ANNUAL REPORT &ACCOUNTS 2024-2025 ME STIRT Merton ## **MISSION STATEMENT** Home-Start Merton is a local community network of trained volunteers and expert support, helping children pre-birth and up to 5 years. We help families through their challenging times. We are there for parents and children when they need us the most because childhood can’t wait. ## **WHO WE ARE:** _Trustees:_ Clare Courtney (Chairperson). **Appointed 04/02/2025** Danny Lawrence Adam Flacks (Deputy Chairperson) Diane Holmes (Deputy Chairperson and Treasurer) Vikrant Bhuskute Manuel Boger Marian Ridley Yang Li. **Appointed 25/02/2025** Faye Brann. Company Secretary: Sharon Ashby _Staff:_ Sharon Ashby - Managing Director Heather Ford – Family Support Coordinator Silvia Romani – Business Support Administrator. **Joined: 01/10/2024** Debbie Magee – Senior Family Support Co-ordinator. **Leave date: 31/05/2024** _REGISTERED CHARITY NAME:_ Home-Start Merton _REGISTERED COMPANY NUMBER:_ 05359862 _REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER:_ 1108937 _REGISTERED OFFICE:_ All Saints Resource Centre, 44 All Saints Road, Wimbledon, SW19 1BX _T:_ 020 8646 6044 _E:_ admin@homestartmerton.org _W:_ www.homestartmerton.co.uk _INDEPENDENT EXAMINER: BANKERS:_ Kana Veluppillai CAF Bank Limited KV & Co. 25 Kings Hill Avenue 18 Morton Gardens Kings Hill Wallington West Malling Surrey ME19 4JQ SM6 8EX 1 **WHAT WE DO GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT** Home-Start Merton is a charitable company limited by guarantee, incorporated on 10 February 2005. The company was established under a Memorandum of Association which established the objects and powers of the charitable company and is governed under its Articles of Association. In the event of the company being wound up, members are required to contribute an amount not exceeding £1. The governance is vested in our Board of Trustees who have six scheduled meetings each year and additional meetings on other occasions as business requires. The board is responsible for the charity’s long-term objectives, for its strategic priorities and for providing overall financial management and control. The day-to-day management of the charity is delegated to the Managing Director of the scheme who reports to the Board of Trustees. Our Board of Trustees for 2024-2025 was made up of nine members who bring with them a range of skills and experience. Under the terms of the Articles of Association, board members are appointed at the Annual General Meeting. Under the Articles, one third must retire in rotation at each AGM. Trustees who retire are eligible to be re-appointed at the same AGM. The Trustees may co-opt any person to be appointed as a Trustee during the year and that person will hold office until the next AGM. ## **AIMS AND OBJECTIVES** The objectives of Home-Start Merton are to safeguard, protect, and preserve the good health, both mental and physical, of children and their parents. It also aims to prevent emotional and physical abuse of such children. Home-Start Merton believes that: - Children need a happy and secure childhood. - Parents play the key role in giving their children a good start in life. - Every parent should have the support they need to give their children the best possible start in life, helping them to achieve their full potential. - The best people to help parents are other parents, who have themselves had experience of bringing up children and are able to provide the kind of support that only another parent who has lived experience can. The service offered by Home-Start Merton is provided by a team of trained and supervised parent volunteers who give tailored family support to families in their own homes, specific to their individual needs supported by our trained staff. ## **STANDARDS AND METHODS OF PRACTICE** Home-Start works with families who are experiencing difficulties and who have at least one child under the age of five. Home-Start is an independent voluntary organisation which works towards the increased confidence and independence of the family by: - Offering support and practical assistance. - Visiting families in their own homes where the dignity and identity of everyone can be respected and protected. - Reassuring parents that difficulties bringing up children are not unusual and encouraging enjoyment in family life. - Developing a relationship with the family in which time can be shared and understanding can be developed; the approach is flexible to take account of diverse needs. 