Growing Communities • Transforming Lives # **TRUST LINKS LIMITED REPORT AND ACCOUNTS** **For the Year Ended 31 March 2021** **Charity Registration No. 1092324 Company Registration No. 04351216 (England and Wales)** 41 I I ## Contents |**TRUSTEES REPORT**|**PG 1**| |---|---| |**STATEMENT OF TRUSTEES’ RESPONSIBILITIES**|**PG 28**| |**INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT**|**PG 29**| |**STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES**|**PG 35**| |**BALANCE SHEET**|**PG 36**| |**STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS**|**PG 37**| |**NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS**|**PG 38**| 3 ## **LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION** ## **TRUSTEES** Mr R Bates Dr A Bhattacharyya Mr P M Bridges Mr W A Choudhry Mr C Flood Mr R B Olver Ms J Phillips Mr K Spencer Mr C Turrell Mr P Taylor (Appointed 14 October 2020) Mr H Burgess (Appointed 14 October 2020) Ms L Eddy (Appointed 14 October 2020) ## **SECRETARY** Mr M King **CHARITY NUMBER** 1092324 **COMPANY NUMBER** 04351216 **REGISTERED OFFICE** 47 Fairfax Drive Westcliff on Sea Essex SS0 9AG ## **AUDITOR** Maynard Heady LLP Matrix House 12-16 Lionel Road Canvey Island Essex SS8 9DE ## **BANKERS** The Co-operative Bank PO Box 250 Skelmersdale WN8 6WT 4 ## TRUSTEES’ REPORT ## (INCLUDING DIRECTORS’ REPORT) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2021 The Trustees, who are also the directors of the charity for the purposes of the Companies Act 2006, present their report and financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2021. The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out in note 1 to the financial statements and comply with the company’s governing document, the Memorandum and Articles of Association, the Companies Act 2006 and “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) (effective 1 January 2019)”. 1 ## Objectives and Activities ## **OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES** Trust Links Limited aims to support vulnerable and disadvantaged people in Essex, particularly those with mental health problems, learning disabilities and physical disabilities and carers, and to provide and support environmental education and awareness. The charity is controlled by its governing document, a deed of trust, and constitutes a limited company, limited by guarantee, as defined by the Companies Act 2006. Our vision is for a person-centred approach to mental health and wellbeing, enabling people to lead their lives well, where communities are empowered to help and support each other. Trust Links’s mission is transforming mental health and wellbeing through inclusive and supportive environments, Trust Links works collaboratively to empower local communities and maximise our impact. Our values are: Inclusive – welcoming and respectful; Together – focus on recovery, growth and empowerment; Rooted in our community; and Environment – nature and nurture. Our strategic aims are: Delivery of positive impact for people in the community; To be recognised as a leading Mental Health Charity; and Creating a Sustainable Organisation in terms of finance, people, infrastructure, and energy & the environment. 2 ## **TRUST LINKS** 2020 and 2021 were like no other years. With the first lockdown beginning in March 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Trust Links had to reimagine how we delivered our services whilst we were unable to deliver services face to face as we had before. The team pulled together to provide vital virtual support for our members and to reach new beneficiaries through livestreaming, telephone and Zoom support, creating new resources and connecting with people in new and creative ways. Trust Links was awarded additional COVID-19 emergency grants to sustain our work through a time of reduced fundraising income and to extend our work to support people during a time of mental health crisis. During the latter half of the year, the trustees took the opportunity to review and revise the organisational Strategic Plan. Following the retirement of our Finance and Administration Manager, the infrastructure of the charity has been further enhanced with the appointment of a full-time Corporate Services Manager, a part-time Finance Manager and Finance Officer, and a new Communications and Partnerships Manager. The delivery team has grown considerably too with the appointment of several new staff on a temporary basis to respond to the additional mental health needs of the community due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Unfortunately due to COVID restrictions we have been unable to run our community events during the year. We hope to be able to resume these as soon as we are able to safely. However, we have continued to engage with people through Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and via our e-newsletter. 3 ## Trust Links Live Rather than withdrawing and retreating as we went into COVID-19 lockdown, the Trust Links team stepped forward to be available through social media to engage and inform our existing members and to reach new people that needed support during lockdown. Trust Links Live was launched on Facebook, providing three livestream films each day from March 2020 to September 2020. The videos covered: wellbeing and mental health tips and advice; engaging with nature, gardening and the outdoors; and skills. Many of the Trust Links Live videos are now available of the Trust Links YouTube channel www.youtube.com/trustlinks. We have had excellent engagement with Trust Links Live and during the 6 months of livestreaming we had total page reaches in excess of 51,000, 63,500 minutes worth of video views, and 7,500 video views for a minimum of 1 minute. 4 ## Growing Together Whilst our Growing Together gardens were closed to the general public for the first four months of the year, we continued to maintain and develop them. All gardens were closed to members during the first lockdown, but reopened as soon as we were able to do so safely in July 2020. Reopening outdoors was a safe option and proved to be a lifeline for many of our Growing Together members. The group sizes were reduced to 6 and the sessions were limited to 90 minutes, which minimised the risk of the transmission of the virus. 5 Growing Together Westcliff continued to be maintained and was significantly enhanced through the installation of new paths in the area beneath the large oak tree and on the route to the pond, replacing the somewhat precarious decking. The building was also improved with the installation of an Air Source Heat Pump replacing the oil boiler, helping to reduce the carbon emissions of the centre. The chickens enjoyed their new home, with a large chicken run erected thanks for crowdfunding from our supporters. 6 Growing Together Shoeburyness continued to be well maintained. The garden was enhanced during the Autumn and Spring by the building of an accessible wildlife-friendly labyrinth in the centre circle of the garden. The labyrinth was laid out, developed and planted by members through a series of 12 workshops run by Trust Links staff through funding from the National Lottery Heritage Fund. The labyrinth uses a Five Circuit Chartres Variation design and has instantly become a focal point for the garden. An additional office has also been installed in the garden, to increase meeting and activity space. The site was awarded the Green Flag Community Award. 