Lewisham Churches Care
ANNUAL REPORT 2022-23
In addition to their fantastic work running weekly groups and creating wonderful experiences through concerts and full-day, themed events for our attendees, Lesley and Winnie have been instrumental during this past year in raising additional funding through grant applications, which is a huge task, so thank you very much to you both!
A special congratulations to Lesley on her recent British Citizen’s Award.
The number of attendees at the Bring Me Sunshine events has increased enormously, often exceeding 100 participants, and the numbers for the weekly Ageing Well groups are up too. It has been great to see more collaboration between Bring Me Sunshine and Ageing Well in Lewisham. Long may this continue.
We could not run these groups and events without our dedicated trustees, volunteers, and tutors, so I wish to thank them all for their hard work. I hope that they all had a great time at our ‘Thank You’ party recently, where we had Give A Song performing. What a wonderful party it was – you even got me up on the dancefloor!
NUMBERS IN A NUTSHELL For financial year 2022-23 INCOME: £50,525 EXPENDITURE: £49,929 NET: £596
We would like to recruit additional trustees to Lewisham Churches Care, so if somebody knows of anyone that may be interested, please do let us know.
We are looking forward to another great year of providing entertainment and fellowship to our beneficiaries.
- Greg Books, Chair
Ageing Well in Lewisham
All of AWiL’s weekly groups have grown over this past year. New friendships, new skills, and new muscles (thanks, Body & Bingo!) have developed.
We have had numerous rewarding collaborations with other groups and organisations, including Craft Plus’ contribution to CraftA’s Lewisham Community Blanket and lovely shared singing sessions between our Befrienders choir and residents of Homewalk House and members of Venner Road Dementia Café. Both the Silver Lunch Club and Golden Agers Coffee Morning have benefitted from guest speakers from SELCE, Carers Lewisham, AgeUK’s Happy Feet, Positive Ageing Council, Table Talk, and more.
Groups also have enjoyed special concerts at the Grove Centre from Albert’s Band as part of the Songbook Series from Royal Albert Hall. We had several performances from the SongEasel project which brings young musicians out into the community to perform for older people.
It has a been a pleasure this past year to work more closely with Bring Me Sunshine’s participants. AWiL and BMS held a successful joint fundraiser with a Valentine’s theme as well as a combined lunchtime party at Wesley Halls with fish and chips, dancing, and games. I am looking forward to even more overlap with BMS this year.
Two of our long-time group session leaders moved on this past year. Lynn Edwards retired from the Body & Bingo group. A former AWiL employee herself, Lynn developed and lead many of our groups over the years. She had great kindness and flair and is very missed. Also, Sue Rafique moved on from leading Crafts Plus for many years. Thankfully, Sue does come back for visits.
— Joyce D, AWiL member
We have enjoyed getting to know our new art tutor, Shiree Allen, who is stretching the creativity of the group. And Ann Bagnall is stretching everything else as the new teacher of the Body & Bingo gentle exercise group. Both women are very popular with members.
I would like to thank all our dedicated volunteers and session leaders for their time and skills. AWiL would not be what it is without you!
--Winnie Carlson, Project Coordinator
“Come along and join us!”
“I am now into my second year of craft class and learning something new every time! It’s part of my routine and I always look forward to Tuesday and enjoy the company and laughs we have – not forgetting the tea and biscuits!
Everyone can enjoy the afternoon at their own pace, with no stress. I am really happy to be part of this gathering and would say come along and join us!”
—Sue Wilson, member of Crafts Plus
Bring Me Sunshine
Bring me Sunshine has delivered many lively events during 2022- 23!
Some highlights include: the Borough of Culture-funded “Will you take me to the dance, Mary”, an Irish-themed day with music, apple pies and red lemonade as well as a Caribbean celebration with lunch and music; a Black History Month celebration; a Valentines-themed fundraiser alongside Ageing Well in Lewisham, and a Silver Sunday event co-hosted with Positive Ageing Council.
A bumper pack of Platinum Jubilee celebrations took place at several different venues. We received a significant grant to host our “Jubilee Jive” event with Goldsmiths Academy of Dance, in which old and young created and performed two spectacular shows bringing to life music and styles over the decades of Queen Elizabeth’s reign. This ambitious project also involved reminiscence and art workshops, creating costumes and decorations, numerous rehearsals, and the production of a film and souvenir brochure.
Our long-time volunteer and performer, Kate Middleton, received a special mayoral recognition award for her volunteer work. And I was recently honoured to receive a British Citizen Award for my work with BMS and attended a Buckingham Palace garden party.
We have continued to distribute quarterly Bring Me Sunshine magazines to over 200 people via post and email. These publications are filled with puzzles, messages of hope and positivity, information, quizzes and photographs.
I would like to extend special thanks to Goldsmiths Dance Academy, Positive Ageing Council, and all the volunteers, venues, and organisations who made this an amazing year for Bring Me Sunshine!
