PREVENTING HOMELESSNESS. TRANSFORMING LIVES. Watford New Hope Trust (trading as New Hope) Annual Report and Consolidated Financial Statements For the year ended 31 March 2025 Company Registration Number.. 3969063 Charity number: 1080784
Watford New Hope Trust (trading as New Hopel Annual Report- Year ended 31 March 2025 Contents Chair and CEO'S Welcome.... Objectives and Operations Our Strategy Achievements and Performance.. New Hope Services: Intervention.. . . .10 New Hope Services: Recovery .14 New Hope Services: Prevention .19 Our Chaplain .22 Fundraising and Communications. .23 Volunteers . .25 Partnership work....... 26 Donor acknowledgements .26 Financial review. Governance . .29 Reference and Administrative Information. .. .31 Auditreport........ .33 Financial Statements ..36
Watford New Hope Trust Itrading as New Hopel Annual Report- Year ended 31 March 2025 Chair and CEO'S Welcome National statistics show that the number of households facing homelessness rose another 14% in 2024 to the highest on record at 354,000. Those sleeping rough rose 20°A. On top of the underlying issues of domestic breakdown, mental health and substance misuse that blight so many lives, the continued increase in rents. cost of living and shortage of affordable housing continue to push up evictions and the number of people who can't afford a roof over their heads. Icurrently home to our Emergency Accommodation and Outreach Plus teams). This building has been the scene of much remarkable work in its lifetime from 1898 when it was built as the Salvation Army Citadel and during the last 25 years as the SanctU8ry. Owning it will help make us more sustainable in the short-term as we will no longer be paying annual rental of over £120,000. Howover, we know it is very sub-optimal and in dire need of attention. We will either have to upgrade it or, God willing, replace il with a new building in line with our vision of The Hub. There are still some significant hurdles to bring this vision lo reality, but the history of No.w Hope is a history of answers to prayer, onabling to meet the needs ofthose who have somehow fallen through the cracks. As well as the human tragedy, there is a high cost to the public purse 85 hospitals, police and councils struggle to confront the issues that arlse from those facing homelessness. In our area, W8tford Borough Council IWBCI is having to spend large sums of money (often between £150.000 and £200,000 per monthl on temporary accommodation to meet its statutory obligations. The second strand relates to health. The average age of death for those sleeping rough is 47 for men 8nd 43 for women. Our focus is to prevent homelessness and transform lives. Without basic levels of health, transformation and reintegratlon into society is nigh on impo55ible. In the last year we have held a series of he81th days at the Haven where we have offered a wide range oftests and treatments in an accessible way. The response and Impact have been humbling. Building on this, we assembled the Watford Homelessness Health Forum which first met in February 2024. It brings together senior health profession81s 8nd funders to focus on addressing this urgent need. A baseline survey in 2025126 to assoss the health of 150 people facing hotnelossness or vulner8bly- housed in Wattord will help measure the success of the work that is beginning to be implemented s more sepiices work together to address this 'intolerable injustice, las the18ck of healthcare for people experiencing homelessness is described in the new NHS 10-year plan). The remarkable dedication ofthe New Hope team and other local partners supported by Watford Borough Council and Hertfordslire County Council has helped protect Wattord from the worst of the continued increase as we strive to help people get away from the streets 8nd into longer term accommodation. We are, however, all too aware that there are are8s where our service could be more effective and we continue to benchmark ourselves and review how we can serve those facing homelessness better. As part of that effort, a revised strategic plan was launched in 2024 entitled 'Cornerstone'. There are three main strands to the strategy. Firstly, we have seen that Partnership working is crltical In helping those facing homelessness. Our vision for a 'one-stop shop. for those faclng hornelessness (which we call 'The Hub'l has moved a step closer. Following last year's incredibly generous donation we have now completed the purchase ofthe Sanctuary The third strand Is to redouble our efforts to improve efficiency and effectiveness. We have started holding service user forums to improve feedback mechanisrns as well as getting more input on what service users would most Value in
Watford New Hope Trust (trading as New Hopel Annual Report - Year ended 31 March 2025 'The Hub,. The importance of being treated as individuals, having a sense of communlty and belonging, and being listened to have been themes as well as having access to a range of services under one roof. Interestingly the work of both Cultivate, our horticultLJral therapy team, and Chaplaincy, often comes up. As we focus on the configuration of a new building. this is a healthy reminder that building trust and relationship will remèin critical to getting people back on their feet. During the year our team at the Haven ran another very successful Watford Winter Shelter, providing not only a bed but also food and various activities for those sleeping rough at what is often the most testing time of year. As always, our goal Is not only to meet the immediate need but also to try to ensure we use the time to help people move off the streets and address underlying issues behind their homelessness. We couldn't run this service wlthout the amazing support of the volunteers who support our paid staff. We opened a new HopeHome supported by WBC and Wafford Community Housing IWCHI and run by our Tenancy Sustainment Team ITSTI. The work ofTST often goes under Ihe radar but by working with those wlio 8re vulnerably-housed tkiey do invaluable work in preventing homelessness_ The cornplex needs of somo of the tenants demands combination of patience. skill, knowledge, love (often of the tough varietyl and persistenco. Without the support of volunteers, donors. statutory funders and our prayer warriors, we wouldn't be 8ble to function. Thank you to them for all their work and huge Ihank you to everyone who supports us. We are so appreciative ofyour support and give praise to God for His faithfulness. John Ford Ch-:- Matthew Heasman I-EO
Watford New Hope Trust (trading as New Hopel Annual Report- Year ended 31 March 2025 Objectives and Operations Our Mission New Hope exists to serve people with current or recent experience of homelessness by providing accommodation and opportunities to rebuild damaged lives. Founded upon Christian values, which are at the core of our operation, we support people regardless of faith. New Hope is a Christian charity. This means we value everybody and work to support people regardless of faith, class, disability, ethnicity, gender and sexual orientation. It doesn't mean that our staff and volunteers have to be Christian, to pray, or to share all of our motivations. We do however ask that all staff and volunteers are sympathetic to our mission, ethos and values. Our mission is encapsulated in our strapline.. 'PREVENTING HOMELESSNESS, TRANSFORMING LIVES,. Our Primary Objectives We aspire to help the people we work with access pleasant, permanent accommodation that they can call 'home'. Our values Be professional- staff will be trained lo en6ble them to operate in accordance with best practice Be responsive- we will assess 8nd respond to the needs and aspirations of service users as individually and constructively ès possible Be fair - we will give equal consideration to seNice users of all creeds or none, and all lifestyles and abilities Be accountable- we will monitor our performance and communicate with our funders and supporters in order to improve the quality and efficiency of our services e honourable - we will manage our activities with integrity, in accordance with our mission Be prayerful- we will seek God's guidance 8nd enabling through prayer
Watford New Hope Trust (' rading as New Hopel Annual Report - Year eniled 31 March 2025 Our services To achieve our aims and objectives, New Hope provided the follovding services in the last financial year. INTERVENTION RECOVERY PREVEIqTION 24-7 emergency homelessness helpline Only dedicated homelessness phone service in the Watford are8. Sanctuary Emergency Accommodation 22-bed emergency accommodation. Tenancy Sustainment Support fo. those renting after a period of komelessness to en8ble them to keep their tenancy. Recovery Services Accommodation 10-bed home providing accommodation and support for people who are in recovery from alcohol and substance misuse. Outreach Plus This seNice finds and engages with individuals who are rough sleeping in Watford and provides immediate emergency accommodation Ithree-bedsl. HopeHomes Long-term affordable rental homes for17 people who have been homisless and are now ready to lil e independently. The Haven Provides food. clothes, showers, laundry facilities, sleeping bags and support to people who are sleeping rough. The Watford Winter Shelter Runnlng from 14th November 2024 to 17th March 2025, the Watford Winter Shelter provided vital food and accommodation 115 beds). Cultivate Horticultural therapy, creative arts, wellbeing sessions, practical projects and pre-vocational opportunities. In the prOvisOn of these services the trustees have considered the Charity Commis'.'5ion guidance on public benefit. The trustees consider the sewlces New Hope provides are within the definitlon of public benefit.
Watford New Hope Trust Itrading as New Hopel Annual Report - Year ended 31 March 2025 Our Strategy A new strategy* Cornerstone, was launched in September 2024. This can be read at newhope.org.uldcornerstone This strategy consists of: Objective 1: Opening The Hub- we plan to open an exemplary new centre for adults facing homelessness in Watford. Objective 3: Aiming for Excellence- we want to aim to do our best in every aspect of our worlc Objective 2: Prioritising Health - We want to facilitate measures to improve the general health, wellbeing and life expectancy for people experiencing homelessness in Watford. Objective 4: Service Improvement - we will continue to provide excellent key seniices, but look to continually improve them for the benefit of the service users. We have already achieved the following: Objective 1: Opening The Hub- we plan to open an exemplary new centre for adults facing homelessness in Watford providers working with people with addictions and other health needs,. we have held several health days in 2024-25. Objective 4 SeNice Improvement- we will continue to provide excellent key services, but look to continually improve them for the benefit of the service users. Completed the purchase ofthe freehold ofthe Sanctuary bullding on Exchange Rd from the freeholder, Places for People. Objective 2: Prioritising Health We want to facilitate measures to improve the general health. wellbeing and life expectancy for people experiencing homelessness in Watford Continued to review annually all of our policies to ensure that all policies are ut0-date and for any changes to be communicated clearly. Held an annu81 team conference to foster a healthy team splrit and a mutual understanding of the different parts of New Hope. Held a special event to mark the 35th anniversary ofNew Hope in 2025. Held the first meetlng of the Watford Homeless Health Forum the terms of reference for this initiative are to bring together professionals who are passionate 8bout incluslon health to formulate a plan to deliver long-term improved health care for people exper.,encing homelessness In Watford. A nurse, employed by CGL, has been seconded to New Hope's Outreach Plus team. Continued to promote the registration of 311 service users at a loca l GP'S surgery. Developed increasingly closer links with
Watford New Hope Trust {trading as New Hopel Annual Report- Year ended 31 March 2025 Spotlight on Objective 2 Practical health care on the streets We ore thrilled to announce Rachiel, a trained nurse, has joined New Hope's Outreach Plus team on a temporary contract. Rachiel works for Change Grow Live, 8 charity SLJPPOrting people with alcohol and substance misuse and is part of a nationwide pilot scheme focusing on the physical health needs of people who are currently, or have beeri until recently. $1oeping rough. I was nervous about seeing the hygienist again but I'm so grateful I was able to go. I've been smoking less so my teeth won't get stained and I'm using dental floss. ?? Nutritionist at New Hope House Again. thanks to funding from Herts County Council, we have been able to pay for both group and one-to-one sessions with a nutritionist at New Hopp. House. She has led discussions on health and wellbeing. designed dietary plans for residents with diabetes or pre- diabetes, and made suggestions on how we can provide he81thy meals on a budgeL Rachiel explained the health needs of the people she is meeting.. I'ni seeing ptsople. ¥vitn re>pirato', y issues, wounds, skin issues and skin conditions, as well as mental health challenges, such as depression and anxiety, and people experiencing addiction. ?? As part of the focus on Cornerstone, New Hope's strategic plan for 2025-2030. we created a fllm showing how New Hope Is Prioritising Health: newhope.org.uklhealth Rachiel is able to clean and dress wounds on the spot as well as acting a bridge to help people access GP care, often accompanying people to appointments. Much-needed dental help Thanks to funding from Herts County Council. and the Assura Community Fund we have been able to help nine people with severe dental problems have appointments at a local dentistry practice. Wlth 32 teeth extracted, 17 flllings, 8nd two people referred to hospltal for further investigations, everyone was incredibly gr8teful to receive professional care and to have their pain alleviated. Even though I had five teeth removed. I've never felt as supported and secure as I've been made to feel by the Sanctuary. You're amazing. >> I've not attended a dentist since 2007 and often had infections. I'm hoping now my mouth is much healthier. >9
