## **Registered Charity no. 1106417**
**REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2021 FOR THE LIVING HOPE INTERNATIONAL CHARITY**
Page 1
## **LIVING HOPE INTERNATIONAL CHARITY CONTENTS PAGE FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2021**
||Page|
|---|---|
|Report of the Trustees|3 to 7|
|Independent Examiner's Report|8|
|Receipts and Payments Account|9|
|Statement of Assets and Liabilities|10|
|Notes to the Receipts and Payments Accounts|11 - 13|
Page 2
**LIVING HOPE INTERNATIONAL CHARITY REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2021**
**REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS Registered charity number** 1106417
**Principal address** Brindley House 48-50 Hall Street Dudley West Midlands DY2 7DT
## **Trustees**
Mrs Lois Claire Parkes Mr Daniel Parkes Mr Jeremy Parkes Mr David Cookson Mr Christopher Vincent Welch
**Lead Pastor** Mrs Lisa Parkes
## **Independent examiner**
Sally-Ann Reeves FCCA Shire Barn Hewell Lane Tardebigge B97 6QH
Page 3
## **LIVING HOPE INTERNATIONAL CHARITY TRUSTEES REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2021**
The Trustees present their report together with the financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31st March 2021
## **Organisational structure**
Living Hope International Charity is constituted by a Deed of Trust dated 3rd October 2004 and is a registered charity, No. 1106417.
## **Governance and Management**
## **Appointment of trustees**
Trustees are appointed or reappointed annually at the annual general meeting held in October.
## **Risk policy and review**
The trustees have examined the major strategic, business and operational risks that the charity faces and consider that they are adequately mitigated through insurance, strategic planning, policies, systems and procedures.
During this period the most significant risks have been those associated with the COVID-19 pandemic:
- Inability to meet together regularly in person (and inside an appropriate building) for congregational worship.
- Excessive workload for the Lead Pastor and small team of volunteers leading and managing ‘online church’ and associated ministries alongside increased community mission (COVIDresponse)
## **Safeguarding**
Trustees are assured of the ongoing implementation (and appropriate adaptation) of our safeguarding processes and procedures during this period Our Safeguarding Children, Young People and Vulnerable Adults Policy is reviewed and updated as required. Despite the operational challenges of COVID-19 we continued to engage with our independent safeguarding advisors Thirtyone:eight (formerly CCPAS) in the effective management of safeguarding risk and response to any concerns identified or disclosed.
## **Networks and Membership Groups**
Volunteers from partner churches and organisations were secured for our work in this period (particularly with our REVIVE Project). We are grateful to our partners from local churches including through the DUDLEY CHURCHES TOGETHER and the LOVE DUDLEY network (THE NET). For some years our church leaders have considered, reviewed and evaluated potential membership networks and church denominations. During this period the church leaders took the decision to join the ELIM NETWORK. Elim is a growing movement of Christian congregations in the UK and Ireland committed to making disciples, developing leaders, growing churches and reaching nations.It is envisaged that formally joining the Elim Network will further enable us to benefit from being part of a bigger family of churches while continuing to hold our own church vision and identity. Becoming a member of the Elim Network does not change the legal status of our charity and we retain our own local church leadership team as well as charity trustees.
Page 4
## **LIVING HOPE INTERNATIONAL CHARITY REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2021**
## **Objectives and Activities**
The objects of the charity are:
- To advance the Christian faith
- To advance education, in particular but not exclusively by providing training to leaders of activities
- To relieve poverty, sickness and distress in any part of the world
## **Achievements and Performance**
The COVID-19 pandemic impacted many aspects of how Living Hope Church operated and how activities were undertaken in relation to its charitable objects during this period. Church members were required to demonstrate flexibility and agility in meeting together online through large parts of the period as government restrictions prevented church gatherings from taking place in person as they would typically happen. A number of our mid-week community activities including our coffee afternoon and our stay and play group were paused or ‘re-imagined’ online. Working with Dudley CVS (council voluntary services) we supported vulnerable people in our community (who were no longer able to access our midweek activities). They received phone calls, visits and grocery deliveries throughout this period.
‘LHC Online Church’ (broadcasted via ‘YouTube’ and hosted virtually via ‘Zoom’) became the most prominent expression of collective worship during this period. Church members connected together more readily using social media platforms and we were encouraged by new people engaging with the church through our online content (and despite having no prior association with the church).
