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2026-03-31-accounts

Bullion Community Resource Centre Annual Report 2025 to 2026

COMPANY REGISTRATION NUMBER: 04046498 CHARITY REGISTRATION NUMBER: 1084105

Bullion Community Resource Centre Company Limited by Guarantee Unaudited Financial Statements 31 March 2026

Bullion Community Resource Centre

Company Limited by Guarantee

Financial Statements

Year ended 31 March 2026

Page
Trustees' annual report (incorporating the director's report) 1
Independent examiner's report to the trustees 8
Statement of financial activities (including income and
expenditure account) 9
Statement of financial position 10
Notes to the financial statements 12

Bullion Community Resource Centre

Company Limited by Guarantee

Trustees' Annual Report (Incorporating the Director's Report)

Year ended 31 March 2026

The trustees, who are also the directors for the purposes of company law, present their report and the unaudited financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31 March 2026.

Reference and administrative details

Registered charity name Bullion Community Resource Centre Charity registration number 1084105 Company registration number 04046498 Principal office and registered Bullion Hall office South Approach Chester le Street Co Durham DH2 2DW

The trustees

Jennifer Elliott Chairperson Alexander Waites Colin Reynolds Treasurer Cllr Karen Fantarrow Derby Graham Smith Samantha Keogh Company Secretary Belinda Lowis Independent examiner JFS Torbitt Chartered Certified Accountants 58 Durham Road Birtley Co Durham DH3 2QJ Staff Team at 31st March 2026 Belinda Lowis Chief Officer Martin Gollan Community Development Worker Pat Lawton Project Officer Lisa Dargue Project Worker Diane Masterton Finance Officer Liz Howe Café Care Coordinator Ruth Lowther Café Care Coordinator Rachael Purvis Café Care Coordinator Ian Taylor Caretaker Paul Dalkin Caretaker Reece Thompson Caretaker David Barrass Caretaker Dennis Black Health and Safety Officer Aaron Drinkwater Placement Aug 25 to Dec 25

1

Bullion Community Resource Centre

Company Limited by Guarantee

Trustees' Annual Report (Incorporating the Director's Report) Year ended 31 March 2026

(continued)

Resignations in 2025-2026

Tom Welsh – Team Leader/Health & Safety Officer June 2025 Rachael Purvis - Café Care Coordinator - Resigned July 2025 and returned Feb 2026 Louise Waller – July – August 25

Volunteers

Lisa Dargue Sheena Morgan Hazel Coudry Claire Bevitt Louise Dargue Terrence O'Donnell Dan Smith Anna Ray Sean Simpson Lauren Morgan Keiran Galleymore Tina Barrett Carole Doud Abhijit Choudry Karobi Choudry Beniyam Zeleke John Anderson Paul Murchie Sharon Gordon Michelle Wharton

Ziyi Chang Summer coding club Ruochen Li Summer coding club

Structure, governance and management

Governing Document

The Memorandum of Association as agreed in March 2024 sets out the objects of the charity thus:

"... to promote any charitable purposes for the benefit of the communities in the local government area of County Durham and in particular the former local government district of Chester-le-Street and in particular the advancement of education, the protection of health and relief of poverty, distress and sickness. Provided that in carrying out these charitable purposes the charity will seek to challenge all forms of oppression and inequality and to give priority to working with people whose full participation in society is limited by economic, political, and social disadvantage…"

The governing document also contains a Dissolution Clause, which sets out how the charity’s assets would be transferred to another like-minded charitable organisation should Bullion Hall cease operating for any reason.

Trustees

The members of the charity are also members of the management committee, which consists of a minimum of five members. Participants from across Bullion Hall — including group participants, tutors, office users, volunteers and wider stakeholders — are encouraged to join the management committee.

During the year our committee included two tutors, a representative from a neighbouring community centre, a former elected local authority councillor, an office user and a former office user. As part of a recruitment drive, we have actively visited groups within the centre and were delighted that representatives from the sewing group and Spanish expressed an interest in shadowing the trustee board before making a final decision about whether trusteeship would be right for them in the next financial year.

2

Bullion Community Resource Centre

Company Limited by Guarantee

Trustees' Annual Report (Incorporating the Director's Report) (continued) Year ended 31 March 2026

Throughout the year trustees receive updates and training opportunities covering a wide range of subjects including Governance, Finance, HR and Health & Safety. Like all of our volunteers’ trustees are required to undertake a DBS check and Companies House have this year introduced identity verification.

We remain mindful that balancing commitment to the centre with the responsibilities associated with trusteeship can be challenging. We therefore recognise that, while trusteeship is rewarding, it may not be suitable for everyone

Elsewhere in this report as part of the new SORP requirements we will explore the many other vital roles that our volunteers play within the organisation.

Public Benefit

The organisation delivers a wide range of activities in pursuit of its charitable aims. Trustees believe these activities provide significant public benefit to the more than 600 participants who use our community centre each week, as well as to the wider community who access services more occasionally.

Internal Control and Risk Management

The Executive Committee recognises its duty to safeguard the charity's funds and assets against risk or abuse and thus regularly reviews policies and procedures that aim to protect the charity.

These include risk assessments on our projects, on our day-to-day operations as well as regular reports and appropriate internal controls. This includes financial controls and procedures designed to provide reasonable assurance against material misstatement or loss, Health and Safety policies, procedures and risk assessments for which staff are encouraged to contribute and shape, to test out and where required re-adjust as our learning and experience develops.

3

Bullion Community Resource Centre

Company Limited by Guarantee

Trustees' Annual Report (Incorporating the Director's Report) (continued)

Year ended 31 March 2026

Strategic report

The following sections for achievements and performance and financial review form the strategic report of the charity.

Achievements and performance

Activities

Bullion Hall offers approximately 46 activities each week, engaging more than 600 people. These activities are designed to reduce social isolation, improve mental and physical health and wellbeing, alleviate the effects of poverty and deprivation, and strengthen community cohesion.

Our services are open to residents of all ages. While some activities are free, others request a small contribution towards the running costs of the centre.

Regular participation in community groups not only improves mental and physical wellbeing but also helps friendships develop over a cup of tea during breaks. Many participants go on to try additional activities and may find themselves visiting the centre several times each week. Participants are also able to access FareShare food provision throughout the week, as well as other forms of support, including shopping vouchers where needed. Together, these services contribute positively to both quality of life and long-term wellbeing

Mental health and well-being and social inclusion.

