Charity No. 1115626 Company No. 05619174
OPEN HANDS COVENTRY
(A company limited by guarantee)
TRUSTEES' REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
12 MONTHS ENDED 29 NOVEMBER 2025
OPEN HANDS COVENTRY
Contents of Financial Statements
12 Months ended 29 November 2025
| Trustees' Annual Report | 1 to 4 |
|---|---|
| Statement of trustees Responsibilities | 5 |
| Independent Examiner's Report | 6 |
| Statement of Financial Activities | 7 |
| Balance sheet | 8 |
| Notes to the Financial Statements | 9 to 13 |
OPEN HANDS COVENTRY
12 Months ended 29 November 2025
Report of the Trustees
The directors of Open Hands Coventry ("the charitable company") are its Trustees for the purpose of charity law and throughout this report are collectively referred to as its Trustees. The financial statements comply with the Charities Act 2011, the Companies Act 2006, the Memorandum and Articles of Association, and 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 Republic of Ireland (FRS102) (updated 1 January 2019).
The trustees present the charitable company's report and financial statements for the 12 months ended 29 November 2025.
Objectives and Activities
The purposes of the charitable company, as set out in its Memorandum of Association, are:
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The provision of suitable sheltered residential accommodation to enable persons in Coventry and Warwickshire who have successfully undergone primary treatment for addiction to alcohol-containing substances to further their rehabilitation following completion of their primary stage treatment;
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To assist recovering persons in Coventry and Warwickshire formerly addicted to alcohol and alcoholcontaining substances to receive appropriate advice, information, counselling and other assistance in an appropriate residential environment.
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To relieve poverty and distress among persons in Coventry and Warwickshire who are recovering from alcoholism but who are not yet fully self-supporting; and
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To promote such other charitable purposes as may from time to time be determined.
The principal activities of the charitable company in the year under review were to benefit the public by promoting the prevention of alcohol and drug misuse and providing stable and supportive recovery accommodation for people recovering from substance misuse (and the eventual rehabilitation of those people). We also provided an extended outreach to other clients and their families in the local community.
To further these objects and activities we have worked with local agencies to promote, where appropriate, an abstinent approach to problem drinking and drug use based on mutual aid, via the Twelve-Step recovery model. Our referral routes include drug and alcohol agencies, mental health services, general hospitals, GP surgeries, homeless organisations and prisons. Clients could also refer themselves.
In undertaking these activities, the trustees have had due regard to the general guidance published by the Charity Commission relating to public benefit.
Achievements and performance
At the beginning of the financial year, the charity managed 15 properties accommodating 40 residents. During the year, following a review of the increasing regulatory responsibilities associated with operating licensed houses in multiple occupation (HMOs), together with rising utility costs, the charity closed two move-on properties. At yearend, the charity managed 13 properties accommodating 34 residents.
We receive no statutory funding to provide a recovery programme for clients dealing with alcohol and drug problems; neither do we charge our clients for this service. Operating revenue is mainly from rental income, residents' contributions, and a few public donations.
Our client group includes homeless and vulnerable men who wish to stop drinking and taking drugs and stay stopped. Many of our clients have other health issues, such as mental ill-health and physical impairments.
Our experience has shown that it takes several years for our particular client group to complete their rehabilitation programme and to experience improvements in their physical and mental health before moving on to other areas of their lives.
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12 Months ended 29 November 2025
OPEN HANDS COVENTRY
Report of the Trustees continued
The central philosophy of our rehabilitation work is the Twelve-Step recovery model. Since its foundation, our work has been peer-led. Residents support one another through mutual aid, sharing their experience, strength and hope.
Since December 2009, we have facilitated approximately 700 community alcohol detoxifications. Due to financial and operational pressures, the charity has now discontinued this service.
Financial review
The charity's key financial objective is to ensure financial stability and continued solvency year on year to achieve its objectives and activities. For the financial period ended November 2025, Open Hands Coventry recorded a surplus on unrestricted funds of £5,820 (2024:deficit of £4,578), and the new financial year begins with unrestricted funds of £127,189 (2024: £121,369).
The principal funding sources remain unchanged from prior years, with 71% of all income provided by residents' Housing Benefits (2024: 69%). The reliance on this income stream exposes the charity to the risk of adverse changes in Government benefits policy. The trustees consider this to be the principal financial risk facing the charity. The charity is still reassessing the housing benefit rates for the move-on properties. Two move-on houses were closed during this financial period.
