2022-03-31-accounts

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Helping Hands Community Trust Annual Report & Accounts 1[st] April 2021 to 31[st] March 2022

Charity No.: 1093415 Company No.: 04343050

The Trustees are pleased to present their annual directors’ report together with the consolidated financial statements of the charity for the year ending 31[st] March 2022 which are also prepared to meet the requirement for a directors’ report and accounts for the Companies Act 2006, the Memorandum and Articles of Association, 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 & Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2015)

Contents
Information about Helping Hands Community Trust	3-5
Helping Hands Team	6-7
Chair’s Report	8-9
Project Manager’s Report	10-11
Information relating to Administration, Trustees, Advisors & Structure, Governance and Management	13-23
Financial Report	24
Independent Examiners Report	25
Statement of Financial Activities (including Income & Expenditure accounts)	26-end
Notes to Accounts

Overview of the Charity

Helping Hands Community Trust was founded by the community in 1997 and provides free, independent, specialist advice services to people living within the Borough of Oadby and Wigston, neighbouring villages and rural communities.

The Trust is a dynamic organisation, committed to the delivery of ‘holistic social inclusion’ thereby building personal resilience and enriching the lives of those we serve and their communities.

Our advisers are trained as ‘active listeners’ who provide a bespoke service that focuses on addressing needs, overcoming barriers, resolving problems confronting residents whose lives are in crisis, are affected by poverty or marginalised by circumstance.

The Trust provides excellent value for money utilising a team of both paid and voluntary advisors, agencies and professional partners and to date have advised 121,000 residents and dealt with over 178,000 enquiries.

Evaluation of social impact, consultations with users, stakeholders, partners, and local government agencies has enabled the Trust to become an agency for social renewal, to diversify services, attract additional funding in response to changes in legislation and increasing local needs.

Our services include advice on welfare benefits, rights, money and debt management, utilities, housing, health care, education, training, employment, legal advice, domestic abuse, advocacy, support with appeals and tribunals.

Easy access is provided through a ‘One Stop’ Advice Centre in South Wigston, drop-in Surgeries at Oadby and Wigston Magna, through face to face, outreach, telephone, email, online and social media consultations.

In recent years the Trust has worked with partner organisations to improve the accessibility to its services. This includes a contract with Oadby & Wigston Borough Council to provide advice services (until 2024), working with Leicester South Foodbank (part of Trussell Trust) providing dedicated benefit and debt advisors covering their hubs across Leicester and Leicestershire and working with the local PCN social prescribing team providing support for clients with benefit, debt and housing issues.

Regular quality of service reviews average a 98% level of resident satisfaction and is audited and accredited by AQS every two years.

Our Vision

“The Trust will engage with residents, partners and stake holders in a social enterprise, where we harness public, commercial, private, faith, charitable and voluntary sector resources, locally and regionally, to advise, empower and protect the interests of vulnerable residents who are socially disadvantaged or excluded by poverty, deprivation, age, unemployment, being homeless, incapacity, poor health, crime, sexual discrimination, domestic abuse or lack of educational opportunity.”

Mission Statement

“The mission of the Helping Hands Community Trust is to serve, empower, enable, advise and assist people in resolving social problems and meeting needs arising from deprivation and poverty”

Our Aims

The aims of the Charity are:

To be people centred and provide access to free, independent, impartial, professional and confidential assistance and advice services
To be open and accessible and to treat all people fairly by promoting equality, respecting diversity and by challenging harassment and discrimination
To provide a compassionate service which follows the client’s problems through to conclusion
To be proactive in resolving problems rather than signposting clients. We will support them through advocacy, case work and follow through to resolution
To empower and enable people to take ownership of their problems and difficulties and support them in working towards their resolution
To develop the Trust as a Social Enterprise that informs and shapes social policy
To identify and access the ‘Social Capital’ that is available within the community
To improve the ‘green footprint’ of the Trust premises through energy savings, ethical purchasing, use and disposal of equipment, consumables and community recycling services.

The Trust seeks to achieve these aims by providing unique ‘one-stop shop' facilities offering independent advice, support and information on any topic to any resident of the Borough who requires it, regardless of race, gender, age, financial status or religion. All services are free of charge and this results in a service which is unique because:

Our primary focus is on addressing the individual needs of local residents rather than delivering predetermined patterns of service in the form of standard solutions for all problems.
We provide the full benefits of “joined-up" services by working with other organisations and support agencies and demonstrate the effectiveness of directing resources to those most in need.
We offer an array of diverse services, which we continually review and tailor to meet changing needs and demands.
We treat all clients with respect and deal with every type of enquiry, however big or small, with equal concern. We oppose exclusion at all levels.
We concentrate on locating, coordinating and expediting the best possible services, whether voluntary or statutory, in response to individual needs.
We offer practical help in a variety of ways and actively encourage care of the local community by the local community.
Our services are delivered through volunteers drawn from every sector of the community, through paid staff and professional partners.

Helping Hands Community Trust refers to the Charity Commission's general guidance on public benefit when reviewing its aims and objectives and in planning its future activities.

– Helping Hands Community Trust Team (Apr 2021 Mar 2022)

Paid Employees

Amanda Murgatroyd Jenni Neal Stacey Major Louise Baker Helen Kalmar Amirah Ali Nilesh Kotecha Halimah Rehman Rosie Martin Carolyne Boot Karen Tonge Dan Keran

Project Development Manager Advice Centre Manager Mental Health Recovery Coach Mental Health Recovery Coach Receptionist (left 8[th] September 2021) Receptionist (started 1[st] September 2021) General Advisor (started June 2021) General Advisor (started June 2021) Welfare Benefits Advisor (started 1[st] November 2021) Debt Advisor (left 17[th] March 2022)

Community Coach & Energy Champion (started 9[th] August 2021) Digital Marketing Apprentice (left 29[th] October 2021)

South Wigston Centre (Volunteers)

Tony Watson Eileen Holly Penny Barratt John Fernandes Nick Sumner Ray Green Kathy Oliveira Les Gill

Receptionist/Trustee Disability Benefit Specialist (left) Disability Benefit Specialist Receptionist Receptionist/Trustee Money Advisor/Trustee Appeals & Tribunal Specialist Counselling/Trustee

Oadby: Trinity Methodist Church Surgery (Tuesdays)

Lesley Thornton Nigel Swan Halimah Rehman Peter Howgate Francis Cullen

General Advisor/Trustee Admin Support/Trustee General Advisor (Paid) Disability Benefit Specialist Volunteer Receptionist

Wigston Magna: Wigston Magna URC Surgery (Thursdays)

Ray Green Money Advisor/Trustee Nilesh Kotecha General Advisor (Paid) Sue Nice General Advisor Melanie Cockerill Volunteer Receptionist Jane Christie Disability Benefit Specialist

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Chair’s Report

Thank you for taking the time to read our Annual Report.

