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: 01325 254463
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