The Hope Centre - St Helens
Charity number 1103903
A Company limited by guarantee number 05089663
Annual Report and Unaudited Financial Statements
for the year ended 31 March 2024
The Hope Centre - St Helens
LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION
| Trustees | Position | Dates | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mr J Ryan | Chair | ||
| Rev C Lawrenson | Vice Chair | ||
| Mr T Kelly | Treasurer | ||
| Williams Schafer | appointed 16 July 2023 | ||
| Brendon McDonagh | appointed 16 July 2023 | ||
| John Sweeney | appointed 16 July 2023 | ||
| Project Director | Mrs A Metcalfe | ||
| Company Secretary | Niamh Twist | ||
| Charity Number | 1103903 | ||
| Company Number | 05089663 | ||
| Principal address | The Hope Centre | ||
| St Helens Christian Life Centre | |||
| Atherton Street | |||
| St Helens | |||
| Merseyside | |||
| WA10 2DT | |||
| Bankers | Virgin Money | ||
| 6 Bridge Street | |||
| St Helens | |||
| WA10 1NF | |||
| Independent Examiner | Jane Williams | ||
| MAAT | |||
| Greater Merseyside Community Accountancy Service | |||
| Halton & St Helens Voluntary and Community Action | |||
| Beacon Building | |||
| College Street | |||
| St Helens | |||
| WA10 1TF |
The Hope Centre - St Helens
| Contents | Page |
|---|---|
| Report of the Board of Trustees | 2 to 13 |
| Independent Examiners Report | 14 |
| Statement of financial activities | 15 to 16 |
| Balance sheet | 17 |
| Statement of cash flows | 18 |
| Notes to the financial statements | 19 to 27 |
1
Report of the Board of Trustees
The Hope Centre - St Helens
THE TRUSTEES:
The Trustees, who are also Directors for the purposes of the Companies Act, have pleasure in presenting their report and the financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31 March 2024.
Mr J Ryan Mr T Kelly Rev Craig Lawrenson Mr Bill Schafer Brendon McDonagh John Sweeney
REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS:
Reference and administrative details are shown in the schedule of members of the board and professional advisers on page 1 of the financial statements
STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT:
The Hope Centre is a registered charity and company limited by guarantee. As such its activities are overseen by a board of trustees who are also directors of the company. However the day to day running of the charity is overseen by the Hope Centre Director and the Chair of Trustees.
The date of incorporation of the charity was 31 March 2004 and the date of appointment of the first Trustee was 4 April 2004. Currently the Board is made up of five members. The Hope Centre continues to rent its office and training accommodation from St Helens Christian Life Centre. In addition Hope House, The Homeless Day Centre is rented from Green Pastures.
Trustees on appointment are provided with the Charity Commission documentation for trustees, outlining roles and responsibilities. In addition briefing papers are provided from the management to all new trustees.
Trustees are normally appointed for a period of 3 years after which they must be re-elected at the next annual meeting. The Trustees Board has met on four occasions during this year for full Board meetings with a further 3 meetings for Business Planning strategy meetings.
ORGANISATIONAL STRUCTURE:
A Board of Trustees has overall responsibility for determining the Hope strategic direction, approving capital and revenue expenditure and monitoring performance and is comprised of a Chair, and six other Trustee Board Members.
The trustees of the Charity are drawn from a range of backgrounds with some being members of the founding church whilst others are not. Trustees members are drawn from within the third sector, the financial and business sectors. All the Trustees give their time voluntarily.
An Executive Management Team is comprised of the Chair of Trustees and the Project Director who assume overall responsibility, with support from staff team leaders, for executing the strategic and financial plan.
Finance and Administration is managed by the Hope Centre Director with the support of two volunteers and finance issues are reported to the Management Team and Trustees.
2
The Hope Centre - St Helens Report of the Board of Trustees
Finance and Administration staff manage the day to day financial position of the Charity as well as producing end of year accounts, liaising with banks and auditors. All monitoring of service users/learners achievement of project targets and completion of monitoring reports are carried out by this team. Major reports for funders are collated and produced. The significant volunteer data base is also managed within the team as are new applications for funding under the direction of the Hope Centre Director.
Operational Management is delegated by the trustees to the Project Director and 3 Project Leads responsible for Hope House homeless services, the Training department, the Foodbank, Hope Pantry and BabyBasics projects. The Project Director has overall responsibility for the operational and performance management and quality framework and responsibility for priorities through specific project development, service delivery, tailored interventions and training, service improvements, joint networking practices and general administration.
Four Operational Teams of staff and volunteers support the Project Director. Training, Advice, Advocacy and Support Services, Hope House - Homeless Provision; Engage Community Projects; St Helens Foodbank. Finance and administrative staff who report directly to the Hope Centre Director. Regular operational meetings take place with the Project Director & Team Leaders who then report to the Executive Management Team (E.M.T). General staff meetings take place monthly and staff training away days bi-annually.
RELATED PARTIES:
The Hope Centre was established by the St Helens Christian Life Centre (Elim Pentecostal Church) from which the Charity rents its accommodation and to whom a contribution is made for facilities, such as copiers, and utilities. In addition the Church makes donations to support the work of the Charity.
