Company registration number: 04155890 Charity registration number: 1085498
The Helpful Bureau
(A company limited by guarantee) Annual Report and Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 March 2025
Community Accounting Plus Units 1 & 2 North West 41 Talbot Street Nottingham NG1 5GL
The Helpful Bureau
Contents
| Reference and Administrative Details | 1 |
|---|---|
| Trustees' Report | 2 to 7 |
| Independent Examiner's Report | 8 |
| Statement of Financial Activities | 9 to 10 |
| Balance Sheet | 11 |
| Notes to the Financial Statements | 12 to 22 |
The Helpful Bureau
Reference and Administrative Details
Trustees John Fox, Chair Margaret Bowen Susan Paterson Steph Reston Stephon Jeremiah Charity Registration Number 1085498 Company Registration Number 04155890 Registered Office 145-147 Derby Road Stapleford Nottingham NG9 7AS Independent Examiner Eva Stevens, employee of Community Accounting Plus Units 1 & 2 North West 41 Talbot Street Nottingham NG1 5GL
Page 1
The Helpful Bureau
Trustees' Report
The trustees, who are directors for the purposes of company law, present the annual report together with the financial statements of the charitable company for the year ended 31 March 2025.
Trustees and officers
The trustees and officers serving during the year and since the year end were as follows:
Trustees:
John Fox, Chair Elizabeth Newby, Treasurer (resigned 5 September 2024) Margaret Bowen Susan Paterson Steph Reston Ray Wilkins (resigned 25 July 2024) David Glover (appointed 11 May 2024 and resigned 5 September 2024) Stephon Jeremiah (appointed 18 November 2024)
Structure, governance and management
Nature of governing document
Memorandum and Articles of Association incorporated 7 February 2001 as amended by special resolutions dated 01 November 2004 and 22 September 2006. Certificate of incorporation on change of name dated 20 January 2009. It has no share capital and the liability of each member in the event of winding-up is limited to £10.
Recruitment and appointment of trustees
Applications for membership are considered at each committee meeting. Trustees are elected at the AGM.
Objectives and activities
Objects and aims
To undertake voluntary work in particular but not exclusively in the advancement of education, the promotion and protection of good health, the provision of facilities for recreation and leisure time activities in the interests of social welfare with the object of improving the conditions of life of the community and other similar charitable activities amongst those people in need thereof in Nottinghamshire and surrounding areas ("the area of benefit").
Page 2
The Helpful Bureau
Trustees' Report
Objectives, strategies and activities
In order to achieve these objectives, The Helpful Bureau as a registered charity and not-for-profit organisation is committed to supporting people to live safely, independently, and happily in their own homes. We work primarily with older adults and individuals living with disabilities across Broxtowe and the surrounding areas. Our work is delivered through four key service areas:
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Home Support Services
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Volunteer Transport Scheme
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Befriending Support
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Social and Community Activities
Home Support Services
We offer a range of support including a handyman service to assist with small DIY tasks. Our Home Support team also provides help with day-to-day domestic tasks such as light cleaning, meal preparation, shopping and wellbeing checks, offering reassurance and practical help to those living alone or with limited mobility.
Transport Scheme:
Our wheelchair accessible vehicle (WAV) enables clients to attend essential appointments, go shopping, or participate in social activities. In addition to our WAV, we have a team of volunteer drivers who use their own vehicles to ensure our clients stay connected to their communities through reliable, door-to-door transport. We also offer local day trips on our minibus or for longer journeys we hire a coach.
Befriending and Reconnect:
Loneliness and isolation are real challenges for many of our clients. Our befriending scheme matches volunteers with older people for regular visits and phone calls. Volunteers can also accompany individuals on outings to help rebuild confidence and support social engagement. We host our fortnightly Reconnect Coffee Mornings, providing a friendly and welcoming space to boost social interaction and community connection.
Resource Centre and Social Events:
Our weekly Resource Centre offers movement-to-music classes, access to information and advice, a freshly cooked two-course lunch, and a variety of activities to promote wellbeing. We also run regular groups, including games afternoons and Wellbeing Wednesdays, craft-based social sessions that support creativity and connection.