Wafford New Hope Trust (trading as New Hopel Annual Report- Year ended 31 March 2025 Achievements and performance This year, we supported 482 people. In addition, there were 975 phone calls to our 24n emergency helpline. Uildec<J otsse Chefs ,0., 482 0, 18,70 people received support rylrdert¢l gchao ctrlcla t)/rdresS Om the 4.0 49% 16% erage afJ Reason for homelessness 44ection Support needs Oction to 18% 10% 12" abe by i%ie Ouse reP 11% 1111 4ship b%ee r)&od frofj
Watford New Hope Trust (trading as New Hopel Annual Report- Year ended 31 March 2025 Intervention 2417 emergency homelessness helpline Only dedicated homelessness phone service in the Watford area. 975 phone calls, an average of 81 per month. This phone line is answered by the team at the Haven during the day and by the team atthe Sanctuary during the night. Outreach Plus Finding and engaging with people who are rough sleeping in Watford and providing immediate emergency accommodation. Fulure objecthie 50% of people ac¢essmg (MreaGh Plus sefvfces wrfl have Improved acce9S t health st¥wces. 80-% of peoth stspported tky OutiÈacli Plus will bchÈve planned and posttive OLJtconies.. 7S% of people stawng In an Outreach Plus room will reCee IntenSe gUPPOrt to move on to altèmaltve arr8ngements ?Ihin.14 day5. T( mafnlaln and Improve relationsftrlps and partneiship worklng wlLh local authorrtles, services and partner agencies. Compleie SUFveys with people ccesslng Outreach Plus Èo crefjte a . semce that better sults thetr need& Outreach Plus consists of a manager, two street outreach workers. an outreach nurse, and a team of volunteers. Outreach Plus is the first step on Watford Borough Council's Single Homeless Pathway and conducts over 40 hours of street outreach per week, including late nights and early mornings. Outreach Plus also includes three crisis bedrooms. Worked with over 100 different people, including 55 people who were verified as rough sleeping. Provlded 943 nights of 8ccommodation to 28 different people. ranging in age from 18 to 63. Reconnected 10 individuals from Southampton to Great Yarmouth to Abergele. Accompanied over 40 people to vital appointments for matters concerning immigration, health care, benefits and housing. We have Orked with over100 diffprent people, offering support, hot drinks, food an(1 toiletries. We have suppo", ted people with a cheery greeting. smile aD.d the offer of an Outreach Bag containing essential items. We form relatioyships ih'ith them, allowing us to support them fui'ther with the ultimate goal of getting liem 'off the streets,. We work with internal and external partners to facilitate smooth transitions for people and, m.ost importantly, we never give up. ?? Steve, 0reach Plus manager
Watford New Hope Trust (trading as New Hopel Annual Report- Year ended 31 March 2025 The Haven Providing expert advice in finding accommodation as well as humanitarian aid including food, showers. clothes, laundry facilities and sleeping bags. One person was helped into prlvate rental accommodation. Sadly. many people had limited accommodation options because they didn't have a local connection to W8fford, Three Rivers. St Albans, Dacorum or Hertsmere. The Haven was able to support them with humanitarian aid, such as food, showers, toilets, provlslon of clothes and sleeping bags, and laundry facilities. Other people chose not to engage with our services after an initial visit,. this could be because they were able to resolve their accommod8tion situation themselves or were not yet ready for organised accommodation serdices. 111 people helped by the Haven did not have 8 local connection to a Hertfordshire boroLJgh council. 182 people had a local connection to Watford Borough Councll. An average of 40 people per month attended the Haven drop-in for hum8nltarian aid. 7,481 hours of support were given over the year. Debby McKin18y, our dedicated manager ofthe Haven, was awarded Highly Commended Charity Worker of the Year at the Wcltford Borough Council Audentior Awardsl Debby is an incredibly hardworking member of the team, popular with staff, volunteers and people VsitIng the Haven always going the extra mlle for the good of others. The Haven consists of a manager, an assistant manager. a support worker focusing on people with restricted eligibility to publlc funds and two part-time support workers. Regular. long-term volunteers help in the kitchen and with sorting clothes and food donations. The Haven supported 338 individuals includlng 149 people who had never used New Hope services before. Our su pport ensured that people were rapidly able to access appropriate accommodation locally, reconnect with family 8nd friends in other places, remain In their existing accommodation, or receive help from statutory services who had 8 lega I 'duty of care. for the indlvidual. The Haven support workers provided help and edvice to people experiencing homelessness or threatened with homelessness. The Haven follows a PIE (psychologically informed environments) approach and treats each service user as an individual. Service users know the Haven team is on their side. acting as advocates with other professionals. 338 people were h elped, including 16 people with restricted eligibility to publlc funds. 149 new people were helped and we were able lo help 56 of these into accommodation.. 20 people were helped to access SOCI81 housing. 15 people moved into New Hope's Emergency Accommodation. 7 people were reconnected to other areas of the country or their family. 6 people moved into New Hope's Outreach Plus beds. Future ¢JbJedlves: ost two health and wellbelng events for all New Hope service users and promotlng heatth and wembeing servlces Ihruughokrt the year. Ensure Èhat at least 95% of regular sefvlce users have 3 completed rtsk and nee(ts 655essmenL 6 people were helped with applications to One YMCA. One person was referred to Watford and Three Rivers Refugee Partnership. 11
Watford New Hope Trust {trading as New Hopel Annual Report- Year ended 31 March 2025 I had a long-term girlfriend. we had a son and I worked hard to make sure they were fed and happy. Then. my girlfriend started spending nights with family until one day she just decided not to come home. ID. my oarAest of times, even. in the race of alniost killing mysAI! you came and gave ryle hope, thank you for trying to help me. I don't see many try $0 I'm gratefLJI to those that do, thank ijou, onLe again. ?) I didn,'t tTriink anything was wrong until she stopped wanting to be with me. I left the house and started living in van, So my son wasn't all alone in that house. especially over Christinas. I canie back sometimes but she Wanted me gone so I .oved into the van permap.ently. I didn't think dnylhing like this could ever happen. It wao freezing in the winter. I kept going ip.to worK to get warm and viash. One night I got a gas heater but it caught fire and almost blew up,'n the Vdn. I went lo the Haven and they gave me riothing but kindness. Every time they asked me what I needed. I had no way of doing any of the t4inas I needed to do on a compuLer so they D.elppd with that and got me on the list for a flat. One morning I felt really bad so my son togk me to hospital and they +oid me if I hadn't come in, I would've died. I had an infection in my luygs because the van was freezing cold, stuffy and dirty. I've had time to reflect on how one minute you go from a fam.ily and a home to being on t*e street, no food, rio showers: but till going to work to try and keep a smile on your face. It's a really lonely place. When I got out of hospital, the Haven helped me get this flat and I'm back at work. )) Voluiiteering to cook- breakfast at New H.ope is an amazinglv re'wardiiig experience. Everyone that workJ there is $0 friendly and giving and people are so appreciative of the food that we servp. I would highly recommend people dtsdicate just a IiLtle time to volunteer as it makes sucb. a big difference. )? Russell from IGT 12
Watford New Hope Trust Itrading a5 New Hopel Annual Report- Year ended 31 March 2025 The Watford Winter Shelter I'm so grateful to the team behind New Hope, for the invaluable work they do day in and day out to build a supportive and inspiring community for people experiencing homelessness. volunteei.ing at the winter shelter has been incredibly rewarding. It's helped me build up my confidence, make new connections, and feel part of the local community in ways I'd never have expected. I would absolutely recommend giving some of your time to New Hope, you never know where it may lead, ?? Running from 14th November 2024 to 17th Merch 2025 and funded by Watford Borough Counci1, the Watford Winter Shelter provided vital food and accommodatlon to 85 individuals. This temporary life-saving addition augmented our year-round Emergency Accommodation provision and was a humanitarian response to the colder and wetter weather. We are grateful for the council's proactive approach. the Wattord Winter Shelter was available every night in the winter. regardless of temperature. This went above and beyond the statutory minirnum. erTrabling us to provide a unique, exemplary seNice to people in desperate need. Daisy. volunteer Bunkbeds accommodatlng 15 people were put up in the first-floor rooms at the Haven and each evening varied and deliclous hot meals were served. In additlon, a glamping pod was purchased Ivia a fundraising Crowdfunderl to provide an additional sleeping area for people with mobility challenges. pets, and PTSD. This was my first winter of volunteering at the Watford Winter Shelter and already l am looking forward to helping there next winter too. All the people I met- staff, other volunteers and most importantly those experiencing homelessness - were so friendly and to hear the room full of genuine laughter most evenings was a joy. I'm the first to admit how 'sheltered' my life has been to date and it was truly humbling to speak to those experiencing homeSessness and to realise how easily anyone can find themselves in the same position. The relentless positivity, and joy in the 'small stuff,, so many of the people we took care of showed was heart-warming. 9> 41 volunteers helped over123 nights11,476 volunteer hours). 85 people stayed in the Watford Winter Shelter. including five people in tho pod. We also accommodated three dogs in the pod. 41 people moved on from the Wafford Winter Shelter to other accommodation. Everyone was really welcoming. I was scared at first but staff helped me feel safe and security Was really good. ?9 Annettè. voluntèer Mra. an 18-yeaT-old woman vtho stayed atthe shelter 13
Watford New Hope Trust (trading as New Hopel Annual Report - Year ended 31 March 2025 Recovery Sanctuary Emergency Accommodation 22-bed emergency short-term accommodation Future objectlve¥. To promote health i8nd wellbemg events and seKvlces for all the. SIdents.. The Emergency Accommodation team consisted of 8 newly-appointed manager, a newly-8ppointed assistant manager. and a team of support workers. Stsffing has been a challenging issue with the perrnanent team supported by skilled casual workers. To work wlth the Team AroLind Me and Made Every Adutt M8ttÈr teams al Hert5 County Council to erELire that all resldents have approprfate support. To ensure (now that we liave full respon%lbillty for the SanctLiary buildlng) that repafrs are carrfed OLrt h) a tlrnely manner: This sepiice focuses on helping peaple with a statutory local connection to Watlord BoroLJgh and is key to the council's Single Homeless Pathway. Individuals work with 8 5UPPOrt worker to create an individua lised plan to help them move towards longer-term accommodation. The Emergency Accommodation is often the flrst step off the street for people and provides a liter81 sanctuary for people when they are at their most broken and h8ve lost hope. The service users accessing Emergency Accommodatlon continue to be incredibly vulnerable and often with complex needs. I had depression and on New Year's Eve I was so low that I took an o'derdose of tablets. My partner, who I had been with fo., 12 y@afS, always found my ental liealth a struggle. They couldn't cope anu ended our relatioiiship and asked me to leave horrie. I was at the hospital with riowhefe to go. I thought I woJi Id have to sleep in my car. I didn't have a clue. Someone at the hospital put me in touch with the council who referred me to New Hope. I stayed at the winter shelter for two night before moving into tne Sanctuary Emergency Accommodation. Now I feel like I ca reldx. I think ! can get better and cope witki life dgain. I still have up and down days but l am getting som.e help with my medication ana. counselling. I want to get back into work to get right iri myself and try aqain. My niece lias already made a doiiation to New Hope and I'd love to as well. I war,t to give rjack. ?) 88 people stayed at the Sanctuary Emergency Accornmodation. Each month, there was an averaqe offour positive move-ons to longer-term accommodation, including New Hope accommodation, rehab, social housi ng and private rentaS. Donation of pool table from a local company has built a sense of community. I would like to Jay massivts thanks to the managemeiit and all the staff members at Sanctuary for supporting and helping me to move on with. my life indepeiidently, Without your support I wouldii't be able to achieve all this- I got a new room and l absolutely lo,ed it. And all the credit goes to Sanctuaiy managemenL and J'Laff. ??
