# **ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED**
# **30 JUNE 2024**
## **BENCH OUTREACH**
**(A company limited by guarantee)**
**CHARITY REGISTRATION No: 1077933 COMPANY REGISTRATION No: 3751509**
## **BENCH OUTREACH (A company limited by guarantee)**
## **CONTENTS**
|Page 3|Legal and Administrative Information|
|---|---|
|Pages 4 to 9|Report of the Trustees|
|Page 10|Statement of Financial Activities|
|Page 11|Balance Sheet|
|Pages 12to 19|Notes to the Financial Statements|
|Page 20|Independent Examiner's Report|
## **BENCH OUTREACH**
## **(A company limited by guarantee)**
## **LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION**
## **CHARITY NUMBER**
**CHARITY NUMBER** 1077933 **COMPANY REGISTRATION NUMBER** 3751509 **DATE OF INCORPORATION** 13 April 1999 **START OF FINANCIAL YEAR** 1 July 2023 **END OF FINANCIAL YEAR** 30 June 2024 **DIRECTORS AT 30 JUNE 2024** Paul Chapman (Chair) Errol Chambers Sabrina Pathan (Resigned November 2024) Philippe Granger
## **CHIEF EXECUTIVE**
Belinda Wallace
## **GOVERNING DOCUMENTS**
Memorandum & Articles of Association, incorporated 13 April 1999 Articles of Association updated 16 November 2015
## **OBJECTS**
- **A)** Advance the Christian faith in the United Kingdom and elsewhere in the world as the Directors of the charity (herein called the Trustees) may from time to time think fit,
- **B)** To relieve persons who are in conditions of need or hardship or who are aged or sick or who are homeless and to relieve the distress caused thereby in the United Kingdom and elsewhere in the world as the Trustees may from time to time think fit,
- **C)** To advance education in accordance with Christian principles by such means as the Trustees may consider appropriate including by means of establishing and operating any educational establishment establishments in or the United Kingdom and elsewhere in the world as the Trustees may from time to time think fit,
- **D)** To promote the rehabilitation of persons affected by drugs, alcohol and other substance addiction and abuse in the United Kingdom and elsewhere in the world as the Trustees may from time to time think fit,
- **E)** To relieve persons who are experiencing mental or emotional suffering in the United Kingdom and elsewhere in the world as the Trustees may from time to time think fit,
- **F)** To advance the provision of training and the development of skills for employment for those in financial and economic need in the United Kingdom and elsewhere in the world as the Trustees may from time to time think fit,
- **G)** To promote and fulfil such other charitable purposes beneficial to the community in the United Kingdom and elsewhere in the world as the Trustees may from time to time think fit.
## **REGISTERED ADDRESS**
## **BANKERS**
14 New King Street Deptford **INDEPENDENT** London SE8 3HS **EXAMINER**
HSBC Bank Plc 85 Lewisham High Street London SE13 6BE
Dominique Wells FCA 10 Lakeswood Road Petts Wood Kent BR5 1BJ
Page 3
## **BENCH OUTREACH**
## **(A company limited by guarantee)**
## **REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2024**
The trustees, who are also the directors of the charity for the purposes of Company Law, present their report together with the financial statements for the year ended 30 June 2024.
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out in pages 11 and 12 and with applicable UK accounting standards, the Charities Act 2011, the Accounting and Reporting By Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice (SORP) applicable to charities preparing accounts under the Financial Reporting Standard applicable Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2015) and the Charity’s governing.
## **Structure, Governance, and Management**
**Bench Outreach** is a registered charity (No. 1077933) and a company limited by guarantee (No. 3751509). Our operations are governed by the Memorandum and Articles of Association, and later amended by a special resolution on 16 November 2015.
The Board of Trustees meets 4 to 6 times per year and is responsible for ensuring good governance, strategic oversight, and annual budget approval. The CEO and Finance Manager attend all Board meetings to provide operational and financial updates.
## Trustee Recruitment & Induction:
New trustees are appointed by the existing trustees, with careful consideration given to ensuring a diverse range of skills, experience, and perspectives.
## Prospective trustees:
- Attend a Board meeting before being formally appointed.
- Receive an induction led by the CEO, which includes:
- A copy of the Articles of Association
- The latest financial accounts
- Minutes from recent Board meetings
This process ensures that trustees are well-equipped to contribute effectively to the governance and strategic direction of Bench Outreach.