RISK MANAGEMENT:
The Management Team and Trustees continually consider the impact of our financial position and stability at their regular Trustee meetings. Attention continues to be focused on reviewing the current strategies and planning effectively for the future. New services and training opportunities continue to be a focus as is promoting the work in order to attract longer term funding. The Trustees, in conjunction with the Director, identify and review major risks which may affect the stability and successful operation of the Charity. Action is then planned and implemented, as far as possible, to minimise or remove the identified risk. The Trustees, together with the Director continue to review the long-term future viability of the Charity, particularly with a view to reducing dependence on a single stream of funding and report to trustees. Long term sustainability continues to be a challenge as longer term funding opportunities and increased donation income are sought. Financial viability is continually monitored and addressed throughout the year in management team meetings and at trustee's meetings.
Internal control risks are minimised by the implementation of procedures for authorisation of all transactions and anti-fraud policies. Measures are also in place to ensure compliance with health and safety of staff, volunteers, service users, learners and visitors.
3
Report of the Board of Trustees
The Hope Centre - St Helens
OBJECTS, ACTIVITIES AND PERFORMANCE:
Public Benefit Statement
The principal aim of the Hope Centre St Helens is to improve the lives of vulnerable and disadvantaged people in the borough of St Helens.
The Trustees believe that the services provided by the Hope Centre - St Helens are compliant with the Charities Commission Guidance on Public Benefit and the public benefit is further exemplified in the following statements of Activity and Performance, and Future Development Plans.
Objects of The Hope Centre - St Helens
The Charity's objects (revised December 2011) contained within the governing document are:
1. to advance the christian faith for the benefit of the public in accordance with the statement of belief appearing in the schedule hereto in St. Helens and in such other parts of the United Kingdom as the Trustees may from time to time think fit and in so doing to fulfil such other purposes which are exclusively charitable according to the laws of England and Wales and are connected with the charitable work of the Trust
2. To promote social inclusion for the public benefit by preventing people from becoming socially excluded, relieving the needs of those people who are socially excluded and assisting them to integrate into society.
a) of society, as a result of one of more of the following factors: unemployment; financial hardship; youth or old age; ill health (physical or mental); substance abuse or dependency including alcohol and drugs; poor educational or skills attainment; relationship and family breakdown; homelessness or poor housing (that is housing that does not meet basic habitable standards).
3. to prevent or relieve poverty in St. Helens by providing: education, training and support services to individuals in need
Hope Centre Strategic Objectives
The Hope Centre, in partnership where appropriate, will work with vulnerable and/or disadvantaged people to:
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empower them for positive behaviour change and improved life choices
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improve their social, economic, physical, psychological and spiritual well-being
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prepare them for and help sustain their independent living
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encourage their responsible participation in society
The Hope Centre employs an inclusive approach and provides relevant social care services and training for vulnerable and disadvantaged young people and adults, and does not discriminate on the grounds of gender, race, disability, sexual orientation, religion, belief or age.
4
Report of the Board of Trustees
The Hope Centre - St Helens
I am pleased to present the Chair of Trustees report for 2024.
This has been a year of resilience, growth, and commitment to our mission. Despite challenges, our
The Centre was born out of the overall vision of the St. Helens Christian Life Centre, to be effective Christians in our local community.
The Hope Centre adopts a holistic approach to engaging vulnerable adults and young people of the community of St. Helens.
To ensure that all have an equal opportunity to progress to their greatest potential enabling them to become fully integrated into the community by the most effective means possible.
PROJECT AIMS
To provide an emphatic Christian witness in the community and enhance the spiritual, moral and ethical as well as the physical and psychological development of an individual, and therefore the community.
The enhancement of the life for all who are socially excluded.
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The encouragement and development of local resources of skills and abilities in individuals through
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education and training provisions
To develop social awareness and to promote responsible citizenship.
To encourage equality of opportunity for all irrespective of race, gender, ability, and social background
To provide a resource centre for community life, where individuals are both accepted and valued and are able to contribute to their own wellbeing and their local community.
Offering advice, guidance, vocational and personal development in life skills training and offering Social Care, advocacy and mentor support to help individuals become valuable members of their community.
Our achievements this year reflect the hard work and dedication of our talented staff, committed volunteers, generous donors, and trustees. Together, we have worked diligently to address both the immediate and longterm needs of our organisation, ensuring that we remain a steadfast and impactful presence in the community.
Throughout the year, the board has focused on: -
Focus on financial stability with fundraising efforts, grants and increased personal giving targets to ensure financial stability for the coming years.
We have strengthened our governance practices and taken steps to support sustainable growth, ensuring that we are equipped to fulfil our mission well into the future.
Our team exemplifies resilience and innovation, continuously driving the development of our charity through fund raising, service delivery and collaboration with local agencies. Together we strive to identify better ways of working and ensure the charity remains a vital part of the not-for-profit and voluntary sector. Above all, we are dedicated to meeting the needs of this intelligence communities in the most effective and appropriate ways possible.
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The Hope Centre - St Helens
Report of the Board of Trustees
Looking forward, we are excited about the opportunities ahead. We are committed to building on our successes, addressing emerging challenges, and staying true to the mission of The Hope Centre St Helens.
With the ongoing support of our community, we are confident in our ability to navigate the future and continue making a meaningful impact.
I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to each of you our supporters, our team, and my fellow trustees. Your dedication and belief in our mission make our accomplishments possible.
I am deeply honoured to serve as the Chair of this incredible charity for another year. Together with everyone involved I look forward to continuing our progress, supporting our communities, and achieving greater success in making a positive difference.
John Ryan
John Ryan Chair of Hope Centre Trustees
6
The Hope Centre - St Helens Report of the Board of Trustees
Project Name: Hope House
Key Aims of The Project:
Hope House is a drop-in service running Monday Friday every week and providing Christmas holiday provision.
