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2023-12-31-accounts

Charity registration number: 1075068

SOUTHPORT AND AREA SCHOOLS WORKER TRUST

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

https://saswtrust.com/

SOUTHPORT AND AREA SCHOOLS WORKER TRUST

INDEX TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

Page
Legal and administrative information 1
Trustees' annual report 2 - 9
Independent examiner's report 10
Receipts and payments account 11
Statement of assets and liabilities 12
Notes to the financial statements 13 - 15

SOUTHPORT AND AREA SCHOOLS WORKER TRUST

LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

Trustees: Rev Daniel Parkes - Chair
John Cooper
John Forshaw
Stephen Griffiths
Elizabeth Lacey
Sonya Marshall - resigned June 2023
Nicola Millington
Anne Pickup
Shirley Potts
Tina Powsey
Treasurer: John Cooper
Charity Address: Scarisbrick New Road Baptist Church
Scarisbrick New Road
Southport
PR8 6PU
Independent Examiners: Lifestyles Accountancy Limited
39 Kirklees Road
Southport
PR8 4RB
Bankers: HSBC Plc
331 Lord Street
Southport
PR8 1NJ

Page 1 of 15

SOUTHPORT AND AREA SCHOOLS WORKER TRUST

TRUSTEES' ANNUAL REPORT

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

The trustees submit their annual report and financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2023. These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the receipts and payments basis.

STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT

Governing document

The charity is a Charitable Trust which was registered on 18 January 1999. It is governed by its Declaration of Trust dated 18 January 1999 as amended on 7 July 2008.

Recruitment and appointment of the trustees

The board seeks to achieve a balance of skills and experience amongst the trustees. In order to maintain this, the board reviews its skill and experience mix each year and seeks to recruit new trustees when necessary, subject to the conditions set out in its Declaration of Trust.

Appointment is made by a resolution of the trustees taken at a meeting where a majority of trustees are present and the resolution is recorded in the minutes and signed by the new trustee and chairman. New trustees are required to agree to the Trust Statement of Faith, Declaration of Trustworthiness and policy and procedures reflecting the ethos of the trust.

Trustee induction and training

The current board of trustees will provide any new trustee with an overview of the timetable of board meetings, copies of the recent minutes of meetings, the recent reports and accounts and explain their general and specific responsibilities. The trustees formally met 6 times throughout 2023.

Ongoing training is provided by the board of trustees as and when the need arises.

Risk management - Safeguarding

The trustees take safeguarding very seriously. They regularly review their safeguarding policy and have updated it to take into account all the appropriate protocols relating to working online. There were 10 minor safeguarding concerns in 2023 which were all dealt with appropriately. Anne Pickup is our lead trustee for safeguarding. She has attended the required safeguarding training so that she can train other trustees as and when that is required. All trustees, workers and volunteers hold appropriate DBS certificates.

OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES

Objects of the charity

The trustees have referred to the guidance contained in the Charity Commission's general guidance on public benefit when reviewing the charity's aims and objectives and in planning future activities.

The purpose of the charity is to advance the christian faith in accordance with statement of beliefs, which are available on request, particularly amongst children and young people in the schools, colleges and other educational establishments in Southport, Formby and the surrounding areas and elsewhere as the trustees may from time to time think fit and to advance education in accordance with christian principles in the said locality and elsewhere as the trustees may from time to time think fit.

Page 2 of 15

SOUTHPORT AND AREA SCHOOLS WORKER TRUST

TRUSTEES' ANNUAL REPORT (continued)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE

Review and summary of the year

In relation to its charitable objectives, the charity has:

2023 was a busy year for the Schools Worker Trust. We were inundated with requests for our workers to go into the schools. However, if we are to take advantage of all the requests the trust will need more resources both in terms of manpower and finances. The trustees have been looking at how to raise more finance and at ways in which they can partner with local churches so that we have more staff time.

We are very grateful for an increase in the number of volunteers who joined in the work of the trust during the year which meant that the Mission Impossible Presentation and the Safe Space ministry in High Schools was properly resourced.

We have had help from Sefton Council for Voluntary Service on how to apply for grants more effectively. We continue to look for potential grant funders who we can apply to. We are very grateful to all our individual supporters who give so faithfully and to the local Churches who support our work financially. We are particularly grateful to one local supporter who undertook a sponsored bike ride in France and raised nearly £10,000 for the work of the Trust. During the year David put together a booklet which was distributed to supporters, churches and others interested in the work describing what we do and how much the various projects cost.