Church members also embraced new, creative opportunities to reach the local communities we serve – often outside – and often in connection with the wider community engagement and support work being undertaken to alleviate potential poverty and isolation arising as a result of the pandemic.
Through our online presence we have reached more people than ever before and new people (who have never been to church) have accessed church online. Feedback from new people watching LHC online include:
“ _I’ve been watching online, when you next open, let me know, I would like to start coming.”_
_“I don’t know how I came across Living Hope Church, it just appeared in my newsfeed. The GPS series really spoke to me because I feel a little lost at the moment and trying to find my way.”_
The appreciation of our in-person work that continued in the community was also summarised with this feedback from a mother from our LITTLE STARS, stay and play group:
_“It was lovely to see everyone tonight. It’s nice to see there are people out there who genuinely care for our lonely and vulnerable community members. I am thinking of starting to come to church once we are back to normal.”_
Page 5
## **LIVING HOPE INTERNATIONAL CHARITY REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2021**
During this period our work in relation to our charitable objectives changed significantly and included:
- 45 online services, planned, filmed, edited, watched and discussed online afterwards
- 24 advent devotionals delivered for each day in the run up to Christmas 2020
- 700+ crafts, and activities gift bags delivered to families on our estates (our Little Stars group)
- 25 people in a hybrid meeting (in person and online) studying the Bible Society’s ‘The Bible Course’ together midweek each week.
- Our new website, designed and launched (livinghopechurch.org.uk)
- And a new, even bigger REVIVE PROJECT
During this period our REVIVE Project became a critical programme delivering online holiday clubs and food parcel deliveries for families impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Local schools identified families who would benefit the most and Dudley Local Authority part-funded food and resources via additional grants. Church leaders, members and volunteers from within our congregation and from a wide range of our partner local churches enabled the project to grow from a small holiday club for children from one school in 2019-2020 to a much bigger operation.
Our REVIVE PROJECT work in this period has grown beyond our initial expectation and planning including:
- Online Holiday Club Content broadcast LIVE via YouTube (games, puppets, dances etc.)
- 100+ volunteers from 15 different churches
- 700+ packs of food and arts and crafts activities delivered to homes
- 2 distribution centres enabling the sorting, packing and delivery of food to children from 21 different schools
The growth and impact of our work with this project is illustrated clearly with the numbers of disadvantaged and vulnerable children supported:
- 110 children in the summer 2020
- 271 children in the Autumn 2020
- 521 children in February half term 2021
During this period our community youth engagement work (undertaken in partnership with PHASE TRUST) moved initially to online and social media platforms. As government advice was updated we undertook ‘detached youth work’ meeting weekly with teenagers outdoors at local parks.
Page 6
## **LIVING HOPE INTERNATIONAL CHARITY INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2021**
The COVID-19 pandemic is a global pandemic and as such impacted the work of our mission partners in Albania and Lebanon during this period. Planned pastoral and ministry visits overseas were postponed during this period and meetings with our mission partners overseas were conducted via online video calls.
We continued to support the Albanian mission throughout this period and we increased our support to our missionary in Lebanon and her work ‘on the ground’ in response to the Beirut Port Explosion (August 2020) as well as COVID-19.
## **Future Developments**
In 2021/22 we plan to build our in-person congregational gatherings (as COVID-19 restrictions allow). Since 2002 our church has met in various locations but most regularly and consistently at Milking Bank Primary School in Dudley. While we intend to continue to serve our local neighbourhoods of Milking Bank and Russells Hall, at this time we acknowledge COVID-secure measures in place do not enable a return to weekly congregational gatherings in the school building. Furthermore, we plan to develop our engagement with, and support for, additional neighbourhoods in our local community.
We plan to further develop our working relationships and partnership with other local churches including for the use of community church buildings in Dudley for our congregational gatherings. We also plan to engage further in explorative conversations regarding permanent building(s) for the activities of Living Hope Church in the coming period.
## **Financial review**
The net incoming unrestricted resources before transfers for the year amounted to £4,223 and net incoming restricted resources amounted to £24,022. Transfers between funds are shown in note 3.
At 31st March 2021 the unrestricted cash funds after transfers total £19,227, designated cash funds after transfers total £7,205 and restricted funds after transfers total £52,296.
## **Reserves and reserves policy**
Our reserves policy is to maintain a minimum of two months minimum operating costs as a contingency fund.