Wafford New Hope Trust Itrading as New Hopel Annual Report- Year ended 31 March 2025 Recovery Service Accommodation 10-bed home for people who are in recovery from alcohol and substance misuse Melissa moved into our Recovery SeNice in May 2024 and recently celebrated one year's sobriety. I tried other places but nothing worked. I knew I had to got back to New Hope. My family were saying the same thing: 'You need to get to New Hope., On 8th May, I moved into the Recovery Service. Everything just fell into place and I've never looked back. I love the fact I can say I've been sober for over a year! If my life had continued the way it was going, I wouldn't be here. The Recovery Service team consists of a manager, two support workers and three night workers. The Recovery Service provides hope, understanding and help to people caught in the grip of alcohol and substance addiction. The house provides a safe and positlve space for people to engage with theirjourney of recovery. Recruitment of six volunteer befrienders to support the staff and residents. This new initiative has been a game<hangei. Two residents received funding to access a professional life coach, particularly to help with looking at employment. Two people moved on to their own homes successfully and are continuing to thrive. One person achieved a year of sobriety after many years of alcoholism ènd homelessness. 95% daily attendance to the dally group meeting5. 50% of residents were stable on theirjourneys of recovery. When I was in the madness, drinking, I would ignore calls from my family for weeks and would go missing. I'm so grateful that they didn't push me away. My daughter has her mum back and is very I can't say anything bad about the Recovery Service. It's all good! The support network has been amazing and my key worker amazing. It's not just a job for the staff. They work so hard. They don't just come in and do a 9-5. They want us to be well. I've been poorly since I've been in here, developing type one diabetes, People kept looking out for me and were so supportive. I wouldn't be here without New Hope, New Hope saved my life. You get your life back when you come to New Hope- if you want it. ?? In the fulure, Melissa is keen to give back and use her experlences lo help others. Future obiectlves: 70% of peopte to have Incese pertods of abstinence. 100% of resldents to be engaged wlth the In-house grpS and wellbelng sessions. 65% of resldents to move on In a pla[d and way. 15
Watford New Hope Trust Itrading as New Hopel Annual Report - Year ended 31 March 2025 I Ilknjve apore,=iaied tha non- S¥£dge,°lleaI iJlism, t1,e arid >:?ouP Ll1'4>fi LO me b'i lY ljtL7 coactrl. It l-IdS given I1p Jomp s:aGilii'rf :n my life, to0?tTer iklt41 Idéntif ]', g ceT:. air, P &nLllJlkniifdl trails and the.n ma<irig chariiJes. l 1.4J4c a slieli of my foriTior splt.. I n•w feel i','ke I ha'Jg fy1 ovJn idaii iity anc4 l Gve benuo TO appreciat?, Kpalue i411 n.d myJrpl." niy needs. )) From one of the residents who had coaching sessions 14vas looking to volunteer as I ityanted to do something different atid get more involved in my local commilnity. When I heard about the befriender role at the Recovery Service accommodation and tne fantastic work it does. it sounded like the perfect fit. On a rypical day l arrive on a Saturday marning to be. greeted by the lovely Michael (support worker) 8nd we begin with the morning check'.in meeting, a chance to catcl up with all the residents and plan the day. I lielp With vai ious administration duties, but my favo(Jrite part is to interact with the residents, Everyone has been so welcoming and l enjoy getting to know the reJidents, hearing t*eir stories and I )eeS 1)onoured to bp in some way a part of their recovery journey. Becoming a voluriteer is on_e of tle best things I have done and I tell all my friends and family how much I love it. As a re%ult, my mum is now volunteeririg at a <helter in Liverpool. ?? Beth, befriender atthe Recovery Service 16
Wafford New Hope Trust (trading as New Hopel Annual Report - Year ended 31 March 2025 Cultivate A flexible and mobile service providing opportunities for greater wellbeing, outdoor experiences, creativity and practical projects 16 goal-focused one-to-one programmes were held. 73% of Recovery SeNice residents supported remained 8bstinenl for longer. showing increasingly longer periods af abstinence from 81cohol and drugs. 75% who were in the Recovery Service for a subsequent stay remained in the service for longer because of sUPPOrt from Cultivate. 23 Cultivate sessions were held at the Watford Winter Shelter and a beautiful mosaic was created. Cultivate consists of 8 full-time manager la qualified horticultural therapist) ènd a part-tirlle support worker la qualified gardener who is training in psychodynamlc counsellingl. Cultivate is an evolving and developing service, responsive to people's needs and deepening the whole ch8rity'S understanding of trauma behaviours, univers81 needs, and mental health. Cultivate is not tied or restricted to one building or location and staff have the freedom to work closely with individuals on a one-to-one ba51S, offering intense support enabling people to make faster progress. CultlV8te also offers transitional support to people moving from one service to another. This consistent thread of relational support helps avoid re-traumatlS8tion and shame. especially if 3 person has been asked to leave a residential service. The Cultivate man8ger delivered talks and presentations with internal and external partners, including probation. Wafford Strategic Homelessness Forum, and the Three Rivers Anti-social Behaviour Group. Weekly wellbeing group sessions ran 8t the Recovery Service. This new initiative has been one of the most successful with lols of engagement 8nd positive feedback from the residents. Cultivate also started work with families in temporary accommodation in Three Rivers Ifamilies supported by our Tenancy SLJStainmenl Team). This started with planting seeds in the raised beds in the communal garden plus crafts and natLJre-spotting for the children. Further sessions included m8king a huge tree mural with hand-prints, Christmas crafts and music. Cultivate connected with 91 different people. 426 sessions were held, including walks. horticultural activities, wellbeing, music, art, poetry, bereavement support, and outings. 15 outings were organised, includlng Top GoEf. Tring Natural History Museum. Amersham climbing w811, St Albans Abbey and Hollywood Bowl. Fre obJectlve&' 70% of Recovery 5ervlEe resldents svpported by CultFv8te Wlll remaln &bstlnent from alcohcsl or othpr substances for longer thart eO5[Y experIenc. 75% of Éhose taklng part In goakoriented prograiTimes wlll deinonslrale a gfeatsr recognitlon of thetr *rengths &nd feel more able to make posltlve cholces in thelr lives. At least 75% of unplanned end low- comFnltment SLJPWrt wiu make 8 posltsve change Iii people's current wellbeing. 17
Wafford New Hope Trust {tradlng as New Hopel Annual Report - Year ended 31 March 2025 The mosaic making 8t the Watford Winter Shelter provided a way of reducing barriers and helping people feel relaxed. It shows people their contribution matters. leaving a part of their creativity for future visitors to enjoy when it is displayed outside. ?? Over the October half-term, Cultivate ran a session with some of the families we support in the one of the temporary accommodation sltes. About 15 residents. more than half of which were children, clearly enjoyed the activity and joined together in collective creative expression, laughing, interacting across the generations end discovering their own unlque ways to add to a large tree mural, creatlng a colourful collage of vivid autumn colours. l enjoyed drawing, getting messy and haijing something to do, 99 Some feedback from adults lan, the manager of Cultivate Finding places frjr the brokeii mosaic tiles really fixed my focus and put my anxiety at ease. ?) I made this tree myself. I put the last bit on the tree and I feel so happy! g? Really pleased I have now signed up for voluiiteering at canal rivers trust and friends of Cassiobury park. That was a good day. Thank you. I liked going to ttri,e garden centre. )? I had a minor stress aup to a very trivial confrontation this morning but I feel bettef now after the session. It's finding the balanre and keeping things at a safe, pgsitive arid construrtive level. Being mindful. not flying ahead, staying grounded. >? My mood isn't too good this week. I had a lapse and it really gaiie my confidence a battering. l am feeling better each day since Sunday but it's going to take soir,e more time. I haven't lost sight of my goals and I still believe in myself. Onwards and upwards. ?? Today's session was very thou.ght provoking and inspii'ing. It'> nice to see how far I've come in such a short time and how I've progressed in so many different areas of my life. I can't thank lan/Lee enough for their perseverance with me because it hasn't bee.ii easy ail the time and they npver gave up on me,.. I never gave up on me. >) Absolutely wonderful! >> Kids had fun getting messy, lovely staff. Thank you. ?? The residents, together with staff from New Hope and Three Rivers Distrlct Council, created the mural for display In their newly restored garden, decorating it with autumn coloured hand prints, and positive messages written on fabric le8ves, The theme of the mural was our universal needs, each ofwhich was wrltten on a root. PartiClP8nts were asked to reflect on what these needs meant to them personally and write key words on their fabric leaves which were then stuck to the mural. Examples of this were 'Friendship "mum" and -acceptance.. It is well established that spending time in natural spaces such as gardens can be a healing experience of connection and restoration. Many of the families have experlenced trauma and this is part of an ongoing attempt to encourage residents to enjoy the garden space and benefit from it. Natural spaces meet many of our needs. Trauma often disconnects us frofm our needs and so this mural was an attemptto highlight and celebrate our core needs, especially those for community belonging and being creative. 18
Watford New Hope Trust Itrading as New Hopel Annual Report - Year ended 31 March 2025 Prevention Tenancy Sustainment Team Support for people renting after a period of homelessness to enable them to maintain their tenancies (including complex needs support and support for people in temporary accommodation in the Three Rivers borough) Helped 21 families move from temporary accommodation to permanent social housing. We sourced white goods, applied for Discretionary Housing Payments, and applied for grants for children's beds and furnlture. Total amount of grants. including from Children in Need and Wafford Health Trust, approved for people in temporary accommodation was £3,678.95. However, when we include donations of gifts in kind, this total exceeds £10.000. The Tenancy Sustainment Team. which also manages HopeHomes. consists of a manager. asslstant manager, two complex needs support workers, two support worker5 for the families in temporary accommodation and two HopeHomes workers. TST is also supported by a volunteer and New Hope's maintenance worker. £10.000 was used from New Hope's Project Home fund to pay for rent deposits, white goods and furniture. This fund is now empty. The Christm85 gift donations were remarkable. Families expressed gratitude for the gifts which brought beautiful smiles to children's faces. The team's work includes tenancy set-up, helping with benefits, furnishing new accornmodation Iwhich is generally completely emptyl. reducing barriers to rnoving i.e. debt, supporting people's costs of living needs. advocating for sepiice users, providing emotlonal sUPPOrt, and taking part in multi-disciplinary team meetings. To engJre 95% of ienanc¢es are. successfully nTalnta5T)ed 11ncludi move-ons). The team worked on some complex cases involving childcare issues, court cases, probation, mental health seriices, children's services, and drug and alcohol services. The team provided steady. knowledgeable support for people in crisis and has advocated on their behalf to statutory housing teams. Our dedicated team has made a significant difference in the lives of many. Their unwavering commitment and hard work are genuinely inspiring. Our team is committed to providing comprehensive, practical, and emotional support for people, showing kindness, Calmness and firmness. Our team's collaborative spirit has been the key to our success. Together, we have brought consistency and continuity to our service, ensuring it runs smoothly. ) ? Supported over 70 people in total (Next Steps Accommodation Progr8rNme, Rough Sleepers Accommodation Programme, temporary ccommodation and people who have moved through the New Hope services to their own homes) and no one lost a tenancy Three successful move-ons from the Complex Needs Next Steps Accommodation Programme Supported 40 famllies Ilncluding over 50 children) in ternporary accommodation to successfully rllaintain their tenancy, providing support with benefits, housing, council tax, rent rrears and bills. Prfsca, TST manager I'm really glad to find you. I don't have family here in England but you are so close to me, you help me and R a lot and I feel very grateful for everything. You are part of my life. my family. Thank you. ?? 19
