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2023-08-31-accounts

Company number: 4402061

Charity number: 1094827

Friends First

Report and Financial Statements Year ended 31 August 2023

FRIENDS FIRST

Financial Statements 31 August 2023

CONTENTS

Page
Reference and Administrative Details 4
Trustees’ Report 2-5
Independent Examiner's Report 6
Statement of Financial Activities T
Balance Sheet 8
Cash Flow Statement 9
NotestotheFinancialStatements 10-15

2

FRIENDS FIRST

REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS

Friends First is a registered charity (1094827) and a company limited by guarantee (4402061).

Its registered office is: 21/23 Clarendon Villas Hove East Sussex BN3 3RE

The Trustees throughout the year, (unless otherwise shown), and at the date the report is signed were:

S Horne (resigned on 16" May 2023) P Jarvis N Jones (resigned on 16" May 2023) A Knight W Bigwood (appointed on 21 February 2023) J Foreman (resigned on 31 December 2023) N de Freese (appointed 20" February 2024) M Sibanda D Wilson (appointed 19" March 2024) K Ball (resigned on 31* December 2023)

Company Secretary A Waller

The company’s advisors are:

Bankers: National Westminster Bank plc 103 Church Road Hove East Sussex BN3 2BF

Independent Examiner: Shona Wardrop C.A Chariot House Limited 44 Grand Parade Brighton BN2 90A

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FRIENDS FIRST

TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT

The trustees present their 22” report and the unaudited financial statements for the year ended 31 August 2023.

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out on pages 10 and 11 and comply with current statutory requirements the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the U.K. and Republic of Ireland (FRS102) (effective from 1 January 2019), the Memorandum and Articles of Association, and the Statement of Recommended Practice: Accounting and Reporting by Charities 2019.

STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT

The company was incorporated on 22 March 2002 and was registered as a charity on 28 November 2002, It is governed by its Memorandum and Articles of Association. The company is limited by guarantee and has no share capital.

Friends First is connected with Clarendon Trust Ltd (of 21-23 Clarendon Villas, Hove, East Sussex, BN3 3RE) in that the charities have common trustees and Clarendon Trust Ltd is the sole corporate member of Friends First. The trustees of the company are appointed upon becoming a trustee of Clarendon Trust Ltd. The induction process for trustees involves supplying them with copies of the Memorandum & Articles of Association, recent Accounts and Minutes of trustees’ Meetings. They are also shown the work of Friends First and meet with the senior staff. Trustees meet regularly through the year and all the major decisions of the charity are made by them in consultation with the charity's managers.

The trustees have recognised the importance of assessing and managing risk associated with the charity's objectives. The process of identifying risk is ongoing and has been an essential part of the management of the charity. The trustees have implemented systems to ensure ongoing identification, management and documentation of foreseeable risks.

OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES FOR THE PUBLIC BENEFIT

The trustees have had regard to the Charity Commission guidance on public benefit, and paid due regard to it in deciding what activities the charity should undertake. The trustees are satisfied that the ongoing activities which they are involved in means that the charity is continuing to meet the public benefit requirement.

Friends First Trust aims to contribute toward:

Friends First also works with socially minded property investors, enabling Friends First beneficiaries access to secure and affordable accommodation. The accommodation Friends First have available includes: short stay and emergency accommodation, shared housing and lodgings in the local community.

Friends First provides intensive personal support for beneficiaries to assist them in gaining momentum and achieving independent living. Alongside this Friends First recruit, screen, and train volunteer mentors and befrienders to come alongside beneficiaries living in their local communities. The charity also has access to counselling referral and regularly work alongside and signposts to other like-minded agencies in the city.

4

FRIENDS FIRST

Trustees’ Report — continued

ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE FOR THE PUBLIC BENEFIT

Housing

Friends First provides support to residents in three houses across the city. This year we have successfully raised funds for a part time post for a housing support worker. We have employed someone with lived experience of homelessness who has come through our accommodation and been volunteering for over a year.

Coldean House: 4 -5 bed

The focus of this house is Christian discipleship and preparation and transition to full time work. The house is currently full with four of the men in full time work and the fifth engaged in voluntary work experience. We hold weekly prayer meetings at the house and have several people waiting for a place in the house.