We have found that one of the most effective ways of engaging with young people in our secondary schools is through the lunchtime Safe Space Project. We are now operating Safe Space sessions in all five of our local High Schools. and these sessions continued to thrive in 2023. They give the young people an opportunity to discuss matters of faith and the big issues of life and to tell us how they are feeling. We then have an opportunity to support them and offer them hope. These sessions are very much appreciated by the pupils and by staff. They add to the pastoral care being offered by the schools. We are now partnering with Meols Cop in an after school Safe Space well- being session.

Page 3 of 15

SOUTHPORT AND AREA SCHOOLS WORKER TRUST

TRUSTEES' ANNUAL REPORT (continued)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE (continued)

Review and summary of the year (continued)

Scripture Union have produced some Rooted Questions which are used to start discussions. An example of the questions which are used are: - How would you describe good mental health? What does it mean to belong? This tackles the problem of loneliness. How would you describe resilience? What do you love about where you live? What to do when things get tough? If you could, would you go back in time? If so, why? It was surprising that young people said they would go back and change mistakes or choices they had made. The workers had the opportunity to discuss forgiveness and especially what it means in the Christian faith. The young people are very open and willing to discuss these issues.

The pupils who meet our workers in these Safe Space Sessions are forming good relationships with our workers and volunteers, and so, if they are then invited to go to church youth events in the town, they are more likely to go. The Nerf Challenge at Christ Church was an example of this. Lakeside youth club has grown because the young people have been invited at school. Churches find it hard to get young people to go to activities in church and the link with Safe Space is absolutely vital if our churches are going to grow their youth work.

Stanley High School invited David to their open evening in September. It was a testament to how they value the work we do through the Safe Space Project at lunchtime which only started in January 2023. David set up a mini version of Space Safe and spoke to 120 plus children and their families about the work we do in the school.

We continued to help run” Impact” which is a weekly youth-based activity under the umbrella of the Churches Together in Ainsdale. Scripture Union gave us a grant of £5,000 to help us develop this work further. They are hoping that we will develop greater links with the churches in Ainsdale, which might eventually lead to developing a worshipping group of young people in Ainsdale, with extra youth work staff giving young people the opportunity to respond to and grow in their faith. The Ainsdale Village URC Church is particularly supportive and there may be funding available from the United Reformed Church.

We were able to put on a mini version of Impact at the Ainsdale Show in July. It was good connecting with children some of whom we had met in schools and chatting with their parents who were very appreciative of the work we do in supporting their children.

We were invited to take assemblies in Greenbank this year.

There are so many more different opportunities for the trust to get involved in work in primary schools.

Page 4 of 15

SOUTHPORT AND AREA SCHOOLS WORKER TRUST

TRUSTEES' ANNUAL REPORT (continued)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE (continued)

Review and summary of the year (continued)

During the year we have been invited to take Assemblies on several topics. Sweaty Church has continued at St Philips and in May we partnered with the Community Church, and were joined by some Brazilian students working with ‘Youth with A Misson’ who were on placement with the Community Church. We have run Awesome Clubs in some primary schools which are based upon the Fruit of the Spirit – love, joy, peace, kindness, patience etc. We were able to lead some prayer workshops and it was encouraging to see the children themselves taking a leading role in these workshops and praying for their friends. Hettie continued to teach RSE (Relationship and Sex Education) lessons in some primary schools.

As part of Hettie’s part time teaching training course, she spent 8 weeks doing her teaching training placement at St Philips School. She really benefitted from this and was able to continue some of the work that she does as part of her Trust work.

David delivered the Christians Against Poverty money course in several schools helping the children to understand how to use money wisely. This included looking at budgeting, saving, giving, and learning about the work of Christian charities in debt relief.

In 2022 David undertook some refresher training on the ‘Walk thru the Bible’ project which helped him to continue to deliver interactive energetic primary school RE lessons on the Old Testament, which makes the Bible come to life for the children. He was able to take this into two primary schools this year. The children really engaged with these lessons and enjoyed them.

The National Anti-bullying week in November is always a popular week for schools booking us in for our annual Antibullying sessions. This year’s theme was Make A Noise about Bullying. Using the Bible story of Esther, the children were encouraged to stand up for the oppressed and go to the people who can put a stop to oppression and make a noise so that they can see what is going on and sort it out for good. 1230 primary school children were inspired to make a difference from the playground to the wider world.

This past year we have been invited into two primary schools who we have had little contact with over the past 10 years which is a great encouragement.

Our three main presentations, Mission Impossible, ‘Moving On’ and the Christmas Production were as popular as ever.