Watford New Hope Trust (trading as New Hopel Annual Report- Year ended 31 March 2025 Sean's Story A home for good Sean was facing several challenges to being able to maintain his own home. He had been evicted before and had a history of anti-social behaviour but like everyone. Sean needed a safe place to stay. As Sean slowly began to accept New Hope was there to help him, he increasingly worked with us to make changes that would help him move fopNard. Together we worked through his claim for Universal Credit and In making 8 connection at CGL, a local support service for people struggling with addiction. With our help, Sean significantly reduced his drinking from daily to weekly and 85 he became more stable in his flat. options for longer-term housing became available to him. He was drinking daily and used substances when the opportunity was there. He wouldn't engage with any of the support offered to him, not New Hope's support workers, mental health services nor drug and alcohol support. Our team was tenacious however, and regularly visited Sean. building a trusting relationship with him. Sean was offered a property to move into but he was really apprehenslve so we regularly got in touch, ensuring him it was the best thing for him and that it would all work out. A fortnight later, Sean moved into a flat with a local social housing provider. With our help. Seen has arranged his housing benefit and utilitie5, and he was helped to get hold of white goods. This will be his home for good if he chooses to stay. We knew itwould be hard, his situation was volatile and it was a forwards and backwards process for him and for us. ?) John, TST Complex Needs Support WorkeT
Watford New Hope Trust Itrading as New Hopel Annual Report- Year ended 31 March 2025 HopeHomes Long-term, affordable shared houses for people who have been homeless and are now ready to live independently. Our HopeHomes portfolio grew to four properties and 17 residents on 1 April 2024 Future objectlve& Far i?wupari£y to be 8195% and for resldBnts' rerrt wrears to be under 2.5 17 residents maintained their tenancies Is8dly, two were evicted due to breach oftenancyl. Three people successfulw moved on to independent living. Three people moved into the Recovery Service accommodation as they needed more support. Two people remained in employment. The HopeHomes handbooks were reviewed, updated and reprinted. We developed new monitoring and tracking systems. We improved our repairs and maintenance schedule with over 50 repair issues resolved. We attended training with the National Residential Landlord A550Clation on HMOS. Just wanted to say a huge thank you for your help. Your support means a lot to me. God bless you. ?? 21
Watford New Hope Trust Itrading as New Hopel Annual Report - Year ended 31 March 2025 Chaplaiiicy The chaplain, 8 committed Christian, and a team of three volunteers spend time with people in our different sepdices in a relaxed and informal way. When l origirially moved in to New Hopp House, I was very despondent arid generally quite Iiegative with regards to 'reiigion' and the whol<J God-thing following my childhood eAperiences. I was introduced to Sarah througli New Hope after I became a recident and le wJuld cli at in (Jenpral about anythinq and everything. I know, through being in and out of recovery for several years, that I needed a 'Higher Powei'lspiritual AvJakening of Soime sort in order to recover ¢in.d give myself a be:.ter chance of sustainng my abstinence from alcohol aiid drugs, as well as surv ving and not becoming another statistic. Although I h•d a few re.lapses along the way, Sarali didn't give up on tne. I got myself a sponsor in Cocaine Anonymous w*0 is taking me through The 12 Steps of Recovery. My stLidies with Sarigh are OrkIng htind in hand with illy sté[) work. tjnd it all seew.,s to be fitting togethpr, rather like a jigsaw where the Picture beiomes clearer vJith each piec,e that's added M. Bible is a 12 step Bible, which explains i&ihefe the readings link to the steps. I'm findirig the whole process so mLich easier to navigate while kvorking V1th my sponsoi. in conjunction with Sarah. I no loiiger dread the recovery process, wnere I did preijiously. The 'difficult' & 'challenging' steps no longer phase me. In fact, I'm now embraLing +P)em and look forward to living a clean and healthy life, as well as excited witli anticipation viith what my future will hold for me.. 99 New Hope is a signatory of Housing Justice's Charter for Christian Homelessness Agencies. The Chaplaincy service is completely optiona I for people accessing New Hope support. The team listen, encourage, and pray with people los requested). They build up relationships of trust and people find it very easy to open up to them. The chaplains are not tied to a particular building or service so they are able to work with people as they move from service to service, progressing or relapsing. This consistency of care and demonstration of grace is invaluable. 177 different people had at least one conversation with a chaplain with a total of 1,295 different interactions taking place. Three people now attend local churches and live in more permanent accommodation. The growth of the volunteer chaplains multiplied the impad of this support. The Alpha Course was run for the second time at New Hope House and Bible studies were run at the Sanctuary. The Christrllas seNice was well-8ttended by variety of people. 22
Wafford New Hope Trust (trading as New Hopel Annual Report - Year ended 31 March 2025 Fundraising and Communications This year, the Fundraising and Communications Team raised £818.663 for the work of New Hope with costs of £174,098. The team also generated £113,063 worth of gifts in kind. including regular food donations which help keep our food bills exceptionally low, Christmas presents for service users, dnd items for the services, such as towels. bedlinen and kltchen equiprnenL and Joseph Rank Trust (the third of three instalments of £15,0001 We elso received £10,000 from the Shanly Foundation. Two grants were given specifica51y for our new focus on health.. £2,000 from Watford Community Fund making possible an important piece of research into the needs of people rough sleeping in Wafford and £7,790 from the Assur8 Comrnunity Fund allowing us to provide significantly increased health provislon Including dental care and podiatry. The team consisted of a part-time manager, a part- time 8dministrator, a full-time officer, a part-time graphic designer, and è regular volunteer who helps one day per week. The full-time equivalent Wes 2.71 with costs kept as low as possible. The administr8tor left towards the end of the financial year and will be replaced with a p8rt-time Community and Events Fundraiser in 2025126. Events: We held two celebration events during this financlal year, one in April 2024 and one in March 2025. The latter celebration event focused on Cornerstone, our new strètegy. We also took part in another Stadium Sleep Out at the Vicarage Road Stadium which raised over £7,000 for New Hope. Fundraising Appeals: Once again. we appreciated the opportunity to take part In two match-funded campaigns organised by The Big Give. Restore and Recover in May raised almost £11,000 for Cultivate's work with people facing wellbeing and mental health ch811enges. Then our Christmas appeal. Home for Christmas, raised £70,000. We also ran a Crowdfunder which raised £3,000 for a new sleep pod for the Watford Winter Shelter so that people with pets could have a safe and warm place to sleep. Fundraisers: We are pleased that more people are choosing to run their own events and fundraise for New Hope. Fundralsers took part in RideLondon, the Jurassic 100km and their own sporting challenges, and held 8 plant sale. Corporate volunteers: We had regLJl8r volunteering from local bLJsinesses in the Haven and Sanctuary kitchens with compa nies Duying the ingredients and then cooking 8nd serving the breakfast and dinner. This volunteering is incredibly helpful to us and we are grateful for the compassion and Posltivity these groups bring. Gifts in kind: The amount of food donations we receive from the local community is staggering. Weekly donations from local supermarkets and shops are complemented by both our annual Harvest appeal and regular donors. Huge thanks goes to our volunteer drivers who collect items from Costco, Marks and Spencer and Lidl and to our fundraising volunteer who logs all the donations. We also received hundreds of donations at Christmas time. especlally from customers in our local Dunelm store. These gifts were passed onto service users throughout New Hope. Internal and external communications: The Fundraising and Communications Team is responsible for all internal communications which are vital in a charity based in multiple locations and with staff working different shifts. Regular internal emails and posters are sent out. The Fundraising and Communications Team is responsible for producing all internal and external printed and digital materials. The Fundraising and Communications Manager pl8ys a strategic role, which included overseeing the annual policy review and publication of the policies and procedures handbook. Trusts: We are grateful for continued support from the Garfield Weston Foundation, the Albert Hunt Trust 23
Watford New Hope Trust Itrading as New Hopel Annual Report- Year ended 31 March 2025 The Fundraising and Communications Team was also responsible for Knowing Me, Knowing You, the team conference. Over 70 staff and volunteers gathered together as we sought to help all staff and volunteers deepen their knowledge and understanding of all the facets of New Hope. The conference was hosted by Wellspring Church. who generously let us use their modern conference facilities for free. This was for a good cause. It was a cold night, but I did manage to get some sleep. It made me think about what homeless people go through every night and how no one should have to do that. ?? Adam Taylor The sleep out was a fsrst for ils. A very cold, uncomfor*aDle experience but for us, unlike otherR it was jusi for one niqhl and again unlike others, we viere iri a safe plac It was a priviltsge to be a part of it. Many thanks to till who supported us with the funklraising. ?? Valerie 24
Watford Now Hope Trust Itrading as New Hopel Annual Report- Year ended 31 March 2025 Volunteers Nic Platt joined the te8m to oversee volunteering. We had 145 volunteers, 85 of whom volunteer all year round, across all of our centres. This included 48 people who regularly volunteer at our two charity shops, with the Watford shop being run entirely by volunteers. including the shop rllanager. This year the Recovery Service welcomed six new volunteer5, SUPPOrting the staff and resldents. The remalning 60 volunteers were ad hoc or seasonal. helping at the Wattord Winter Shelter, assisting with projects, and cooking for our servlces at Christmas. The Watfford Winter Shelter ran for122 nights. with 41 volunteers helping - this alone amounted to 1476 hours of volunteering. I have been volunteering as a cook at the Sanctuary since December 2024. I've always had a passion for cooking and I like to help people. l used to take homemade meals out to rough sleepers on the streets of Watford and then my friend Dave from New Hope's Outreach Plus team suggested l apply to be a volunteer cook for New Hope. I usually cook for up to 25 residents every Tuesday evening - it may be roasting the meats and peeling the veg or preparing a big salad - the meal will be different each week and will depend on the food donations we have received. I have a lot of time to give. I've had a good life so far and feel good about giving back to those who need it. I love cooking and really enjoy chatting to the residents. I would encourage anyone who has some spare time to volunteer. All the staff are amazing people and will really support the volunteers and the residents. 99 Lee. evening cook at the SanctU8ry Emer9&n¢y Ac¢ommodatlon 25
Wafford New Hope Trust (trading as New Hopel Annual Report- Year ended 31 March 2025 Partnership Thank you Partnership work is key and we have been pleased to work well with the following local organisations.. Ascend As a local charity focusing on Watford and Three Rivers, we are dependent upon the support of our community. We are grateful to everyone who has donated, either a financial gift or a gift in kind, such as food, toiletries, or household items. We cannot possibly thank everyone who has donated here but please be assured that every donation matters to us. We would. however, like to say a special thank you to the following donors Atria Change Grow Live Charis Tiwala Citizens Advlce Community Mental Health Servlces Community Safety Partnership Emerging Futures HACRO Haircuts for Homeless Statutory Hertfordshire Probation Hertfordshire County Council Mayor's Small Grants NHS Herts & West Essex ICS Hertfordshire Social Services Meadowell Health Services Metro Three Rivers District Council MIND Watford Borough Council Watford Neighbourhood Fund One YMCA Oxygen Routes Salvation Army Homes St Albans and Watford Probation Trusts and Foundations 29th May1961 Charitable Trust Ako Foundation The Living Room Three Rivers District Council Top Golf Waterways Chaplaincy Watford 81D The Champniss Foundation cr4AW Charitable Trust Garfield Weston Foundatio Watford Foodbank Groundworks UK Watford Borough Council Watford Community Housing Trust Wafford Police Hand on Heart Helping Herts Homeless Hertffordshire Community Foundation Jandsford Charitable Trust Watford Town Centre Chaplaincy Richard Platt's Relief-In-Need Charity Rutherford Charitable Trust Shanly Foundation The Albert Hunt Trust The Big Give The Joseph Rank Trust Watford and Three Rivers Trust 26