In these difficult days it is more important than ever that our communities have the support of the Trust in providing free, face to face support.

The Trust has seen a real demand for the return of face-to-face support in all our surgeries after the COVID lockdowns. However, it has been careful to consider the concerns and anxieties of many who have been in isolation for so long. In South Wigston we have had to maintain an appointment process to control the numbers entering the building and maintaining an environment which is considered safe by those needing our help.

Our surgeries in Wigston Magna (URC Church, Long Street) and Oadby (Trinity Methodist Church) have both re-opened with a drop-in service. Oadby has moved from the previous Monday to Tuesday. This means there is a Helping Hands surgery in Oadby & Wigston every day Monday to Friday. These surgeries have seen a significant increase in clients since re-opening and the teams have been increased to support the needs.

One aim of the Trust is to make the service as accessible as it can to all in our communities, and this has meant that we have been very active in creating partnerships with other organisations who are supporting clients who may benefit from the Trust’s services

During the year two examples of this has been our work with Leicester South Foodbank (LSFB) which is part of the Trussell Trust network and with Oadby & Wigston Primary Care Network (PCN).

With LSFB, Trussell Trust have provided funding over 3 years for the Trust to employ a Welfare Benefits Advisor and a Debt Advisor to work with the foodbank teams across their 12 hubs (in Leicester & Leicestershire). The aim of the work is to improve the financial inclusion of the foodbank clients, so they no longer require the support of the foodbank. This work continues to develop and has the potential to reach a significant number of people across the communities.

The Trust is also delighted to be working with the Oadby & Wigston PCN ( the group of GP surgeries in the Borough) to support the work of their Social Prescribers in providing financial and legal advice to their patients. This provides non-medical advice for the patients and supports the work that the surgeries are doing in our community. This is an innovative partnership whereby the PCN is actively supporting the work of the Trust to provide services for them.

The Trust continues to seek other partnership arrangements to expand the areas of support it can give.

We are also delighted that following a tender process by Oadby & Wigston Borough Council, the Trust was selected as the sole provider of advice services for them in the Borough for the next 3

years. We have worked with the council for many years, but this new arrangement has helped us to work far closer with the teams within OWBC, particularly the Health & Wellbeing team.

These arrangements have resulted in Trust advisors being available across the Borough and beyond.

Latest figures suggest that about 50% of our clients are from Oadby & Wigston, with increasing numbers seeking our help from Blaby, Harborough, Leicester city and beyond. We believe the increasing geographical spread of clients is a result of the Trust providing an increasingly rare service as well as having real credibility and respect within the communities.

Funding continues to be a major concern for the Trust. It is clear that there is an increasing need for services and the Trustees spend a significant amount of time seeking sources for funding to ensure the work of the Trust is sustainable.

We are very grateful for the long term financial commitment from Oadby & Wigston Borough Council and Trussell Trust (via LSFB), and for the support from Oadby & Wigston PCN

But we are also blessed with financial support from a number of local organisations and individuals

We have recently received funding from Leicestershire County Council via their Shire Grant scheme to enable us to employ a part time Energy Champion, who will be able to support across a wide range of fuel poverty issues. The Trust sees this as a critical piece of assistance required with the spiralling fuel prices. One part of the Champion’s work will be to recruit and train volunteer fuel poverty specialists across the Borough to provide additional support

In addition, the Trust has enjoyed financial support from the following in the last 12 months Hinckley & Rugby Building Society (we are one of the Foundation charities for the year), Friendly Five Transport, Leicestershire & Rutland Communities, Oadby Village Hall Trust, Blaby District Council, Garfield Weston Foundation, Henry Smith Foundation and Oadby Village Hall Trust. In addition, many churches and individuals continue to support our work through donations. I would like to thank St Pauls, Oadby for their ongoing and generous support.

I must end by paying thanks to our team at the Trust. Firstly to the staff who have gone above and beyond in giving support to those in our communities. In particular to our Project Delivery Manager, Amanda Murgatroyd, who has worked tirelessly in ensuring our team are supported in the work they do. As the year finished she worked hard (with the rest of the team) to ensure that preparation for our biennial audit for our AQS certification was completed. The audit took place in April 2022 and we were delighted to be able to renew our qualification with no corrective actions.

We have welcomed new staff and said goodbye to others. All are part of our ‘family’ and remain so when they move on to other ventures.

Secondly thank you to our many volunteers. Without this group of passionate and dedicated workers we could not function. We have welcomed some new volunteers of late but still have many who have been with us for many years. We have said goodbye to Eileen Holly, who has been a wonderful servant to the Trust and has ‘retired’ to the south coast. Thank you Eileen.

Finally thank you to all the Trustees who continue to serve the Trust. Many give their time to support the surgeries too and support the Trust financially (particularly those who sponsored my half marathon in October!). Again, they are so important to us.

The coming year is going to be a tough one again. We continue to believe that the work we do is vital for so many in our community

We will continue to work with our partners to serve the community and to seek new, innovative ways to develop our work.

Thank you for your support, it means a lot to us and if you have any suggestions on how the Trust can be more effective, or any ideas of new funding channels please get in touch

Nigel Swan

Chair of Trustee Board

nswan@helpinghandscentre.co.uk

Project Development Manager’s Report

It was lovely to return to the office after lockdown restrictions due to Covid-19 and provide face-to-face appointments again, not only for everyone’s mental health and wellbeing, but important to provide our clients with the necessary services they had missed and required.