Activities include Men’s Shed, Men’s Cree, ManHealth, Ladies Cree, Tinnitus Support, Carers Dropin,Camera Club, Guitar Class, Ukelele, British Horological Institute, Redeemer Church Coffee mornings, Cestria Stitchers, Sewing Group, Art groups (x2) Curry Night, Bread and Butter Drop -in, Bread and Butter Service and Spanish

Physical Health and Well being

Activities include Yoga (x3) Pilates, Zumba, Seated Exercise with Lunch, Keep Fit Keep Kurling, Senior Carpet Bowls, Tea Dance, Let’s Dance, Line Dancing, Musical Theatre & Dance Fitness, Judo, Tai Chi, Eat wise and Smoking Cessation,

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Bullion Community Resource Centre

Company Limited by Guarantee

Trustees' Annual Report (Incorporating the Director's Report) (continued)

Year ended 31 March 2026

Children and Young People

Activities Include YouthClubs (x2) Parent and Toddler Group, Stars Drama, Junior Guitar Class and First-Class Learning,

Learning Disabilities

Activities Include Tuesdays Social Group, Film making, Arts and Craft, Cookery and Exercise class .

Throughout the year we also delivered a range occasional activities including coffee mornings / fundraising events, a Summer Fair, Halloween disco, Tea with Santa, Meet the Grinch, Film Premieres and School Holiday Activities with free food. In addition, a variety of IT and Digital Courses were provided through Durham Learn alongside other training courses such as Show Racism the Red Card, Safeguarding and Skills for a Career in Children’s Social Care.

Regular readers of our annual report may notice that many of these activities are similar to those offered in previous years — and that is true. However, our annual survey shows that almost 50% of those using Bullion Hall have participated for three years or more, continuing to engage in activities that clearly have a positive impact on their health and wellbeing. We therefore make no apology for continuing to provide services that our community values so highly.

We have also welcomed several new activities this year including Musical Theatre and Dance and following a successful one-off event to celebrate International Older Peoples Day in October we have introduced a new regular activity - “Quiz time”.

5

Bullion Community Resource Centre

Company Limited by Guarantee

Trustees' Annual Report (Incorporating the Director's Report) (continued)

Year ended 31 March 2026

In addition, we welcomed Digital Voices who have deli``vered a heritage project exploring the history of Chester-le-Street and supporting participants to create podcasts. This work has since been incorporated into our Junior Youth Club, whose members have developed time capsules as part of the project.

Alleviate the impact of poverty and deprivation

With funding from the Household Support Fund, we have once again been able to provide direct support to households in need, and this has primarily been through the distribution of shopping vouchers. In 2025-2026 some 300 households received support with more than £20,000 distributed in vouchers. Some recipients also received energy support vouchers with an additional £3000 awarded.

Bullion Hall has long been a member of Fareshare – which each week provides surplus food from Supermarkets including fresh fruit and veg, frozen items and ambient food stuff. That which cannot be

used by our café is made available to participants for free or a donation, it also helps us to make up emergency food parcels for those who may be in urgent need.

Once again, we find ourselves doing the same as last year and indeed the year before that in supporting households that face poverty and deprivation in its many dimensions and that’s because poverty and deprivation hasn’t gone away indeed it would seem its impact is more devasting than ever.

Recent headlines continue to highlight these inequalities:

“Healthy Life Expectancy - The latest ONS data show a gap of around 20 years between the most and least deprived deciles in England (19.4 years for males and 20.3 for females).”

Indeed, people at every level of deprivation are now expected to spend fewer years in good health than a decade ago.

The Wait er While café has continued to provide the wide range of refreshments, snacks and meals that supports our participants and visitors and underpins many of the day-to-day activities in the centre.

6

Bullion Community Resource Centre

Company Limited by Guarantee

Trustees' Annual Report (Incorporating the Director's Report)

(continued)

Year ended 31 March 2026

In June we hosted a one-day conference organised by Northern Gas Network for over 200 people– it was an exceptionally busy day for the café, but the feedback was overwhelmingly positive with many participants highlighting the buffet as a stand out feature of the day.

The café also supports the development of independent living skills for 11 adults with learning disabilities. This work is complemented by our Let’s Connect project, which supports 35 adults with learning disabilities to participate in a range of activities that improve health and wellbeing while also tackling social isolation and exclusion from mainstream opportunities.

Together, these two projects enable confidence, independence and friendships to flourish. This was particularly evident in November when participants from the Let’s Connect project presented to the Inclusion North grants panel in a “Dragon’s Den”-style event. We were immensely proud of their achievement, particularly when they secured the top award of £6,000.

Capital Works

Following the necessary approvals from both our landlord and planning authorities, we secured funding to purchase a shipping container to provide additional storage capacity for the centre. We also acquired a fourth large chest freezer to accommodate the significant quantities of surplus food received each week.

Further funding enabled the installation of air conditioning within the hall, alongside two additional 4.5kW energy storage batteries. The four batteries allow us to store energy generated by our 46 solar panels rather than exporting unused energy back to the national grid.

7

Bullion Community Resource Centre

Company Limited by Guarantee

Trustees' Annual Report (Incorporating the Director's Report) (continued) Year ended 31 March 2026

Volunteers

The organisation currently benefits from the support of 22 volunteers who contribute to our work each week.

Volunteer roles include running the Thursday morning Parent and Toddler Group, preparing meals for Curry Night, unloading the Bread-and-Butter van, packing shopping bags, serving customers on Thursday afternoons, and helping manage the busy car park.

We also benefit from the support of a volunteer administrator who helps ensure our records remain accurate and up to date.

Members of the Let’s Connect social group, which meets every Tuesday afternoon, play a leading role in organising fundraising activities. They collect and catalogue donations, make cakes and crafts, and help staff stalls during coffee afternoons and the annual Summer Fair.

In addition, volunteers support events such as the Halloween Disco by collecting tickets, managing admissions, and helping ensure that everyone enjoys a safe and memorable experience.

Publicity and Promotion

Word of mouth remains our most powerful form of promotion, closely followed by Facebook.

Between April 2025 and 6 March 2026, our Facebook page received 417,313 views. The most successful post was published in July and showcased the contents of the Bread-and-Butter bags for that week, attracting 9,818 views and more than 3,000 reactions, comments, shares or saves.

During the year, Facebook followers increased by 7.5% to 2,699. Approximately one-third of followers are aged between 35 and 44, the majority of whom are female.

On 6 March, our Facebook page was mistakenly suspended until 8 April, resulting in an 85% drop in page views. We were genuinely surprised by how many people noticed the absence of updates and contacted us regarding the issue, highlighting just how important Facebook has become as a communication tool for the centre.