2 - Encouraging the parents’ strengths and emotional wellbeing for the ultimate benefit of their own children. - Encouraging families to widen their network of relationships and to effectively use the support and services available within the community. ## **RISK MANAGEMENT** The Board of Trustees regularly undertakes a detailed review of our risk management procedures to ensure that appropriate systems are in place to mitigate those risks. The Trustees consider that a major risk is one which has a high likelihood of occurring and would, if it occurred, have a severe impact on operational performance. The Trustees expect all staff and volunteers, when engaging in any activity on behalf of Home-Start Merton, to consider the risks posted and to act in accordance with the risk management procedures. Whilst it is important that the Board of Trustees remain risk alert, they do not wish to be averse to taking reasonable risks as part of their strategy to achieve the objects of the organisation. All key policies within the organisation are reviewed regularly and updated as appropriate to reflect any legislative changes and the latest developments and thinking in relation to best practice. ## **TRUSTEES** Trustee application forms are available on request. All applications require approval by the Trustees. Trustees can decline an application if they feel that the application is prejudicial to the ethos of the organisation. 3 ## **CHAIR OF TRUSTEES & MANAGING DIRECTOR’S REPORT** This report sets out some of our successes and challenges through the last financial year and sets out why Home-Start Merton is more important than ever to support those families struggling in our communities. Positive outcomes: 1. Two parents have gained employment. 2. Two parents have been supported to navigate their own ongoing domestic abuse and court hearings. Both parents feel more empowered. 3. A parent has been empowered to work through being on a child protection plan and as part of the step down process was referred to Home-Start. The parent is now able to selfadvocate for herself through the court process she is currently navigating. 4. Child has been through a long period of being diagnosed with complex health issues. 5. Children and parents have benefited from attendance at our group setting with school readiness, access to external professionals, (specialist perinatal health visitor, Oral health hygiene, winter wellbeing workshops). 6. Two volunteers have started a new career pathway. One as an ESOL teacher and one as a counsellor. This has been a year of struggle for those who need support the most. The cost-of-living crisis continues to make it harder for families to make ends meet; the numbers of parents and children that are struggling with mental health have increased; and the level of need around special education of children is rising. Children of statutory education age are the children of 2025 born during the covid pandemic years with many of the children we support showing signs of delayed development. There has been an increase in domestic abuse, which impacts negatively on children and whilst the new government strategy is trying to address this it is unlikely to be fast enough to support those struggling now. The number of families facing complex issues and the demand for our services is increasing. This has made what we do even more important but also stretched our current resources as far as they will go. Thankfully our willing volunteers continue to persevere through challenging circumstances to go the extra mile for other people when they are struggling. Our work endures thanks to our continued partnerships with The Dorus trust, The Taylor Family Foundation, The Generations Foundation, John Lewis and Waitrose, Wimbledon District Nurses Midwifery and Benevolent Society (WDNMBS), Wimbledon High School for Girls, Kings College Junior school, AELTC (All England Lawn Tennis & Croquet Club) and our regular donators. Thank you all. We cannot have the impact we do in Merton without the support these philanthropic trusts and donors provide. However, resources continue to be spread very thinly and so this year, we have sought to bring renewed vigour to our fundraising strategy. Bec Yusef, fundraising manager, joined us as a freelancer to help us with a concise fundraising strategy and to help improve our financial situation and to help to secure our sustainability. This has started to show some positive results, but we will need to continue to need to look for new revenue streams to thrive. It has been our first full year with Danny as Chair of Trustees, and it has been both fulfilling and challenging in equal measure. Before the next AGM Danny will have completed a full nine years as a trustee (three terms of three years) so decided it would be best to ensure some continuity, and we advertised for the next Chair of trustees over the winter. In a very competitive process, we were lucky to be able to bring Clare Courtney onboard. She has a wealth of experience in start-ups to bring that energy and lean thinking at a time when we need to innovate to survive. She started as a 4 trustee in February 2025 and took over as the Chairperson May 2025. Furthermore, we welcome Yang Li to the Board February 2025 who has a wealth of experience in finance which will ensure the Board continues to ask the difficult questions on our financial position. Our Little Stars group in Mitcham, has continued to thrive and our free counselling service continues to benefit the families who need it the most. Thank you to all the volunteers, staff, donors, funders, and supporters who have helped Home-Start Merton provide support to families within Merton this year. You have all made a difference. We would particularly like to thank all the hard work of the team of staff and trustees for making my two years as Chair of trustees as fulfilling as it was. Your teamwork and support have been what has kept us going through the more difficult moments. We are grateful to the continued support of all of you in the years to come! ## **Danny Lawrence, Chair of Trustees Sharon Ashby, Managing Director** 5 ## **FAMILIES SUPPORTED** **==> picture [362 x 218] intentionally omitted <==** **----- Start of picture text -----**