We started our return slowly by offering an appointment only service at our South Wigston centre, and a drop in service at our 2 outreach surgeries at the United Reformed Church in Wigston Magna and the Trinity Methodist Church in Oadby, but saw a high demand for assistance with form filling, especially Personal Independent Payment (PIP) and Attendance Allowance (AA). That has continued to escalate and caused a slight struggle for us to keep up with the increasing demand, where we have found ourselves to be fully booked up to 2 months in advance.

We have since increased our staffing levels to combat the problem and introduced three new volunteer form fillers to help with the forever-growing demand for PIP & AA forms to be completed, trying to avoid the need for a DWP extension and helping to reduce the stress and anxiety our clients have been suffering over the last 2 years.

Two other areas that have suffered due to Covid-19 restrictions is Debt Advice and Mental Health Recovery Support. As lockdown restrictions started lifting, it was important for us to prepare for the rising requests of help around money management and debt advice. Due to the government announcing financial assistance during the pandemic by introducing furlough & retention schemes, mortgage and rent holidays etc, unfortunately this created a long term debt issue, and clients are still now playing ‘catch up’ to recover. This not only caused an increase in our clients’ mental health, but the lockdown alone had serious effects on those with a diagnosed mental health condition, and those that have only just been diagnosed as a result of the lockdown.

In July 2021, we were awarded a 3-year contract from Oadby & Wigston Borough Council, and at the end of 2021, we also formed partnerships with Leicester South Trussell Trust Foodbank to provide Welfare Benefits and Debt Advice to those in the community using the foodbanks, and Oadby & Wigston Primary Care Network working alongside their Social Prescribers.

We were also very pleased to secured funding from Leicestershire County Council Shire’s Grant where we were able to appoint an Energy Champion in February 2022 to assist with the growing poverty issues caused by the huge hike in energy prices. This unfortunately is due to get worse with a second hike in autumn 2022, and we are doing everything we can to research the grants and financial assistance that is available to our clients, and to continue negotiations with energy companies.

Finally, I would like to say a huge thank you and a sad goodbye to our wonderful volunteer Eileen Holly. Eileen fully committed her time to Helping Hands for 25 years, helping thousands of clients with their dreaded application forms, as a Disability Benefit Specialist. She has finally kicked off her work shoes and is spending her much deserved and delayed retirement with her family next to a beach in the south of England. All our love and Happy Retirement Eileen.

Amanda Murgatroyd

Core Data – April 2021- March 2022

Clients Issues Oadby & Wigston Leicester City Blaby Rest Welfare Benefits/Rights Housing Debt Employment Mental Health	Apr 2021 - Mar 2022
	984
	2317

	57%
	25%
	9%
	9%

	44%
	8%
	8%
	6%
	3%

Subject Matters Dealt With

----- Start of picture text -----
Welfare Rights 1128
Welfare Benefits 31
Recreation 2
Taxation 7
Miscellaneous 177
Mental Health 91
Land & Environment 3
Immigration 3
Housing 209
General 22
Foodbank 71
Family 52
Employment 106
Education 10
Domestic Violence 4
Debt 213
Counselling & Physcotherapy 3
Consumer/General Contract 76
Community Care 21
Claims against Public Authorities 2
0 200 400 600 800 1000 1200
----- End of picture text -----

Sub Matter Categories	Case Outcomes	Sum Annual Amount	Client Details
			Number of Clients
Additional Element	Benefit/tax credit - ongoing confirmed (annualgain)	£3,898.08	1
Appeals	Additional Benefit	£17,875.75	3
	Benefit/tax credit - ongoing confirmed (annualgain)	£3,252.60	1
AttendanceAllowance	Additional Benefit	£12,438.40	3
	Benefit/tax credit - ongoing confirmed (annualgain)	£7,779.20	2
Car Insurance	Financial gain - Consumer compensation	£2,692.00	1
Change ofCircumstances	Benefit/tax credit - ongoing confirmed (annualgain)	£7,871.64	2
	HousingFinancialgain/improvement	£6,761.52	1
	Other financial gain - confirmed (annualamount)	£2,694.96	1
CharityLink	Charitable Grant	£325.00	2
Checking Journal/To-do	Benefit/tax credit - ongoing confirmed (annualgain)	£3,898.08	1
	Financialgainother	£3,576.00	1
ClaimingProcess	Additional Benefit	£5,891.60	1
Claiming process	Benefit/tax credit - ongoing confirmed (annualgain)	£3,898.08	1
Communication/info.to patients	Financialgainother	£250.00	1
Complete Benefit Check for all Benefits	Additional Benefit	£3,556.20	2
Council Tax Arrears	Securing Lump Sum (inc. Back Payment)	£2,800.00	1
Council TaxSupport	Benefit/tax credit - ongoing confirmed (annualgain)	£3,898.08	1
CourtFines	Securing Lump Sum (inc. Back Payment)	£2,800.00	1
Dealingw/debt repayments	Benefit/tax credit - ongoing confirmed (annualgain)	£792.00	1
DebtAdvice	Debt Managed	£734.94	2
	Financialgainother	£406.02	1
Direct Deductions	Charitable Grant	£49.00	1
	Debt Managed	£779.64	1
	Financial gain other	£406.00	1
DiscretionaryPayment	Additional Benefit	£1,964.76	1
DLA - BothComponents	Additional Benefit	£7,911.80	1
	Benefit/tax credit - ongoing confirmed (annualgain)	£1,274.00	1
DLA - Mobility Component	Additional Benefit	£2,464.80	1
	BackdatedAward	£1,516.80	1
Electricity	Employmentfinancialgainother	£50.00	1

