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← Lewisham Local

2024-03-31-accounts

Company registration number: 04681564 Charity registration number: 1101616

Lewisham Local Limited

(A company limited by guarantee)

Annual Report and Financial Statements

for the Year Ended 31 March 2024

Goldwins Limited 75 Maygrove Road West Hampstead London NW6 2EG

Lewisham Local Limited

Contents

Reference and Administrative Details 1
Trustees' Report 2 to 22
Independent Auditor's Report 23 to 26
Statement of Financial Activities 27
Balance Sheet 28
Statement of Cash Flows 29
Notes to the Financial Statements 30 to 38

Lewisham Local Limited

Reference and Administrative Details

Chairman Roy Witter
Trustees
 Ayesha Gareeboo
Joyce Jones
Gemma Juma
Tina Price-Johnson
Mary Pickles
Jonathan Prince
Susan Ryder
Allison Streetly
Peter Webb
Roy Witter
Secretary Samuel Hawksley (resigned 1 May 2024)
Gulen Petty (appointed 1 May 2024)
Charity Registration Number 1101616
Company Registration Number 04681564 (The charity is incorporated in England and Wales).
Registered Office Unit C Place/Ladywell
261 Lewisham High Street
Lewisham
London,SE13 6NJ
Independent Auditor Goldwins Limited
75 Maygrove Road
West Hampstead
London, NW6 2EG
Bankers The Co-operative Bank p.l.c
Lewisham
151 Lewisham High St
London, SE13 6AA

Page 1

Lewisham Local Limited Trustees' Report

From the Chair

Dear Friends and Partners,

Welcome to the Lewisham Local Trustees’ Annual Report for the year 2023-2024. This is a year which has been marked with numerous exciting achievements and new challenges as we continue to grow and evolve as a charity.

We started the year with increased funding pressure following the previous year's statutory funding cuts. We continued developing a project-focused delivery model revolving around our core values and mission, requiring us to locate alternative sources of support. In responding to this challenge, we have successfully secured diverse new funding for our established projects, showcasing the value and impact of our work. Additionally, we were able to embark on new pilot projects to address emerging local needs, such as digital exclusion, supporting individuals in work placements and partnering with community organisations that specifically serve Lewisham's black and ethnic minority community. Even under challenging conditions, our charity continues to grow at impressive pace – a testament to the important role we play in Lewisham’s vast and storied social tapestry.

I extend my heartfelt gratitude to our dedicated and hardworking staff team, whose collaborative efforts with the Trustees have been integral to our progress. They have risen to the challenges presented by the cost-of-living crisis, which has placed increased demands on our projects and our local communities, as well as our staff team. I would also like to express our gratitude to our funders for their ongoing support and flexibility, as well as our tireless volunteers and project members, whose positivity and unwavering efforts continue to uplift us. Finally, I commend my fellow Trustees for their exemplary commitment and hard work, driving our charity forward.

We were also deeply saddened to share the news of the passing of three symbolic members of the Lewisham Local community; our trustee Susan Ryder, our former trustee and treasurer Patrick McKee, and most recently our trustee Pete Webb. Each played a significant role in the development of our charity, and their loss has been immeasurable. In remembering them, let us recognise their unwavering dedication, commitment and the impact they had on our organisation and the lives of many in our community. We also said goodbye to our CEO, Sam Hawksley, as he and his family relocated to Yorkshire. Early in the new year we started our search for a new CEO to take the charity to its next chapter. After a long and meticulous selection process, we appointed Dr Gülen Petty as Lewisham Local’s new CEO. While waiting for her to join the charity in June, I stepped in as an Interim CEO to hold the fort.

I would like to thank my fellow Trustee colleagues and our staff for their support and dedication to supporting our communities and residents of Lewisham without interruption through these times of change. Moving forward, we remain resolute in our commitment to rise to the increasingly confronting circumstances faced by local residents with determination and flexibility. We are excited for the upcoming year, under the vision and direction of our new CEO, we will continue to prioritise investing in improving our internal systems, including our digital communications and website. We will continue to support our staff in delivering their incredible work and move towards enhancing Lewisham Local's sustainability by diversifying our funding base.

Sincerely, Roy Witter

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From the Outgoing Chief Executive

What a pleasure it has been to lead Lewisham Local over the last couple of years. We have been on an exciting journey, continued to grow our impact in Lewisham and our staff team. We have developed new projects responding to the community’s needs, increased our funding streams and taken steps to include more representation of the communities we serve on our Board. There have been challenges along the way as the charity has grown quickly. However, we have continued to provide a robust service to our local community, and acted as an agent for meaningful change for Lewisham.

I’d like to thank the staff and volunteer team for being flexible and dedicated to making a difference in Lewisham’s communities.

As my family and I relocate to the North-West of England, I look forward to watching from afar the positive difference this fabulous local charity continues to make. Keep being positive in the face of the challenges, respond to the needs, be creative and have fun!

Sam Hawksley

From the New Chief Executive

As a long-time Lewisham resident and a charity leader in the borough for the past decade, I was thrilled to step into the role of CEO of Lewisham Local in June 2024. It’s a privilege to lead such an incredible charity that, even in challenging times for Lewisham and its residents, remains a vital partner for residents, funders, and community stakeholders.

Together with the talented staff members and highly skilled and supportive Board of Trustees, I am looking forward to leading Lewisham Local to its next phase.

Our focus remains on listening closely to our communities, hearing and understanding their needs, and working collaboratively to find the resources needed to address the challenges and hardships many residents face – whether that is through time, skills, expertise, or funding.

Our progress would not be possible without the dedication of our partners, funders, community leaders, and volunteers. Your contributions make Lewisham Local a beacon of hope in this vibrant borough - a place where we are proud to live, learn, work, and have fun together.

Thank you for being part of our journey! Thank you for being part of journey!

Dr Gülen Petty, CEO Dr Gillen Petty, CEO

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Lewisham Local Limited

Trustees' Report

STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE, AND MANAGEMENT

Governing document

The organisation is a charitable company limited by guarantee as defined by the Companies Act 2006 and registered as a charity with the Charity Commission. The company was established under a Memorandum and Articles of Association which established the objects and powers of the charitable company and is governed by its Articles of Association.

Recruitment and appointment of new trustees

The Charity aims to have a diverse Board of Trustees, made up of residents, professionals and individuals with lived experience of the organisation’s projects and issues it is trying to address. The Trustees are a diverse group of people with varied experiences and knowledge in the local area, business, and voluntary sectors. Trustees may be appointed at any time and reappointments are on rotation every year at the AGM. A Trustee eligibility audit is carried out on a yearly basis as well as an audit of the current skills on the Board so that any gaps can be filled through new Trustee recruitment.

The Charity ensures that the Board of Trustees represents the diversity of our Borough and the users of the organisation. Due to the charity’s growth and increasing breadth of work, Trustees agreed to increase the number of Trustees on the Board in order to provide increased oversight of our work as well as gain new skills and lived experience of our projects and the issues we address through our work, including poverty and isolation. Trustees also aimed to recruit younger Trustees to further enhance the diversity of the Board.

Meetings

The Board of Trustees meets six times a year and determines strategic direction and policy. The Board met in March 2023 for our annual Strategic Away Day to review performance, analyse the context around the organisation and identify opportunities to enhance the organisation’s work and sustainability.

Organisational structure

The Chief Executive is accountable to the Board of Trustees and oversees the operations of the organisation and manages staff and freelance workers. We have continued to grow our staff and financial income and therefore our structure of Programme Managers has provided good oversight of our work and brought projects together into key themes. According to funding and project needs, other staff or freelance workers support on project delivery. In 2023-24 there were 20 staff (18 full time equivalent).

