## Annual Report April 2024- March 2025 **Home-Start Birmingham South is a company Limited by guarantee. Registered in England and Wales no. 5746423 Registered Office: Hampstead House, Condover Rd, West Heath, Birmingham B31 3QY Registered charity no 1114872** ## **Report from the Chair of Trustees** The great work of our staff and volunteers has continued despite all the uncertainties and difficulties of the current financial climate. As always, there are still very many families needing support and encouragement. Our volunteers are coming alongside our families to listen, inspire, and reassure them, ably supported by our co-ordinators. Our Targeted Support Worker, who can work with more complex cases, has had a very encouraging year helping families to overcome difficulties and make positive changes. The weekly Family Group is an amazing addition to our core work helping the children to socialise play and take part in activities in readiness for nursery or infant school. Our generous donors have enabled our group families to have occasional trips that add richly to their experiences. All this has been against a backdrop of the uncertainty of cuts in financial support from Birmingham Forward Steps, the main funder of our core work. With funding from the Cost-of-Living fund, we have been able to wait until March to reduce our staff hours. We are exceedingly grateful to all our funders as every penny counts. Currently we must raise far more money, from more directions, to keep our very necessary work going, sadly competing with other charities equally in need. We are grateful for all the support from Pure Offices, both financial and with providing use of office space for meetings and volunteer training. I would like to thank my fellow trustees for all the hard work that they put in to support our staff and work. Especially Tony, as treasurer, keeping us well informed of all the financial issues. ## **Vivienne Miller** ## **Chair of Trustees** ## **Aims & Objectives** ## **What we do** Home-Start is a voluntary organisation which offers a unique service to children and their families who live in the Northfield and Selly Oak districts of Birmingham. By providing practical and emotional support in the home environment we help families overcome many challenges they are facing. Families referred to our service can also access our weekly run Family Group where children and their parent / carer attend to share quality time together, enjoy activities, socialise and learn through play. ## **How we do it** We receive referrals from many different organisations or families can refer themselves. Our experienced staff team and trained volunteers offer help, support, and guidance to families through the challenging times they are facing. We collaborate closely with local schools, nurseries, health visiting teams, midwives, children’s centres, social workers, and many other organisations to provide the support that is needed to help families reach their potential. ## **Our plans** - ∞ To continue building on our core service of volunteers ∞ - ∞ To continue providing access to Family Group enabling families to ∞ - relieve isolation and increase child development ∞ To increase and raise our service profile ∞ ∞ To broaden our sources of income ∞ - ∞ To continue to make improvements to our service delivery ∞ - ∞ To meet the needs of every child referred to our service, giving ∞ - them the best possible start in life ## **Funding, Grants and Donations** **● Birmingham Forward Steps ● The National Lottery ● Awards for All** **● The Cole Charitable ● Pure Offices ●Mr Roger Osborn** **● Sir John Middlemore ●Easyfundraising** **● Critchley Charitable Trust ● Edward & Dorothy Cadbury Trust** **●Inf osys ● Roger and Douglas Turner Trust ●The Jamhounds** **● We Are All Making a Difference ● GJW Turner Trust** **●HMRC Charities ● Dan Critchley ● Cadent ● The Garrod Trust** **We are extremely fortunate that Pure Offices at Longbridge have chosen Home-Start Birmingham South as their charity of the year for the second year running. The staff at Pure offices are amazing and we are extremely grateful for all the support they are giving.** **In November 2024 local band The Jamhounds put on a charity night for Home-Start Birmingham South which led to donations of over £2000.** **Christmas gifts & Easter eggs for all the children were donated by: Infosys Pure Offices Birmingham City Mission Christmas Hampers were donated by** **Birmingham Basket Brigade & Northfield Community Partnership** **All grants, donations, and gifts that we receive helps us to continue providing the much-needed intervention and support to vulnerable and disadvantaged children and their families.