FOUNDATION FURNITURE AND GARDENING PROJECT LIMITED REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 Charity No 1090034 Company registratlon number 03731516 (England and Wales) FOUNDATION FURNITURE AND GARDENING PROJEcf LIMITED Contents Page Legal and administrative inforrnation Trustees report Report of the Independent Examiner Statement of financial Activities Balance Sheet Notes to the financial statements 10-14 FOUNDATION FURNITURE AND GARDENING PROJECT LIMITED Legal and administrative information Year ended 31 March 2025 Board of Trustees: Rev B Howell E Mcmaster L O'Hallerton M Poulter Charity Number 1090034 Company Number 03731516 Reglstered Office Units1&2 Teams Craft Workshops Askew Road West Gateshead Tyne & Wear NE8 2PB Independent Examiner TIG Accountants Metropolitan House Longrigg Road Swalwell Gateshead NE16 3AS FOUNDATION FURNITURE AND GARDENING PROJECT LIMITED Report of the Trustees Year ended 31 March 2025 The trustees present their annual report and financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2025. The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out in note I to the financial statements and comply with the Charity's governing document, the Companies Act 2006 and "Accolsnting 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 1021 leffective l January 20191. Objertives and activities Foundations aims to alleviate the effects of furniture poverty and disadvantage and to help Gateshead residents to create and maintain safe, Settled and stable horne lives. We achieve this through furniture reuse. Each weekday our staff and volunteers collect donated furniture free of charge from residents in and around Tyne and Wear. Each item is then brought back to our charity where we carry out safety tests and checks, and make the items available at a low cost to people experiencing furniture poverty, and, whenever possible, free of charge for people experiencing crisis. Our Iow-COSt furniture is available to anyone in Gateshead who is experiencing hardship for many different reasons, including: households in receipt of benefits, or have benefit claim decisions pending households with benefit payments reduced due to rent arrears households affected by in-work poverty households affected by debt people in crisis and rebuilding their lives (after homelessness or fleeing from abuse for example). Achievements and performance Over the last 12 months we have continued to successfully provide free and low-cost furniture to Gateshead residents. Dernand for furniture rernains high, and we have had a consistent supply of pre-loved furniture thanks to the generosity of people and organisations across Tyne and Wearwho have donated items to us. 716 households were supported with furniture benefitting 1,724 people in total, of which 723 were children 138 households were in crisislabsolute poverty and received free support to rebuild their home lives quickly 71,658kgs of furniture wa5 collected, from 709 households, saving £6,067 in landfill tax. FOUNDATION FURNITURE AND GARDENING PROJECT LIMITED Report of the Trustees Year ended 31 March 2025 We'd to like to say thank you to everyone who supported us in 2024/25 including: Gateshead Council Community Foundation TNL Community Fund Gateshead Parochial Charities Reeds Grassroots Fund Pattinson Estate Agents Places for People Why we do it 170,000 children {31%1 were living in poverty across the North East in 2023124 30% of families on low incomes struggled to afford beds for their children in 2020 Recovery from homelessness and crisis can feel particularly challenging when experiencing financial hardship Over I million adults in the UK are in "deep furniture povertyi items The cost of furniture, furnishings, and carpets has increased significantly over the past 10 years, further exacerbating the problem of furniture poverty for people in hardship Prevention of debt and rent arrears, which can lead to failed tenancies Furniture poverty can lead to increased cost of living for people already affected by hardship. (Without kitchen appliances like an oven or fridge forexample. food bills become more expensive.) Over 6 million people in the UK do not have access to essential furniture, furnishings and appliances, according to research by End Furniture Poverty Prevention of preloved furniture being sent to landfill unnecessarily Stretched local resources missing three or more essential Foundations case study A mother and her children moved to the UK from Europe. Originally, they lived in a furnished flat however the landlord served notice. Gateshead Council rehomed the family due to the risk of homelessness. The new property was unfurnished and the family had no access to funds to buy furniture. They were referred to Foundations by Gateshead Council to access support for beds, bedroom furniture, and sofas. When we spoke to the household a few months after delivering their furniture, the mother told us that she felt more confident tackling issues, and speaks to her new neighbours frequently which, she told us, is a great help in improving her English language. She disclosed she is feeling much less