Name Role Appointed Committees Serving
Roy Witter Company Director and Trustee
(Chair)
30/11/2022		 Strategy (Chair)
Jonathan Prince Company Director and Trustee
(Vice Chair)
19/01/2022		 Strategy, Finance & Operations
(Chair)
Susan Ryder Company Director and Trustee 23/01/2020 Finance & Operations
Dr Allison Streetly
OBE		 Company Director and Trustee 19/01/2022 Local Giving New (Chair)
Gemma Juma Company Director and Trustee 27/01/2021 Finance & Operations
Ayesha Gareeboo Company Director and Trustee 15.05/2023
Mary Pickles Company Director and Trustee 15/05/2023
Peter Webb Company Director and Trustee

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Tina Price-Johnson Company Director and Trustee 15/05/2023 Joyce Jones Company Director and Trustee 05/02/2022 Company Secretary and Chief Sam Hawksley 01/11/2021 Executive Officer

Chief Executive (1.0)
Food Justice Voluntary Sector Volunteering Local Giving
Programme Manager
Programme Manager		 Programme Manager
Programme Manager
Food Partnerships Community Directory
Time Bank		 Fundraising and Finance & Office
Coordinator
Coordinator Coordinator Coordinator Comms Coordinator
FoodCycle
Coordinator		 Fundraising
Development
Manager – Equalities		 Volunteering & Work
Placement
Coordinator
Admin Temp x 2
Community
Development Worker
(Businesses)
Digital Access Project
Manager
Bank of Things
Coordinator
Wild Cat Wilderness
Coordinator
Community
Development Worker

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Lewisham Local Limited

Trustees' Report

Related parties

There were no related parties during the financial year.

Wider network

The charity currently does not operate within a wider network.

Risk Management

The Trustees have a duty to identify and review the risks to which the charity is exposed to and to ensure appropriate controls are in place to provide reasonable assurance against fraud and error. The charity maintains a risk register and has a risk management strategy to identify and mitigate risks. The high risks are brought to the attention of the Board to minimise any potential impact on the charity. The charity carries out monitoring and evaluation and provides reports to its funders. The charity ensures it has financial procedures, health and safety policy and safeguarding procedures in place. They are reviewed annually to reflect changing legislation and to refresh knowledge and practice.

OBJECTIVES

Objectives

To promote any charitable purpose for the benefit of the public and particularly, but not limited to, the public who live and work in the London Borough of Lewisham and surrounding boroughs, including: a) to promote volunteering, time banking, the giving of time and skills to engage and support local residents including those considered to be suffering from the disadvantage of social exclusion; b) to promote philanthropy to relieve poverty distress and sickness in the interests of social welfare with the aim of improving the conditions of life of the public; c) to promote and broker partnership working and training within the voluntary and charitable sector, statutory and private sectors in the interests of the furtherance of and achievements of the above purposes.

Aim and activities

The charity uses an asset-based approach and activities to involve people in volunteering and sharing their skills to connect and create community cohesion The charity facilitates stakeholders from the voluntary, statutory, education and business sectors to collaborate and share their assets like resources, training, expertise, time and money to help alleviate poverty and reduce social isolation.

Our Vision - A connected Lewisham community that gives, shares and works together to build happier and healthier communities.

Our Mission - Connect and collaborate with individuals and organisations, encouraging all to give and share what they can to respond to needs in the community and strengthen Lewisham’s voluntary and community groups.

Our Values

Living Wage Employer

The organisation is committed to the Living Wage movement and is an accredited Living Wage Employer by the Living Wage Foundation.

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Modern Slavery

As Lewisham Local is well below the threshold of £36m set by the Modern Slavery Act 2015, the Company is not legally required to have a policy on modern slavery. However, the Act is a positive piece of legislation aiming to safeguard workers from exploitation and we support the aims of this legislation. Lewisham Local has a zerotolerance approach to modern slavery and human trafficking and is committed to continually improving our policies and procedures to help identify and combat modern slavery and human trafficking.

Public benefit statement

Lewisham Local’s charitable purpose is enshrined in its objects and the Trustees confirm that they have complied with the duty in Section 7 of the Charities Act 2011 to have due regard to the Charity Commission's general guidance on public benefit 'Charities and Public Benefit'.

This charity welcomes all sections of society and is for public benefit. The charity has a strong and consistent track record of service to the public, working with individuals in the community, especially the elderly and vulnerable but also across all generations and ethnicity. The activities of the charity are rooted in valuing, welcoming, including and empowering people. This is evidenced by evaluations, feedback, reports, case studies and photographs that demonstrate the charity’s public benefit.

Equality

Across our Staff and Trustee team we are committed to being reflective of the diverse community we serve.

ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE

Highlights from the Year

SUMMARY OF PROJECTS

1. Promoting Access to Good Healthy Food

Key Achievements

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Lewisham’s work on food justice and community food action was commended in the Good Food Local report 2024. https://www.goodfoodlewisham.org/post/lewisham-s-work-on-community-foodaction-recognised-in-the-good-food-local-report-2024

1.1. Good Food Lewisham

This is the second year hosting Good Food Lewisham, Lewisham’s Food Partnership, a network of passionate people working together to change the world of food in the London Borough of Lewisham. The project is currently funded by Lewisham Council until April 2025.

Key achievements have been:

1.1.1. Food Giving Network

Good Food Lewisham hosts a Lewisham Food Giving Network which engages over 40 food giving groups in Lewisham. Supporting this network, they hosted 10 monthly Zoom meetings to problem solve, connect with other partners and share emerging needs alongside training, manage a WhatsApp group to share surplus food and cross refer between partners, and ran two in-person Round Table events. This work has improved referral pathways between projects, saved tonnes of food from going to waste and facilitated more joined up working across community food projects.

“Ongoing development support from GFL has meant we were able to share our learning and knowledge directly offering advice, guidance and practical help to: Evelyn Community Store, Rehoboth Set up, St Peters Set up, Sydenham Social supermarket Set up, Lewisham Donation Hub food set up. The Mayoresses Lewisham Pack Lunch Appeal Coordination and The Mayoresses Christmas Hamper Appeal” Good Food Lewisham Steering Group member Stella Headley who founded and runs RMUK Wellbeing CIC, a food project providing cultural foods to meet the needs of Black African and Black Caribbean housebound individuals in Lewisham.

As part of this work, Good Food Lewisham helped establish a temporary food hub at Evelyn Community Store in the summer of 2023 to distribute additional fruit and veg during the summer holidays to address holiday hunger.

Lewisham Local successfully gained funding from GLA Food Roots 2 to develop and embed more sustainable and resilient ways of working to better support food insecure Londoners, especially those who are forced to rely on emergency food aid. A Community Development Worker was employed in October 2023 and is engaging with a diverse range of stakeholders to promote the Healthy Start scheme. Activities include: attending engagement events to promote to local residents in areas identified with low uptake, working with Lewisham Council’s cost-of-living programme to run a Healthy Start billboard campaign near Lewisham’s markets; visiting food banks to engage members who could be eligible; engaging local market holders and social supermarkets to accept the card, and regular briefing sessions for frontline staff on the Healthy Start initiative. Uptake has increased as a result.

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Case study:

More than £400,000 worth of Healthy Start funds are still going unclaimed in Lewisham alone, meaning thousands of families simply don’t realise that they are entitled to this benefit.

We are working hard to spread the word about Healthy Start, because we know what a difference it can make for families on a tight budget.

We spoke to Eyambe and her son, Noah, about how the scheme impacts their lives, and the importance of outreach to young families.

“I’ve been using Healthy Start since it was introduced, when it used to be vouchers. The card is the best, much better. I use it in supermarkets or anywhere that I can. But I didn’t know I could use it in the market along Lewisham High Street!”

“The Healthy Start has helped me very much, very very helpful – because I can buy fruit and vegetables every time; sometimes spinach, sometimes other things. I am not worried about money.”

One of the reasons we think not everyone uses Healthy Start is because they either don’t know about it, or think it will be hard to apply for. We asked Eyambe if she had any challenges getting the card or using it; and what others could gain from checking their eligibility.

“Because of Healthy Start, my kids love eating fruit and veg, so it’s really helpful for me. I get a lot of frozen peas. “We always buy milk with it. I get lentils through the card too.”

“Healthy Start has helped my children grow a love of fruit and veg. Broccoli, bananas, carrots – anything. I am French-Cameroonian. What my family eats depends on the seasons, and who is making it. Healthy Start has really helped me to eat well, with ingredients I know.”

1.1.2. Food Growing

Activities have included:

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1.1.3. Good Food Business Network

The Good food Business network has continued to grow, supported via a GFL WhatsApp group, which has linked around 40 businesses and has given a new platform for training support, opportunities, funding, business support and development. The businesses use the network for promotion, and benefit from potential business opportunities such as events and catering requests. In person Breakfast Network Meetings are hosted at different businesses around the borough.

By April 2024, 15 businesses and organisations have signed up to the Good Food Business Charter. We recognise businesses providing healthy food through an online GFL Business Directory. Lewisham Local has signed up to the Charter.