## **Vision and Mission**
At Bench Outreach, we envision a society where homelessness, hunger, inequality, and exclusion are rare exceptions rather than inevitable realities. Our mission is to create a world where every individual— regardless of their background, identity, or circumstances—has the resources and support necessary to live with dignity, stability, and purpose.
Intersectionality is at the core of our approach. We recognize that challenges such as homelessness and poverty are not isolated issues but are often compounded by overlapping factors—such as race, gender, disability, mental health, and economic inequality. Effective solutions must address these complexities head-on, providing tailored support that acknowledges and responds to these intersecting realities.
Page 4
## **BENCH OUTREACH**
## **(A company limited by guarantee)**
Our commitment to intersectionality drives us to:
- Understand and challenge systemic inequality at every level.
- Design programs that are equity-driven and inclusive of diverse experiences.
- Empower individuals facing multiple layers of marginalization to access services and advocate for change.
- Collaborate with partner organizations that share a passion for equity and justice.
## Our guiding principles:
- Compassion: Recognizing the humanity and dignity of everyone we support.
- Empowerment: Providing tools and resources to foster independence and resilience.
- Systemic Change: Advocating for policies and practices that create a fairer society.
Bench Outreach is dedicated to amplifying the voices of those impacted by systemic injustice, ensuring that their lived experiences inform policy, community support frameworks, and advocacy efforts. By prioritizing intersectionality in all that we do, we aim to build a future where equity and opportunity are not aspirations—they are realities.
## **Highlights of the Year: Transformative Services and Activities**
Bench Outreach has been a beacon of hope for over 1,000 individuals this year, delivering vital services that empower those facing homelessness and financial insecurity. With a focus on an integrated approach to addressing inequality, our key achievements include:
## **Access to Housing and Benefits Service**
- Supported over 1,000 clients across four locations in Lewisham and Greenwich.
- Secured permanent accommodation and maintained high success rates at PIP tribunals.
- Assisted clients in maximizing their income in response to the cost-of-living crisis.
## **Bench Housing First Project**
- Supported over 30 clients into permanent tenancies with a 15% increase in successful placements.
- Sustained high tenancy retention rates, breaking cycles of homelessness.
- Continued recognition of the Housing First model, recommissioned by Lewisham Council March 2025.
## **Support for Young Families**
- Through Clyde School, aided 10 underprivileged children and their families with school uniform access.
## **Community Impact**
- Delivered immediate assistance and empowered individuals to reclaim their independence and dignity.
## **Partnerships and Collaborations**
Bench Outreach’s strategic partnerships have been pivotal in amplifying impact and fostering systemic change. Collaborations this year included:
- Local Authority Collaboration: Strengthened initiatives like the Rough Sleepers’ Task Group.
- Faith and Community Partnerships: Active support from Bear Church and Kings Church in Catford. - Third-Sector Networks: Partnered with organizations like St Mungo’s and the Jericho Road Project. - Expanded Partnership with the 999 Club: Launched integrated services to address housing insecurity. - Single Homeless Accommodation Program (SHAP): Supporting 10 clients with high-complex needs, addressing gaps in homelessness pathways.
Page 5
## **BENCH OUTREACH**
## **(A company limited by guarantee)**
## **Recent Staff Changes and Adaptations**
The sudden loss of our former CEO marked a significant challenge. However, proactive measures ensured service continuity and organizational resilience:
- Redefined roles and implemented a strong succession plan.
- Prioritized employee well-being through reflective practices and enhanced training programs.
- Expanded services, leveraging growth opportunities during a transformative year.
## **The Access Project**
Bench Outreach’s Access Team provides tailored advocacy and support:
- Delivered 1,250 one-to-one advocacy sessions.
- Prevented 72 evictions and secured £220,000 in welfare benefits for clients.
- Assisted 156 individuals in obtaining emergency housing.
- Represented 35 clients at tribunals, achieving favorable outcomes.
## **Housing First Project**
Since 2014, Bench Outreach has championed Housing First:
- Housed 32 individuals with complex needs.
- Maintained an 83% tenancy sustainment rate.
- Conducted 620 intensive support sessions.
- Supported 10 individuals into employment or training.
## **Public Benefit**
Bench Outreach benefits the public through impactful initiatives:
- Supported over 1,800 individuals with advocacy services.
- Helped 450 people access emergency essentials.
- Delivered 25 workshops on financial literacy and tenancy rights.
- Strengthened homelessness prevention strategies through partnerships with 12 organizations.
