2024-03-31-accounts - The Old Schoolhouse Community Project

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THE OLD SCHOOLHOUSE COMMUNITY PROJECT Registered Office: The Old Schoolhouse, St.John’s Road, Huyton, Liverpool. L36 0UX Registered Company No.:4573384 Registered Charity:1097390

ANNUAL REPORT April 2023 - March 2024

THE OLD SCHOOLHOUSE COMMUNITY PROJECT

ANNUAL REPORT April 2023 to March 2024

Chair’s report

‘Steady as she goes’ might be the best way to describe life at the Old Schoolhouse during this period.

All the groups, both ‘home-grown’ and those from outside have remained strong in their respective services. So, the range of activities and meetings carried out at the Old Schoolhouse continues to offer local residents, and some further afield, many opportunities for support and social interaction.

The statistics show a slightly contradictory picture. While the number of hours booked has decreased, the number of visitors and meetings have risen. Financially, the fall in hours, has not had a detrimental effect. In fact, our financial performance seems more related to the number of meetings, rather than their duration.

The biggest change this year, has been the move by YARS to bigger premises. While it is always a sadness to see any group leave, we are proud of our role in helping the organization develop into a highly reputable day centre service for adults with learning disabilities. Our story with YARS closely follows our ethos – to support new initiatives until they are ready to move on.

So, once again, we mark the end of one year and the beginning of another. In truth, though, one day follows on from the one before, and the flow of support, kindness and generosity exhibited by so many continues with no interruption or diminishment.

What’s been going on this year

Community

The Lunchtime Socials continue to be an important date each month attracting 30-40 people. The membership totals 70.

The Cookery Course continues with weekly sessions with the YARS group, and women who are supported by The First Step. These lessons have centred more on easily prepared family meals.

The volunteers of the Gardening Group continue to care for the grounds. Apart from the areas to the rear and side of the building, the group have begun to clear the front area and entrance. As active as they are, the group is ageing. During the year we have endeavoured to recruit new volunteers but without any success.

We have not developed the website any further this year, but enquiries via this channel are increasing.

Users

The regular groups have continued to deliver a variety of activities.

The ‘Friday Friends’ group, which we developed from the Warm Hub initiative in 2022/23, has grown in member numbers. It provides an opportunity for social interaction, and we offer a light lunch of soup and sandwiches at no cost to those attending.

We were able to offer space to ‘Aid to All’ for their Christmas Appeal. The place they normally use was flooded.

The ‘Kindness Corner’ has proved to be a well-used addition to the services we offer. This is, simply, an area where household items that are unwanted, but still in good condition, can be left for others to take as they need.

YARS secured new, and larger premises for their respite service in late 2023. This is still quite close to the Old Schoolhouse, and we maintain links with them through the weekly Cookery Lessons. They also help serve meals at the monthly Lunchtime Social.

SHARE Knowsley, and MHM have exclusive use of the Gavin Room for two days each. This has gone some way to alleviating the problems of office/training space.

Usage statistics

	2021-22*	2022-23	2023-24
Room hire(Hours)	3978	4422	3978
Meeting Attendance	5896	8822	9670
General visitors	616	1057	1564
Total No. of visitors	6512	9879	11234
No. of meetings	633	1009	1138

N.B: * This covers the latter part of the time of the pandemic and lockdown rules

Financial statement

Statement of Financial Activities (including Income and Expenditure Account) for the Year Ended 31 March 2023 is taken from the audited accounts, and is appended to the report.

	Total Funds 2024 Total Funds 2023	Total Funds 2024 Total Funds 2023
	£	£
Income	275,882	251,093
Expenditure	215,312	207,750
Net Income/(Expenditure)	60,570	43,343

The Trustees have taken regard of the Charity Commission’s guidance on public benefit.

Targets met this year in regard to public benefit Business Objectives

We have continued to review policies and procedures
The kitchen has a growing reputation making our USP stronger
Continued use of the centre by both community groups and as a meeting/training venue
We have not used any reserves.