7 Growing Together Thundersley continued to be maintained through a members day on a Friday. The Community Shed have been unable to meet due to COVID-19 restrictions, but are keen to reopen and to expand their area to the rear of the Green House. This has been facilitated by the installation of a new shipping container tool storage at the garden. The garden was awarded the Green Flag Community Award. 8 Growing Together Rochford continues to maintain the grounds of our Rochford Centre. A new potting shed has increased growing and indoor space at the garden, thanks to funding from The Lions Club of Rayleigh, The Rotary Club of Rochford and London Southend Airport community fund. The Rochford site was awarded the prestigious DEFRA Bees Needs Award at a national ceremony. 9 ## Growing Together Employment Support Programmes During the latter half of the year the team ran Working Together and OAK Club projects, funded by the DWP through the Flexible Support Fund, to help adults with mental health problems to overcome barriers to employment. The programmes were designed for the over 50s and for younger working age adults and had to be run primarily on Zoom and the telephone. Nonetheless, one member entered employment and the programmes are going to continue for a few months of the next financial year to enable face to face groups to further boost confidence, self-esteem and employability. ## Growing Together Evaluation The Growing Together Evaluation was published in December 2020 https://www.trustlinks. org/gtevaluation2020/. The evaluation comprises outcome data from the four Growing Together community gardens, including the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and some of the lived experiences of members who engage with Growing Together. The evaluation identified 386 members actively accessing Growing Together projects between August 2018 and November 2020. The data collected demonstrated that Short Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Wellbeing scores increased significantly between the baseline and follow up assessment stage (approximately 6 months), increasing from 21.4 to 24.32, a 14% increase. The evaluation found that attending Growing Together: improves and sustains levels of wellbeing and mental health; reduces demand on other health and social care services; improves confidence and self-esteem; improves social connection and engagement; increases levels of physical fitness; and provides 10 the opportunity and motivation to progress to training, employment and volunteering. Our three year grant from the National Lottery Community Fund came to an end on March 2021. We were grateful for the funding, enabling us to sustain and develop Growing Together across our four sites. As the financial year came to a close, we were delighted to have confirmation of a further 5 years’ funding from The National Lottery Community Fund towards our four Growing Together projects, helping us to sustain this essential community project and plan for the longer term. ## Let’s Grow Together The Let’s Grow Together Growing Together replication project continues. We have a dedicated Development Manager focussed on building the replication network and tools. We held a Zoom Green Shoots of Recovery: Green Social Prescribing conference in February 2021. The conference had more than 100 delegates and included a range of speakers including a Growing Together member, Professor Jules Pretty from University of Essex, and some of our funders. We are continuing discussions and plans for a Growing Together in Vange, Basildon in partnership with the LDP and a further site on Canvey Island as part of the Big Local development of the Gunny site. ## St Laurence Orchard It was a quiet year at St Laurence Orchard without the usual Apple Day and Wassailing celebrations, despite it being the centenary of the Orchard in 2020. Nonetheless we continued to maintain the Community Orchard through regular work parties throughout the year. Planning permission has been obtained for a composting toilet, tool shed and small classroom for the adjoining meadow area, so we hope to install these when funding allows to enable us to provide greater access to the Orchard for a range of groups of people. 11 ## REACH Wellbeing Hub The REACH Wellbeing Hub has continued to be busy assessing the mental health and social needs of people, facilitating peer and group support for individuals, and connecting people with services that meet their identified needs. With the staff working from home during the majority of the year, these services have been provided over the telephone and on Zoom this year. The Hub has worked with 594 members and run 192 groups during the year including coffee mornings, games groups, walking group and a poetry group. with community services, particularly the resources in the voluntary and community sector. The Hub also started running a dedicated Suicide and Depression Pathway to support those experiencing depression by providing regular follow up telephone calls whilst the patient is awaiting treatment. In addition, our Outreach Worker worked closely with the Primary Care Mental Health Nurses, particularly on Canvey Island, to provide intensive support to prevent their patients’ mental health needs from escalating. The Outreach and Engagement Project increased the capacity of the Hub team during the latter part of the year. Their remit was to work closely with people in secondary mental health services to help reduce the demand on secondary and inpatient services and to engage patients 12 ## REACH Recovery College During the first half of the year all face to face courses were cancelled. The team quickly adapted the courses to be delivered on Zoom. Trust Links has also purchased a Moodle Learning Management System and courses will increasingly be available online, complementing our in-person offer. Workshops and courses spanned a range of subjects and issues including: Managing Anxiety; Dealing with Panic Attacks; Confidence and Self-Esteem; Online Cookery; Mindfulness; and Digital Arts. REACH Recovery College successfully delivered courses to 187 students during the year and provided 432 individual course, workshop and group sessions. The data collected during the first full year of the REACH contract (from November 2019) demonstrated that SWEMWBS (Short Warwick Edinburgh Mental Well-being Survey) scores increased between the baseline and first follow up assessment stage (approximately 4 months); increasing from 18.75 to 19.85 (a 5.7% increase). 51.9% of students also experienced a meaningful positive change in their SWEMWBS scores within 4 months of engagement. The data suggests that with continued engagement with REACH, this initial increase in score is sustained. This sustained improvement highlights the impact of REACH on students’ wellbeing, as their life circumstances may not have drastically changed. It is therefore clear that their self-perception, support, coping mechanisms and sense of community and connections have improved Based on the literature, quantitative and qualitative data reviewed in the recent Evaluation, the outcomes of REACH Recovery College and REACH Wellbeing Hub include: - Improved and sustained levels of wellbeing and mental health - Reduced demand on other health and social care services - Increased levels of empowerment and being able to manage mental illnesses independently - Improved social connections and engagement 13 ## Talking Together In response to the increased sense of loneliness, isolation and mental health issues experienced due to successive lockdowns and the COVID-19 restrictions, Trust Links developed the Talking Together. The project, funded through the National Lottery Community Fund’s COVID-19 response funding, established a telephone befriending service for people experiencing isolation and mental health awareness training for businesses, community groups and the wider public. The Talking Together befriending project was busy from its outset, with a steady stream of referrals from social prescribers and the NHS Mental Health Trust. Volunteer Befriendees were provided with mental health and befriending training, supervision and ongoing support. During the latter half of the year we recruited and trained 53 volunteers and worked with 143 befriendees, providing 909 befriending calls which equates to approximately 460 hours of befriending calls. 