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INTEGRITY I COMPASSION I INCLUSIVITY I FAIRNESS I OPENNESS
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## **Annual Report** 2024-2025 Publish date: 12th November 2025, Community Works CIO ## **Contents** **Chairman’s Report** ................................................................................................................. **3 Message From The CEO** ......................................................................................................... **4 About Community Works** ....................................................................................................... **5 Year At a Glance** .................................................................................................................. **6-7 Service Spotlights** ............................................................................................................. **8-21 Challenges and Lessons Learnt** ........................................................................................ **22 Looking Ahead: Priorities For 2025/26** ............................................................................. **23 Financial Overview** ........................................................................................................ **24-25 Thanks & Acknowledgements** ............................................................................................ **26** ## **REGISTERED OFFICE** Community Works CIO 14A Market Place, Thirsk, YO7 1LB Charity No. 1096518 ## **ACCOUNTANTS** The Barker Partnership Chartered Accountants 17 Central Buildings, Market Place, Thirsk, North Yorkshire YO7 IHD ## **TRUSTEES** David Tucker - Treasurer Malcolm Sollitt - Committee Chair David Shorrocks Georgina Turton Rebecca Lawson-Tancred Isabelle Clough ## **CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER** Mr. Rob Rolls ## **GRAPHIC DESIGN** Ben Poole ## **CHAIR** Mr. David Sharp (until Jan 2025) Mr. Timothy Ward (from Jan 2025) ## **Chairman’s Report** My first duty as the new Chair of Community Works is to extend my heartfelt thanks to our outgoing Chair, David Sharp, who has led the organisation with dedication and integrity for the past ten years. Under his guidance, Community Works navigated some of the most challenging periods in its history, including the Covid pandemic and the successful merger of Thirsk Community Care and Thirsk Clock. It has been a privilege to work alongside David, and stepping into his shoes is both an honour and a daunting task. I would also like to offer a warm welcome to our new CEO, Sarah Gill, who has already made a strong and positive impression through her open, collaborative style of leadership. My sincere thanks also go to our dedicated and compassionate staff team, whose daily commitment and care continue to make such a meaningful difference in our community. And finally, but most importantly, I want to express our deepest gratitude to our volunteers. Without their time, energy, and generosity, Community Works simply could not deliver the wide range of services that so many local people depend upon. The charity sector is currently facing significant challenges, with increasing demand for services coupled with ever-tightening funding. In response, it is vital that Community Works continues to build its resilience and sustainability — generating more income through our own activities, engaging our beneficiaries, and strengthening the support we receive from the local community. When speaking with local residents, it’s clear that Community Works is still something of a “best-kept secret” in Thirsk. While many recognise our Reuse Shop, far fewer are aware of the breadth and impact of the support we provide. One of our key aims moving forward is to raise the organisation’s profile and ensure that more people understand who we are, what we do, and how they can get involved. Through this report and the launch of our new strategy at the AGM, we will begin that important journey. ## **Tim Ward Chair Community Works** **Annual Report** 2024-2025 3 ## **Message From The CEO** **It is my pleasure to introduce the 2024– 25 Annual Report for Community Works CIO.** Although I was not part of the organisation during this reporting period, I want to begin by recognising and celebrating the dedication of everyone who contributed to our work across the year. From staff and volunteers to trustees and partners, Community Works continued to provide essential support and opportunities to people in our communities. The year was not without its challenges. Charities everywhere have been facing the pressures of rising costs, growing demand, and increasing complexity in the needs of local people. What stands out to me in looking back over this report is how resilient Community Works has been. The services delivered during 2024–25 show commitment, adaptability, and a determination to make a difference when it matters most. I would like to offer my sincere thanks to the leadership team, staff, and volunteers who carried this organisation forward through the year. Their achievements, reflected in the following pages, demonstrate the heart of Community Works: people coming together to support one another, create connections, and strengthen the fabric of community life. As I step into the role of Chief Executive, I do so with a deep respect for what has already been built. I am excited by the strong foundations laid in 2024–25 and the opportunities ahead to grow, strengthen, and extend our impact. Together with our staff, trustees, volunteers, and partners, we will continue to develop Community Works so it remains a trusted, vital presence in the lives of local people. I hope you find the stories and numbers in this report inspiring. They capture a year of hard work, collaboration, and meaningful impact. Thank you for your continued support as we move forward with confidence and ambition. ## **Sarah Gill CEO Community Works** 4 **Annual Report** 2024-2025 ## **About Community Works** ## **Our Vision** To improve the life chances of everyone we serve and to build resilience through our programmes and engagements. ## **Our Values** > **[Integrity:]**[We will be honest, open and transparent.] > **[Compassion:]**[ Compassion and respect are at the heart of everything we do. ] > **[Inclusivity: ]**[We welcome everyone without judgement. ] > **[Fairness:]**[ We endeavour to act in a fair manner and challenge injustice around us. ] > **[Openness: ]**[We are open to collaboration, change and listening to feedback.] ## **What We Do** Community Works is here to make life a little easier, a little fairer, and a lot more connected for people in and around Thirsk. Every day, we provide practical support to individuals and families who might otherwise struggle alone. That can mean a food parcel in a moment of crisis, a hot meal delivered to someone who cannot cook for themselves, or a lift to a hospital appointment for someone without transport. But it is about more than services. Our Re:Use Store makes homes, provides people furniture at reduced prices and promotes a more environmentally friendly approach to preloved items. Our women’s projects, men’s sheds, carers’ support and counselling services offer safe