## **Financial and Strategic Overview**
Economic instability, government funding cuts, the need to adapt to new technology, and the ongoing cost-of-living crisis have posed challenges for Bench Outreach’s fundraising efforts, as is the case across the charity sector. However, with continued determination, we have maintained our commitment to service expansion and delivery, achieving growth in staff capacity and outreach through targeted developmental training.
For the financial year ending 30 June 2024, Bench Outreach saw an income increase of 5.6% to £554,302 (2023: £524,898), while expenditure decreased by 16.9% to £587,531 (2023: £707,311). Although there is an overall deficit of £33,229, this is significantly smaller than the previous year (2023: £182,413), reaffirming the charity’s prudent financial management. Unrestricted reserves stood at £182,569, reflecting a 4.5% increase compared to the previous year’s reserves of £174,783. This level of reserves equates to 4.64 months of operating costs, providing a secure financial cushion to manage unforeseen circumstances and invest in future initiatives.
Key Achievements and Developments
- Successfully extended Housing First funding through the Henry Smith Charity (£90,000).
- Received funding from the Benefactor Trust to support ongoing initiatives
- The National Lottery grant remains a key funding stream, with ongoing monitoring and reporting requirements.
- Prioritized training and development for staff.
Page 6
## **BENCH OUTREACH**
## **(A company limited by guarantee)**
Bench Outreach continues to build on the success of its Women’s Housing First service, with plans to strengthen and establish Women’s Health and Specialist Services. The organisation is actively seeking funding to pioneer an initiative supporting women affected by homelessness, menopause, and mental health challenges.
Additionally, Bench Outreach has partnered with Lewisham Council on the Housing First Partnership Initiative, identifying and housing 10 of the most entrenched rough sleepers in the borough.
Looking ahead, Bench Outreach remains committed to strengthening its financial position by exploring new funding opportunities and enhancing cost-effectiveness. The trustees remain confident in the charity’s ability to fulfil its mission while maintaining sound stewardship.
## **Risk Assessment and Reserves Policy**
Trustees identified funding shortfalls as the primary risk and mitigated challenges through:
- Maintaining unrestricted reserves.
- Employing dedicated fundraisers.
- Engaging funders and implementing contingency plans for adaptation.
The trustees conduct an annual review of its controls and review the major risks that the charity faces on a regular basis. As with many small charities in the current climate, we believe that the major risk is if insufficient funds are raised to meet our planned expenditure. The trustees have looked at new/other funding sources to meet the projects’ needs amidst the challenges and thus sustain a continuous funding process of the projects.
The charity’s biggest assets are its strong reputation, agility, and responsiveness, with the ability to be innovative and collaborate with others - this positions the charity well to adapt its strategy to attract new funding that will resonates with funders who are fuller aware of the kind of emerging needs that this charity has the reputation to address with great success.
The level of reserves we wish to retain are appropriate to the charity's needs, based on the charity's size and the level of financial commitment. We consider this to be unrestricted funds equivalent to a minimum of three months' total expenditure and a maximum of twelve months' total expenditure. This should enable the trustees to ensure that the charity will be able to continue to fulfill its charitable objectives even if there is a temporary shortfall in income or additional unexpected expenditure. The trustees will endeavour not to set aside funds unnecessarily.
## **Future Plans and Commitments**
Looking ahead, Bench Outreach remains committed to deepening our impact and strengthening the support we offer to some of the most marginalised members of our community. Our strategic priorities over the coming year and beyond include the following key areas:
## **Expanding the Housing First Partnership Initiative.**
We aim to broaden the reach and capacity of our Housing First model, working in close collaboration with local authorities and sector partners to ensure that individuals facing chronic homelessness are provided with stable, permanent housing and wraparound support. This expansion will include a greater focus on integrating mental health, substance misuse, and trauma-informed care into personalised support plans.
Page 7
## **BENCH OUTREACH**
## **(A company limited by guarantee)**
## **Growing the Access to Housing and Benefits service.**
As housing insecurity and economic hardship continue to affect many across our borough, we will strengthen and scale up our frontline services that assist individuals in navigating complex housing systems and securing the benefits to which they are entitled. This includes widening our outreach, increasing appointment availability, and providing targeted advocacy for those most at risk of eviction or destitution.