As a result, we have now established a backup Facebook page should our main page ever become unavailable again.

The website received 2,138 sessions from 1,365 unique visitors between April and March. Traffic averaged around six sessions per day and remained consistently steady throughout the year. Mobile phone access continues to dominate, accounting for 1,597 sessions compared with 523 desktop sessions.

Most website traffic originated from Google organic search, which increased by 35%, alongside direct traffic, which increased by 46%.

Average time spent on the website was 2 minutes and 21 seconds, with the homepage and “What’s On” page proving the most popular destinations.

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Bullion Community Resource Centre

Company Limited by Guarantee

Trustees' Annual Report (Incorporating the Director's Report) (continued)

Year ended 31 March 2026

Importantly, 23%of website visitors were returning users,a higher return ratethan many comparable UK websites.

We also continue to distribute a paper based “What’s On” guide each month, reinforcing awareness generated through word of mouth.

This year, we additionally introduced a fortnightly mini-newsletter promoting upcoming events and activities at Bullion Hall.

Impact

To measure the impact of our work, we undertake a range of participant surveys, including the annual survey presented later in this report.

We also produce a minimum of 12 case studies each year. These powerful personal stories provide insight into participants’ backgrounds, how they came to Bullion Hall, and the difference participation has made to them and their families.

While these stories are shared with funders, confidentiality agreements mean they are not published within public documents such as the annual report.

Improved self-confidence and community spirit can sometimes be difficult to quantify. However, there are many moments when photographs tell the story far more effectively than statistics, and we continue to document activities extensively through photography featured on our website and social media.

Our Let’s Connect project demonstrates this particularly well. Participants have been encouraged to take part in a range of off-site activities, including visits to museums such as the Hancock Museum, Beamish and the Life Science Centre, visits to restaurants, attending the Chester-le-Street Cricket Ground fireworks display, and using public transport — sometimes for the very first time.

These experiences can take participants well outside their comfort zones, but in doing so they often lead to significant increases in confidence, independence and self-esteem.

Similarly, the friendships formed through the many groups at Bullion Hall, while referenced in surveys and case studies, are difficult to fully measure despite their enormous impact on participants’ quality of life.

One new question introduced in this year’s annual survey asked participants whether Bullion Hall gives them a sense of community. Encouragingly, 82% of respondents answered yes.

Interestingly, when asked to compare Bullion Hall with other local venues, AI-generated descriptions highlighted its friendliness and strong “community vibe”.

That sense of warmth, welcome and belonging remains central to everything we do and is the foundation of the impact of which we are most proud.

9

Bullion Community Resource Centre

Company Limited by Guarantee

Trustees' Annual Report (Incorporating the Director's Report) (continued)

Year ended 31 March 2026

Funding

This time last year we identified that by way of future funding we were on something of a cliff edge yet again.

Our four-year grant funding from the national Lottery that supported the salary costs of our community development worker and underpinned the costs of many of our activities was drawing to a close in August 2025. It was with great relief that as of September 2025 we were able to secure a further 3 years funding from the National Lottery to continue this work with 3 years match funding from the Enriching Lives Programme managed by Point North.

Also drawing to a close was funding towards the salary costs of our Finance officer. We were therefore equally grateful to receive continued support from the Sir James Knott Trust and the Rothley Trust.

We were also pleased to secure a further grant from Karbon Housing Association which helps towards the costs of the Junior Youth Club and matches the funding received from the National Lottery as part of the One Youth Consortium headed up by Pelton Youth and Community Centre.

The Ballinger Charitable Trust and Greggs Foundation have also agreed to continue supporting our core costs, providing valuable stability for future planning.

This year, the Let’s Connect project secured funding from the Baily Thomas Charitable Fund, the Mayor’s Fund and Know Your Neighbourhood funding, all of which concluded on 31 March 2026.

At the time of writing, we have secured a small grant from the Barbour Foundation, which will contribute towards project costs alongside funding from Inclusion North that continues until June 2026.

Trustees remain fully committed to the Let’s Connect project and have agreed to allocate reserves to support delivery until longer-term funding can once again be secured.

Plans for the future

In 2023, Bullion Hall achieved the Bronze Award for Investors in the Environment. Due to limited capacity, we were unable to progress immediately to the next stage; however, responsibility for this work has now been assigned to our Health and Safety Officer, and we look forward to achieving the Silver Award within the next 12 months.

Like many charities, sustainability remains at the heart of our future planning. Over the coming year, we will continue to pursue grants of varying sizes to ensure the long-term continuity and stability of our work.

Reserves policy

Clause 59 of the Financial Regulations, which were updated and agreed by the Executive Committee in December 2023, states that:

“It is the policy of Bullion Community Resource Centre to maintain a general reserve, ideally enough to cover up to six months running costs and winding up costs including statutory redundancy requirements.”

The trustees regularly assess and update the liabilities should the charity be forced into closure. In such a situation, as at 31st March 2026:

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Bullion Community Resource Centre

Company Limited by Guarantee

Trustees' Annual Report (Incorporating the Director's Report) (continued)

Year ended 31 March 2026

Accordingly, as at 31st March 2026, the charity has earmarked £80,000 of Unrestricted Monies as the minimum Reserves required to close the charity should that be necessary.

As circumstances change, these figures are subject to review by trustees.

Small company provisions

This report has been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to companies entitled to the small companies exemption.

The trustees' annual report and the strategic report were approved on 26/06/2026 and signed on behalf of the board of trustees by:

J Elliott Trustee

11

Bullion Community Resource Centre Company Limited by Guarantee

Independent Examiner's Report to the Trustees of Bullion Community Resource Centre

Year ended 31 March 2026

I report to the trustees on my examination of the financial statements of Bullion Community Resource Centre ('the charity') for the year ended 31 March 2026.

Responsibilities and basis of report

As the trustees of the company (and also its directors for the purposes of company law) you are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 ('the 2006 Act’).

Having satisfied myself that the accounts of the company are not required to be audited under Part 16 of the 2006 Act and are eligible for independent examination, I report in respect of my examination of the charity’s accounts as carried out under section 145 of the Charities Act 2011 (‘the 2011 Act’). In carrying out my examination I have followed the Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act.