spaces for people to share experiences and build resilience. Through our volunteers, community groups and partnerships, we bring people together in ways that reduce isolation and strengthen the fabric of our local area. At the heart of this are 19 dedicated staff and more than 90 volunteers. Between them they deliver frontline services, manage operations, run shops and vans, and provide the leadership and governance that keep the organisation strong. It is their combined effort that ensures Community Works continues to be a trusted and vital presence in our community. Whether it is food, friendship, transport, advice or simply a listening ear, Community Works exists to ensure everyone who needs help receives it. **Annual Report** 2024-2025 5 ## **Year At a Glance** ## **OVERALL** ## **CARER’S BREAK** **10,464 Hours were spent volunteering for Community Works** **129 Times Community Clients Served Works offered support (with 15 different people) to people** **to people 7,192 New people were supported by 377 Community Works** **MEALS ON WHEELS** ## **MEN’S SHEDS** **58 Men received individual or group support across the year** **1608 Meals Delivered** **425 Times Visited** ## **FOOD BANK** **RE:USE** **1189 People Supported** **442 Households** **480 Families Were Helped** 6 **Annual Report** 2024-2025 ## **CATALYST PROJECT** ## **130** **women accessed Catlayst over the five year period, 38 within the year April 2024 to March 2025.** A total of 26 And 25 accessed individuals attended support from the groups in Thirsk and Head of Women’s Richmond. work. 8 women benefitted from receiving counselling from our year 4 student counsellors. Groups ran on Tuesday mornings in Richmond and Wednesday mornings in Thirsk. ## **KEYWORK** **165** **individuals benefited from Key Work Support.** **Rise 2 Thrive and Multiply Projects successfully delivered support to over 90 individuals.** **----- Start of picture text -----**
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of these engaged with Key Workers on a project receiving multiple appointments. **65% 43%** felt their mental gained employability wellbeing had focused support. improved due to Key Work Support. ## **CAR SCHEME** **OLDER PERSON’S SERVICES** **1530 252 Number of Clients Served Contacts Served** Across 50 weeks with 4 sessions per week until September and 3 sessions per week from October. **Annual Report** 2024-2025 7 ## **Service Spotlights** **----- Start of picture text -----**
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8 **Annual Report** 2024-2025 ## **Food Bank** The Community Works Food Bank exists to provide emergency food and essential supplies to individuals and families experiencing crisis or financial hardship. It is totally dependent on donations and ran at a cost to Community Works. We work to ensure that no one in our community goes hungry, offering not just food parcels but also compassion, dignity, and practical support. By responding quickly to urgent needs, the Food Bank helps to ease immediate pressures while connecting people to wider services that can support them in addressing the underlying issues they face. ## **Key achievements:** We successfully bid for 2 grants from North Yorkshire Council, receiving a total of £13,500. We also had a grant from Broadacres of £400. Donation levels were very similar to 2023/4. We helped by two Fareshare/Tesco initiatives, which boosted donations. Local business also made some substantial food donations, and the _**“I have received considerable gratitude from service users who have accessed food parcels. They have expressed that the system is fair and straightforward, enabling support to be directed to those most in need.”**_ _**“Volunteering at the Food Bank has been one of the most rewarding things I’ve ever done. Knowing that I can help make someone’s day a little easier means the world to me.”**_ Thirsk Community Garden, run by the Probation Service, provided fresh fruit and veg in season. The food bank volunteers are a largely selforganising team continuing to provide most of the foodbank effort at no cost. ## **New developments:** We set up a new partnership with The Hygiene Bank, which is a national charity providing donations of non-food items such as toiletries. Extra effort we put into up-front publicity for Harvest Festival, led to excellent donations. We started collecting surplus food through Aldi and Lidl, for example bread and pastries, which have provided a useful addition to supplies and reduce food waste. Our team of staff and volunteers have gained confidence in signposting anyone who asks for assistance to the most appropriate member of our staff team. _One local resident came to us after struggling to make ends meet when unexpected bills left them with no money for food._ _Through the Food Bank, we were able to provide emergency parcels to get them through a difficult time, while also linking them with wider support. They told us the help was a lifeline and gave them the breathing space they desperately needed._ _From there, they were able to progress onto the Rise2Thrive programme, receiving weekly sessions with our Key Working team. This extra support has helped them build confidence, manage their finances, and begin moving towards greater independence and ultimately getting into work._ **Annual Report** 2024-2025 9 ## **Re:Use Store & Van Team** Our Re:Use furniture store plays a vital role in both environmental sustainability and community wellbeing. The store collects good quality, preowned furniture that might otherwise go to landfill, and makes it available at affordable prices for local people, including those on low incomes. By extending the life of these items, we reduce waste and promote recycling. The store also offers volunteer and employment opportunities. The store has a good reputation for supporting local households with affordable goods in time of financial pressure, customer _One long term volunteer explained that before joining the team they felt very isolated and had little daily structure. Volunteering at the store gives them purpose, routine and social contact. They are now a valued member of the team, with strong friendships and a real sense of belonging._ feedback highlighted how valuable the store had been in supporting families during the cost-of-living crisis, we have built a good working relationship with Broadacres Housing Association, providing low-cost items to those in financial distress. The positive atmosphere in the store has contributed to a welcoming community space, a place where everyone feels happy to enter without the usual barriers which may stop those in need of accessing support. _**“When my mum passed away, we wanted her furniture to go to a good cause, we contacted the store and from the very first contact, to the van lads coming to pick up her furniture we were treated with respect and kindness.”**_ _**“I live for the days that I volunteer in the store, my life would be so dull without it, I’ve made some real friends and feel useful again.”