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2022-12-31-accounts

Open Door - Colchester Annual Report 2022

Registered charity number: 1101675

Contents

  1. History and Background ....................................................................................... 3 2. Chairman’s Letter ................................................................................................. 5 3. Director’s Report .................................................................................................. 7 4. Report on the Public Benefit ................................................................................ 9 5. Treasurer's Report ............................................................................................. 10 6. Accounts: Open Door Colchester ....................................................................... 11 7. Management and Constitution .......................................................................... 15 8. Financial Policies ................................................................................................ 16 9. Independent Examiner's Report on the Accounts .............................................. 17

1. History and Background

Open Door began after some church members invited a few young drug users for coffee and biscuits. In response to the obvious need for help, support and somewhere to go, Open Door was born in September 1986. Six volunteers initially opened the church vestibule for just two hours a week. This quickly became four hours a week, then three days a week soon after. The volunteers could welcome people with a wide variety of needs and listen, support and form relationships. After five years in cramped conditions in the vestibule, it was decided that a church lounge would be built. This building project also included an office that enabled confidential conversations and the use of a telephone. During this period, three team leaders were appointed, one for each day that Open Door was open, all under the leadership of the Director.

Listening and counselling, formal or informal, were at the heart of what Open Door offered. It is a very informal setting where people can come and go as they please. Guests can sit quietly on their own, or one of the team will always be happy to talk with them.

Open Door has been grounded in prayer from the beginning, with the team meeting to pray each morning. Many people have come to find faith in Jesus through the work of Open Door, and many others have benefitted emotionally or practically from their involvement in the charity. There have been many challenging moments as guests are often in difficult situations. Several people have passed away significantly from the rough sleeping community. In addition, there have been ongoing battles with various addictions, but many success stories of addictions have been overcome. Some of the issues presented require signposting to ensure specialist support. i.e., Beacon House and hospitals for emergency medical assessment, Citizens Advice Bureau for complex legal needs, family matters, Social Services for safeguarding issues such as selfneglect, Colchester Night Shelter, Colchester Borough Homes for housing and Open Road, GP surgeries, rehab providers for mental health and wellbeing support.

Christmas lunch has been served to the guests with turkey and Christmas pudding for everyone. This is a joyful occasion to celebrate, and often give gifts to the guests.

Eight years ago, further opportunities were developed for guests to explore and express their Christian faith. Open Door opened every Tuesday for a Bible study (Tuesday@Twelve) and Sunday for a service (Sunday@One). These quickly grew and were popular with the guests, providing an accessible form of church for those who may not be comfortable with a typical church service.

While much has changed over the years at Open Door, and there have been different directors and managers, the DNA has remained unchanged. Open Door is still a place where anyone can be welcomed, served affordable food and drink, treated with dignity and respect, listened to, and supported through whatever challenges they face. There is no typical Open Door guest, but they may be homeless, unemployed, hungry, addicted, elderly, lonely or struggling with mental illness. Thousands have been served over the years, and we trust God that many thousands more will continue to be served in the years ahead.

2. Chairman’s Letter

Chairman’s Letter

The past year will be remembered as a challenging year for many valued visitors as COVID lockdown restrictions eased and hotel provision ended. It was extremely sad to report that six of our regular visitors passed away due to prolonged ill health, not helped by being homeless.

We were, therefore, particularly grateful to Colchester Borough Homes for engaging the Open Door team as part of a more comprehensive provision aimed at preventing and relieving homelessness in the community. The three greatest needs recorded this year are housing support (practical), welfare emergencies (food), and welfare support (health and addiction). The Open Door team of staff and volunteers are compassionate and have a natural ability to break down barriers and build trust with visitors and stakeholders to achieve positive outcomes and wellbeing goals.

Staff

Lee, our new Director, joined in October and has settled in well. The team are really enjoying his interpersonal skills and army language. Lee has already experienced several difficult situations on the forecourt, and his training in conflict resolution has been a real bonus and blessing. Our manager, Kaoru, leads the Open All Ours Project, and her leadership, practical insights and compassionate support are well and truly appreciated.

Volunteers

We were delighted to welcome new team leaders drawn from local Churches during the year, and I’m pleased to report that we are back to strength. The 23 volunteers play a massive part in ensuring everyone can access the right support and a listening ear in a café style setting. I especially want to thank Peter Hurstell for supporting Kaoru over the summer as we waited for Lee to take up the post of Director. He provided invaluable managerial and administration support. Thank you, Peter.