Social Objectives

We continue to use social media as a means of promoting the Centre
The kitchen is continuing to be used for in-house catering, and delivering more basic cooking courses for new groups. This is contributing to supporting improved health, wellbeing, and economic issues.
Supporting yoga/meditation sessions, and fitness classes to provide services to improve mental and physical health.
The Garden Group is delivering a welcoming, natural space to give the opportunity for quiet time. This has been helpful for those with mental health issues, learning disabilities, and refugees accessing the Centre
Lunchtime Socials and Friday Friends are helping to address social isolation

Targets for the coming year (2024-25)

Business Objectives

Social Objectives

Continue to review policies and procedures
Kitchen area contributing to sustainability
Increase use of building
Maintain reserves
Build awareness of the Centre
Develop greater community involvement
Continue to promote community use of facilities
Continue to develop kitchen service
Continue to promote well-being

services

Review in-house initiatives and evaluate possible development

APPENDIX 1 Long term rental – taking office and work space

Better Lives advice and help to elderly residents (previously known as Knowsley Pensioners Advocacy and Information Service) Healthwatch Knowsley promotes links between the community and health organizations to encourage good service Knowsley Carers supports carers of spouses, parents and relatives The First Step supports victims of domestic abuse Mental Health Matters supporting those with mental health issues Young Adult Respite Service working with young people who have learning disabilities (moved to new premises in November 2023) SHARe Knowsley supporting asylum seekers and refugees Regular users during the year Foys Fitness two evenings Diddi Dance one morning Court Hey Pensioners Bowling one afternoon U3A Science Group one afternoon (monthly) U3A Singing Group one morning (monthly) U3A Creative Writing one afternoon (monthly)

U3A Main Meeting one afternoon (monthly) Addvanced Solutions one session per week Care Merseyside one session per week Dogs Trust one session per week Yoga one evening per week

Official notices

Governing documents

Memorandum and Articles of Association dated 15[th] October 2002

Objects of the Charity

a) To promote the benefit of the inhabitants of St.Gabriel’s Ward and the neighbourhood thereof without distinction of sex, sexual orientation, race or of political, religious or other opinions, by associating together the said inhabitants and the local authorities, voluntary and other organizations in a common effort to advance education and to provide facilities in the interests of social welfare for recreation and other leisure time occupation with the object of improving the conditions of life for the said inhabitants.
b) To establish or secure the establishment of a Community Centre (hereinafter called The Old Schoolhouse) and to maintain and manage the same, whether alone or in co-operation with any local authority or other person or body in furtherance of these objects.

The Association shall be non-party in politics and non-sectarian.

Financial organizations

Barclays, Leicester. LE87 2BB

Butterworth Barlow, Butterworth Barlow House, 10 Derby Street, Prescot. Merseyside. L34 3LG

Appointment of new trustees

Appointment and removal of trustees is governed by the Articles of Association of the organization, sections 29 to 38.

Trustees at date of the approval of the Annual Report

Stephen Carroll Sr.Mary Kelly Mark Sweeney Honor Ambrose Bryan Blois

Financial policies

Level of income reserves is set at twelve months of normal operating costs The charity has no investments The charity does not offer grants to individuals or organizations

Date of report

Signature

Position

REGISTERED COMPANYNUMOER: 04573384 IEnKlafvd Wales) RE615TEREDCHARITYNUMBER: 109739Q Report of theTru5tees and Unaud5tsd Flnondal Statements forthevear Ended 31 Mar<h 2024 THE OLD SCHOOLHOUSE COMMUNITY PROJECT ButteNorth Bailow Chartered A¢countants Butterworth Barlow House 10 Derby Street Pre5COt Llverpool Merseyslde L34 3LG

THE OLDSCII(X)LHOVSE COMMUNITY PROJECT Contentsof the Flnan¢Eal Staternents forthe Year Ended 31 March Z024 Page Report of theTrustees Independent Examlner's Rèport Statement of Flnancl81 Atlivltles Balancè Sheet Notesto the Hnandal Statements 7 to 12 Detalled Statem•brt of FlnNn¢lal Artlwltles 13