14 ## Trust Links Training We established a mental health awareness training programme, delivered on Zoom, to raise understanding of mental health and skill people up to respond to others with mental health needs. This proved to be very popular and we provided training to 53 befrienders, with excellent feedback from participants. We provided Mental Health Awareness training for local people, businesses and community groups. We have developed training packages on Mental Health First Aid, Suicide First Aid, Effective Communication and Mental Performance Training. This training will be available for Trust Links staff and is being packaged up to sell in a social enterprise approach for businesses and other charities. ## Carers Services The carers service was provided primarily on the telephone during the year. Counselling was provided by our paid, placement and volunteer counsellors on the phone and in person when restrictions allowed from our Westcliff site. Listening Support was provided on the telephone. Peer support groups were run in a range of ways including via Zoom, through WhatsApp groups, telephone calls, and in-person where this was possible such as the Walking Group. The Carers Service continues to be a highly valued service for unpaid carers in Southend Borough and we delivered support to 174 carers in Southend during the year. We provided 637 counselling sessions, 132 listening support sessions and 71 support group sessions including walking groups, eating disorder support group, relaxation, book clubs, yoga sessions and monthly peer support carers groups. 15 ## Blooming Well & Food for Thought With schools, clubs and activities closed, many children and families were unable to access the usual learning and support that they enjoyed before the COVID-19 pandemic. The Trust Links team pulled together to develop the Blooming Well resources for children of primary school age utilising COVID-19 emergency funding through The National Lottery Community Fund. Blooming Well consisted of 12 themed weeks of activities, with five sets of ideas for each theme. A professionally produced sheet was designed for each activity and a video accompanied many of the ideas to explain the activity. Five hundred boxes were put together with volunteer help with all of the materials needed for each of the activities, and printed sheets to accompany the online resources. The 500 boxes, which were launched in three batches as the materials were produced, were distributed via local groups including to refugee and asylum seeker families via CAST, to young carers through Southend Carers, to those using food banks through Southend Storehouse, and those using social care through Southend Borough Council. 16 With the support of volunteers, 250 Food for Thought boxes have been put together to provide seeds, plants, compost and inspiration for people who have limited access to growing spaces due to lockdown. Each box contained a specially written booklet with advice on growing, recipe ideas and an explanation of Trust Links services. The Food for Thought boxes have been distributed through partner charities and food banks to older people and families in Basildon, families on Canvey Island and in the Rochford area, and to people using the foodbank in central Southend. 17 ## Children and Youth Projects Our Youth Links peer support project for young people of secondary school age has continued throughout the year both on Zoom and in person where possible. This has enabled us to continue to connect with vulnerable young people with emerging mental health issues through the year, and to support more young people, many of whom have struggled with their mental health and wellbeing due to anxiety, depression and the changes associated with lockdown and school closures. 27 young people engaged with the project during the year, which has split into two groups to accommodate increased numbers and differentiate between younger and older attendees. The Trust Links Youth Instagram page featured a live weekly wellbeing video and a weekly pre-recorded video of ideas for young people to do at home. This provide to be a great source of engagement and support for many young people during the first few months of the year. Through additional COVID-19 emergency funding through BBC Children in Need, Trust Links were able to provide enhanced support for children and young people affected by the pandemic. Learning Together was a short but impactful project for young people struggling to engage with schools due to neurodiversity, mental health issues or social issues. Held in person at our Rochford site in February and March, the biweekly programme included positive activities and psychosocial learning opportunities for 16 young people. 18 Mental Health Roadshows were held with Shoeburyness High School and Chase High School via MS Teams. These learning opportunities enabled our children and youth team to engage with more than 1,800 young people and help them have a better understanding of their mental health and wellbeing through a time of great worry and change. We have provided group support via Zoom for parents of young children in Southend as a precursor to the Families Growing Together project that we are co-producing with A Better Start Southend. The Holiday Activity Fund project enabled us to provide positive activities for children that were eligible for free school meals during the Easter holidays from our Growing Together Shoeburyness gardens. These lively sessions were thoroughly enjoyed by the 17 children that attended them. 19 ## Achievement and Performance The gross income for the period April 2020 to March 2021 amounted to £1,108,899 from the Charity’s own generated income, grants, donations and commissioned services. Resources expended for the same period totalled £1,043,611 with the majority being applied to staffing costs in support of projects and the Charity’s administration. Trust Links continues to explore new opportunities, whilst endeavouring to sustain projects that are having a positive effect on people’s outcomes and wellbeing. 20 .TrustLI ¢kg¥ i•. 