## **Developing women’s health services with a focus on intersectionality.**
Building on the success and momentum of our Shades of Wellness programme, we are committed to expanding culturally competent, trauma-informed support for women—particularly women of colour—who face multiple barriers to accessing care. Our future plans involve creating a sustainable model of women’s health provision that responds to intersecting challenges such as menopause, mental health, housing insecurity, and systemic discrimination.
## **Implementing a five-year financial sustainability plan.**
In response to a changing funding landscape and increased demand for our services, Bench Outreach will implement a long-term financial strategy designed to build resilience and ensure continued delivery of high-impact programmes. This plan includes diversifying income streams, strengthening grant management, and developing new strategic partnerships to secure multi-year funding.
Together, these priorities reflect our ongoing commitment to holistic, person-centred support and our belief that everyone—regardless of circumstance—deserves safety, dignity, and hope for the future.
## **Acknowledgments**
The Trustees of Bench Outreach would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who has contributed to our work over the past year. We are deeply grateful to our dedicated staff, volunteers, and peer mentors whose commitment and compassion continue to drive meaningful change in the lives of those we support. We also wish to acknowledge our funders, partners, and local authority colleagues for their ongoing trust and collaboration. Special thanks go to those with lived experience who have shared their voices and shaped the direction of our services—your insight remains central to all we do. We are honoured to stand alongside others working toward housing justice, equity, and community well-being—change is always a collective act. Together, we are building a more just, inclusive, and supportive community.
Page 8
BENCH OUTREACH
(A cornpany limited by guarantse)
Trustees Rosponsibilities
In preparing these financial statements, the Trustees a required to..
select suitable accounb'ng policies and then apply Ihem consistently.
observe the methods and principles of the Charities SORP,
make judgments and accounting estimates that are reasonable and prudent.
slate whether applicable UK Accounting Standards have been followed, subject to any material
departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements.
prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume
that the charitable company will continue in operation.
The Truslees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records that disclose wllh reasonable
accuracy at any time the financial position of th8 charity and enable them to ensure that the financial
Statements comply with the Companies Act 2006. They are also responsible for safeguarding the
charity's assets and taking reasonable steps to prevent or detect fraud and breaches of18w and
regulation.
So far as each of the trustees is aware, there Is no relevant information that has not been disclosed
to the charity's examiner and each of the trustees believes thal all steps have been taken to make
them aware of any relevant audit information and to establish that the examiner has been made aware
of this infomiation.
This report reflects the achievements, challenges, and commitments of the charity during the year
ending 30 June 2024, while outlining the vision for the future.
This re
approved by the Trustees, Signed on behalf of the Board of Trustees:
Paul Chapman
Chair
Date..
26 March 2025
Page 9
## **BENCH OUTREACH**
## **(A company limited by guarantee)**
## **STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2024**
|**Notes**
**INCOME**
Donations and Legacies
2
Income from Charitable Activities
3
Income from Investments
**TOTAL INCOME**
**EXPENDITURE**
Expenditure on Raising Funds
Expenditure on Charitable Activities
4
**TOTAL EXPENDITURE**
**NET MOVEMENT IN FUNDS**
Total Funds Brought Forward
**TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD**|Unrestricted
Restricted
**TOTAL**
TOTAL
Funds
Funds
**2024**
2023
£
£
**£**
£
50,982
322,012
**372,994**
291,892
18,258
162,250
**180,508**
230,797
800
-
**800**
2,209
**70,040**
**484,262**
**554,302**
**524,898**
-
-
-
604
62,254
525,277
**587,531**
706,707
**62,254**
**525,277**
**587,531**
**707,311**
**7,786**
**(41,015)**
**(33,229)**
**(182,413)**
174,783
32,015
**206,798**
389,211
**182,569**
**(9,000)**
**173,569**
**206,798**|
|---|---|
Movements on all reserves and all recognised gains and losses are shown above. All of the organisation's operations are classed as continuing.
The notes on pages 12 to 19 form part of these financial statements.