Independent examiner's statement

I have completed my examination. I confirm that no matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe:

  1. accounting records were not kept in respect of the charity as required by section 386 of the 2006 Act; or

  2. the financial statements do not accord with those records; or

  3. the financial statements do not comply with the accounting requirements of section 396 of the 2006 Act other than any requirement that the accounts give a ‘true and fair' view which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination; or

  4. the financial statements have not been prepared in accordance with the methods and principles of the Statement of Recommended Practice for accounting and reporting by charities applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102).

I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.

Jane Freeman FCCA Independent Examiner 58 Durham Road Birtley Co Durham DH3 2QJ

26/06/2026

12

Bullion Community Resource Centre

Company Limited by Guarantee

Statement of Financial Activities (including income and expenditure account)

Year ended 31 March 2026

2026 2025
Unrestricted Restricted
funds funds Total funds Total funds
Note £ £ £ £
Incoming Resources
Grants and Contracts 5 – 238,174 238,174 324,123
Other trading activities 6 173,782 – 173,782 199,537
Investment income 7 6,248 – 6,248 6,341
───────── ───────── ───────── ─────────
Total income 180,030 238,174 418,204 530,001
═════════ ═════════ ═════════ ═════════
Expenditure
Expenditure on raising funds:
Costs of raising donations and
contracts and delivering
charitable activities 8 165,114 249,768 414,882 421,073
Expenditure on charitable activities 9 1,100 – 1,100 1,101
───────── ───────── ───────── ─────────
Total expenditure 166,214 249,768 415,982 422,174
═════════ ═════════ ═════════ ═════════
───────── ───────── ───────── ─────────
Net income and net movement in funds 13,816 (11,594) 2,222 107,827
═════════ ═════════ ═════════ ═════════
Reconciliation of funds
Total funds brought forward 249,672 372,261 621,933 514,106
───────── ───────── ───────── ─────────
Total funds carried forward 263,488 360,667 624,155 621,933
═════════ ═════════ ═════════ ═════════

The statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year. All income and expenditure derive from continuing activities.

The notes on pages 12 to 22 form part of these financial statements.

13

Bullion Community Resource Centre

Company Limited by Guarantee

Statement of Financial Position

31 March 2026

2026 2025
Note £ £
Fixed assets
Tangible fixed assets 14 246,842 264,357
Current assets
Stocks 15 2,272 2,162
Debtors 16 12,442 10,556
Cash at bank and in hand 373,861 348,040
───────── ─────────
388,575 360,758
Creditors: amounts falling due within one year 17 11,262 3,182
───────── ─────────
Net current assets 377,313 357,576
───────── ─────────
Total assets less current liabilities 624,155 621,933
───────── ─────────
Net assets 624,155 621,933
═════════ ═════════
Funds of the charity
Restricted funds 360,667 369,860
Unrestricted funds 263,488 252,072
───────── ─────────
Total charity funds 19 624,155 621,932
═════════ ═════════

For the year ending 31 March 2026 the charity was entitled to exemption from audit under section 477 of the Companies Act 2006 relating to small companies.

Directors' responsibilities:

These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to companies subject to the small companies' regime.

These financial statements were approved by the board of trustees and authorised for issue on 26/06/2026, and are signed on behalf of the board by:

J Elliott Trustee

The statement of financial position continues on the following page.

The notes on pages 12 to 22 form part of these financial statements.

1 4

Bullion Community Resource Centre

Company Limited by Guarantee

Notes to the Financial Statements

Year ended 31 March 2026

1. General information

The charity is a public benefit entity and a private company limited by guarantee, registered in England and Wales and a registered charity in England and Wales. The address of the registered office is Bullion Hall, South Approach, Chester le Street, Co Durham, DH2 2DW.

2. Statement of compliance

These financial statements have been prepared in compliance with FRS 102, 'The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and the Republic of Ireland', the Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (Charities SORP (FRS 102)) and the Companies Act 2006.

3. Accounting policies

Basis of preparation

The financial statements have been prepared on the historical cost basis, as modified by the revaluation of certain financial assets and liabilities and investment properties measured at fair value through income or expenditure.

The financial statements are prepared in sterling, which is the functional currency of the entity.

Going concern

There are no material uncertainties about the charity's ability to continue.

Disclosure exemptions

The entity satisfies the criteria of being a qualifying entity as defined in FRS 102. As such, advantage has been taken of the following disclosure exemptions available under paragraph 1.12 of FRS102:

(a) No cash flow statement has been presented for the company.

(b) Disclosures in respect of financial instruments have not been presented.

Fund accounting

Unrestricted funds are available for use at the discretion of the trustees to further any of the charity's purposes.

Designated funds are unrestricted funds earmarked by the trustees for particular future project or commitment.

Restricted funds are subjected to restrictions on their expenditure declared by the donor or through the terms of an appeal, and fall into one of two sub-classes: restricted income funds or endowment funds.

15

Bullion Community Resource Centre

Company Limited by Guarantee

Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)

Year ended 31 March 2026

3. Accounting policies (continued)

Incoming resources

All incoming resources are included in the statement of financial activities when entitlement has passed to the charity; it is probable that the economic benefits associated with the transaction will flow to the charity and the amount can be reliably measured. The following specific policies are applied to particular categories of income:

Resources expended

Expenditure is recognised on an accruals basis as a liability is incurred. Expenditure includes any VAT which cannot be fully recovered, and is classified under headings of the statement of financial activities to which it relates:

All costs are allocated to expenditure categories reflecting the use of the resource. Direct costs attributable to a single activity are allocated directly to that activity. Shared costs are apportioned between the activities they contribute to on a reasonable, justifiable and consistent basis.

Tangible assets

Tangible assets are initially recorded at cost, and subsequently stated at cost less any accumulated depreciation and impairment losses. Any tangible assets carried at revalued amounts are recorded at the fair value at the date of revaluation less any subsequent accumulated depreciation and subsequent accumulated impairment losses.

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Bullion Community Resource Centre

Company Limited by Guarantee

Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)

Year ended 31 March 2026

3. Accounting policies (continued)

Tangible assets (continued)

An increase in the carrying amount of an asset as a result of a revaluation, is recognised in other recognised gains and losses, unless it reverses a charge for impairment that has previously been recognised as expenditure within the statement of financial activities. A decrease in the carrying amount of an asset as a result of revaluation, is recognised in other recognised gains and losses, except to which it offsets any previous revaluation gain, in which case the loss is shown within other recognised gains and losses on the statement of financial activities.