1.1.4. Lewisham Food Justice Alliance

Lewisham Council funded Lewisham Local to host a Food Justice Programme Manager to oversee the delivery of Lewisham’s Food Justice Action Plan launched in April 2023 by Public Health Lewisham.

A Food Justice Alliance made up of a range of community stakeholders, statutory partners and services was launched in October 2023 to support the delivery of the plan. The Food Justice Action Plan actions include redirecting surplus food to community partners and gardens; increasing food growing and community cookery provision and improving referral pathways for people in crisis. Lewisham Local helped to set up a strategic steering group with representation from community partners, local authority, NHS and voluntary sector and four task and finish groups that oversee the delivery of different priorities.

1.2. FoodCycle Lewisham

Between April 2023 and March 24 we served:

FoodCycle Lewisham is one of Lewisham Local’s frontline projects which is now seven years old. The project is run in partnership with the national charity FoodCycle.

Every week FoodCycle Lewisham serves a three-course vegetarian community meal at the Lewisham Irish Community Centre in Catford that is made from surplus food that may go to waste, saving food from landfill and providing a community dining experience to those who may not have access to cooked food, suitable cooking facilities or who struggle to access nutritious food.

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The project is funded by Lewisham Council’s NCIL Rushey Green Ward funding, The Beatrice Laing Trust, The Co-op, The Haberdashers’ Benevolent Foundation, Verisk, Neighbourly

Highlights

2. Promoting Lewisham Giving

Key Giving Achievements

A key theme across our projects is encouraging all in Lewisham to give what they can in order to make Lewisham a happier and healthier place. We inspire people to give whatever they can, whether that is time, skills, money, or things in kind. Our work aims to build connections between local residents, businesses and the statutory sector and increase their awareness of local community organisations meeting diverse needs in our community. We worked with the Lewisham Local Collaborative to launch and facilitate the Lewisham Funders Network, bringing together local and regional funders with a particular interest in the borough. We would like to thank City Bridge Foundation for their ongoing funding and the support we receive through the London Funders network, London’s Giving, to share ideas with other charities promoting local giving in their London boroughs.

We are continually building our capacity to work with more local people and businesses who are able to give to improve our local community and meet its complex and varied needs.

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Quotes:

“We were also able to use £1,500 of the grant to subsidise beautiful kits for our team. This meant that people on low incomes were not left out in getting the kit, and we were also able to ensure team cohesion and camaraderie through the kit.” Grant Recipient

Quotes:

“We have achieved SO MUCH thanks to the amazing grant from Lewisham Local/Lendlease and we are immensely grateful.” Grants Recipient

Our other giving projects continue to make an impact meeting needs in the community:

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3. Strengthening Lewisham’s Voluntary Sector

Key Achievements

3.1. Black Infrastructure Support Project (BISP)

The Black Infrastructure Support Project (BISP) has strengthened Black Community-Based Organisations (BCBOs) in Lewisham this year by providing essential support and resources.

Key achievements

3.2. A Collaborative Ecosystem

BISP fosters a connected and thriving Black community sector in Lewisham by working collaboratively with other organisations and stakeholders. BISP's impact extends well beyond individual organisations. By working closely with the FDM Equalities project and other infrastructure support Sector stakeholders and volunteers, we are fostering a vibrant and interconnected Black Community Development Ecosystem in Lewisham. This collaborative approach ensures that developmental support is readily available and accessible to those most in need.

3.3. Fundraising Development

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Key achievements

Highlights

Impact:

3.4. Digital Access for All

The Digital Access for All (DAFA) project has made significant strides in ensuring Lewisham residents can effectively access and use digital services. We've focused on providing digital skills training, support and resources to individuals and community organisations, tackling digital exclusion and promoting digital inclusion.

3.4.1. Reaching those most in need

DAFA has reached over 2,000 Lewisham residents through digital drop-in centres, training programmes and community events. Our focus has been on those facing digital exclusion, particularly older adults (with 10 out of 13 attendees at our "Get Connected Catford" event being over 60), individuals with disabilities, and low-income households. While data on ethnicity is limited, anecdotal evidence suggests we are reaching a diverse community.

Key achievements

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Impact

DAFA has empowered individuals and community organisations to improve their digital skills, access online services and participate more fully in the digital world. This has resulted in increased confidence, independence and opportunities for beneficiaries.

3.5. Lewisham Community Directory

The Lewisham Community Directory Project has successfully created a central online hub connecting residents, community groups and public sector services. This year, we focused on improving access to information, fostering collaboration and strengthening the local community network.

Key achievements

3.5.1. Reaching our community

The directory benefits a wide range of Lewisham residents, including individuals seeking local services, community groups aiming to expand their reach and public sector organisations improving their visibility. Hundreds of people use the directory each month to connect and access information.

3.5.2. Data highlights

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3.6. Community Development Work in Rushey Green Ward

The "Every RG Resident Deserves a Voice" project has worked to strengthen the community infrastructure in Rushey Green, making it more resilient and responsive to local needs. We've focused on amplifying the voices of seldom-heard communities and fostering collaboration among residents, businesses and local organisations.

Key achievements

3.7. Lewisham Warm Welcomes

The Lewisham Warm Welcomes programme provided vital support to residents during the cost-ofliving crisis, offering warm spaces, activities and a sense of community. Working with 50 community organisations – including libraries, churches, community centres and even Millwall Football Stadium – we created a network of welcoming spaces across the borough.

Key achievements

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Key findings

4. Volunteering, Health & Wellbeing

Key Achievements

5. 95 volunteer role posted

6. 101 placed into volunteering roles

7. 1,404 new signup to volunteering newsletter

4.1. Volunteering Projects

4.1.1. Support Into Volunteering (Volunteering Brokerage)

Our volunteering project supports people with low confidence, learning disabilities and those managing poor mental health into voluntary roles in Lewisham. This year we have worked with people on a 1:1 basis supporting them to identify their knowledge, skills and qualities they can bring to a volunteering role. We offered tailored support to match people with a volunteering role that were right for them.

Another aspect of this work is supporting community organisations to develop their volunteering program. This year we continued to grow our network of community groups hosting training and networking opportunities.

In the upcoming year, we plan to continue our work supporting a wider range of people to start volunteering. We will work with community organisations helping them to strengthen their volunteering program, encouraging people to volunteer using volunteer days and Work with Business and organisations to volunteer through skill and knowledge sharing. We were very pleased to hear that project funding would be extended from the Lewisham local Main Grants fund for one extra year until March 2026

4.1.2. Mayor’s Awards for Volunteering

We continued work with Lewisham Council to recognise the contribution of volunteers through the Lewisham Mayors award for Volunteering.

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4.2. Timebank

With three year funding from the National Lottery, the Time Bank project was able to continue to support individuals to increase their health and wellbeing through actively giving and sharing their time and skills. The Timebank currently has an active membership of around 100 people.

4.2.1. Tea and Chat - Our most popular group with 20 or more people coming together on a Wednesday afternoon to do needlework, arts and crafts. Goods produced are then sold locally at events such as Brockley Christmas Fayre.

4.2.2. Coffee Club - this group sees Time Bank members do a Quiz, board games and meet up for a chat on Thursday mornings.

4.2.3. Choir - The Choir has between 8-12 members attending as well as colleagues from the Lewisham Local team. Over the last half year, more members have taken an active part in leading the choir even though we are supported by a professional musician. Some of the places the choir has performed this year are Lewisham Foodcycle, The Kings coronation event, Hayes Galleria London Bridge, Salifest and Wild Cat Wilderness

4.2.4. Friday Art - This is a group that brings together Time Bank members who work on their own art projects on a Friday morning or we offer workshops such as felting.

We organise a number of stand-alone workshops events, such as our Bring & Fix day where members can bring broken items to be fixed and saved from landfill. Our yearly seaside outings are very popular as well as events and presentations during Black History Month and Christmas time. The Timebank is what its members brings to it and we are very lucky to count many talented members who share skills ranging from poetry to gardening to the table. But most importantly, they generously give their time in our groups.

“I love the Time Bank it gets me out of my flat and helps my mental health. Its good to meet new people”

5. Wild Cat Wilderness

The Wild Cat Wilderness community green space in Riverview Park, Catford, has gone from strength to strength this year.

Regular volunteering on a Thursday and Friday plus with additional community days and corporate volunteering have been enormously influential in successfully maintaining the green space, as well as expanding through the thickets to create new space for our service users.