**_ 10 **Annual Report** 2024-2025 ## **Car Scheme** The Car Scheme provides essential transport services that help people remain healthy, independent, and connected to their community. It enables individuals to access vital medical appointments, visit family and friends, go shopping, attend social activities, or simply enjoy a trip to the hairdresser — the everyday journeys that help sustain wellbeing and quality of life. The service ensures that people who might otherwise struggle to get out can continue to participate in community life. Volunteer drivers _**“Door to door service and the drivers are very friendly.”**_ provide much more than transport; they offer conversation, reassurance, and a sense of connection that helps to reduce loneliness and isolation. Over the year, the scheme has supported older people, carers, and those with limited mobility to maintain access to health services, friendships, and community networks. It plays a key role in supporting independence and preventing social isolation, helping people to live well, stay active, and remain part of their community. _Fliss is a long-term volunteer with Community Works. She is community-minded, and she has in the past been a Sitter on our Carers’ Break service. She is unable to drive anymore due to health reasons. The Car Scheme enables her to attend health appointments and volunteer. Without it, she would be socially isolated, which could impact her well-being. Fliss’s use of the car scheme doesn’t just help her look after her health; it also enriches our services with her presence at our Food & Friendship Group._ **Annual Report** 2024-2025 11 ## **Carer’s Break** Our Sitting Service provides essential respite for carers of loved ones living together, offering two hours per week of dedicated support. During this time, a trained volunteer meets with the caredfor individual to engage in conversation, agreed activities, or simply offer companionship. This allows carers a much-needed break, whether to rest, complete household tasks, or enjoy social time elsewhere. We have expanded from supporting just a few carers to many more, introducing varied forms of support such as a walking group and a golf group to better meet individual needs. Volunteers have delivered meaningful engagement with those being cared for, helping to reduce feelings of isolation and provide companionship. _Every Monday, ‘L’ enjoys a couple of hours playing golf with one of our volunteers, ‘J’. The activity keeps him active, engaged, and independent, while his wife gets some much-needed time to research and plan care options._ _When ‘L’ returns, both of them are relaxed and smiling. In just a couple of hours, the Sitting Service provided both enjoyment for ‘L’ and vital respite for his wife, showing how shared support can make a real difference._ Carers have reported feeling supported, reassured, and better able to manage their responsibilities. The service has faced some operational challenges, including limited volunteer availability during peak times and occasional scheduling conflicts that affect matching volunteers with those being cared for. Additionally, ongoing training and recruitment of volunteers remain essential to meet increasing demand and ensure safe, high-quality visits. Whilst there have been fluctuations throughout the year, our dedicated volunteers have increased the hours spent providing carers with much needed respite. We aim to provide much more consistency throughout the next financial year. _**“Those two hours each week make such a difference. I can catch up on errands and have a cup of tea in peace knowing David is happy and well cared for. It’s a little bit of freedom that means the world.”**_ 12 **Annual Report** 2024-2025 ## **Older People’s Services** People living with Dementia who reside in their own homes in the community attend our Past Times session on Tuesdays and Thursdays between 10am and 3pm. We also provide for those living with Early Onset Dementia on a Wednesday between 10am and 3pm (known as Out ‘N’ About). This enables their regular Carer to receive much needed respite, which they often don’t realise the value of until they engage. It also enhances the care being given to the person living with Dementia, making them feel part of the community still whilst stimulating their minds. In April 2024, we were delighted to be fully staffed again, with both Gill and Alice in post, allowing us to provide continuity and care at its best. Our groups are a vibrant mix of men and women with a wide range of abilities and interests. We take great care to tailor activities to individual preferences, and it’s always wonderful to see participants discovering new experiences—sometimes trying something for the first time and finding they absolutely love it. Throughout the year, participants were supported by Gill, Alice, and our amazing volunteers, who provided encouragement, companionship, and a friendly presence. The atmosphere was one of laughter, curiosity, and connection, as everyone enjoyed activities together, shared stories, and felt valued as part of our group. We had a short period (September 2024 – February 2025) where access to the Thirsk Community Minibus was unavailable. We had to think pragmatically about how to handle this and decided on staff and volunteers’ cars to transport our clients. This restricted the number of clients we supported and impinged upon the variety of activities we could offer. We learnt a valuable lesson and were extremely happy when the situation was resolved and we could further our client base again. _Margaret has been coming along to Past Times since 2022. Sadly, Margaret’s dementia has declined during this time. However, that didn’t stop her from thoroughly enjoying dancing around to “The Music Man” – Past Times theme song! Her laugh came back whenever that was played, and it was beautiful to see. Margaret had been a yoga teacher, and she was often seen doing some yoga moves alongside Alice and Debbie – it was quite the sight to behold!_ _Betty joined Out ‘N’ About in June 2024, settling in immediately with her lovely sense of humour, fun and kindness. It is always lovely to hear Betty talk about her life – she has led quite an incredible one. Her daughter said this of us: “My mum loves her days out with the Out N About group. You are an amazing bunch of people who give my mum’s life so many opportunities to remember who she is. Thank you.”_ _**“Thank you so much for what you do. It is so much appreciated, Don has only been going a couple of times but has been made so welcome by everyone! Thank you, thank you, thank you!”**_ **Annual Report** 2024-2025 13 ## **Our Lovely Gill** _In February 2025 our lovely Gill retired from her role as head of older people’s services. Gill worked for Community Works (starting with Thirsk Community Care) for nearly 37 years, starting all the way back in 1988. Gill started on just 8 hours a week and her first job was to run the car scheme. She quickly added more hours to do more incredible work. She started and ran a play scheme and a sitting service for children living with disabilities. In the mid 1990’s, Gill focussed her work on the older people of Thirsk, eventually setting up dementia day care for those living with dementia in the 2000s._ _She has worked tirelessly for the people of Thirsk – all whilst helping Keith (her husband) to run a farm, running a campsite and looking after not only her own children, but countless foster children too. When you ask people to say a few words about Gill, the clear and resounding answer is always compassion, kindness and hard-working. We all feel incredibly privileged to have worked with Gill during her outstanding and committed career._ _Once she adopts you into her life, she doesn’t let go and, in our view, she perfectly sums up our values. We shall miss Gill very much but will carry on her legacy and look forward to the bright future of our Older People’s work. We wish Gill all the very best for her retirement where she is already busier than ever!_ **----- Start of picture text -----**