Additional Services: We also host a regular foot care clinic at our offices and signpost clients to other local services and organisations when their needs extend beyond our remit. We are proud to offer a holistic, community-based approach to care and support, empowering people to stay active, independent, and socially connected.
Page 3
The Helpful Bureau
Trustees' Report
Public benefit
People are healthier:
People who access our services are able to maintain a good standard of living, thus improving quality of life. They are given peace of mind, knowing that there is help when it is needed. They feel supported and safe and this promotes well-being both physically and mentally, and prevents the need for other more costly services.
People live in vibrant and supportive communities:
Our services help our clients to feel less vulnerable in the community, providing home security and maintaining gardens mean that they are less likely to be targeted for crime. They have more pride in their surroundings and can maintain a sense of dignity.
People are encouraged and supported to access local community and social groups.
Volunteers use their experience and life skills to help with the provision of practical services, keeping them active within the community and helping us to provide a value for money service.
People live independently for as long as possible:
We will encourage people to make the most of their later years and enable them to access the right support when they need it. We will focus on preventative services for conditions that often affect people in later life, including falls prevention, depression, arthritis etc.
We will provide practical services such as a Handyman, Gardener, Decorator and Domestic support for people who are older, and/or disabled to help them remain living independently in their homes.
Carers are more supported and we signpost people to other services appropriate to their needs whether physical, emotional or financial.
People can access the right care and support, at the right time:
Through regular contact with our organisation, through the practical services team, we are able to highlight when a client may need additional support, act upon it immediately and signpost them to any other appropriate service.
The trustees confirm that they have complied with the requirements of section 17 of the Charities Act 2011 to have due regard to the public benefit guidance published by the Charity Commission for England and Wales.
Page 4
The Helpful Bureau
Trustees' Report
Achievements and performance
We have well over 2,000 registered clients using our services. There are more clients registering who are over 75 years young and a bigger percentage are being referred by health professionals, family or friends. We are seeing more who have memory or mental health issues.
We have looked at our Funding strategy and have increased our Trusts & Foundations Applications. We were successful in receiving funding from the Local Communities Fund, Broxtowe Borough Council and from Nottinghamshire County Council, which partly enables us to continue with our services. However, there was a reduction from the previous funding, which means more funding has been requested from Trusts and Foundations. A very generous Deed of Gift from The Edward Gostling Foundation, along with a surprise much appreciated funding award from The Postcode Lottery, has allowed us to be confident in expanding and moving forward. Our recent leasing of new premises has now given us a visible and accessible presence on the high street and is a significant factor in our growth in clients and services this year and hopefully into the future. Our befriending service continues courtesy of funding from the Lottery Communities Fund. We will be looking for further funding to continue this valuable and much needed service in our local community. Our 16 seater minibus, purchased in 2019, is very well used and our trips are regularly at full capacity. We have received many donations to purchase a new replacement, which will be a fully wheelchair and disability accessible vehicle. We are hopeful for further funding and to purchase in the next financial year. Our website is now more user-friendly and we also use Social Media as a way to expand, advertise and celebrate our achievements.
Home support continues to be a core part of our charity and grows year by year with 10 part time workers, providing 480 hours per month to our clients. As our Home Support, Grumpy Old Men’s Club and The Golden Girls grow, they all provide a very successful avenue into our other services.
We are greatly helped by our most valuable financial asset, our volunteers, who are at the very heart of the charity. The figures speak for themselves in the hours per month they contribute: Befriending 94; Transport 92; Mini bus escorts 16; Lunch club and Activities 184 and Admin & Office 20; making a grand total of 406 hours per month. These are the recorded hours and do not include the very many hours our trustees give so freely, nor does it include the extra hours, so many our staff and volunteers offer, when needs matter.
Financial review
After looking at our financial position we are making ourselves more sustainable and have reviewed the charges for our services and this has brought 33% of our income. 57% of this financial year’s income has come from trusts and foundation grants and other charities; 6% from government grants and the remainder comes from individual donations and bank interest. Our financial position at the year-end was good, leaving a healthy reserve.