It provides a basic needs and personal care service for local homeless and those at risk of homelessness and offers advice, advocacy, and support to support those in need. Our aim is to move our service users towards independence and help them reach their personal goals, ranging from, accessing food, personal care, benefits, and accommodation.
Activity Figures for the Year Impact:
Please note, although most of our data is recorded, it is difficult to provide a completely accurate representation of our current case load.
Clients By Gender:
Males = 337 Females = 96 Clients by Age Group: Under 18 = 0 18-24 Years Old = 15 25-34 Years Old = 72 35-44 Years Old = 53 45-59 Years Old = 152 60+ = 41
Take Out food provided: Winter Weekend Food Provision: 2160 Hot meals provided.
Over this period, it can be highlighted that positive relationships have been formed between asylum seekers/ refugees, other local agencies such as the DWP, CAB, CGL, Merseyside Police, Homeless Health Team, Sexual Health Team, Diabetes Nurses, Whitechapel, Housing First, Housing Options, Maximum Edge, Local Authority.
The Hope House team have been extremely blessed with an amazing volunteer group. These individuals significantly help with the day-to-day running’s of Hope House and support both the Hope House staff team and service users incredibly!
Good News Story:
A Young Man first presented to our service having spent numerous weeks rough sleeping within the borough. On first presentation he presented as quite a reserved gentleman who was reluctant to reach out and access support from our service. He presented daily for several days accessing interventions around Personal Care i.e., Showers, Laundry, Breakfast/Dinner while he continued to rough sleep within the town centre. Following a conversation with one of our Homeless Prevention Officers to access support around his housing, benefits, and access to local organisations such as Housing Options, St Helens Way to Work and Homeless Health. Cameron supported him to complete his induction to Housing Options to present as a rough sleeper. Cameron consulted numerous alternative agencies to make them aware of his current situation and the location of where he was sleeping with the intention of an emergency bed being allocated in the RSI provision provided by the YMCA or Salvation Army. He was then allocated a mainstay assessment to get a further understanding of his situation and any barriers he felt he was facing currently.
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The Hope Centre - St Helens Report of the Board of Trustees
TRAINING DEPARTMENT UPDATE:
The Hope Centre continues to deliver its Breathe Mental Health course to individuals living with mild to moderate mental health conditions such as anxiety, depression, feelings of overwhelm and stress.
The staff supporting this course recognise the continued positive impact the course has as learners move on into volunteering and work.
Good News Story:
When I first started the course, I was hesitant on going due to my anxiety being so high. At the time I also started talking therapies.
When I arrived on the course, all of the staff and volunteers there were very welcoming and, made me feel comfortable. when I met other peers in the group it was nerve racking but eventually in that session it was easier to be more open and ourselves.
Eventually I felt comfortable Within the group and also outside the group which helped with communication outside of the course. I also felt that I could share anything with the group and feel safe.
I was quite overwhelmed when I first see the workbook and went into overdrive. However, after the first session I felt more confident that I could complete the work and still ask for help and not feel embarrassed for needing it.
My favourite part of the course was when we had to exchange our books with other peers and write things about them that we liked, or thought were their strengths. I feel this shows that not everyone who you walk past, or meet will automatically think that you are these negative words that you are thinking. 99.9% of the strengths written about us were positive and if we think they were the group would help encourage you to believe they are.
I think that the course is run in an environment which is warm, welcoming, supportive, and nonjudgmental. There be anything in the course that I believe, and think could be improved or
When I left the course, I asked to volunteer as a mentor within the course. Having done 1 course as a mentor it has made me see how much of a change it can make in someone life but also yours. You can see the improvement of people when they leave the course, and they are so grateful to be able to be themselves again and go back to living their life and not just existing for some.
I am going to continue to be a mentor within the course and excited to see the next group and their future progress. I thank the breathe course enough for the opportunity they have given me to
7
The Hope Centre - St Helens
Report of the Board of Trustees
Although explained he was finding his time rough sleeping very difficult, he expressed reluctancy in accepting any offers of emergency accommodation because he had concerns on the repercussions of residing in either hostel. He frequently spoke about his children and mentioned how he would love to have a safe, stable environment to rekindle his relationship with his children. Although he had opted not to accept his offer of emergency accommodation, he continued to access our service receiving support with Personal Care showering and eating frequently for a few weeks.
He frequently visited Hope House to maintain contact with Hope House team. Having considered alternative forms of accommodation such as BrightStart, Your Housing Group Cameron helped him complete an application to UnderOneRoof to apply for properties within the local area compiling information around his previous address history, medical records etc. Following numerous discussions with multiple different organisations Julie and Cameron enquired about the possibility of a Green Pasture’s tenancy for him as our team felt this tenancy would be the most suitable accommodation to foster stability into his life.
He was supported thoroughly by Green Pastures and our Homeless Prevention officers as he moved into the property. Green pastures and Hope House worked together to turn his flat into a home, assisting with furniture removal and decorating. He accessed support from the Restore project with the help of Julie Waring where he was provided with furniture including a wardrobe, fridge/freezer, couches etc. Cameron helped complete a White Goods Referral through St Helens Council and liaised and advocated on his behalf to offer him support in his new tenancy.