Trustees & Advisors

I want to thank all the trustees and, Pam Simpson for her safeguarding support, and Mike Baker for due diligence in the independent examination of Open Door’s Annual Financial Accounts.

During the year, it was a tremendous honour to speak at the thanksgiving service for Rob Urand. To say thank you to Rob for his almost unparalleled contribution to Open Door over 20 years and to recognise the sacrifice that his wife Sandra made in supporting Rob as he served the visitors of Open Door as team leader and trustee. Rob Urand joined the team of volunteers in 2001, and through his professional expertise, he was instrumental in setting out the OD Constitution for charitable status. This enabled the trustees to gain grants to resource staff members and expand the work. Rob also became a trustee, providing good governance, financial management and, most importantly, feedback to the trustees as senior team leader.

There aren’t many Accountants with considerable earning potential who retire at the age of 50 so that they can serve others. Rob was extraordinary. Thank you, trustees, volunteers, and advisors, for enriching the lives of literally thousands upon thousands of visitors to Open Door

Donations

We are grateful to all our stakeholders who have generously resourced the running of Open Door. Your grants, individual gifts, and grants have enabled the Open Door team to make a massive difference to all the guests at Open Door Colchester.

Tim Rose, Honorary Chairman, August 2023

3. Director’s Report

As I write this, I have been in the post for six months as the new Director of Open Door Colchester. My name is Lee McDade. I have been a Christian since 1999 and have been in full-time ministry for the last 16 years, predominately working with the Military (SASRA). I became the part-time Director of Open Door and an associate minister of the Baptist Church in October 2022.

It was initially a tough transition from working with the Military back to a civilian role, but it has been incredible to see how God is working through Open Door and how the All Souls ministry has indeed impacted the lives of those who come along.

Folks come to Open Door for many reasons; some may come for advice or referrals, and some may come for a listening ear. They may be lonely and vulnerable; some come because they are in some physical need, and others come because they know we, as a Christian Charity, also offer the chance of spiritual refreshment through Bible study or prayer, which for me is so vital prayer can so often be a force multiplier. Our links with Beacon House, Colchester Borough Homes, and the night shelter are as strong as ever.

As other directors have said, Open Door must not divert too far from our main objective: offering our guests a befriending service. Some visitors find themselves at a grim time due to changing circumstances. Open Door has always been a lifeline contributing to rebuilding their lives. We long to see peace and progress in the lives of our guests.

The Open Door team do not underestimate the importance of having a friend to journey with through the low times. I am so proud of our staff and volunteers. They give their time, energy, and compassion at least one day a week to support our guests. Their sacrifice for others is admirable and worthy of highlighting in my report.

Foodbank

Working in partnership with Colchester Foodbank as a satellite hub in the Colchester City centre is a privilege. Being in the centre of the town means that those who live nearby without vehicles can easily access the service. We provide food to hundreds of people who are in need every year. Post-Covid, more individuals and families are on the breadline due to the rise in fuel and energy prices. We could never say that providing for so many people is a "success", but we are grateful that we can help throughout this challenging time.

Working alongside Foodbank allows Open Door to further support people by offering them more than just food. By spending time with people, we can help find the root of the problem and help them accordingly to move towards a better life.

As I have said, discipleship is still a massive part of what we do here at Open Door and Tuesday@Twelve. It allows our guests to learn more about the Bible, and we always attempt to make it applicable to the situation. It is astonishing to see those with mental health-related issues engage. It is incredible to witness those who lack confidence read aloud. It is phenomenal to hear people from all walks of life recall different stories and events from the Bible and share what each verse means to them. Sunday@One also allows those who would not usually feel comfortable in a traditional church setting to feel safe in their environment. 10-20 people attend both meetings.

Hope Explored

Hope Explored looks at the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus in Luke's Gospel; this three-session series shows that Christianity is about real hope: a joyful expectation for the future based on actual events in the past, which changes everything about my present. Hope Explored does not require a considerable time commitment from guests and is one of the easiest ways to introduce someone to Christianity. The Christianity Explored series is aimed as a follow-up course for those eager to explore the Christian faith more. It has been great to lead at least three sessions with some of our guests from Open Door. The structure of each session is simple: a short Bible study, a talk, and a discussion based on the talk. Style is very informal, and we try to create an environment where everyone feels comfortable and welcome, able to share their thoughts without judgment or embarrassment; the last three sessions have seen over thirty people attend.