	Financialgainother	£148.00	1
	Other financial gain - estimate (annualamount)	£28.00	1
Eligibility,entitlement,calc.	Benefit/tax credit - ongoing confirmed (annualgain)	£3,898.08	1
Eligibility/Entitlement Check	Additional Benefit	£5,974.28	2
	Benefit/tax credit - ongoing confirmed (annualgain)	£3,898.08	1
	Charitable Grant	£49.00	1
	Financial gain - Refunds & exchanges	£400.00	1
	Financial gain other	£406.00	1
Enforcement by bailiffs	Securing Lump Sum (inc. Back Payment)	£2,800.00	1
ESA	Additional Benefit	£4,368.00	1
Form Filling-Online	Additional Benefit	£1,964.76	1
Form Filling-Over Phone	Financialgainother	£165.00	1
Form Filling/Checking	Additional Benefit	£28,182.91	6
	Backdated Award	£1,582.97	2
	Benefit/tax credit - estimate (annual gain)	£7,859.80	1
Form filling+checking	Benefit/tax credit - ongoing confirmed (annualgain)	£3,898.08	1
Gas	Employment financialgainother	£50.00	1
	Financialgainother	£148.00	1
	Other financial gain - estimate (annualamount)	£28.00	1
Household Support Fund - LA	Additional Benefit	£128.00	1
	Charitable Grant	£80.00	1
	Financialgain -Charitable payment	£118.00	2
	Financial gain other	£189.00	4
	Other financial gain - estimate (annual amount)	£56.00	1
HousingBenefit	Benefit/tax credit - ongoing confirmed (annualgain)	£3,973.56	1
Income &Expenditure	Financialgainother	£679.02	2
Liaison withotheragencies	Financialgainother	£250.00	1
Local Authority	Financialgainother	£148.00	1
MR	Additional Benefit	£15,780.15	4
	BackdatedAward	£9,832.92	3
	Benefit/tax credit - estimate (annual gain)	£7,859.80	1
	Financialgainother	£7,911.80	1
NewClaim	Additional Benefit	£8,134.08	3

	HousingFinancialgain/improvement	£0.00	1
	Other financial gain - estimate (annualamount)	£400.00	1
Other hea+comm.care issues	Financialgainother	£250.00	1
Overpayments of IS+/or JSA	DebtManaged	£360.00	1
Payment	Financialgainother	£3,576.00	1
PIP - BothComponents	Additional Benefit	£22,450.00	5
	Backdated Award	£6,409.20	3
	Benefit/tax credit - ongoing confirmed (annualgain)	£15,384.20	3
PIP - Daily Living Component	Benefit/tax credit - ongoing confirmed (annualgain)	£6,240.00	2
Quality ofcare	Financialgainother	£250.00	1
Renewals/Reviews	Additional Benefit	£12,571.00	2
	BackdatedAward	£490.00	1
	Benefit/tax credit - estimate (annual gain)	£4,659.20	1
	Other financial gain - confirmed (annualamount)	£6,372.60	1
StateRetirement Pension	Benefit/tax credit - ongoing confirmed (annualgain)	£4,784.00	1
Total Benefit Eligibility Check	Other financial gain - confirmed (annualamount)	£140.00	1
TV Licence	Other financial gain - confirmed (annualamount)	£157.50	1
UniversalCredit	Additional Benefit	£80.00	1
	Benefit/tax credit - ongoing confirmed (annualgain)	£7,694.08	2
	Financialgainother	£2,736.00	1
Utility Arrears	DebtManaged	£374.94	1
	Financial gain - Refunds & exchanges	£400.00	1
Warm Home Discount Scheme	Financialgainother	£148.00	1
Winter Fuel Payment	Other financial gain - confirmed (annualamount)	£200.00	1
Total Financial Outcomes Reported		£331,622.96	127

Client Date – Age, Gender & Ethnicity

	0-16	17-24	25-34	35-49	50-64	65+	No Value	Total
African
Female				2				2
Male				2	1			3
Asian British
Female			1	3	13	5		22
Male				3	12	5	1	21
Asian British Indian
Female			1	8	6	3	1	19
Male				3	4	8	1	16
Asian British Pakistani
Female			1	3				4
Male								0
Asian BritishOther
Female			2	3	2			7
Male				1	3	1	1	6
Black/Black British
Female			2			1		3
Male					4			4
Black/Black British African
Female				1		1		2
Male								0
Black/Black British Caribbean
Female			1		4	1		6
Male						1		1
Chinese
Female					1	1		2
Male					1			1
Eastern European
Female				2	1	1		4
Male			1	1	1			3
Indian
Female				5	11	6	1	23
Male			1	2	7	3		13
Irish
Female				1	1	4		6
Male					1	1		2
Mixed
Female		3	3	2	6	4		18
Male	1			3	2	3		9
Romany,Gypsy,Traveller
Female			1					1
Male								0
White British
Female	10	31	53	60	112	71	11	348
Male		6	20	29	103	49	9	216
White Other
Female		1	2	3	5	2	1	14
Male				3	1	3		7
Not Specified								0
Female	3	2	7	16	16	9	89	142
Male		1	3	3	7	4	41	59

Total								0
Female	13	37	74	109	178	109	103	623
Male	1	7	25	50	147	78	53	361

Helping Hands in the Community

This continues to be a very challenging time for the community. For the Trust we have had to adapt our services to ensure that we are accessible as we can be. We are finding that many people who have not required our services before now are needing our help.

The impact of COVID is still impacting many and the series of lockdowns has meant that some are reluctant or unable to mix as they would normally within the community

However we believe that it is vital to continue to offer a face to face service where we can – it has been known for many years that this people centred approach means that the creation of the relationship with the present client opens up the doors to the real issues behind the client’s struggles. Where they are experiencing increasing mental health issues having someone who is showing them concern and encouragement is a tremendous help.

It has been important therefore for the Trust to work with other organisations to make the pathway into our advice services as straightforward as possible. Clients who already have good relationships with the likes of Foodbanks and GP surgeries will take their advice to meet our advisors to receive the help we are able to give. We recognise that it can be daunting to walk into an advice centre for the first time, but with a proper referral and introduction this concern can be alleviated.

In addition to building on these partnerships we have maintained a mental health recovery worker (despite the funding coming to an end) as we strongly believe this expertise is important to the work of the Trust (one of the Trustees priorities is the replacement of this funding)

During the year the Trustees re-affirmed their commitment to continue to be based in South Wigston. We recognise the acute needs of this community and believe that we have earned the respect and credibility within it. We however recognise the shortcomings of the current building and so the Trust continues to seek alternative premises – either as a standalone or as part of a partnership agreement.