This included creating a new pond in the orchard. After our City Bridge Trust funding ended in December 2022, we focused on applying for new funding and were successful with our joint bid with the Timebank -Well Together in Lewisham with the National Lottery Community Fund which started in October 2023. This enabled us to restart work in the new woodland area ready for the new fence and gate to be installed at the Bellingham end of the site. We also organised a community feedback session in February 2023 to ensure local people had a say in planning for the future.

We had a full programme of events during the school holidays including a Be Wild at Easter fundraiser, summer programme called the Wild Nature Club including open afternoons, minibeast hunt, building a bug hotel, fruit picking and campfire pizzas. Our pumpkin fun day hosted more than 100 people.

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Other popular events, which were fully booked, included the Wassail, wild pancakes and nest building sessions. Adult workshops included tree pruning and a spring forage and wild lunch.

Across the year, over 550 people engaged in nature in our space through community events alone.

Due to fundraising challenges at the start of the period, we were creative in finding solutions. We requested donations for our events, held a summer Plant Sale, sold jams and chutneys and hosted a wreath-making workshop, altogether raising more than £1500.

Hiring out the site to the Mud Club for their independent Forest School sessions 3-4 times a week was a big part of our income generation and their three-day festival in September was a great success with the community and raised substantial funds. This revenue allowed us to continue to operate and pay for repairs from historic vandalism including a new kitchen roof.

The Wild Cat Wilderness has become a vital community asset, offering a place for people of all ages to connect with nature, learn new skills and foster a sense of belonging. Beyond maintaining the space, our activities have helped create a thriving, inclusive environment where residents can explore, relax, and engage with each other. By involving the community in everything from planning sessions to hands-on activities, we have ensured that Wild Cat Wilderness remains a space shaped by and for the local people. As we continue to grow, we remain committed to offering enriching experiences that promote health and well-being, accessible volunteering opportunities, environmental awareness, access to a welcoming and safe green space for young people in Lewisham and an enhanced sense of community connection.

6. Bank of Things

Bank of Things Lewisham (BoT) supports young people aged 11 to 25 living, working and/or studying in Lewisham with everyday essentials to support education, employment and/or training. We have a shop in a central location in Lewisham Shopping Centre that is open Wednesday and Friday for young people to drop in and receive support.

Outreach and pop ups

This year, the Bank of Things project began to focus on reaching out in the community to get much needed essential items to young people in various parts of the borough. Through the Elizabeth fund, we were able to employ an outreach worker to reach more young people in need. Bank of Things delivered pop up sessions with several community groups including Lewisham Community Space, Young Lewisham Project, Young women’s hub, Sports fun for all, Lewisham Family Hubs, XLP, Youth First and Orchard Gardens community centre.

Key Achievements

As well as all the donations given to the project this year, we were grateful for funding from Elizabeth fund and Clarion housing, allowing us to continue the project for another year. In the upcoming year, we hope to develop the project to include activities that will contribute to improved wellbeing for

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young people. We will continue to build partnerships with local businesses and sponsorship and continue to fundraise to grow the project to reach more people.

FINANCIAL REVIEW

Funding sources

The charity is grateful for the financial support funders have kindly provided. The principal funders were The London Borough of Lewisham, The City Bridge Trust, National Lottery and Merchant Taylors Foundation.

Additional funding came from The Lee Charity of William Hatcliffe, London Plus, NAVCA, Sustainable Food places, The Beatrice Laing Trust, Elizabeth Fund, Greater London Authority, Tesco Groundwork, Lendlease Foundation, Clarion and Hubbub Foundation.

Lewisham Local would like to thank members of the community who gave so generously to the organisation and its projects through community fundraising appeals.

Lewisham Local undertakes fundraising activities through its supporters via fundraising events, individual giving. We do not have face to face (or door to door) fundraising activities. We also raise funds from trusts and foundations and corporate partnerships. Lewisham Local is a member of the Fundraising Regulator and adheres to its Code of Fundraising Practice and its associated rulebooks for fundraising activities.

Lewisham Local is compliant with the General Data Protection Regulation and only contacts prospective and existing supporters in line with its Privacy Policy and Data Protection Statement. Lewisham Local recognises the importance of protecting vulnerable supporters and follows the guidance issued by the Institute of Fundraising and the Fundraising Regulator on treating donors fairly.

Lewisham Local supports its staff and fundraisers who come into contact with supporters in providing high-quality customer care, ensuring anyone donating to the charity is in a position to make a free and informed decision. Lewisham Local welcomes feedback on its fundraising activities and has a complaint policy which outlines how the charity will react should a complaint be received regarding its fundraising methods. Lewisham Local has received no complaints during the year.

Financial Risks

The ongoing cuts from central government to local government continue to have a deep impact on the local voluntary sector as we continue to see cuts to their grant funding. Medium and long-term planning is difficult with few core funds available increasing reliance on short-term project funding. Economic challenges look set to stay the many challenges created by inflation. We are increasingly seeing valuable local voluntary organisations closedown due to funding pressures. New opportunities are emerging with the public sector thinking differently about how it delivers for communities.

Key risks:

The charity is currently stable, having been able to increase its unrestricted reserves. However, the loss of core funding from Lewisham Council and a shift to project funding presents a challenge for us

Page 20

to cover our overheads. Trustees are financially prudent but are aware that there may be a need at times to use some unrestricted funds to manage this gap. Nevertheless, the charity remains able and willing to trial innovative new ideas for the community and respond quickly to emerging needs through fundraising campaigns and new projects. The charity must continue to attract core funding where possible and will continue to develop income generation activities to raise unrestricted funds and maintain reserves as well as developing new projects that contribute to a share of overhead costs.

Financial review

The significant source of funding has been from the London Borough of Lewisham Council. Oher financial assistance was given by charitable trusts, corporate supporters and private donors. The results of the year are shown on Page 27.

There was a surplus of £169,613 of in the year. When the surplus added to the funds brought forward of £559,341, this leaves a figure of £728,954 for total funds carried forward at 1 April 2024.

Reserves policy

The charity aims to retain up to six months of annual expenditure but no less than three months in unrestricted reserves for essential staffing and running costs. This will enable the continuation of its core activity in the case of funding crises or other needs. The Trustees review this policy annually in line with the budget and the adopted projects for the financial year.

On 31[st] March 2024 Lewisham Local’s reserves were £397,017 restricted, £37,093 designated, £294,844 unrestricted (free) reserves.

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT

The core value of 'Repair, Reuse, and Recycle’ is important to the workings of the charity. The charity aims to avoid waste where possible and is mindful of creating excessive materials and printing. Where possible, items are re-purposed at various projects and people are also asked to donate surplus items like tools and cooking equipment. We have several projects that particularly promote reducing environmental impact such as:

• Foodcycle Lewisham - using supermarket surplus food waste to cook a weekly vegetarian community meal

• Bring & Fix - community repair events to fix household items for free

FUTURE DEVELOPMENTS

The charity has grown in size and impact, demonstrating its agility and flexibility to respond to the changing funding landscape and to new opportunities to make a difference for local people and community groups. The next year presents challenges for the charity after losing a core grant from Lewisham Council and the restructuring of our work has been important to enable a shift to a project focus. Finding new funders for our longstanding grassroots projects will be key as funding for Timebank and Wild Cat Wilderness come to an end.

The charity will continue to be collaborative, strategic and responsive to existing and emerging needs that only seem to be increasing for Lewisham’s communities. Launching new funding campaigns and projects to address these needs and support community groups will be a key area of growth.

Page 21

Statement of Responsibilities

The trustees (who are also the directors of Lewisham Local Limited for the purposes of company law) are responsible for preparing the trustees’' report and the financial statements in accordance with the United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice) and applicable law and regulations.

Company law requires the trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year. Under company law the trustees must not approve the financial statements unless they are satisfied that they give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charitable company and of its incoming resources and application of resources, including its income and expenditure, for that period. In preparing these financial statements, the trustees are required to:

The trustees are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that are sufficient to show and explain the charitable company's transactions and disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charitable company and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Companies Act 2006. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charitable company and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.

The trustees are responsible for the maintenance and integrity of the corporate and financial information included on the charitable company's website. Legislation governing the preparation and dissemination of financial statements may differ from legislation in other jurisdictions.