As I have alluded to previously, we long to see real, true peace and progress in the lives of our guests, which I believe comes through much prayer and proclamation, patience, and partnership. I truly value your support. We give God all the glory for what He continues to do through this ministry.

Lee McDade Director

4. Report on the Public Benefit

The aims of Open Door are two-fold.

These aims have been the focus of the work of Open Door in 2022. The Sunday@One and Tuesday@Twelve ministries have provided the main opportunities for advancing the Christian faith. These provide informal and accessible opportunities for guests to explore or express their Christian faith. Anyone is welcome to these events and is encouraged to participate as much as they feel comfortable.

The provision of emotional and practical support is primarily through our regular drop-in sessions. These are open to anyone, and everyone is treated equally regardless of their circumstances or past. We can refer guests to appropriate agencies that they may not otherwise know about. In addition, we regularly help with phone calls and filling in forms. We serve food and drink at very reasonable prices and offer a willing listening ear.

Many people have found great help from their involvement in Open Door; for some, we are the only agency in Colchester whose services they access. We provide a community and safe space to belong for those who are lonely, and crisis support for those who need it.

5. Treasurer's Report

The Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2022 follow this Report and should be read with the accompanying notes.

We are very grateful to the Essex Community Foundation and Colchester Borough Council for their grants to support specific aspects of our work.

The continuing support of Colchester Baptist Church (through a donation and allowing the use of their premises without charge) is much appreciated.

The support of other Churches in Colchester and District is valued by Open Door; we would also like to thank the talented volunteers who regularly give their time, but also because of the generous donations to our work over many years. We continue to benefit from around 35 individual monthly contributions ranging from £5 to £300, averaging £600 monthly.

Donations from the Baptist Insurance Company and other grants from Churches and businesses are much appreciated.

David Prentice retired from administering our payroll during the year, and his expertise, diligence and tenacity will be especially missed by the ‘Treasurer’. Big thank you.

Again, we thank Michael Baker FCCA for his work examining these accounts.

Grant Duminy Honorary Treasurer September 2022

6. Accounts: Open Door Colchester

Accounts for the period 1[st] January – 31[st] December 2022

1. Receipts and Payments: General Fund

1. Receipts and Payments: General Fund
2022 2021
Receipts
Donations and Grants
Colchester Baptist Church 5,000 1,125
Other Churches 750 400
Other Bodies 38,236 16,915
Individuals 7,765 7,343
Total Donations and Grants 51,751 25,783
Receipts from Activities
Sale of Refreshments 891 693
Sponsored Walk and Cycle Ride 0 1,863
Total receipts from Activities 891 2,556
Other Income
JRC Grant 0 3,493
Interest on Deposit Accounts 144 146
Income Tax refunded on Gift-Aided Donations 0 1,351
Total Receipts 52,787 33,329
2022 2021
Payments
Direct costs of supporting Guests
Payments and loans to or on behalf of Guests 0 0
Food and Refreshments 2,037 2,211
"Compassion" payments 1,520 0
Total Direct Costs 3,558 2,211
Costs of running Open Door – Colchester
Salaries, Pension and National Insurance 41,405 38,687
Staff training costs 236 0
Telephone line rental, calls and broadband 584 369
Insurances 547 512
Purchase of Equipment 437 1,930
Administration materials, etc. 87 0
Miscellaneous Costs 0 15
Total Running Costs 43,295 41,513
Total Payments 46,853 43,724
Increase (Decrease) in Funds over the Period 5,934 -10,395
Balance brought forward from previous Period 28,234 38,629
Balance carried forward 34,168 28,234
Richard Green Special Needs Fund
Donation received 0 0
Payments made 0 0
Balance carried forward 805 805
2. Statement of Assets and Liabilities - 31st December 2022 2021
Bank balances, etc., held
CAF cash account 39,669 4,638
Deposit with the ADFC 0
Epworth cash plus 4,454 14,401
Shawbrook Bank 0 10,000
Liabilities
Prepayment of grant -9,150 0
Total Assets 34,973 29,040
Representing balances on Receipts and Payments
Accounts
General Fund 34,168 28,234
Richard Green Special Needs Fund 805 805
Total Funds 34,973 29,039

Signed on behalf of the Trustee. Tim Rose

Signed - Independent examiner. Mike Baker FCCA

Notes on the Accounts

1. Accounting policy: in view of its size, Open Door’s accounts are presented on a “receipts and payments” basis in accordance with Sections 132 & 133 of the Charities Act 2011.