The Trust will continue to work with the various solicitors who have supported us in the past and will be looking to re-commence the arrangements where some are available in our premises by appointment. We are grateful for their ongoing support

The Trust also continues to attend the various Resident Forums throughout Oadby & Wigston to ensure that we have a clear understanding of the needs of the various communities.

The Trustees are also grateful for the excellent Accounts and Payroll service provided by Fairfax Tax and Accounts (Oadby)

Ongoing Targets and New Plans

Our main targets for 2022/23:

To increase the accessibility to our services for all residents in need
To increase our partnership working to provide increasingly holistic services with partners who have expertise and resources that support those in need.
To establish a team structure which will provide a strong foundation upon which to grow. This will include creating a management structure which will enable our frontline team to become more effective (through the tools provided, the training given and improved supervision)
To create a sustainable funding approach which will ensure the ongoing future of the Trust
To release the Trustees from some of their day to day responsibilities so they can focus on the governance and strategy of the charity
To broaden the Trustee Board bringing in relevant skills to help the existing Board develop the Trust.
To implement a more effective IT system which will allow the team to access information and each other while operating over a dispersed area.
To establish a more streamlined and transparent finance process which will reduce the workload for the team but more importantly provide the Trustee Board with up to date and relevant information upon which they can react.
To improve the HR processes within the Trust ensuring that our team are well trained and informed and that we are caring for their own well-being. This will include the establishment of a regular programme of team meetings where the Trust can inform the team members (paid and volunteer) of the strategy of the Trust and to celebrate the wonderful work each of them does for the local community
To build and expand on the existing partnerships within the area, to ensure that they are effective and responding to the needs of the community
To agitate for a community needs survey with Oadby & Wigston
To engage with neighbouring authorities to enable them to understand what their residents are seeking support on, and to look into creating contracts with them to provide the resource required.
To continue the search for more appropriate premises within South Wigston
To evaluate the appropriateness of our current surgeries in Oadby and Wigston Magna.

Governance

Information on Helping Hands Community Trust

The Helping Hands Community Trust is a charitable company limited by guarantee (Number: 04343050), incorporated on 19[th] December 2001 and registered as a charity on 14[th] August 2002 (Number 1093415)

The Registered Office is 66-68 Blaby Road, South Wigston, Leicestershire LE18 4SD

During the year the Trust operated and co-ordinated all service provision from this main advice centre.

Helping Hands Centre,

South Wigston 66-68 Blaby Road South Wigston Leicestershire LE18 4SD

Tel: 0116 278 2001

email: office@helpinghandscentre.co.uk Website: www.helpinghandsadvice.co.uk

The Trustees who are directors for the purpose of company law and Trustees for the purpose of charity law, serving during the year and the date of this report are:

Mr Nigel Swan	Chair of Trustee Board
Rev. Leslie Gill	Vice Chair of Trustees Directors & Treasurer
Mrs. Lesley Thornton	Company Secretary
Mr. Raymond Green	Trustee
Mr. Tony Watson	Service User Trustee
Mrs. Kathy Oliveira	Trustee
Mr Nick Sumner	Service User Trustee

Trust Directors, collectively referred to as the Trustees of the charitable company guarantee to contribute an amount not exceeding £1 to the assets of the charitable company in the event of winding up. The total number of such guarantees at 31st March 2022 was 7.

Independent Examiners.

Evolve Accountants and Business Advisors Ltd

Unit 10 , Whitwick Business Centre, Phoenix Park, Stephenson Industrial Estate, Coalville, Leicestershire LE67 3HB

Bankers

Lloyds B a nk , 7 High Street , Leicester, LEI 9FS.

The Trust/Company was established 01 January 1997 under a Memorandum and Articles of Association that established the objects and powers of the charitable company and is governed under its articles of Association.

Company law requires the Trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year that give a true and fair view of the state of the affairs of the charitable company as at the balance sheet date and of its incoming resources and application of resources, including income and expenditure, for the financial year. In preparing those financial statements, the Trust Directors should follow best practice and:

select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently.
make judgments and estimates that are reasonable and prudent; and
prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to assume that the company will continue on that basis.

The Trustees are responsible for maintaining proper accounting records which disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charitable company and to enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Companies Act 2006. The Trustees are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charitable company and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.

As set out in the Articles of Association, new Trustees can be appointed by the Trustees, who may also determine the maximum number of Trustees in General Meeting. One third of Trustees must retire at Annual General Meetings and those shall be the Trustees longest in office; all retiring Trustees are eligible for re-election. The Trustees currently elect a Chair, a Vice Chair and a Company Secretary from within the Trustee body.

New Trustees are inducted by the Chairman of the Trustees as to their legal obligations under charity and company law, the content of the Memorandum and Articles of Association, the committee and decision-making processes, the business plan and the financial history of the Trust. Trustees are encouraged to make regular visits to the Advice Centre and other points of service delivery, to meet with staff, volunteers and working partners. Trustees are encouraged to attend appropriate internal and external training events where 20 these will facilitate the undertaking of their role.

The Trustees administer the charity. They meet every 6 weeks to discuss all aspects of performance. A Project Development Manager (PDM), appointed by the Trustees and two Advice Centre Managers are responsible for service delivery and the day-to-day operations of the charity. To facilitate effective operations, the PDM has delegated authority, within terms of delegation approved by the trustees, for operational matters including, personnel and quality management. The PDM during the year ended 31 March 2022 was Amanda Murgatroyd.

Financial Management and Financial Control is undertaken by the Chair of Trustees with assistance on the day-to-day book-keeping, payroll and accounting provided by:

Fairfax Tax and Accounts Stoughton Road, Oadby, Leicestershire LE2 4DS

Risk Management

The Trustees have a Risk Management strategy and matrix that includes annual review of the risks the charity may face, the establishment of systems and procedures to mitigate those risks and the implementation of procedures designed to minimise any potential impact should those risks materialise.

Internal risks are minimised by the implementation of procedures for authorisation of all transactions and projects and to ensure consistent quality of delivery for all operational aspects of the charitable company. These procedures are periodically reviewed annually to ensure that they continue to meet the needs of the charity.