Mission Impossible, which is the Easter presentation where pupils become secret agents and discover the facts of the Easter story, and are given the opportunity to decide for themselves whether the evidence proves the death and resurrection of Jesus, is one of the highlights of the year. It was decided to put on a public performance on a Saturday morning while it was set up in Scarisbrick New Road Church. We were disappointed in the number of people who came but those who did enjoyed it and we were very encouraged when two children who were from different schools made friends and found that they were going to the same secondary school in September.

Page 5 of 15

SOUTHPORT AND AREA SCHOOLS WORKER TRUST

TRUSTEES' ANNUAL REPORT (continued)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE (continued)

Review and summary of the year (continued)

Our ‘Moving On’ presentation was very popular. We use material produced by ourselves and Scripture Union which give lots of tips and advice for pupils who make the move from year 6 into year 7. This year we asked some year 7’s what advice they would give to year 6’s who would be moving up into year 7 in September. There were some very helpful comments. It was very encouraging to see many of the year 6’s that we had contact with, coming to the Safe Space in secondary schools when they started year 7 in September.

Our Christmas Presentation this year was entitled ‘To Nativity and Beyond’ and was based upon the Toy Story films. It showed how the Christmas message can bring love and life to our friends, families, and community. It was well received and was said to be the best Christmas presentation yet. We performed 15 showings of the production to over 3200 children. It is now on our YouTube channel. We ran out of spaces and so some children watched previous years shows on line.

One of the highlights of previous years was the Sonfest Southport Music Festival held in July in the town centre. However, this was cancelled in 2023 and so David and Hettie came up with an alternative event. It was agreed to have a Vision of Hope Conference on 15th July and combine it with the annual celebration service. There was a celebration of the work which the Trust had been doing during the past academic year in the morning, and some children from St Philips School led the worship. A new promotional video about our work was shown. Then in the afternoon there were keynote speakers from Hope Together and Scripture Union with some discussion and the day finished with a time of worship. Numbers of supporters attending the Celebration in the morning was as expected, but fell off in the afternoon. This was discouraging to the team and some fear this was indicative of a lack of desire for such conference-style events, or indeed ‘future-thinking’ amongst local churches, leaving question marks over what to do in future years.

Other organisations

It is always helpful for our workers to meet and network with other youth workers and for the trust to partner with other organisations. David and Hettie had a great time at the Scripture Union Retreat in May. It was good catching up with others who work with children and young people and hearing what was happening around the country and share ideas with each other.

We continued partnering with Compassion Acts. During the October half term David took part in a Family Space Xtra Day run by Compassion Acts. He was able to pilot a resource that he had been developing called ‘Valu£ You’. It was great to use interactive experiences to learn about money, whilst sharing a deeper message of how amazingly loved and valuable each child is. The resources will become available for secondary school teachers to download and run as a lesson with accompanying exercise booklets.

Page 6 of 15

SOUTHPORT AND AREA SCHOOLS WORKER TRUST

TRUSTEES' ANNUAL REPORT (continued)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE (continued)

Connecting with our supporters and the local Church

A retreat was held at St John Stone in Ainsdale for students from Christ the King High School. The 18 students who attended were encouraged to look at their own journey of faith. This was a very special time and it is hoped that it can be repeated next year.

During 2022 the trustees had started discussions with Canning Road Evangelical Church, one of the local churches who have been long standing supporters of the work of the trust, to see how sharing a worker might work in practice. In August 2023 Canning Road Evangelical Church employed a Youth Pastor and offered 50% of his time to the work of the trust. This was a tremendous encouragement to the Trustees and we were delighted to welcome Simon to the team in September.

It was very encouraging to have the youth worker from Christ Church join us in schools in the autumn following some time out due to illness and to welcome some interns from the Community Church.

FINANCIAL REVIEW

Principal funding sources

The principal sources of funding for the charity continue to be donations received from individuals and churches in the local area.

Reserves policy

The trustees are of the opinion that ideally, in order to be able to offer a commitment of continuity of employment to our employees, and because a large proportion of our future income is uncertain, we should aim to have in reserve at the year end an amount equal to the following year's estimated expenditure which is calculated to be around £55,000.

In the year to 31 December 2023 the amount available in free, unrestricted reserves was £60,604 (2022 - £42,311). We give thanks that we were in this position at the end of 2023 and were able to meet our reserves policy. As we move forward the trustees will contiunue to monitor the trusts financial position and look to raise further income so that the work can grow.

Financial review of the year

The treasurer monitors the trust finances throughout the year and provides the trustees with up to date information at each trustees meeting. Annual income in 2023 was £73,481 (2022 - £40,614) and expenditure was £55,188 (2022 - £56,761). This resulted in an overall surplus of £18,293 (2022 - £16,147 deficit). this surplus will be used to finance the youth work in future years.