Families Supported in 2024-2025
50
45 43
40
35
30
25
20
15
10
5
0
**----- End of picture text -----**
This year, Home-Start Merton has supported 43 families and 74 children. Due to the nature of the support Home-Start Merton provides, older children who live in the home are also indirectly supported. **==> picture [362 x 218] intentionally omitted <==** **----- Start of picture text -----**
Children Supported in 2024-2025
13
35
26
0-2 years 3-5 years 6+
**----- End of picture text -----**
6 ## **OUR SUPPORT TO FAMILIES** Home-Start Merton provides counselling and group support alongside its core home visiting service. Many families benefit from a combination of all three services. Group support has proven especially valuable for families who might otherwise face a waiting list or whose needs differ from those suited to home visiting volunteers. **==> picture [416 x 221] intentionally omitted <==** **----- Start of picture text -----**
How families were supported in 2024-2025
18 17
16
14
12 11
10
8
8 7
6
4
2
0
Exclusively through Exclusively through Combination of Home- Exclusively through other
Home-visiting Group support visiting and Group i.e. counselling or staff
support
**----- End of picture text -----**
In addition to the core service of home visiting support, referrals for additional support have been completed. 7 ## **REFERRALS** The information below outlines the wide-ranging and complex needs experienced by families referred to Home-Start Merton during 2024/2025. These needs are assessed by professionals at the time of referral and documented on the referral forms provided. ## **Identified need at time of referral** **==> picture [441 x 197] intentionally omitted <==** **----- Start of picture text -----**
Other 7%
Parents Own Learning Needs 3%
Coping With Child's Physical Health 9%
Coping With Child's Mental Health 9%
Stress Caused By Conflict In The Family 15%
Managing The Household Budget 18%
Managing Child's Behaviour 19%
Being Involved In The Child(ren)'s Development 22%
Coping With Own Physical Health 21%
Acess To Other Services 29%
Multiple Birth/children Under 5 35%
Running Of The House 41%
Parent's Self-esteem 47%
Coping Social Isolation 71%
Coping With Own Mental Health 75%
**----- End of picture text -----**
The three main themes we have identified for parents/carers that is affecting children’s wellbeing and development are: - Poor mental health - Isolation - Poor self- esteem/lack of parenting confidence - Other continuing emerging needs: - Poor housing - Financial Deprivation - Relationship Breakdown/Domestic Abuse The graph below shows the **sources** from which we receive referrals: **==> picture [459 x 203] intentionally omitted <==** **----- Start of picture text -----**
1% 1%
1% [1%]
3% 3% Health Visitor
3% Self Referrals
3%
Midwifery Services
4%
38% Social Worker
4%
Other Health
4%
GP
6%
Social Prescriber
7%
18% Family Support Services
**----- End of picture text -----**
8 The majority of our referrals last year have come from health visitors, who play a vital role in connecting individuals with the support they need. Self-referrals have also been a significant source, demonstrating the growing awareness and trust in our service. The diversity of referral sources highlights the broad reach of our services and the collaborative effort to ensure individuals receive the appropriate care. During the 2024–2025 period, we were unable to provide support to 48 referrals due to limited capacity. While we aim to respond to every referral, the demand for our services continues to exceed the resources available. In these instances, we did our best to offer alternative forms of support, such as signposting to other services or providing informal guidance where appropriate. **==> picture [453 x 262] intentionally omitted <==** **----- Start of picture text -----**
Referrals not supported 2024-2025
Unable To Accept Referral - No Volunteer Capacity 32
No Further Engagement 4
Inappropriate Referral - Social Care Involvement 3
Inappropriate Referral - Out Of Area 2
Inappropriate Referral - Complex Needs 3
Inappropriate Referral - Child/ren Too Old 2
Family Not Ready/Declined Support 1
Family Not Eligible 1
0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35
**----- End of picture text -----**
9 ## **VOLUNTEERS** This year, 28 dedicated volunteers worked alongside parents—in their homes and/or in a group setting—to help them navigate life’s challenges. Through their compassionate support, they empowered families with the skills, confidence, and resilience needed to nurture their children and build brighter futures. **==> picture [452 x 243] intentionally omitted <==** **----- Start of picture text -----**
Volunteers 2024-2025
30 28
25
20
15
10
5
2
0
-5
-5
-10
Total numer of volunteers Volunteers resting Group only
