Bridges Hull Annual Report on the Work November 2020-October 2021
It was another challenging year due to the continuing uncertainties of the Covid pandemic and involved two further national lockdowns, restrictions on indoor and outdoor working and multiple updates and new guidance via the National Youth Agency (who became the lead organisation in terms of government advice for the statutory and voluntary youth work sector). We had just started a new five-year contract as a commissioned partner of Hull City Council which gave us the financial stability and support to continue operating.
Additional funding came in from private donations, Bodmin Road Church, Thornbury Baptist Church and St Aidan’s Church in Hull as well as a grant from Hull City Council’s Healthy Holidays fund. A much larger than normal amount of money was spent on staff-made activity packs for individual young people and families, on food distribution and care packages and on summer activities for families to enjoy together and on transport (this was mostly bus tickets for families to be able to get to summer activities for which we provided free entry tickets and free picnics).. However this left us in a slightly precarious position come year end! Covid cost us an extra £1075 in cleaning products, PPE, signage and barriers and the minibus cost us £1188 but had very little use. Our move to the newly renovated youth space cost us just over £1000 and involved a skip for removal if items that we just weren’t ever going to use again (mostly from Rock Challenge). Nik and Tiff renewed their online Paediatric First Aid training and also their Safeguarding, both of which they did through their fostering agency at no cost to Bridges.
After a period of opening-up in the country over the summer, restrictions were re-imposed early in the autumn. September saw the return to the ‘rule of six’ and working from home and a new national lockdown was announced on October 31st 2020. This started in November, there was a brief respite over Christmas and then a sudden, third national lockdown was imposed one day after children and young people returned to school in January. It was March 2021 before schools re-opened and April /May before we saw the beginnings of a return to some normality. The impact of fear for some, uncertainty for all and a range of different experiences at home (some loved it, some were more at risk, some could continue their education, some couldn’t - access to online capabilities) may not surface for a while - difficult experiences often ‘come out’ a bit later and this is something we need to be really aware of. This was also a difficult time for staff with increased isolation (some completely) and no full-team working together. Not easy but, out of it has come increased communication and new systems meaning that we work mainly online and in a more streamlined way now. We also developed a “sliding model” of hybrid work that we could slip into if national restrictions eased or tightened. The constant change of what we could and coudn’t do, the shorter sessions and the enhanced cleaning really took its toll on staff and on our budget. Staff were juggling their own families and children with SEND as well as juggling a seemingly ever-changing picture at work. As such, we tried to start a model of working and only gently ease to the next model (as the fear was we’d have to change back again!). The move into the new office and youth space was gradual and some snagging took place along the way.
Over the year we should have delivered 1128 hours of work with young people, we managed only 800. We don’t know how this compared to the statutory sector in the city. Unfortunately we also had staff who were quite unwell and had two staff off longer-term as well as staff who had a sudden bereavement and were also struggling. We then sadly lost Jack to pastures new in August and struggled to replace him. In the same time period we should have had 2688 contacts with young people and managed 4411 - these happened through face to face 1-1 work, very small groups, facebook chats, zoom chats, zoom quizzes, doorstep visits, phone calls/online support with parents, weekly creation and delivery of activities to young people’s homes and fareshare food/clothing/toiletry drop-ins.
In November we were providing weekly food parcels to over 30 families and were running 45 minute one-to-one or paired/family group sessions in the youth space. The online work continued as the delivery of activities for young people to participate in at home. Parents were able to collect packs of sparklers and hot chocolate for their families for bonfire night and young people enjoyed making fudge, hedgehog bread and banoffee pie at home 0 parents posted photographs of their creations on our parents’ facebook page - which, alongside text local for those not on facebook, has become our primary method of communication with junior-aged young people.
In December online support was offered to a family in crisis and another child was referred into the 0-19 school nurding service. Food hampers donated by the local resident’s association, URBaN, were distributed to 34 families. Face to face work continued with our more vulnerable young people. Hull Vineyard Church kindly donated 43 luxury hampers which our families were over the moon with - it was a lovely Christmas treat after a rough 12 months! Astra youth centre provided us with Christmas snack boxes for young people and these were distributed as well. We had a drop-in for free 3kg bags of bread, pizza base and cake-making mixes - these were really popular and doubled up as free food as well as a family activity. 27 families, including 12 whose young people have not engaged with us face to face, received a Christmas sack of potatoes which we had sourced from a local potato merchant.