Page 10
BENCH OUTREACH
(A company Ilmlted by guarantee)
BALANCE SHEET
AS AT 30 JUNE 2024
Unrestricted
Funds
Restricted
Funds
TOTAL
2024
TOTAL
2023
Notes
Fixed Assets
Tangible Assets
1,138
1,138
97
Current Assets
Cash at Bank and in Hand
179,792
(66.344)
113.448
170,263
Debtors
3,194
114,938
118,132
83,953
182,986
48,595
231,581
254,216
Creditors: amounts lalling Jue
within one year
(417)
(40,733)
(41,149)
(29.515)
Net Current Assets
182,569
7.862
190,431
224,701
Total Assets less Current Liabilltles
182,569
9,000
191,669
224,798
Provisions for Liabilities
10
{18,000)
(18,000
118,0001
NET ASSETS
182,569
9,000
173,569
206,798
Funds of the Charlty
General Funds
182,569
182.569
174,783
Restricled Funds
6b
(9,000)
(9,000)
32,015
TOTAL FUNDS
182,669
9,000
173,569
206,798
Thèse fin8ncial statements have been prepared in accordance with the special provisions of Part 15 of the
Companies Act 2006 ('the Acr) relating to small companiès, and with Accounting and Reporting by Charities..
Statement of Recommended Practice IFRS 102).
For the year ended 30 June 2024, the company was entitled to the exemption from audit under Section 47712)
of the Act. The members have not required the company to obtsin an audit of its accounts for this financial
period in accordance with Section 476 of the Act.
The trustees acknowledge their responsibility for.,
ensuring the company ke8ps accounting records which comply with Section 386; and
preparing accounts that give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the company as al the end of
the financial year, and of its net incoming resources for the financial year, in accordance with the
requirement5 of Section 393, and otherwise comply with the requirements of the Act relating to
accounts, insofar as ttrEy are applicable to the company.
The financial Statements on pages 9 to 19 were approved by th8 Trustees on 26 March 2024
and signed on their behalf by Trustee
P Chapman
Page 11
## **BENCH OUTREACH**
## **(A company limited by guarantee)**
**NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2024**
## **1 ACCOUNTING POLICIES**
## **Basis of Preparation**
The charity is a public benefit entity.
The financial statements have been prepared on the historical cost basis of accounting and in accordance with Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice (FRS 102). The charity has taken advantage of the exemption to prepare a statement of Cash Flows as per Update Bulletin 1 of the Charity SORP (FRS 102) February 2016.
## **Income**
## _**Recognition of Income**_
This is included in the Statement of Financial Activities (SOFA) when:
- w the charity becomes entitled to the income;
- w the income is expected to be received; and
- w the monetary value can be measured with sufficient reliability.
## _**Income with Related Expenditure**_
Where income has related expenditure (as with fundraising or contract income) the income and related expenditure are reported gross in the SOFA.
## _**Grants and Donations**_
Grants and donations are included in the SOFA when the charity has entitlement to the income. Where a grant is awarded for use against expenditure over a specified period, only that proportion of the grant relating to the financial period is recognised in the SOFA.
## _**Tax Reclaims on Donations and Gifts**_
Income from tax reclaims is included in the SOFA in the same financial period as the gift to which it relates.
## _**Contractual Income and Performance Related Grants**_
This is only included in the SOFA once the related goods or services have been delivered.
## _**Gifts in Kind**_
Gifts in kind are accounted for at the lower of a reasonable estimate of their value to the charity and the amount actually realised. Gifts in kind for sale are included as gifts on receipt at fair value. Gifts in kind for use by the charity are included in the SOFA as income when receivable.
## _**Donated Services and Facilities**_
These are only included in income (with an equivalent amount in expenditure) where the benefit to the charity is reasonably quantifiable, measurable and material. The value placed on these resources is the estimated value to the charity of the service or facility received.
## _**Volunteer Help**_
The value of any voluntary help received is not included in the accounts but is described in the Trustees' Annual Report.
Page 12
**(A company limited by guarantee)**
## **BENCH OUTREACH**
## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2024**
## _**Investment Income**_
This is included in the accounts when receivable.
## **Expenditure and Liabilities**
## _**Liability Recognition**_
Liabilities are recognised as soon as there is a legal or constructive obligation committing the charity to pay out resources.
## _**Grants with Performance Conditions**_
Where the charity gives a grant with conditions for its payment being a specific level of service or output to be provided, such grants are only recognised in the SOFA once the recipient of the grant has provided the specified service or output.
## _**Grants Payable without Performance Conditions**_
These are only recognised in the accounts when a commitment has been made and there are no conditions to be met relating to a grant which remain in the control of the charity.
## _**Support Costs**_
Support costs include central functions and have been allocated to activity cost categories on a basis consistent with the use of the resources, eg allocating property costs by floor areas, or per capita, staff costs by the time spent and other costs by their usage.