Policy on reserves
The charity's policy is to retain reserves equivalent to 3 months operating costs. We have also set up a reserve for our vehicles and one for future developments.
Page 5
The Helpful Bureau
Trustees' Report
Principal risks and uncertainties
Funding
The main risks are funding cuts, cost/wage increases due to inflation and the reduction of volunteers. Volunteer drivers did not all return after COVID lockdowns, and generally recruiting volunteers has been more difficult. We advertise in free local papers and throughout website, social media, and notice boards for volunteers. We are going to set up a reserve for the cost of living increases as we are conscious that our current funding has no inflationary links and therefore will not cover any cost increases such as minimum wage which has a knock on effect to the remainder of our salary costs. We are also conscious that our clients will be particularly affected by increase in fuel costs and we will need to be cautious about increasing costs for paid services. We are grateful to all our funders and supporters and are aware that their funds are also squeezed; we will continue to look at improved efficiency in our delivery without impacting on service delivery.
Page 6
The Helpful Bureau
Trustees' Report
Statement of Responsibilities
The trustees (who are also the directors of The Helpful Bureau for the purposes of company law) are responsible for preparing the trustees' report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice), including FRS 102 "The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland". The report and accounts have been prepared in accordance with the provisions in the Companies Act 2006 relating to small companies.
Company law requires the trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year. Under company law the trustees must not approve the financial statements unless they are satisfied that they give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charitable company and of the incoming resources and application of resources, including its income and expenditure, of the charitable company for that period. In preparing these financial statements, the trustees are required to:
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select suitable accounting policies and apply them consistently;
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observe the methods and principles in the Charities SORP;
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make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
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state whether applicable accounting standards, comprising FRS 102 have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements; and
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prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the charitable company will continue in business.
The trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records that can disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the 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 and detection of fraud and other irregularities.
The trustees are responsible for the maintenance and integrity of the corporate and financial information included on the charitable company's website. Legislation governing the preparation and dissemination of financial statements may differ from legislation in other jurisdictions.
Small companies provision statement
This report has been prepared in accordance with the small companies regime under the Companies Act 2006.
The annual report was approved by the trustees of the charity on .................... and signed on its behalf by: 22. 12. 2025 SEE .........................................
John Fox
Trustee
Page 7
The Helpful Bureau
Independent Examiner's Report to the trustees of The Helpful Bureau ('the Company')
Independent examiner’s report to the trustees of The Helpful Bureau ('the Company')
I report to the charity trustees on my examination of the accounts of the company for the year ended 31 March 2025.
Responsibilities and basis of report
As the charity’s trustees of the Company (and also its directors for the purposes of company law) you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts 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 your 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
Since the Company's gross income exceeded £250,000 your examiner must be a member of a body listed in section 145 of the 2011 Act. I confirm that I am qualified to undertake the examination because I am a member of the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy (CIPFA), which is one of the listed bodies. 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 that in any material respect:
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accounting records were not kept in respect of the Company as required by section 386 of the 2006 Act; or
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the accounts do not accord with those records; or
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the accounts 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
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the accounts have not been prepared in accordance with the methods and principles of the Statement of Recommended Practice for accounting and reporting by charities [applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial 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.
...................................... Tobe
Eva Stevens, BSc, CPFA, employee of Community Accounting Plus member of the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy (CIPFA)
Units 1 & 2 North West 41 Talbot Street Nottingham NG1 5GL
23/12/2025 Date:.............................
Page 8
The Helpful Bureau
Statement of Financial Activities for the Year Ended 31 March 2025 (Including Income and Expenditure Account and Statement of Total Recognised Gains and Losses)
| Note Income and Endowments from: Donations and legacies 2 Charitable activities 3 Investment income 5 Total Income Expenditure on: Charitable activities 6 Total Expenditure Net income/(expenditure) Transfers between funds Net movement in funds Reconciliation of funds Total funds brought forward Total funds carried forward 19 |
Unrestricted £ 61,363 123,755 1,785 186,903 (70,988) (70,988) 115,915 (126,916) (11,001) 74,310 63,309 |
Restricted £ - 114,767 - 114,767 (245,225) (245,225) (130,458) 126,916 (3,542) 13,847 10,305 |
Endowment £ - 70,000 - 70,000 - - 70,000 - 70,000 - 70,000 |
Total 2025 £ 61,363 308,522 1,785 371,670 (316,213) (316,213) 55,457 - 55,457 88,157 143,614 |
Total 2024 £ 41,378 230,405 1,064 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 272,847 | |||||
| (272,011) | |||||
| (272,011) | |||||
| 836 - |
|||||
| 836 87,321 |
|||||
| 88,157 |
All of the charity's activities derive from continuing operations during the above two periods. The funds breakdown for the period is shown in note 19.