4Tr. 21 ## FINANCIAL REVIEW ## Policies on reserves The Board has established an objective whereby the General Unrestricted Funds (being the Unrestricted Funds not committed to or invested in fixed assets) held by the charity at the year-end should, if possible, be equal to 50% (six months) of the budgeted expenditure (other than capital expenditure) for the forthcoming year. At this level of General Unrestricted Funds, the Board believes it would be able to continue the current activities of the charity in the event of a significant short term drop in funding, although it would of course be necessary to consider how the funding would be replaced and / or activities changed if the shortfall was prolonged. The General Unrestricted Funds of £142,456 at 31 March 2021 (£132,851 at 31 March 2020) represent approximately 1 1/2 months of the total expenditure budget (excluding capital expenditure) for the year ended 31 March 2022. The Board are endeavouring to gradually increase this towards the objective of 50% (six months) over the coming years, while recognising that this may not be achievable every year if existing activities are to be sustained. Although the current level of reserves is below the objective, the Trustees believe, having taken into account the level of contracted income and promised grant income for the forthcoming year and the ability to reduce costs in the short term, that this is not inconsistent with their overall risk management strategy. ## Principal funding sources and how expenditure in the year under review has supported the key objectives of the charity Apart from expertise in many areas, a charity needs to have a healthy funding base to succeed in its objectives. Trust Links has been fortunate to obtain funding from a variety of sources since its inception. We have been grateful to receive financial support from a number of sources, which are included in the Statement of Financial Activities forming part of this report. 22 During this year we have been successful in obtaining a broad range of funding sources to sustain and develop our projects including grants, commissioning, personal budgets, generated income and donations. We have also been awarded multi-year contracts and grants for many of our projects for the next few years, although fundraising will always be required to sustain and extended our vital work. The investment policy and objectives, including the extent (if any) to which social, environmental or ethical considerations are taken into account Trust Links is at present not able to consider specialist investment in any funds with a view to producing both income and capital growth. Most of its current income is applied to the costs of running the organisation, but if and when the receipt of income indicates that a sufficient surplus is being achieved, the Board will take professional advice with regard to the most appropriate investment opportunities. ## Availability and adequacy of assets of each of the funds The Board of Trustees is satisfied that the charity’s assets in each fund are available and adequate to fulfil its obligations in respect of each fund. ## Share Capital The company is limited by guarantee and therefore has no share capital. 23 ## STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT ## Nature of the Governing Document and constitution of the charity The charity is controlled by its governing document, a deed of trust, and constitutes a company limited by guarantee, as defined by Companies Act 2006. ## The methods adopted for the recruitment and appointment of new trustees The charity actively seeks to recruit Trustees from as wide a spectrum as possible, the principal criteria being that they are supportive of the aims of Trust Links. Those interested in becoming trustees are encouraged to take the opportunity to discuss the role and the work of the charity with other trustees and with members of staff and to visit our projects. Opportunities for understanding the charity and contributing to its work are made available to Trustees. We have successfully recruited additional trustees with skills in marketing, strategy and enterprise, strengthening our board of trustees. 24 The Trustees, who are also the directors for the purpose of company law, and who served during the year and up to the date of signature of the financial statements were: Mr R Bates Dr A Bhattacharyya Mr P M Bridges Mr W A Choudhry Mr C Flood Mrs R Grout (Resigned 17 December 2020) Mr R B Olver Ms J Phillips Mr K Spencer Mr C Turrell Mr P Taylor (Appointed 14 October 2020) Mr H Burgess (Appointed 14 October 2020) Ms L Eddy (Appointed 14 October 2020) 25 ## Board of Directors / Trustees During the year we recruited three new trustees, whose skills and experience complement the existing board. The current Board comprises twelve people with a wide range of skills and experience. ## Staffing We recognise and appreciate the commitment and dedication of all staff through times of change and their continuing efforts to support the aims of Trust Links and its members. We have put extra support in place over the last few months to protect and promote the wellbeing of staff whilst working from home and dealing with the additional challenges that the COVID-19 has presented. ## Volunteers Due to COVID-19 restrictions, we have been unable to work with volunteers in the usual way during the course of the year. However, we were delighted that so many existing volunteers put themselves forward for the Talking Together befriending project and we were able to recruit many new high calibre volunteers for this project. We appreciate the work and support of all of our volunteers and supporters and the expertise that they have shared with us. Our Volunteer and Peer Support Coordinators provided consistent oversight, co-ordination and supervision of volunteers across all of our projects and sites. ## The major risks to which the charity is exposed and reviews and systems to mitigate risks The Trustees have a duty to identify and review the risks to which the charity is exposed and to ensure appropriate controls are in place to provide reasonable assurance against fraud and error. The Board has conducted a review of the major risks to which the charity is exposed and the systems are in place to mitigate the risk. Internal risks are minimised by the implementation and regular monitoring of approved policies, procedures and protocols across Trust Links. These documents and their implementation are regularly reviewed to ensure not only compliance with legal and other requirements, but also so that they continue to meet the needs of the organisation and its clients. 26 ## The major risks to which the charity is exposed and reviews and systems to mitigate risks The Trustees have a duty to identify and review the risks to which the charity is exposed and to ensure appropriate controls are in place to provide reasonable assurance against fraud and error. The Board has conducted a review of the major risks to which the charity is exposed and the systems are in place to mitigate the risk. Internal risks are minimised by the implementation and regular monitoring of approved policies, procedures and protocols across Trust Links. These documents and their implementation are regularly reviewed to ensure not only compliance with legal and other requirements, but also so that they continue to meet the needs of the organisation and its clients. ## Auditor In accordance with the company’s articles, a resolution proposing that Maynard Heady LLP be reappointed as auditor of the company will be put at a General Meeting. ## Disclosure of information to auditor Each of the Trustees has confirmed that there is no information of which they are aware which is relevant to the audit, but of which the auditor is unaware. They have further confirmed that they have taken appropriate steps to identify such relevant information and to establish that the auditor is aware of such information. The trustees’ report was approved by the Board of Trustees. **................................... Mr R B Olver Trustee** 13 October 2021 **Dated: ............................................