During the year, the trustees also noted the increasingly demanding regulatory environment affecting supported accommodation. Coventry's renewed Additional HMO Licensing Scheme came into effect in May 2025, increasing the legal and administrative responsibilities associated with managing licensed properties. The Government also consulted on national standards and a separate licensing system for supported housing, together with possible changes linking Housing Benefit entitlement to licensing and regulatory compliance. The precise requirements and their effect on providers remained uncertain at the year end. The trustees will continue to monitor these developments and consider their potential effect on the charity's ability to manage supported properties.
The charity reviewed its physical security arrangements for 16 Stoney Road, resulting in an upgrade costing approximately £4,000.
The reserve policy at the period end equates to approximately £85,000 (approximately 3 months' running costs) but has been set at £105,000 to guard against the rising cost of living. The charity's free reserves at the year-end were £22,189. The charitable company is in a solid financial position to achieve its objectives and activities sustainably. The reserves policy will be reviewed each year.
During this reporting period, the charity migrated its banking to a cloud-based solution and intends to do the same for cashbook transactions, further improving transparency and ease of trustee access to financial information.
The charity's expenditure has increased due to rising costs, particularly utilities and council tax; however, the trustees forecast a deficit of less than £10,000 in the year to November 2026, before any extraordinary costs. The charity has assembled a management team to take the service forward. The trustees confirm that they expect the charity to be a going concern for at least the next 12 months.
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12 Months ended 29 November 2025
OPEN HANDS COVENTRY
Report of the Trustees continued
Structure, Governance and Management
The charitable company was incorporated on 10 November 2005, registered as a charity on 31 July 2006 and commenced trading on 1 October 2006. Its Memorandum and Articles of Association govern the charitable company.
The Memorandum and Articles of Association require a minimum of 3 and a maximum of 10 trustees, and the Archbishop of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Birmingham must appoint one trustee.
The trustees manage the charitable company. Mr J McCrea is also an employee of the charity and is responsible for the day-to-day running of the charity's services. He receives remuneration for the services provided as permitted by the Memorandum and Articles of Association at a rate below the local market rate. A fellow trustee, Rev. A Norton, is also paid for services provided to the charity, again at or below the market rate. Over the next two years, Mr J McCrea intends to step away from the day-to-day operation of the charity. Mr J McCrea will remain in his position as a trustee and will continue to play an active role in the residents' recovery from addiction.
The charity intends to distribute elements of Mr J McCrea's role among an operational team comprising trusted service users. John McCrea will continue to support the preparation of housing and other benefit applications, allowing the operational team to focus on service users' recovery and well-being.
Appointment of Trustees, Induction & Training
The charity continues to experience difficulty recruiting suitably qualified trustees. The increasing responsibilities associated with charity governance, uncertainty surrounding supported accommodation funding and OHC's requirement for certain trustees and volunteers to undertake enhanced DBS checks have all contributed to this difficulty. Trustee succession and recruitment remain priorities for the coming year.
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12 Months ended 29 November 2025
OPEN HANDS COVENTRY
Report of the Trustees continued
Reference and administrative details
Name: Open Hands Coventry Trustees: Mr J S McCrea Rev A Norton Mr T Menezes (resigned 8 December 2025) Charity Number: 1115626 Company Number: 05619174 Registered address: Open Hands Coventry 16 Stoney Road Coventry CV1 2NP Bankers: Lloyds Bank High Street Coventry Independent Examiner: Karen Hanlan Karen Hanlan Independent Examiner Ltd 1 Saracen Close Ettington CV37 7SZ
Small company provisions
In preparing this report, the trustees have taken advantage of the small companies' exemptions provided by section 415A of the Companies Act 2006.
This report was approved by the trustees on 24 August 2026 and signed on their behalf by: -
Rev A Norton Director / Trustee
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OPEN HANDS COVENTRY
12 Months ended 29 November 2025
Statement of Trustees' responsibilities
The trustees (who are also directors of Open Hands Coventry Limited for the purposes of company law) are responsible for preparing the Trustees' Annual Report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).
Company law requires the trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charitable company and of the income and expenditure for that period. In preparing these financial statements the trustees are required to:-
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Select suitable accounting policies and apply them consistently;
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Observe the methods and principles in the Charities SORP;
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Make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
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State whether applicable UK Accounting Standards have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements;
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Prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to assume 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 charitable company and to enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Companies Act 2006. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charitable company and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.
The trustees are responsible for the maintenance and integrity of the corporate and financial information included on the charitable company's website. Legislation in the United Kingdom governing the preparation and dissemination of financial statements may differ from legislation in other jurisdictions.