stressed, had found a job that fit5 in with the children, and has made friends at her new place of work. She told us:_ "It was o fontastic service. I could never have got e5tGblished and settled the children so quickly. I've avoided debt that would have made life even harderfor usfinoncially. I've creoted G homefor me and my daughters and it's our 50fe place becouse I now hove o secure tenancy. I've saved money that I've been oble to spend on my daughters, needs ond have been back to Foundation5 to help make our home even more homely. I'm far less worried ond pressured when it come5 to 50rting things out now." FOUNDATION FURNITURE AND GARDENING PROJECT LIMITED Report of the Trustees Year ended 31 March 2025 New Beds for Children For several years now, we have provided free new beds and mattresses to children. With the uncertainty of consistent donations of single beds, we have received several grants allowing us to purchase 60 new beds and rnattresses to give free of charge to children in 2024125. The monitoring for this project has highlighted a far-reaching impact for children and their parentlsllcarerls). Free, Pre4oved Items In the last 12 months we have received support from local and national funders to provide free, pre-loved furniture to the most vulnerable households in Gateshead. Households who benefit are identified by our team when people visit us for help and disclose their circumstances, and we receive referrals from various Gateshead Council departments, NHS professionals and voluntary sector organisations. The households who benefit have experienced positive outcomes as a result. Social impact Outcomes for beneficiaries include: improved friendships and greater engagement in social and community activities feeling more settled and stable reduction in phycological distress feeling a sense of belonging reduced and/or avoided debt greater posltivity, motivation, aspirations and hope improved sleep for children We create a £213,015 value to the social housing sector peryear. In addition, the overall health and wellbeing value of our work equates to £54,495, with a potential cost saving to the public purse of £33,715 in health inteNentions per year. We help reduce the need for temporary accommodation by preventing failed tenancies, and by helping people to quickly move into tenancies. This has a potential cost saving of £45,883 per year. A secure and settled home leads to a potential £7,758 saving per year, particularly for households who have had to move to a new community. For every £1 donated or granted to Foundations, we create a social, economic and environmental impact that has a value of £3.22. FOUNDATION FURNITURE AND GARDENING PROJEcf LIMITED Report of the Trustee5 Year ended 31 March 2025 Social Impact Survey Results: 100% experienced increased confidence 11))% had greater self esteem 100% feel more supported IlJ)% had improved mental health 73% experienced a greater sense of independence 67% felt more included in the community 53% had improved social lives Volunteering 18 local people contributed 3,969 hours to Foundations over the year by giving their time, experience and support as volunteers. This created a social capital value of £45,405. Foundation4work Alongside our core activities, Foundations also provides free support for unemployed Gateshead residents to access a job readiness programme lasting up to 12 weeks. With funding from The National Lottery Community Fund (Reaching Communities) this year, volunteers were given personalised support with any of the following.. Work experience Goal setting Online job searching Writing Cvs Writing and subrnitting application forms Preparing for interviews The programme provides free work boots and PPE for participants to keep, travel expenses to and from our charity and an employment readiness toolkit with everything needed to continue their journey independentlyaftertheirtime with us. In the past 12 months. participants have gone on to paid employment, further training or continued to gain work experience to add to their CV by volunteering with our charity, or elsewhere. Future plans Ourfocus forthe next 12 months 15 to continueto raise awareness of ourfree collection setviceto encourage as many donations of furniture and appliances as possible. Due to demand being high for furniture, there is always a risk that the need for household items could outweigh the supply of furniture donations, therefore we are also focusing our efforts on securing funds to ensure we continue to have a supply of free new beds and mattresses for the most vulnerable children in Gateshead. FOUNDATION FURNITURE AND GARDENING PROJECT LIMITED Report of the Trustees Year ended 31 March 2025 Financial review. reserves pollcy and going concern The financial statements show a deficit of £51,596. The charity retains a cash balance of £119,751 which will assist running costs in these difficult financial times. The trustees consider that the ideal level of reserves as at 31 March 2025 would be £IOO.OChJ. At this level of unrestricted reserves the charity could maintain operation for six months. Current unrestricted reserves