He has now been living in his current address for a couple of months and has frequent communication with our Homeless Prevention Officers to address any concerns he may be facing in his current tenancy. He presents to our service now as a completely different man to his first presentation. It is clear to see the work of our service has been a great impact on this man’s life supporting him thoroughly when he felt he was at his lowest. He has expressed interest in any volunteering opportunities at Hope House to provide him with experience in a working environment having been unemployed for an extended period. He often expresses sincere appreciation and thanks to our team and has explained he would like to give back to the people who have invested so much time into him.
Project Name: St. Helens Foodbank
Key Aims of The Project:
to the service knowing more about the client and they can give any extra needs that they may need.
Activity Figures for the Year Impact:
This year with have given out a total of 4,387 vouchers. This fed a total of 6,347 Adults and 3,462 Children.
Good News Story
I have attended Saints Home games along with the Mobile Pantry and
we have collected a total of 732.8kg. We have regulars donating food, and also calling into Tesco to buy food to donate when we have given. out our shopping lists.
At Christmas we had a lot of donations from local organisations.
Eg Amazon, Forge Fitness, British Gas and BocBoc.
Volunteers
Across the project we have around 120 volunteers who on average cover 3+ hours. We also have volunteers coming in from Ascent College along with support staff who cover around 2 hours per week. At Food banks we have had several volunteers helping from the NatWest Bank using their volunteering days given to them by the NatWest.
In total our volunteers have contributed 18,571 hours across the Hope Centre projects.
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The Hope Centre - St Helens
Report of the Board of Trustees
Project Name : Baby Basics
Key Aims of The Project:
Baby Basics is a volunteer-led project aiming to support new mothers and families who are struggling to meet the financial and practical burden of looking after a new baby. The baby basics teamwork alongside a wide range of frontline health and social care professionals. There is an ever-increasing network of Baby Basics centres across the country each staffed by a committed team of volunteers.
Activity Figures for the Year Impact:
From April 2023 to March 2024 Baby Basics have provided 101 baby baskets to new parents across St. Helens.
Baby Basics main local partnerships are Whiston Hospital Midwives, St Helens Social Services, St Helens CAHMS, Community Health Teams, The Refugee resettlement Programme and Café Laziz and also Enhancing Families Team.
Volunteer Roles:
prams.
Unfortunately, the Baby Basics team lost a very loved and well valued volunteer Janet Heath. The team miss her very much but are so very grateful for all she gave to the project.
Good News Story
Key Aims of The Project:
The key aims of Hope Pantry focus on ensuring that everyone has access to nutritious food while fostering a sense of community. The pantry achieves this by not only addressing immediate food needs but also promoting mental and physical well-being among its members. By providing a space where individuals can connect, form new friendships, and renew old ties, it helps combat isolation.
In addition to its community-building efforts, Hope Pantry plays a role in restoring dignity to users by offering support in a respectful, empowering way. A major aim is also to reduce food waste, keeping it from ending up in landfills, contributing to sustainability efforts.
Furthermore, members have expressed that using the pantry has positively impacted their household finances and has helped prevent hunger, showcasing its wide-reaching benefits beyond just food provision.
Activity Figures for the Year Impact:
Member Visits - 1840
Volunteer Hours
We currently have 16 volunteers with us at the pantry. This includes the Thursday pantry, a driver, and a driver's mate for collections from Fare Share in Speke ~~.~~ Total volunteer hours for the year is 2326
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The Hope Centre - St Helens
Report of the Board of Trustees
The CIC was officially formed on 30th March 2017.
their sense of belonging, increase local involvement and help them have the confidence to make new life
The Project has 3 aims which are;
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Providing volunteer and mentoring opportunities to socially excluded individuals who live locally, they will up skill and learn how to re store second hand furniture.
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Providing affordable furniture for low income families, vulnerable individuals with a new tenancy and individuals who are leaving street homelessness to secure their own properties.
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Re-store donated furniture items for re sell which will reduce landfilling, reduce energy use and reduce carbon footprint.
The project will engage with vulnerable and disadvantaged individuals within the Borough who face barriers including unemployment, risk of homelessness, mild to moderate mental health, in recovery from substance misuse and have no or low qualifications.
These individuals often suffer from a lack of skills and confidence and there are few opportunities for them to gain real work experience. The project will provide placement opportunities and will build skills through the restoration of furniture and home furnishings which will reduce the waste produced by our 'throw away' culture and will in turn provide furniture which is in good condition to those transitioning into their own properties.
This in turn will increase the chances of sustaining their tenancies as the properties will become their own personal spaces, increasing their value to the individual.
11
Report of the Board of Trustees
The Hope Centre - St Helens
FINANCIAL REVIEW:
The principal source of income continues to be grant funding. Trustees and the management team aim to maintain financial stability and considerable attention has therefore been given to identifying new income sources as well as encouraging one-off donations. In addition to grants from local Council, local and national funders are approached to invest in our projects. Major funders in 2023-2024 include: St Helens Council, Trussell Trust, Liverpool City Region, John Moores Foundation, Torus Foundation, HM Cost of Living Support, Liverpool Charity and Voluntary Services, Halton and St Helens Voluntary and Community Action, VOLA Consortium, Neighbourly Foundation, Albert Hunt, CRH Charitable Trust and the Riverside Foundation. Many thanks to these and the many smaller donors who have supported us during the year. This includes a large number of individuals who have made regular and one-off donations.
Like most charities, the Hope major challenge is to secure grant funding. This obviously affects the services it can provide. The Trustees have been aiming to achieve a balanced budget and to increase our current level of unrestricted reserves. This will provide a safety net that will allow us to maintain basic services.