The annual report was approved by the trustees of the charity on 14 November 2024 and signed on its behalf by:

......................................... Roy Witter Chairman and trustee

Page 22

Independent auditors’ report To the members of Lewisham Local Limited

For the year ended 31 March 2024

Opinion

We have audited the financial statements of Lewisham Local Limited (the ‘Charity’) for the year ended 31 March 2024 which comprise the Statement of Financial Activities, the Balance Sheet, statement of cash flows and notes to the financial statements, including a summary of significant accounting policies. The financial reporting framework that has been applied in their preparation is applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards, including Financial Reporting Standard 102: The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).

In our opinion, the financial statements:

Basis for opinion

We conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (UK) (ISAs (UK)) and applicable law. Our responsibilities under those standards are further described in the Auditorʼs responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements section of our report. We are independent of the Charity in accordance with the ethical requirements that are relevant to our audit of the financial statements in the UK, including the FRCʼs Ethical Standard and we have fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance with these requirements. We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion.

Conclusions relating to going concern

In auditing the financial statements, we have concluded that the trustees’ use of the going concern basis of accounting in the preparation of the financial statements is appropriate.

Based on the work we have performed, we have not identified any material uncertainties relating to events or conditions that, individually or collectively, may cast significant doubt on the charity's ability to continue as a going concern for a period of at least twelve months from when the financial statements are authorised for issue.

Our responsibilities and the responsibilities of the directors with respect to going concern are described in the relevant sections of this report.

Other information

The trustees are responsible for the other information. The other information comprises the information included in the annual report other than the financial statements and our auditorʼs report thereon. Our opinion on the financial statements does not cover the other information and, except to the extent otherwise explicitly stated in our report, we do not express any form of assurance conclusion thereon.

Page 23

Independent auditors’ report To the members of Lewisham Local Limited

For the year ended 31 March 2024

In connection with our audit of the financial statements, our responsibility is to read the other information and, in doing so, consider whether the other information is materially inconsistent with the financial statements or our knowledge obtained in the audit or otherwise appears to be materially misstated. If we identify such material inconsistencies or apparent material

misstatements, we are required to determine whether there is a material misstatement in the financial statements or a material misstatement of the other information. If, based on the work we have performed, we conclude that there is a material misstatement of this other information, we are required to report that fact.

We have nothing to report in this regard.

Opinions on other matters prescribed by the Companies Act 2006

In our opinion, based on the work undertaken in the course of the audit:

Matters on which we are required to report by exception

In the light of the knowledge and understanding of the Charity and its environment obtained in the course of the audit, we have not identified material misstatements in the Trustees’ Annual Report.

We have nothing to report in respect of the following matters in relation to which the Companies Act 2006 requires us to report to you if, in our opinion:

Responsibilities of the trustees

As explained more fully in the trusteesʼ responsibilities statement, the trustees are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements and for being satisfied that they give a true and fair view, and for such internal control as they determine is necessary to enable the preparation of financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.

In preparing the financial statements, the trustees are responsible for assessing the Charityʼs ability to continue as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going concern and using the going concern basis of accounting unless the trustees either intend to liquidate the Charity or to cease operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so.

Page 24

Independent auditors’ report To the members of Lewisham Local Limited For the year ended 31 March 2024

Our responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements

Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements as a whole are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue an auditorʼs report that includes our opinion. Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance, but is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance with ISAs (UK) will always detect a material misstatement when it exists. Misstatements can arise from fraud or error and are considered material if, individually or in the aggregate, they could reasonably be expected to influence the economic decisions of users taken on the basis of these financial statements.

Irregularities, including fraud, are instances of non-compliance with laws and regulations. We design procedures in line with our responsibilities, outlined above, to detect material misstatements in respect of irregularities, including fraud. The extent to which our procedures are capable of detecting irregularities, including fraud are set out below.

In identifying and assessing risks of material misstatement in respect of irregularities, including fraud and non-compliance with laws and regulations, our procedures included the following:

Because of the inherent limitations of an audit, there is a risk that we will not detect all irregularities, including those leading to a material misstatement in the financial statements or non-compliance with regulation. The risk is also greater regarding irregularities occurring due to fraud rather than error, as fraud involves intentional concealment, forgery, collusion, omission or misrepresentation.

A further description of our responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements is located on the Financial Reporting Councilʼs website at: [www.frc.org.uk/auditorsresponsibilities]. This description forms part of our auditorʼs report.

This report is made solely to the Charityʼs members, as a body, in accordance with Chapter 3 of Part 16 of the Companies Act 2006. Our audit work has been undertaken so that we might state to the Charityʼs members those matters we are required to state to them in an auditorʼs report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not accept or

Page 25

Independent auditors’ report To the members of Lewisham Local Limited

For the year ended 31 March 2024

assume responsibility to anyone other than the Charity and the Charityʼs members as a body, for our audit work, for this report, or for the opinions we have formed.

Anthony Epton (Senior Statutory Auditor) for and on behalf of Goldwins Limited Statutory Auditor Chartered Accountants 75 Maygrove Road West Hampstead London NW6 2EG

14 November 2024

Page 26

Lewisham Local Limited Statement of Financial Activities

(incorporating an income and expenditure account)

For the year ended 31 March 2024

Note
Income from:
Donations and legacies
3
Charitable activities
4
Other Trading Activities
5
Other Income
6
Total income
Expenditure on:
Charitable activities
Total expenditure
6
Transfers between funds
7
Reconciliation of funds:
Total funds brought forward
Total funds carried forward
Net income / (expenditure) before
transfers
Net income / (expenditure) for the year		 Unrestricted
funds
£
22,500
39,190
2,642
28,092
92,424
36,072
36,072
56,352
(22,926)
33,426
298,511
331,937		 Restricted
funds
£
268,060
839,389
-
18,930
1,126,379
1,013,118
1,013,118
113,261
22,926
136,187
260,830
397,017		 2024
Total
funds
£
290,560
878,579
2,642
47,022
1,218,803
1,049,190
1,049,190
169,613
-
169,613
559,341
728,954		 2023
Total
funds
£
856,261
33,008
2,491
25,584
917,344
800,299
800,299
117,045
-
117,045
442,296
559,341

All of the above results are derived from continuing activities.

There were no other recognised gains or losses other than those stated above. The attached notes form part of these financial statements.

Page 27

Lewisham Local Limited Balance Sheet As at 31 March 2024

2024 2024 2023 2023
Note £ £ £ £
Current assets:
Debtors 11 201,644 58,053
Cash at bank and in hand 532,710 520,000
734,354 578,053
Liabilities:
Creditors: amounts falling due within one year 12 (5,400) (18,712)
Net current assets 728,954 559,341
Total net assets 728,954 559,341
Funds 15
Restricted funds 397,017 260,830
Unrestricted funds:
Designated funds 37,093 20,449
General funds 294,844 278,062
Total unrestricted funds 331,937 298,511
Total funds 728,954 559,341

Approved by the trustees on …........................... and signed on their behalf by: Approved by the trustees on Ahi [lofad and signed on their behalf by: 1) Roy Witter (Chair) Roy Witter (Chair) y

Company registration number: 04681564

The attached notes form part of the financial statements.

Page 28

Lewisham Local Limited Statement of Cash Flows

For the year ended 31 March 2024

Note
2024
£
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net cash provided by / (used in) operating activities
16
Change in cash and cash equivalents in the year
Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the year
Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the year
17		 2024
2023
£
£
12,710
12,710
520,000
532,710		 2023
£
102,833
102,833
417,167
520,000

Page 29

Lewisham Local Limited Notes to the Financial Statements For the year ended 31 March 2024

1 Accounting policies

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with 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) - (Charities SORP FRS 102) and the Companies Act 2006.

The charitable company meets the definition of a public benefit entity under FRS 102. Assets and liabilities are initially recognised at historical cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant accounting policy or note.

b) Going concern

The trustees consider that there are no material uncertainties about the charitable company's ability to continue as a going concern. The trustees do not consider that there are any sources of estimation uncertainty at the reporting date that have a significant risk of causing a material adjustment to the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities within the next reporting period.

c) Income

Income is recognised when the charity has entitlement to the funds, any performance conditions attached to the income have been met, it is probable that the income will be received and that the amount can be measured reliably.

Income from government and other grants, whether ‘capital’ grants or ‘revenue’ grants, is recognised when the charity has entitlement to the funds, any performance conditions attached to the grants have been met, it is probable that the income will be received and the amount can be measured reliably and is not deferred. Income received in advance for the provision of specified service is deferred until the criteria for income recognition are met.