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OPEN HANDS COVENTRY
12 Months ended 29 November 2025
INDEPENDENT EXAMINERS REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF OPEN HANDS COVENTRY ('THE CHARITY')
I report to the charity trustees on my examination of the accounts of the charity for the 12 months ended 29 November 2025 which are set out on pages 7 to 13.
Responsibilities and basis of report
As the charity trustees of the company (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 Companies Act 2006 ('the 2006 Act').
Having satisfied myself that the accounts of the company 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 Charity's accounts as carried out under section 145 of the Charities Act 2011 ('the 2011 Act'). In carrying out my examination I have followed the Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act.
Independent examiner's statement
Since the company's 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 Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales, which is one of the listed bodies.
I have completed my examination. I confirm that no matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe:
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1) accounting records were not kept in respect of the company as required by section 386 of the 2006 Act; or
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2) the accounts do not accord with those records; or
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3) the accounts do not comply with the accounting requirements of section 396 of the 2006 Act other than any requirement that the accounts give a 'true and fair view' which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination; or
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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 (FRS102).
I have no concerns and have come across no 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.
Karen Hanlan, Member of Institute of Chartered Accountants England & Wales Karen Hanlan Independent Examiner Ltd 1 Saracen Close Ettington CV37 7SZ
Date: 24 August 2026
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OPEN HANDS COVENTRY
12 Months ended 29 November 2025
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES (INCORPORATING AN INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT)
| Note | 12 months to 29 | 18 months to 29 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| _November 2_025 | November 2024 | ||
| £ | £ | ||
| Income from: | |||
| Donations and legacies | 2 | 17,026 | 43,371 |
| Charitable Activities | 3 | 318,359 | 504,693 |
| Other income - utility refund | 10,000 | - | |
| Investments - bank interest | 388 | 744 | |
| _ | _ | ||
| Total Income | 345,773 | 548,808 | |
| _ | _ | ||
| Expenditure on: | |||
| Charitable activities | 4 | 339,953 | 553,386 |
| _ | _ | ||
| Total Expenditure | 339,948 | 553,386 | |
| _ | _ | ||
| Net Income/(Expenditure) and Net Movement Funds in funds for the period |
5,820 | (4,578) | |
| Reconciliation of funds: | |||
| Total funds brought forward | 121,369 | 125,947 | |
| ______ | ______ | ||
| Total funds carried forward | 127,189 | 121,369 | |
| ______ | ______ |
The statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year. All income and expenditure derive from continuing activities and all funds are un-restricted.
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OPEN HANDS COVENTRY COMPANY NUMBER: 05619174
BALANCE SHEET as at 29 November 2025
| Note | 29 November | 29 November | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 2024 | ||
| £ | £ | ||
| Fixed Assets | |||
| Tangible fixed assets | 5 | 3,059 | 5,804 |
| Current Assets | |||
| Debtors | 7 | 19,141 | 22,580 |
| Cash at bank and in hand | 113,986 | 100,497 | |
| ___ | ___ | ||
| 133,127 | 123,077 | ||
| Liabilities | |||
| Creditors: amounts falling due within one year | 8 | (8,997) | (7,512) |
| ___ | ___ | ||
| Net Current Assets | 124,130 | 115,565 | |
| ___ | ___ | ||
| Net Assets | 127,189 | 121,369 | |
| ______ | ______ | ||
| Funds of the Charity | |||
| Unrestricted funds | 127,189 | 121,369 | |
| Restricted funds | - | - | |
| ___ | ___ | ||
| Total charity funds | 127,189 | 121,369 | |
| ______ | ______ |
The accompanying accounting policies and notes form part of these financial statements.
For the 12 month period ended 29 November 2025 the company was entitled to exemption from audit under section 477 of the Companies Act 2006 relating to small companies.
Responsibilities of directors/trustees:
(a) The members have not required the charitable company to obtain an audit of its financial statements for the year in question in accordance with section 476 of the Companies Act 2006 - however, in accordance with section 145 of the Charities Act 2011 the financial statements have been examined by an independent examiner whose report appears on page 6.
(b) The directors/Trustees acknowledge their responsibility for complying with the requirements of the Companies Act with respect to accounting records and the preparation of accounts.
These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to companies subject to the small companies' regime.
These financial statements were approved by the Directors on 24 August 2026 and signed on their behalf by:
Rev A Norton Director / Trustee
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OPEN HANDS COVENTRY
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
12 Months ended 29 November 2025
1. Accounting Policies
Status of the company
The charitable company is limited by guarantee, is registered in England and Wales, and does not have share capital. The liability of members is limited to £1 per member.