**----- End of picture text -----**
10 **FINANCIAL OVERVIEW TREASURERS REPORT** On behalf of the Board of Trustees, I am pleased to present the Treasurer’s Report for Home-Start Merton (HSM) for the financial year 1st April 2024 to 31st March 2025. A Statement of Financial Activities and Balance Sheet for the financial year 2024/25 is shown within this Annual Report. ## Income Review 2024/25 HSM’s total income for the year was £92,401. The Board of Trustees is extremely grateful to its funders for their continued generosity during this year and wishes to thank the following continuing donors: - The Taylor Family Foundation - The Dorus Trust - Wimbledon District Nursing and Midwifery Benevolent Society - London Community Foundation - The Paul Strank Charitable Trust - John Lewis - NHS Southwest London and Merton Connected. In addition, our thanks are extended to new funders: The Rowlett Trust, Albert Hunt Trust, FB Coales No4 Family Trust, TK Maxx and Homesense Foundation and a SGN (Southern Gas Networks) grant through HSUK. A small amount of HSM income was derived from returns on investments and the remainder from gifts and donations. The Board is very grateful to all the private individuals who regularly contributed towards fundraising and to those friends and supporters who continue to support the charity with much appreciated donations. ## Expenditure Review 2024/25 Total resources spent were £183,797 (previous year £189,238). Our committed and highly skilled staff remain our most valuable assets. Reflecting this, a significant portion of expenditure – totalling £139,605 – was allocated to salaries and associated employment costs. During the period we also had some staff changes – operating with fewer team members for a period of some months – and this is reflected in our slightly lower staff costs this year. ## Reserves & Investment Strategy The trustees reviewed and maintained an unchanged reserves policy. The policy exists to ensure we hold reserves at a level, £100,000, which ensures that HSM’s core activities can continue during a period of unforeseen difficulty. Approximately half of those reserves are kept as cash in the bank, the remainder of reserves are invested on a medium-term, but accessible basis, in a discretionary portfolio managed by Charles Stanley Investment Fund. The investments are in medium-high risk investment classes with the objective being balanced, to produce a balance between capital growth and income. We continue to deliver against our fundraising strategy, with a renewed emphasis on identifying and approaching funders whose criteria align with our current financial position. We continue to seek new funding avenues by crafting compelling funding proposals which demonstrate the charity’s enduring value to the community. The staff and trustees remain firmly committed to strengthening HSM’s long-term sustainability. Key priorities include diversifying income streams, streamlining the donation processes, enhancing our charity’s visibility across the Borough, and deepening engagement with our network of friends 11 and supporters. These efforts are vital to ensuring the charity continues to thrive and deliver its essential services to the community. The Board would like to take this opportunity to thank our independent Examiner, Mr K Velupillai of K V & Co. for examining the HSM account and which have been approved by the Board of Trustees. ## **Diane Holmes Treasurer** 12 The following summarised accounts are an extract from the Reports and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2025. The full accounts can be obtained from Home-Start Merton, All Saints Resource Centre, 44 All Saints Road, Wimbledon, SW19 1BX. Copies of the certified accounts will be lodged with the Charities Commission and Companies House. You are welcome to inspect the documents at our office, please contact the Business Support Administrator for an appointment. 13 OIIE4TART IIERTON C￿.002 14 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS At Home-start Merton, the heart of our support lies in the incredible generosity of our volunteers, supporters, and donors. Their unwavering kindness and dedication enable us to provide vital assistance to families-helping to build resilience, nurture confidence, and create brighter futures. Alongside those already acknowledged on this report, we extend our sincere thanks to the many individual and corporate donors whose ongoing generosity has been instrumental in allowing us to respond swiftly and effectively to families in need throughout the year. Finally, we would like to express our deepest gratitude to the people who make our work possible every day-our home-visiting, group and fundraising volunteers, trustees, and staff. Without their commitment and compassion, we simply could not support the families who rely on us. IIRT is grateful to have been supportedb Merton AL8ERY MUNT Tlilsf Reglstered Charity Number 1108937 Registered Company Number 5359862 HOME-START MERTON REPORTS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 March 2026 HOME-START MERTON Report and accounts Contsnts Page Charity and Company informats'on Tru5tees' Report Independent Examinevs report Statement of Financial Activities Balance sheet