The amount of 'free' reserves, not committed or invested in tangible fixed assets at 31st March 2021 amounts to £26,432 (2020 £24,316), and equates to approximately 7 months (2020: 4 months) of expenditure.
Approved by the trustees on and signed on their behalf by
Mrs Lois Parkes - Trustee
Page 7
## **LIVING HOPE INTERNATIONAL CHARITY INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2021**
I report on the accounts for the year ended 31st March 2021.
## **Responsibilities and basis of report.**
As the charity trustees of the Trust you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 (‘the Act’).
I report in respect of my examination of the Trust’s accounts carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act and in carrying out my examination I have followed all the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Act.
## **Independent Examiner’s statement**
I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respect:
Accounting records were not kept in respect of the Trust as required by section 130 of the Act; or
The accounts do not accord with those records.
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 proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
S A Reeves FCCA Shire Barn Hewell Lane Tardebigge Worcs
9th November 2021
Page 8
## **LIVING HOPE INTERNATIONAL CHARITY RECEIPTS AND PAYMENTS ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2021**
|Notes
**RECEIPTS**
Tithes and offerings
5a
Donations
5b
Gift Aid tax recovered
5c
Grants
5d
Receipts from charitable activities
5e
Interest and dividends
5f
**TOTAL RECEIPTS**
**PAYMENTS**
Direct charitable activity
6a
**TOTAL PAYMENTS**
**NET OF RECEIPTS/PAYMENTS**
**Transfers between funds**
CASH FUNDS AS AT 31/03/20
**CASH FUNDS AS AT 31/03/21**
4|**Unrestricted**
**Funds**
**2021**
**£**
35,753
-
9,672
600
770
10
46,805
42,258
42,258
**4,547**
1,815
12,865
**19,227**|**Designated**
**funds**
**2021**
**£**
-
460
-
-
-
-
460
784
784
**(324)**
(460)
7,989
**7,205**|**Restricted**
**Funds**
**2021**
**£**
-
2,640
-
56,804
-
-
59,444
35,422
35,422
**24,022**
(1,355)
29,629
**52,296**|**Total Funds**
**2021**
**£**
35,753
3,100
9,672
57,404
770
10
106,709
78,464
78,464
**28,245**
-
50,483
**78,728**|**Total Funds**
**2020**
**£**
49,071
10,359
10,573
-
-
38
70,041
73,018
73,018
**(2,977)**
-
53,460
**50,483**|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Page 9
## **LIVING HOPE INTERNATIONAL CHARITY STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES AS AT 31ST MARCH 2021**
|Notes
**Unrestricted**
**Funds**
**2021**
**£**
**Cash funds**
Current account
19,227
Deposit accounts
-
**4**
19,227
**Other monetary assets**
Gift aid recoverable
664
**Assets for charitable use**
Fixtures & Fittings
-
Equipment
-|**Designated**
**funds**
**2021**
**£**
7,205
-
7,205
-
248
1,085|**Restricted**
**Funds**
**2021**
**£**
34,584
17,712
52,296
-
-
-|**Total**
**Funds**
**2021**
**£**
61,016
17,712
78,728
664
248
1,085|**Total**
**Funds**
**2020**
**£**
32,771
17,712
50,483
3,228
330
1,619|
|---|---|---|---|---|
The financial statements were approved by the Board of Trustees on and were signed on its behalf by:
Mrs Lois Parkes Trustee
Page 10
**LIVING HOPE INTERNATIONAL CHARITY NOTES TO THE RECEIPTS AND PAYMENTS ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2021**
## 1 **Trustees' Remuneration and benefits**
The charity trustees were neither paid nor received any benefits from employment during the year (2020: J Parkes trustee remuneration £13,000 and expenses £528)
## **2 Staff Costs**
The average monthly number of employees during the year was 2 (2020: 3) No employees received emoluments in excess of £60,000
## **3 Related party transactions**
During the year Lisa Parkes, daughter in law of trustee Jeremy Parkes, received remuneration of £14,631 and pension contributions of £515.