Depreciation

Depreciation is calculated so as to write off the cost or valuation of an asset, less its residual value, over the useful economic life of that asset as follows:

Long leasehold property - 4% straight line Fixtures and fittings - 10% straight line

Impairment of fixed assets

A review for indicators of impairment is carried out at each reporting date, with the recoverable amount being estimated where such indicators exist. Where the carrying value exceeds the recoverable amount, the asset is impaired accordingly. Prior impairments are also reviewed for possible reversal at each reporting date.

For the purposes of impairment testing, when it is not possible to estimate the recoverable amount of an individual asset, an estimate is made of the recoverable amount of the cashgenerating unit to which the asset belongs. The cash-generating unit is the smallest identifiable group of assets that includes the asset and generates cash inflows that largely independent of the cash inflows from other assets or groups of assets.

For impairment testing of goodwill, the goodwill acquired in a business combination is, from the acquisition date, allocated to each of the cash-generating units that are expected to benefit from the synergies of the combination, irrespective of whether other assets or liabilities of the charity are assigned to those units.

Stocks

Stocks are measured at the lower of cost and estimated selling price less costs to complete and sell. Cost includes all costs of purchase, costs of conversion and other costs incurred in bringing the stock to its present location and condition.

4. Limited by guarantee

Bullion Community Resource Centre is a company limited by guarantee and accordingly does not have a share capital.

Every member of the company undertakes to contribute such amount as may be required not exceeding £1 to the assets of the charitable company in the event of its being wound up while he or she is a member, or within one year after he or she ceases to be a member.

17

Bullion Community Resource Centre

Company Limited by Guarantee

Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)

Year ended 31 March 2026

5. Grants and contracts

Restricted Total Funds Total Funds
Funds 2026 2025
£ £ £
Donations
Capital Grants
Small grants – Neighbourhood Budget – – 7,097
National Lottery Community Fund – – 32,017
UKSPF Community Infrastructure Fund – – 15,092
Point North 5,723 5,723 –
DCC Section 106 7,842 7,842 –
───────── ───────── ─────────
13,565 13,565 54,206
Revenue Grants
One Youth 16,657 16,657 12,907
National Lottery Community Fund 77,000 77,000 48,250
DCC Public Health 6,000 6,000 6,000
Sir James Knott 5,000 5,000 4,000
Rothley Trust 1,000 1,000 1,000
Ballinger Trust 20,000 20,000 20,000
CDCF - PCN Community Investment Fund – – 10,000
Know Your Neighbourhood - Lottery – – 15,263
Know Your Neighbourhood - CDCF 8,325 8,325 17,770
CDCF - Household Support Fund 18,128 18,128 14,636
Garfield Weston Foundation 2,500 2,500 17,500
DCC Fun N Food 8,912 8,912 4,435
DCC Neighbourhood Budget 1,000 1,000 –
UKSPF Community Infrastructure Fund – – 8,647
UKSPF Community Volunteer Fund – – 11,530
Groundwork/Tesco Blue Coin – – 500
Point North – – 21,285
Greggs Trust 20,000 20,000 15,000
Karbon Homes 4,000 4,000 4,000
Youth & Culture 287 287 2,118
Community Foundation North East – – 10,000
Baily Thomas – – 5,000
The Joicey Trust 2,000 2,000 –
Inclusion North Community Voice Fund 6,000 6,000 –
The Barbour Foundation 2,000 2,000 –
Cash4Clubs – – 2,000
Reach North East 2,860 2,860 –
Sainsburys/Neighbourly – – 500
Wellbeing Through Nature and Creativity - Big Art – – 2,500
Point North Enriching Lives Project 20,000 20,000 –
National Energy Action (NEA) 1,500 1,500 –
Small grants – Neighbourhood Budget 1,440 1,440 7,576
───────── ───────── ─────────
224,609 224,609 269,917
───────── ───────── ─────────
238,174 238,174 324,123
═════════ ═════════ ═════════

The 2025 total of £324,123 relates wholly to Restricted Funds

18

Bullion Community Resource Centre

Company Limited by Guarantee

Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)

Year ended 31 March 2026

Key:

DCC – Durham County Council CDCF – County Durham Community Foundation now known as Point North AAP – Area Action Partnership NB – Neighbourhood Budget UKSPF – UK Shared Prosperity Fund

6. Other trading activities

Unrestricted Total Funds Unrestricted Total Funds
Funds 2026 Funds 2025
£ £ £ £
Bullion Hall - Room hire 80,204 80,204 72,208 72,208
Cafe income 49,301 49,301 41,055 41,055
Contract - Durham County Council 28,842 28,842 28,510 28,510
Other 15,435 15,435 57,764 57,764
───────── ───────── ───────── ─────────
173,782 173,782 199,537 199,537
═════════ ═════════ ═════════ ═════════

7. Investment income

Unrestricted Total Funds Unrestricted Total Funds
Funds 2026 Funds 2025
£ £ £ £
Bank interest receivable 6,248 6,248 6,341 6,341
═══════ ═══════ ═══════ ═══════

8. Costs of raising donations and contracts and delivering charitable activities

Unrestricted Restricted Total Funds
Funds Funds 2026
£ £ £
Project payments – 70,620 70,620
Wages and salaries 96,414 147,680 244,094
Pension costs 9,930 – 9,930
Other employee benefits 6,227 – 6,227
Water 1,162 – 1,162
Light & heat 12,567 – 12,567
Repairs & maintenance 8,785 – 8,785
Insurance 2,641 – 2,641
Legal and professional fees 5,135 – 5,135
Telephone/Broadband 823 – 823
Printing, postage and stationery 2,156 – 2,156
Kitchen expenses 13,849 – 13,849
Subscriptions 2,841 – 2,841
Sundries 908 – 908
Cleaning 1,433 – 1,433
Bank charges 245 – 245
Depreciation – 31,468 31,468
───────── ───────── ─────────
165,114 249,768 414,884
═════════ ═════════ ═════════

19

Bullion Community Resource Centre

Company Limited by Guarantee

Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)