In January we offered Heron vouchers to families who were struggling - it is the cheapest way to buy the basics such as tins, bread, milk and cereal. Food was dropped off and was a good way of engaging with young people about whom we had more serious concerns during the lockdown period. Care packaged were put together for individual young people who we felt needed a boost or who perhaps hadn’t been seen by services and weren’t engaging in online schooling. We had some small positive contact around some specific young people and the local high school in regards to them needing food / financial help or not being visible to services. Some safeguarding referrals were made on the back of some of what staff observed out on the estate in the evenings and we are aware of a t least 3 children who have been accommodated by the local authority on the back of this. The senior facebook group was going well and we added a junior page for those juniors aged 13 but it didn’t really take off in the same way (they probably use snap chat these days!). Some of the 64 young people to whom we delivered activities on a weekly basis have since joined the clubs and are engaging in face to face work which is great - two have become peer mentors, volunteering within the junior clubs. We got to know the wider families of the young people during this time and became a place to turn when they needed support/signposting.
Struggles within families, including issues of a safeguarding nature became more apparent due to people having less places to turn and schools being closed.
In February young people received woks and cooked great dishes at home such as Honey Garlic Chicken and a simple home-made curry with all the spices. We had some eggs and bread donated and these were gratefully received by families. Jo Nielsen from the council’s Foredyke Area Team was a great ally - providing us with second hand clothes for families and supporting other families with food insecurity. Visit to the more vulnerable continued and the face to face work started to slowly expand. We then began to hit staffing issues with staff having longer term, one very serious, conditions.
We began to struggle with staffing in March and April but maintained the activity deliveries, food drop-ins, a small number of one-to-ones and online work. We worked online with parent around a child with quite serious health issues where he had dropped between services and mum was struggling to get the right help. We had a give-away of nappies and toiletries and delivered calming art activities such as marbling and sensory playdough for young people to participate in at home. We delivered care/treat packs to families with Covid and were able to deliver some great art/sports packs with hula hoops and footballs from Astra youth centre as well as Easter Eggs to our young people.
Drop-in for food were still popular with families in May and 80 young people were receiving weekly activities. A bit of anti social (homopphobic) behaviour was reported back out on the estate as young people were beginning to gather again at the local park and skate park. We had a big push inside the building to clear out our old storage spaces so that they could be handed back to Bodmin. Youth support staff began to struggle with their own health needs and , despite close remote supervision, with no senior staff physically in the building (one was off sick and the other was running the online work). Numbers of face to face contacts went down during this period.
In June, the demand for food began to drop and we engaged some new young people in one-to-one face to face sessions in the building, some referrals were made to the SMILE programme at Astra and parents were offered support around schooling and other concerns. Lots of doorstep visits and deliveries took place with young people about whom we were concerned.
July and August ushered in our successful bid to the council’s newly-named HAF fund for summer activities. 36 families signed up to the scheme and received +free bus and train tickets and free entry tickets to Rebound, The Deep, Rock Up and bowling. Face to face and online work continued but dropped off a bit as it always does in the summer holidays. Jane did some critical support around housing for a mum (over the phone/internet) and this family is now settled in their very-much-needed new home! Jack sadly left us for pastures new at the start of August. We have struggled to recruit to date.
September ushered in more staff sickness and more online working than face to face for a period but food drop ins and visits to home still continues, albeit it in a scaled back way. By October the demand for food drop-ins had dropped right back but other work continued . We had more staff sickness (covid for the first time) and our numbers of contacts for this quarter were our lowest ever - but were balanced out by very high figures earlier in the year.
Some of the most useful online work has been via facebook around suicide prevention, a young person needing support in a hostel, and support for a teenager at risk of serious harm.
This has been a really hard year for both staff and young people and has been a struggle financially. Young people and their families have received a good service and seem very happy with it from anecdotal feedback. We are aware of the need for some ‘recovery’ time and especially for a more whole-team meeting face to face to reduce isolation and improve communication. Senior staff need to be back onsite and there needs to be a period of intentional stability (avoiding as much change as possible) moving forwards. We are looking forward to returning to some normality now that we are fully moved into our new youth space and we will need to focus on recruitment of a level 3 worker.