Hove House: 3 bed

This is home to a single parent mum from Ethiopia with three children. She is part of City Coast Church and Friends First is partnering with them to support her.

Moulsecoomb House 3 bed

An Emmanuel church member has asked us Friends First to manage this property. This year house is being used to house three of three Emmanuel interns.

Housing First

A council initiative called Housing First offers some rough sleepers an unfurnished flat. Friends First have partnered with them and Holland Road Baptist Church to provide a basic start-up kit of a kettle, microwave etc. together with some furniture. The team would like to find premises where donated furniture can be stored.

Foodbanks

Friends First Team members continue to support all the Emmanuel enabling us to signpost or refer clients who may need further support with counselling, housing or work experience.

Keys Community Detox

Keys Detox is a National church based detox programme to help people escape from alcohol and drug addiction through integrated medical, spiritual and community support. Friends First has become the Keys hub coordinating support across Brighton & Hove. We have supported clients detoxing in a home environment and helped establish a support group meeting at the Clarendon Centre.

5

FRIENDS FIRST

Trustees’ Report — continued

St Columba’s Farm

St Columba’s Farm in West Sussex offers a day long structured activity. The project provides personal development and life skills training and the opportunity to be with others in a relaxed, safe and supportive environment. The farm is part of the Country stewardship scheme and there is instruction in ecology, horticulture, land management and animal husbandry. Produce grown on site can supply the Foodbanks Friends Frist is partnering with.

FINANCIAL REVIEW

The Statement of Financial Activities on page 7 shows total incoming resources of £139,076. The charitable company has funded a variety of projects and activities, which are in line with its stated objectives. The level of activity for the year was satisfactory. There was a surplus for the year of £17,428. At the end of the year the funds of the charity were in surplus by £55,877. The trustees of Clarendon Trust Ltd have indicated that they will provide ongoing financial support for at least 12 months from the date of this report.

RESERVES POLICY

The trustees have formulated a reserves policy in line with Charity Commission guidance. It is the trustees’ intention to create free reserves sufficient to enable the trust to meet its recurring expenditure for the foreseeable future. At year end unrestricted reserves of £55,877 cover more than three months of current expenditure.

PLANS FOR FUTURE YEARS

Friends First hopes to be able to relaunch its pathway to employment project that provides work experience and training to the homeless & long-term unemployed. We are in discussions with Holland Road and other CAB (Christian Action Brighton) Churches about how best to do this.

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FRIENDS FIRST

Trustees’ Report — continued

Chariot House Limited have been appointed as independent examiners via a resolution at the Annual General Meeting.

This report has been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to companies entitled to the small companies’ exemption.

Approved b

tees on 16" April 2024 and signed on their behalf by

----- Start of picture text -----
{ ‘
LAw’> a
William Bigwood
Chair of Trustees
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21/23 Clarendon Villas Hove East Sussex BN3 3RE

7

INDEPENDENT EXAMINER’S REPORT TO THE SOLE MEMBER OF FRIENDS FIRST

| report to the charity trustees on my examination of the accounts of Friends First for the year ended 31 August 2023.

Responsibilities and basis of report

As the charity trustees of Friends First you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 (‘the Act’).

| report in respect of my examination of Friends First's accounts carried out under section 145 of the Act and in carrying out my examination | have followed all applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Act.

Independent examiner's statement

| have completed my examination. | confirm that no material matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respect:

| have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.

<a

Shona Wardrop C.A.

Chariot House Limited Chartered Accountants 44 Grand Parade Brighton East Sussex BN2 9QA

Date: 23” April 2024

8

FRIENDS FIRST

Statement of Financial Activities for the year ended 31 August 2023

Pa £
INCOMEAND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT
Incoming resources from generated funds
Voluntary income
Activities forgenerating funds		 2 90,102
18.613		 95,828
3,622
Incoming resources from charitable activities 4 30,361 24,754
Total incoming resources 139,076 124,204
Resources expended
Cost ofgenerating funds
Fundraising and publicity - 141
Charitable activities
Housing & Employment Support 5 121,648 122,521
Total resources expended 121,648 122,662
Net movement in funds 17,428 1,542
Fund balances brought forward at
1 September 2022 38,449 36,907
Fund balances carried forward at
31August2023 55877 38,449

All funds are unrestricted.