2. Status: Open Door – Colchester became a Registered Charity (No 1101675) on 22nd January 2004.

3. Donations and grants: large donations and grants given to Open Door are listed in the Treasurer’s Report. Other Churches and bodies in and around Colchester continue to provide much-appreciated support, both in money and prayer.

4. Gift Aid Income Tax refund: many individual donations have been made under the Gift Aid Scheme.

5. The Richard Green Special Needs Fund: This fund arose from specific donations – its purpose is to help Open Door buy items such as sleeping bags, tents, etc., for guests with needs. Mr Green has generously continued these donations.

6. Borrowings: Open Door owes money to no one. The Director, Manager, and Team Leaders are provided with floats out of which they make small grants and loans to guests.

7. Insurances: Open Door holds insurance cover for Public and Employer’s Liability, Trustees’ Indemnity, and Legal expenses. Insurance cover for buildings and contents is held by Colchester Baptist Church, on whose premises Open Door operates.

7. Management and Constitution

Open Door – Colchester was constituted as a charity separate from Colchester Baptist Church on 25th November 2003 and registered with the Charity Commission on 22nd January 2004 (registered number 1101675).

Open Door is managed by an Executive Committee of between 5 and 12 members, including.

Membership of the Executive Committee and Trustees in 2022

The part-time Director controls the day-to-day work of Open Door, Lee McDade, assisted by the almost full-time drop-in Manager, Kaoru Magee. Open Door continues to take full responsibility for Sunday@One (an informal Sunday service) and Tuesday@Twelve (an informal Bible Study). The Director’s hours cover part of this ministry. Open Door operates on Sundays, Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Fridays with groups of helpers led by Team Leader Anne Jonas. There are approximately 23 volunteers.

8. Financial Policies

Investments

The investment funds possessed by Open Door – Colchester have been relatively small and are not held for the long term. Hitherto, the Trustees have considered it appropriate for funds not immediately needed for current expenses to be placed on deposit. These funds are placed in an account with the Affirmative Deposit Fund for Charities (ADFC) operated by Epworth Investment Management (associated with the Methodist Church) and the CAF/ Shawbrook Bank to gain interest while retaining immediate access to the funds.

A current account is held with the CAF Bank to manage the day-to-day needs of Open Door.

Reserves

We currently have a balance of £4,454 in interest-bearing deposit accounts.

Grants and Loans

Open Door – Colchester does not make significant grants to individuals (or organisations). Small sums of money to assist with living expenses, delays in receiving benefits, etc., are provided for individual guests in appropriate cases at the discretion of the Director, Manager or Team Leaders. When feasible, these sums are provided in the form of loans and repayment terms agreed with the Guest. Otherwise, the money is given without strings attached.

9. Independent Examiner's Report on the Accounts

Report to the Executive Committee (as Trustees) and members of Open Door Colchester (Charity no. 1101675) on the accounts for the year ended 31st December 2022 set out on the preceding pages.

Respective responsibilities of trustees and examiner

The Executive Committee is responsible for the preparation of the accounts. The Committee considers that an audit is not required for this year under section 144 of the Charities Act 2011 (the Charities Act) and that an independent examination is needed. Examine the accounts under section 145 of the Charities Act,

Basis of independent examiner's statement

Independent examiner's statement

My examination was carried out in accordance with general directions given by the Charity Commission. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts and seeking explanations from the trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit, and consequently, no opinion is given as to whether the accounts present a 'true and fair' view, and the Report is limited to those matters set out in the statement below.

In connection with my examination, no matter has come to my attention:

  1. which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in, any material respect, the requirements:

  2. to keep accounting records by section 130 of the Charities Act.

  3. to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records and comply with the accounting requirements of the Charities Act have not been met; or

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

18[th] September 2023

Signed: independent Examiner

MG Baker FCA, 118 Chapel Road, West Bergholt, Colchester, C06 3EZ.