Basis of preparation
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with 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 Republic of Ireland (FRS102) (updated 1 January 2019) - (Charities SORP (FRS102)), the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS102) and the Companies Act 2006.
Open Hands Coventry meets the definition of a public benefit entity under FRS 102. Assets and liabilities are initially recognised at historical cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant accounting policy note(s).
Going concern statement
The financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis which assumes that the Charitable Company will continue to operate. The validity of this assumption is dependent upon the continuance of support from the Charitable Company's key funders and in response to the progress made by the Charitable Company in pursuing a viable budget. The Charitable Company's current business plan shows that the Charitable Company will be able to operate in the foreseeable future. Based on this understanding, the trustees believe that it remains appropriate to prepare the financial statements on a going concern basis. The financial statements do not include any adjustments, which would result from the basis of preparation being inappropriate.
Funds
Unrestricted funds are available to spend on activities that further any of the purposes of Charity. Designated funds are unrestricted funds of the charity which the trustees have decided at their discretion to set aside to use for a specific purpose. Restricted funds are donations and grants subject to conditions imposed by the provider or by specific terms of the appeal under which the funds were raised. The restrictive conditions are binding upon the Charitable Company.
Income
Income is recognised when the charitable company has entitlement to the funds, any performance conditions attached to the item(s) of income have been met, it is probable that the income will be received, and the amount can be measured reliably.
Income relating to future periods, as a result of donor-imposed conditions specifying the time period, has been treated as deferred income.
Income dependent on certain conditions, amounting to more than mere administrative requirements, is recognised when the conditions have been fulfilled.
Donated services and facilities
Donated professional services and donated facilities are recognised as income when the charity has control over the item, any conditions associated with the donated item have been met, the receipt of economic benefit from the use by the charitable company of the item is probable and the economic benefit can be measured reliably. In accordance with the Charities SORP FRS102, general volunteer time is not recognised.
On receipt, donated professional services and donated facilities are recognised on the basis of the value of the gift to the charitable company which is the amount the charitable company would have been willing to pay to obtain the services or facilities of equivalent economic benefit on the open market; a corresponding amount is then recognised in expenditure in the period of receipt.
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OPEN HANDS COVENTRY
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
12 Months ended 29 November 2025
1. Accounting Policies ( continued )
Interest receivable
Bank interest is shown on the basis of amounts receivable in the year.
Expenditure
Liabilities are recognised as expenditure as soon as there is a legal or constructive obligation committing the charitable company to the expenditure. All expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis.
Tangible fixed assets
Depreciation is provided at a rate calculated to write off the cost over a period of less than the estimated useful life of the assets as follows:
Office equipment & furniture 25% reducing balance Computer equipment 33% straight line Motor vehicle 25% straight line Only fixed asset purchases above £500 are capitalised.
Cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents include cash at bank and in hand and short-term deposits repayable on within a three-month notice period.
Debtors
Trade and other debtors are recognised at the settlement amount due after any trade discount offered. Prepayments are valued at the amount prepaid net of any trade discounts due.
Creditors
Creditors are recognised where the charity has a present obligation resulting from a past event that will probably result in the transfer of funds to a third party and the amount due to settle the obligation can be measured or estimated reliably.
Taxation
As a registered charity no provision is considered necessary for taxation.
Leasing commitments
Rentals paid under operating leases are charged to the profit and loss account on a straight-line basis over the period of the lease.