The Statement of Financial Activities reflects the results of continuing activities for the year. There were no recognised gains or losses for the year other than those shown on the Statement of Financial Activities.

The notes on pages 10 to 15 form part of these financial statements.

9

Company number: 4402061

FRIENDS FIRST

Balance Sheet at 31 August 2023

----- Start of picture text -----
Notes 2023 2022
£ e 2 s
CURRENT ASSETS
Debtors 7 825 12,197
Cash at bank and in hand 72,098 36,005
72,923 48,202
CREDITORS - AMOUNTS FALLING
DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR 8 (17,046) (9,753)
NET CURRENT ASSETS 55,877 38,449
TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT LIABILITIES 55,877 36,907
FUNDS
Unrestricted funds
General fund 9 54,422 36,994
Designated funds 9 1,455 1,455
TOTAL FUNDS 95.877 38,449
----- End of picture text -----

TOTAL FUNDS

The company is entitled to exemption from audit under section 477 of the Companies Act 2006 for the year ended 31 August 2023. The members have not required the company to obtain an audit of its financial statements for the year in accordance with section 476 of the Companies Act 2006.

The directors acknowledge their responsibilities for:

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to companies subject to the small companies’ regime.

Approved by the trustees, signed on their behalf by and authorised for issue on 16" April 2024.

William Bigwood Chair of Trustees

The notes on pages 10 to 15 form part of these financial statements.

10

FRIENDS FIRST

Cash Flow Statement for the year ended 31 August 2023

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||||||||||| |---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---| |2023|2022| |Reconciliation|of|net|movement|in|funds|£|£|£|E| |to|net|cash|flows from|operating| |activities| |Net|movement|in|funds|17,428|1,542| |Depreciation|-|=| |Decrease/(increase)|in|debtors|11,382|(11,727)| |Increase/(decrease)|in|creditors|7,293|5,202| |Net|cash|outflow from|operating|36,093|(4,983)| |activities| |Capital|expenditure| |Purchase|of tangible|fixed|assets|-|-| |Net|cash|outflow|from|capital|-|“| |expenditure| |Increase/(decrease)|in|cash|in|the|year|36,093|(4,983)| |Reconciliation|of|net|cash|flow|to| |movement|in|net|cash|funds| |Net funds|at|beginning|of the|year|36,005|40,988| |Change|in|net funds|during|the|year|36,093|(4,983)| |Net funds|at|end|of the|year|72,098|36,005|

----- End of picture text -----

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FRIENDS FIRST

Notes to the Financial Statements for the year ended 31 August 2023

The financial statements of the charitable company, which is a public benefit entity under FRS 102, have been prepared in accordance with Charities SORP (FRS 102) ‘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)’, Financial Reporting Standard 102 'The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland’, and the Companies Act 2006. The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention The trustees consider that there are no material uncertainties about the charity's ability to continue as a going concern. The trustees do not consider that Covid 19 will have a significant impact on the charity for the following reasons:

In light of the above and following a review of our financial position, reserves and future plans, the trustees have confidence the charity will remain a going concern for the foreseeable future.

(a) Incoming resources

Income is recognised when the charity is legally entitled to it after any performance conditions have been met. The amounts can be measured reliably, and it is probable that income will be received.

Cash donations are recognised on receipt. Other donations are recognised once the Charity has been notified of the donation, unless performance conditions require deferral of the amount. Income tax recoverable in relation to donations received under Gift Aid or deeds of covenant is recognised at the time of the donation.

Gifts in kind are included at estimated market value.

Any income relating to future years is deferred.

(b) Resources expended

Expenditure is recognised where there is a legal or constructive obligation to make payments to third parties, it is probable that the settlement will be required and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably. Expenditure is recognised on an accruals basis and is allocated between cost of generating funds, charitable expenditure, support costs and governance of the charitable company. Overhead and support costs have been allocated to charitable expenditure.

Support costs are those that assist the work of the charity but do not directly represent charitable activities and include office and governance costs, They are incurred directly in support of expenditure on the objects of the charity.

Governance costs comprise all costs involving the public accountability of the charity and its compliance with regulation and good practice. These costs include costs related to statutory audit and legal fees.