## _**Provisions for Liabilities**_
Provisions are recognised when the entity has an obligation at the reporting date as a result of a past event; it is probable that the entity will be required to transfer economic benefits in settlement and the amount of the obligation can be estimated reliably. Provisions are recognised as a liability in the statement of financial position and the amount of the provision as an expense.
Provisions are initially measured at the best estimate of the amount required to settle the obligation at the reporting date and subsequently reviewed at each reporting date and adjusted to reflect the current best estimate of the amount that would be required to settle the obligation. Any adjustments to the amounts previously recognised are recognised in profit or loss unless the provision was originally recognised as part of the cost of an asset.
## **Fixed Assets**
These are capitalised if they can be used for more than one year, and cost at least £1,000. They are valued at cost or, if gifted, at the value to the charity on receipt.
## _**Depreciation**_
Depreciation is calculated at a rate to write off the cost of tangible fixed assets on a straight line basis over their estimated useful lives. The rates applied per annum is as follows:
l Fixtures and Fittings 25% l Office Equipment 25%
Page 13
## **BENCH OUTREACH**
## **(A company limited by guarantee)**
## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2024**
|**2**|**DONATIONS AND LEGACIES**|Unrestricted|Restricted|**TOTAL**|TOTAL|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|||Funds|Funds|**2024**|2023|
|||£|£|**£**|£|
||**Donations and Legacies**|||||
||Donations|50,982|322,012|**372,994**|291,892|
|||**50,982**|**322,012**|**372,994**|**291,892**|
|**3**|See Note 6a regarding Donations for Unrestricted Funds of £50,982
See Note 6b regarding Donations for Restricted Funds of £342,868.
**INCOME FROM CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES**
Unrestricted
Restricted
Funds
Funds
£
£
Contracts
-
162,250
Nyon Grove
18,258
-|||**TOTAL**
**2024**
**£**
**162,250**
**18,258**|TOTAL
2023
£
200,000
30,797|
|||**18,258**|**162,250**|**180,508**|**230,797**|
See Note 6b regarding Contracts for Restricted Funds of £162,250
|**4**|**EXPENDITURE ON CHARITABLE ACTIVITIE**|**EXPENDITURE ON CHARITABLE ACTIVITIE**|Unrestricted
Restricted
**TOTAL**
TOTAL|
|---|---|---|---|
||Catering|**Notes**|Funds
Funds
**2024**
2023
£
£
**£**
£
-
854
854
592|
||Client Welfare||948
20,919
21,867
32,943|
||Depreciation||-
180
180
637|
||Office Devices, Softwares & Accessories||-
648
648
795|
||Licences & Subscriptions||-
4,119
4,119
6,214|
||Postage, Printing & Stationery||-
646
646
2,012|
||Office Costs||-
40,500
40,500
40,500|
||Nyon Grove - Client Accommodation||27,527
722
28,249
35,703|
||Professional Fees||69
24,340
24,409
41,685|
||Staff|11|31,539
402,052
433,591
510,378|
||Sundry Expenses||1,090
2,126
3,216
3,668|
||Telephone & Internet||530
16,356
16,886
14,706|
||Training||-
1,718
1,718
6,982|
||Travel & Subsistence||-
3,500
3,500
2,538|
||Volunteer Expenses||-
689
689
1,187|
||Bank Charges||-
101
101
91|
||Insurance|10|151
4,207
4,358
4,076|
||Independent Examiner's Fees||400
1,600
2,000
2,000|
||||**62,254**
**525,277**
**587,531**
**706,707**|
Page 14
## **BENCH OUTREACH**
## **(A company limited by guarantee)**
## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2024**
## **5 TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS**
|Cost as at 1 July 2023
Additions
**Cost as at 30 June 2024**
Depreciation as at 1 July 2023
Charge
**Depreciation as at 30 June 2024**
Net Book Value as at 30 June 2023
**Net Book Value as at 30 June 2024**|Fixtures &
Office
Fittings Equipment
£
£
-
3,329
-
1,222
**-**
**4,551**
-
3,232
-
181
**-**
**3,413**
-
97
**-**
**1,138**|TOTAL
£
3,329
1,222
**4,551**
3,232
181
**3,413**
97
**1,138**|
|---|---|---|
The annual commitments under irrevocable operating leases and capital commitments are £Nil (2023 £Nil).