Wafford New Hope Trust Itrading as New Hope) Annual Report- Year ended 31 March 2025 Faith groups, community groups, and schools Ark Community Church Bograts Explorer Scouts Burnlng Bush Masonic Lodge Cathedral and Abbey Church of St Alban Church of Our Lady a nd St Michael Connect Church Companies ADM Agrlculture Costco Wetford De L8ge Landen Leasing Limited Dunelm lamwow International Craft Iwholosalel Ltd J P Hildreth Ltd Cornerstone Church Lidl Derby Road Bapt15t Church Dream Earth Project Grace Fellowship KindheART Charity Holy Rood Church South Oxhey Baptist Church Soul Survivor Watford Church London Building Control Marks and Spencers Myers Clark Urenco Ltd VWV Solicitors Warner Bros Studios Wen2el's Sri Guru Singh Sabha Gurdwara St Andrew's Church ChorleyNood St George's Day Charity Club St Luke's Watford We would also like to thank the sponsors of the Stadium Sleepout.. Foxtons. Top Goll, Gather and Gather, West Hertfordshire Teaching Hospitals, Morgan Sind811, and Warner Bros. We are also incredibly grateful to Watford FC Community Sports Education Trust for all their hard work in putting on the Stadlum Sleep Out and inviting New Hope to be involved. The Ark Synagogue The Rotary Club Watford Watford Lions Wellspring Church West Watford Golfing Society 27
Watford New Hope Trust Itrading as New Hopel Annual Report - Year ended 31 March 2025 Financial Review Reserves Policy New Hope's Reserves policy Is deslgned to comply with the guidelines set out by the Charity Commissioner's guidance on reserves ICC19-401 which states.. -To justify their holding of reserves, trustees should have a reserves policy based on a realistic assessment of their reserves, needs.. Following a highly successful result, New Hope made a significant strategic investment through the purchase of the freehold of one of its largest buildings. This acquisition supports the planned development of the Hub, 8 key strategic initl8tive ofthe new Cornerstone Strategy. This policy has been established so that the trustees can be confident that reseries levels match New Hope's needs, primarlly." to protect the organisation and its charitable 8Ctivity by providing time to adjust to changing financial circumstances. This purchase was funded using 8 combination of generous donations received both in the current and previous financial years, as well as restricted funds remaining from a legacy. The building element of the purchase1£841,5491 was written off during the year, in line with our assessment of the building's useful economic life. The land element of the freehold1£320,0001 was capitalised Ljnder Fixed Assets. New Hope maintains three types of reserves- restricted reserves are given for speclfic PLJrposes and cannot be spent on the genera5 costs of the charity. Atthe 31 March 2025 New Hope had restricted resernies of £132,68512024'. £449,582). Designated reserves ere funds set aside by the trustees from the unrestricted funds for specific future purposes or project. On the 31 March 2025 New Hope had designated funds of £1,984,693 12024. £2,294,569). General reserves are vailable for the trustees to spend on the charitable activities. At 31 li Aarch 2025 New Hope had general funds of£694.36312024'. £643,235). The free reserves available from this are £642,995 12024.. £572.3091 This major capital investment resulted in the charity reporting a year end deficit of £575,645. However, it is important to note that thls deflcit is primarily attributable to the one-off nature of the building purchase. Excluding this capital expenditure. the charity achieved an operations surplus of £101,904, demonstrating continued financial resilience. The charity's total income for the year was £2,993,323. a decrease of £596,965 compared to the previous year. This reduction is primarlly due to the absence of a one-off, èxceptionally generous donation received from a benefactor in 2023124. The trustees have agreed to maintain a free reseNes level of approximately three months of budgeted annual expenditure, This decision has been made giving consideration to the current sources of income and the likel ihood of a decrease in any one funding stream. The trustees have taken into account current trends and the reliance on any single funding stream. When setting this policy the trustees have taken into consideration the length of time the charity will need to adjust to a change i n funding. Operating expendlture remained broadly in line with the previous year. However, total expenditure increased to £3,568,968, reflecting the significant capital purchase. Core operating costs were effectively controlled due to ongoing cost managerllent measures and careful review of the charity's services durlng the year. Going Concern The trustees consider that sufficient income has been secured to cover 811 anticipated liabilities. The trustees are not aware of any material uncertainties which will restrlct New Hope's ability to contlnue as a going concern 8nd the financial statements have, therefore, been prepared on a going concern basls. At 31 March 2025 the requlred level of free reserves under this policy is £641.635. As above New Hope currently has free reserves of £642,995. Risks New hope has compiled a risk register identifying the actions necessary to eliminate control and 28
Watford New Hope Trust Itrading as New Hopel Annual Report- Year ended 31 March 2025 reduce or accept the risk. An annual review of the register is carried out by the trustees, although the leadership team keep the risks under review on a regular basis. The trustees are satisfied that there are sufficient policies and procedures in place and applied for all the main areas of risk. On one of the key strategic aims in the current Cornerstone document is to develop a new homeless hub on the current site of the Emergency Accommodation. This will provide improved facilities and an integrated service. providing better services for the Town. The plans involve a full redevelopment of the site 8nd the trLJStees have identified the risk that insufficient funds will be raised for the redevelopment. The trustees have identified the need for clear budgeting and cost appraisals to be carried out on tho project. The trustees have also identified alternative uses or designs for the building if insufficient funds are available. The register addresses the risk in elght key categories.. operational risk, retail risk. financial risks. fundraising and communications, personnel, property, IT, external environment and governance. All risks are assessed due to their likelihood and impéct. Where appropriate mitigating controls are put into p18ce. During their last review the trustees identified the following as the four highest areas of risk for the charity.. Incident5 or accidents arising from working with challenging service users. All staff are trained to a high standard and provided with adequate supervision. The leadership team also implement a full porfolio of policies and procedures. Increase in level of competitlon for contracts end funding. The local government reorganisation may resLJIt in a change in competition for local level funding. The trustees and leadership team are closely monitoring the changes that will take place and the impact these may h8ve. Annual budgets are always produced and the charity maintains regular communication with key funders. The trustees have identified an increased risk of expensive maintenance costs following the purchase of our Emergency Accommodation building. During the suNey a number of improvements were noted. The building is earmarked in the charity's strategy for significant refurbishment, however until this is compleled the building carries a high risk of increased costs resulting from essential maintenance to the fabrlc of the building. The budget for the year includes higher m8intenance costs and an amount of £37.902 is held in the building repairs fund in designated funds. The team are also working to minimise the time between purchase and redevelopment of the property. Governance Structure WatFord New Hope Trust is a charitable company limited by guarantee, established under a Memorandum ofAssociation which sets out the objects and powers of the charitable company. It is governed under its Articles of Association. On I April 2014 the charity Introduced a trading name. New Hope, and now operates under that name. The charity set up a wholly owned tradlng company, New Hope Retail Limited. in June 2011. New Hope Retail is a company limited by guarantee, registered company number 7667185. Organisational Structure The Trustees govern the bLJsiness of New Hope and decide matters of policy, governance and strategy at regular meetings. The Trustees delegate the day-to-day running of New Hope to the Chief Executive, Mr M Heasman. The Chief Executive works with a leadership team and service managers to implement the strategy and the charity s policies and procedures. The Trustees The Trustees are directors for the purposes of company law and trustees for the purpose of charity law. The Trustees act on advice and information from regular meetings with the Chief Executive and with regard to the Charity 29
Watford New Hope Trust (trading as New Hopel Annual Report- Year ended 31 March 2025 Commission's guldance on public benefit. Other decisions made within the org8nSsation are reported to the Board. to approval by the full Boa rd of Trustèes. The Remuneration Committee consisting of three board members and one staff member meets annually to review the CEO'S remuneration and to review management's recommendations regarding overall remuneration structure and make recommendations to the board. The Trustees who served during the period and up to the date of signing were-. Mr J Ford Ichairl Dr T Robson OBE (appointed September 20241 Mr S Meldrum lappolnted July 20251 The Board Development Committee consists of three trustees and meets on an 6d hoc basis to seek and review new candidates for the board. Mrs C Logan (appointed September 2025) Mr D Evans (Treasurer) (resigned September 20251 Mrs M Sills Mr A Robertson Mr M Bailey Mrs A Reeve (appointed July 20251 Third party indemnity insurance was i n place for Trustees d uring the year. Guarantees Trustees, whi 1st serving, and for a period of twelve months after ceasing to be Trustees, guarantee to contribute an amount not exceeding £10 each to the 8ssets of New Hope in the event ofwinding up. The tota1 number of Trustee guara ntees at 31 March 202 5 was six 12024-. five). Appointment and Training New Trustees are recommended by the existing Trustees and are chosen for their ablllty to contribute to the needs and ethos of New Hope. All new Trustees are fully inducted on ppointment. Trustees are also regula rly advised of relevant training opportLJnities. Sub Committees The Trustees oper81e three subcomrllittees". The Finance and Audit Committee consists of three Board mernbers. The committee meets before each trustee meeting to consider financia I reports in more detail. The committee Iso reviews the annual budget and financial statements and makes recommendatlons prior 30
Watford New Hope Trust (trading as New Hopel Annual Report- Year ended 31 March 2025 Reference and Administrative Information Charity registration number: 1080784 Company registration number: 03969063 Registered office: 67 Queens Road Watford Hertfordshire WD17 2QN The Trustees (Directors): MrJRFord (Cheirl Dr T Robson OBE Mrs M Sills reasurerl Mr A Robertson Mr M Bailey Mrs A Reeve Mr S Meldrum Leadership Team: Chief Executive Mr M Heasman Mr R Edmonds Deputy CEO and Head of SeNices Head of Finance Mrs S Holford Mrs A B0er Head of Resources Bankers and other Financial Advisers: Royal Bank of Scotland 36 St Andrews Square EdinbLJrgh EH2 2Y8 Cafcash Limited Kings Hill West Malling Kent ME19 4TA Auditors: Dux Advisory Limited Kennel Club House Gatehouse Way Aylesbury Buckinghamshire HP19 8DB 31
Watford New Hope Trust (trading as New Hopel Annual Report - Year ended 31 March 2025 Responsibilities of the trustees The trustees (who are also directors of New Hope for the purposes of company lawl are responsible for preparing the Trustees, Annual Report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards Iuniled Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice). The trustees are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time Ihe financial position of the charitable company and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Companies Act 2006. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charitable company and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention 8nd detection of fraud and other irrogula rities. Company law requires the trustees to prepare financial statement5 for each financial year, which give 8 true and fair view of the state of affairg of the charitable company and of the incoming resources and application of resources, including the income and expenditure, of the charitable company for that period. In preparing these financial statements the trustees are required to.. In so far as the trustees are aware.. There is no relevant audit information of which the charitable company's auditor is unaware., and The trustees have taken all steps that they ought to have taken to make themselves aware of any relevant audit information and to establish that the auditor is aware of that information. Select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently.. Observe the methods and principles in the Charities SORP., Make the judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent., State whether applicable UK Accounting Standards have been followed, subject to any materi81 departures disclosed and explained In the financial statements., Prepare the financial st8tement on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the charitable company will contlnue in operatlon. Approved by the Trustees on 11th September 2025 and signed on behalf of the Trustees MrJF 32