For legacies, entitlement is taken as the earlier of the date on which either: the charity is aware that probate has been granted, the estate has been finalised and notification has been made by the executor(s) to the charity that a distribution will be made, or when a distribution is received from the estate. Receipt of a legacy, in whole or in part, is only considered probable when the amount can be measured reliably and the charity has been notified of the executor’s intention to make a distribution. Where legacies have been notified to the charity, or the charity is aware of the granting of probate, and the criteria for income recognition have not been met, then the legacy is a treated as a contingent asset and disclosed if material.

d) Donations of gifts, services and facilities

Donated professional services and donated facilities are recognised as income when the charity has control over the item or received the service, any conditions associated with the donation have been met, the receipt of economic benefit from the use by the charity of the item is probable and that economic benefit can be measured reliably. In accordance with the Charities SORP (FRS 102), volunteer time is not recognised so refer to the trustees’ annual report for more information about their contribution.

On receipt, donated gifts, professional services and donated facilities are recognised on the basis of the value of the gift to the charity which is the amount the charity would have been willing to pay to obtain services or facilities of equivalent economic benefit on the open market; a corresponding amount is then recognised in expenditure in the period of receipt.

e) Interest receivable

Interest on funds held on deposit is included when receivable and the amount can be measured reliably by the charity; this is normally upon notification of the interest paid or payable by the bank.

f) Fund accounting

Unrestricted funds are available to spend on activities that further any of the purposes of charity. Designated funds are unrestricted funds of the charity which the trustees have decided at their discretion to set aside to use for a specific purpose. Restricted funds are donations which the donor has specified are to be solely used for particular areas of the charity’s work or for specific projects being undertaken by the charity.

Page 30

Lewisham Local Limited Notes to the Financial Statements For the year ended 31 March 2024

1 Accounting policies (continued)

g) Expenditure and irrecoverable VAT

Irrecoverable VAT is charged as a cost against the activity for which the expenditure was incurred.

h) Allocation of support costs

Support costs are those functions that assist the work of the charity but do not directly undertake charitable activities. Support costs include back office costs, finance, personnel, payroll and governance costs which support the charity's programmes and activities. These costs have been allocated between cost of raising funds and expenditure on charitable activities. The bases on which support costs have been allocated are set out in note 7.

i) Operating leases

Rental charges are charged on a straight line basis over the term of the lease.

j) Tangible fixed assets

Items of equipment are capitalised where the purchase price exceeds £2,000. Depreciation is provided at rates calculated to write down the cost of each asset to its estimated residual value over its expected useful life. The depreciation rates in use are as follows:

Fixtures and fittings 25% Computer equipment 33%

k) Debtors

Trade and other debtors are recognised at the settlement amount due after any trade discount offered. Prepayments are valued at the amount prepaid net of any trade discounts due.

l) Cash at bank and in hand

m) Creditors and provisions

Creditors and provisions are recognised where the charity has a present obligation resulting from a past event that will probably result in the transfer of funds to a third party and the amount due to settle the obligation can be measured or estimated reliably. Creditors and provisions are normally recognised at their settlement amount after allowing for any trade discounts due.

n) Financial instruments

o) Pensions

The Charity operates a Defined Contributions pension scheme.

Page 31

Lewisham Local Limited Notes to the Financial Statements For the year ended 31 March 2024

2 Detailed comparatives for the statement of financial activities

Income from:
Donations
Charitable activities
Other Trading Activities
Other Income
Total income
Expenditure on:
Charitable activities:
Total expenditure
Net income / expenditure before transfers
Transfers between funds
Net income / expenditure
Reconciliation of funds:
Total funds brought forward
Total funds carried forward
Income from donations and legacies
General
£
£
18,070
4,430
-
18,070
4,430
Designated
Appeals and Donations
Grants - Trusts &		 Income from:
Donations
Charitable activities
Other Trading Activities
Other Income
Total income
Expenditure on:
Charitable activities:
Total expenditure
Net income / expenditure before transfers
Transfers between funds
Net income / expenditure
Reconciliation of funds:
Total funds brought forward
Total funds carried forward
Income from donations and legacies
General
£
£
18,070
4,430
-
18,070
4,430
Designated
Appeals and Donations
Grants - Trusts &		 Income from:
Donations
Charitable activities
Other Trading Activities
Other Income
Total income
Expenditure on:
Charitable activities:
Total expenditure
Net income / expenditure before transfers
Transfers between funds
Net income / expenditure
Reconciliation of funds:
Total funds brought forward
Total funds carried forward
Income from donations and legacies
General
£
£
18,070
4,430
-
18,070
4,430
Designated
Appeals and Donations
Grants - Trusts &		 2023
£
125,802
32,438
2,491
25,554
Unrestricted		 2023
£
730,459
570
-
30
Restricted		 2023
Total
£
856,261
33,008
2,491
25,584
186,285 731,059 917,344
229,175 571,124 800,299
229,175 571,124 800,299
(42,890)
500		 159,935
(500)		 117,045
-
(42,390)
340,901		 159,435
101,395		 117,045
442,296
298,511 260,830 559,341
£
10,670
257,390
Restricted		 2024
Total
£
33,170
257,390		 2023
Total
£
35,627
820,634
18,070 4,430 268,060 290,560 856,261

Page 32

Lewisham Local Limited Notes to the Financial Statements For the year ended 31 March 2024

4 Income From Charitable Activities

Designated
£
Contract Income
-
-
-
Fees and Supplies
-
Fundraising
2,765
Total
2,765
Income From Other Trading Activities
Designated
£
Local Card Sales
2,642
Total
2,642
Other income
Designated
£
1,090
Rental Income
15,599
16,689
Other Income
Grants - Local Authority
Grants - Regional /		 Designated
£
-
-
-
-
2,765		 General
£
36,425
-
-
-
-		 £
441,944
352,251
44,976
-
218
Restricted		 2024
Total
£
478,369
352,251
44,976
-
2,983		 2023
Total
£
-
-
-
26,542
6,466
2,765 36,425 839,389 878,579 33,008
General
£
-		 £
-
Restricted		 2024
Total
£
2,642		 2023
Total
£
2,491
2,642 - - 2,642 2,491
Designated
£
1,090
15,599		 General
£
5,801
5,602		 £
18,930
-
Restricted		 2024
Total
£
25,821
21,201		 2023
Total
£
2,995
22,589
16,689 11,403 18,930 47,022 25,584

5 Income From Other Trading Activities

6 Other income

Page 33

Lewisham Local Limited Notes to the Financial Statements For the year ended 31 March 2024

7 Analysis of expenditure

Project costs
Computer software and maintenance
Events and Hospitality
Room hire
Cost of trustee meetings
Marketing and publicity
Facilitators and project management
Management
Legal and professional
Volunteer expenses
Grant funding of activities
Staff costs
Rent and rates
Light, heat and power
Insurance
Printing, postage and stationery
Trade subscriptions
Cleaning
Travel and subsistence
Audit Fee
Bad debts written off
Bank charges
Private health insurance
Support costs
Total expenditure 2024
Total expenditure 2023		 Charitable
activities
Support &
Governance
costs
2024
Total
2023
Total
£
£
£
£
118,502
-
118,502
82,403
33,576
-
33,576
43,137
22,018
-
22,018
9,168
-
-
-
5,160
291
-
291
126
9,295
-
9,295
7,359
-
-
-
9,736
-
-
-
1,875
6,178
-
6,178
3,399
3,018
-
3,018
1,463
295,590
-
295,590
149,513
-
519,778
519,778
431,959
-
11,043
11,043
14,629
-
12,853
12,853
16,289
-
2,079
2,079
2,205
-
712
712
7,188
-
1,747
1,747
779
-
4,475
4,475
4,454
-
1,608
1,608
1,227
-
5,400
5,400
3,660
-
-
-
4,000
-
-
73
72
-
954
954
498
488,468
560,649
1,049,190
800,299
560,649
(560,649)
1,049,117
-
1,049,190
800,299
-
800,299

Of the total expenditure, £36,072 (2023: £229,175) was unrestricted and £1,013,118 (2023: £571,124) was restricted.

Support and governance costs refer to the costs involved in operational activity which support the delivery

of the charitable aims. They are allocated on the basis of full-time equivalent staff working on each activity.