14 Annual Report 2024-2025
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## **Meals on Wheels** Meals on Wheels is a community service that delivers nutritious, freshly prepared meals directly to the homes of individuals who are unable to shop or cook for themselves, often due to age, illness, or disability. The service helps promote health, independence, and social connection for those in need. Key achievements this period include the expansion of our delivery routes, maintaining almost 100% on-time delivery for all scheduled clients, and strengthening our partnerships. We have also made significant developments in enhancing our database and improving the efficiency of our weekly rotas. more independent and less isolated, alongside praise for the quality of meals at Meadowfields and the friendliness of our volunteers. Operationally, we have experienced occasional delays due to roadwork and traffic, as well as increased demand placing additional pressure on existing delivery routes. Volunteer availability has also been limited during peak holiday periods and so we temporarily capped the service to 15 clients until more drivers could be recruited. Funding and resourcing challenges have arisen due to rising food and fuel costs, leading to higher mileage claims from drivers. Feedback from clients has been overwhelmingly positive, with many reporting that they feel _**“Before Meals on Wheels, I often went for days without speaking to anyone. Now, I look forward to the friendly face at my door each day.”**_ _One of our clients, who lives alone with family spread far across the country, often felt isolated and found it difficult to prepare meals. Since receiving our Meals on Wheels service, they now enjoy daily face-toface contact with our team and a hot, nutritious meal every single day._ _The service has not only supported their health but has also introduced a reassuring routine, helping them feel more connected and less alone._ **Annual Report** 2024-2025 15 **Catalyst Women’s Project** _“A” was referred by the Adult Mental Health team as their contact was ending. After years of domestic violence, she’d been relocated and was extremely fearful—rarely leaving home or allowing her children to attend school. Through weeks of gentle home visits, progress was made: we attended health appointments, shopped locally, and joined her children’s sports day. Previously forbidden to cook, A learned meal preparation through foodbank support and now enjoys cooking for her family. With encouragement, she befriended neighbours, joined a women’s group, and even went out to dinner— something she never thought possible. Though recovery continues, A is proud of how far she’s come._ _**“I surprised myself, I have very low confidence, but I was able to run one of our groups, everyone was so impressed with my resin making, I loved showing everyone how to create Christmas decorations and that they wanted me to run more sessions.”**_ _**“I have really enjoyed poetry writing, I didn’t know that I could do it, but I can, and I have.”**_ Our Catalyst service supported women from the age of 18 throughout the Hambleton and Richmondshire areas. The main focuses being Wellbeing, social interactions, improved mental wellbeing and improved skillsets. 38 women accessed the service within the year April 2024 to March 2025, making it a total of 130 over the entire project. A total of 26 individuals attended groups in Thirsk and Richmond and 25 accessing one to one support from the Head of Women’s work. 8 women benefitted from receiving counselling from our year 4 student counsellors. Groups ran on Tuesday mornings in Richmond and Wednesday mornings in Thirsk. The women who attended groups and crafting sessions felt supported, empowered, gained friendships, gained skills and received appropriate information which enabled them to flourish. Art and poetry sessions were particularly well received, and some wonderful work was created. The overall theme for the weekly groups was positivity, looking at what we can do rather than what we can’t - what made us great as women and individuals. The women were encouraged to share their individual skillsets, by leading small groups, sharing their knowledge and encouraging others to try new activities and gain new skills. They were introduced to mindfulness, relaxation and guided meditation, all were received with an open mind and positivity. Some women reported that they used the techniques in their own time with good effect. The main barrier we experienced was the rural location of some of our members, and the lack of transport available to them. This impacted their ability to attend the regular Multiply tied in closely with our Food Bank, along with providing Service Users friendly and supportive numeracy support relating to people’s financial planning. We found a lot of people who need the food bank were not budgeting effectively and we worked with them to show how they can break down their income and outgoings. 16 **Annual Report** 2024-2025 ## **Key Work** Our Key Work service provides one-toone support to adults in Thirsk, Richmond, Northallerton, Harrogate and Ripon. ## **Key Achievements:** We delivered Rise 2 Thrive and Multiply Projects successfully. We expanded our Key Worker team to support people across North Yorkshire, including Harrogate, Richmondshire, Northallerton and Thirsk. We designed the project to provide holistic one-to-one support, helping people regain independence and move towards work. Multiply tied in closely with our Food Bank, along with providing Service Users friendly and supportive numeracy support relating to people’s financial planning. We found a lot of people who need the food bank were not budgeting effectively and we worked with them to show how they can break down their income and outgoings. We found a lot of people who need the food bank were not budgeting effectively and we worked with them to show how they can break down their income and outgoings. With the increase in demand with more services being moved to digital only, and more banks leaving the high street, we saw demand for our Digital Inclusion project. We created 11 Digital Champions within the organization and were able to support people every week at drop-ins. With the increase in demand with more services being moved to digital only, and more banks leaving the high street, we saw demand for our Digital Inclusion project. We created 11 Digital Champions within the organization and were able to support people every week at drop-ins. ## **New Developments:** Hiring a Key Worker in Harrogate expanded our reach and she has been fantastic at providing high quality Key Work in a new area. Her