INVESTMENT POLICIES:
The charity currently has no investments, or investment income.
RESERVES:
The charity has an agreed reserves policy. In addition to Unrestricted Funds, it has Restricted Funds and monies invested in fixed assets. Trustees have noted Charity Commission guidance, and the ambition is to hold at least three (13 weeks) running costs in Unrestricted Funds. This has been achieved for 2022-23, and our aim is to maintain a healthy level of reserves. At year-end, our Unrestricted Funds were £237,746.
There have been no serious incidents to report in this financial year. Our auditors have worked closely with us to minimise risk and strengthen financial processes and procedures.
RESULTS:
The results for the year and the charity's financial position at the end of the year are shown in the attached financial statements. The key result is that the Charity has a deficit of £96,581 for the financial year, and this has decreased the level of restricted Funds available.
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER
The Charity appointed Jane Williams of Greater Merseyside Accountancy Service as its examiner for this year, subject to annual review.
12
The Hope Centre - St Helens Statement of Trustees' Responsibilities For the year ended 31st March 2023
Statement of Directors' responsibilities
The trustees, who are also the directors of The Hope Centre - St Helens for the purpose of company law, are responsible for preparing the Trustees' Report and the accounts in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).
Company law requires the trustees to prepare accounts for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charity and of the incoming resources and application of resources, including the income and expenditure, of the charitable company for that year.
In preparing these accounts, the trustees are required to:
select suitable accounting policies and apply them consistently;
observe the methods and principles in the Charities SORP;
make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
state whether applicable UK Accounting Standards have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the accounts; and
prepare the accounts on a going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the charity will continue in operation.
The trustees are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records which disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charity and to enable them to ensure that the accounts comply with the Companies Act 2006. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the company and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.
This report has been prepared in accordance with the special provision relating to small companies within part 15 of the Companies Act 2006.
The Trustees' report was approved by the Board of Trustees on 3rd December 2024
Mr John Ryan Chair
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The Hope Centre - St Helens
Independent Examiner's Report to the members of
The Hope Centre - St Helens
for the year ended 31 March 2024
I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of The Hope Centre - St Helens for the year ended 31 March 2024.
This report is made solely to the trustees, as a body, in accordance with Section 145 of the Charities Act 2011. My examination has been undertaken so that I might state to the trustees those matters I am required to state to them in an Independent report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, I do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the charity and the
Responsibilities and basis of report
As the trustees of The Hope Centre - St Helens (and also its directors for the purposes of company law) you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the
Having satisfied myself that the accounts of the charity are not required to be audited under Part 16 of the 2006 Act and are eligible for independent examination, I report in respect of my examination of your accounts as carried out under section 145 of the Charities Act 2011 2011 In carrying out my examination I have followed the Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5) (b) of the 2011 Act.
Since the gross income exceeded £250,000 your examiner must be a member of a body listed in section 145 of the 2011 Act. I confirm that I am qualified to undertake the examination because I am a member of the Association of Accounting Technicians, which is one of the listed bodies.
I have completed my examination. I can confirm that no matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe:
1. accounting records were not kept in respect of the charity as required by section 386 of the 2006 Act; or
2. the accounts do not accord with those records; or
3. the accounts do not comply with the accounting requirements of section 396 of the 2006 Act other
4. the accounts have not been prepared in accordance with the methods and principles of the Statement of Recommended Practice for accounting and reporting by charities applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102).
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.
Jane Williams MAAT Greater Merseyside Community Accountancy Service Halton & St Helens Voluntary and Community Action Beacon Building College Street St Helens WA10 1TF
3rd December 2024
14
The Hope Centre - St Helens Statement of Financial Activities for the year ended 31 March 2024
----- Start of picture text -----
Notes
2024 2023
Unrestricted Restricted Total Total
Funds Funds Funds Funds
£ £ £ £
Income from:
Donations and legacies (2) 2,458 125,937 128,395 173,039
Charitable activities (3) 43,890 95,918 139,808 176,608
Other income 32,869 - 32,869 31,365
Investment income (4) 24 - 24 24
Total 79,241 221,855 301,096 381,036
Expenditure on:
Charitable activities -(5) (59,669) (338,008) (397,677) (303,356)
Net (expenditure) / income 19,572 (116,153) (96,581) 77,680
Transfers between funds (15) - - - -
Net movement in funds 19,572 (116,153) (96,581) 77,680
Fund balances at 1 April 2023 218,174 295,068 513,242 435,562
Fund balances at 31 March 2024 237,746 178,915 416,661 513,242
----- End of picture text -----
The statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year.
All income and expenditure derive from continuing activities.
The statement of financial activities also complies with the requirements for an income and expenditure account under the Companies Act 2006.
15
The Hope Centre - St Helens Comparative Statement of Financial Activities for the year ended 31 March 2024
----- Start of picture text -----
Notes
2023
Unrestricted Restricted Total
Funds Funds Funds
£ £ £
Income from:
Donations and legacies (2) 57,347 115,692 173,039
Charitable activities (3) 98,779 77,829 176,608
Investments (4) 27,101 4,264 31,365
Other Income 24 - 24
Total 183,251 197,785 381,036
Expenditure on:
Charitable activities (5) (66,271) (237,085) (303,356)
Net (expenditure) / income 116,980 (39,300) 77,680
Transfers between funds (15a) - - -
Net movement in funds 116,980 (39,300) 77,680
Fund balances at 1 April 2022 101,194 334,368 435,562
Fund balances at 31 March 2023 218,174 295,068 513,242
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The statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year.