Page 7 of 15

SOUTHPORT AND AREA SCHOOLS WORKER TRUST

TRUSTEES' ANNUAL REPORT (continued)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

FINANCIAL REVIEW (continued)

Financial review of the year (continued)

There has been a significant improvement in our finances during 2023 and the previous years deficit of £16,147 has been more than reversed by the surplus of £18,293. It is very obvious that the profile of the trust has been progressively raised among the people of Southport. Not only have we more supporters than ever before but those supporters have become more generous. This year we have been blessed by some very generous individual donations and also by one supporter who completed a sponsored bike ride and raised nearly £10,000 for the work of the trust. Income from churches was boosted by a gift of £7,500 and we received a gift of £5,000 from Scripture Union towards the work in Ainsdale.

PLANS FOR FUTURE PERIODS

General plans

The trustees and schools workers are committed to developing the work of the trust and to take advantage of new opportunities as they arise whilst continuing with the work which is so appreciated by local schools, children, young people, parents, and churches.

During the year the trustees have been sharing ideas about how the work might grow in the future. However, in order to grow the work, we need more resources both financial and workers. The trustees are committed to looking at this.

It is hoped that more can be done to get other churches to follow the model that we have in place with Canning Road Evangelical Church where churches are prepared to work in partnership with us.

In January 2024 we launched a new primary assembly series called ‘Can you stick it?’ The aim is to help the children to understand that people sticking with each other makes the tough times more manageable and the good times more enjoyable. David will use the example of his own faith of how God sticks with him.

It is amazing to have so many supporters who stick with us and are committed to impacting the children and young people for the better. We want to say thank you to them. Without the support of volunteers, local churches, and individuals we would not be able to do the work.

Page 8 of 15

SOUTHPORT AND AREA SCHOOLS WORKER TRUST

TRUSTEES' ANNUAL REPORT (continued)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

STATEMENT OF TRUSTEES' RESPONSIBILITIES

Law applicable to charities in England and Wales requires the trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the charity's financial activities during the period and of its financial position at the end of the period. In preparing financial statements giving a true and fair view, the trustees should follow best practice and:

The trustees are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charity and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Charities Act 2011. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charity and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.

This report was approved by the trustees on 5 February 2024 and signed on its behalf by:

………………………………

Rev Daniel Parkes - Chair

Page 9 of 15

SOUTHPORT AND AREA SCHOOLS WORKER TRUST

INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF SOUTHPORT AND AREA SCHOOLS WORKER TRUST

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

We report on the financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31 December 2023, which are set out on pages 11 to 15.

Respective responsibilities of trustees and examiner

The trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. The trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year under section 144 of the Charities Act 2011 (the Charities Act) and that an independent examination is needed.

It is our responsibility to:

Basis of independent examiner's statement

Our examination was carried out in accordance with general directions given by the Charity Commission. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts, and seeking explanations from the trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit, and consequently no opinion is given as to whether the accounts present a ‘true and fair’ view and the report is limited to those matters set out in the statement below.

Independent examiner's statement

In connection with our examination, no matter has come to our attention:

have not been met; or

Daniel Styles (Independent examiner)

Dated: 26 September 2024

for and on behalf of Lifestyles Accountancy Limited

Page 10 of 15

SOUTHPORT AND AREA SCHOOLS WORKER TRUST

RECEIPTS AND PAYMENTS ACCOUNT

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

Unrestricted
Restricted
Total
cash funds cash funds cash funds
2023
2023
2023
Notes
£
£
£
RECEIPTS
Voluntary receipts:
Donations and gifts
2
72,613
-
72,613
Investment receipts:
3
868
-
868
TOTAL RECEIPTS
73,481
-
73,481
PAYMENTS
Charitable activities
4
55,188
-
55,188
TOTAL PAYMENTS
55,188
-
55,188
18,293
-
18,293
Cash funds at 1 January 2023
42,311
-
42,311
Cash funds at 31 December 2023
60,604
-
60,604
NET OF (PAYMENTS) / RECEIPTS		 Total
cash funds
2022
£
39,764
850
40,614
56,761
56,761
(16,147)
58,458
42,311

The notes on pages 13 - 15 form part of these financial statements.