** ## **Management Committee** **– Vivienne Miller Chair of Trustees & Company Secretary** **– Tony Guest Treasurer** **– Sandra Walton Trustee** **– Chris Pascal Trustee** **– Randal Brew Trustee** **– Jean-Luc Oliveira-Priez Trustee** **Stephanie Phillips - Trustee** **– Cllr. Debbie Clancy Advisor** ## **Staff Team** **Joanne Taylor - Manager** **– Sonia Barrett-Hawkins Senior Family and Volunteer Co-ordinator** **– Sarah McDowall Family and Volunteer Co-ordinator** **– Michelle Gauntlett Family Group Co-ordinator – Sarah-Jane Tancred Targeted Support Worker – Justine Cull Family Group Assistant – Dawn Pulford Admin Assistant** ## **Volunteers** ***Anne Marie Henry *Geraldine Quinn *Lisa Strawford** ***Stacey Nolan * Sherelle Nelson *Fiona Doherty *Melissa Afuye *Ian Forrest *Sarah Thornton *Kelle Shore *Juliette Faulkner *Emma Harman *Immaculate Nakiboneka** *** Lara Robinson * Heydi Roper *Memunatu Bangura** **Our Volunteers have given their valuable time to support families and offer the help and guidance needed to achieve and reach their goals. We cannot thank them enough for their hard work & commitment.** Home-start Birmingham South { A Charitable Company limited by guarantee) Year ended 31st March 2025 Company Number 5746423 Charity Number 1114872 Home-start Birmingham South Financial statements Year ended 31st March 2025 Page I Charity Inforniation Pagc 2-3 Report of the Trustees Page 4 Independent Examiner's Report Pagc 5 Statement of Financial Activities Page 6 Balance Sheet Pages 7-11 Notes to Accounts Home-start Birmingham South CHARITY INFORMATION Directors Randal Brew Anihon), Guest Vivienne Miller Christine Pascal Stephanie Phillips Jean-Luc Oliveira-Priez Graham Routley Kate Rouiley Sandra Walton Appointed 19 April 2024 Resigned JO August 20?4 Resigned 21 Ociober 2024 Charity Number 114872 Company Number 5746423 Registered Office Hampstead House Condover Rd Wesi Heath Birniingham Wesi Midlands B313QY page I ## **Home-Start Birmingham South Trustee's Annual report for Year ended 31 March 2025** The directors who are also trustees of the charity present their accounts for the year ended 31 March 2025 ## **Directors** The directors as named on page 1 have served either throughout or during the year. Directors are selected from known relevant networks considering the balance of skills and representation required. ## **Constitution, object and policies** The organisation is a charitable company limited by guarantee, incorporated in March 2006, 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 planning the charity's activities for the year the trustees kept in mind the Charity Commission guidance on public benefit at their meetings The objects of the charity are: To safeguard, protect and preserve the good health, both physical and mental of children and parents of children To prevent cruelty or maltreatment 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 Although an independent scheme, Home Start Birmingham South is affiliated to Home Start U.K. The senior organiser is responsible for the day to day operational management of the charity The Charity is grateful, to the number of volunteers who assist and without whom the charity would not exist. ## **Development, activities and achievements this year.** The charity continues to maintain its core services For completion, the statistics reported are for the whole year. **Families & Children:** Number of families receiving support: 112 Number of children supported: 229 Number of children under 5: 140 Number of children 5+: 89 Number of families receiving family group only support: 28 (Families receiving both Family Group and Volunteer Support: 12) Number of children with a child protection plan: 16 Number of children with a child in need plan: 19 Number of children with an Early Help Plan: 38 Number of children with a disability: 8 Parents with a disability: 1 Number of lone parents: 70 ## **Referral sources:** Family Support Workers: 38 Health Visitors: 15 Mental Health Service: 5 Other Home-Starts: 7 Social Workers: 5 Doctor/Midwife: 4 Perinatal: 9 Other charity: 10 Other: 8 Self: 11 page 2 Home-start Birmingham South Trustee's Annual report for Year ended 31 March 2025 Financial Review The StAtement of Financial Activities shows an income of £15J.6)9 (2024 £177,868) and expenditure of £149,946 (2024 £145.412) resulting in a surplus of £3.693 (?024 surplus £32,456) Reserves Policv The trustee board consider it prudent to retain unrestricted funds equiNalent to a minimum of 3 months core operating expenditure to cover potential short temi changes in funding and V¥'inding up costs as necessary. At 31 March 2025 the reserves are ￿ell in excess of this target but due to a 50 % reduction in funding from l November 2024 from our contract the future financial viability is uncertain and these reserves will be required in the short terni to cover the expected shortfall. Statement of directors responsibilities The directors are required under Company Law to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair vieiv of the state of affairs of the compan), and of its results for that period. In preparing those financial statements the trustees are required to.. (a) select suitable accounting policies and apply them consistently (b) make judgments and estimates that are reasonable and prudent (c) prepare the financial stAtements on an on going concern basis unless it is inappropriate (d) to assume that the company will continue in business. The directors are responsible for the keeping of proper accounting records which disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charity. They are also responsible for the