** 27 ## STATEMENT OF DIRECTORS’ AND TRUSTEES’ RESPONSIBILITIES The Charities Act and the Companies Act require the Board of Trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year, which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charity as at the end of the financial year and of the surplus or deficit of the charity. In preparing these financial statements the Board is required to: - Select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently; - Make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent; - Prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to - presume that the charity will continue in business; - State whether applicable accounting standards and statements of recommended practice have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements. The Trustees are also responsible for maintaining adequate accounting records which disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charity and which are sufficient to show and explain the charity’s transactions and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Companies Act 2006 and comply with regulations made under the Charities Act. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charity and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities. The Trustees are also responsible for the contents of the Trustees’ Report and the responsibility of the independent examiner in relation to the Trustees’ Report is limited to examining the report and ensuring that, on the face of the report, there are no inconsistencies with the figures disclosed in the financial statements. 28 ## INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF TRUST LINKS LIMITED ## Opinion We have audited the financial statements of Trust Links Limited (the ‘company’) for the year ended 31 March 2021 which comprise the statement of financial activities, the balance sheet, the statement of cash flows and the notes to the financial statements, including significant accounting policies. The financial reporting framework that has been applied in their preparation is applicable law and United Kingdom Ac-counting Standards, including FRS 102 The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Re-public of Ireland (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice). In our opinion, the financial statements: - give a true and fair view of the state of the charitable company’s affairs as at 31 March 2021 and of its incoming resources and application of resources, for the year then ended; - have been properly prepared in accordance with United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice; and - have been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006. 29 ## Basis for opinion We conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (UK) (ISAs (UK)) and ap-plicable law. Our responsibilities under those standards are further described in the Auditor’s responsibili-ties for the audit of the financial statements section of our report. We are independent of the company in accordance with the ethical requirements that are relevant to our audit of the financial statements in the UK, including the FRC’s Ethical Standard, and we have fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in ac-cordance with these requirements. We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion. ## Conclusions relating to going concern In auditing the financial statements, we have concluded that the trustees’ use of the going concern basis of accounting in the preparation of the financial statements is appropriate. Based on the work we have performed, we have not identified any material uncertainties relating to events or conditions that, individually or collectively, may cast significant doubt on the company’s ability to continue as a going concern for a period of at least twelve months from when the financial statements are authorised for issue. Our responsibilities and the responsibilities of the Trustees with respect to going concern are described in the relevant sections of this report. ## Other information The other information comprises the information included in the annual report other than the financial statements and our auditor’s report thereon. The Trustees are responsible for the other information con-tained within the annual report. Our opinion on the financial statements does not cover the other infor-mation and, except to the extent otherwise explicitly stated in our report, we do not express any form of assurance conclusion thereon. Our responsibility is to read the other information and, in doing so, con-sider whether the other information is materially inconsistent with the financial statements or our knowledge obtained in the course of the audit, or otherwise appears to be materially misstated. If we identify such material inconsistencies or apparent material misstatements, we are required to determine whether this gives rise to a material misstatement in the financial statements themselves. If, based on the work we have performed, we conclude that there is a material misstatement of this other information, we are required to report that fact. We have nothing to report in this regard. 30 ## Opinions on other matters prescribed by the Companies Act 2006 In our opinion, based on the work undertaken in the course of our audit: - the information given in the trustees’ report, which includes the directors’ report prepared for the purposes of company law, for the financial year for which the financial statements are prepared is consistent with the financial statements; and - the directors’ report included within the trustees’ report has been prepared in accordance with applicable legal requirements. ## Matters on which we are required to report by exception In the light of the knowledge and understanding of the company and its environment obtained in the course of the audit, we have not identified material misstatements in the directors’ report included within the trustees’ report. We have nothing to report in respect of the following matters in relation to which the Companies Act 2006 requires us to report to you if, in our opinion: - adequate accounting records have not been kept, or returns adequate for our audit have not been received from branches not visited by us; or - the financial statements are not in agreement with the accounting records and returns; or - certain disclosures of trustees’ remuneration specified by law are not made; or - we have not received all the information and explanations we require for our audit; or - the Trustees were not entitled to prepare the financial statements in accordance with the small companies regime and take advantage of the small companies’ exemptions in preparing the trustees’ report and from the requirement to prepare a strategic report. 