2023-04-30-accounts

POSITIVE NETWORK ANNUAL REPORT & ACCOUNTS 2022123 li

Contents

Reference and Administrative Details ................................................................................................................ 3 Trustees Report 2022/23 ................................................................................................................................... 4 Objectives and Activities .................................................................................................................................... 4 Beneficiaries ...................................................................................................................................................... 4 Celebrating 21 Years of Impact: Our Journey, Achievements, and Future Aspirations ...................................... 5 Independent Examiner’s Report to the Trustees of Positive Network ................................................................. 6 Positive Network in 2022/23 at a Glance ........................................................................................................... 7 Statement of Financial Activities ........................................................................................................................ 8 Balance Sheet ................................................................................................................................................... 9

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Reference and Administrative Details

Trustees: Sarah Abrahams (Chair) Paul Hayward (Treasurer) Stewart Salmon (Secretary) Thelma Simpson (Member) Eileen Goedluck (Member) Richard Okerchiri (appointed January 2023) Registered Office: 2-4 Ravenstone Street Balham London SW12 9SS Company Registration Number: 08149526 (England and Wales) Charity Number: 1101803 Independent Examiner: Esther Bello-Adekola Duke of Wellington Avenue London SE18 6NP Bankers: Unity Trust Bank Plc Four Brindley Place Birmingham B1 2JB

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Trustees Report 2022/23

The trustees, who are also directors for the purposes of company law, have pleasure in presenting their report with financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31 March 2023. The Trustees have adopted the provisions of the Statements of Recommended Practice (SORP) Accounting and Reporting by Charities issued in March 2005.

Reference and Administrative Details

Reference and administrative details are shown in the schedule of members of the board and professional advisers on page 3 of the financial statements.

Structure, Governance and Management

Positive Network Community Project is a company limited by guarantee number 08149526 and a registered charity number 1101803. The company was incorporated on 19 July 2012.

Recruitment and appointment of new trustees

The Board of trustee’s members (aka Management Committee members) are elected at the Annual General Meeting (AGM) held by the organisation once every year. The Executives are able to co-opt new members during the year.

Risk Management

The Board of Trustees undertake a review of all the major risks, both internal and external, to which the organisation is faced with rigorous monitoring. Feedback systems have been put in place that make it possible to analyse every aspect of the organisation’s operations and activities, including the sound management of its finances. While these systems might eventually indicate internal risks to the Management Committee, they have to follow events independent of the Charity to identify possible risks, most of which usually relate to the loss of funds.

Objectives and Activities

The objectives of the charity, as stated in its Memorandum and Articles:

• The provision of advisory services on Education and Social services to people of all ages, disabilities, social and economic backgrounds.

• To provide and improve the conditions of the life of vulnerable individuals through the provision of social welfare, recreational and leisure facilities.

Beneficiaries

People who use our services – around 37,800 yearly. Their families, carers and advocates.

The wider communities we work in, especially vulnerable people within them.

Reserves Policy

The trustees are aware that a prudent financial management of the charity requires that some funds are put aside for a “rainy day”. After considering the contractual obligations of the charity, such as premises and other leasing obligations, the trustees have decided that they would hold funds in reserve, equivalent to a minimum of six months total operating expenditure. This means a total of approximately £50,000 for the current financial year.

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Celebrating 21 Years of Impact: Our Journey, Achievements, and Future Aspirations

Positive Network proudly celebrated its 21st anniversary with a heartfelt thanksgiving service, filled with music, dance, storytelling, and song. Additionally, we hosted a three-day festivity on Mitcham Fair Green in honor of the King's Coronation.

Events Highlights

• June 2023: Commemorated the 75th Anniversary of Windrush with an enlightening exhibition across all Merton Libraries, in partnership with Merton Council and photographer Steve Reeves.

• August 1st, 2023: Embraced Emancipation Day.

• Celebrated Stella Seely's 90th Birthday with joyous festivities.

• Organized a revitalizing 5-day holiday trip to Devon.

• Hosted a Financial Seminar conducted by Lloyds Bank.

• Celebrated the 60th Wedding Anniversary of our esteemed members, Noel and Beryl, who received a heartfelt card from King Charles and Camilla.

Program Success

• The Day Centre continued to flourish, offering chair-based exercises, dominoes, arts and crafts, and bingo.

• The Wellbeing Group thrived with planned activities, including karaoke evenings and film screenings.

• • CEO Grace Salmon received the Civic Award from Wandsworth Council, and the Mayor of Merton honored her with the Women of Substance award.

Community Support

• The Food Bank at Unity Centre, operating on Wednesdays and Saturdays at Mitcham Fair Green, effectively served the community.

• Collaborated with young people, providing safe travel through football Fridays and access to our minibus for those at risk.

• The intergenerational program strengthened connections through activities focused on cooking, nutrition, and budgeting.

• A mural titled "Sankofa Journeys," created by our youth, symbolizes the wisdom gleaned from our elders' remarkable journeys.

Growth and Appreciation

• Membership increased by 60%, demonstrating heightened community engagement and impact.

• Heartfelt appreciation to our dedicated staff and volunteers for their unwavering commitment.

• Special thanks to our generous funders and donors for their continued support, enabling us to drive positive change within our community.

Positive Network remains steadfast in its mission to foster connections, empower individuals, and effect positive change. We eagerly anticipate another year of growth, collaboration, and impactful initiatives.