THE OLD SCHOOLHOUSE COMMUNITY PROJECT Report oftheTrustee5 forthe Year Ended 31 March 2024 The trustees, who are directors for the purposes of company law, present thÈ anftual re)rt tO6ether with the finandal statements ofthe charitable cofflpanyforthe year ended 31 March 2024. OBJÉCTIVESAND ACTIVlnES Obje¢tlve5 and The obJ'ectl¥e5 of the chailty are= al to a(Ivan¢e education and provlde a facillty for soclal welfare, recleatlon and other leisure-tlme occupatlons to Improve the livlng condltlons for the residents of St Gabrlel's ward and surroundlng dlstri¢ts, wlthout dlstlnrtion by sexual orientation, rw. polltlcal. religious or otheropinlons. bl to secure the establishment of a communlty ftIre, whether alone or In co-operatlon with the local authoThty or other body In furtheran of these objects. The chailty shall not be partisan orsettaflan. ObJectlves, strate8les and actlvltles The charity pmvides high quality meetlng space for voltsntary organi5ations and community youps. It support5 buslness start-ups with low. or no cos¢ use of Its facllltles. PU1¢ benefit The trustees confirm that they have complled with the requlrements of sectlon 17 of the ChaTlties Art 2011 to have due regard io the public benefrt guidance published bythe Charlty Commlssion for Eneland and Wales. STrUCTURE, GOvERNANAND MANAGEMENT Governlng document The charity is controlled by its governing document, a deed of trus¢ and constitute5 3 limlted company. Ilmlted by guarantee, as deffned bythe Companles Act 2006. REFERÉNCE ANDADMINISTRAIIVE DETAIL5 Re855tered Company number 04573384 (England and Wales) Rè¥lster4d Chwlty number 109739D Re8Fstered offi¢e The Old Schoolhouse Salntjohns Road Huyton Mersey51dè L36 OUX Trustees Ms Honora Ambrose Mr Bryan Blois Mr Stephen Anthony Carroll Sister Mary Kelly Mr Mark Sweenev Compzhysettètary Mr Karl James Hart Page I

THE OLD sC*KI0LH¢E COMMUNITY PROJEcr Report of the Tmstees forthe Year Ended 31 March 2024 REFERENCE ANDADMINISTRATIVE DAlls Independent Examlner Butterworth Barlow Chartered Accountants Butterworth Barlow House 10 Derby Street Prescot Llverpool Merseyslde L34 3LG Approved by order of the board of trusttes on 13 September 2024 and slgned on Its behalf by.. S151er M4ry Kelly- Trustee Page 2

Independent ÉxamlnÈWs Rtporttothe Tyustees of The Old 5thoolhouse Communlty ProJe¢t Independent examin?r's rÉporttothetrustee50fThè Old Schoolhouse Communlty Prolert l*he Comp8nVI I feport to the charity tYU5tee5 on my examln3tion ofthe accounts ofthe Companyfor the year ended 31 March 2024. Respon51blHtlos and bgsls of report As the charlty's Irustees of the Company land also Its diTe£tors foT the purposes of company lawl you are responsible for the preparath)n of the accounts in accordance w¢th the requirements of the Companles Art 20061'ihe 20{ Att'l. Havlng satlsfied myself that the accounts of the Cornpany are not requlred to be audffted under Part 16 of the 2Q06 Att and are ell8ible for independent examlnation, I report In fespect of my examlnation of y(MJr charlty's accounts as carrled out under Section 145 of the Charlties Act 20111'the 2011 ]. In carryln8 Out my examivation I have followed the Dlre¢tlon$ glven bythè Charlty Commlsslon under Section 145151 Ibl of the 2011 Act. Independentexamlrtèr's ststement Since your charlty's gross Income exceeded £250.0(NJ your examlner must be a memberof a listed body. I can confjrm that l am quallfled to undertake the examlnation because l am a member of the Instilirte ot Chartered Accountant5 In England and Wales, which is one of the Ilsted bodle5. I have completed my examlnatlon. I conflFffl that no matters have come tg my attention In connection wlth the examination glvin8 me causeto believe: actountln8 record5 were not kept in respect of the CompaTry as requlred by Sertlon 386 of the 2006 A¢t,' or the accounts do not acwrd with those records- or the accounts do not comply wlth the a¢countln8 requements of Settlon 396 of the 2006 Art other than any requirement that the accounts gfve a true and fair view which Is not a matter consldered a5 part of an Independent examlnatiotTr: or the accounls have not been prepafed in accordance with the methC$ and prlnclples of the staternt of Recommended Pracilce for accountln8 and reportlD8 by charitie5 lapplicable to Iharitles preparlng their ac¢ounts In accordaDce w4th the Flnanclal Reporting Standard applicable inthe UK and Republic of Ireland IFRS 10211. I have no concems and have come across no other matter5 in connectlon wlth the examination to whkh attentlon shoukl be drawn In this pOrt in order to enable a proper understanding of the a¢coJnts to be rÈached. Butterworth Barlow The Instltute of Chartered AcCntants In England and Wale5 ButteFWOrth Barlow iAverpool 13 September 2024 Page 3