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FRIENDS FIRST

Notes to the Financial Statements for the year ended 31 August 2023

(c) Voluntary assistance

A certain amount of time is expended by volunteers on the charitable company's activities which is donated free of charge. It is not possible to quantify the value of the time given, and accordingly it is neither recorded as donated income nor as an expense in the financial statements.

(d) Taxation

The company is a charity within the meaning of Para 1 Schedule 6 Finance Act 2010. Accordingly the company is potentially exempt from taxation in respect of income or capital gains within categories covered by Chapter 3 of Part 11 of the Corporation Tax Act 2010 or Section 256 of the Taxation of Chargeable Gains Act 1992, to the extent that such income or gains are applied exclusively to charitable purposes. No tax arose in the year.

(e) Pensions

The charitable company contributes to defined contribution pension schemes. The charge to the Statement of Financial Activities for 2023 was £5,929 (2022 - £5,785).

(f) Fund accounting

An explanation of the nature and purpose of each fund is included in the notes to the financial statements. Funds held by the charity are either:

Unrestricted general funds - these are funds which can be used in accordance with the charitable objects at the discretion of the trustees.

Designated funds - these are funds set aside by the trustees out of unrestricted general funds for specific future purposes or projects.

All funds held are unrestricted funds.

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3 GRANTS RECEIVED During the year the following grants above £2,000 were received:

FRIENDS FIRST

Notes to the Financial Statements for the year ended 31 August 2023

2 VOLUNTARY INCOME

2023 2022
£ £
Housing and Employment Support
General Income 90,102 95,828
Donated facilities - -
90,102 95,828
Derek & Eileen Dodgson £2,980
Derek & Eileen Dodgson £3,000
GarfieldWeston £10,000

4 INCOMING RESOURCES FROM CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES

2023 2022
e £
Housing and Work Support
Local authority funding 30,361 24,754
Other funding = ss
30,361 24,754

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FRIENDS FIRST

Notes to the Financial Statements for the year ended 31 August 2023

5 RESOURCES EXPENDED ON CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES

2023 2022
£ £
Direct Costs:
Direct staff costs 53,129 55,998
Other direct costs 66,301 64,425
119,430 120,423
Support costs:
Support staffcosts - -
Othersupport costs 2,218 2,098
Depreciation - -
121,648 122,521

Other support costs include independent examiner's fees of £1,750.

6 TRUSTEES AND STAFF COSTS No trustees received or waived salary or expenses from the company during the year. Staff costs

Staff costs
2023 2022
£ £
Gross salaries 43,698 46,570
Social security costs 3,502 3,643
Pension costs 5,929 5,785
53,129 55,998

Total paid to key management personnel was £36,073 (2021: £23,190).

The average number of persons employed by the charitable company during the year was as follows:

2023 2022
Number Number
Housing and work support 2 2

No employees had emoluments in excess of £60,000: nil (2021: nil).

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FRIENDS FIRST

Notes to the Financial Statements for the year ended 31 August 2023

7 DEBTORS DEBTORS
2023 2022
£ £
Other Debtors 825 12,197
8 CREDITORS -AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR
2023 2022
ad £
Accruals and deferred income 17,046 9,753
9 UNRESTRICTED FUNDS
Balance at Movement in resources Balance at
1 September 31 August
2022 Incoming Outgoing Transfers 2023
£ £ s z £
General fund 36,994 139,076 121,648 - 54,422
Specific Project 1,455 - - - 1,455
fund
38,449 139,076 121,648 - 55,877
Balance at Movement in resources Balance at
1 September 31 August
2021 Incoming Outgoing Transfers 2022
£ £ £ = £
General fund 35,452 124,204 122,662 - 36,994
Specific Project 1,455 - - - 1,455
fund
36,907 124,204 122,662 - 38,449

The designated fund was established to specifically develop Social Enterprise initiatives.

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FRIENDS FIRST

Notes to the Financial Statements for the year ended 31 August 2023

10 CONNECTED CHARITY

The charitable company is connected with Clarendon Trust Limited (of 21-23 Clarendon Villas, Hove, East Sussex, BN3 3RE) in that the charities have common trustees and Clarendon Trust Ltd is the sole corporate member of Friends First.

11 CHARITABLE COMPANY STATUS

The charitable company does not have a share capital and the liabilities of its sole member are limited to the guarantee of up to a maximum of £10.

12 RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

There were no related party transactions during the year.

17