 Included in cost or valuation of land and buildings is freehold land of £165,000 (2023 - £165,000) which is not depreciated. The directors believ¢ that the￿ was no material change in the property value therefore no d¢pre¢iation has been provided. This is due to th¢ maintenance and upkeep of the building. Page 20 continued...

FIRST STOP DARLIYGTON Notes to the Finaneial Statements - eontinued for the Year Ended 31 Mar¢h 2024 ii. FIXED ASSET IINVESTMELYTS There were no investtnent assets outside the UK. 12. DEBTORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHllY ONE YEAR 3113124 3113123 Trade debtors Other debtors Prepayments and accrued income Prepayments 3,804 250 815 9,205 14 1,150 9,950 14,074 11.114 13. CREDITORS; AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR 3113124 3113123 Bank loans and overdrafts (see note 15) Trade creditors Social security and other taxes Pension creditor Other CTeditOTS Dcfcrrcd income Accrued expenses 5,049 1.056 2,779 752 4,711 3.771 2,569 661 28 72.866 1.966 100.333 2,047 112016 86.572 14, CREDITORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE AFTER MORE THAN ONE YEAR 3113124 3113123 Bank loans (see note 15) 63,704 68,785 15. LOANS An analysis of the nmturity of loans is given below.. 3113124 3113123 Amounts falling due within one year on demand: Bank loans 5,049 4.711 Amouots fallittg due between two and five years: Bank loans - 1-5 years 23.487 22,266 Amounts falling due in more than five years: Repayable by instalments: Bank loans more than 5 years 40,217 46,519 Page21 Continued...

FIRST STOP DARLINGTON Notes to the Flnandal Statemellts - Continued for the Year Ended 31 March 2024 16. SECURED DEBTS The following secured debts are included within creditors.. 3113124 3 113123 Bank loans 68,753 The above debt is secuTed against the building owned by the company. 17. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS Net movement in fu￿1$ At 3113124 At 114123 Unrestrieted funds General fund 232,277 627 232,904 Restricted funds Awards for all 189 189 T(yfAL FUNDS 232 277 816 Net movement in fund& included in the above are as follows: Incoming resourc¢s Resources expended Gains and losses Movement in funds Unrestricted funds General fund 39,621 (38.993) (i) 627 Restricted funds Big Lottery Wellbeing Fund Ballillger Trust Watson Hope Fund 1989 Willen Trust Awards for all County Durham Community Fund Garfield Weston Pilotlight Fund Garfield Weston Foundation Greggs Foundation Harrison Foundation Health Itnprovment Fund The Princes Trust Tees Bsk & Wear Valley NHS Tr￿st Trusthouse Charitable Foundation 81,455 20,O¢KI 20,000 1.922 4.680 7,427 5.700 12,500 8,333 37,909 8.560 1,500 5.627 8.137 (81,455) (20,0(M)) (20,000) {1.922} (4,491) (7,427) (5,71JO) (12,51)0) (8,333) (37,909) (8.560) (1,500) (5,627) 8.137) 189 223 750 223 561 189 TOTAL FUNDS 263.371 262.554 816 Page 22 conlinued...

FIRST STOP DARLINGTON Notes to the Flnaneial Slatements - eontinued for the Ye2r Ended 31 imarch 2024 17. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS - continued Comparative5 for movement in fund$ Net mov¢ment in funds At 114122 3113123 Unrestricted funds General fimd 255,010 {22.733) 232.277 TOTAL FUNDS 255.010 22,733) 232,277 Comparative net movement in funds, included in the above are ￿ follows.. Incoming resources Resources expended Movement in funds Unrestricted funds General fijnd 15.089 (37.822} (22,733) Restrlcted funds Big Lottery Wellbeing Fund Ballinger Trust Watson Hope Fund County Durbam Community Fund Garfield Weston Pilotlight Fund Garfield Weston Foundation Harrison Foundation Health Improvment Fund Tees Esk & Wear Valley NHS Trust CDCF Col Fund 80,197 20,000 20,001 5,000 618 16,667 21,049 8,560 6,686 (80,197) (20.000) (20,001) (5,000) (618) (16,667) (21.049) (8,560) (6,686) 2,477) 181,255 181.255 TOTAL FUNDS 219,077 22 733) A cutrent year 12 months and prior year 12 months combined position is as follows: Net movement in funds At 3113124 At 114122 Unrestrlcted funds General fimd 255.010 (22,106) 232,904 Restricted lund$ Awards for all 189 189 TOTAL FUNDS 255.010 21,917) Page 23 continued...