## 4 **Movement in funds**
The movements in designated and restricted funds during the year were:
|**General (unrestricted)**
**Designated**
Evangelical & Discipleship
Lebonon Fund
Vision Fund
**Restricted**
Albania General
Albanian Bequest Fund
Allchurches
Elona School
Holiday Activity
Heart of England Baptist
Innovation Fund - Little stars
Innovation Fund - Revive
Lottery - Revive
Winter Food Fund
**Total funds**|Balance b/fwd
Receipts
Payments
Transfers
Balance c/fwd
01/04/2020
31/03/2021
£
£
£
£
£
12,865
46,805
42,258
1,815
19,227
4,500
-
294
-
4,206
-
460
-
(460)
-
3,489
-
490
-
2,999
7,989
460
784
(460)
7,205
(260)
1,920
1,215
(270)
175
17,712
-
-
-
17,712
-
5,150
665
-
4,485
442
720
1,336
6
(168)
-
21,600
13,233
-
8,367
-
5,000
-
-
5,000
4,903
5,097
2,830
(328)
6,842
6,832
8,657
15,262
(227)
-
-
10,000
117
9,883
-
1,300
764
(536)
-
29,629
59,444
35,422
(1,355)
52,296
50,483
106,709
78,464
-
78,728|
|---|---|
Page 11
## **LIVING HOPE INTERNATIONAL CHARITY NOTES TO THE RECEIPTS AND PAYMENTS ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2021**
|**5**
**Further analysis of Receipts**
Receipts
a)
**Tithes and offerings**
Tithes & gifts
Church offering
b)
**Donations**
Specific donation - Albania
Specific donation - Elona
Specific donation - Lebanon
c)
**Gift Aid**
Gift Aid tax recovered
d)
**Grants**
Grants from institutions
e)
**Receipts from charitable activities**
Holiday hunger/Revive Income
f)
**Interest and dividends**
Bank interest
TOTAL RECEIPTS|**Unrestricted**
**Funds**
**2021**
**£**
35,052
701
35,753
-
-
-
-
9,672
600
770
10
46,805|**Designated**
**funds**
**2021**
**£**
-
-
-
-
-
460
460
-
-
-
-
460|**Restricted**
**Funds**
**2021**
**£**
-
-
-
1,920
720
-
2,640
-
56,804
-
-
59,444|**Total**
**2021**
**£**
35,052
701
35,753
1,920
720
460
3,100
9,672
57,404
770
10
106,709|**Total**
**2020**
**£**
49,071
0
49,071
0
0
0
0
10,573
10,359
0
38
70,041|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Page 12
## **LIVING HOPE INTERNATIONAL CHARITY NOTES TO THE RECEIPTS AND PAYMENTS ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2021**
|**6**
**Further analysis of Payments**
**Payments**
a)
**Direct charitable activity**
Ministry salaries
Ministry pension costs
Training & CPDL
Benevolence Gifts - church family
Visiting speakers
Travelling & motor expenses
Mission - outgoing support
Mission - direct gifts
Evangelism
Hospitality
Children & Youth
Revive Holiday Club
Revive craft & activities
Revive professional fees
Revive consumables & packaging
Revive food & refreshments
Revive communications
Revive - licenses & subscriptions
Little Stars
Little Stars craft
Rent - Sunday & Lock up
Rent - office
Rent - other
Insurance
Equipment
Repairs & renewals
Books, publications & media
Licenses & subscriptions
Professional fees
Office sundries
Telephone, broadband & mobiles
Bank charges
TOTAL PAYMENTS|**Unrestricted**
**Funds**
**2021**
**£**
15,230
698
150
2,030
120
-
10,040
270
-
227
309
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
936
5,007
53
454
-
135
115
1,013
4,269
516
534
152
42,258|**Designated**
**funds**
**2021**
**£**
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
11
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
490
-
163
-
120
-
-
-
784|**Restricted**
**Funds**
**2021**
**£**
6,951
11
-
-
-
-
-
2,551
-
-
-
9,308
6,180
6,098
2,421
79
124
33
1,001
665
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
35,422|**Total**
**Total**
**2021**
**2020**
**£**
**£**
22,181
39,049
709
-
150
597
2,030
1,811
120
715
-
639
10,040
13,065
2,821
-
11
879
227
2,685
309
642
9,308
-
6,180
-
6,098
-
2,421
-
79
-
124
-
33
-
1,001
-
665
-
936
-
5,007
8,950
53
-
454
-
490
-
135
858
278
-
1,013
1,795
4,389
-
516
889
534
349
152
95
78,464
73,018|
|---|---|---|---|---|
Page 13