The notes on pages 12 to 22 form an integral part of these financial statements. Page 9
The Helpful Bureau
Statement of Financial Activities for the Year Ended 31 March 2025 (Including Income and Expenditure Account and Statement of Total Recognised Gains and Losses)
These are the figures for the previous accounting period and are included for comparative purposes
| Note Income and Endowments from: Donations and legacies 2 Charitable activities 3 Investment income 5 Total income Expenditure on: Charitable activities 6 Total expenditure Net income/(expenditure) Transfers between funds Net movement in funds Reconciliation of funds Total funds brought forward Total funds carried forward 19 |
Unrestricted funds £ 41,378 108,217 1,064 150,659 (51,007) (51,007) 99,652 (96,568) 3,084 71,226 74,310 |
Restricted funds £ - 122,188 - 122,188 (221,004) (221,004) (98,816) 96,568 (2,248) 16,095 13,847 |
Total 2024 £ 41,378 230,405 1,064 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 272,847 | |||
| (272,011) | |||
| (272,011) | |||
| 836 - |
|||
| 836 87,321 |
|||
| 88,157 |
The notes on pages 12 to 22 form an integral part of these financial statements. Page 10
The Helpful Bureau (Registration number: 04155890) Balance Sheet as at 31 March 2025 2025 2024 IYo¢e Fixed Asset5 Tangible assets 11,267 8,478 CurreD¢ assets Debtors Cash at bank and in hand 12 13 2,593 131,959 4.314 76,999 134,552 81.J13 Creditors: Amounts falling due within one year 14 2,205) 1,634 Net current assets 132,347 79,679 Net #ssets 143,614 88,157 Funds of the charily: Endowment funds 70,000 Restricted income funds Restricted fjjnds 19 10.305 13,847 Unrestricted Income funds Unrestricied funds 63,309 74,310 Tot81 funds 19 143 614 88,157 For the financial year ending 31 March 2025 the chariry was enliiled to exemption from audit under section 477 of the Companies Act 2006 relating lo small companies. Directors, responsibilities: The members have not required the charity to obtain an audii of its accounts for the year in question in a¢cordance with section 476; and The directors acknowledge their Tesponsibilities for complying with the requirements of the Act with respect to accounting records and the preparation of ac¢ounts. These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the special provisions relating to ¢ompanies subject lo the small companies regime within Part 15 of the Companies Act 2006. The financial statements on pages 9 to 22 were approved by the trustees, and authorised for issue on 231.1212Q2&nd signed on their behalf by.. Stcphon Jer Truste The note5 on page5 12 to 22 form an integral part of these financial statements. Page 11
The Helpful Bureau
Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 March 2025
1 Accounting policies
Summary of significant accounting policies and key accounting estimates
The principal accounting policies applied in the preparation of these financial statements are set out below. These policies have been consistently applied to all the years presented, unless otherwise stated.
Statement of compliance
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with Accounting and Reporting by Charities: 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)) (issued in October 2019) - (Charities SORP (FRS 102)), the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) and the Companies Act 2006.
Basis of preparation
The Helpful Bureau meets the definition of a public benefit entity under FRS 102. Assets and liabilities are initially recognised at historical cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant accounting policy notes.
Going concern
The financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis.
The trustees assess whether the use of going concern is appropriate i.e. whether there are any material uncertainties related to events or conditions that may cast significant doubt on the ability of the charity to continue as a going concern. The trustees make this assessment in respect of a period of one year from the date of approval of the financial statements.