Watford New Hope Trust (trading as New Hopel Independent Auditor's Report - Year ended 31 March 2025 Independent Auditor's Report to the Members of Watford New Hope Trust Opinion We have audited the consolid8ted flnanclal statements ofwatford New Hope Trust Ithe 'charitable parent company'l and its subsidiary (the group'l for the year ended 31 March 2025 which comprise the Consolidated Statement of Financial Activitles, Consolidated Balance Sheet, Consolidated Cash flow statement and notes to the financial statements, includ ing a summary of significant accounting pollcles. The financial reporting framework that has been applied in their preparation is applicable18w and United Klngdom Accounting Standards, including Financial Reporting Standard 102 The Flnanclal Reporting Standard applicable in the U K and Republic of Ireland (United Kingdom Gener3lly Accepted Accounting Practicel. other ethical responsibilities in accordance with these requirements. We bellev@ that the 8udit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion. Conclusions relating to goiiig concern In audlting the consolidated financlal statements, we have concluded that the trustees, use of the going concern basis of accounting in the preparation of the financia I statements is appropriate. Based on the work we have performed, we have not identified any materia l uncertainties rel8ting to events or conditions that, individually or collectively, may cast signiflcant doubt on the group's and the charitable parent company's and ability to contlnue as a going concern for a period of at least twelve months from when the financial statements are authorised for issue. In our opinion the consolidated financlal statements.. give a true and fair view of the state of the group's and of the charitable parent company's affairs as at 31 March 2025, and of the group's incoming resources and appllcation of resources, including its income and expenditure, for '.he year then ended., have been properly prepared in accordance with United Kingdom Gener811y Accepted Accountlng Practice., 8nd have been prepared In accordance with the requlrements ofthe Companies Act 2006. Our responsibilities and the responsibilities of the trustees with respect to going concern are described in the relevant sections of this report. Other information The other information comprises the information included in the trustees 8nnu81 report. other than the consolidated financial statements end our audltor's report thereon. The trustees are responsible for the other inform8tlon contained withln the annual report. Our opinion on the consolidated financial statements does not cover the other information and, except to the extent otherwlse explicitly stated in our report, we do not express any form of assurance conclusion Ihereon. Our responsibillty is to read the other Informli0n and, in doing so, consldef whether the other information is materially inconsistent with the consolidated financial statements or our knowledge obtained in the course of the audit or otherwise appears to be materially mlsstated. If we identify such material inconsistencies or apparent Basis for opinion We conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards on Auditing IUKI IISAS IUKII and 8pplicable law. Our responsibilities under those standards are further descrlbed in the auditor responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements section of our report. We 8re independent of the group in accordance with the ethical requirements that are relev8nt to our aLJdit of the financial statements In the UK, including the FRC'S F.Ihical Standard, and we have fulfilled our 33
Watford New Hope Trust (trading 8s New Hopel Independent Auditor's Report - Year ended 31 March 2025 material mlsstatements, we ére required to determine whether thls gives rise to a material misstatement in the financia I statements themselves. If, based on the work we have performed, we conclude that there is a material misstatement of this other information, we are required to report that fact. explanations we require for our audit; or the trustees were not entitled to prepare the consolidated financla I statements In accordance Wth the small companies, regime and take advantage ofthe small companies, exemptlon in preparing the trustees, report and from the reqLJirement to prepare a strategic report. We have nothing to report in this regard. Responsibilities of trustees As explained more fully In the trustees, responsibilities statement, the trustees (who are also the directors of the charitable parent company for the purposes of company lawl 8re responsible for the preparation of the consolidated finéncial statements and for being satisfied that they give a true and fair view, and for such internal control as the trustees determine is necessary to enable the preparation of consolidated financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error. Opinions on other matters prescribed by the Companies Act 2006 In our opinion, based on the work undertaken in the course of the audit.. the information given in the trustees, report (Trustees Annuèl Report for the year ending 31 March 202 51 for the financial year for which the consolidated financial statements are prepared is consistent with the consolidated financi81 statements.. and the Trustees Annual Report for the year ending 31 March 2025 has been prepared in accordance with applicable legal requirements. In preparing the consolidated financial statements, the trustees are responsible for 8ssessing the charitable parent compa ny's ability to continue as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going concern and using the going concern basis of accounting unless the trLJStees either intend lo liquid8te the charitable parent company or to cease operation5. or have no realistic alternative but to do so. Matters on which we are required to report by exception In the light of the knowledge and understanding of the charitable parent comp8ny and its environment obtained in the course of the audit, we have not identlfied materia I misstatements in the financi81 statements as on 31 March 2025 and the trustees report. Auditor responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements We have nothing to report in respect of the following matters in relstion lo which the Corllpanies Act 2006 requires LJS to report to you if, in our opinion.. Our objectives are to obtéin reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements as a whole are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to is%ue an auditor's report that include5 our opinion. Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance, but is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in accord8nce with ISAS IUKI will always detect a material misstatement when it exists. Mlsstatements can arise from fraud or error and are considered material if, individually or in the aggregate, they could reasonably be expected to influence the economlc decisions of users taken on the basis of tnese consolidated adequate accounting records have not been kept. or returns adequate for our audit have not been received from branches not visited by us., or the consolid6ted financial statements are not In agreement with the accounting records and returns., or certain disclosures of dlrectors, remuneration specified by law are not made., or we have not received all the information and 34
Watford New Hope Trust (trading as New Hopel Independent Auditor's Report - Year ended 31 March 2025 financlal statements. and transactions reflected in the consolidated financial statements, as we will be less likely to become aware of instances of non<ompliance. The risk is also greater regarding irregularities occurring due to fraud rather than error. as fraud involves intentional concealment, forgery. collusion. omission or misrepresent3tion. Irregularities, including fraud, are instances of non- compliance with laws and regulations. We design procedures in line with our responsibllities. outlined above. to detect material misstatements in respect of irregularities, including fraud. The extent to which our procedures are capable of detecting irregularities. including fraud is detailed below.. A further description of our responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements is located on the Financial Reporting Council's website at www.frc. org.uklauditorsresponsibilities. This description forms part of our auditor's report. We obtained an understanding of the legal and regulatory frameworks that are applicable to the entity. We communicated identified laws 8nd regulations and potential fraud risk5 to all engagement team members and remained alert to any indications of fraud or non-compliance with laws and regulations throughout thè audit. We exèmined and discussed with management any known or suspected instances offraud or non-compliance with laws and regulations. We assessed the risks of material rnisstatement in respect of fraud as follows: We communicate with those charged with governance regarding, among other rnatters. the planned scope and timing of the audit and significant audit findings. including any significant deficiencies In internal control that we identify during our aLJdit. Use of our report Thls report is made solely to the charltable parent company 5 mernbers, as a body, in accordance with Chapter 3 of Part16 of the Companies Act 2006. Our audit work has been undertaken so thot we might state to the charitable parent companys members those matters we are required to state to them in an auditor's report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted bylaw. we do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the charitable parent company and the charitable parent company's members as a body, for our audit work, for this report, or for the opinions we have formed. The audit team discussed whether there were any areas that were susceptible to misslalement as part of their fraud discussion. In addressing the risk of management override of controls, we tested the 8ppropriateness of journal entries with a focus on large or unusual transactions based on criteria determined Ljsing our knowledge of the organisation and industry. We also challenged assumptions and judgements made. We incorporated an element of unpredictability in the selection of the nature. timing 8nd extent of our audit procedures. Based on the results of our risk assessment we designed our audit procedures to identify and to address materi81 mis5tetements in relation to fraud, including bribery and non compliance Because of the inherent limltations of an audit, there is a risk that we will not detect all irregularlties, including those leedlng to a materiel misstatement in the consolidated financlal statements or non-compliance with regulation. This risk increases the more that compli8nce with alaw or regulation is removed from the events BPeM Bianca Permal FCA Isenior Statutory Auditor) for and on behalf of Dux Advisory Limited Kennel Club House Gatehouse Way Aylesbury 8uckinghamshire HP19 8DB 16 JDI 35
Watford New Hope Trust (trading as New Hopel Financial Statements- Year ended 31 March 2025 Watford New Hope Trust (trading as new hope) Consolidated Statement Of Financial Activities (including income & expenditure account) Year ended 31 March 2025 Unreslricted funds Restrlcted funds Totsl fvnds Unrestricted 2025 fvnd5 Restricted funds Total funds 2024 Note Income Donatlons and legacles Charitable activities= 570,094 361,632 931,726 1,303.666 421.472 1,725,138 Intervention 153,547 85,000 238,547 119.687 119,687 Recovery 3b 1,112.371 1,112,371 1.131.984 1,131.984 Prevention 3c 348,708 348,708 295.228 295,228 other tradSng aCt[t[e5= Retail Income 287,715 287,715 278,043 278.043 Investments 74,256 74.256 40,208 40.208 Other incorne Totsl income 2.546.691 446,632 2,993,323 3,168.816 421,472 3,590288 Expenditurè Raising funds.. Retall 151,535 151.535 156,261 156,261 Fundralslng an communications 174,098 174,098 156.231 156,231 Charitable activitie5= Intervention 175,034 336,672 511.706 115.051 345,067 460,118 Recovery 1.406,490 58.299 1,464,789 1.488.653 73,009 1.561,662 Preventlon 367.276 58.015 425.291 321,159 62,039 383,198 Other expenditure Total expendlture 531.006 310,543 841,549 2,805,439 763.529 3,568,968 2,237,355 480,115 2,717,470 Net intomel lexpenditurel for Ihe year 1258.7481 1316.897) IS75,6451 931,461 158,6431 872,818 Reconciliation of funds Tolal funds brought fotw8rd Totsl funds carried forward 8,9 2.937.804 449,582 3.387,386 2,006,343 508,225 2,514,568 2.679,056 132,685 2,811.741 2,937.804 449,582 3,387J86 All of the charitable company's activities are considered to be continuing. The notes numbered 1 to17 form part of these f1nancial statements There were no recognised gains or losses other than the result for the year 36
Watford New Hope Trust (trading as New Hopel Financial Statements - Year ended 31 March 2025 Consolidated Balance Sheet At 31 March 2024 2025 2024 Charrty Group Charity Group Note Fixed Assets Tangible assets 1.525,629 1.525,629 1.249.567 1.249,567 Current Assets Current asset for Sale 675,000 675,000 Debtor5 200,139 128.370 222.275 150.505 Cash at bank and in hand , 1,151.200 1,222.969 1,366,203 1.437,973 1.351.339 1,351.339 2,263,478 2,263,478 Credltors.- Atiiounts falllng due thSn orne year Net Current Assets 65,227 65.227 125,659 125,659 1,286,112 1,286,112 2,137,819 2,137,819 Total Asset5 Less Current 2.811,74? 2.811,741 3,387,286 3,387.386 Net Assets 2,811,741 2,811.741 3,387,386 3,387,386 Funds Unrèstrlcted: Dèsignatèd General funds 8,10 8,10 1.984,693 . 1,984,693 2.294.569 2.294,569 643.235 694,363 2.679,056 694,363 643.235 2,679,056 2,937.804 2.937.804 Restricted 9,10 132,685 132.685 449,582 449.582 Total Funds 2.811,741 2,811,741 3,387,336 3387,386 These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with section 398 of the Companie5 Act 2006 and section 138 of the Charities Act 2011. These accounts are prepared in accordance with the special provisions of Part15 of the Companies Act relating to small companies and constituto the annual accounts required by the Companies Act 2006. These flnanci81 statements were approved by the Trustees on 11th September 2025 and are signed on Ihelr beha The notes numbered 1 to 17 form part of these financial statements MrJF Company number 03969063 37