THE OLDSCHOOLHOVSE COMMUNITY PROJECT Statèment of Flnan¢la5A¢tlvltles tor theYÈar Ended 31 Marth 2024 31.3.24 Unrestrlcted fund 31.3.23 Total funds Notes INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM Donauons and legacies 151.667 151,496 Charltable actlvltles Other 101326 80,666 Othertradlng attNitle5 Investment income 20,491 1,798 18,636 295 Total 275082 251,093 EXPENDITURE ON Charltsble 4ctMtles Other 215,312 207.750 NE¥ INCOME 60.570 RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS Total fund5 broughtforward 281,654 238,311 TOTAL FUNDS CARAIEO FORWARD 342,224 281,654 The notes form part of the5effin3nclal statements Page 4

THf OLD SCHOOLHOUSE COMMUNITY PROJEcr Balan Sheet 31 Mah 2024 31.3.24 Unrestricted fund 31.3.23 Total lunds Notes FIXEDASSETS TanEible assets 16.967 18,772 CURRENT ASSETS Debtors Cash at bank and in hand 7,479 356,231 7,423 262.196 363,710 269,619 CREDITORS Arrounts falling due wlthSn one year io 138,4531 16,7371 NETCURRENTASSETS 325,257 262,882 TOTALASSETS LESS CURRENT LIABIUTIES 342,224 281,654 NET ASSErs 342,224 281.654 FUNOS Unrestricted funds li 342,224 281,654 TOTAL FUNDS 342,224 281,654 The charltable company is entltled to exemption from audit under Sectlon 477 of the Companies Act 2(K)6 for the year ended 31 March 2024. The members have not required the company to obtsin an audit of its finartlal statements for the year ended 31 MaTch 2024 in accordance with Section 476 ofthe Companies Art 2006. Thetrustees acknowledge thelr responsibllitie5 for ensuiing that the charitable company keeps accounting records that comply with Sections 386 and 387 of the Companle5 Art 21X)6 and preparing financial statements which give a true and falr vlew of the state of affairs of the Charitable tompany as at the ersd of eath financial year and of Its surplus or defkit for each flnancial year in accordance wlth the requirements of Section5 394 and 395 and which otherwlse comply wtth the requirements of the Companles Act 2006 relatlngto financ6al statements, so far as appllcable tothe ¢haritable company. Ibl The notes form part of these financlal statements Page 5 contlnued...

OLDSCHOOIHCWSE COMMUNITY PROJE Balan Sheel- conlknued al Mar¢h 2024 These financlal ststements have been prepared In accordance with the provlsions applicable to charitable tompanles sublect to the small companies regiffle. The flnancial 5tatefflents were approved by the Board of Trustees and authori5ed for 155ue on 13 September 2024 and were signed on its behalf bv- /*ftyy i+ Sister Mary Kelly- Trustee The nDtesform part Df these flnandal statements Pa8e G