input into how we deliver Key Work has been invaluable and has strengthened the service, demonstrating the value of our Key Work model. Strong feedback received: The support offered on the Rise 2 Thrive project received some very positive feedback. Particularly the work done in the Beacon in Catterick working with homeless veterans where several of them progressed into training. _X, long known to Community Works, was outwardly capable but privately struggling with poor mental health, heavy drinking, and debt. Ashamed of his rent arrears, he avoided help until eviction left him homeless. Our Key Worker worked with North Yorkshire Council to secure temporary housing in Middlesbrough and provided ongoing support as his mental health suffered. With coordinated, non-judgmental help, X was rehoused quickly, accessed benefits and food support, began volunteering, and regained confidence—eventually moving into employment. Though challenges remain, he escaped a situation he once thought hopeless._ _**“The support I got from Community Works has meant the world to me. In six months my mental health has been transformed, and I am now starting an online learning course aimed at eventually becoming a counsellor.”**_ **Annual Report** 2024-2025 17 ## **Men’s Sheds** Men’s Shed & Shedding Doubt Provides a safe space, currently gender specific, allowing for social and behavioural interaction to manage and promote mental wellbeing, in a workshop environment. It blends service users and volunteers, including 1 to 1 support from the staff team. The programme has welcomed referrals from local GPs and the community mental health team. We began to create an identity through social media, promoting things created and brought back to life within the workshop. This year has seen us start to step into the community with a very successful project at Sowerby primary school, working with local businesses, the Rotary and the school. _After first accessing the foodbank, J was introduced to the Men in Sheds project, where he received housing support and one-to-one mental health sessions. Time in the workshop helped him rediscover his passion for craftsmanship, and he was also referred to community mental health services for further support. J rebuilt family connections, began volunteering at a Ripon charity shop, and completed several small craft jobs. His next goal is to start his own handyman business in the community._ ## **Key Challenges:** Funding and resources is the biggest challenge to the project despite re-use and upcycling, the project requires an accessible budget once a month and this has not been available. Sales from products made in the workshop have entirely gone into the core funds. The limitations of the workshop being a safe working space for no more than 12 meant on really busy days some people having to work outside. The building has no heating and many days were lost in winter due to the temperature being too cold to work in, even the lads came in looking like eskimos. _**“Men in sheds, better than daytime TV.”**_ _**“Helped a lot with my mental wellbeing.”**_ _**“Always look forward to catching up with everybody.”**_ 18 **Annual Report** 2024-2025 ## **– Groups Carers, Time for Time, Food and Friendship** ## **Carers** The Family Carers Group provides a safe, supportive space for carers to meet, once a month, share experiences, and focus on their own wellbeing while managing the demands of caring for loved ones. Sessions combine activities such as meditation, yoga, arts and crafts, music, mindful doodling, quizzes and cooking – all designed to reduce stress and offer practical tools that can be used at home. Guest speakers and professionals from organisations including Carers+, Dementia Forward, Social Services and Home Instead have also contributed, providing valuable advice and support. Regular attendance of 5–6 carers has fostered strong peer support and friendships, while a diverse programme of activities has kept sessions engaging and relevant. A highlight of the year was celebrating the group’s first anniversary, which increased community visibility and gave participants a sense of pride and belonging. ## **Time for Time** Our Time for Time sessions have run every Tuesday morning at 14A Market Place, welcoming around nine regular attendees. Each session begins with a hot drink and conversation, giving people the chance to share what’s been happening in their week and build relationships. This is followed by lively quizzes and activities that bring plenty of laughter and connection. While the group continues to thrive, challenges remain. Health and mobility difficulties can affect attendance, and transport is sometimes a barrier. Volunteer capacity is also key, and we are especially grateful to Jess and now Linda for the time and care they give to the group. ## **Food and Friendship** Our Food and Friendship sessions run every Wednesday at the Gavel Café, bringing together around 25 people each week. The group share a two-course hot meal with a drink, enjoy a quiz while waiting for food, and round off with a few games of bingo. What began as a simple lunch has grown into a lively, welcoming community. Over the past year, the group has gone from strength to strength. It offers much more than food – it provides laughter, companionship, and a safe place where friendships can deepen. The consistency of meeting every week has created strong bonds, with members supporting one another and looking forward to their time together. The main challenge has been success itself. Demand is now greater than capacity, leaving us with a waiting list of people keen to join. While this highlights the popularity and importance of the group, it also underlines the scale of loneliness in our community. Plans are already underway to launch a second session on an alternative day so more people can benefit. The group has become a valued source of support, helping members through bereavement, loneliness and other difficult times. Strong friendships have formed, creating a safe, welcoming space where people feel listened to and understood. Shared experiences, such as a recent minibus trip to Preston Park, have been highlights that lift spirits, reduce isolation and strengthen community ties. **Annual Report** 2024-2025 19 ## **– Groups Carers, Time for Time, Food and Friendship** _During the journey that is caring for someone, there comes a pivotal moment when help of ‘those in the know’ becomes necessary. I care for my husband who has Alzheimer’s and other health conditions, and for me that moment came a couple of years ago when I reached out to CarersPlus, an organisation for unpaid family carers. They put me in touch with Community Works (CW), a local charity hub which, as the name suggests, works in the community to help those who need assistance in day-to-day life and also those who are caring for family members. Once connected to this organisation, all sorts of guidance and avenues opened up for us, from allowances to help with care, sources of advice in the Community Services of the NHS and Health and Adult Services in North Yorkshire Council._ _The Carers Group is an important subhub to meet with other carers, share experiences and care professionals to offer the latest advice. Both my husband and I were nervous about taking the first steps into CW, but it has rewarded us with both vital help and friendships._ _**“I learnt some valuable cooking skills that have meant I have meal options. Thank you to Kate for all your support!”