safeguarding of the assets of the company and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities. Approval Home-start Binningham South By order of the Board of Trustees V.A.MiUe Vivienne Miller Director & Trustee 14 July 2025 page 3 Home-start Birmingham South Year ended 31st March 2025 INDEPENDENf EXAMINER'S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES I report on the account5 for the year ended 31 March 2025 set out on the following pages Respective responsibilities of trustees and examiner The trustees (w'ho are also directors of the company for the purposes of company la￿,) are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. The trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year under section 144 of the Charities Act 2011 (the Charities Act) and that an independent examination is needed. Having satisfied myself that the charity is not subject to audit under company law and is eligible for independent examination, it is my responsibility to". (l) Examine the accounts under section 145 of the Charities Act (2) To follolv the procedures laid doivn in the general directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145 (5) (b) of the Charities ACL and (J) To state whether particular matters have come to my attention. Basis of independent examiners report My examination was carried out in accordance with the General Directions given by the Charity Commission. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept b! the charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts and seeking explanations from you as trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that ￿'OUld be required in an audit and consequently no opinion is given as to w.hether the accounts present a 'true and fair view and the report is limited to those matters set out in the statement beloH'. Independent Examiner's Statement In connection with my examination, no matter has come to my attention: (a) which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in any material respect the requirements . (i) to keep accounting records in accordance with section 130 of the Charities Act; and (li) to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records and to comply with the accounting requirements of the Charities Act have not been met: or (b) to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached. Angela Weise-Bent, FCCA Chartered Certified Accountant AB Accounting and Taxation Services Limited 17 Gleneagles Drive Great Barr Birmingham, B43 7RX Date: 14 July 2025 Page 4 Home-start Birmingham South STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 Restricted Unrestricted Funds Funds 2025 2025 Total Funds 2025 Total Funds 2024 Notes Incoming Resources Incoming resources from generating funds Voluntar), Income Activities for generating funds Bank Lnterest receivable 883 2.643 2,268 883 2.643 2,268 460 54 1,524 Incoming resources from charitable activities 50,389 97.456 147.845 175,830 Total Incoming resources 50.389 103,250 153,639 177,868 Resources Expended Costs of generating funds: Charitable Activities 39,767 109,954 149,721 145,187 Governance Costs 225 225 225 Total expenditure 39,767 110.179 149.946 145,412 el movement in funds for the year 10,62? (6,929) 3.693 32,456 Total funds brought forivard 3,361 117.475 120.836 88,380 Transfer between funds Total funds carried forward 13.983 110,546 124,529 120,836 There were no recognised gains or losses for 2025 or 2024 other than those included in the Financial Activities The tumover and deficil are derived from continuing operations This Statement of Financial Activities incorporates the same inforn]ation required for an Income and Expenditure account under the Companies Acts page 5 Home-start Birmingham South BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31 MARCH 2025 Note 2025 2024 Fixed Assets Tangible Assets for use by the Company Current Assets Debtors Cash at bank and in hand Total 241 128.141 128,382 220 122,424 122,644 Creditors . amounts falling due w'iihin one year 3,8)3 1,808 Net Current Assets 124,529 120,836 Net Assets Represented by Funds Restricted Funds Unrestricted Funds 124,529 120,836 io 13,983 10,546 3,361 17,475 Total 124,529 120,836 For the year ended 31 March 2025 the company was entitled to exemption from audit under section 477 of the Companies Act 2006 relating to the small companies regime. Director's responsibilities; The members have not required the company to obtain an audit of its accounts for the year in question in accordance with section 476, The directors acknowledge their responsibilities for complying with the requirements of the Act with respect to accounting records and the preparalion of accounts These accounts have been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to companies subject to the small companies regime. Signed and approved on the behalf of the Board on 14 July 2025 A Guest Hon Treasurer and Trustee page 6 Home-start Birmingham South Notes to the accounts Year ended 31st March 2025 l. Accounting Policies (a) Basis of Accounts Preparation The financial statements are pr¢par¢d under the Historic Cost Convention and in accordance with Accounting and Reporting by Charities - Statement of Recommended Practice (SORP 2005) and Accounting Standards and th¢ Charities Act 1993 (b) Incoming Resources Reco£nition of incomin2 resources These are included in the Statement of Financial Activities (SOFA) when- the charity becomes entitled to the resources- the trustees are virtually certain they ivill receive the resources- and the monetary value can be measured with sufficient reliability. Incoming resources with reliited expenditure Where incoming resources have related expenditure (as with fundraising or contract income) the incoming resources and related expenditure are report￿ gross in the SOFA. Grants and donations Grants and donations are only included in the SOFA when the charity has unconditional entitlement to the resources. Contractual income and perfonnance related grants This is only included in the SOFA once the related goods or services have been delivered. Investment income This is included in the accounts when receivable. (c) Expenditure and Liabilities Liability recognition Liabilities are recognised as soon as there is a legal or constructive obligation committing the charity to pay out resources. Governance costs This includes costs of the preparation and examination of statutory accounts, the costs of trustee meetings and cost of any legal advice to trustccs on governance or constitutional matters. Support Costs Support costs include central functions and hav¢ been allocated to activity cost categories on a basis consistent with the use of resources. (d) Assets Tangible fixed assets for use by charity These are capitalised if they can be used for more than one year, and cost at least £ 1.000. They are valued at cost. Office Equipment is depreciated on a 20/0 written down basis page 7 Home-start Birmingham South Notes to the accounts Year ended 31st March 2025 2. Analysis of Incoming Resources 2025 2024 Restricted Unrestricted Total Total Voluntary Income Donations 460 460 460 Gift Aid Tax rebate 423 4?3 883 460 Incoming resources from charitable activities Restricted National Lottery Awards Four All 25,889 20,000 4,500 25,889 20,000 4,500 26,631 Cadent Expansion Infosys Unrestricted 210 Birniingham Community Healthcare The Eveson Charitable Trust 56.646 56,646 70,089 20,000 30,000 20,000 The National Postcode Lottery Estate of Mary Elizabeth Wilson Pure Offices 1.046 1,000 12.?83 1,046 1,000 12,283 8,000 6,000 2,000 2,000 2,000 2,500 2,000 1,000 GJW Turner Trust Cost of Living Grant The Critchley Charitable Trust Garrod Fanily Trust Homestart Binningham Consortium Roger & Douglas Turner Trust The Sir John Middlemore Charitable Trust 8,000 6.000 2,000 2.000 2,000 2.500 2,000 1,000 2,000 2,000 Edward & Dorothy Cadbury Trust The Cole Charitable Trust 2,500 1,000 1,400 We Are All Making A Difference Barnett Waddingham Other donations for less than £lOOO 981 981 50,389 97.456 147,845 175,830 page 8 Home-start Birmingham South Notes to the accounts Year ended 31st March 2025 3 Analysis of Resources Expended Charitable activities 2025 2024 Direct Costs Salaries, National Insurance and Pensions Premises Rent Family Group Travel & Outingsl Provisions etc Staff and Volunteers Expenses Homestart UK Le restricted 97,655 6.740 Restricted 36,630 1.337 987 347 466 Total 134,285 8,077 987 1,740 3,202 1,069 361 Total 125,435 7,908 2,200 2,269 2,934 979 1.393 2.736 Insurance Allocated Support costs( as detailed below) 1,069 361 Total 109,954 39,767 149,721 145,187 Support Costs Telephone & Intemet Stationery & Office Supplies Postage Advertising & Publicity Office Equipment & Computer Expenses Depreciation Legal & Professional Fees Sundry Expens¢s Training Bank Charges 561 392 85 -1,000 29 561 392 85 -1,000 29 1,223 555 28 1,057 35 139 60 60 35 139 60 60 347 192 60 TotAI 361 361 3,462 2025 2024 4. Governance costs Statutory accounts preparation and Independent Examination AGM Expenses 200 25 200 25 Total 2?5 225 page 9 Home-start Birmingham South Notes to the accounts Year ended 31st March 2025 5. Staff Costs 2025 2024 Wages & Salaries Social Security Costs Pension Costs Total 126,335 4,656 3,294 134,285 118,650 3,720 125,435 The average monthly number of employees during the year was as follows: Management Field Workers Administrative Staff Sessional Workers 6. Tangible fixed assets for use bv the Company 2025 2024 Total Total Cost as at l April 2024 Additions Disposals Cost as at 31 March 2025 Depreciation as at l April 2024 Charge for th¢ year On disposals Depreciation as at 31 March 2025 Net Book Value as at 31 March 2025 & 2024 7. Debtors 2025 2024 Prepayments HMRC 241 220 241 2?0 pagelo Home-start Birmingham South Notes to the accounts Year ended 31st March 2025 8. Bank and Cash 2025 2024 Petty Cash Bank Accounts 310 1?7831 128,141 205 122219 122,424 9. Liabilities 2025 2024 Amounts due within one year Accruals HMRC Pension Trade Creditors 299 2,175 647 732 3,853 310 165 606 727 1,808 10. Restricted Fund Movements Fund Balances Brought Fonviird Fund Balances Carried Fonvard 31 March 2025 Incoming Resources Outgoing Resources Transfer l April 2024 National Lottery Award For All Cadent Expansion 3,361 25,889 20.000 4,500 26,659 13.108 2,591 6,892 4,500 3,361 50.389 39,767 13,983 page I