Exemption from preparing a cash flow statement
Under the exemption available to smaller charities the Board of Trustees has chosen not to include a Statement of Cash Flows within the financial statements.
Income and endowments
Voluntary income including donations, gifts, legacies and grants that provide core funding or are of a general nature is recognised when the charity has entitlement to the income, it is probable that the income will be received and the amount can be measured with sufficient reliability.
Donations and legacies
Donations are recognised when the charity has been notified in writing of both the amount and settlement date. In the event that a donation is subject to conditions that require a level of performance by the charity before the charity is entitled to the funds, the income is deferred and not recognised until either those conditions are fully met, or the fulfilment of those conditions is wholly within the control of the charity and it is probable that these conditions will be fulfilled in the reporting period.
Legacy gifts are recognised on a case by case basis following the grant of probate when the administrator/executor for the estate has communicated in writing both the amount and settlement date. In the event that the gift is in the form of an asset other than cash or a financial asset traded on a recognised stock exchange, recognition is subject to the value of the gift being reliably measurable with a degree of reasonable accuracy and the title to the asset having been transferred to the charity.
Page 12
The Helpful Bureau
Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 March 2025
Grants receivable
Grants are recognised when the charity has an entitlement to the funds and any conditions linked to the grants have been met. Where performance conditions are attached to the grant and are yet to be met, the income is recognised as a liability and included on the balance sheet as deferred income to be released.
Expenditure
All expenditure is recognised once there is a legal or constructive obligation to that expenditure, it is probable settlement is required and the amount can be measured reliably. All costs are allocated to the applicable expenditure heading that aggregate similar costs to that category. Where costs cannot be directly attributed to particular headings they have been allocated on a basis consistent with the use of resources, with central staff costs allocated on the basis of time spent, and depreciation charges allocated on the portion of the asset’s use. Other support costs are allocated based on the spread of staff costs.
Charitable activities
Charitable expenditure comprises those costs incurred by the charity in the delivery of its activities and services for its beneficiaries. It includes both costs that can be allocated directly to such activities and those costs of an indirect nature necessary to support them.
Government grants
Government grants are recognised based on the accrual model and are measured at the fair value of the asset received or receivable. Grants are classified as relating either to revenue or to assets. Grants relating to revenue are recognised in income over the period in which the related costs are recognised. Grants relating to assets are recognised over the expected useful life of the asset. Where part of a grant relating to an asset is deferred, it is recognised as deferred income.
Taxation
The charity is considered to pass the tests set out in Paragraph 1 Schedule 6 of the Finance Act 2010 and therefore it meets the definition of a charitable company for UK corporation tax purposes. Accordingly, the charity is potentially exempt from taxation in respect of income or capital gains received within categories covered by Chapter 3 Part 11 of the Corporation Tax Act 2010 or Section 256 of the Taxation of Chargeable Gains Act 1992, to the extent that such income or gains are applied exclusively to charitable purposes.
Tangible fixed assets
Individual fixed assets costing £500 or more are initially recorded at cost, less any subsequent accumulated depreciation and subsequent accumulated impairment losses.
Depreciation and amortisation
Depreciation is provided on tangible fixed assets so as to write off the cost or valuation, less any estimated residual value, over their expected useful economic life as follows:
Asset class Depreciation method and rate Motor vehicles 20% straight line IT equipment 33.33% straight line Fixture & fittings 20% straight line
Page 13
The Helpful Bureau
Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 March 2025
Trade debtors
Trade debtors are amounts due from customers for merchandise sold or services performed in the ordinary course of business.
Trade debtors are recognised initially at the transaction price. They are subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method, less provision for impairment. A provision for the impairment of trade debtors is established when there is objective evidence that the charity will not be able to collect all amounts due according to the original terms of the receivables.
Cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents comprise cash on hand and call deposits, and other short-term highly liquid investments that are readily convertible to a known amount of cash and are subject to an insignificant risk of change in value.
Fund structure
Unrestricted income funds are general funds that are available for use at the trustees' discretion in furtherance of the objectives of the charity.