Watford New Hope Trust Itrading as New Hopel Financial Statements- Year ended 31 March 2025 Cashflow Statement At 31 March 2025 2024 2023 Cèshflows from Operang actlvltles Net Incomellexpenditurel for the reporting perlod Adjustments for.. Depreciation 1575.6451 872,818 881.T78 46,177 (74,2561 140,2081 1675,0001 Investsrent income 675,000 Current asset for sale Ilncreeselldecrease In debtors Increaselldecreasel in credttors 22.135 43.823 160.4321 2.415 Net cash provided by I (used inl operatlng actlvltles 868,580 250,025 Cashflows from investing actlvities Purchase of flxed 8ssets 11,157,840) 14,2721 Investment income 74,256 40.208 Net cash provided byllused inl investing activities 11.083.584) 35,936 Net InCaSe in cash and cash equivalents 215.004 285.961 Cash and cash equivalents at 1 April 1.437.973 1.152,012 Cash and c8sh equNalent5 at 31 March 1.222,969 1,437.973 Analysis of cash and cash equivalents.. Cash In hand 1.222,969 1.437.973 Total cash and cash èquivalents 1.222.969 1,437,973 38
Wafford New Hope Trust Itr3ding as New Hopel Notes to the Financial Statements- Year ended 31 March 2025 Notes to The Consolidated Financial Statements Year ended 31 March 2025 1 Accounting Policies Company information Watford New Hope TrLJSt is a private ch8ritable company limited by guarantee, incorporated in England & Wales. Details of the registered office and principal address can be found on the reference and adrnlnistrative information p8ges. Members gLJarantee to contribute an amount not exceeding £10 each to the assets of New Hope in the event of winding up. Basis of accounting The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the charitable company's governing document, the Companieg Act 2006 and "Accounting 8nd Reporting by Charities.. Statement of Recorllmended Practice applicable to charitles preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland IFRS 1021" las amended for accounting periods commencing from 1 January 20191. The charitable corrpany is a Public Benefit Entity as defined by FRS 102. Legal status: The liability of the members is limited. The trustees consider that sufficient income has been secured lo cover all anticipated liabilities. The trustees are not aware of any material uncertainties which will restrict New Hope's ability to continue as a going concern and the financial statements have. therefore, been prep8red on going concern basis. Every member ofthe Charity undertakes to contrlbute such amount as may be required (not exceeding £101 to the Charity's assets if it should be wound up while he or she is a member or within one year after he or she ceases to be a member, for payment of the Charity's debts and liabilities contracted before he or she ceases to be a member, and ofthe costs, charges and expenses of winding up. and for the adjustment of the rlghts of the contributors among themselves. The functional currency of the Charity is sterling and amounts in the financial stateFnents are rounded to the nearest pound. If the Charity is wound up or dissolved and after 811 its debts and liabilities have been satisfied there remains any propety it shall not be peid to or distributed among the members ofthe Charity, but shall be given or transferred to some other charity or charities havlng similar purposes to the objects of the Charity. which prohibits the distribution of its or thelr income and propety to an extent at least as great as is imposed on the Charity by Clause 5 of the MemorandLJm and Articles of Association. chosen by the member of the Charity at or before the time of dissolution and if that cannot be done then to some other charitable object. Critical accounting judgements and key sources of estimation uncertainty In preparing financial statements it is necessary to make certain judgements, estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts recognised in the financial statements. The 8nnual depreciation charge for tangible flxed assets is sensitive to changes in useful economic lives and residual values of assets. In the view of the trustees In applying the 8ccounting policies adopted, no judgements were required that have a significant effect on the amounts recognised in the fin8ncial statements nor do any estimates or assumptions made carry a significant risk of material adjustment in the next financial year. 39
Watford New Hope Trust (trading as New Hopel Notes to the Financial Statements- Year ended 31 March 2025 Income have been willing to pay to obt8in such services or facilities on the open markot. In accordance with the Charities SORP IFRS 1021 the time and cornmitment donated by the volunteers has not been recognised in the Statement of Financial Activities. Gifts donated for resale are Included as income when they are sold due to the administrative dlfficulty in estimating the fair value ofthe goods. Income is recognised in the period in which New Hope is legally entitled to the income provided that.. any performance conditions heve been met, it is probable that the income will be received and the amount Can be quentified with reasonable accuracy. Legacies are recognised in the Statement of Financial Activities when notification of the legacy has been received and a reasonable estimate of the value ofthe legacy can be made. Donations and grants are recognised when the Charity has been notified in writing of the amount. In tho eventthat a grant or donation is subjectto conditions, that require a level of performance before the Charity is entitled to the funds, the income is deferred and not recognised until either those conditions are fu Ily met, or the fulfilment of those conditions is wholly within the control of the Charity and it is probable that those conditions will be fulfilled in the reporting period. Operating lease agreements Rentals applicable to operating leases where substantially all of the benefits and risks of ownership remain with the lessor are charged against income on a straight line basis over the period of the lease. Tangible fixed assets Individual assets costing £1,000 or more are capit81ised at cost and are depreciated over their estimated useful economic lives on 8 str6ight line basis as follows.. Deprecistion is calculated so as to write off the cost of an asset, less its estim8ted residual value. over the useful economic life of that asset as follows,. Expenditure Expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis, inclusive of VAT. which cannot be recovered. Certain expenditure is directly attributable to specific activities and has been èllocated to those cost categories. Where these costs are attributable to more than one activity, they have been apportioned to the individual activities on the basis of the time spent by staff on matters relating to those activities. Head Offlce costs have been allocated on the basis of incoming resources and direct costs and have been apportioned to the cost centres of fundra ising and publicity and individual projects with in charitable expenditure Sn accordance with the requi rements of the Statement of Recommended Practice. Freehold buildings 210 per annum straight line Leasehold buildings over the length of the lease Equlpment 25% per 8nnum stra ight line Fixtures and fittings 10% to 25% per annum straight line Depreciation Is calcu lated monthly and is included from the first full month 8fter purchase. Freehold land is not depreciated. Other property interests are depreciated over the term of the lease of the property concerned or the relevant management agreement. Cash and cash equivalents Cash at bank and in hand includes cash in hand, deposits with banks and funds that are readily convertible into cash at, or close to, their carrying values but are not held for investment purposes. Gifts in kind Donated gifts and services are recognised as income when the Charity has control over the item and the economic benefit can be measured reliably. Such goods and senjices are recognised on the basis of the value that the Charity would 40
Watford New Hope Trust Itrading as New Hopel Notes to the Financial Statements- Year ended 31 March 2025 Debtors Trade and other debtors are recognised at the settlement amount after any trade discount Is applied. Prepayments are v8lued at the amount prepaid net of any tr8de discounts due. Restricted funds- these are funds which can only be used for particular purposes within the objects of the Charity. Restrlctions arise when specified by the donor or when funds are raised for particular restricted purposes. Creditors Creditors are recognised where the Charity has a present obligation resulting from a past event that will probably result in the transfer of funds to 8 third party, and the arnount due to settle the obligation can be measured or estimated reliably. The nature and purpose of each fund 1% explained further in the notes to the financial statements. Group financial statements The consolidated accounts incorporate those of Watford New Hope Trust Itrading as New Hopel and its subsidiary undertaking, New Hope Retail, for the year ended 31 March 2025. As permitted by section 408 ofthe Companies Act 2006. the St8tement of Financial Activities of the parent company is not presented as part ofthese financial statements. The result of the Charlty lone for the year was a deficit of £575,64512024 surplus £872,818). New Hope Retail has not carried out any trading dLJring the year 12024.. dormant). Financial instruments aasic financial instruments aye measured at amortised cost other than investments which are measured at fair value. Tax status New Hope is a registered charity and therefore it is not assessable to corporation tax on any surplus charitable funds. Pensions New Hope operates both a stakeholder pension scheme for employees. to which the employer does not make contributions and a group personal pension. The group personal pension is a defined contribution scherne and New Hope makes a 3% contribution where employees are also contribLJting to the group personal pension scheme. This scheme is Managed by Smart Pensions and the plan Invests the contributions made by the employee and employer in an investment fund to build up over the term of the plan. New Hope has no liability beyond making its contrlbutlons and paylng across the deduciions for the employee's contributions. Funds Funds held by New Hope are: Unrestricted generol funds - these are funds whlch can be used in accordance wlth the charitable objects at the discretion of the trustees. Designoted funds - these are funds set aside by the trustees out of unrestricted general funds for specific future purposes or projects. 41
Watford New Hope Trust (trading as New Hopol Notes to the Financial Statements- Year ended 31 March 2025 2 Donations And Legacies 2025 2025 2025 2024 2024 2024 Unrestrictèd Restrlded Total Unrestricted Restricted Total Grants 20.445 258,694 279,139 10,272 343.889 354.161 Leoacies 15.986 15.986 66.198 66.198 Indlvldual donation5 318.131 91,123 409,254 944.662 63,616 1,008,278 Tax reclairned 24,790 340 25.130 43,142 12 43.154 Other donations 190,742 11.475 202,217 239,292 13,955 253.347 570,094 361,632 931,726 1,303,666 421,472 1,725,138 Gifts in Kind New Hope receives significant donations of food, toiletries, clothing and other items from local companies. schools, churches and individuals. All donations are includod in the financial statements at the estimated value the Charity would have paid for therll. From time to time New Hope also received other gifts to assist in the operation of New Hope's activities. The total amount of gifts in kind included in the fina ncial st3tements is £113,06312024.' £809,575).
Watford New Hope Trust Itrading as New Hopel Notes to the Financial Statements - Year ended 31 March 2025 3 Charitable Activities 2025 2025 2025 2024 2024 2024 Unrestricted Restricted Tot81 Unrestricted Restricted Total 38 InteentIon Housing Benefit Contracts 71,215 71,215 12.731 12.731 82332 85.000 167.332 106,956 106,956 Totsl lrttervention 153.547 85,000 238.547 119.687 119,687 . 3b Recovéry Houslng Benefit Ineliglble charges Contr8cts .795,037 795,037 729,229 729,229 24.167 24,167 22,921 22,921 293.167, . 293.167 379,834 379,834 Total Recovery 1.112.371 1,112.371 1,131,984 1.131.984 3c Preventlan Housing Benefit InelSglble cherges Contracts 148,786 148.786 145,146 145.146 8,128 8,128 6,314 6314 191,794 191.794 143.768 143.768 Totsl Preventlon 348.708 348.708 295,228 295,228 Total ch8rltable income 1,614.626 85,000 1,699,626 1.546,899 1,546.899 43
Watford New Hope Trust {trading as New Hope) Notes to the Financial Statements - Year ended 31 March 2025 4 Total Expenditure 2025 2024 Intervention Recovery Prevention Other Fundlaising Expenditure nd£o municatiorLS Retsil Head office Total £osts Total costs Staff costs 315,121 7TA.702 225.453 97,083 31.112 331,414 l.T17,885 1.726.879 Other staff costs 9.511 12.303 11.223 179 68,855 102.071 84,595 RSL charges Premises costs 9.776 255.642 265,418 252,229 15,993 92,925 71,997 1.276 50,435 8,703 241.329 285.330 Office costs 2,837 3,090 3,144 10.015 4,283 3.819 27,188 24,727 6,936 6,936 5,887 Service user costs 52.759 81,730 14,134 148,623 188,245 lfisurance 3.761 3,287 4,211 680 5,747 9,061 26,747 22,366 Depreciation 7,016 2.542 9.113 837.840 2.271 13.936 9.060 881,778 46.177 Professional costs 2.189 5.154 1.901 3.709 1.247 1,044 54,348 69,59 62,830 other costs 359 1,319 602 8.561 10,560 21.401 18.205 Head office costs 92,384 229,095 83,513 52,786 44,978 1502.7561 Total 1.464,789 425.291 841.549 174.098 151,535 3,568,968 2,n7.470 44