Notes to the accounts Detsiled Ststement of Financial Activities 12 HOME-START MERTON Company Information Dlr•ctors C Courtney A Flacks D Holmes D Lawrence M Boger V Bhuskule M Ridley F Brann YLI Secretary S P Ashby Chair Deputy Chair Deputy Chair & Treasurer Appointed 3 February 2025 Appointed 24 February 2025 Accountants KV&CO Chartered Managemenl Accountants 18 Morton Gard8ns Wallington Surrey SM8 8EX Banker8 CAF Bank Limited 25 Kings Hill Avenue Kings Hill West Malling Kent ME194JQ Regl8tergd offl¢• All Saints Resource Centre 44 All Saints Road Wimbledon London SW19 1 BX Reglsterod Charlty number 1108937 HOME-START MERTON The report ofthe trustees Introduction for the year gndgd 31 March 2025 The trustees present their annual report and accounts for the year ended 31st March 2025. Name, registered office and constitution of the charity The full name of the charity is Homfrstart Merton. The legal registration details are D818 of incorporation 10th February 2005 Comp8ny Registration Number 5359862 The Registered Office is All Saints Resource Centre, 44 All Saints Road, London SW19 1 BX Charity Registration Number 1108937 The t818phone number is 0208 646 6044 Obl8Ctlv•8 and ActSvitie8 of the Charity A summory of the objects of the charlty as set out In Its governlng do¢um•nt. The principal a¢tivily during the year was to support famili8S Wlth young ¢hiklren living within the London Borough of Merton. Publlc benefft that Is provlded by the charlty To safeguard, protect and preserve the good health, both mental and physical of children and parents. To prevent cruelty lo or maIt￿atMent of children. To relieve sickness. poverty and need amongst children and parents of children. To promote the education of the public in better standards of childcare within the area of Merton and ils environs. Achievements and Perfomiance of the Charlty Structure, Governance and Management Nature of the Governlng Document and cons¢ltutlon of th• ¢harlty The results for the period, and the Charity's financial position 8t the end of the period are shown in the attached financial statements. The Charity is Company Limited by Guarantee which is incorporated in United Kingdom on 10 February 2005 wa$ fomed for charitable purpose, The liability of its meniber3 is limited to guarantee of £1 each. The companies goveming documents are its memorandum and articles of association. The company is established lo further those purposes which are recognised as charitable and the registered charity number is 1108937. The methods adopted for tho r•cwltment and appolntment of new trustees Home_start Merton recruits trustees who demonstrate ￿nterest in valuing the farnily and following recommendations made in respect of people with particular skills and expertise in worting with children and families, or the voluntary sector. All new trustees receive an induction pack of infomialion about the work of Home-start Merton and how it operates, and guidance as to their responsibility as Charity trustees and company directors. Induction and training of new board members is delegated lo the scheme Manager in consuttation with the Chair. New members a150 receive infomialion about Home-slart UK including a copy of tho signed agreement. The major rlsks to whlch the charlty Is exposed and revlgws and systems to mitigate rfsks The trustees have examined the major strategic, business and operational risks which the charity faces and confirm that systems have been established lo enable regular reports to be prcxjuced so that the necessary steps can be taken lo manage and minimise risks. HOME-START MERTON The report of the trustee8 Financial Review Policles on reserves for the year ended 31 Mareh 2025 The trustees have examined the requirement for free reserves, which are those unreslricled funds not invested in fixed assets. not designated for specific purposes or otherwise committed. The trustees have set a reserves policy which requires". reseNe$ a￿ maintained at a level which ensures that Home-start's CO￿ activity could continue during a period of unforeseen difficulty a proportion of reserves are maintained in a readily realisable form. Having considered the risk. activity and commitments of the organisation Trustees have agreed that the scheme need lo relain a level of a minimum of 6 months running costs which equates to approximately £ 100,000. This policy 1$ remewed annually by the board of Trustees. Transactlons and Flnanclal posltlon The financial statements are set out on pages 7 to 13. The financial statements have been prepared implementing the 2005 Revision of the Statement of Recommended Practice ISORPI for Accounting and Reporting by Charities issued by the Charity Commission for England and Wales and in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard IFRS1021 issued on 16 July 2014. The Statement of Financial Activities show net outgoing resources Ideficit} for the year of a revenue nature of £87,384 (prior year net outgoing resources of £42,418). The total re$erve$ at the year end, sland at £302,618 (prior year £ 390,0021. Free unre$tri¢led liquid reserves is in surplus and amounted lo £290.852 (prior year surplus £410,212) The members of the Board ofTrustees