Annual Report Bridges Hull 31 October 2021 Prepared by Robert Bailey
Contents
| Profit and Loss | 3 |
|---|---|
| Movements in Equity | 5 |
| Balance Sheet | 6 |
| Depreciation Schedule | 7 |
Annual Report | Bridges Hull | 31 October 2021
Page 2 of 7
Profit and Loss
Bridges Hull
For the 12 months ended 31 October 2021
| Oct-21 | Oct-20 | |
|---|---|---|
| Income | ||
| Contributions fromparticipants of activities | - | (16) |
| Donation accrual account | 633 | 1,182 |
| Donations - Bodmin Road Church | - | 500 |
| Donations - Other trusts, churches and charities | 1,613 | - |
| Donations - Private individuals | 3,656 | 1,310 |
| Donations - St Aidan's Church | - | 703 |
| Donations - Swallow Hill Homes | 1,200 | 1,650 |
| Gift aid | - | 325 |
| Grants CIB Capital | 1,000 | - |
| Hull CityCouncil | 86,390 | 83,093 |
| Sales - TuckShop | - | 173 |
| Total Income | 94,492 | 88,920 |
| Less Cost of Sales | ||
| Activitycosts | 9,617 | 8,389 |
| Goods Purchased for Resale inc Tuck shop | 100 | 727 |
| Short term loans to be repaid ifpossible | 10 | (199) |
| Total Cost of Sales | 9,727 | 8,917 |
| Gross Profit | 84,765 | 80,003 |
| Less Operating Expenses | ||
| Accountingandpayroll software | - | 377 |
| Bridges - consumables | 18 | 442 |
| Bridges - Rent | 5,979 | 6,000 |
| Bridges - security | - | (54) |
| Buildingcosts | 1,440 | 40 |
| Computer & IT costs | - | 72 |
| Computer software | - | 40 |
| Computer, Apps, software, IT support & repair costs | 463 | 19 |
| Covid associated costs | 1,075 | 661 |
| DBS checks | 174 | 52 |
| Discretionarysickpay | 332 | - |
| Food for activities & refreshments | 5,407 | 687 |
| Food/essentials to distribute to families | 2,285 | - |
| Insurance - Management & CVS | 2,604 | 2,470 |
| Internet, Hosting, NOT LINE RENTAL | - | 90 |
| Minibus insurance | 606 | 608 |
| Minibus repairs | 350 | - |
| Minibus Road tax | 233 | 165 |
| Office Equipment Depreciation(8004) | 90 | 165 |
| Office Stationery, ink cartridges,printing,postage costs | 290 | 42 |
| Other staff and employee costs | 168 | 1,103 |
| Postage and Carriage | - | 87 |
Annual Report | Bridges Hull | 31 October 2021
Page 3 of 7
Profit and Loss
| Oct-21 | Oct-20 | |
|---|---|---|
| Printing | - | 418 |
| Staff Entertainment and christmas meals | 155 | - |
| Staff trainingcourses | - | 214 |
| Subsistence | - | 50 |
| Taxi's & car hire | - | 268 |
| Telephone - Mobile | - | 632 |
| Telephone, mobile, textlocal services | 1,513 | 248 |
| Textingservices incl text local | - | 706 |
| Thankyougifts | 270 | 180 |
| Travel costs | 841 | 72 |
| Volunteer tuck benefit - 50p/night | - | 22 |
| Wages - Administrator | 10,477 | 10,058 |
| Wages - Employerpension costs | 642 | 862 |
| Wages - Employers National Insurance | 26 | - |
| Wages - Senior Youth Worker | 12,517 | 8,996 |
| Wages - Youth Support Worker | 12,838 | 15,895 |
| Wages - Youth Work manager | 21,843 | 28,668 |
| Total Operating Expenses | 82,635 | 80,354 |
| Net Profit | 2,130 | (351) |
Notes
This statement is to be read in conjunction with the Notes to the Financial Statements and the accompanying Compilation Report.
Annual Report | Bridges Hull | 31 October 2021
Page 4 of 7
Movements in E uit q y
Bridges Hull As at 31 October 2021
| 31 Oct 2021 | 31 Oct 2020 | |
|---|---|---|
| Equity | ||
| OpeningBalance | 7,540 | 7,891 |
| Current Year Earnings | 2,130 | (351) |
| Total Equity | 9,671 | 7,540 |
Notes
This statement is to be read in conjunction with the Notes to the Financial Statements and the accompanying Compilation Report.