–Lesley Allen, Project Coordinator
”Bring Me Sunshine events provide companionship and wonderful get-togethers for elderly members of the community who might otherwise feel isolated.” —BMS participant
Participant Testimony
“Looking back it has been a busy year. In May we returned to King Charles Court for our Spring Forth performance and to celebrate 10 years of the Inspired Not Tired program. It has been a joy to have Trinity Laban graduates Dani and Cat continue with us, teaching us songs in Greek and Portuguese. We are now well acquainted with the residents of Homewalk House opposite the Grove Centre and enjoyed a summer sing-along with them in July in their garden.
We have welcomed several new members, and very much miss those who are no longer with us. Thanks to Chris birthdays are never forgotten, and Maureen’s 80[th] birthday celebration was indeed a memorable evening. We owe much thanks to Winnie. Of course, it is our lovely Natasha who really keeps us going. She challenges, inspires, and encourages with her infectious sense of humour.
So, to all Befrienders I wish you a very merry Christmas and a happy and healthy new year.”
—-Excerpted from a Christmas WhatsApp from Avril Sydee to the Befrienders group
“I am so pleased and so proud to be a part of the Bring Me Sunshine project and one of the volunteer team members over the past years. May this project continue to bring sunshine to those who would not get out and about to enjoy such a variety of shows, tea parties, and activity workshops. It’s such great fun and important— there is such a fundamental well-being aspect to this project too.”
—Kate Middleton, BMS volunteer and entertainer
“I always love Bring Me Sunshine days. The entertainment is always great. Lovely to meet up with people you don’t see very often. All ages come together which is great. Long may it continue.”
—BMS participant
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Secretary’s Report
Lewisham Churches Care continues to develop and grow as things get back to something close to normal post pandemic, and the Board of Trustees thanks the continued dedication and loyalty of staff, volunteers, and sessional presenters.
We are really pleased to see that attendance at group sessions has continued to build. LCC trustees have met regularly and the collaboration of our two projects, Ageing Well in Lewisham and Bring Me Sunshine, continues to be mutually beneficial.
During the past year, in addition to its regular group meetings, Ageing Well hosted several special sessions: Albert’s Band (from the Royal Albert Hall) visited the Tuesday Morning Befrienders group on two occasions, as did the SongEasel project. The Befrienders themselves shared their activities when they visited the Dementia Café that meets in the Venner Road Community Centre. AWiL’s Thursday Silver Lunch Club hosted a Christmas dinner which was very much enjoyed by its regulars. The lunch group and Bring Me Sunshine also jointly hosted a fish and chips meal with excellent entertainment and games.
AWiL’s Tuesday afternoon Crafts Plus Group and the Wednesday morning Body & Bingo sessions have adapted well to changes in sessional presenters.
Bring Me Sunshine has been really busy with their special events throughout the year, presenting sessions with food and entertainment in various locations. Their programme has included: Platinum Jubilee celebrations (I even took a turn on the stage!); Easter and Valentine’s-themed events, and a festive party featuring Irish music and food.
Given the current financial climate, Winnie and Lesley have been working extremely hard on funding applications. Increasing attendance fees for members had been considered but so far has been avoided.
As always, we are most appreciative of The Talent Factory in Barmeston Road, Catford, where we have our office. It is an inspiring place in which to be based. It is hoped that beyond expected changes to ownership of the building, LCC will still be able to keep their office there.
—Grace Blyth, Secretary
Chair, Gregory Brooks
Vice Chair, Anthony Atherton
Secretary, Grace Blyth Treasurer, Bill Bishop
Health & Safety, Robert Green
Patricia Hennessy
Layo Segun
Tony Hemeson
STAFF
Winnie Carlson– Project Coordinator, Ageing Well in Lewisham
Lesley Allen– Project Coordinator, Bring Me Sunshine
SESSION LEADERS
[AWiL] Shiree Allen, Jacky Dempsey, Jacqui Hannam, Joni Blackwood, Ann Bagnall, and our partners at Trinity Laban, Natasha Lohan, and students Catarina and Daniella.
[BMS] Kate Middleton, Chloe Edwards and Give A Song, T4Healing, Amy Quinnfod.
FUNDING RECEIVED BY LCC DURING 2022-23
-
Lewisham Council, Main Grants Small Partnership Program, continuation of 3 years
-
Neighbourhood Community Infrastructure Levy Fund [NCIL]- Whitefoot, continuation of 2 years
-
NCIL Fund– Sydenham, continuation of 2 years
A BIG THANK YOU TO OUR PARTNERS, COLLEAGUES AND SUPPORTERS
Grove Community Centre, Wesley Halls, Goldsmiths Community Centre, Goldsmiths Dance Academy, Lewisham Council, Trinity Laban Conservatoire, South Lewisham Group Practice and Alex Camies, Community Connections, Lewisham Pensioners Forum, Positive Ageing Council, Table Talk, The Griffin Trust, Age Exchange, St Laurence Church Catford, Give A Song and friends, Lewisham Irish Community Centre, Homewalk House, T4Healing, Catford Print, Music in Hospitals, Brownhill Baptist Church, St Andrew’s Church Catford, Holy Cross Church, Carers Lewisham, Lewisham Local, Rushey Green Time Bank, Catbytes, Simply Irresistible, AgeUK Lewisham & Southwark, SELCE , CraftA, Hourglass, St Christopher’s Hospice, Albert’s Band– Royal Albert Hall, SongEasel, Leanne Wenham, Fundraising Development Officer– CCL, AgeUK L&S.