oftho Charfty durlng the year onded 318t March 2025 were :. C Courtney (Chairl A Flacks (Deputy Chairl D Homes (Deputy Chair & Treasurer) D Lawrence M Boger V 8huskute M Ridley F Brann YLI Appointed 24 February 2025 Trustees of the charity, and their responsibilities include all the responsibilities of directors under the Companies Acts and of Iruslees under the Charrties Acts. Appointed 3 February 2025 The directorsltruslees are all members of the charity. The members of thg 8oard ofTruste85 oftho Charity at the date oftho rgport and accounts were approved wgre:. M Boger V Bhuskute F Brann M Ridley D Lawrence D Holmes A Flacks C Courtney YLI HOME-START MERTON The report of the trustees Investment Policy: for the year ended 31 March 2025 The assets should be managed lo achieve growth. of both capital and income, from an investrrent portfolio wrf(h the best financial return with an acceptable level of risk. Withdrawals from the investments are made to provide a source of income for Home Stsrt Merton lo cover situations where there is an operational deficit and to ensure the continu(ty of Home Stsrt Merton's charitsble purposes. -The asset$ can be invested widely according to the general power of investment and should be diversified by a55els dass and by security. Asse15 elasses could include cash, bonds, equities, investment funds, property and any other assets that are deemed suitable for the charity. The Tnjstees require ethi¢al considerations to be taken into account in the choice of investments. Direct investments in Companies predominately involved with the production of alcohol, gambling activities and the provision of domestic sub-prime lending are not acceptable. Independent Examlner K Veluppillai ACMA, CGMA,ACPA KV&CO Chartered Management Accountants 18 Morton Gardens Wallinglon Surrey SM6 8EX Statement of Directors. and Tru8te08' Re¥ponsibilitio¥ The Charities Acts and the Companies Acts require the Board of trustees to prepare financial slalements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the Stale of affairs of the charity a$ al the end of the financial year and of the surplus or deficit of the charity. In preparing those financial $talemenls the Board is requi￿d lo sel8cI suitsble a¢¢ounling policies and then apply them ¢onsislently'. make judgement$ and estimates that are reasonable and prudent.. and prepare the financial $talements on the going concern basis unless il is inappropriate lo presume that the charity will continue in business. Slate whether applicable accounting standards and statements of recommended practice have been followed , 5ubje¢l to any material departu￿$ disclosed and explained in the financial slalements., The trustees are also responsible for maintaining adequate a¢counling records which disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial posits'on of the charity and which are suffieienl to show and explain th8 charity's Iransaelions and enable them to ensure that the financial slalements comply with the Cornpanie5 Act 2006 and comply with regulations mad& under the Charities Act. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charity and hence for tsking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities. The trustees are also responsible for the contents of the Iruslees, report, and the re$pon$ibilily of the independent examiner in relition to the trustees, report is limited lo examining the report and ensuring that , on the face of the report, there are no inconsistencies with the f1gures disclosed in the financial statements. Method of preparation of aeeounts These accounts have been prepared in accordan￿ with the provisions applicable to companies subject lo the small cOmpan￿S ￿giMe. This report was approved by the board of trustees onlg 10 *025. S P Ashby Company Secrgtary HOME￿TART MERTON Report ofthe Independent Examlner to the trustees on the accounts of the Charlty for the year ended 31 March 2025 I report on the finan¢ial statements of the Charity on pages 7 to 13 for the year ended 31 March 2025 which have been prepared in accordance with the Charities Act 1993 and with the Financial Reporting Standard IFRS1021, as modified by the Statement of Recommended Practice for Accounting and Reporting issued by the Charity Commissioners for England & Wales, effective April 2005 as modified in May 2008. (The SORPI, under the historical cost convention and the accounting policies set out on page 10. Resoeetlve resDon8lbllltles of trustees and examlner As described on page 4. the Charity's trustees, who are also the directors of the company for the purposes of company law, are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements. The Iruslee$ S￿ satisfied that the audit requirement of Section 43{21 of the Charities Act 1993 (the Act} does not apply and that the accounts do not require an audit in accordance with Part 16 of the Companies Act 2006 and that no member or menibers have requested an audit pursuant to section 476 of the Companies Act 2006, and that there is no requirement in the governing document or constitution of the Charity for the conducting of an audit. As a consequence, the trustees have elected that the financial statement$ be Subject lo independent examination. Having satisfied myself that the charity is not subject to audit under company law, or otherwise, and is eligible for independent examination. rt is my responsibility lo'.