Approved by the board of trustees on 11 July 2024 and signed on its behalf by:

Sarah Abrahams (Chair)

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Independent Examiner’s Report to the Trustees of Positive Network

I report to the charity trustees on my examination of the accounts of Positive Network (the charitable company) for the year ended 31 March 2023.

Responsibilities and basis of report

As the charity’s trustees of the Company (who are also the directors of the company for the purposes of company law), you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 (“the 2006 Act”).

Having satisfied myself that the accounts of the Company are not required to be audited for this year under Part 16 of the 2006 Act and are eligible for independent examination, I report in respect of my examination of your charity’s accounts as carried out under section 145 of the Charities Act 2011 (“the 2011 Act”). In carrying out my examination, I have followed the Directions given by the Charity Commission (under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act.

Independent examiner’s statement

The company’s gross income exceeded £25,000 and I am qualified to undertake the examination by being a qualified member of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA).

I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have come to my attention which gives me cause to believe that:

• accounting records were not kept in accordance with section 386 of the Companies Act 2006; or

• the accounts do not comply with relevant accounting requirements under section 396 of the Companies Act 2006 other than any requirement that the accounts give a ‘true and fair’ view which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination; or

• the accounts have not been prepared in accordance with the Charities SORP (FRS102).

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

Esther Bello-Adekola Duke of Wellington Avenue London SE18 6NP

11 July 2024

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Positive Network in 2022/23 at a Glance

----- Start of picture text -----
TOTAL UNDERLYING INCOME: £31K
2023 2022 2021
DONA T I ONS C H A RIT A BLE INVE S T ME NT S OT H E R
A ND LE GA C I E S A C T I VIT IE S
£67,919
£45,228
£31,258
£0 £0 £1,486 £0 £0 £0 £0 £0 £2,872
----- End of picture text -----

WHO WE ARE

Positive Network aims to improve the quality of life for older people and those with long suffering disabilities: physical, mental, learning and sensory.

We provide recreational and leisure activities and wellbeing services for people who have experienced loneliness, depression, anxiety, stress and other mental health issues.

KEY HIGHLIGHTS

• Membership increased by 60%.

• We celebrated our 21[st] Anniversary this year. CEO Grace Salmon received the Civic Award from Wandsworth Council, and Women of Substance award from the Mayor of Merton.

OUR WORK

----- Start of picture text -----
TOTAL EXPENDITURE: £34K
2023 2022 2021
RA I S I NG F UNDS C H A RIT A BLE A C T IVIT IE S
£84,524
£54,953
£33,559
£830 £691 £1,978
----- End of picture text -----

We are a group of people who meet regularly for friendship and recreational activities.

• The group meets four times per week for special events, like celebrations.

• For some activities, meals are also provided in the form of a delicious homemade lunch, with a cultural dimension.

• Transport is provided for those who need it.

• Regular outings and visits are planned to places of interest.

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Positive Network Statement of Financial Activities

For the Year Ended 31 March 2023 (incorporating an income and expenditure account)

		Unrestricted	Restricted		Unrestricted	Restricted
		funds	funds	Total	funds	funds	Total
		2023	2023	2023	2022	2022	2022
	Note	£	£	£	£	£	£
Income from:
Donations and legacies		-	-	-	-	-	-
Charitable activities	4	-	31,258	31,258	-	45,228	45,228
Investments		-	-	-	-	-	-
Other		-	-	-	-	-	-
Total income		-	31,258	31,258	-	45,228	45,228
Expenditure on:
Raising funds		830	-	830	691	-	691
Charitable expenditure		8,761	24,798	33,559	38,367	46,157	84,524
Total expenditure		9,590	24,798	34,389	39,058	46,157	85,215
Net surplus/(deficit) on operations		(9,590)	6,460	(3,131)	(39,058)	(929)	(39,987)
Transfers between funds		-	-	-	-	-	-
Net movement in funds		(9,590)	6,460	(3,131)	(39,058)	(929)	(39,987)
Reconciliation of funds:
Total funds at 1 April 2022		47,592	25,815	73,408	86,650	26,744	113,394
Total funds at 31 March 2023		38,002	32,275	70,276	47,592	25,815	73,408

All amounts relate to continuing operations. All gains and losses recognized in the year are included in the Statement of Financial Activities (SoFA).

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Positive Network Balance Sheet

As at 31 March 2023

As at 31 March 2023
		2023	2022
	Note	£	£
Fixed Assets
Intangible assets		-	-
Tangible fixed assets	5	4,290	5,720
Total fixed assets		4,290	5,720
Current Assets
Debtors and prepayments		-	-
Cash and short-term deposits		68,513	68,141
Total current assets		68,513	68,141
Creditors: amounts falling due within one year	6	- 2,526	- 453
Net current assets		65,987	67,688
Total assets less current liabilities		70,276	73,408
Creditors: amounts falling due after more than one year		-	-
Provisions for liabilities		-	-
TOTAL NET ASSETS		70,276	73,408
FUNDS FOR THE CHARITY:
Restricted funds		32,275	25,815
Unrestricted funds		38,002	47,592
Total funds		70,276	73,408

The Charity’s net movement on funds for the year was a decrease of £3,131 (2022: decrease of £39,987). The financial statements were approved by the Trustees on 11 July 2024 and signed on their behalf by

Sarah Abrahams, Chair

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