Watford New Hope Trust (trading as New Hopel Notes to the Financial Statements - Year ended 31 March 2025 4 Expenditure (continued) Staff Costs 2025 2024 Wages and salaries Soclal securlty costs ..1.469,920 1.302348 137,794 109,096 Penslon costs 30,049 26.864 . Agency and securlty costs . Redundancy costs 140,122 288.571 1.7n,885 1,726,879 During 2025 one employee earned in the bracket between £70.000 and £80,000. exclLJding company pensions12024'. one employee earned in the bracket between £60,000 and £70.000. Pensions costs for higher paid employees totalled £1,32112024.£1,3201. In addition to around 2QO volunteers during the year the full time equlvalent number of staff employed by New Hope durlng the year. excluding trustees. are set OLJt below. Employee Numbers 2025 2024 No. Dlrect charltable work 30.3 30.4 Fundralslng and communlc8tlons Head office. 2.7 7.9 Retsil 42.0 Key Management No trLJStee was remunerated during the year 12024.. nil) and there were no trustee expenses during year12024- nill. £175,615). The leadership team consists of three employees,. CEO. Deputy CEO and Head of Services and Head of Resources. In addition the Charity engages the services of a firiancial consultant to carry out the role of Head of Finance. The leadership team is considereci the only key management of the organisation. Total remuneration and benefits paid to the leadership team durlng the year was £183,705 12024.. Auditors, remuneration: 2025 2024 Audit 13.800 13.140 13.800 13.140 Governance costs: 2025 2024 Governance costs Inlcuded in expendlture in note 4 19,426 18.681 45
Watford New Hope Trust (trading as New Hopol Notes to the Financial Statements - Year ended 31 March 2025 5 Fixed Assets Charlty & Group Interests In prop•rty Plant and machinery etc Total Cost At 31 March 2024 1.834.198 346,770 2,180.968 Addltions 1.157.840 1.157.840 Dlsposals At 31 March 2025 2,992,038 346,770 3,338,808 Depreciation At 31 March 2024 655,557 275,844 931.401 Depreciation 862,220 19.558 881,n8 Disposa15 At 31 March 2025 1,517,777 295,402 1.813.179 Net Book Volue At 31 March 2025 1,474,261 51,368 1.525.629 At 31 March 2024 1.178,641 70.926 1.249,567 During the year New Hope purchased the bullding on Exchange Road, currently used for the Emergency Accommodation serdice. This was in line with the strategy document, Cornerstone. and the charity intends to further develop the site. This development is in the plannlng stage an(i. as the building will have lirnited useful economic life the full value of the buildlng has been depreciated. IHopeHomesl and the Sanctuary (Emergency Accommodation) The Charity's Interest in New Hope House represents costs of £171,768 which are fully depreciated. The title to the properw is held by Salvation Army Homes and there 15 a charge registered on the title deeds at the Land Registry noting New Hope's interest. There is a manegement agreement between New Hope and Salvation Army Homes under which the Charity undertakes the day-to-day management of the property. If the property is sold the Charity is entitled to a 50% share i n the sale proceeds. In the opinion of the trustees the amount to which the Charity would be entitled is at least equal to the value at which the Charity's interest is included in these fin8ncièl statements. The cost of plant and rnachinery includes donated assets valued by the trustees at £10,00012024'. £10.0001. All of the asset5 hold by the Charity are used for charitable purposes. New Hope owns the freehold interest in the Haven, 67 Oueens Road Ishop and offices), 94 Tolpits Road IHopeHomesl. 31 Grosvenor Road Interests in property includes: 2025 2024 The Haven 213.300 219,632 Shop and offlces Sanctuary builidino HopeHomes 493,740 502.053 320.000 447,221 456.956 1,474.261 1,178,641
Watford New Hope Trust Itrading as New Hopel Notes to the Financial Statements - Year ended 31 March 2025 6 Debtors 2025 2025 2024 2024 Charity Group Charity Group Housing benefrt debtors Prepayments and accrued Income Other debtors 24,232 24,232 32.668 32,668 8.380 8.380 5,942 5.942 86.741 86.742 97.072 Tax rècoverable 9,016 9.016 14.823 14.823 Intercompany account 71,770 71.770 200.139 128,370 222.275 150,505 7 Creditors 2025 2025 2Q24 2024 Charity Group Charty Group thln one yetsr Accruals 53,927 53,927 86,124 86,124 Other creditors 11,300 11,300 39,535 39,535 65,227 65,227 125,659 125,659 47
Wafford New Hope Trust (trading as New Hopel Notes to the Financial Statements- Year ended 31 March 2025 8 Designated Funds (Charity and Group) 31 Maych 2024 Income ExpenditUTe Transfers 31 Mareh 2025 Deslgnated funds Property HopeHornes 1.095,566 V8,6881 320.000 1,396,878 202,348 202,348 The Hub 953,203 215,933 1531,0061 1320,0001 318,130 Bullding repairs fund 27.902 10,000 37,902 Watford Winter Shelter 12.731 13.885 26.616 Women s hostel 2,819 2.819 2,294,569 239.818 1549,6941 1,984,693 General unrestrlcted funds 643,235 2.306,873 12,255,745] 694.363 Total unrestrlcted funds 2.937,804 2,546,691 12,805.4391 2,679,056 31 March 2024 Income Expenditure Transfers 31 Marth 2025 Designated funds- Prior year Property HopeHomes 1,114.254 (18,6881 1,095,566 202,348 202,348 The Hub 50.400 902.803 953.203 Bulldlng repa1rs fund Wafford Wlnter Shetter 25.302 10.000 17.4001 27,902 12.731 12,731 Women's hostel 2,819 2.819 1.395.123 925.534 126.0891 2,294,569 General unrestrlcted funds 611,220 2,243,282 12,211,267) 643.235 Totsl unrestricted funds 2,006,343 3.168,816 12.237.355) 2.937,804 Purposes of designated funds Property- This comprlses a sum set aside by the trustees to reflect the investment in property held by New Hope. The amount represents the net book value of property interests less any amounts held in restricted funds for specific properties_ Building Repairs Fund - This represents reserves set aside by the trustees towards the cost of major repalrs to the properties in which New Hope has an Interest. Watford Winter Shelter- Funds raised through housing benefit allocated for the costs of future winter Shelters. HopeHomes- These funds were donated through a legacy and have been set aside to assist in the costs of purchasing property for the HopeHomes service. Women's Hostel - The fund represents donations given in 2008-9 in mewory ofJ8net Hosier. These funds are being held to fund the c05t of women's hostel. The Hub - This represents amounts set aside to fund the development of a new Wattord Hub. 48
Warford New Hope Trust Itrading as New Hopel Notes to the Financial Statements - Year ended 31 March 2025 9 Restricted Funds (Charity and Group) 31 March 2024 Income Expenditure Transfers 31 March 2025 The Haven- capltal fund The Haven- running eosts Emergency Accornmodation 15.6921 1123,0561 14,7261 1104.037) .185.0001 11.9001 113,D581. 77,383 '. 6,574 122.534 6,052 2.400. 4,726 2.400 Street Qutreach 104,037 Wafford Winter Shelter 85.000 Recovery services Cultivate 250 1.900 250 13,058 Tonancy Sustalnment Te8m 357 32,060 131,5981 117,7901 14.8431 .-?,. 11.097) 133.7721 819 Health Funding Project Home Rough sleeper support Household 5UPPOrt fund Chaplaln Prowsion of accommodation 32.790 15.000 20,089 15,246 5,493. 33,772 16.425 13,316 122.9781 . 6,763 310,543 2,560 1313,1031. Other restrlcte¢J funds 4.376 879 4,376 449,582 446,632 1763.5291 132,685 Restricted funds - prior year 31 March 2023 Income Expendliure Tran$fèr$ 31 March 2024 The Haven- capftal fund The Haven- running costs 88.767.. 15,6921 1149,5011 j14.4LHI' 1103,7521 83.075 7,538 148,537 6.574 Emergency Accommodation . 2394 14,450 2.400 Street OLrtreach 103.752 Wafford Winter sheer 85.000 185,0001" 15961 0,7001 141.0881 14,4381 11,1221 142.8311 120,8791 1601 1121 1480.1151 Recovery seceS . CUltate 250 596 250 10.700 Tenancy Sustalnrnent Team 30.000 11.445 357 Project Home Rough sleeper support Household support fund 24.488 39 20.089 6,615 5,493 42,831 Chaplaln 33.254 4.050 16.425 HopeHomes Other restrlcted funds 310,543 60 310,543 4376 12 4,376 508225 421,472 449,582 49
Watford New Hope Trust (trading as New Hopel Notes to the Financial Statements- Year ended 31 March 2025 Purposes of Restricted funds The Haven capital fund- This represents funding provided for the work carried out at the Haven. The provision for depreciation of the building is boing charged to this fund. Project Home- donations provided to run the Project Home scheme, supplying those moving from rough sleeping or homelessness to indopendent accommodation. This includes deposits, furniture and white goods_ Haven running costs- Various donations towards the general running costs for the service. Rough sleeper support -Financial assistance given to help the entrenched rough sleepers wlth individual support. Emergency Accornmodation - Donations to cover the costs of tunning the emergency accommodation within our Sanctuary building. Household Support Fund - Represents funding frorn Hertffordshire County Council towards food, white goods and bedding. Funds were also provided to assist with the rental costs of service users who were not eligible for housing benefit. street Outreach - Funds provided by Watford Borough Council to provide a an outreach support seriice and emergency accommodation to those engaged in rough sleeplng in Watford. Chaplain - Grants received to pay for a chaplain to support the wellbeing of staff and service users. Watford Wintèr Shelter- Funds provided by Wafford Borough Council to support accommodation provided during severe weather conditions. Provision of Accommodation - Reciept of a legacy in 2015 to provide accommodation to those who have experienced homelessness. The fund have been used this year to purchase the building housing New Hope's Emergency Accommodation. Recovery Services- Donations received to support the work carried out at the recovery serdices. Cultivate - Donations and grants received to support the work carried out by the Cultivate team. Tenancy Sustainment Team - Donetions received tOW8rds the cost of staffing for the team. 50
Watford New Hope Trust (trading as New Hopel Notes to the Financial Statements - Year ended 31 March 2025 10 Analysis of Net Assets between Restricted and Unrestricted Funds Charity and Group Tangible fixed assets Cash at bank and in hand Net current assetsl Creditors more than one year Total Haven Support Centre- capltsl Other restricted funds 77J83 77.383 ', 55,302 55.302 77.383 55.302 132,685 Designated fun(Ss Gener81 unrestrleted funds 1396.878 587,815 1.984,693 51.368 579,852 63,143 694.363 1,525,629 1,222.969 63,143 2,811,741 Prior year comparatives Tan9lble fixed assets sh at bank and in hand Net current Credstors more asset51 than one year Total Haven Support Centrè- capital Other restricted funds 83,075 83,075 366,507 366,507 83.075 366.507 449,582 Designate(S funds General unrestrirted funds 1,095.566 1.199,003 2,294.569 70.926 1127,5371 1.437,973 699,846 643,235 3,387,386 1.249.567 699846 51
Watford New Hope Trust Itrading as New Hopel Notes to the Financial Statements- Year ended 31 March 2025 11 Pensions New Hope operates a Stakeholder Pension Scheme for all employees but does not contribute to the pension scherlle on behalf of its employees. A group personal pension scheme, a defined contribution scheme, Is also offered. New Hope pays a matched contribution of 3% for all ernployees within the scheme. The contributions payable by the charity charged to income and expenditure amounts to £30,04912024'. £26,864). A payment of £787 is irnclLJded in creditors at 31 March 2025 relating to the employer and employee contributions12024'. £2661. Pension costs have been allocated based on the member of staff to whom the cost relates and the service they work in. 16 Related Party Transactions New Hope Retail Ltd. a wholly owned subsidiary, gift aids all profits to New Hope. The total glft ald donation relating to 2025 is £NIl12024'. £Nill. New Hope Retail was dormant during the year and there were no payrllents from New Hope Retail to New Hope12024.' £nill The tot313rrount owing from New Hope Retail Ltd at 31 March 2025 to New Hope is £71,77012024.' £71,770). Donations received from trustees and other charities for which trustees act tot3lled £7,998 12024.. £10,710) during the reportlng perlod. 12 Contingencies There are no contingent liabilities as at 31 fv1arch 202512024.. none). 13 Capital Commitments There are no capital commitments as 8t 31 March 202512024.. none) 14 Ultimate Controlling Party There is no ultimate controlling party. 15 Trading Subsidiary New Hope Ret8il Ltd, the cha ritable company's trading subsidlary Icompany number.. 76671851 was incorporated on the 13 June 2011. New Hope Retail Ltd began to operate during 2011112. The subsidiary's financial statements can be obtained from the operational address on page 3 of these financial statements. The company was established to operate retail opportunities on behalf of New Hope. New Hope Retail Limited is a company lim ited by guarantee and the only member is New Hope. There are two directors. one member of the board of trustees of New Hope and the Chief Executive ofthe New Hope. New Hope Retall ceased tr8ding on 31 March 2019 and remained dormant.
Watford New Hope Trust Itrading as New Hopel Notes to the Financial Statements - Year ended 31 March 2025 17 Operating Lease Commitments At 31 March 2025 New Hope had total commitments under non-cancellable operating leases as sel OLJt below.. Group & charity 2025 2025 2024 2024 Land and bulldlngs Other Items Land and buildlngs Other items Operating leases which expire.. Within one year 36,125 6,926 21,125 8,827 Wlthln two lo five years In More than live years 47.667 2.113 10.667 10.468 83,792 9,039 31,792 19,295 53