**_ _**“It’s nice to be with people, especially when you’re on your own. We have a laugh together every week.”**_ _**“This means so much to me, it’s the only hot meal I have every week. I love these people!”**_ _‘L’ first started attending Time for Time just after her husband passed away. Her mobility is very limited and she is often lonely at home, feeling isolated and unhappy. Since attending the weekly meetings with Time for Time, ‘L’ has found a purpose again. She is both supported and a support to others in their loss and loneliness. She is a delight to talk to for group members, volunteers and staff._ 20 **Annual Report** 2024-2025 ## **Volunteers** Our volunteers are at the heart of Community Works. In 2024/25, more than 90 people gave their time, skills and energy to deliver many of our core services – support we could not provide without them. They bring experience from nursing, teaching, policing, HR and many other walks of life, adding huge strength to our work. Since appointing a Head of Volunteers in March 2024, numbers have grown from 72 to 90 by April 2025. Regular drop-ins at Community House give people a chance to learn more, and each month a small but steady stream of new volunteers joins us. Our services also continue to adapt: for example, a Thursday afternoon drop-in is now a full-day offer, creating new roles and opportunities for volunteers. ## **What Went Well** Having a single point of contact for volunteers has been a real strength. Regular check-ins and twice-monthly drop-ins are valued, giving people space to share ideas, raise concerns or simply enjoy a chat. Staff also make a point of visiting services directly – for example, weekly at the Food Bank – so volunteers across the organisation feel supported and recognised. ## **Challenges & Learning** As a small charity, capacity is always limited. In May 2024 we held our first “Menu” listening event with staff, volunteers, donors and service users. The strongest theme was clear: we need to raise our profile locally, strengthen communication, and build more connections with other organisations. In response, we have begun door-to-door engagement in Thirsk, combining welfare checks with raising awareness of Community Works. Of the first 50 people visited, only 10 had heard of us – a stark reminder of how much more there is to do. This work will continue into East Thirsk, alongside wider plans to promote our services and strengthen partnerships. _**“Volunteering for CW has completely change my life. I feel valued, appreciated and have made lots of new friends. I love helping out weekly and see the change CW makes in local community!”**_ **Annual Report** 2024-2025 21 ## **Challenges and Lessons Learnt** Like many small charities, Community Works faced a year of both achievements and challenges. A recurring theme was funding uncertainty. Services such as the Food Bank and Keywork programme relied on short-term grants, often confirmed late or received partway through delivery. This created difficulties in planning and retaining staff and highlighted the importance of securing more sustainable income streams. Operationally, services also faced barriers. The Food Bank experienced drops in supermarket donations, later resolved after clarifying collection rules. The Re:Use store wrestled with limited storage, fluctuating donations, and competition from online retailers, while the Car Scheme and OPS services had to manage pressures on volunteers, transport and facilities. Each situation tested our adaptability, but also reinforced the need for clear communication, volunteer support, and flexible planning. Volunteer recruitment and retention was another challenge, particularly in physically demanding roles. We have learned the importance of tailoring roles, strengthening support, and continuing to value the contribution volunteers make. stronger links with local employers to create clearer pathways into work. Despite recruitment delays and funding pressures, the team demonstrated real resilience. At the same time, we’ve noticed a shift in how funding is being made available. More grants are focusing on specific projects rather than supporting central running costs, creating pressure on our core infrastructure. This change has prompted us to explore new ways of generating income, strengthen partnerships, and get more creative in how we sustain and grow our organization. Finally, February 2025 brought a leadership change with the departure of the Chief Executive. This transition underlined the importance of strong governance, continuity planning and the commitment of staff and trustees to maintain stability during times of change. What we take from these challenges is clear: Community Works is at its best when it adapts quickly, supports one another, and learns from setbacks. These lessons are already shaping our plans for 2025/26 and beyond. The Keywork service found the job market tougher than in previous years, making it harder to help clients into employment. In response, the team has started building 22 **Annual Report** 2024-2025 ## **Looking Ahead: Priorities For 2025/26** The year ahead is one of opportunity and renewal for Community Works. With a new Chief Executive and a new Chair in place, we are entering a period of fresh leadership that will build on strong foundations while shaping the organisation for the future. A central priority in 2025/26 will be to engage widely with staff, volunteers, trustees, partners, the people we serve and the wider community to develop a clear and ambitious five-year plan. This process will ensure our services remain rooted in community need, sustainable in the long term, and ready to respond to the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. Financial sustainability remains essential, and we will be re-applying for funding to continue our work as a Community Anchor and to sustain vital projects such as our women’s programme, the Keywork service, and our wider support services. We are also exploring opportunities to expand into young people’s services, as well as identifying new sources of funding to develop and grow our impact. It is a time to listen, to plan with purpose, and to set a course that will carry Community Works into the future with confidence and clarity. Alongside this, we will continue to strengthen governance and leadership, ensuring Community Works has the right structures, skills and partnerships in place. **Annual Report** 2024-2025 23 ## **Financial Overview** Whilst the demands on Community Works (CW) resources and services have continued apace, 2024/25 has proven to be a notably difficult year. We have faced the not insignificant pressures brought about by the cost-of-living increases, including increases in National Insurance and Minimum Wages, which have drained the available funding the charity has received. These challenges are well recognised across all public sectors, but especially in the charitable sector where we are dependent on grants and donations; in times of difficulty these