Key risks currently identified as:

Service delivery:

Risk to staff and clients from violent, aggressive, intoxicated and/or mentally ill clients.
The need for personal defence and safety awareness.
The inability of some of our client group to change and a revolving door need for advice and support.
Staff being compromised by clients who are engaged in benefits fraud.
Cases where there is a conflict of interest.
Unrealistic demands placed on services because of a lack of provision e.g. domestic abuse.
Inappropriate staff behaviour negatively influencing the reputation of the Trust.
Major structural failure of our premises, damaged and/or dangerous equipment.
Provision and maintenance of fire safety equipment.
Action to be taken in an emergency.
Using only those premises that are structurally adapted and equipped to be Covid 19 safe.

Financial Review

Independent Examiners

The Trustees recommend the re-appointment of Evolve Accountants and Business Advisors Ltd as Independent Examiners and a resolution proposing this will be put to the Annual General Meeting.

Reserves

The Trustees have a Reserves Policy, a copy of which is available from the registered office. In brief, this Policy establishes the need for free reserves of at least £25,000 (this being approximately 3 months operating costs) plus a contingency fund of £5,000 to enable the Trust to take advantage of opportunities. This Policy is reviewed annually. Currently the reserves are £35,435 which compared with a target of £30,000.

Investment policy

The Directors are formulating an Investment Policy at present. The Trust is unable to invest at the current time.

Results

The net incoming resources for the year amounted to £175,114 of which £54,474 had specific restrictions placed upon them. The accounts have been prepared on a going concern basis on the assumption that current funding streams will continue and that new future funding has been secured. The trustees continue to bid for future funding and exploring partnerships and joint working that may allow Helping Hands to continue to provide the much needed services. Full details of the Trust's achievements during the year can be found in the Chairman's Report and the Project Development Manager's Report.

This report has been prepared in accordance with the Statement of Recommended Practice - Accounting and Reporting by Charities 2015 (The SORP 2015) and in accordance with the special provisions for small companies under Part 15 of the Companies Act 2006.

Approved by the Trust Directors on 12[th] December 2022 and authorised for issue on its behalf by Nigel Swan (Chair).

Nigel Swan Chair - Trustee Board of Directors

14[th] December 2022

INDEPENDENT EXAMINERS’ REPORT TO THE

TRUSTEES OF HELPING HANDS COMMUNITY TRUST

I report on the accounts of the Trust for the year ended 31 March 2022, which comprise the Statement of Financial Activities, Balance Sheet, Cashflow Statement and the accompanying notes.

Respective responsibilities of trustees and examiner

The charity’s trustees are responsible for the preparation 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) and that an independent examination is needed.

It is my responsibility to:

examine the accounts under section 145 of the Charities Act,
to follow procedures laid down in the general Directions given by the Charity Commission (under section 145(5) (b) of the Charities Act), and  to state whether particular matters have come to my attention.

Basis of independent examiner’s statement

My examination was carried out in accordance with general Directions given by the Charity Commission. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or 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 be required in an audit, and consequently no opinion is given as to whether the accounts present a ‘true and fair ‘ view and the report is limited to those matters set out in the statement below.

Independent examiner’s 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 130 of the Charities Act; and
to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records and to comply with the accounting requirements of the Charities Act

have not been met; or

to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the financial statements to be reached.

MR JAMES NIXON FCCA

Evolve Accountants and Business Advisors Limited

20 December 2022

Unit 10 Phoenix Park Stephenson Industrial Estate Telford Way Coalville Leicestershire LE67 3HB

Helping Hands Community Trust - Statement of Financial Activities (including the Income and Expenditure Account for the year ended 31 March 2022, as required by the Companies Act 2006)

Current year Unrestricted Funds 2022 £ 111,632 - 9,008	Current year Restricted Funds 2022 £ 54,474 - -	Current year Total Funds 2022 £ 166,106 - 9,008	Prior Year Total Funds 2021 £ 187,552 - 17,210
120,640	54,474	175,114	204,762
96,293	75,962	172,255	156,486
96,293	75,962	172,255	156,486

24,347	(21,488)	2,859	48,276
24,347	(21,488)	2,859	48,276
24,347 27,816	(21,488) 34,039	2,859 61,855	48,276 13,579
52,163	12,551	64,714	61,855

The 'SORP Ref' indicated above is the classification of income set out in the formal SORP documents. As required by paragraph 4.60 of the SORP, the brought forward and carried forward funds above have been agreed to the Balance Sheet.

A separate Statement of Total Recognised Gains and Losses is not required as this statement includes all recognised gains and losses.'

All activities derive from continuing operations

The notes attached on pages 38 to 42 form an integral part of these accounts.

Helping Hands Community Trust - Analysis of prior year total funds, as required by paragraph 4.2 of the SORP

Prior Year Unrestricted Funds 2021 £ 62,111 - 7,228	Prior Year Restricted Funds 2021 £ 125,441 - 9,982	Prior Year Total Funds 2021 £ 187,552 - 17,210 204,762 156,486 156,486 48,276 13,579
69,339	135,423
44,354	112,132
44,354	112,132
24,985 2,831	23,291 10,748
27,816	34,039	61,855

Helping Hands Community Trust Income and Expenditure Account for the year ended 31 March 2022 as required by the Companies Act 2006

*Income* Income from operations Other operating income Gross income in the year before exceptional items Gross income in the year including exceptional items *Expenditure* Charitable expenditure, excluding depreciation and amortisation Depreciation and amortisation Governance costs Realised losses on disposals of social investments which are programme related Total expenditure in the year Tax on surplus on ordinary activities Retained surplus for the financial year All activities derive from continuing operations Net income after tax in the financial year Net income before tax in the financial year Investment income	2022 £ 166,106 9,008	2021 £ 187,552 17,210
	175,114	204,762
	175,114	204,762
	171,770 245 240 -	154,614 1,632 240 -
	172,255	156,486
	2,859 -	48,276 -
	2,859	48,276
	2,859	48,276

In accordance with the provisions of the Companies Act 2006, the headings and subheadings used in the Income and Expenditure account have been adapted to reflect the special nature of the charity's activities.

The notes attached on pages 35 to 42 form an integral part of these accounts.