Designated funds are unrestricted funds set aside for specific purposes at the discretion of the trustees.
Restricted income funds are those grants for use in a particular area or for specific purposes, the use of which is restricted to that area or purpose.
Pensions and other post retirement obligations
Pensions
The charity operates a defined contribution pension scheme for employees. The assets of the scheme are held separately from those of the charity. Pension costs charges in the Statement of Financial Activities represent the contributions payable by the charity during the year.
2 Income from donations and legacies
| Donations and legacies; Donations from companies, trusts and similar proceeds Donations from individuals Legacies Grants, including capital grants; Government grants Grants from other charities |
Unrestricted funds General £ - 11,363 - - 50,000 61,363 |
Total 2025 £ - 11,363 - - 50,000 61,363 |
Total 2024 £ 31,672 - 500 9,206 - |
|---|---|---|---|
| 41,378 |
Page 14
The Helpful Bureau
Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 March 2025
3 Income from charitable activities
| Fundraising Grants & donations Fees & services Room hire |
Unrestricted funds General £ - - 121,647 2,108 123,755 |
Restricted funds £ - 114,767 - - 114,767 |
Endowment funds Expendable £ - 70,000 - - 70,000 |
Total 2025 £ - 184,767 121,647 2,108 308,522 |
Total 2024 £ 2,381 122,188 105,836 - |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 230,405 |
4 Grants & donations
| 4 Grants & donations |
|||
|---|---|---|---|
| Nottinham County Council TN: reaching Communities The Lady Hind Trust Ashley Family Foundation The Star Trust The Inman Charity The Albert Hunt Charity The Skerritt Trust The Francis Winham Foundation The Thomas Farr Charity The Jones 1986 Charitable Trust The Grocers Chairty Forterra Building Community Fund The Edward Gostling fund The Boots Charitable Trust Postcode Community W G Edwards Charitable Foundation General Donations |
Unrestricted funds £ - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 50,000 - 11,363 61,363 |
Restricted funds £ Endowment funds £ 21,664 - 37,409 - 2,000 - 1,000 - 10,000 - 3,250 - 5,000 - 4,000 - 7,000 - 2,000 - 5,000 - 5,000 - 250 - - 70,000 9,694 - - - 1,500 - - - 114,767 70,000 |
Total £ 21,664 37,409 2,000 1,000 10,000 3,250 5,000 4,000 7,000 2,000 5,000 5,000 250 70,000 9,694 50,000 1,500 11,363 |
| 246,130 |
Page 15
The Helpful Bureau
Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 March 2025
5 Investment income
| Interest receivable and similar income; Interest receivable on bank deposits |
Unrestricted funds General £ 1,785 |
Total 2025 £ 1,785 |
Total 2024 £ 1,064 |
|---|---|---|---|
6 Expenditure on charitable activities
| Activities & service providers Bank charges Communications Fundraising & publicity Equipment, repairs & renewals Insurance Legal & professional Printing, postage & stationery Memberships & subscriptions Refreshments & lunches Rent & room hire Staff training Utilities Staff travel Vehicle expenditure Wages, NI & pension General expenses Volunteer expenses Building & garden supplies Donations given Garage rent Mentoring Volunteer driver reimbursement Depreciation Sundry expenditure Cleaning & hygiene Service provider Office move expense Reallocating running costs |
Unrestricted funds General £ 3,022 224 2,274 219 1,332 67 10,139 561 - 309 2,568 - 2,966 76 1,137 28,561 - 466 1,471 - - - 99 6,854 592 - 59 9,159 (1,167) 70,988 Page |
Restricted funds £ 9,977 526 3,142 - 2,692 729 5,962 766 - 6,155 20,916 268 - 2,373 6,741 177,125 - 350 758 - 613 1,502 220 - 794 - 235 2,214 1,167 245,225 16 |
Total 2025 £ 12,999 750 5,416 219 4,024 796 16,101 1,327 - 6,464 23,484 268 2,966 2,449 7,878 205,686 - 816 2,229 - 613 1,502 319 6,854 1,386 - 294 11,373 - 316,213 |
Total 2024 £ 13,520 519 3,979 711 3,184 634 7,585 1,905 600 5,623 12,227 899 1,050 2,903 9,322 195,081 362 888 629 410 570 1,448 20 7,706 - 236 - - - |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 272,011 | ||||
The Helpful Bureau
Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 March 2025
7 Net incoming/outgoing resources
Net incoming resources for the year include:
| Depreciation of fixed assets 8 Staff costs The aggregate payroll costs were as follows: Staff costs during the year were: Wages and salaries Social security costs Pension costs |
2025 £ 6,854 2025 £ 199,801 3,808 2,077 205,686 |
2024 £ 7,706 |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 £ 191,111 2,371 1,599 |
||
| 195,081 |
The monthly average number of persons (including senior management team) employed by the charity during the year was as follows:
| The average number of employees during the year | 2025 No 17 |
2024 No 15 |
|---|---|---|
8 (2024 - 8) of the above employees participated in the Defined Contribution Pension Schemes.