31 ## Opinions on other matters prescribed by the Companies Act 2006 In our opinion, based on the work undertaken in the course of our audit: - the information given in the trustees’ report, which includes the directors’ report prepared for the purposes of company law, for the financial year for which the financial statements are prepared is consistent with the financial statements; and - the directors’ report included within the trustees’ report has been prepared in accordance with applicable legal requirements. ## Matters on which we are required to report by exception In the light of the knowledge and understanding of the company and its environment obtained in the course of the audit, we have not identified material misstatements in the directors’ report included within the trustees’ report. We have nothing to report in respect of the following matters in relation to which the Companies Act 2006 requires us to report to you if, in our opinion: - adequate accounting records have not been kept, or returns adequate for our audit have not been received from branches not visited by us; or - the financial statements are not in agreement with the accounting records and returns; or - certain disclosures of trustees’ remuneration specified by law are not made; or - we have not received all the information and explanations we require for our audit; or - the Trustees were not entitled to prepare the financial statements in accordance with the small companies regime and take advantage of the small companies’ exemptions in preparing the trustees’ report and from the requirement to prepare a strategic report. 32 ## Responsibilities of Trustees As explained more fully in the statement of trustees’ responsibilities, the Trustees, who are also the directors of the company for the purpose of company law, are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements and for being satisfied that they give a true and fair view, and for such internal control as the Trustees determine is necessary to enable the preparation of financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error. In preparing the financial statements, the Trustees are responsible for assessing the company’s ability to continue as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going concern and using the going concern basis of accounting unless the Trustees either intend to liquidate the charitable company or to cease operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so. ## Auditor’s responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements as a whole are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue an auditor’s report that includes our opinion. Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance but is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance with ISAs (UK) will always detect a material misstatement when it exists. Misstatements can arise from fraud or error and are considered material if, individually or in the aggregate, they could reasonably be expected to influence the economic decisions of users taken on the basis of these financial statements. Irregularities, including fraud, are instances of non-compliance with laws and regulations. We design procedures in line with our responsibilities, outlined above, to detect material misstatements in respect of irregularities, including fraud. The extent to which our procedures are capable of detecting irregularities, including fraud, is detailed below. A further description of our responsibilities is available on the Financial Reporting Council’s website at: https://www.frc.org.uk/auditorsresponsibilities. This description forms part of our auditor’s report. 33 ## Use of our report This report is made solely to the charitable company’s members, as a body, in accordance with Chapter 3 of Part 16 of the Companies Act 2006. Our audit work has been undertaken so that we might state to the charitable company’s members those matters we are required to state to them in an auditors’ report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the charitable company and the charitable company’s members as a body, for our audit work, for this report, or for the opinions we have formed. Mr. Roger Baines FCA (Senior Statutory Auditor) for and on behalf of Maynard Heady LLP ...................................... Chartered Accountants Statutory Auditor Matrix House 13 October 2021 12-16 Lionel Road Canvey Island Essex SS8 9DE 34 ## STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES INCLUDING INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2021 35 ## BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31 MARCH 2021 13 October 2021 36 ## STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2021 37 ## NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2021 38 TrustLinks Accountlng pollcles Income from a non-exchange transaction is where Ihe charity re￿Ne5 value from the donor wilhoul providirrfJ equal value in exchange, and indudes donations of money. gocés and services freely given wilhout giYirKJ equal value in exchange. Income recognition Income, whether 1￿M exchange or non exchange transactions, is reo)gnised in the statement of financial actwilies (SOFA) on a receivable basis, when a transaction or other evenl results in an inixease in the charity's assets or a reducbon in ils liabilities and only when the charity has legal enb'llement. the income is probable and can te measured ￿lIablY. Income subject lo lenms and conditions whith must be mel before the charity Is entitled to the resources Is not recognised until the conditions have been met. All i￿ome is accounted for gross, before deducting any related fees or costs. Inc¥Jme from legacies Income from legaaes is rewnised when the charity has sufficient evidence that a gift has been left lo them, that where required. probate has been granted, Ihe executor is satisfied that the property in question will not be required to satisfy daims in Ihe eslate, Ihal it is probable thal the amount will be received by the charity, and the amount lo be received can be estimated with sufficient accuracy, and that any conditions attached to legacy are either wlhin the conlToI ol the charity or have been mel. Where a payment is received from an estate or is notified as receNable by the execulors after the reporting dale and before the accounts are aulhorised for i&8ue but il is clear Ihat Ihe payment had been agreed by the exewlors prior to the end of the ￿portIng period, then Ihe amount concemed is lTrated as an adjusting event and acuued as income in Ihe ac(x)unling perK)d if receipt is probablo. Where the charity has established entillemenl lo a legacy bul there is uncertainty as lo the amount of the paymenl, details of the legacy are disclosed as a contingent asset until the criteria for income recognition are mel. Where a legacy is subject lo the interest of a life lenanl. the legary Is not recognised as income until the death of the lrfe tenant. If it is doubtful that full settlement of a legacy debtor will be received, then an adjustment is made lo reduce the amount of the legacy debtor and legacy inc£Jme rather than charging the adjustment as expenditu￿ In the Slalement of Financial Aclivilies. 