THE OLDSCHOOLHOUSE COMMUNITY PROJECT Notesto Ihe Flnanc131 Statements for the Year Ended 31 March 2024 ACCIJUNnNG POUCIES 8asb of preparlngthe financlal statements The financial statements of the chaFltable company, whlth Is a publlc bèneflt entity under FRS 102, have been prepared In accordance with the Charltles SORP IFRS 1021 'Accountlng and Reportlng by Charltles: Statement of Recommended Pfactice appli(able to charitles preparln£ thelr accounts tn accordance with the Flnanclal Reportlng Standard applleable In the UK and Republlc of Ireland IFRS 102} (effective l January 20191., Flnan¢lal Reporting Standard 102 'The Flnanclal Reportln8 Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland, and the Companies Art 2CX)6. The financial statements have been prepared under the hlstorlcal cost conventlon. Income All in(ome is re¢o8nlsed In the Statement of Financial Aciivities once the charity has entltlement to the funds, it Is probable that the IoMe will be received and the amount can be eaSured lIably. Expendlture Liabilltles are recognlsed a5 expenditure as soon as there 55 a legal w constTUCtlve oblkgation committing the charlty to that expenditure. rt is probable that a transfer of e¢onomi¢ benefits wlll be required in sèttlement and the amount of the obllgatlon be measured rellably. EXndItre is actounted for on an accruals basls and has been clas51fied under headlnBs that aggregatè all cost relatèd to the category. Where costs cannot be dirertly attributed to partlcular headlnRs they have been allocated to aLtivltles on a basls consistent with the use of resources. Tanglble fixed assets Depredation Is piovlded atthe followtn8 annual rates In OTderto wrlte off each asset over Its estlmated useful Ilfe. IrnpTovements to properry in zccordancewÉh the property Taxatlon The charlty Is exemptfrom corporation tax on its charitsble activities. Fvnd accountlng Unrestricted funds tan be used in accordance wlth the charitsble objErtives atthe di5£retlon of the tYUStees. Restricted funds can only be used for partiCAJlar restricted purposes with¥n the objects of the tharity. Restrldlons arlse when specified by the donor oi when fLEnds are raised for particular restrttted purp05e5. Further explanation of the nature and PUfPDse of each fund 05 Included In the notes to theflnanclal Statements. Penslon costs and other piJst-Tetlrement beneflts The charitable CO[anY operate5 a defined contf1b10n penslon scheme. Contrlbutlons payable to the Charitable company's penslon xheme are charged to the Statement of Flnanclal Actlvitles In the perfod to which they relate. Page 7 contlnued...

THE OLDSCHOOLMOUSE COMMUNITr PROJE Noies tothe FlnancFal Stalements- contlNed for the Year Ended 31 March 2Q24 OTHER TRADING ACtivtnES 31.3.24 31.3.23 Caterlng 20,491 18,636 INVESTMENT INCOME 313.24 31.3.23 Interest on cash deposlts 1,798 295 NET INCOMVIEXPENDITUREI Net Incomellexpendlturel is stated after charwng/lcreditingl: 31.3.24 31.3.23 Depreclatlon- owned assets 1,805 1,804 TRUSTEES. REMUNERATION AND BENEATS There were no trustees, remuneration QF Other benefits for the year ended 31 March 2024 nor for the year emled 31 March 2023. Trustees. eNpen5es There were no trustees, expenses p3hJ forthe year ended 31 Marth 2024 norforthe year ended 31 March 2023. STAFF COSTS 31.3.24 31.3.23 Wa8es and 5alarie5 Social seturity COSIS Other pension costs 117,589 5.376 2.411 116,141 4,946 2,269 125,376 123,356 The avera8e monthly number of employees duringthe year was as follows: 31.3.24 31.3.23 Number of employee$ No employees reIved emoluments In excess of£60.000. Pa8e 8 continued...

THE OLDSCHOOLHOUSE COMMLhYIT¥ PROJEcr Notes to the Flnandal Statsrnqnts- contlnued fortheyear Ended 31 Mar£h 2024 COMPARATIVES FOR THE STATEMEMf OF FINANCIAIACTIVITIES Unrestricted fund INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM Donatlons and lÈgades 151,496 Charltable octlvhle5 Other 80,666 Othertrading aLlkntle5 Investment income 18,636 295 Total 251,093 fXPENDITUftE ON Charitable actlvltles Other 207,750 NET INCOME 43,343 RECONCILIATION OF FUNOS Total fund5 broughtforward 238,311 TOTAL FUND5 CARRIED FOIIWARD 281,654 rAN&BLE HXEDASSETS Improvements to property COST At l Aprll 2023 a4 31 March 2024 45,114 DEPREaATION At l April 2023 Charge for year 26,342 1,805 At 31 March 2024 28,147 NET BOOKVALUE At 31 March 2024 16,967 At 31 Marth 2023 18,772 Page 9 eontlnuèd...