Annual Report | Bridges Hull | 31 October 2021
Page 5 of 7
Balance Sheet
Bridges Hull As at 31 October 2021
31 Oct 2021 31 Oct 2020
Assets
| Bank | ||
|---|---|---|
| Bridges Hull HSBC bank account | 21,765 | 21,487 |
| PettyCash | 120 | 120 |
| Total Bank | 21,885 | 21,607 |
| Current Assets | ||
| Debtors Control Account | 1,200 | - |
| Other Debtors | 1,207 | 475 |
| Prepayments | 766 | 840 |
| Total Current Assets | 3,173 | 1,315 |
| Fixed Assets | ||
| Office Equipment | 1,675 | 1,675 |
| Office Equipment Depreciation(0031) | (1,426) | (1,336) |
| Total Fixed Assets | 249 | 339 |
| Total Assets | 25,307 | 23,261 |
| Liabilities | ||
| Current Liabilities | ||
| Accruals | 1,081 | 1,129 |
| Grants income accrual | 13,624 | 14,256 |
| PAYE & NI | 678 | 85 |
| Pension liability | 233 | 251 |
| Total Current Liabilities | 15,615 | 15,720 |
| Non-Current Liabilities | ||
| Student loan deductions | 22 | - |
| Total Non-Current Liabilities | 22 | - |
| Total Liabilities | 15,637 | 15,720 |
| Net Assets | 9,671 | 7,540 |
| Equity | ||
| Current Year Earnings | 2,130 | (351) |
| Funds | 7,540 | 7,891 |
| Total Equity | 9,671 | 7,540 |
Notes
Signed .......................................................
This statement is to be read in conjunction with the Notes to the Financial Statements and the accompanying Compilation Report.
Annual Report | Bridges Hull | 31 October 2021
Page 6 of 7
De reciation Schedule p
Bridges Hull 1 November 2020 to 31 October 2021
| Name | Number | Type | Cost | Rate | Purchased Disposed | 1-Nov-20 | Purchases | Depreciation | **Disposals ** | Accum Dep | 31-Oct-21 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Office Equipment | |||||||||||
| HP A4 office | HP A4 office | Office | 320 | 0.0%SL | 30 May 2017 | 40 | - | 40 | - | 320 | - |
| jetprinter | jetprinter | equipment | |||||||||
| Nick and Tiff | Nick and Tiff | Office | 766 | 25.0%SL | 31 Oct 2014 | - | - | - | - | 766 | - |
| laptops | laptop | equipment | |||||||||
| Office | FA-0001 | Office | 340 | 0.0%SL | 15 Jun 2017 | 50 | - | 50 | - | 340 | - |
| computer | equipment | ||||||||||
| Total Office | Equipment | 1,426 | 90 | - | 90 | - | 1,426 | - | |||
| Total | 1,426 | 90 | - | 90 | - | 1,426 | - |
Annual Report | Bridges Hull | 31 October 2021
Page 7 of 7
Independent examiner's report on the accounts
Section A Independent Examiner’s Report
Report to the trustees/ Bridges Hull Limited members of On accounts for the year 31 October 2021 Charity no 1123951 ended (if any) Set out on pages 1 of 1
(remember to include the page numbers of additional sheets)
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Respective The charity's trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts.
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responsibilities of The charity’s trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year
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trustees and examiner under section 144 of the Charities Act 2011 (the Charities Act) and that an independent examination is needed. It is my responsibility to: ● examine the accounts under section 145 of the Charities Act, ● to follow the procedures laid down in the general Directions given by the Charity Commission (under section 145(5)(b) of the Charities Act, and
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● to state whether particular matters have come to my attention.
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Basis of independent My examination was carried out in accordance with general Directions given examiner’s statement by the Charity Commission. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by 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 the trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit, and consequently no opinion is given as to whether the accounts present a ‘true and fair’ view and the report is limited to those matters set out in the statement below.
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Independent In connection with my examination, no matter has come to my attention;
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examiner's statement 1. which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in, any material respect, the requirements:
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to keep accounting records in accordance with section 130 of the Charities Act; and
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to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records and comply with the accounting requirements of the Charities Act
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have not been met; or
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to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
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Please delete the words in the brackets if they do not apply.
1
March 2012
IER
Date: 30 May 2022 Signed: Name: Stephen Andrew Holmes Relevant professional Fellow Member of the Association of Accounting Technicians (FMAAT) qualification(s) or body (if any): Address: 5, Maple Avenue Thornbury Bristol BS35 2JW Section B Disclosure
Only complete if the examiner needs to highlight material problems.
2
March 2012
IER
Give here brief details of any items that the examiner wishes to disclose .
Not Applicable
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March 2012
IER