Helping Hands Community Trust - Balance Sheet as at 31 March 2022

9,922 65,560	6,262 68,671	2021 £ 491 63,364
75,482 (9,014)	74,933 (11,569)
		63,855 (2,000)
		61,855
		34,039 27,816
		61,855

The 'SORP Ref' indicated above is the classification of Balance Sheet items as set out in the formal SORP documents. As required by paragraph 4.60 of the SORP, the brought forward and carried forward funds above have been agreed to the SOFA..

The directors are satisfied that the company is entitled to exemption from the requirement to obtain an audit under

section 477 of the Companies Act 2006.

The members have not required the company to obtain an audit in accordance with section 476 of the Act.

The directors acknowledge their responsibilities for complying with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 with respect to accounting records and the preparation of accounts.

The charity is subject to Independent Examination under charity legislation, and the report of the examiner is on page 27.

The accounts have been prepared in accordance with the provisions in Part 15 of the Companies Act 2006 applicable to companies subject to the small companies regime.

Nigel Swan (Chairman) Trustee

Approved by the board of trustees on 13/10/2022

Helping Hands Community Trust

Cash Flow Statement for the year ended 31 March 2022

Cash flows from operating activities Net cash (used in )/provided by operating activities as shown below A *Cash flows from financing activities* Net cash provided by financing activities C Overall cash (used in )/provided by all activities Cash movements Change in cash and cash equivalents from activities in the year ended 31 March 2022 Cash and cash equivalents at 1 April 2021 Helping Hands Community Trust Net income as shown in the Statement of Financial Activities *Adjustments for :-* Depreciation charges Write downs of investments Net gains on investment assets Increase in debtors (Decrease)/increase in creditors, excluding loans Net cash (used in )/provided by operating activities A Analysis of cash and cash equivalents Cash in hand at for the year ended 31 March 2022 Total cash and cash equivalents A+B+C Reconciliation of net income to net cash flow from operating Cash at bank and in hand less overdrafts at 31 March	2022 £ (3,111) - (3,111) (3,111) 68,671 65,560 2,859 245 - - (3,660) (2,555) (3,111) 2022 £ 65,560 65,560 activities	2021 £ 53,053
		-

		53,053
		53,053 15,618
		68,671
		48,276 1,632 - - (3,417) 6,562
		53,053
		2021 £ 68,671
		68,671

Helping Hands Community Trust

Notes to the Accounts for the year ended 31 March 2022

1 Accounting policies

Policies relating to the production of the accounts.

Basis of preparation and accounting convention

The accounts have been prepared on the accruals basis, under the historical cost convention, and in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard 102 (effective January 2015)) and 'The FRS102 Statement of Recommended Accounting Practice 2015', (The SORP 2015), and in accordance with all applicable law in the charity's jurisdiction of registration.

Risks and future assumptions

The accounts have been prepared on a going concern basis on the assumption that grant income from funding bodies will continue to be received. The Trust continues to bid for other funds that may be available for Information,Advice and Support Services that serve to empower, enable and assist people in resolving social problems and meet the needs arising from deprivation and poverty.

Policies relating to categories of income and income recognition.

Nature of Income and Income recognition

Income, is received by way of grants, donations and gifts, is recognised in the statement of financial activities (SOFA) on a receivable basis, when a transaction or other event results in an increase in the charity’s assets or a reduction in its liabilities and only when the charity has legal entitlement, the income is probable and can be measured reliably.

Income subject to terms and conditions which must be met before the charity is entitled to the resources is not recognised until the conditions have been met.

All income is accounted for gross, before deducting any related fees or costs.

Accounting for deferred income and income received in advance

Where time related conditions are imposed or implied by a funder, then the income is apportioned to the time periods concerned,and, where applicable, is accounted for as a liability and shown on the balance sheet as deferred income. When grants are received in advance of the expenditure on the activity funded by them, but there are no specific time related conditions, then the income is not deferred.

Any condition that allows for the recovery by the donor of any unexpended part of a grant does not prevent recognition of the income concerned, but a liability to any repayment is recognised when repayment becomes probable.

Recognition of liabilities and expenditure

A liability, and the related expenditure, is recognised when a legal or constructive obligation exists as a result of a past event, and when it is more likely than not that a transfer of economic benefits will be required in settlement, and when the amount of the obligation can be measured or reliably estimated..

Liabilities arising from future funding commitments and constructive obligations, including performance related grants, where the timing or the amount of the future expenditure required to settle the obligation are uncertain, give rise to a provision in the accounts, which is reviewed at the accounting year end. The provision is increased to reflect any increases in liabilities, and is decreased by the utilisation of any provision within the period, and reversed if any provision is no longer required. These movements are charged or credited to the respective funds and activities to which the provision relates.

Volunteers

Helping Hands Community Trust

Notes to the Accounts for the year ended 31 March 2022

In accordance with the SORP, and in recognition of the difficulties in placing a monetary value on the contribution from volunteers, the contribution of volunteers is not included within the income of the charity.

Tangible fixed assets

Tangible fixed assets are measured at their original cost value, or subsequent revaluation, or if donated, as described above. Cost value includes all costs expended in bringing the asset into its intended working condition.

Depreciation has been provided at the following rates in order to write off the assets to their anticipated residual value over their estimated useful lives.

Plant and machinery

% straight line

Debtors

Debtors are measured at their recoverable amounts at the balance sheet date.

Creditors and provisions

As required by SORP 10.81, describe the basis on which creditors and provisions for liabilities and charges are recognised and measured

Cash and Bank Balances

Cash held by the charity is included at the amount actually held and counted at the year end. Bank balances, whether in credit or overdrawn, are shown at the amounts properly reconciled to the bank statements.

Leasing and hire purchase contracts and commitments

Rentals paid under operating leases are charged to income on a straight line basis over the lease term.

Pensions

The company is a member of NEST Pension Scheme. Contributions are charged to the profit and loss account as they become payable in accordance with the rules of the scheme.

2 Liability to taxation

As a registered charity, the organisation is exempt from income and corporation tax to the extent that its income and gains are applied towards the charitable objects of the charity and for no other purpose. Value Added Tax is not recoverable by the charity, and is therefore included in the relevant costs in the Statement of Financial Activities.