FIRST STOP DARLtNGTON Notes to tbe Financial Statements - continued for the Year Ended 31 March 2024 17. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS - ¢ontlnu¢d A cU￿¢￿t year 12 months and prior year 12 months combined net movement in ftmds, included in the above are as follows- IncomiDg resourc¢s Resources expellded Gains and losses Movement in funds Unrestricted funds General fijnd 54,710 (76.815) (i) (22.106) Re$trieted funds Big Lottery Wellbeing Fund Ballingcr Trust Watson Hope Fund 1989 Willen Trust Award5 for ail County Durham Community Fund Garfield Weston Pilotlight Fund Garfield Weston Foundation Greggs Foundation Hauison Foundation Health ImpTovment Fund The Princes Trust Tees Esk & Wear Valley NHS Trust Trusthouse Charitable Foundation CDCF Col Fund 161.652 {161,652) (40,000) (40.001) (1,922) {4.491) (l2,427) (6.318) (29,167) (8,333) (58,958) (l7,120) (1,500} (12,313) (8,137) 2,477 40.001 1,922 4,680 12,427 6,318 29.167 8.333 58.958 17.120 1.500 12,313 8.137 189 404 816 189 TOTAL FUNDS 459,715 481,631 21,917) 18. RELATED PARTY DISCLOSURES Owing to the nature of the Charity's operations and the cowosition of the Board of Trust¢es being drawn from lo¢al public and privat¢ sector organisations, transactions may take place with OTganisations in which the Charity has an interest. All transactions involving such organisations are conducted at &rn]'s length. Page 24

FIRST STOP DARLINGTON D¢talled Statement of Flnanclal Activitie$ for the Year Ended 31 Mar¢h 2024 3113124 3113123 In¢ome and endowments Don2tlons and legacies Donalions Gift aid 10,143 3.309 13,912 3,309 Other trAdlng aetfivltles Fundrdi5ing events Management charges income Rootn bire 14,613 7,440 4,480 28,283 7,420 Investment ineome Deposit account interest 2.426 640 Charitable activities Grants 218.750 184.975 Total In¢omlllg re$our¢es 263,371 196,344 Expendlture Raising donation$ and legacies Fundraisillg expenses 532 1,064 Charltable actlvldes Wages Social security Pensions h]surance Light and heat Advertising Other fees IT costs Govcrnancc costs Premises costs Cli¢nt Welfare Administrdtion costs Other staff costs Training costs Fixtures and fittings Computer equipment Mongage 172,413 8,484 3,520 2,200 3,867 123 8,635 6,256 266 7,579 35,052 6.139 1.370 134,904 6,133 2,800 1,525 2,004 565 4,508 6.847 210 3,588 35,320 8.573 1,245 3,6(M) 242 1,019 4.930 168 1.321 4,629 262 022 218 013 Total resources expended 262.554 219077 Net ID¢omel(expendlture) before galns and 817 (22,733) This page does not fomi part of the statutory fllthncial statements Page 25

FIRST STOP DARLINGTO Detailed Statement of Fin8n¢lal Aetivities for the Year Ended 31 March 2024 3113124 3113123 Realised reeognlsed galns and losse8 Reali5ed gainsl(losses) on fixed asset investments i) Net IDcomel(expenditsre) 816 22 733) This page does not fonn part of the statutory financial statemellts Page 26