Year ended 31 March 2026

8. Costs of raising donations and contracts and delivering charitable activities (continued)

Unrestricted Restricted Total Funds
Funds Funds 2025
£ £ £
Project payments – 86,035 86,035
Wages and salaries 37,335 186,866 224,201
Pension costs 9,332 – 9,332
Other employee benefits 6,266 – 6,266
Water 1,373 – 1,373
Light & heat 13,968 – 13,968
Repairs & maintenance 12,079 10,416 22,495
Insurance 2,503 – 2,503
Legal and professional fees 2,935 – 2,935
Telephone/Broadband 2,408 – 2,408
Printing, postage and stationery 1,079 – 1,079
Kitchen expenses 5,441 6,181 11,622
Subscriptions 4,680 – 4,680
Sundries 360 – 360
Cleaning 1,547 – 1,547
Bank charges 197 – 197
Depreciation – 30,073 30,073
───────── ───────── ─────────
101,503 319,571 421,074
═════════ ═════════ ═════════
9. Governance
Unrestricted Total Funds Unrestricted Total Funds
Funds 2026 Funds 2025
£ £ £ £
Support costs 1,100 1,100 1,100 1,100
═══════ ═══════ ═══════ ═══════
10. Net income
Net income is stated after charging/(crediting):
2026 2025
£ £
Depreciation of tangible fixed assets 31,468 30,073
Fees payable for the audit of the financial statements 1,100 1,100
════════ ════════
11. Independent examination fees
2026 2025
£ £
Fees payable to the independent examiner for:
Independent examination of the financial statements 1,100 1,100
═══════ ════

20

Bullion Community Resource Centre

Company Limited by Guarantee

Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)

Year ended 31 March 2026

12. Staff costs

The total staff costs and employee benefits for the reporting period are analysed as The total staff costs and employee benefits for the reporting period are analysed as follows:
2026 2025
£ £
Wages and salaries 244,094 224,201
Employer contributions to pension plans 9,930 9,332
Other employee benefits 6,227 6,266
───────── ─────────
260,251 239,799
═════════ ═════════

The average head count of employees during the year was 13 (2025: 13). The average number of full-time equivalent employees during the year is analysed as follows: 7.8

2025 2024
No No
Charitable Activities 13 13

No employee received employee benefits of more than £60,000 during the year (2025: Nil).

13. Trustee remuneration and expenses

No remuneration or other benefits from employment with the charity or a related entity were received by the trustees.

14. Tangible fixed assets

Long
leasehold Fixtures and
property fittings Total
£ £ £
Cost
At 1 April 2025 613,347 108,986 722,333
Additions – 13,953 13,953
───────── ───────── ─────────
At 31 March 2026 613,347 122,939 736,286
═════════ ═════════ ═════════
Depreciation
At 1 April 2025 395,182 62,794 457,976
Charge for the year 24,534 6,934 31,468
───────── ───────── ─────────
At 31 March 2026 419,716 69,728 489,444
═════════ ═════════ ═════════
Carrying amount
At 31 March 2026 193,631 53,211 246,842
═════════ ═════════ ═════════
At 31 March 2025 218,165 46,192 264,357
═════════ ═════════ ═════════
15. Stocks
2026 2025
£ £
Raw materials and consumables 2,272 2,162
═══════ ═══════

21

Bullion Community Resource Centre

Company Limited by Guarantee

Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)

Year ended 31 March 2026

16. Debtors
2026 2025
£ £
Trade debtors 11,258 9,562
Prepayments and accrued income 1,184 994
──────── ────────
12,442 10,556
════════ ════════
17. Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
2026 2025
£ £
Accruals and deferred income 4,150 1,100
Other creditors 7,112 2,082
──────── ───────
11,262 3,182
════════ ═══════

18. Pensions and other post retirement benefits

Defined contribution plans

The amount recognised in income or expenditure as an expense in relation to defined contribution plans was £9,930 (2025: £9,332).

19. Analysis of charitable funds

Unrestricted funds

Unrestricted funds
At 1 April At 31 March
2025 Income Expenditure 2026
£ £ £ £
General funds 249,674 180,030 (166,213) 263,491
═════════ ═════════ ═════════ ═════════
At At 31 March
1 April 2024 Income Expenditure 2025
£ £ £ £
General funds 148,797
═════════		 205,878
═════════		 (102,603)
═════════		 252,072
═════════

22

Bullion Community Resource Centre

Company Limited by Guarantee

Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)

Year ended 31 March 2026

19. Analysis of charitable funds (continued)

Restricted funds At At
1 April 2025 Income Expenditure Transfers 31 March 2026
Renovation Amortisation 264,356 – (31,468) 13,565 246,453
Ballinger Trust 20,000 20,000 (20,000) – 20,000
One Youth 4,913 16,657 (16,496) – 5,074
Sir James Knott 2,000 5,000 (4,500) – 2,500
Awards for All 10,000 – (10,000) – –
Point North Enriching lives Project – 20,000 (11,574) – 8,426
Rothley Trust 1,000 1,000 (1,000) – 1,000
DCC Section 106 – 7,842 – (7,842) –
CDCF - PCN Community Investment
Fund 970 – (970) – –
National Lottery Community Fund 5,168 40,500 (30,875) – 14,793
National Lottery Community Fund – 36,500 (3,833) – 32,667
Locality/Guardian Cost of Living Grant
Programme 833 – (833) – –
CDCF - Household Support Fund – 18,128 (18,128) – –
Barbour Foundation – 2,000 – – 2,000
Know Your Neighbourhood – 8,325 (8,325) – –
Garfield Weston Foundation 15,000 2,500 (17,500) – –
CDCF - Warm/Welcome Spaces 2,000 – (1,831) – 169
DCC - Fun N Food – 8,912 (5,405) – 3,507
The Joicey Trust – 2,000 (1,167) – 833
National Energy Action (NEA) – 1,500 (1,500) – –
Inclusion North Community Voice – 6,000 (50) – 5,950
DCC Cree Network – 6,000 (6,000) – –
UKSPF Community Volunteer Fund 4,077 – – – 4,077
Reach North East – 2,860 (2,860) – –
DCC Neighbourhood – 1,000 (1,000) – –
Groundwork/Tesco Blue Coin 254 – (254) – –
Point North 21,285 5,723 (19,566) (5,723) 1,719
Greggs Foundation 2,500 20,000 (13,333) – 9,167
Karbon Homes – 4,000 (2,108) – 1,892
Youth & Culture 105 287 (392) – –
Tyne & Wear Community Foundation 10,000 – (10,000) – –
Bailey Thomas 5,000 – (5,000) – –
Cash4Clubs 1,520 – (1,520) – –
NB Everything in Place 780 – (780) – –
Sainsburys Neighbourly 500 500 (1000) – –
Wellbeing for Life – 500 (500) – –
Durham Constabulary – 440 – – 440
──────── ──────── ──────── ────── ────────
372,261 238,174 (249,768) – 360,667
═════════ ═════════ ═════════ ═════════ ═════════

23

Bullion Community Resource Centre

Company Limited by Guarantee

Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)