Page 34

Lewisham Local Limited Notes to the Financial Statements For the year ended 31 March 2024

8 Net income / (expenditure) for the year

This is stated after charging / (crediting):

is stated after charging / (crediting): 2024 2023
£ £
tor's remuneration:
Net Audit fees 4,500 3,050

Auditor's remuneration:

9 Analysis of staff costs, trustee remuneration and expenses, and the cost of key management personnel

Staff costs were as follows:
Salaries and wages
Social security costs
Employer’s contribution to defined contribution pension schemes
Other staff costs		 2024
£
451,469
41,352
26,957
-		 2023
£
375,657
31,181
22,540
2,581
519,778 431,959

No employee received employee benefits (excluding employer pension) exceeding £60,000 during the year (2023: No employee).

The total employee benefits including pension contributions of the key management personnel were £56,606 (2023: £50,750).

None of the trustees received any remuneration and reimbursement for any expenses during the year (2023: £nil). No charity trustee received payment for professional or other services supplied to the charity (2023: £nil).

Staff numbers

The average number of employees (head count based on number of staff employed) during the year was as follows:

Charitable activities 2024
£
18		 2023
£
13
18 13

10 Taxation

The charitable company is exempt from corporation tax as all its income is charitable and is applied for charitable purposes.

11 Debtors

Trade debtors
Prepayments		 2024
£
201,644
-		 2023
£
53,138
4,915
201,644 58,053

Page 35

Lewisham Local Limited Notes to the Financial Statements For the year ended 31 March 2024

12 Creditors: amounts falling due within one year

Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
Other creditors
Accruals		 2024
£
-
5,400		 2023
£
52
18,660
5,400 18,712

13 Pension scheme

The Charity operates a defined Contributions pension scheme.

14 Analysis of net assets between funds

14 Analysis of net assets between funds
Current Assets
Current Liabilities
Net assets at the end of the year
Analysis of net assets between funds 2023
Current Assets
Current Liabilities
Net assets at the end of the year
15 Movements in funds
£
Restricted funds:
1,000
3,729
(504)
6,616
3,000
-
-
-
1,840
-
-
1,000
Tesco Groundwork - Bank of Things
Local Giving: WcW Bees Appeal
Town Centre Small Grants
The Lee Charity of William Hatcliffe - Bank of Things
Merchant Taylors Foundation - Bank of Things
Wild Cat Wilderness - National Lottery Community
Fund
At 1 April
2023
Unit 19
London Borough of Lewisham: Bank of Things
Hubbub Foundation - Bank of Things
Bank of Things - Christmas Appeal
Bank of Things - Elizabeth Fund
Bank of Things – Clarion Futures		 General
£
300,244
(5,400)		 Designated
£
37,093		 Restricted
£
397,017		 Total
funds
£
734,354
(5,400)
294,844 37,093 397,017 728,954
£
296,774
(18,712)
Unrestricted		 Designated
£
20,449		 Restricted
£
260,830		 Total
funds
£
578,053
(18,712)
278,062 20,449 260,830 559,341
£
-
-
3,500
-
1,100
6,756
16,189
5,000
-
15,000
30,574
-

Income		 £
(1,000)
(3,729)
(3,500)
(6,616)
(4,100)
(6,282)
(8,724)
(130)
-
(7,677)
(21,522)
-
Expenditure		 £
-
-
504
-
-
-
(504)
-
-
-
-
-
Transfers		 £
-
-
-
-
-
474
6,961
4,870
1,840
7,323
9,052
1,000
At 31 Mar
2024

Page 36

Lewisham Local Limited Notes to the Financial Statements For the year ended 31 March 2024

The Lee Charity of William Hatcliffe - Time Bank 5,000 - (5,000) - -
Time Bank - National Lottery Community Fund - 27,270 (21,392) (3,097) 2,781
Time Bank Waldron Center - 500 (500) - -
Time Bank Windrush - 1,050 (1,050) - -
London Plus - Community Emergency Resilience 5,000 5,000 (5,107) - 4,893
London Borough of Lewisham - Building People 9,269 16,666 (18,706) - 7,229
Changing Minds
LBL Volunteer Brokerage - 30,250 (16,424) - 13,826
Time Bank - Warm Welcome - - 2,600 (2,600) -
London Borough of Lewisham: Inclusion Growth 15,858 - (8,095) - 7,763
Builder
London Borough of Lewisham: Launchpad 12,517 - - - 12,517
City Bridge Trust: Lewisham Local 5,974 64,700 (53,915) - 16,759
London Borough of Lewisham - Warm Welcomes 18,111 215,000 (162,132) 2,600 73,579
Lendlease Grants (Deptford Landings) - - (21,565) 21,565 -
Lewisham Local Giving Fund - 3,348 - - 3,348
Local Giving - Essentials Grants 2 - LBL & Merchant - 92,000 (92,000) - -
Taylors
LBL - Household Support Fund 4 (Essentials & Food - 69,000 - (8,370) 60,630
Justice)
City Bridge Foundation - Place Based Funding - 95,966 (64,969) - 30,997
Lewisham Foodbank (600) - - 600 -
Merchant Taylors Foundation - Cost of Living 14,060 - - (14,060) -
The Beatrice Laing Trust - Food Cycle Lewisham 3,000 6,000 (3,257) (600) 5,143
London Borough of Lewisham - Catford Food Projects 1,232 6,537 (8,150) 381 -
FoodCycle Haberdashers - 3,600 (2,040) - 1,560
Children England - Food Growing 500 - - - 500
London Borough of Lewisham - Food Justice 101,955 40,450 (84,436) - 57,969
Greater London Authority - Food Roots 13,200 - (13,200) - -
Sustainable Food Places - Good Food Lewisham 13,860 - (8,000) - 5,860
London Borough of Lewisham - Food Growing 1,920 45,956 (43,298) - 4,578
Good Food - GLA Food Roots 2 - 44,976 (19,093) - 25,883

Page 37

Lewisham Local Limited Notes to the Financial Statements For the year ended 31 March 2024

Time Bank
Cost of Living Appeal
Food'n'Fun in the Fields Festival
LBL - Toilets
Total restricted funds
Unrestricted funds:
Designated funds:
Bank of Things
Foodcycle Lewisham
Food'n'Fun in the Fields Festival
Lewisham Local Card sales
Wild Cat Wilderness
Total Designated Funds
General funds
Integrated Care System
LBL - Borough of Culture
General funds
Total General Funds
Total unrestricted funds
Total funds
London Borough of Lewisham - Every Rushey Green
Resident Deserves a Voice
London Borough of Lewisham - Community Directory
London Borough of Lewisham - Fundraising
Development
London Borough of Lewisham - Black Infrastructure
Support
London Borough of Lewisham - Digital Inclusion		 3,311
2,699
7,707
8,511
1,668
-
-
(603)
-		 28,686
(30,851)
40,000
(25,889)
60,100
(64,374)
60,000
(67,231)
60,000
(53,547)
1,728
(4,825)
2,157
(24,587)
2,820
(3,197)
24,500
(25,608)		 -
(1,108)
-
-
-
3,097
22,430
980
1,108		 1,146
15,702
3,433
1,280
8,121
-
-
-
-
260,830 1,126,379
(1,013,118)		 22,926 397,017
-
11,072
979
-
8,398		 4,356
-
14,155
1,106
-
-
2,662
(1,859)
18,993
(21,408)		 -
(382)
(979)
-
-		 4,356
25,951
-
803
5,983
20,449
-
-
278,062		 40,166
(22,161)
9,000
(9,000)
5,000
-
38,258
(4,911)		 (1,361)
-
-
(21,565)		 37,093
-
5,000
289,844
278,062 52,258
(13,911)		 (21,565) 294,844
298,511 92,424
(36,072)		 (22,926) 331,937
559,341 1,218,803
(1,049,190)		 - 728,954

Page 38

Lewisham Local Limited Notes to the Financial Statements For the year ended 31 March 2024