39 Accounllng pollcles Donated goods, faul11￿ and services Donated fixed assets are reco3nised al the currenl fair value. All such donali¢Jns are recognised as ￿c￿allon income, and debited lo fLxed assets. Donated g¢￿￿$ Ihal are not fixed assets a￿ accounted for at a fair vahJe, unless it is impractul lo ￿liablY measure the value of the donated items. In the absence of any d1￿cl eviden￿ of fair value of donated goods, then a value is derDied from the cost of the item lo the donor or. in the case of goods that are expecled to be sold. the ests'mated resale value after deducting any anliopated costs of Sa￿$. If il is impracticable lo measure the fair value of gcc#Js donated for resale, or the costs of valuation outs%Eigh the benefits. the donated goods are ￿￿nised as income when sold, with an equivalenl amount being cognised as an expense. The cosls of goods donated for dislribulion lo beneficiaries is deemed to be Ihe fair value of Ihose gcods upon rec6ipt. Wh8n the goods a￿ distributed fffjely or for a nominal ￿nSIderation. Ih8n the carrying amount i8 adjusted al the time of sale. lo the value at Ihe point of dislributk)n arKI the adiustmenl is shown as a cost of donations made. The carrying amount of any stcKk held for distribution is assessed for impaim)enl at Ihe ￿porting date. Al donated goods are recognised as donation income. and debited to trading stock. When trading stock is subsequently sold, or approprkaled to meet an expense, then the carrying value of the stcck is recojnised as an expense. In accordance with the SORP, goods donated for dislfibulion to beneficiaries, or for consumption by the tharity ar8 included in 'legacies and donats.ons '. Goods donated for resale are induded in 'lncome from other trading acliviti8S' Th8 cost of any stock of goods donaled for distribution lo beneficiaries is deemed to be the fair value of Ihose gifts al the time of their receipt. If the goods held are to be distributed Ireely or for a nominal con￿deratIon, then the carrwng amount is subsequently adjusted lo reflect the lower of deemed cost adjusted for any loss of service potential and replacement cost. Replacement cost is the economic cost incurred if the charity was lo replace the service potentkgl of the donated goods at its own expense in the rrK>sl economic manner. Donated seNices and facillties (including $6conded sLgff and use of propetyl ar8 induded in the attounts on the basis of the value of the gift to the charity- All donated services and faolilies are recognised as (bnats'on incom when received,{provided Ihe value of the gift can be measured reliably) and recognised as an expense with an equivalent value. 40 TrustLinks Accounting policies Accounting for deferred income and In￿Me received in advance whe￿ terms and conditions ￿ lating to in¢ome have not been mel or uncertainty exisls as to whether the char￿Y can meel any lemis or conditions otheTrvise within its control. income is not recwnised bul is deferred as liability until il is probable that th8 temis Of conditions imposed can be met. Any grant thal is subject lo performance-relaled conditions received in advance of delivering the goods and services required by that condilK)n, or is subject lo unrnet conditv)ns wholly outside the cyJnlrol of the reThpienl charity, is accounted for as a liability and shown on the balance sheet as deferred income. Deferred income is leased to income in the reporting perKé in Nthich the perfom1ance-￿1aled or other Condilions that limil recognitK)n are met. When income from a grant or donalion has not been recrynised due lo the conditKsns ap Jying lo the gift not being wholly within the control of the recipient charity. it is disclosed as a wntingenl assel rf rec8ipt of the granl or donation is probable once those conditions are mel. Where time related conditions are imposed or implied by a fvnder. then the income is apportioned lo the lime periods con￿me￿.and, Nyhere appli¢abk. is ac¢ounled for as a liability and shown on the balan￿ sheet as deferred income. When grants are received in advance of the expenditure on the actNity funded by Ihem, bul there are no specific lime related conditions, then the income is not deferred. Any condilDn that allows for the recovery by Ihe donor of any Unex￿nded part of a granl does not prevenl recognilk)n of Ihe income concem8d, bul a liability lo any repaymenl is recognised ￿en repayment becom8s probable. 1.5 Expendltur• A liability, and the related exp8nditure, is rerx)Jnised when 8 leg81 or conslructive O￿lgatiOn exists as a resull of a past event, and when il is more likely than not that a transfer of economic benefits will be required in settlement, and when the ar￿l￿nI of tha obligation can be measured or reliably estimated.. Liabilities arising from futu￿ fvnding commitments and ¢onstN¢tive obligali)ns. including perfomiance ￿lated grant5. wfvere the liming or the amount of the future expenditure required to settle the obligation are uncerlain. give rise to a provision in the accounts. which is reviewed at the acLounting year end. The proVis￿n is increased lo ￿flect any increases in liabilities, and is decreased by the ulilisation of any provisK)n within the period, and reversed if any provis￿￿ is no longer required. These rMvemenls are charged or crediled to the respective funds and aclivilies to which the provish)n relates. Staffing - on the basis of lime spent in connection with any particular acliwty- Slatring - on a per capila basis. based on the number of of people employed ¥Mlhin any parttular activity. Premises ￿lated costs - on the proportion of flcor area occupied by a particular activity. Non speufic supporl costs - ￿ Ihe bags of the usage ol resources, in lemis of time tsken. capacity used. request made or other measures 1.6 Tanglblo fixed assets Tangible fixed assets are initially measured at ￿$1 and subsequenlly measured at cost or valuation. net ol depreciatK)n and any impairment losses. C*pwialion is recognised so as lo write off the Cost or valuation of assets less their residual values over theii useful lives on the followin9 bases.. Freehold land and buildings Planl and equipment Cornputer equipment Motor vehides 2% slr8ighl lin8 25% reducing balance 33.33°A strai9hl line 25°/o reducing balan 41 Accountlng pollcles The galn or loss arising on the disposal of an asset is determined as the dtfference b8bNeen the sale prc¢&eeds and the carrying value of the asset, arKJ is recognised in nel incomellexpenditure) for the year. 1.7 FIX￿ a88èt Investments Fixed asset investments are ini11811y measured al Iransact￿n price exduding transaction costs. and are subsequently measuTrd at fair value al oath reporting dale. Changes in fair valu8 are recognised in nel incomel{expendibJre) for the year. Transaction costs are expensed as incurred. A subsidiary is an entsty controlled by the company. Control is the power io govern the financial and operaling licies of the enlity so as io obtain benefits from ils a(￿'VitIes. Accounting fof capital grants and fixed asset funds. Grfts of tangible fixed assets or grants of a capital nature. given for the purposes of acquiring speciffic assets lo be fully ulilised in the furtherance of the objects of the charity, are credited lo fixed asset funds after the donated asset has been received or sums have been propedy expended on the restricted purpose. Where the terms olthe gift require the charity to hohy the asset on an ongoing basis for a specrfic purpose. then Ihe fixed asset fund $0 ¢￿ated is calegorised as a restricted fixed asset fvnd. and the relevant restrictions are noted in the fixed asset note 9. whe￿ the tems of the gift are met once the asset is acquired. so allowing the charity to use Ihe asset on an unrestricled basis. induding the right to receive the prc￿edS of any fulure sale of the asset on an unreslricled basis, Ih&n the fixed ass&t fund so created is calegorised as a designated fixed asset fund. When assets are acquired for the furtheran￿ of the charity's obJ"ects. utilising the charity's own unrestricted funds, a transfer is made from unrestricted fvnds lo a desbJnated fixed asset fund. Whether acquired with unrestricted or restricted funds. the asset acquired is inttially shown in the balance sheet at the full ￿ls1 of acquisition or subsequent revaluation. As the ￿lated assets a￿ dep￿Clated, in accordance wlh the depreciation polKy.in order to refiect the dimunilion in the asset,a transler is made from the relevant fixed asset funds lo either unrestricted or reslricled revenue funds. as appropriate to the temis of the original gtft. if any. The effect of this policy is that the aggre9ale of all fixed asset funds shall equate to