All income and expenditure derive from continuing activities.
The statement of financial activities also complies with the requirements for an income and expenditure account under the Companies Act 2006.
16
The Hope Centre - St Helens
Balance sheet
as at 31 March 2024
| Notes 2024 Fixed Assets £ Tangible Fixed Assets (10) 103,035 Total fixed assets 103,035 Current Assets Debtors and prepayments (12) 37,333 Cash at bank and in hand 291,486 Total current assets 328,819 Current liabilities: amounts falling due within one year Creditors and accruals (13) 15,193 Total current liabilities 15,193 Net current assets / (liabilities) 313,626 Total assets less current liabilities 416,661 Funds Restricted Funds (15) 178,915 Designated Funds - Unrestricted funds 237,746 416,661 |
2023 £ 106,050 106,050 20,348 386,844 407,192 - - 407,192 513,242 218,174 - 295,068 513,242 |
|---|---|
The trustees (who are also the directors of the company for the purposes of company law) confirm that for the year ended 31 March 2024
the company was entitled to exemption from audit under section 477 of the Companies Act 2006, and
the members have not required the company to obtain an audit of its accounts for the year in question in accordance with section 476 of the Act .
The trustees acknowledge their responsiblities for ensuring that the charity keeps accounting records which comply with section 386 of the Act and for preparing financial statements which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the company as at the end of financial year and of its incoming resources and application of resources, including its income and expenditure, the the financial year in accordance with the requirements of sections 394 and 395 and which otherwise comply with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 relating to financial statements, so far as applicable to the company.
The notes on pages 15 to 24 form an integral part of these accounts.
These accounts, which have been prepared in accordance with the provisions in the Companies Act 2006 relating to small companies, were approved by the trustees on 3rd December 2024 and signed on their behalf by:
John Ryan (Chair) Trustee
Company registration number 05089663
17
The Hope Centre - St Helens
Statement of cash flows
For the year ended 31 March 2024
| Cash flows from operating activities: Net income/(expenditure) per SOFA Depreciation Investment Income (Increase)/decrease in debtors Increase/(decrease) in creditors Capital Cash flows from investing activities: Investment income Net increase/(decrease) in cash: Total cash as at 1 April 2023 Total cash as at 31 March 2024 |
2024 £ (96,581) 11,515 (24) 76 15,193 (25,561) (95,382) 24 (95,358) 386,844 291,486 |
2023 £ 77,680 12,970 (24) (1,013) - (25,561) |
|---|---|---|
| 64,052 24 |
||
| 64,076 322,768 |
||
| 386,844 |
18
Notes to the accounts for the year ended 31 March 2024
The Hope Centre - St Helens
1 Accounting policies
Charity Information
The charity is a public benefit entity and a private company limited by guarantee incorporated in England and Wales. The registered office is The Hope Centre, St Helens Christian Life Centre, Atherton Street, St Helens, WA10 2DT.
1.1 Accounting convention
These accounts (financial statements) have been prepared in accordance with the charity's governing document, "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 Ireland (FRS 102), and the Companies Act 2006 as amended for accounting periods commencing from 1 January 2019. The charity is a Public Benefit Entity as defined by FRS 102.
The accounts have been prepared under the historical cost convention, modified to include the revaluation of certain financial instruments at fair value. The principal accounting policies adopted are set out below.
The accounts are prepared in sterling which is the functional currency of the charity. Monetary amounts in the financial statements are rounded to the nearest £.
1.2 Going Concern
After making appropriate enquiries, the Trustees have a reasonable expection that the Charity has adequate resources to continue in operation for the foreseeable future. For this reason, they adopt the going concern basis in preparing the financial statements. Further details regarding the adoption of the going concern basis can be found in the Accounting Policies.
19
Notes to the accounts for the year ended 31 March 2024
The Hope Centre - St Helens
1 Accounting Policies (continued)
1.3 Charitable funds
(a) Unrestricted funds are those that can be expended at the discretion of the trustees in the furtherance of the objects of the charity.
(b) Restricted funds are those that may only be used for specific purposes. Restrictions arise when specified by the donor, or when funds are raised for specific purposes.
1.4 Incoming resources
(a) Income is recognised and included in the Statement of Financial Activities (SOFA) when the charity becomes entitled to the income; receipt is probable; and the monetary value can be measured with sufficient reliability.
(b) Where income has related expenditure (e.g. Foodbank), the income and related expenditure are reported gross in the SOFA.
(c) Bank interest is recognised when credited to the account.
(d) Income, which is subject to conditions that the charity has yet to fulfil, or which is specifically for use in a future accounting period, is treated as deferred income.
1.5 Resources expended
-
(a) Expenditure is recognised on the accruals basis.
-
(b) The charity is not registered for VAT, thus all costs are shown inclusive of VAT charged.
(c) Liabilities are recognised as soon as there is a legal or constructive obligation to pay out resources.
1.6 Tangible fixed assets
(a) Tangible fixed assets are capitalised if they can be used for more than one year and cost at least £1,000. They are valued at cost or, if gifted, at their value on receipt.
Depreciation is provided at rates calculated to write off the costs less estimated residual value or its expected useful life, as follows:
Long Leased property 10 years straight line basis Fixtures & fittings 10 years straight line basis Office Equipment 3 years straight line basis
20
The Hope Centre - St Helens Notes to the accounts for the year ended 31 March 2024
1 Accounting Policies (continued)
1.7 Basic financial assets
Basic financial assets, which include debtors and cash and bank balances, are initially measured at transaction price including transaction costs and are subsequently carried at amortised cost using the effective interest method unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, where the transaction is measured at the present value of the future receipts discounted at a market rate of interest. Financial assets classified as receivable within one year are not amortised.