Contributions to the employee pension schemes for the year totalled £2,077 (2024 - £1,599).
No employee received emoluments of more than £60,000 during the year.
The total employee benefits of the key management personnel of the charity were £Nil (2024 - £18,110).
9 Trustees remuneration and expenses
No trustees, nor any persons connected with them, have received any remuneration from the charity during the year.
No trustees have received any reimbursed expenses or any other benefits from the charity during the year.
Page 17
The Helpful Bureau
Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 March 2025
10 Fees payable to independent examiner
During the period, the fees payable (excluding VAT) to the charity’s independent examiner Community Accounting Plus are analysed as follows:
| Independent examination Other financial services |
2025 £ 940 405 1,345 |
2024 £ 900 1,294 |
|---|---|---|
| 2,194 |
11 Tangible fixed assets
| Cost At 1 April 2024 Additions At 31 March 2025 Depreciation At 1 April 2024 Charge for the year At 31 March 2025 Net book value At 31 March 2025 At 31 March 2024 12 Debtors Trade debtors Prepayments Other debtors |
Furniture and equipment £ - 9,643 9,643 - 1,929 1,929 7,714 - |
Motor vehicles £ 26,757 - 26,757 20,225 3,535 23,760 2,997 6,532 |
Motor vehicles £ 26,757 - 26,757 20,225 3,535 23,760 2,997 6,532 |
IT equipment £ 7,062 - |
Total £ 33,819 9,643 43,462 25,341 6,854 32,195 11,267 8,478 2024 £ 1,264 1,690 1,360 |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 26,757 | 7,062 | |||||
| 20,225 3,535 |
5,116 1,390 |
|||||
| 23,760 | 6,506 | |||||
| 2,997 | 556 | |||||
| 6,532 | 1,946 | |||||
| 2025 £ 874 1,719 - 2,593 |
||||||
| 4,314 |
Page 18
The Helpful Bureau
Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 March 2025
13 Cash and cash equivalents
| 13 Cash and cash equivalents | ||
|---|---|---|
| Cash on hand Cash at bank |
2025 £ 606 131,353 131,959 |
2024 £ 232 76,767 |
| 76,999 |
14 Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
| Other taxation and social security Other creditors Accruals |
2025 £ 967 110 1,128 2,205 |
2024 £ - 180 1,454 |
|---|---|---|
| 1,634 |
15 Obligations under leases and hire purchase contracts
Operating lease commitments
Total future minimum lease payments under non-cancellable operating leases are as follows:
| Land and buildings Within one year Between one and five years |
2025 £ 22,000 100,000 |
|---|---|
| 122,000 |
16 Taxation
The charity is a registered charity and is therefore exempt from corporation taxation.
17 Related party transactions
There were no related party transactions in the year.