Ind. Examiner: Robert Cunningham, ACA
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City Bridge Trust– for Silver Lunch Club, continuation of 2 years
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Lewisham Council Microgrant for Platinum Jubilee event
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Lewisham Borough of Culture Creative Change Fund
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Southwark Cathedral, for the BMS project
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London Community Foundation, for Jubilee Jive events
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National Lottery Mayor’s Community Weekend Fund
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Near Neighbours with the Department of Levelling Up, Housing & Communities, Windrush Day Fund.
Lewisham Churches Care
The Talent Factory, 4-14 Barmeston Road London, SE6 3BH 0208 698 3735
Registered charity no. 1126357
LEWISHAM CHURCHES CARE
| Incoming resources Incoming resources from generated funds: Voluntary income Incoming resources from generated funds: charitable activities Total incoming resources Resources expended Costs of generating funds Charitable activities Governance costs Net incoming/outgoing resources Fixed Assets Tangible Assets Current assets Debtors Cash at bank and in hand Creditors Net current assets/liabilities Net assets The funds of the charity are represented by: Net incoming resources Restricted funds Unrestricted funds Total funds |
Statement of Financial Activities for the year ended 31 March 2023 Restricted Unrestricted funds funds 9942 30323 2125 38 8097 9980 40545 LEWISHAM CHURCHES CARE Balance Sheet as at 31 March 2023 |
Total funds 2023 40265 2125 8135 50525 96 49833 0 49929 596 2023 1 34463 2826 31638 31638 596 20000 11042 31638 |
Total funds 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 13868 775 3598 |
|||
| 18241 | |||
| 96 35663 0 |
|||
| 35753 | |||
| -17512 2022 |
|||
| 1 31153 31154 |
|||
| 31154 | |||
| -17512 20000 28666 |
|||
| 31154 |
These financial statements were approved by the Trustees on 6 December 2023 and signed by
LEWISHAM CHURCHES CARE
| Voluntary income LB Lewisham 19755 Trinity Laban 3150 City of London 4387 London Community 9942 Southwalk Cathedral 2500 Holy Cross Catholic Conference Local Giving Donations Total Income resources from charitable activities Members' contributions Bank interest Total Charitable activities Salaries and employment costs Rent Telephone Insurance Equipment Other office costs Training Transport Disclosure & Barring Service Volunteer costs Other costs Group activities Events 10000 8182 |
2023 19755 3150 4387 9942 2500 531 40265 8044 91 8135 18333 3600 576 918 618 129 763 6714 18182 49833 |
2022 |
|---|---|---|
| 4100 3150 1000 2000 3000 500 118 |
||
| 13868 | ||
| 4369 3 |
||
| 4372 | ||
| 18099 3600 727 816 384 239 0 40 126 0 36 2976 8620 |
||
| 35663 |
LEWISHAM CHURCHES CARE
| 5. Governance costs Cost of AGM Independent examiner's fee 6. Cost of generating funds Cost of generating funds |
2023 0 2023 96 |
2022 |
|---|---|---|
| 0 | ||
| 2022 | ||
| 96 |
7. Salaries and employment costs
| Staff costs were as follows Salaries and NIC Pensions Cost of paying staff Staff costs No employee received emolumemts of more than £60,000 The average number of employees, undertaking charitable activities, was as follows |
2022 16643 1346 344 212 18545 2022 1 |
2021 |
|---|---|---|
| 14867 542 471 |
||
| 0 | ||
| 15880 | ||
| 2021 | ||
| 1 |
The charity contributes to a workplace pension scheme.
8. Trustee remuneration and expenses
No trustee received remuneration during the year. (2022: £nil) Expenses amounting to £nil (2022:£nil) were re-imbursed to trustees
No trustee or other person related to the charity had any personal interest in any contract or transaction entered into by the charity during the year. (2022:£nil)
LEWISHAM CHURCHES CARE
9. Tangible fixed assets
| 9. Tangible fixed assets | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Cost at 1 April 2022 Additions Disposals Cost at 31 March 2023 Accumulated depreciation Cost at 1 April 2022 Charge for the year Disposals Cost at 31 March 2023 Value at 31 March 2022 at 31 March 2023 10 Debtors Other debtors 11 Creditors Other creditors Deferred income |
2023 | Computer & Office Equip 5587 0 0 5587 5586 0 0 5586 1 1 |
Furniture & Fittings 911 0 0 |
| 911 | |||
| 911 0 0 |
|||
| 911 | |||
| 0 0 2022 |
|||
| 0 2023 |
0 2022 |
||
| 1326 1500 |
0 0 |
||
| 2826 | 0 |