the net t>ook value of fixed assets. In the first year thal this policy was adopted. a transfer to r￿ed asset funds was made equivalent to the net tKrf)k value of the 8ssels. Any residual liability to the donor arising from, for example, the assefs future sale, is disclosed as 2 contingent liability unless the event that would trigger repayrnent of the grant becomes probable in which case a liability for repayment is recognised. Insofar as this policy relates lo Govemm8nt grants and lo the extent that il may b8 a departure from the FRS 102 SORP Islalemenl of Re￿mmended Practice for Accounting and Reporting by Charities) 2015. (as amended by the Bulletin issued in February 2016). (The SORP), such departure is justified on the basis Ihat it is in order to compty with the SORP. 42 TrustLinks Accounting poli¢ies 1.8 Impalm)gnt of flxfjd a$sots Ai each reporting end dale. the company reviews the carying amounts of ils tangible assets lo determine whether there is any indication that those assets have suffered an impaimienl loss. If any SLth indication exists. the recoverablè amount of the asset is estimated in order lo dètermine the extent of the impaimienl loss (K any). 1.9 Cash and cash equlvalents Cash and cash equivalents include cash in hand, deposits hèkj al call with banks. other short-le￿ liquid inveslmenls with original malunlies of three months or less, and bank overdrafts. Bank overdrafts ar8 shown thin boffowngs in current liabililies. 1.10 Financial instruments The company has elected lo apply the provisions of Section 11 'Basic Financial Instruments. and Section 12 'Olher Financial Inslrumenls Issues, of FRS 102 to all of ils finanaal instruments. Financial instnjments are recognised in thé companls bala￿8 sheet when the company bécomès party to the conlraclual provisions of Ihe instrument. Financial assets and liabllities a￿ oftsel, with the net amounts presented in the financial stslements. when there is a legally enfOr￿able right lo set off the recognised al￿￿nIS and there is an intention to settle on a net basis or to realise the asset and setue the liability simultaneously. Baslc Ilnanclal assets Basic financial assels, which include debtors and cash and bank balances, are initially measured al transaction Pri￿ including transaction costs and are subsequently carried at amortised cost using the effeth've interesl mèlhc¥Y unless the a￿angement conslilutes a financing Iransaclion. where the transaction i8 measured al th8 present value of the future receipts discounted al a market rate of interest. Finanaal assets classified as receivable wthin on& year are not amortised. Baslc Ilnanclal Ilabllltles Basic financial liabililies, induding creditors and bank loans are initially recognised at transaction price unless the arrangement conslilules a financing transaction. where the debt instrument is measured at the present value of the future payments discounted at a market rale of inleresl. Financial liabilities classified as payable thin one year are not amortised. Debt instruments are subsequently carr￿d at amortised cost, using the effectlve interest rale method. Trade creditors are obligations lo pay for goods or services Ihal have been acquired in the ordinary course of operations from suppliers. Amounts payable are classified as current liabililies if payment is dLJe within one year or less. If not, they a￿ p￿sented as non)sts inclLyJes paymenls to the audiiors of £6.600 (2020- £3.498) for a￿￿rt fees. Trustees K Spe￿Or was reimbursed during the year for a softsvare licen￿ totalling £38.40 (2020 - £nil). No other Trustee lor any persons connected with them) recéived any renineration or benefits from the C4)ffyany duriro the year. Employees The average monthly numter of employees during the year was: 2021 Number 2020 Number 49 35 Employment costs 2021 2020 Wages and salaries 781,958 584,691 10 Other Unreslrlcted Unrestricted funds fvnds 2021 2020 Mortgage interest 7.238 8,361 48 TrustLinks 11 Tanglble Ilxed assets Frnohold land and bulldlng* ant •nd egulpnent c4mpu￿rMot0r v•hlel•8 •gu￿¢nt Total Cost At 1 Apfil 2020 Additions 372,085 43.692 64.324 1.200 42,364 478,773 64.007 19,115 At 31 March 2021 415,777 65.524 19,115 42,364 542,780 Deprgciation and impalrmgnl At 1 April 2020 Depreciation charged in the year 38,855 8,026 63.137 300 18,145 10,591 120,137 20,805 Ai 31 March 2021 46,881 63.437 28,736 140,942 Carrylng amount At 31 March 2021 368,896 2.087 17,227 13,628 401,838 Al 31 March 2020 333,230 1.187 24,219 358,636 The Charity is the registered owner of the leasehold for the Shoebury ￿18. and it is held at no valu8. 12 Flxed asset Investments Other investrnents Cost or valuatlon At 1 April 2020 & 31 March 2021 Carrylng amount Al 31 March 2021 At 31 March 2020 2021 2020 Other investments comprise.. Notes Investments in subsKliari8s 21 The subsidiary was dom)ant at 31 March 2021 and was dissolved on 24 August 2021. 49 13 Dobtors 2021 2020 Amounts falllng due wlthln one year. Trade debtors p￿payMents and accrued inr))me 31,780 23.996 51.149 9,206 55,776 60.355 14 Loans and overdrafts 2021 2020 Bank loans 139.978 143.388 Payable within one year Payable after one year 3,807 136.171 3.240 140.148 15 Credltors: amounts falllng duo wlthln one year 2021 2020 Noles Bank loans Other taxation and social seojrity Deferred income Payments received on accounl Trade credilors A(xruals and deferred income 14 3,807 12,028 213,356 1,760 22.453 8,270 3.240 17 114.871 2.880 261,674 120,991 16 Credltors: amounts falllng due after more than one year 2021 2020 Notes Bank loans 14 136,171 140,148 Held wthin creditors al the year end was an ar￿Unt due to Charity Bank which fvnded the purchase offreehold propety included within land and buildings. The loan is secured on thts prop8rty. There is a further legal charge over the propety of £825,000 bthich is due to expiTr on 31 December 2023. This is only ￿paYable rf the propety is sold prior lo 31 De￿rnber 2023. The mortg4e was repaid in full within 12 mnths of the year end. 50 TrustLinks 17 Deferred Income 2021 2020 Other deferred income 213,356 114,871 1• R••trl¢l•d tw•m•nt in hJnds B4thnE• •t Il•1 th¢om• I Mov•rn*t In fvnd• 31 M•¢h2Q20 1 Aw112•20 I*4￿nd￿j￿) 31 Mar(* 2021 G•Mr¥l fvr￿S Fixed ass•t I 124,4C 148,075 131.9881 IB,1821 8,182 84.230 156.257 44,039 131.5581 31.558 .711 IB7.815 156,257 272.475 131.9881 240.487 240.487 44,039 284.526 D4l•nc• al Fl•tthcom• l TFan•lw• Dd•n¢•a¢ 1 Ayll 301• 1•X￿￿1￿> 31 B4lano• it N•tlrrt¢ffi•l Trnn•f•r• Balan￿ •1 1 2020 {•¥p•ndMw•l 31 1031 Gane1￿ fund8 Fi¥•a •saet 54.108 2Cfj.871 75.251 3.492 13,4921 132.851 202.379 132.851 2.379 21249 111,6441 142,4 214,orJ 259.979 75.251 335.230 335.2 21,249 356.479 51 20 Related party transactlons There were no disdosable Trlated party Iran$a¢tions during the year12020 - none). 21 Sub8ldlarf68 TFwe ffinanLial statements are separate wmpany financial slalements for Trusl Links Limiled. Delails of the cnmpanls subsidiaries at 31 March 2021 a￿ as follows.. Namo of undertaklng Nature of buslness Class of shares held /0 Held Direct Trust Links Trading Limiled t)ormanl ￿MpanY Ordinary shares 100.00 22 Cash generaled from operatlons 2021 2020 Surplus frjr the year 65,288 43.263 Adjuslmenls for= Investment income recognised in statement of financaal actmts'es Oeprecialion and Impalm￿nI ol tangible fixed assets (2.7721 20,806 {2,482) 15.261 Movements in working capital.. De￿ease11Inc￿ase) in debtors Increase in creditors In￿aSe in defer￿d income 4,579 41,631 98,485 {2,2611 672 8,414 Cash general•d from operallons 228.017 62.867 52