The Bridge to Cross Charitable Trust Reg. Charity 1090166 1-3 Seven Corners Lane Abergavenny Monmouthshire, NP7 5AX – Annual Report for 2024 2025
DRAFT
In presenting this report, the Trustees are aware of their duty in Section 4 of 2006 Act of the requirement that the charity’s activities should be for the public benefit. The governing document from 2000 sets out the charitable objectives. They are satisfied that the activities, available through the Centre, including the provision of workexperience placements, meet this requirement. They also always seek to ensure that volunteers and staff can take advantage of suitable training opportunities. Th charity
Core activities
The resources of the charity continue to be specifically directed to maintaining and developing support for young people at the 7Corners Centre*, the Hot Spot Outreach, and various other outreach activities in Abergavenny.
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The impact of the Covid 19 pandemic has shifted this year on the Bridge to Cross Charitable Trust’s activities. Social anxiety is more obvious, and aggressive and disruptive behaviour seen last year among young people is reducing.
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Staff from 7Corners are continuing with the Salvation Army starfish mentoring programme in King Henry VIII School.
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Film Night/Chip Night continues to be popular with up to 25 young people using this open access evening service.
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The Café is seeing a diverse group of Young People attending, and staff are working hard to forge trusting relationships with them.
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HOTSPOT activities, i.e. Detached Youth Work, continues with pot noodles and hot chocolate still being “hot” favourites. We are also able to keep in touch with many ‘older’ Young People who no longer access the Centre based work.
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IYE Festival, this annual event was well organised with the volunteer ‘stall holders’ commenting on how efficient setting up had become due to the wealth of experience of the Centre Manager Ange, supported by Young People Crew who are fully committed and enthusiastic in their involvement.
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Tuesday is regular time in the Chill Room for prayer for the work, attended by various trustees and volunteers.
The Bridge to Cross Charitable Trust Reg. Charity 1090166 1-3 Seven Corners Lane Abergavenny Monmouthshire, NP7 5AX – Annual Report for 2024 2025
DRAFT
- Service users ‘What 3 words’ to describe 7Corners were “Treats you as family.”
The Trustees and centre manager developed a clear strategic plan to deliver on the Charity Commission’s Governance Code for smaller charities in the year to ensure good governance of the charity, with particular focus on financial controls, risk management, safeguarding, user engagement and celebrating 25 years of service in the year ahead.
Finance
The trustees are grateful to Dorrell Oliver for auditing the accounts again this year, as well as our Treasurer submitting accounts and providing us with regular reports throughout the year to manage financial risk. A new financial reserve policy was ratified. We have continued to receive generous support from many donors in the local community, who support the charity through regular giving, many of whom are able to add Gift Aid to their donations. We have also continued to receive support through Donor grants from Gwent High Sheriff’s Fund, Abergavenny Town Council, with whom we have established a co-operation agreement, Abergavenny Rotary, and GAVO, ARIN and the continued support of local churches and business. This financial year we also received a grant from Children in Need to provide paid hours for an assistant to the centre manager which was very welcome.
Despite the support it is always a challenge each year to maintain level of support necessary and all essential running costs are increasing. We recognise and appreciate the efforts of the Administrator in maintaining and securing grants needed to enable us to continue to support our community. We remain grateful to all the individual donors and churches who provide almost half our funding.
Trustees
The Bridge to Cross Charitable Trust has seen change in the financial year 24 -25 with the Chair formally taken on by Dr Alison Stroud and Caroline Woollard becoming Deputy Chair. Our Chaplain from the Salvation Army, Nigel Collins continues to provide pastoral care to for the trustees and staff. Other Trustees are Andrew Willey,
The Bridge to Cross Charitable Trust Reg. Charity 1090166 1-3 Seven Corners Lane Abergavenny Monmouthshire, NP7 5AX – Annual Report for 2024 2025
DRAFT
Alan Freebury remains a skilled and dedicated Treasurer, Michael Marsden remains as Secretary. These are the trustees on the date this report was approved.
Sadly, Mary Kennedy and Dr. Huw Morgan stepped down as trustees after many years of faithful service. The gap they left were filled new trustees Keith Rutherford with vast experience in safeguarding and Hugo Potgeiter with a wealth of experience in organisational management.