Page 11 of 15

SOUTHPORT AND AREA SCHOOLS WORKER TRUST

STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES

AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2023

Unrestricted Restricted Total Total
funds funds funds funds
2023 2023 2023 2022
Notes £ £ £ £
CASH FUNDS
Cash at bank 6 60,604 - 60,604
20,612
OTHER MONETARY ASSETS 60,604 - 60,604
20,612
Gift aid tax reclaim 5,071 - 5,071
3,635
INVESTMENT ASSETS 5,071 - 5,071
3,635
Investment with Green Pastures - - -
21,699
LIABILITIES - - -
21,699
Accrued costs - - -
-
- - -
-

Approved and signed on behalf of the PCC on 5 February 2024 by:

……………………………… Rev Daniel Parkes - Chair

The notes on pages 13 - 15 form part of these financial statements.

Page 12 of 15

SOUTHPORT AND AREA SCHOOLS WORKER TRUST

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

1 ACCOUNTING POLICIES

a Basis of preparation

These financial statements have been prepared under the receipts and payments basis.

The financial statements are prepared in sterling, which is the functional currency of the charity. Monetary amounts in these financial statements are rounded to the nearest whole £.

b Going concern

At the time of approving the financial statements, the trustees have a reasonable expectation that the charity has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. Thus the trustees continue to adopt the going concern basis of accounting in preparing the financial statements.

c Fund accounting

Unrestricted funds are funds which are available for use at the discretion of the trustees in furtherance of the general objectives of the charity and which have not been designated for other purposes.

Designated funds are unrestricted funds which are available for use at the discretion of the trustees in furtherance of the general objectives of the charity and which have been designated for specific purposes.

Restricted funds are funds which are to be used in accordance with specific restrictions imposed by donors or which have been raised by the charity for particular purposes. The cost of raising and administering such funds are charged against the specific fund. The aim and use of each restricted fund is set out in the notes to the financial statements where relevant.

d Receipts

All receipts are included in the statement of receipts and payments when the charity receives the money rather than when it is legally entitled to the income. No amounts are included in the financial statements for services donated by volunteers.

e Payments

All expenditure is accounted for when costs are paid by the charity and has been classified under headings that aggregate all costs related to the category. Where costs cannot be directly attributed to particular headings they have been allocated to activities on a basis consistent with the use of the resources.

Page 13 of 15

SOUTHPORT AND AREA SCHOOLS WORKER TRUST

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

2 VOLUNTARY RECEIPTS

Donations and gifts:
Donations from churches
Donations from individuals
Donations from organisations
Gift aid tax reclaimed
Online giving
Grants received
Other donations received
Miscellaneous income		 Unrestricted
Restricted
Total
cash funds cash funds cash funds
2023
2023
2023
£
£
£
18,120
-
18,120
33,060
-
33,060
5,000
-
5,000
4,574
-
4,574
6,659
-
6,659
5,000
-
5,000
200
-
200
-
-
-
72,613
-
72,613		 Total
cash funds
2022
£
11,954
21,338
-
4,536
-
1,333
597
6
39,764

3 INVESTMENT RECEIPTS

Investment interest received Unrestricted Restricted
Total
cash funds cash funds cash funds
2023
2023
2023
£
£
£
868
-
868
868
-
868		 Total
cash funds
2022
£
850
850

4 COSTS OF CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES

Salary costs
Office rent
Staff expenses
Miscellaneous
Insurance
Bank charges		 Unrestricted
Restricted
Total
cash funds cash funds cash funds
2023
2023
2023
£
£
£
49,297
-
49,297
-
-
-
4,797
-
4,797
349
-
349
635
-
635
110
-
110
55,188
-
55,188		 Total
cash funds
2022
£
51,449
1,000
1,156
3,156
-
-
56,761

Page 14 of 15

SOUTHPORT AND AREA SCHOOLS WORKER TRUST

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

5 EMPLOYEES

The average monthly number of employees during the year was:

Total staff costs recognised in the year:
Wages and salaries
Social security costs
Pension costs		 2023
Number
2
2023
£
47,862
-
1,435
49,297		 2022
Number
2
2022
£
50,000
-
1,449
51,449

No employees whose total employee benefits (excluding employer pension and national insurance costs) for the reporting period amounted to over £60,000 (2022 - none).

6 FUNDS

Unrestricted funds:
General funds		 Balance at
Incoming
Resources
1 Jan 23
Resources
Expended
£
£
£
42,311
73,481
(55,188)
42,311
73,481
(55,188)		 Balance at
31 Dec 23
£
60,604
60,604

7 RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

There were no known disclosable related party transactions during the year. In 2022 rent of £1,000 was paid to Scarisbrick New Road Baptist Church for use of their property as an office of operations. Rev Daniel Parkes is a PCC member and the incumbent at that church.

Page 15 of 15