Movements in funds 2023

Movements in funds 2023
At 1 April At 31 Mar
2022 Income Expenditure Transfers 2023
£ £ £ £ £
Restricted funds:
London Borough of Lewisham: Inclusion Growth
Builder		 24,892 - (9,034) - 15,858
Tesco Groundwork - Bank of Things - 1,000 - - 1,000
Merchant Taylors Foundation - Bank of Things - 3,729 - - 3,729
The Lee Charity of William Hatcliffe - Bank of Things - 1,300 (1,804) - (504)
London Borough of Lewisham: Bank of Things 25,105 - (18,489) - 6,616
Hubbub Foundation - Bank of Things - 3,000 - - 3,000
Local Giving: WcW Bees Appeal 1,840 - - - 1,840
Town Centre Small Grants 1,000 - - - 1,000
The Lee Charity of William Hatcliffe - Time Bank - 5,000 - - 5,000
London Plus - Community Emergency Resilience - 5,000 - - 5,000
London Catalyst 2,500 - (2,000) (500) -
London Borough of Lewisham: Launchpad 12,517 - - - 12,517
Lendlease 600 - (600) - -
City Bridge Trust: Lewisham Local 7,981 64,700 (66,707) - 5,974
Lewisham Foodbank 10,000 - (10,600) - (600)
City Bridge Trust - Wild Cat Wilderness 14,960 11,050 (26,010) - -
Merchant Taylors Foundation - Cost of Living - 37,500 (23,440) - 14,060
NAVCA - Warm Welcomes - 5,000 (5,000) - -
The Beatrice Laing Trust - Food Cycle Lewisham - 5,000 (2,000) - 3,000
London Borough of Lewisham - Catford Food Projects - 6,538 (5,306) - 1,232
Children England - Food Growing - 1,100 (600) - 500
London Borough of Lewisham - Food Justice - 121,350 (4,395) (15,000) 101,955
Greater London Authority - Food Roots - 13,200 - - 13,200
Sustainable Food Places - Good Food Lewisham - 51,956 (38,096) - 13,860
London Borough of Lewisham - Food Growing - 1,920 - - 1,920

Page 39

Lewisham Local Limited Notes to the Financial Statements For the year ended 31 March 2024

Total restricted funds
Unrestricted funds:
Designated funds:
Wild Cat Wilderness
Food'n'Fun in the Fields Festival
Foodcycle Lewisham
Total designated funds
General funds
Total unrestricted funds
Total funds
London Borough of Lewisham - Black Infrastructure
Support
London Borough of Lewisham - Digital Inclusion
Fun Food 'n' Fun in the Fields Festival
London Borough of Lewisham - Warm Welcomes
London Borough of Lewisham - Volunteering
Borkerage
London Borough of Lewisham - Building People
Changing Minds
London Borough of Lewisham - Every Rushey Green
Resident Deserves a Voice
London Borough of Lewisham - Community Directory
London Borough of Lewisham - Fundraising
Development		 -
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-		 85,208
30,000
33,333
19,124
40,000
59,998
60,000
60,000
5,053		 (82,097)
(30,000)
(24,064)
(15,813)
(37,301)
(52,291)
(51,489)
(58,332)
(5,656)		 15,000
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-		 18,111
-
9,269
3,311
2,699
7,707
8,511
1,668
(603)
101,395 731,059 (571,124) (500) 260,830
11,473
3,239
979		 9,603
12,180
-		 (12,678)
(4,847)
-		 -
500
-		 8,398
11,072
979
15,691
325,210		 21,783
164,502		 (17,525)
(211,650)		 500
-		 20,449
278,062
340,901 186,285 (229,175) 500 298,511
442,296 917,344 (800,299) - 559,341

Page 40

Lewisham Local Limited Notes to the Financial Statements For the year ended 31 March 2024

Purposes of restricted funds

London Borough of Lewisham: Lewisham Inclusive Growth Builder Fund - funds for digital costs, promotion and marketing.

London Borough of Lewisham : Covid Support - covid measures funding, infection control and testing. Small Charities Coalition : funds for Kickstart project; to create six month jobs for young people. Local Giving : Wild Cat Wilderness bees appeal.

Prudential : for FoodCycle Lewisham to provide a weekly meal for isolated people affected by food poverty. Town Centre Small Grants - funds for bank of things and to promote Lewisham Local Card. London Catalyst : Launchpad seedcorn funding for Health and Wellbeing Projects.

London Borough of Lewisham : Launchpad grants for distribution Lendlease - Grant distribution projects addressing the impacts of Covid-19 on BAME communities in Lewisham

The City Bridge Trust (Lewisham Local ): towards a Director of Lewisham Local plus associated running costs for the development and consolidation of Lewisham Local Lewisham Foodbank - funds to be shared with other food projects through Lewisham Local

The City Bridge Trust (Wild Cat Wilderness) : for salaries and associated direct costs of the Wild Cat Wilderness project

London Borough of Lewisham : resource for young people for educational and other wellbeing supplies, and support and additional activities

Co-op Local Community Fund : to run arts and crafts workshops in Bellingham NAVCA - Warm welcomes - supporting our Warm Welcomes initiative distributing grants to local groups Tesco Groundwork : Bank of Things - Distributing hygiene and educational supplies to young people in need. Lee Charity of William Hatcliffe : Time Bank - Coordinator and activity costs supporting local people to improve their health and wellbeing through sharing time and skills.

Lee Charity of William Hatcliffe : Bank of things - Activity costs distributing hygiene and educational supplies to young people in need. London Plus : Community Emergency Resilience - Building a network of local organisations and partnering with Lewisham Council to increase our preparedness for future emergencies. Merchant Taylors Foundation : Bank of Things - Activity costs distributing hygiene and educational supplies to young people in need.

Merchant Taylors Foundatio n: Cost of Living - Match funding our Cost of Living campaign to give small grants to community organisations supporting residents through the cost of living crisis with food, energy advice, signposting to additional support.

Sustainable Food Places : Good Food Lewisham - Strengthening networks between food growing groups, growers, related organisation and increasing food growing and awareness of different food cultures. a partnership with Grow Lewisham CIC.

The Beatrice Laing Trust : Food Cycle Lewisham - Core costs for our project and to launch a new second community meal.

Children England : Food Growing - Small grants for local people to start food growing activities in their communities.

London Borough of Lewisham : Food Justice - In partnership with Lewisham Council develop the Food Justice Action Plan and the Food Justice Alliance

London Borough of Lewisham : Warm welcomes - Coordinate a programme of local community organisations supporting residents through the Cost of Living crisis. Warm Welcomes would offer a safe, warm space with social activities and refreshments as well as additional signposting support.

Greater London Authority : Food Roots Winter Crisis Grants - Expanding our food partnership work to help improve the sustainability and resilience of local efforts to address food insecurity.

London Borough of Lewisham : Catford Food Projects - Coordination support for our FoodCycle Project and wider support for other food projects in Catford.

London Borough of Lewisham : Volunteering Brokerage - Supporting individuals into volunteering roles and working with voluntary sector organisations to promote roles to the wider public.

Page 41

Lewisham Local Limited Notes to the Financial Statements For the year ended 31 March 2024

London Borough of Lewisham : Every Rushey Green Resident Deserves a Voice - Pilot project to build the connections of local businesses, residents and community groups to understand the needs and aspirations for the local community.

London Borough of Lewisham : Community Directory - Maintaining a digital directory of community organisations within Lewisham

London Borough of Lewisham : Fundraising Development - Providing fundraising development support to equalities focused organisations, initially focused on organisations led by and for black and/or disabled communities in Lewisham

London Borough of Lewisham : Black Infrastructure Support - Providing capacity building support for organisations led by and for black communities in Lewisham, a partnership with Kinaraa CIC.

London Borough of Lewisham : Digital Inclusion - Increase access to digital devices and digital support across

Lewisham, facilitating a network of partners focused on digital inclusion, in partnership with Catbytes CIC. London Borough of Lewisham : Warm Welcomes - Coordinate a project of 50+ local community spaces allowing free access to warm space, hot refreshments and signposting support, including distributing grants and facilitating a network of organisations

16 Reconciliation of net income / (expenditure) to net cash flow from operating activities

Net income / (expenditure) for the reporting period
(as per the statement of financial activities)
(Increase)/ decrease in debtors
Increase/ (decrease) in creditors
Net cash provided by / (used in) operating activities		 2024
£
169,613
(143,591)
(13,312)		 2023
£
117,045
(12,156)
(2,056)
12,710 102,833

17 Analysis of cash and cash equivalents

Analysis of cash and cash equivalents
Cash at bank and in hand
Total cash and cash equivalents
Total cash and cash equivalents 2023		 £
520,000
At 1 April
2023		 Cash flows
£
12,710
 £
-
Other
changes		 £
532,710

At 31
March
2024
520,000 12,710 - 532,710
417,167 102,833 - 520,000

18 Legal status of the charity

The charity is a company limited by guarantee and has no share capital. Each member is liable to contribute a sum not exceeding £1 in the event of the charity being wound up.

19 Related party transactions

There were no related party transactions during the year (2023: none).

Page 42