Additionally, two Young People who have used the services joined the Trust Board as Young People’s advocates. They are proving to be very proactive and invaluable providing service user insight to the Board.
Payments to trustees
There were no payments to Trustees during the year.
Employees
Mrs Julie Sussex resigned as administrator in January 2025. She is sorely missed having been an outstanding contributor to all aspects of running the charity. Her efforts have continued to ensure, through these financially difficult times, that we have obtained financial support from a wide range of donors. However, this task is becoming an increasing challenge, particularly to fund posts.
Ange Sampson continues to manage all aspects of the Centre, Hot Spot Outreach, and various other activities with her customary sensitive care and dedication. Challenges have been added though vacancies and turnover in a very small team of three core staff and she has continued to receive independent confidential supervision to enable her to reflect on and rise to this challenge.
Trustees appointed Aya Zebrowski to the administrator post with some handover time.
The Bridge to Cross Charitable Trust Reg. Charity 1090166 1-3 Seven Corners Lane Abergavenny Monmouthshire, NP7 5AX – Annual Report for 2024 2025
DRAFT
Volunteers
We continue to be extremely grateful to all our volunteers and helpers who have supported Ange in the various outreach activities and at the Centre.
Patron
Our Patron, Dame Claire Clancy, Deputy-Lord Lieutenant of Gwent, continues to be an enthusiastic proactive asset to 7 Corners.
Data protection
The Centre does not retain information about casual Centre users. Appropriate data is retained for employees, volunteers and gift-aid donors in accordance with the requirements of the General Data Protection Regulations.
Conclusion
In the face of the volatile and unsure times we live in, the charity continues to “make a difference” to the lives of the young people who seek us out. We continue to provide a safe place where the young people can gather in safety, receive support and guidance and, as opportunity offers, be encouraged to develop life and practical skills.
Chair of Trustees
Bridge to Cross Charitable Trust
*The 7Corners Centre is a project funded by the Bridge to Cross Charitable Trust and is dedicated to offering hope and hospitality to all young people and to meet the mission statement of providing ‘a centre where young people can meet in safety, find help for personal development and support if in crisis.’
Bridge to Cross Charitable Trust Accounts Year ended 31 March 2025
eRIDGE TO CROSS CHARITABLE TRUST YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2026 Report to the trustees of Bridga lo Cr09s Charitable Trust on the accounts for the year ended 31 March 2025 Respectlve responsibllltles of trustees and Oxaminer The charitys trustees are responsible for Ihe preparaion of the accounts. The Charity's trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year under section 144 of the Charities Act 2011 {The Charities Act), It is my responsibility to examine Ihe accounts under section 145 of the Charities Act. to follow the procedures laid down in the General Directions givien by the Charity Commission (under section 14515}Ibl of the C to slate whether particular matters have come to my attention. Ba818 Of Indopendent examinfjr's report My examination was carried out in a¢¢ordance with the General Directions given by tho Charity Commission. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts presenled with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items of disclosures in the accounts, and seeking explanations from you as trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would b8 required in an audit, and consequ8ntly no opinlon 1$ given as to whether the accounts present a 'true and faiff view and the report is limited to those matters set out in the statement below. Independent examiner's 6tatemenl In connection with my examination. no matter has come to my attention.. l. which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in any material respect the r8quirements'. i) to keep aCnts.llg reGords in accordance with section 130 of the Charities Act,. and ill to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records and to comply with the accounting requirements of the Charit have not been met,. or 2. to which, in my opinion, attentlon should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached PELeaFCA Dorrell Oliver Limited Chartered AOuntants Linden House Monk Street Aber9avenny Monmouthshire
BRIDGE TO CROSS CHARfTABLE TRUST STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 21)25 Unrnstritted 2025 Restrleted Funds 21125 Total Fnnd5 21124 Note5 Funds INCOMING RESOURCES Grants Donation5 Investsnent Income Fund raising Oth¢r income 7.000 21,777 1,800 41 10.238 10,739 17,739 21.777 1,800 41 10.238 20.342 21.404 1.744 175 1,256 TOTAL INCOMtNG RLSOURCES RESOURCES EXPEIYDED Salari¢$ and wag¢s Maint¢nance and equipmettt Management and administration Other ¢osts tkpreciation 33,244 6,412 5,010 725 2,621 500 3.451 3,991 35,865 6,912 8,461 4,716 31,004 4,933 9,066 4,290 TOTAL RFEOURCES EXPENDED NET INCOMINGI(OtrrGOING) RESOURCES 4,535 176 -4J59 4J72 TOTAL FUNDS BROUGHT FORWARD 41,163 5,392 46,555 50,927 TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD
BRIDC.E TO CROSS CHARITABLE TRIIST STATEMENf OF ASSETS AND LTABILITIES AS AT 31 MARCH 2025 2025 Unrestri¢ted Funds 2112S Rutrieted Funds 2025 TotAI FuJ]ds 2024 Total Fund5 CURRENT ASSETS HSBC cUrtt Art Affimiative Deposit Bond for ¢hariti C&8h in Hand 7,275 35,470 14 42,759 7,275 35,470 14 42,759 9,303 37,170 82 46,555 CURREIYT LIABJLITIES Creth"tor5 and accnjals -563 -563 TOTAL NET CURRENT ASSETS FUNDS OF THE CHARrrY RESTRICTED INCOME FUNDS 5,568 5,568 5,392 UNRESTRICTED INCOME FUNDS 36,628 36,628 41.163 TOTAL CHARtTY FUNDS ,555 Note: Freehold Property The Charity purchased the freehold property 1-3 Seven Corners Lane in 2002. The purch&8e of this propert is not reflected in the accounts. Note . Restricted Fund The restricted fund relates to the following grants received and not yet spent: Police & Crime Cornmissioners for Gwent
TO CROSS CHARABLE TRUST NOTES TO THE FINAP4CIAL STATEMETrrrs YEAR KNDED JI MARCH 2025 Ullrt51ricttd R¢strktsd Funth Ttal Funds I.GRAs RECKIVED Restricted Grant Unr¢slriLrd Grant Postcode Communities Archbishop of Wa]es Fund Council for Wales volunt Servi¢¢ Gavo 10,739 10.739 7,000 7,000 2. FUIYDRAISING Caf¢ income 41 41 3. OTHER INCOME Co-operation Agreement OtTi¢e Tental 10,000 238 i 0.000 238 4. MAINTEIYANCE Computers ond technology ccrv Renewal Equipmcnl amd fixtures Repuirs to buildings 234 948 19 5,211 449 683 948 70 5211 51 6,412 500 6,912 5. MANAGEMENT AND ADMIMSTRATION General expenses Stationery Bank Charges Insurance Light and h¢a¢ R¢nt and rates Telephone Wat¢r charg¢5 Trnvel Safeguarding 826 610 96 504 1,501 648 731 23 26 45 5,010 23 849 610 96 2.010 2,807 960 731 282 26 90 8,461 1.506 1.306 312 259 45 3,451 6. OTHER COSTS Chip night IYE bestiv&l Café Costs Barbecue Christmas paty PCC Hotspot 1.157 2.676 2.676 252 252 206 267 158 725 3,991 2.928
Bridge to Cross Charitable Trust Accounts Year ended 31 March 2025
eRIDGE TO CROSS CHARITABLE TRUST YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2026 Report to the trustees of Bridga lo Cr09s Charitable Trust on the accounts for the year ended 31 March 2025 Respectlve responsibllltles of trustees and Oxaminer The charitys trustees are responsible for Ihe preparaion of the accounts. The Charity's trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year under section 144 of the Charities Act 2011 {The Charities Act), It is my responsibility to examine Ihe accounts under section 145 of the Charities Act. to follow the procedures laid down in the General Directions givien by the Charity Commission (under section 14515}Ibl of the C to slate whether particular matters have come to my attention. Ba818 Of Indopendent examinfjr's report My examination was carried out in a¢¢ordance with the General Directions given by tho Charity Commission. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts presenled with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items of disclosures in the accounts, and seeking explanations from you as trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would b8 required in an audit, and consequ8ntly no opinlon 1$ given as to whether the accounts present a 'true and faiff view and the report is limited to those matters set out in the statement below. Independent examiner's 6tatemenl In connection with my examination. no matter has come to my attention.. l. which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in any material respect the r8quirements'. i) to keep aCnts.llg reGords in accordance with section 130 of the Charities Act,. and ill to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records and to comply with the accounting requirements of the Charit have not been met,. or 2. to which, in my opinion, attentlon should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached PELeaFCA Dorrell Oliver Limited Chartered AOuntants Linden House Monk Street Aber9avenny Monmouthshire
BRIDGE TO CROSS CHARfTABLE TRUST STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 21)25 Unrnstritted 2025 Restrleted Funds 21125 Total Fnnd5 21124 Note5 Funds INCOMING RESOURCES Grants Donation5 Investsnent Income Fund raising Oth¢r income 7.000 21,777 1,800 41 10.238 10,739 17,739 21.777 1,800 41 10.238 20.342 21.404 1.744 175 1,256 TOTAL INCOMtNG RLSOURCES RESOURCES EXPEIYDED Salari¢$ and wag¢s Maint¢nance and equipmettt Management and administration Other ¢osts tkpreciation 33,244 6,412 5,010 725 2,621 500 3.451 3,991 35,865 6,912 8,461 4,716 31,004 4,933 9,066 4,290 TOTAL RFEOURCES EXPENDED NET INCOMINGI(OtrrGOING) RESOURCES 4,535 176 -4J59 4J72 TOTAL FUNDS BROUGHT FORWARD 41,163 5,392 46,555 50,927 TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD
BRIDC.E TO CROSS CHARITABLE TRIIST STATEMENf OF ASSETS AND LTABILITIES AS AT 31 MARCH 2025 2025 Unrestri¢ted Funds 2112S Rutrieted Funds 2025 TotAI FuJ]ds 2024 Total Fund5 CURRENT ASSETS HSBC cUrtt Art Affimiative Deposit Bond for ¢hariti C&8h in Hand 7,275 35,470 14 42,759 7,275 35,470 14 42,759 9,303 37,170 82 46,555 CURREIYT LIABJLITIES Creth"tor5 and accnjals -563 -563 TOTAL NET CURRENT ASSETS FUNDS OF THE CHARrrY RESTRICTED INCOME FUNDS 5,568 5,568 5,392 UNRESTRICTED INCOME FUNDS 36,628 36,628 41.163 TOTAL CHARtTY FUNDS ,555 Note: Freehold Property The Charity purchased the freehold property 1-3 Seven Corners Lane in 2002. The purch&8e of this propert is not reflected in the accounts. Note . Restricted Fund The restricted fund relates to the following grants received and not yet spent: Police & Crime Cornmissioners for Gwent
TO CROSS CHARABLE TRUST NOTES TO THE FINAP4CIAL STATEMETrrrs YEAR KNDED JI MARCH 2025 Ullrt51ricttd R¢strktsd Funth Ttal Funds I.GRAs RECKIVED Restricted Grant Unr¢slriLrd Grant Postcode Communities Archbishop of Wa]es Fund Council for Wales volunt Servi¢¢ Gavo 10,739 10.739 7,000 7,000 2. FUIYDRAISING Caf¢ income 41 41 3. OTHER INCOME Co-operation Agreement OtTi¢e Tental 10,000 238 i 0.000 238 4. MAINTEIYANCE Computers ond technology ccrv Renewal Equipmcnl amd fixtures Repuirs to buildings 234 948 19 5,211 449 683 948 70 5211 51 6,412 500 6,912 5. MANAGEMENT AND ADMIMSTRATION General expenses Stationery Bank Charges Insurance Light and h¢a¢ R¢nt and rates Telephone Wat¢r charg¢5 Trnvel Safeguarding 826 610 96 504 1,501 648 731 23 26 45 5,010 23 849 610 96 2.010 2,807 960 731 282 26 90 8,461 1.506 1.306 312 259 45 3,451 6. OTHER COSTS Chip night IYE bestiv&l Café Costs Barbecue Christmas paty PCC Hotspot 1.157 2.676 2.676 252 252 206 267 158 725 3,991 2.928