## **6a UNRESTRICTED FUNDS**
|Bear Church
Deptford Challenge Trust
Jessica Mathers Trust
Jubilee Resource Ltd
Leathersellers
Rushey Green Time
Regular Individual Donations
Other Individual Donations
Albert Hunt Trust
Total|**Income**
**2024**
**£**
**1,800**
**-**
**24,000**
**1,500**
**10,000**
**2,000**
**9,169**
**2,513**
**-**
**50,982**|Income
2023
£
1,800
15,396
24,000
1,500
10,000
-
9,579
1,600
7,000
**70,875**|
|---|---|---|
Individual Donations include £2,400 donated by trustees (2023 £3,000).
Page 15
## **BENCH OUTREACH**
## **(A company limited by guarantee)**
## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2024**
## **6b RESTRICTED FUNDS**
|**Grant**
Big Lottery
Henry Smith
Henry Smith
Garfield Weston
Big Lottery
The Mrs Smith & Mount Charity
The Sackler Trust
The Benefact Trust
City Bridge Trust
Rushey Green Time
Jessica Mathers Trust
Various small grants
**Total Restricted Grants**
**Contracts**
LB Lewisham
Lewisham Refugee & Migrant Network
**Total Contracts**
Total Restricted Funds|B/f
1 July
2023
£
**-**
46,265
**-**
**-**
**-**
3,750
**-**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**50,015**
-
**-**
**50,015**|**Deferred**
Deferred
**Income**
**C/f**
Income
Grants
**2024**
Income
Expenditure
**30 June**
2023 Receivable
**(Note 9)**
**2024**
£
£
**£**
£
£
**£**
**-**
66,414
**-**
66,414
(66,414)
**-**
**-**
90,000
**-**
90,000
(127,265)
**9,000**
10,000
30,000
**-**
40,000
(40,000)
**-**
13,333
-
**-**
13,333
(13,333)
**-**
**-**
19,600
**(17,967)**
1,633
(1,633)
**-**
**-**
-
**-**
-
(3,750)
**-**
**-**
20,000
**-**
20,000
(20,000)
**-**
**-**
15,333
**(7,667)**
7,667
(7,667)
**-**
**-**
34,664
**(2,889)**
31,775
(31,775)
**-**
**-**
9,600
**-**
9,600
(9,600)
**-**
**-**
40,500
**-**
40,500
(40,500)
**-**
**-**
1,090
**-**
1,090
(1,090)
**-**
**23,333**
**327,201**
**(28,523)**
**322,012**
**(363,027)**
**9,000**
-
162,250
**-**
162,250
(162,250)
**-**
-
**-**
-
-
**-**
**-**
**162,250**
**-**
**162,250**
**(162,250)**
**-**
**23,333**
**489,451**
**(28,523)**
**484,262**
**(525,277)**
**9,000**|
|---|---|---|
## **Grants for specific purposes during the year were:-**
1) A grant of £86,014 from the Big Lottery Fund towards the Housing First and Access projects.
2) A grant of £34,664 from City Bridge Trust towards Outreach Access services, part of a £184,353 grant over five years.
- 3) A grant of £90,000 towards the Housing First project, to include the salary of a specialist Housing First women's worker, and a second grant of £20,000 (part of a £120,000 grant over three years) from the Henry Smith Charity towards the Access to Housing and Benefits service project.
Page 16
## **BENCH OUTREACH (A company limited by guarantee)**
## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2024**
## **6b RESTRICTED FUNDS (continued)**
iv) A grant of £15,333 from The Benefact Trust towards the HF project (part of a £46,000 grant over three years)
- v) The Jessica Mathers Trust has donated the use of office space and related services at Jessica's Heart, 14 New King St, Deptford, London SE8 3HS. This has been included at its estimated value.
## **Contracts entered into during the year**
- 1) The contract with LB Lewisham to provide a Housing First Service was renewed. The aim is to support homeless clients with high needs to move into housing. Then to support these clients to successfully maintain their tenancies through a personalised support package.