Year ended 31 March 2026

19. Analysis of charitable funds (continued)

Restricted funds At At
1 April 2024 Income Expenditure Transfers 31 March 2025
Renovation Amortisation 240,223 – (30,073) 54,207 264,356
Virgin Money Foundation 7,500 – (7,500) – –
One Youth 2,365 12,907 (10,359) – 4,913
Sir James Knott 2,000 4,000 (4,000) – 2,000
Awards for All 20,000 – (10,000) – 10,000
CDCF - Organisational Sustainability 6,667 – (6,667) – –
Rothley Trust 1,000 1,000 (1,000) – –
Ballinger Trust 20,000 20,000 (20,000) – 20,000
CDCF - Lets Connect &
Environmental 2,431 – (2,431) – –
CDCF - PCN Community Investment
Fund – 10,000 (9,030) – 970
National Lottery Community Fund 6,070 48,250 (49,153) 5,167
National Lottery Community Fund – 32,017 – (32,017) –
Locality/Guardian Cost of Living Grant
Programme 5,833 – (5,000) – 833
CDCF - Household Support Fund 14,636 (14,636) – –
Know Your Neighbourhood 1 14,479 15,263 (29,742) – –
Know Your Neighbourhood 2 57 17,770 (17,827) – –
Garfield Weston Foundation 15,000 15,000 (15,000) – 15,000
One Youth – Garfield Weston 2,500 (2,500) – –
DCC - Fun N Food – 4,435 (4,435) – –
DCC – Youth Work Training 7,884 – (9,084) 1,200 –
AAP 15,000 – (15,000) – –
CDCF – Warm/Welcome Spaces – 7,500 (5,500) – –
DCC Christmas Meals – 1,500 (1,500) – –
UKSPF Community Infrastructure
Fund – 23,739 (8,647) (15,092) –
UKSPF Community Volunteer Fund – 11,530 (7,453) – 4,077
DCC Public Health – 6,000 (6,000) – –
DCC Neighbourhood Budget – 10,573 (3,476) (7,097) –
Groundwork/Tesco Blue Coin – 500 (247) – 253
Point North – 21,285 – – 21,285
NB Men Shed – 500 (500) – –
Greggs Foundation – 15,000 12,500 – 2,500
Karbon Homes – 4,000 (4,000) – –
Youth & Culture – 2,118 (2,013) – 105
Tyne & Wear Community Foundation – 10,000 – – 10,000
Baily Thomas – 5,000 – – 5,000
Cash4Clubs – 2,000 (480) – 1,520
NB Everything in Place – 2,100 (1,320) – 780
Sainsburys Neighbourly – 500 – – 500
Wellbeing Through Nature and
Creativity - Big Art – 2,500 2,500 – –
──────── ──────── ──────────────── ────────
366,509
═════════		 324,123
═════════		 (319,571)
═════════		 1,200
═════════		 372,261
═════════

24

Bullion Community Resource Centre

Company Limited by Guarantee

Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)

Year ended 31 March 2026

20. Analysis of net assets between funds

Unrestricted Restricted Total Funds
Funds Funds 2026
£ £ £
Tangible fixed assets 389 246,453 246,842
Current assets 274,361 114,214 388,575
Creditors less than 1 year (11,262) – (11,262)
───────── ───────── ─────────
Net assets 263,488 360,667 624,155
═════════ ═════════ ═════════
Unrestricted Restricted Total Funds
Funds Funds 2025
£ £ £
Tangible fixed assets – 264,357 264,357
Current assets 252,854 107,904 360,758
Creditors less than 1 year (3,182) – (3,182)
───────── ───────── ─────────
Net assets 249,672 372,261 621,933
═════════ ═════════ ═════════

25

Annual Survey 2026

The 2026 Annual Survey was distributed during February and March with paper copies given to participants of Bullion Hall. When the survey closed 220 completed surveys had been returned.

While the survey asked many of the same questions as in previous years, new questions were introduced about the maintenance and cleanliness of the centre and satisfaction with staff performance. The survey also included questions specifically relating to the Wait ‘er While Café.

The survey listed 51 groups and activities that had taken place during the past 12 months, including school holiday activities, training courses and project type activities which run for a limited time.

What activities do people do at Bullion Hall?

Number of Survey Returns from Activities at Bullion Hall Number of Survey Returns from Activities at Bullion Hall Number of Survey Returns from Activities at Bullion Hall
Art Group 22 School HolidayActivities 10
Bread and Butter Thing 41 Seated Exercise & Light Lunch 16
Bread and Butter Drop-in 17 KeepFit,KeepKurling 14
Camera Club 02 Senior Bowls 09
Cestria Stitchers 05 Senior Curling 09
CookeryClass 07 SewingClub 05
Film Club 03 Spanish Class 04
CurryNight 06 Tai Chi 06
FridayArt and Crafts 03 Tea Dance 05
Guitar Class 05 Toddlers Group 22
Hatha Yoga 06 Ukulele Group 08
Kurling 07 Volunteer 07
Ladies Together 10 Iyengaryoga 10
Let’s Connect Group 13 Judo 08
Let’s Dance 04 Starz Drama 03
Line Dancing 05 Man Health 06
Men’s Cree 12 SundayDrawing 07
Men’s Shed 11 Other 33
Pilates 02 Total (note that many respondents
takepart in two or more activities)		 363

“Very good resource for a lot of people”.

Page 1 of 12

“Bullion Hall has been part of my life and I value it immensely!

I would be devastated if we lost Bullion Hall. It is a great asset to Chester-Le-Street”.

Have you taken part in any of our one-off or occasional events during 2025?

----- Start of picture text -----
International Day Children's Disco
of Older People (Summer & Halloween)
13% 24%
Teatime with
Santa
9%
Lets Connect
Coffee Afternoon
19%
Summer Fair
35%
----- End of picture text -----

On average how much time per week to do you spend at Bullion Hall?

----- Start of picture text -----
Six hours or more
5%
Three to five
hours
24%
One to two hours
71%
----- End of picture text -----

Page 2 of 12

“I enjoy meeting people in the warm hub and enjoy chatting to the wonderful staff and volunteers”.

Please describe the benefits that you get from taking part in activities at Bullion Hall

----- Start of picture text -----
90%
79%
80%
74%
70%
60%
53% 52%
50%
44%
40% 38%10 years
35%
or over Less that 12
15%
months
30%
29%
20%
18%
20%
13%
Six to Ten Years 10% 11%
10% 7%
5%
0%
Three to Five Years
27%
One to Two Years
22%
----- End of picture text -----

“I would be sad if Bullion Hall closed as it really helps my son with his confidence when he attends Judo on a Tuesday”.