Derecognition of financial assets
Financial assets are derecognised only when the contractual rights to the cash flows from the asset expire or are settled, or when the charity transfers the financial asset and substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership to another entity, or if some significant risks and rewards of ownership are retained but control of the asset has transferred to another party that is able to sell the asset in its entirety to an unrelated third party.
Basic financial liabilities
Basic financial liabilities, including creditors and bank loans are initially recognised at transaction price unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, where the debt instrument is measured at the present value of the future payments discounted at a market rate of interest. Financial liabilities classified as payable within one year are not amortised.
Debt instruments are subsequently carried at amortised cost, using the effective interest rate method.
Trade creditors are obligations to pay for goods or services that have been acquired in the ordinary course of operations from suppliers. Amounts payable are classified as current liabilities if payment is due within one year or less. If not, they are presented as non-current liabilities. Trade creditors are recognised initially at transaction price and subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method.
Derecognition of financial liabilities
Financial liabilities are derecognised when the charity's contractual obligations expire or are discharged or cancelled.
21
The Hope Centre - St Helens
Notes to the accounts continued
for the year ended 31 March 2024
----- Start of picture text -----
2 Donations and legacies 2024 2024 2024 2023
Unrestricted Restricted Total Total
funds funds funds funds
£ £ £ £
Donations 2,458 92,432 94,890 119,572
Donations from CLC - 3,505 3,505 2,455
Donation from Local Authority - 30,000 30,000 51,012
2,458 125,937 128,395 173,039
For the year ended 31 March 2022 57,347 115,692 173,039
Grants receivable for core activities
St Helens Borough Council - 30,000 30,000 24,186
- 30,000 30,000 24,186
----- End of picture text -----
22
| Total | 2023 | £ 12,870 2,000 1,000 4,000 4,300 5,000 100,923 10,000 7,713 9,342 2,896 - - 2,000 2,500 2,255 500 1,000 500 - - - - 1,526 4,924 1,359 - |
176,608 | - - 31,365 |
31,365 | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total | 2024 | £ - 1,785 7,400 - - 5,000 47,125 - 3,500 - - 42,150 7,009 - - - - - 1,500 7,000 1,955 5,395 5,000 2,500 - 2,489 - |
139,808 | - - 32,869 |
32,869 | |||
| Food | Pantry | £ - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 2,500 - - 2,489 - |
4,989 | - - 204 |
204 | |||
| Homeless | Shelter | £ - - - - - 5,000 - - - - - - - - - - - 7,000 - - - - - - - |
12,000 | - - 545 |
545 | 23 | ||
| Training & | Outreach | £ - - - - - - - - 3,500 - - 7,009 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - |
10,509 | - - - |
- | |||
| Foodbank | £ - - 7,400 - - - 47,125 - - - - - - - - - 1,500 - - 5,395 2,500 - - - - |
63,920 | - - 3,405 |
3,405 | ||||
| Notes to the accounts continued | for the year ended 31 March 2024 | 3a Charitable activities Centre |
Activities | £ Performance related grants & Contracts The Steve Morgan Foundation - LCVS: Impact Fund 1,785 Halton & St Helens VCA - Pilkington Charity - Torus Foundation - John Moores Foundation - The Trussell Trust - Awards for All - Liverpool City Region: LCR Cares - Julia & Hans Rausing Trust - WEA Breathe - HM Government: Cost of Living Support 42,150 VOLA Consortium - Other small grants Coalfields - Arnold Clarke - Hedley Foundation - M McCormack - Groundwork - Neighbourly Foundation - Albert Hunt - CRH Charitable Trust 1,955 Riverside Foundation - Torus Foundation - Other Income 2,500 HMRC Gift Aid - Services Provided - - |
48,390 | - - Other Income 28,715 |
28,715 |
| 5a Expenditure on Charitable Total Total activities 2024 2023 £ £ £ £ £ £ Wages and salaries 59,476 47,478 2,200 60,487 20,641 190,282 150,607 Staff Travel 441 534 - 136 90 1,201 1,083 Rent 5,000 33,431 - 15,946 - 54,377 32,203 Light and heat - - - 4,931 - 4,931 5,205 Repairs and maintenance 10 - - 1,900 - 1,910 1,951 Insurance 936 2,978 - 624 312 4,850 3,181 Other premises costs - - - 1,544 5 1,549 - Other motor/travel costs - 988 - 7 95 1,090 3,265 Legal and professional fees 1,820 60,252 2,000 10,660 346 75,078 34,298 Telephone 1,450 1,259 - 1,803 584 5,096 6,541 Other office costs 1,523 1,550 84 1,213 505 4,875 15,229 Depreciation 60 850 - 10,605 - 11,515 12,970 Consumables 352 10,226 - 4,421 14,168 29,167 21,919 Materials, equipment and resources 201 811 - 20 509 1,541 1,609 Promotional activities 2,348 1,139 165 332 225 4,209 301 Volunteer expenses 114 101 - 200 207 622 2,858 Training & outreach - tutor costs - - - - - - - Sundry Expenses 3,705 737 9 557 376 5,384 9,011 6 Governance Costs - - - - - - 1,125 Total resources expended 77,436 162,334 4,458 115,386 38,063 397,677 303,357 Food Pantry Foodbank Training & outreach Homeless Shelter Centre Activities |