- 81 examine the accounts under section 43 of the Act,. and., bl to follow the procedures laid down in the General Directions given by the Charity Commission under Section 43171{bl of the A¢t', 8asl$ of oplnlon and Scope ofwork undertaken conducted my examination in a¢¢ordan¢e with the General Directions given by the Charity Commissioners for England & Wales setting out the duties of an independent examiner issued by the Charity Commissioners under section 4317llbl of the Acll in relation to the conducting of an independent examination, referred to above. An independent examination includes a review of the a¢¢ounting records kept by the Charity and of the accounting systems employed by the Charity and comparison of the financial statements presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual item$ or disclosures in the financi81 stalemenls, and seeking explanations from you as trustees concerning such matters. The purpose of the examination is lo establish as far as possible that there have been no breaches of the Charities legislation and that the financial statements comply with the Statement of Reeommended Practice issued by the Charity Commissioners for England & Wales, on a test basis. of evidence relgvanl to the amounts and disclosu￿9 in the financial statements. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit, and information supplied by the trustees in the course of the examination is not subjected lo audit lesls or enquiries, and Consequently I do not express an audit opinion on the view given by the financial statements. and in particular, l express no opinion as lo whether the financial statement$ give a true and fair view of the affairs of the charity, and my report is limited to the matters set out in the statement below. I planned and performed my examination so as to satisfy myself that the objectives of the independent examination are achieved and before finalising the report l obtain written assurances from the Injstees of all material matters. Subjed lo the lirnilations upon the scopg of my work as detailed above, in connection with my examination, I can confirm that 11 In accordance with Regulation 31 of The Charities IAccounls and Reports) Regulations 2008, the accounts of this incorporated charity are not required lo be audited under Part 16 of the Companies Act 2006., 21 this is a report in respect of an examination carried out under section 43 of the Charities Act 1993 and in accordance with any directions given by the Commission under subsection17llbl of that section which are appIl￿ble., and that, no matter has come to my attention in connection with my examination which give5 me reasonable Cause to believe that in any material respect the requirements lil lo keep accounting records in accordance with section 386 of the Companies Act 2006., lil) to prepare financial 5talemenl$ whi¢h accord with the accounting records and Comply with the accounting requirements of section 396 of the Companies Act 2006 and,. {iiil that the financial 5talemenls be prepared in ac￿rdance with the meth(yJs and principles Set out in the Statement of Recommended Practice - Accounting and Reporting by Charities hav8 not been met,. or to whi¢h, in my opinion, attention $hould be drawn in my report in order lo enable a propel understanding of the accounts lo be reached,. LL6 K Veluppillai ACMA, CGMA.ACPA KV&CO Chartered Management Accountants Wallington Surrey SM6 8EX The date upon which my opinion is expressed is 12025 HOME-START MERTON Statement of Financlal Actlvltles for the year ended 31 March 2025 Unrèstrietèd Rèstrictgd Total Funds Funds Fundg Last Year Total Funds Note5 2025 2025 2025 2024 Incomlng resources Incomlng resources from generated lunds Voluntary Income Activities for generating funds Investment Income 31,675 2.640 1,912 S6,174 87,849 2,640 1,912 69.329 53,417 1,516 Total Incomlng resources 36.227 56.174 92,401 124,282 Costs of generntlng funds Coslg of generating voluntary income Costs of ch8rltable actlvltles Govomance costs 1,257 139,389 1,150 1,257 183,797 1,150 3,115 188,088 1,150 44,408 Total resou￿e9 expended 141,796 44.408 186,204 192,353 Net outgolng resources before transfers between funds 1105,5691 11,766 193,8031 168.0911 Gross tran8ler8 bètween funds 120.2101 20,210 Net outgolng re80urc8s before Other recognlsed galn8 and108se$ 1125.7791 31,976 193.8031 168.0911 Other recognlsed galn8 and losses Galns on Investment assets 6,419 6,419 25,673 Net movement In funds 1119,3601 31.976 187,3841 142,4181 Reconclllatlon of funds Total funds bmught fonyard 410,212 120,2101 390,002 432,420 Total Funds carrled lo￿ard 290,852 11,766 302.618 390,002 The nel movement in funds referred lo above is the nel Incoming resourees as defined in the Slalemenl of Recommended Practice for Accounting and Reporting issued by the Charrty CommL8sion for England & Wafes and is reconciled lo the lotsl fvnds a5 shown in the Balance Sheet on page 10 as required by the said ststement. All actlvltlès dèrlvè from contlnulng