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OPEN HANDS COVENTRY
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
12 Months ended 29 November 2025
| 2. | Income from donations and legacies | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| 12 months to | 18 months to | ||
| 29 November | 29 November | ||
| 2025 | 2024 | ||
| £ | £ | ||
| Donations | 3,026 | 22,371 | |
| Gifts-in-kind – rent for main house | 14,000 | 21,000 | |
| ___ | ___ | ||
| 17,026 | 43,371 | ||
| ______ | ______ | ||
| 3. | Income from charitable activities | ||
| 12 months to | 18 months to | ||
| 29 November | 29 November | ||
| 2025 | 2024 | ||
| £ | £ | ||
| Housing benefit payments | 246,151 | 379,042 | |
| Contributions from organisations | 20,540 | 41,099 | |
| Contributions from beneficiaries | 51,668 | 84,552 | |
| ___ | ___ | ||
| 318,359 | 504,693 | ||
| ______ | ______ | ||
| 4. | Expenditure on charitable activities | ||
| 12 months to | 18 months to | ||
| 29 November | 29 November | ||
| 2025 | 2024 | ||
| £ | £ | ||
| Volunteers expenses | 207 | 2,826 | |
| Repairs, maintenance & equipment | 31,318 | 47,226 | |
| Costs of running supported accommodation | 211,963 | 354,269 | |
| Support payments to beneficiaries | 9,058 | 18,227 | |
| Education and counselling support | 8,001 | 16,459 | |
| Costs of managing the organisation (including staff costs) | 63,143 | 85,143 | |
| Motor expenses and travel | 11,518 | 23,779 | |
| Depreciation | 2,745 | 3,349 | |
| Professional fees | - | 108 | |
| Independent Examination (incl. £400 for accountancy services) | 2,000 | 2,000 | |
| ___ | ___ | ||
| 339,953 | 553,386 | ||
| ______ | ______ |
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OPEN HANDS COVENTRY
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
12 Months ended 29 November 2025
5. Tangible Fixed Assets
| **5. ** | Tangible Fixed Assets | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Motor | ||||
| Equipment | Vehicle |
Total | ||
| £ | £ |
£ | ||
| Cost | 9,520 | 21,406 |
30,926 | |
| At beginning of period | ||||
| Additions | - | - |
- | |
| Disposals | - | - |
- | |
| _ | _ |
__ | ||
| At end of period | 9,520 | 21,406 |
30,926 | |
| _ | __ |
__ | ||
| Depreciation | ||||
| At beginning of period | 9,520 | 15,602 |
25,122 | |
| Charge for the period | - | 2,745 |
2,745 | |
| _ | __ |
_ | ||
| At end of period | 9,520 | 18,347 |
27,867 | |
| _ | _ |
__ | ||
| Net Book Value | ||||
| At 29 November 2025 | - | 3,059 |
3,059 | |
| _ | _ |
|||
| At 29 November 2024 | - | 5,804 |
5,804 | |
| _ | _ |
_ _ | ||
| **6. ** | Staff Costs | |||
| 12 | months to 29 | 18 months to | ||
| November 2025 | 29 November | |||
| 2024 | ||||
| £ | £ | |||
| Wages and salaries | 23,587 | 38,850 | ||
| National insurance | 2,523 | 3,478 | ||
| 26,110 | 42,328 |
|||
| _ | _ | |||
| There was one employee during the period (2024 – One). |
No employee received remuneration of £60,000 or more.
Over the 12 months to 29 November 2025 Mr J S McCrea received remuneration totalling £23,587 (18 months ended 29 November 2024: £38,850) and Rev A Norton received payments totalling £2,300 (18 months ended 29 November 2024: £3,780). Both are trustees of the charity & received remuneration for services provided in managing the charity, not for their service as trustees.
Payments were made in accordance with the Charitable Company's Memorandum and Articles of Association.
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OPEN HANDS COVENTRY
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
12 Months ended 29 November 2025
Over the 12 months to 29 November 2025, two trustees of the charity were reimbursed travelling expenses totalling £1,571 (2024: £4,859). Such expenses are only reimbursed to trustees for travel and other costs relating to the day-to-day operation of the charity.
7. Debtors
| 7. | Debtors | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| 29 November | 29 November | ||
| 2025 | 2024 | ||
| £ | £ | ||
| Deposits receivable | 7,825 | 8,675 | |
| Loans receivable | 1,249 | 2,347 | |
| Prepayments | 1,161 | 1,994 | |
| Accrued income | 8,906 | 9,564 | |
| __ | __ | ||
| 19,141 | 22,580 | ||
| ______ | ______ | ||
| 8. | Creditors: Amounts falling due within one year | ||
| 29 November | 29 November | ||
| 2025 | 2024 | ||
| £ | £ | ||
| Social Security and Other Taxes | 1,559 | (219) | |
| Trustee loan account | 5,431 | 5,036 | |
| Other creditors | (657) | - | |
| Accruals | 2,664 | 2,695 | |
| ___ | ___ | ||
| 8,997 | 7,512 | ||
| ______ | ______ |
9. Operational Premises
The company operates from premises owned by the Catholic Archdiocese of Birmingham on a rent free basis, an estimate of the rent that would be payable at market rates is included as a gift in kind.
10. Related party transactions
In addition to payments to trustees as detailed in note 6, the following related party transactions are noted:
Trustee Rev Timothy Menezes is also a trustee of the Birmingham Diocesan Trust who own the premises at Stoney Road which are provided free of charge to the charity to provide supported accommodation to its clients. The value of this 'gift in kind' has been included in these accounts (see note 9).
Payments for accounting services were made to Colm McCrea (the son of John McCrea, one of the Trustees) totalling £2,550 during the year (2024 £3,900).
11. Controlling interests
The charity is controlled by the trustees.
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