amount to £68,96712024.' £119,595). The charity enjoys good liquidity and has no issue on meeting it's liabilities when they are due. The trustees are confident for the next twelve months. Grant applications are being su bmitted and everyone is optimistic for their success in gaining funding. The trustees have assessed the major risks to which the Charity is exposed, and are satisfied that systems are in place to mitigate exposure to the major risks. Structure, 8overnance, and management The organisation is a charitable company lirnited by guarantee, incorporated on 11 March 1999 and registered as a charity on 10 January 2002. The company was established under a Memorandum of Association which established the objects and powers of the charitable company and is governed under its Articles of association. In the event of the company being wound up members are required to contribute an amount not exceeding £1. The trustees, who are also the directors for the purpose of company law, and who seNed during the year and up to the date of signature of the financial statements were: Rev B Howell Mrs E Mcmaster Mr L O'Hallerton Martin Poulter The directors of the company are also charitytrustees forthe purpose of charity law. Thetrustees continually audit the available skills of the board and look to acquire new trustees with different skills and experiences which can assist in the growth of the organisation. Recruitment is by approach and word of mouth. The trustees and management have carried out an assessment of the major risks facing the charity. Signed on behalf of the management committee, on 7 November 2025. Rev B Howell Trustee FOUNDATION FURNITURE AND GARDENING PROJECT LIMITED Report of the Independent Examiner to the trustees of Foundation Furniture and Gardening Project Limited I report on the financial statements of Foundation Furniture and Gardening Project Limited for the year ended 31 March 2025 which are set out on pages 8 to 14. Respective responsibility of trustees and examiner The charity's trustees are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements. The charitvs trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year under section 144 of the Charities Act 2011lthe 2011 Act) and that an independent examination is needed. Having satisfied myself that the charity is not subject to audit under company law and is eligible for independent examination, it is my responsibility to examine the accounts under section 145 of the 2011 Act, follow the procedures laid down in the general Directions given by the Charity Commission {under section 145{5)Ibl of the 2011 Act}, and state whether particular matters have come to my attention. Basis of independent examinerfs report My examination was carried out in accordance with the General Directions given by the Charity Commissioners. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the financial statements presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the financial statements, and seeking explanations from the trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit, and consequently no opinion is given as to whether the accounts present a 'true and fairf view and the report is limited to those matter5 set out in the statement below. Independent examinerf5 Statement In connection with my examination, no matter has come to my attention which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in any material respect the requirements to keep accounting records in accordance with section 386 of the Companies Act 2006,. and to prepare financial statement5 which accord with the accounting records and to comply with the accounting requirements of section 396 of the Companies Act 2006 and with the methods and principles of the Statement of Recommended Practice: Accounting and Reporting by Charities have not been met; orto which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the financial statements to be reached. J Hart FCCA Metropolitan House Longrigg Road Swalwell Gateshead NE16 3AS Date: 7 November 2025 FOUNDATION FURNITURE AND GARDENING PROJECT LIMITED Statement of Financial Activities Year ended 31 March 2025 Unrestrirted funds 2025 Restrirted funds 2025 Total Totol 2025 2024 Donations and legacies Charitable activities Other income 24.790 97,776 5,160 47,381 72,171 97,776 5.160 120.450 94,586 Total income 127,726 47.381 175,107 220,036 Expenditure Charitable activities 179,943 46,760 226,703 208,581 Total expenditure 179,943 46,760 226.703 208,581 Net income {52,217) 621 151.596) 11,455 Transfers Net movement in funds (52,217) 621 (S1.S96) 11,455 Total funds brought forward 119,595 51.379 170,974 159,519 Total funds carried forward 67.378 52,000 119,378 170,974 FOUNDATION FURNITURE AND GARDENING PROJECT LIMITED Balance Sheet as at 31 March 2025 2025 2024 Fixed assets Tangible assets 485 1,131 Current assets Debtors Cash at bank and in hand io 2,980 119,751 792 170.720 122,731 171,512 Creditors - amount due within one year li (3,838) 11,6691 Net current assets 118,893 169,843 Total assets less liabilities current 119,378 170.974 Funds of the charity Restricted Income funds