3 Winding up or dissolution of the charity

If upon winding up or dissolution of the charity there remain any assets, after the satisfaction of all debts and liabilities, the assets represented by the accumulated fund shall be transferred to some other charitable body or bodies having similar objects to the charity.

Depreciation of owned fixed assets Pension costs The net surplus before tax in the financial year is stated after charging:-	2022 £ 245 2,699	2021 £ 1,632 2,127

4 Staff costs and emoluments

Helping Hands Community Trust

Notes to the Accounts for the year ended 31 March 2022

*Salary costs* Gross Salaries excluding trustees and key management personnel Employer's National Insurance for all staff Total salaries, wages and related costs The average number of total staff employed in the year was Numbers of full time employees or full time equivalents Employer's operating costs of defined contribution pension schemes	2022 £ 116,519 5,502 2,699	2021 £ 100,040 5,421 2,127
	124,720	107,588
	2022 10	2021 7

Neither the trustees nor any persons connected with them have received any remuneration from the charity or any related entity, either in the current or prior year.

No employees received emoluments (excluding pension costs) in excess of £60,000 per annum.

5 Remuneration and payments to Trustees and persons connected with them

No trustees or persons connected with them received any remuneration from the charity, or any related entity.

6 Deferred income - Unrestricted and Designated funds

Randall Foundation Total These deferrals are included in creditors	Opening Deferrals £ 5,000	Released from prior years £ (5,000)	Received less released in year £ -	Deferred at year end £ -
	5,000	(5,000)	-	-
			2022 £ -	2021 £ 5,000

The deferrals included in creditors relate to funding specified by the funders as relating to specific periods and represent tho unrestricted funds which relate to periods subsequent to the accounting year end and are treated as grants in advance.

7 Tangible fixed assets

Cost At 1 April 2021 At 31 March 2022	Land and Buildings Tenant's Fixtures and Fittings Office Equipment Total £ £ £ £ - 24,386 33,686 58,072
	- 24,386 33,686 58,072

Helping Hands Community Trust

Notes to the Accounts for the year ended 31 March 2022

- -	24,386 -	33,195 245	57,581 245
-	24,386	33,440	57,826
-	-	246	246

-	-	491	491
		2022 £ 4,590 5,332 -	2021 £ - 5,927 335
		9,922	6,262
		2022 £ 5,877 1,243 - 1,219 675	2021 £ 4,859 1,243 5,000 467 -
		9,014	11,569
		2022 £ 2,000	2021 £ 2,000

11 Particulars of how particular funds are represented by assets and liabilities

*At 31 March 2022* Tangible Fixed Assets Investments at valuation:- Current Assets Current Liabilities Long Term Liabilities At 1 April 2021	Unrestricted Designated Restricted Total funds funds funds Funds £ £ £ £ - 246 246 41,443 - 34,039 75,482 (9,014) - - (9,014) (2,000) - - (2,000)
	30,429 - 34,285 64,714
	Unrestricted Designated Restricted Total funds funds funds Funds £ £ £ £

Helping Hands Community Trust

Notes to the Accounts for the year ended 31 March 2022

Tangible Fixed Assets Investments at valuation:- Current Assets Current Liabilities Long Term Liabilities	- - 491 491 41,385 - 33,548 74,933 (11,569) - (11,569) (2,000) - - (2,000)
	27,816 - 34,039 61,855

12 Change in total funds over the year as shown in Note 11 , analysed by individual funds

*Unrestricted and designated funds:-* Unrestricted revenue funds Total unrestricted and designated funds *Restricted funds:-* National Lottery Leicestershire and Rutland Communities Fund Future Advice Skills/ESF Oadby and Wigston- Mental Health Food bank consultancy/Trussell Trust Fund LCC Energy Champion Oadby Village Hall Trust Shakespeare Martineu Hastings Direct Wesylyn Communities Fund DWP Grant Total restricted funds Total charity funds	See Note 13 £ £ £ £ 27,816 24,347 52,163 Funds carried forward to 2023 Funds brought forward from 2021 Movement in funds in 2022 Transfers between funds in 2022
	27,816 24,347 - 52,163
	12,908 (12,908) - - 11,188 (7,707) 3,481 1,462 (1,462) - - 3,500 (3,500) - - - 1,510 - 1,510 - 7,312 - 7,312 - 178 (178) - 552 (552) - 3,758 (3,758) - 493 (245) 248
	34,039 (21,488) - 12,551

	61,855 2,859 - 64,714

13 Analysis of movements in funds over the year as shown in Note 12

			Other
	Income	Expenditure	Gains &	Movement
			Losses	in funds
	2022	2022	2022	2022
	£	£	£	£
*Unrestricted and designated funds:-*
Unrestricted revenue funds	120,640	(96,293)	-	24,347
				-
*Restricted funds:-*				-
National Lottery	-	(12,908)	-	(12,908)
Leicestershire and Rutland Communities Fund	6,000	(13,707)	-	(7,707)
Future Advice Skills/ESF	25,000	(26,462)		(1,462)

Helping Hands Community Trust

Notes to the Accounts for the year ended 31 March 2022

Oadby and Wigston- Mental Health Food bank consultancy/Trussell Trust Fund LCC Energy Champion Oadby Village Hall Trust Shakespeare Martineu Hastings Direct Wesylyn Communities Fund DWP Grant	- 12,202 8,500 2,772 -	(3,500) (10,692) (1,188) (2,772) (178) (552) (3,758) (245)	- - - - -	(3,500) 1,510 7,312 - (178) (552) (3,758) (245)
	175,114	(172,255)	-	2,859

14 The purposes for which the funds as detailed in note 12 are held by the charity are:-

Unrestricted and designated funds:-

Unrestricted revenue funds

Designated revenue funds

These funds are held for the meeting the objectives of the charity, and to provide reserves for future activities, and , subject to charity legislation, are free from all restrictions on their use.

Designated funds are unrestricted funds earmarked by the Trust Directors for particular purposes.

Restricted funds:-

Restricted funds are to be used for specific purposes as laid down by the donor. Expenditure which meets these criteria is charged to the fund,