## **7 CASH AT BANK AND IN HAND**
|Cash at Bank
Cash in Hand|Unrestricted
Restricted
**TOTAL**
TOTAL
Funds
Funds
**2024**
2023
£
£
**£**
£
176,313
(66,344)
**109,969**
168,359
3,480
-
**3,480**
1,904
**179,792**
**(66,344)**
**113,449**
**170,263**|
|---|---|
## **8 DEBTORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR**
|Income Receivable
Tax Refund on Gift Aid
Prepayments|Unrestricted
Restricted
**TOTAL**
TOTAL
Funds
Funds
**2024**
2023
£
£
**£**
£
625
113,750
**114,375**
80,491
1,572
-
**1,572**
1,572
997
1,188
**2,185**
1,890
**3,194**
**114,938**
**118,132**
**83,953**|
|---|---|
Page 17
**BENCH OUTREACH (A company limited by guarantee)**
## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2024**
## **9 CREDITORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR**
||Unrestricted|Restricted|**TOTAL**|TOTAL|
|---|---|---|---|---|
||Funds|Funds|**2024**|2023|
||£|£|**£**|£|
|Deferred Income|-|28,523|**28,523**|23,333|
|Sundry Creditors and Accruals|417|12,210|**12,627**|6,182|
||**417**|**40,733**|**41,150**|**29,515**|
See Note 6b regarding Deferred Income for Restricted Funds of £28,523.
## **10 PROVISIONS FOR LIABILITIES**
|As at June 2023
Charge to Insurance Expenditure
As at 30 June 2024|Restricted
Funds
£
18,000
-
**18,000**|
|---|---|
The provision is for the estimated cost of additional professional indemnity insurance required by LB Lewisham for the twelve years following the expiry of their contract.
## **11 STAFF COSTS AND NUMBERS**
|Gross Wages and Salaries
Employer's National Insurance Costs
Pension Costs|**2024**
**£**
**391,662**
**29,959**
**11,970**
**433,591**|2023
£
459,745
36,670
13,963
**510,378**|
|---|---|---|
Employees who were engaged in furtherance of the charity's objectives:
|**2024**|2023|
|---|---|
|**16**|20|
No employee received emoluments in excess of £60,000.
Page 18
## **BENCH OUTREACH (A company limited by guarantee)**
## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2024**
## **12 TAXATION**
The charitable company is a registered charity and is generally exempt from income tax and capital gains tax. Irrecoverable VAT is included in the cost of those items to which it relates.
## **13 PAYMENTS TO TRUSTEES AND RELATED PARTIES**
No payments were made to Trustees or any persons connected with them during this financial period. No other material transaction took place between the organisation and a trustee or any person connected with them.
Page 19
BENCH OUTREACH
(A company limited by guarantee)
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT ON THE ACCOUNTS
Report to the Trustees of Bench Outreach on the accounts for the year anded 30 June 2024 s•t on
pages 10 to 19.
This report is made solely to ihe Trustees in accordance with Section 154 of the Charities Act 2011. My work has
be8n undertaken so that I might state to the charity's Trustees those matters l am required to state to them in an
independent examiners report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, I do not accept or
assume responsibility to anyone other than the charity and the charity's Trustees for my exam•n8ts'on Work, for this
report, or for the opinions I have fomed.
Respectlve rnspon8lbllltl•s of Truste0$ and examlner
The charity's Trustees (who are also directors of the company for th8 purposes of company law) are responsible for
the preparation of the accounts. The chanty's Trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year under
Section 144 of the Charities Act 2011 {the Act), and that an independent examination is needed. The charity's total
income exceeds £250,000 and l am qualified to undertake the examination by being a qualified m8mb8r of the
Institute of Chartered Accountants in Engl8nd and Wales.
Having been satisfied that the charity is not subject to audit under company law and 18 eligible for independent
examination, it is my responsibility to..
examine the accounts (under Section 145 of the Act),
to follow the procedures laid down in the General Directions given by the Charity Commisslon (under
Section 145(51(bl of the Act), and
lo state whether particular matters have come to my attention.
B•sl8 of Independ•nl examlnerfs statement
My examination was carrled out In accordance with General Directions given by the Charity Commis3ion.
An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the account8
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 cons8qU8ntly I do not express an opinion as to
whether the accounts present a 'true and fair, view and my report is limited to those matters set out in ihe st8tement
below.
Independent examlnefs Statement
In the course of my examination, no matter has come to my attention..
which givas me raasonable cause to believe that, in any material respect, the Trustees have not met tha
requirements to show that".
accounting records are kept {in accordance with Section 130 of the Charities Act 2011), and
accounts are prepared which agree with the accounting records and comply with th8 accounting
requirements of the Companies Act 2006, the Charities Act 2011 and Accounting and Reporting by
Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice (FRS 102)
or
to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to
be roached.
Dominique Wells FCA
Chartered Accountant
10 Lake5wood Road
Petts Wood
Kent BR5 1 BJ
Date: 26 March 2025
Page 20