£ 150,607 1,083 32,203 5,205 1,951 3,181 - 3,265 34,298 6,541 15,229 12,970 21,919 1,609 301 2,858 - 9,011 1,125 |
303,357 |
|---|---|---|
The Hope Centre - St Helens
Notes to the accounts continued
for the year ended 31 March 2024
| 6 Governance costs Independent Examination Administration Trustee expenses 7 Trustee remuneration and expenses Total amount paid During the year no trustees received any remuneration or expenses (2023: 0) 8 Employees Wages and salaries Employer's NI Pension Number of employees The average monthly number of employees during the year was: There were no employees whose annual remuneration was £60,000 or more. Key management of the charity received employee benefits (including pension contributions) totalling |
2024 £ - - - - 2024 £ - 2024 £ 181,100 5,160 4,022 190,282 2024 Number 7 2024 27,810 |
2023 £ 1,125 - - |
|---|---|---|
| 1,125 2023 £ |
||
| - 2023 £ 140,201 7,442 2,964 |
||
| 150,607 2023 Number 6 2023 21,716 |
25
The Hope Centre - St Helens
Notes to the accounts continued
for the year ended 31 March 2024
| 9 10 11 15 **12 ** |
Tangible assets Cost At 1 April 2023 Additions At 31 March 2024 Depreciation At 1 April 2023 Charge for year At 31 March 2024 Net book value At 31 March 2024 At 31 March 2023 Financial Instruments Carrying amount of financial assets Debt instruments measured at cost Carrying amount of financial liabilities Measured at cost Debtors and prepayments Trade debtors Prepayments and accrued income Other debtors Cash at bank and in hand Bank Current Account Yorkshire Savings Hope Centre Special Projects Cash in hand Creditors and accruals Trade creditors Accruals and deferred income |
Land and buildings £ 170,000 - 170,000 170,000 - 170,000 - - |
Vehicle £ - 8,500 8,500 - 850 850 7,650 - |
Fixtures and fittings £ 129,999 - 129,999 23,949 10,665 34,614 95,385 106,050 |
Equipment £ 47,478 - 47,478 47,478 - 47,478 - - 2024 £ 328,819 15,193 2024 £ 15,687 - 21,646 37,333 2024 £ 265,259 24,082 309 1,837 291,486 2024 £ 15,193 - 15,193 |
Total £ 347,477 8,500 355,977 241,427 11,515 252,942 103,035 106,050 2023 £ 407,192 - 2023 £ - - 20,348 20,348 2023 £ 361,330 24,058 270 1,186 386,844 2023 £ - - - |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
26
The Hope Centre - St Helens
Notes to the accounts continued
for the year ended 31 March 2024
13 Retirement benefit schemes
The charity operates a defined contribution pension scheme. Contributions are charged in the accounts as they become payable in accordance with the rules of the scheme.
14 Restricted funds
The Income funds of the charity include restricted funds comprising the following unexpended balances of donations and grants held on trust for specific purposes: The charity supports the shortfall of funding on these programmes from reserves to ensure continuity of service.
| Food Bank Baby Basics Hope House Homeless Centre Hope House 2 Training Fund Food Pantry Comparative Movement in funds Food Bank Baby Basics Hope House Homeless Centre Hope House 2 Training Fund Food Pantry Analysis of net assets between funds Fund balances at 31 March 2024 are represented by: Tangible assets Current assets / (liabilities) Comparative at 31 March 2023 Current assets / (liabilities) |
Balance at 1 April 2023 138,827 5,651 47,536 115,061 (3,013) (8,994) 295,068 Balance at 1 April 2022 114,207 11,591 84,847 127,971 (4,248) - 334,368 |
Incoming Resources Resources Expended 118,291 (162,334) 2,731 (4,858) 66,099 (115,385) - (12,910) 8,014 (4,458) 26,720 (38,063) 221,855 (338,008) Incoming Resources Resources Expended 107,149 (82,529) 5,160 (11,100) 67,567 (104,878) - (12,910) 5,609 (4,374) 12,300 (21,294) 197,785 (237,085) Unrestricted Funds £ 884 236,862 237,746 218,174 Movement in funds |
Transfers - - - - - - - Transfers - - - - - - - Restricted Funds £ 102,151 76,764 178,915 295,068 |
Balance at 31 March 2024 94,784 3,524 (1,750) 102,151 543 (20,337) 178,915 Balance at 31 March 2023 138,827 5,651 47,536 115,061 (3,013) (8,994) 295,068 Total £ 103,035 313,626 416,661 513,242 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
14a Comparative Movement in funds
15 Analysis of net assets between funds
16 Transactions with trustees and related parties
The company was set up by The Hope Centre - St Helens to deliver certain community projects. As the majority of the company's board members are either trustees or employees of The Hope Centre - St Helens, it is considered to be a related party to The Hope Centre.
The Hope Centre administers the payroll and a small number of other payments (totalling £25,687) on behalf of this company. At the year end, £15,687 was owed to The Hope Centre (In 2022/23, there was no balance owing).
The directors of the Company and the directors of the Hope Centre have agreed that Changing Communities CIC should become part of the Hope Centre charity. This will be completed during 2024/25.
18 Company limited by guarantee
The Hope Centre - St Helens is incorporated as a company limited by guarantee under the Companies Act. The liability of the members is limited to £1.
27