Page 19
The Helpful Bureau
Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 March 2025
18 Analysis of net assets between funds
| Tangible fixed assets Current assets Current liabilities Total net assets Tangible fixed assets Current assets Current liabilities Total net assets |
Unrestricted Endowment General £ Designated £ Restricted £ Expendable £ 2025 Total funds £ 11,267 - - - 11,267 39,090 15,157 10,305 70,000 134,552 (2,205) - - - (2,205) 48,152 15,157 10,305 70,000 143,614 Unrestricted General £ Designated £ Restricted £ 2024 Total funds £ 8,478 - - 8,478 52,309 15,157 13,847 81,313 (1,634) - - (1,634) 59,153 15,157 13,847 88,157 |
Unrestricted Endowment General £ Designated £ Restricted £ Expendable £ 2025 Total funds £ 11,267 - - - 11,267 39,090 15,157 10,305 70,000 134,552 (2,205) - - - (2,205) 48,152 15,157 10,305 70,000 143,614 Unrestricted General £ Designated £ Restricted £ 2024 Total funds £ 8,478 - - 8,478 52,309 15,157 13,847 81,313 (1,634) - - (1,634) 59,153 15,157 13,847 88,157 |
2025 Total funds £ 11,267 134,552 (2,205) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 143,614 | |||
| 88,157 |
Page 20
The Helpful Bureau
Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 March 2025
19 Funds
| Unrestricted funds General General Fund Designated Vehicle Maintenance Charity Development Total unrestricted funds Restricted funds Joint projects Befriending Transport Practical Services Grant Funded Activities Home Support Total restricted funds Endowment funds Expendable Edward Gostling Fund Total funds |
Balance at 1 April 2024 £ 59,153 10,157 5,000 15,157 74,310 386 13,461 - - - - 13,847 - - 88,157 |
Incoming resources £ 186,903 - - - 186,903 1,000 37,409 15,000 13,153 41,052 7,153 114,767 70,000 70,000 371,670 |
Resources expended £ (70,988) - - - (70,988) (1,870) (40,565) (20,095) (26,880) (77,256) (78,559) (245,225) - - (316,213) |
Transfers £ (126,916) - - - (126,916) 484 - 5,095 13,727 36,204 71,406 126,916 - - - |
Balance at 31 March 2025 £ 48,152 10,157 5,000 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 15,157 | |||||
| 63,309 | |||||
| - 10,305 - - - - |
|||||
| 10,305 | |||||
| 70,000 | |||||
| 70,000 | |||||
| 143,614 |
The transfer from the General fund to the Joint projects, Grant Funded Activities, Home Support, Practical Services and Transport fund is to cover the deficits on these activity.
Page 21
The Helpful Bureau
Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 March 2025
The specific purposes for which the funds are to be applied are as follows:
The Transport Fund enables the charity to offer a life line to those without their own transport and unable to access public transport by offering lifts.
The Practical Services Fund provides practical support for example gardening, decorating, odd jobs and home support.
Grant Funded Activities enables a variety of activities to take place on a weekly and monthly basis.
Befriending enables the charity to offer a lifeline to those who are affected by isolation and the resultant impact on their health and well-being.
Joint projects offer The Helpful Bureau the opportunity to engage with the wider community offering services such as intergenerational crafting, IT skills and community event and awareness campaigns.
The Edward Gostling Fund- This is an endowment given to support the future health of the organisation. It will accrue interest and can only be used to restore the unrestricted balance if it falls below the targeted reserves.
These are the figures for the previous accounting period and are included for comparative purposes:
| Unrestricted funds General General Fund Designated Vehicle Maintenance Charity Development Total unrestricted funds Restricted Joint projects St. Helens Befriending Transport Practical Services Activities Total restricted funds Endowment funds Total funds |
Balance at 1 April 2023 £ 56,069 10,157 5,000 15,157 71,226 674 - 8,183 7,238 - - 16,095 87,321 |
Incoming resources £ 150,659 - - - 150,659 29 14,010 41,546 12,009 38,594 16,000 122,188 272,847 |
Resources expended £ (51,007) - - - (51,007) (317) (29,868) (36,268) (21,311) (95,533) (37,707) (221,004) (272,011) |
Transfers £ (96,568) - - - (96,568) - 15,858 - 2,064 56,939 21,707 96,568 - |
Balance at 31 March 2024 £ 59,153 10,157 5,000 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 15,157 | |||||
| 74,310 | |||||
| 386 - 13,461 - - - |
|||||
| 13,847 | |||||
| 88,157 |
Page 22