income streams become less forthcoming. However, in addition to these direct challenges there has been an increase in the reliance on CW for core functions, such as the Food Bank, Meals on Wheels, Car Scheme, etc. where there are direct financial impacts. It is of concern that there is limited support funding for these key activities from agencies, and as such their viability continues to sit on a knife edge. With the resignation of the chief executive officer toward the end of the financial year, there was some disruption to the bidding processes which impacted on potential income streams and resulted in unexpected associated costs. It should be noted that (and due praise given to Kirsty White and her colleagues) the Senior Leadership Team acted up to cover the short fall until Sarah Gill was appointed as the new CEO in May 2025, and did a sterling job in keeping the bidding processes active. The current funding position for CW is a decrease in resources of **£4,441** . Resources expended in the year were **£549,661** against an income of **£548,300** . The current net value of CW at the end of year stands at **£410,426** . ## **David Tucker Treasurer & Chair Finance Committee** 24 **Annual Report** 2024-2025 ## **Financial Overview** _The trustees are responsible for preparing the Trustees’ Annual Report and financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards. Law applicable to charities in England and Wales requires the trustees to prepare financial statements each year which give a true and fair view of the charity’s income, expenditure, assets and liabilities._ _Copies of the full accounts and trustees report for the year ending 31st March 2025 will be lodged with the Charity Commission and can be obtained from Community Works CIO._ **Annual Report** 2024-2025 25 ## **Thanks & Acknowledgements** Community Works is built on the dedication, passion and generosity of many people. We want to thank our staff, volunteers, trustees, partners, funders and supporters for the role each has played in 2024/25. Your commitment has enabled us to deliver vital services, respond to challenges, and remain a trusted presence for people across our community. Quite simply, we could not do this without you. - **National Lottery Community Fund** - **Tesco’s Stronger Starts** - **COOP Local Community Fund** - **North Yorkshire Council** - **UK Government** - **Better Connect** - **Thirsk Town Council & Mayor** - **RisetoThrive** 26 **Annual Report** 2024-2025 _**At heart, Community Works is**_ | A# vm z, || Ue‘el ” 4 _**about people supporting people. Thank you for standing with us.**_ 9 Community Works CIO 14A Market Place, Thirsk, YO7 1LB f 01845 524494 Because life matters... . www.communityworks.uk + —— ## Community Works ## Because life matters... **----- Start of picture text -----**
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APRIL 2023 —- MARCH 2024 Community Works CIO Achievement and Progress Report Registered Charity Number 1096518 SL a I a Dn aa ESAT lS SEPSIS AT SE aE STL SERRE SS ET ST RSI Bre BING EDD DES ES SIE ESTEE TR ## Introduction from the Chief Executive Officer Rob Rolls To re-quote some lines from a Christmas Carol — ‘the year has performed its wonderful dance’! The period from April 2023 to March 2024 was very formative for the future of Community Works, and an exciting time as we went through many smaller changes which were specifically designed to improve our services and our scope of operations. It is the nature of annual reports that they are written some time after the events themselves, but looking back this report reminds us of year of strong progress. ## Food bank 2023/2024 was the year when the food bank took its greatest strides, by means of a new reporting and data collection system, and working towards better ways of managing our support to those who need us. We were also able to move the food bank upstairs and thanks to some wonderful work from our volunteers, brand new shelving appeared to make the food bank look even more like the welcoming and supportive environment that we have always known that it was. “Without the food bank we as a parents wouldn’t have been able to provide food for our children over the Christmas period, it meant that we could use the spare money we had to pay for heating and that we didn’t have to choose between the two.” **----- Start of picture text -----**
During the year the food bank was able to provide 536 parcels for individuals and
families around Thirsk. Due to the creation of a system of introducing informal
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assessments from our team, we were able to ensure that only those people that really needed a food parcel got one, despite us never really turning people away. 536 parcels during the year is a massive achievement and equates to well over . 2,000 bags full of food and other products. i een aiid Our food bank continues to be the envy of THE many groups across North Yorkshire and FOODBANK we are particularly grateful to our dn volunteers in this area who are both wise y Toe‘ 53 6 parcelSs and dedicated. ioe tal During this period we also worked hard at - 8 REEa aosupported...522 ensuringservice usersa better who comeengagement acrosswith Communitythose : =dh*84llA é f scant) maria Wl **o** okrksinto viastaff our and FoodBank.volunteerWetraining, startedinto order that we would be able to offer an over 2,044 informal ‘triage’ to assess what need sometimes lay behind each food parcel bags of food request. ro This year as before, we were generously me supported by people from all walks of life reecurtensromee WhO simply wanted to help someone worse Matinee Off than themselves. Time after time we would be surprised by a local school, a community group, a Thirsk based business, or even just individuals who wanted to donate food, cleaning or sanitary products. ## Re:Use Store The Re:Use store continued to deliver and collect furniture and second hand goods from around the Thirsk area, and importantly continued to be the place where members of the community grew their self-confidence and a renewed sense of purpose through volunteering. We spent some time improving the work of the Men in Sheds and began plans for embedding some of our work with men through this avenue. Our hope for the future is that we will be able to have some dedicated staff time in this area, enabling it to grow and link in more productively with the shop itself. 3 SETS SER ES LN IE ST YS EP OR RCE UD OSES BES SI HUN A SCE OTS TE MEE WT ALT GOD HD RET Re A **----- Start of picture text -----**
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cost-of-living crisis which bit hard between April 2023 and March 2024. ## Car Scheme This reporting period saw a change of staffing for the Car scheme, and we also moved to a new digital system of operations. Both developments brought a renewed and clearer focus to this area of work which provides low-cost transport to many hundreds of (mainly) older people every year. Our paper-based system of many folders was gradually changed, leading to a far more effective, manageable and environmentally friendly process for this valuable service. During the reporting period, we were able to complete just under 2,000 journeys which is of course is testament to our dedicated volunteer army and the hard work of the staff involved. 4 TRE SESS SSS SEB SE SE TE Se a EE What is unique about this service is the friendly and approachable nature of our drivers, and what they also get from the volunteering themselves. One of our volunteers, Paul said, “Volunteering has given me a sense of contribution and structure to my week. | regard it as a part-time job. Community Works is a fine example of a locally run organisation that offers several services which are greatly ## )¢ Community Works CAR SCHEME appreciated by their users”. Paul 5,587 miles during tha repartirig period! **----- Start of picture text -----**