THE OLD SCHOOLHOUSE COMMUNITY PROJECT Notes to the Finan¢lal Statements- contlnuèd for the Year Ended 31 M¥d12024 DEBTOR5: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WIThIN ONE YEAR 31.3.24 31.3.23 Trade debtors 7,479 7,423 io, CREDITORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR 31.3.24 31.3.23 Trade ¢dor$ Soctal security and othertaxes Accruals and deferied Incorne 2,696 3,074 32,683 2,323 2,414 2,000 38,453 6,737 ii. MovtMENT IN FUNDS Net movement In fijnds At 1.4.23 31.3.24 Unrestil¢ted fuDds Geneial fund 281.654 60,570 342,224 TOTAL FUNDS 281,654 60.570 342,224 Net movement in funds, Included in the above are as follows.. Incoming ie50urce5 Resources expended Movement in fund5 Ubwestrl¢ted funds General fund 275,882 12153121 60,570 TOTAL FUNDS 275,882 1215,3121 60,570 Page 10 continued...

THE OLDSCHOOLHOU5E COMMUNITYPROJECT Notestoihe Flnanclal 5tat*ments-¢ontlnued fortheyear Ended 31 Malch 2024 MOVEMENT IN FUNDS- contlwed Comparatlvtsfor movement Infund5 Net movement In lunds At 31.3.23 At 1.4.22 Ilnrestrlcted lunds General fund 238,311 43,343 281,654 TOTAL FUNDS 238,311 43.343 281,654 Comparatlve net rnovement In funds. included in the above are a5follows'. Incomthg resour5 Resources expended Movement Irs funds Unresiflcted ldS General fund 251,093 1207,7501 43.343 TOTAL FUNDS 251,093 1207,7501 43,343 A current year 12 months aThJ prior year 12 months comblned p051tlon Is as follow5.' Net movement in fvnds At 31.3.24 At IA.22 Unrestricted funds General nd 238,311 103,913 342,224 TOTAL FUNDS 238,311 103.913 342,224 Page 11 contlnued...

TrE OLDSCHOOLHWSE COMMUNITY PROJECT Notes lothe FI¢191 Statements- cOntIu¢d forthe Year Ended 31 March 2024 ii. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS-¢ontknued A current year 12 months and prksr year 12 months comblned net moverneTht in funds. induded In the above are as follows-. In¢omlnB resources Resourees expended Movement In funds Unrestrlrted funds General fund 526,975 1423.0621 103,913 TOTAL FUNDS 526.975 1423,0621 103,913 Iz. RELAYED PARTY DISCL051JRES The were no related party transactlons fortheyear ended 31 March 2024. Page 12

THE OLD SCHOOLHOUSE COMMUNITY PROJEcr etslled Statefflent of Flnanclwl A¢ll¥ltles forthe Year Ended 31 M?r¢h 2024 31.3.24 31.3.13 INCOME AND ENOOWMENTS Donatlons and legac5 Trusts and foundations 151,667 151,496 Othertr8dlng actlvltlès Caterlng 20.491 18,636 Investmtht Income Interest on cash deposits 1,798 295 ChaTltable adlvltles Tenants Room hlre 70,392 31,534 39,092 101,926 80.666 Totsl Inrornlng re50urce5 275,882 251,093 EXPENDITURE Charltable actlvltles Wages Sodal securlty Pènslons Renr, ratss and water Insuran LSght and heat Caterlng Accountancy Repairs and malntenance Offlce expenses Improvementsto property Bank charges 117,589 5,376 2,411 6,668 6,165 25,296 12,248 5,134 25,550 7,065 1,805 116,141 4,946 2,269 6,483 6,067 28,048 10,677 3,740 21,122 6,316 1,80S 136 215,312 207,750 Total resOurS expended 215,312 207.750 Not Income 60,570 43.343 Thls page does notform part ofthe ststu¢oryfinancial statements Page 13