operatlons HOME-START MERTON Company Number Balancg Shget as at 31 March 2025 5359862 2026 2024 Current o$¥et8 Current Asset Invèstments Cash al bank and in hand Tot•1 ¢urTeni 48sets 247,604 80,525 328,129 301.185 102.368 403,553 Cr•dltor8:. amounts due within one year 14,3851 113.5511 Al•t eurr•nt •ss•ts 323.744 390,002 rot41 ossets l•¥$ ¢UkYent Il•bllltl•s Credltors:. arnounls due after more than one year hlet •ss•ts •xcludlng p•nslon •13et/ll•blllty 323.744 390,002 323.744 390,002 Net assets Includlng penslon asset I Ilablllty The lunds of the ch•rtty.' 323,744 390,002 UnreJtrlct•d Income fund$ Unrestricted revenue accumulated fvnds Pension Deficit Fund De$lgnated r9venue funds Unr•$trl¢t•d ¢aplial lund• Designated fixed 8ssel funds De8ignJled Investment Funds Total unrestrlctad fund8 67.858 9,436 100,000 31,154 8,658 100,000 270,400 270,400 311,978 410.212 R•¥trlct•d r•venue lund• Restricted revenue accumulated lund8 Roltrlctad tlx•d •*set fund• Total restrlctgd funds 11,786 -20210 11,766 Total charlty funds 323,744 390,002 Th• dire¢torn •r• 1oUified that for Ihe year •nd•d on 31 March 2023 th• charita￿• company w45 ènthled to exemption from the requiwmenl to obtsin an avdll under section 477 or the Cornp8n1•8 Act 2006 and that no rrffjmber or mernbern h#5* wquiréd thé ¢omp8ny 10 obtain an 8vdlt of accounts lor th• year In quéstion In accordance with yection 476 of th¢ A¢i However. in A¢¢tsrdAncè with seciion 43 of the Ch8rf1ias Act 1993. th• account8 haw ￿en examined by Independenl Examiner whose Mport 8ppe•rn on ptyg¢ 7, Th¢ dir•ctorlsl ackn￿￿edge their regpon?Ibillty fcf cOm￿y1n9 %*ith tho roquirements of th• cornpan￿￿ Act 20Q6 with r*spw to accountinq records and the preparaUon of accounts. Th¢ 8¢¢¢unis hav¢ boen prepared In gccordance with Ihe pro￿310n8 in Pgrt 15 of the Compani•s Act 2006 •pdl￿bI¢ tts ¢ompAnies subject to the &m811 companles regime and in accordanc• with the Financlal Reporting Standsrd for Sm4ller Enliti•* l eff•¢tive Aprd 20081. C Courtn•y Truste• l Dlr•ctor Approvfrd by th* bo•rd ol trusto•8 on 0 9202S Th• not•• on pag•• 9 to 11 forn) an Int•gral part of these account•. HOME-START MERTON Notes to the Accounts for tho year ended 31 March 2025 1 Ac¢ountlng pollcles Basis of preparation of the accounts The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland {FRS 1021 issued on 16 July 2014, and all other applicable accounting standards, as modified by the Sialemenl of Recommended Practice for Accounting and Reporting issued by the Charity Commissioners for England & Wales. The accounts have been drawn up in accordance with the provisions of the Charities IAccounts and Reports) Regulations and the Companies Act 2006, and include the results of the charity's operations which are described in the Trustees. Report, all of which are continuing. Insofar as the Statement of Recommended Practice for Accounting and Reporting issued by the Charity Commissioners for England & wales.rtqui￿s compliance ¥Mth specific Financial Reporting Standards other than the FRS102 then the specific Financial Reporting Standards have been followed where their requirements differ from those of the FRS102. Advantage has been taken of Section 396{51 of The Companies Act 2006 to allow the fom81 of the financial statements lo be adapted lo reflect the special nature of the charity's operation and in order to comply with the requirements of the SORP. The particular accounting poliues adopted are sel out below. Accountlng conventlon The financial statements are prepared.on a going eoncem basi8. under the historirAI ¢osl convention. Incoming Resources Incoming resources are accounted for on a receivable basis deferred as described below where appropriate. All grants, including grants for the purchase of fixed assets. are recognised in full in the Stalement of Financial Aclivilie$ in the year in which they are receivable. Investment Income Bank Interest received is included on an actual receipts basig. Flxed assets and depreclatlon Depreciation has been provided at the following rates in order lo wrrte off the assets Iless their estimated residual value l over their estimated useful economic lives. Freehold land and buildings Equipment 2°A slraighl line 10014 Straight line raxation Ag a registered charity, the company 1$ exempt from income and corporation tax to the extent that its income and gains are applicable to charitable purposes only. Value Added Tax 1$ not recoverable by the company, and is the￿fore included in the relevant costs in the Sialemenl of Financial Activities. HOME-START MERTON Notes to the Accounts for the year ended 31 March 2025 Finance and operating leases Rentals payable in respect of operating leases where gubstsnlially all the benefits and risks of ownership remain with the lessor are charged lo the Statement of Financial Activities as inCur￿d. Finance leases are accounted for in accordance wrth the requirements of the Financial Reporting Standard {FRS1021. Funds structure policy The charrty maintains a general unrestricted fvnd which represents funds which a￿ expendable at the discretion of the trustees in furtherance of the objects of the charity. Such funds may be held in order lo finance both wort