“It’s important to me that Bullion Hall stays open as it helps me to get out and make friends”.

Page 3 of 12

How long have you been coming to Bullion Hall?

----- Start of picture text -----
Ten years plus
15%
Less that 12
months
29%
Six to ten years
7%
Three to five years
27%
One to two years
22%
----- End of picture text -----

How do you find out what's on at Bullion Hall?

----- Start of picture text -----
Other
Noticeboard
6%
(internal) Facebook
12% 18%
Noticeboard
(external)
Bullion Hall
7%
Website
9%
Email bulletin
6%
Word of Mouth
42%
----- End of picture text -----

Word of mouth continues to be the main way of finding out what’s on at Bullion Hall followed by Facebook. Other methods of promotion include posters and leaflets given out during group activities and events or packed into shopping bags for members of the Bread-and-Butter Thing.

Page 4 of 12

How could we make Bullion Hall better?

For some respondents Bullion Hall is already meeting their needs and expectations.

Others are looking for new activities.

While others want more of the same.

Some would like improved promotion of activities.

Others were concerned with specific issues.

Such feedback enables us to identify how we can make Bullion Hall better. Some suggestions such as moving a disabled parking space can be more easily achieved than others such as more parking space which is limited by the physical boundaries of the car park itself.

Page 5 of 12

How would you rate the Wait 'er While Café?

Using a scale where 10 is excellent and 1 poor, the survey asked respondents to rate the Wait ‘er While Cafe on three aspects of service. The chart below shows the combined percentage of ratings 7 and above.

----- Start of picture text -----
It is a lovely and friendly place already
----- End of picture text -----

The survey also invited general comments

Most of the comments were positive about the Cafe, the staff and the food served.

However, the limited space available for café seating was raised by several respondents.

“My son has disabilities and is in poor health and on low income.

I regularly use the FareShare and frozen foods to keep his cupboards stocked and this enables him to eat more healthily. Bread and Butter Thing, gas and electric vouchers were invaluable”.

Page 6 of 12

Participants experience of using Bullion Hall

This year the survey included a set of questions specially relating to the management and maintenance of Bullion Hall and roles undertaken by the Caretaking team. In response to the question are you satisfied with the cleanliness of Bullion Hall? the response was 100% ‘yes’.

A few comments directed criticism at specific areas.

A second question about how safe do people feel using the centre with regards to the upkeep and maintenance of the building and any equipment provided, this question also received a 100% positive response.

Some comments raised issues that have been addressed, for example new chairs

replacing older ones and the introduction of a regular inspection of all chairs.

A final question in this section of the survey asked about Satisfaction with Staff

Overall . Once again, a very positive response although for one respondent response was No. Unfortunately, in the comments section they did not take the opportunity to elaborate. Comments received included

Page 7 of 12

It should be noted that these comments will also apply to our volunteers at Bullion Hall as those using the centre may not necessarily make a distinction between staff and volunteers.

Which other community venues do you use apart from Bullion Hall?

This year’s survey finds an almost even split in the numbers attending only Bullion Hall and those using other venues.

The nearby Parish Centre features frequently in replies (17 times), along with Refuse Cafe and the Masonic Hall (each mentioned 12 times). Newer venues listed include Handcrafted and Barley Mow Community Centre. This may reflect the pattern of movement of individuals or groups looking for particular services or activities. Equally people from some of those centres are discovering the Bullion Hall offer for the first time.

The activities people are taking part in at other venues included many that are also available at Bullion Hall. These include Seated Exercise, Kurling and Sewing clubs . Others, such as Italian and French are not available at Bullion Hall, though Spanish is, or like Knit and Natter groups, have been at Bullion Hall but not currently.

What is not evident from the survey is the cost of these activities, how they compare to those at Bullion Hall and whether cost is a motivator in choosing one venue over another.

Do you feel part of the Bullion Hall Community?

----- Start of picture text -----
Not Important to Not at All
Me 2%
16%
Very Much So
82%
----- End of picture text -----

Page 8 of 12

Among the new questions in the survey, this one sought to measure the relationship participants feel they have with Bullion Hall. In particular we wanted to understand if people regularly coming to Bullion Hall see themselves as part of a community.

That 82% do feel themselves ‘very much’ part of the Bullion Hall community is clearly encouraging, especially when almost a third of them have been coming to Bullion Hall for less than 12 months. There are certain activities where a high number of participants responded ‘very much so’ including the Art Group, Bread and Butter Thing, Parent and Toddlers and Curry Night, suggesting that a strong feeling of belonging to a group might translate into recognition of being part of the wider Bullion Hall community.

A follow up question asked if participants feel they belong to any other community, outside of the activities they take part in at Bullion Hall, 28% said yes.

A fifth of these are active in faith communities. One listed a political party, another being a member of a rambler’s association. Other examples given in the survey of being part of another community included attending music, art, yoga and keep fit classes at other community venues.

“Amazing place with amazing staff, facilities and a lot of group activities. I’m a worker who has visited and spoken to Man Health, Men's Cree and

“A lifeline”.

“If Bullion Hall were to close, I feel like I would go back to isolation and may struggle to find other communities”.

“Fantastic Community Building”.

Page 9 of 12

What Three Words would you use to describe Bullion Hall?

The most common descriptions were friendly, welcoming, helpful and community.

Other comments in the survey that convey the importance of Bullion Hall for individuals:

Page 10 of 12

Demographics

Age

----- Start of picture text -----
Age of Participants
18 & under 4%
12 to 24 2%
25 to 34 7%
35 to 44 14%
45 to 54 10%
55 to 64 18%
65 to 74 22%
75 and over 23%
0% 5% 10% 15% 20% 25%
----- End of picture text -----

Employment status

----- Start of picture text -----
Employed (full
Unemployed time)
19% 14%
Employed (part
time)
10%
Self-employed
3%
College or
University
6%
Retired
48%
----- End of picture text -----

Page 11 of 12

Geographical Reach

48% of respondents live in a DH2 postcode area followed by 25% who have a DH3 Postcode.

Neighbourhood Map Chester le Street District Map

North Durham Map

“Forward thinking. Dynamic. People Centred”. Page 12 of 12

Bullion Community Resource Centre is a Company Limited by Guarantee. Registered in England and Wales. Company No. 4046498 Registered Charity No. 1084105. Registered Office: Bullion Hall , South Approach, Chester le Street, Co. Durham, DH2 2ES