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5 SST Ba ra DE RT TASER ELI. 2 DR SR EN OE ad CSAS RL We AEN SR AO ELAS ERSTE DT ES ERTS ## Women’s Work This reporting period was a time of change for the Women’s Work at Community Works. We had two staffing changes, and this naturally resulted in some of the work slowing down during the recruitment period. Vic Stapylton took on some of the role and enabled a gentler and more group-work based approach which has benefitted the women quite considerably. We work now with a more diverse group and Vic's approachable way of working has enabled the group to start to grow again, as well as us being able to offer some counselling to smaller numbers of people. **----- Start of picture text -----**
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Supported by a developing understanding of our ‘backroom’, Client Relationship Manager programme, our Meals on Wheels service continued at a steady pace throughout 2023 and the early part of 2024, serving hot and healthy meals to over a dozen clients throughout Thirsk and the surrounding area. This is an invaluable service providing food to older people, and is staffed by our excellent volunteer RSE LR SE EE Ne NS MS DDO PIE TS SE EID EET OY SD BTR at STS SESE NR SET drivers, who again cover hundreds of miles throughout the year, to ensure that this work progresses. **----- Start of picture text -----**
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## Keywork One of our most exciting developments during the reporting period came as a part of our one-to-one engagements with our client group — which we know as Keywork. Previously Community Works had been able to take part in various contracted services, enabling our service users to access employment, or those engagements have been around trying to improve the current living and working conditions of those who take part. During this reporting period, we were successful in our applications to continue this work and as we built around this service with more detailed data being captured and examined our group and one to one engagements, it became clear that we could very helpfully grow this service to a higher level. Recognised by outside agencies, again we find ourselves at the heart of some significant delivery in and around North Yorkshire. 8 es EET aT ET TOBE TOMES TOIT TS EERO SS SRT I SEU a REE SP ae LED NO TS OE ## SALLY At the time of writing, this service has vastly grown and strengthened with other staff being added to the work. During the early months of 2024 we recognised our own capacity for growth. Our investment in data capture services and the experience of staff meant that we were also able to build our own in-house training programme, **----- Start of picture text -----**
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LR SS a Ee ae a SO ee Re RO SEN Ee See Se De EE a Ee Community Anchor Organisation During the reporting period Community Works was confirmed as North Yorkshire Council's choice of CAO for Thirsk. This confirmation recognises our ability to signpost people to support wherever and whenever it is needed, as well as being an encouragement to us that our services and operational delivery are of an excellent standard. During the process of becoming a CAO, we looked more thoroughly at our broader work and realised that we needed to be more proactive in listening to the community and the needs that were being expressed. Due to some external funding, we were delighted to recruit Liga Salma as our Community Worker and Volunteer Co-Ordinator. Liga has been working hard within the local area to identify recognised need, as well as creating volunteer pathways and enhancing the volunteer experience for those that help with Community Works. We have seen increased numbers of volunteers come to work with us as a direct result of Liga’s work. ## Supportive Employment During this time, we also recognised that we needed to further enhance our reputation as an employer. Community Works has always been somewhere where more vulnerable people can not only volunteer but from time to time be offered employment. During this year we began to look at ways in which we could be a more supportive employer, offering better work-based experiences for those who have come from more challenging backgrounds. We looked at the way that other organisations run supported employment, (which, although it is a slightly different approach, helped us to learn how we could be better at what we do). As a result of this work we have worked hard to enable our staff to thrive in their roles with us. Branding and Marketing During the reporting period we also investeda lot of time into looking at how other people in the community saw us as a charity and how we were perceived, not just in terms of social media but also through other avenues where people would hear about us. As a direct result of our CSR programme we were able to identify a supplier of uniforms at a much cheaper price and we were able to pay for these with a grant. A new logo and strap line meant that our profile changed, and furthermore we began to put a lot of time into measuring our social media impact itself. We were 11 EE ST ET eh ot EES AE ED RS ET AER SR Ee SE ENR able to identify the main focus group for our social media posts and sawa significant uplift in terms of interest around the operations of the Charity and also a significant change in terms of sales as some of our store items began to go online. ## Finance and Operational Systems One of the more major yet hidden aspects of the progression of the charity was the implementation of new financial processes and systems. In terms of our governance, we were able to ensure that our finances were comprehensively managed and that even more than before, we were able to account for all of our income and expenditure. Through a new system of accounting software, and supported by some outstanding staff and volunteers we have been able to make significant progress in this aspect of our, ' behind the scenes operations’. Community Works’ Finance and | me FeSOurce Committees continue to meet on a regular a We basis, reporting back to the board of trustees and a “eee «ensuring that our financial management and . ee Compliance are at a very high standard. a ites = —— AFinal Word |) | eee se = Having spent some time pouring over the = Gi- * wae, thisachievemenreport, **t** hes ofdepth Community Worksand breadth of ineve o **r** derything to compilewe | oe } | ad achieve during a year is really quite staggering. a gee «We continue to engage with many hundreds of people ~