Unrestricted funds 12 52.1X)O 67,378 51,379 119,595 119.378 170,974 The company is entitled to the exemption from the audit requirement contained in sertion 477 of the Companies Act 2006, for the year ended 31 March 2025. The directors acknowledge their responsibilities for complying with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 with respect to accounting records and the preparation of financial statements. The members have not required the company to obtain an audit of its financial statements for the year in question in accordance with Section 476. These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to companies subjert to the small companies regime. The financial statements were approved by the trustees on 7 November 2025 and signed on the trustees behalf by: Wi Ml-k•JLQL Rev B Howell Trustee FOUNDATION FURNITURE AND GARDENING PROJEcf LIMITED Notes to the accounts Year ended 31 March 2025 10 Basis of preparation of financial statements The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charrties preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland IFRS 1021 (effective l January 20191- (Charities SQRP IFRS 10231, the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland {FRS 102). Basis of acwunting The charity has adopted the accruals basis of accounting as required by the regulations. Income Grants and donations are only included in the SOFA when the charity has unconditional entitlement to the resources. Expenditure Costs are recognised as and when there becomes a legal or constructive obligation committing the charity to pay out the resources. Funds accounting Unrestricted funds are available for use at the discretion of the trustees in furtherance of the general objectives of the charity and which have not been designated for other purposes. Restrirted funds are subjected to restrictions on their expenditure imposed by the funder, donor or through the terms of an appeal. Depreciation Depreciation is charged at 33% straight line per year FOUNDATION FURNITURE AND GARDENING PROJECT LIMITED Notes to the accounts Year ended 31 March 2025 11 Grants recelvable for core activities Unrestricted Restrirted 2025 2024 Comrnunity Foundation Gateshead MBC The Henry Smith Foundation Nationwide Foundation Anton Jurgens Charitable Trust Tesco Community Grants Toy Trust Van Neste Foundation The National Lottery Community Fund (Reaching Communities Programmel Other Grants 6,650 6.650 30,375 3,250 38,500 24,375 36,700 27.500 500 34.431 34,431 415 3(Kl 715 24.790 47,381 72,171 120,450 Income from charitable activltles 2025 2024 Furniture and white goods Delivery charges Other Income 89,416 8,360 86,470 8.015 ioi 97.776 94,586 Other Income 2025 2024 Employment Allowance Interest 160 5,160 FOUNDATION FURNITURE AND GARDENING PROJECT LIMITED Notes to the accounts Year ended 31 March 2025 12 Expenditure Unrestricted 2025 Restricted 2025 Total 2025 Total 2024 Staff costs Direct costs Establishment Motor and travel Office costs Telephone Accountancy Software and IT Cleaning and waste Repairs and renewals Bank charges Depreciation Insurance Training Management fee and Contribution to Core 99,687 4,323 32,336 181 3,327 1,995 990 7,715 121 29,439 12,950 129,126 17,273 32,336 181 3,477 1.995 990 7,715 121 128,891 17,996 24,587 160 2,437 1. 759 990 8,475 430 2,275 2,589 608 2,840 150 2.612 646 2,960 257 2.612 2,960 257 22,793 4,221 27,014 14,544 179,943 46,760 226,703 208,581 Trustees expenses Expenses paid to trustees during the year: £Nil12024." £Nill Fees for examination of the accounts 2025 2024 Fee for reporting on the accounts 990 990 Wages 2025 2024 Gross wages Social security cost Pensions 120,611 7,289 1,226 121,651 6,106 1,134 Total staff costs 129,126 128,891 FOUNDATION FURNITURE AND GARDENING PROJEcf LIMITED Notes to the accounts Year ended 31 March 2025 13 Staff numbers Staff numbers during the year were as follows Part time Full tlme Total Management and administration 9 Tangible Fixed Assets Computers Cost At l April 2024 Additions 2,933 At 31 March 2025 2,933 Depreciation and impaimient At l April 2024 Depreciation charged in the year 1,802 646 At 31 March 2025 2,448 Carryin8 amount At 31 March 2025 io Debtors 2025 2024 Debtors Prepayments 2,200 792 2.980 792 FOUNDATION FURNITURE AND GARDENING PROJEcf LIMITED Notes to the accounts Year ended 31 March 2025 14 Ll Creditors-amount falling due within one year 2025 2024 Trade Creditors Accruals and deferred income 2.848 990 679 990 3,838 1,669 12 Net movement on funds Asat l April 2024 Asat 31 March 2025 Income Expenditure Transfer Unrestrirted General 119,595 127,726 (179,9431 67.378 Restricted Other Funds 51,379 47,381 146,760) 52,000 170,974 175,107 1226,703) 119.378 13 Related party transactions Mr B Howell and Mrs E Mcmaster are unpaid directors of Teamwork Development Trust CIC. Teamwork Development Trust CIC provides management seNices to the company. During the year the cost of these services amounted to £13,25012024". £14,544). Certain expenses are recharged from Teamwork Development Trust CIC for software, legal support and staff time. The recharged amount was £13,764 {2024: £12,786).