Charity Number: 1134325 A Company Limited by Guarantee in England and Wales: 05549681
ANNUAL REPORT 2023-2024
SUPPORTING THE HOMELESS COMMUNITY IN NORTH LINCOLNSHIRE
This is my 4th year as Chair of The Forge Project, in previous year’s I have spoken on the effect of the pandemic, the war in Russia and the Cost of Living pressures. We are recovering well from these global issues. We have invested in solar panels to reduce our energy costs and we continue to upgrade the building via community grants from SSE Windfarm and North Lincolnshire Council. Our next project will be to refurbish the toilet areas.
A word from the Chair Councillor Julie Reed
We have again increased our level of partnership working with the Housing Advice Team, Drug and Alcohol Service, NHS, Police, Education and Employment and health partners to broaden our offer. Our staff and volunteers work with other agencies to maximise the potential opportunities for clients to progress on their journey back to a home, a job, a friend which is our goal for all.
The Local Authority have opened a service at Victor House which supports those experiencing homelessness after hours and weekends and we are working closely with them. This has only been in operation a few months and we are hopeful that this will alleviate the need for people to be sleeping rough
We have secured funding again to for some of our roles to extend work in the area of Modern Day Slavery and we are applying for core funding for other posts. We have new routes to connect with community health services, we even have our own GP with allocated appointments for our clients and a dentist. Podiatry is another service than we have unlocked for our service users to benefit from.
We have had donations of time and funds throughout the year from local businesses, schools and organisations and also private individual donations for which we are most thankful and they form an important part of our core funding. Our success with grant applications is high and we are aware of the constant challenge to acquire funding to enable security for our service users and our staff.
I wish to record my personal and most sincere thanks to our staff and volunteers, the people we are trying to help have very complex and sometimes chaotic lives. Many of them have suffered trauma at some point in their lives and often have drug and alcohol addictions as they battle to overcome their mental health difficulties. Our staff demonstrate genuine empathy and compassion every day and they are rewarded when someone gets their front door key or passes a piece of education and skills work, equally they are upset when someone doesn’t, or returns to us after a successful period of living in the community.
We always give another Opportunity for Change to everyone and we never give up, our staff have a difficult and emotional job supporting people on their journey. We are fortunate to have dedicated people and we grateful for their work.
I look forward to another year of development and growth as we continue to be here for those experiencing homelessness.
THE FORGE PROJECT ANNUAL REPORT 2023-2024
THE FORGE PROJECT TEAM
STAFF
Andrea Houghton …………........................................................................................ Manager Joanne Laughton ……………………................................................… Senior Project Worker Bradley Cole ................................................... Health & Community Support Worker Tracy Cooney .................................................................................................................. Cook Simon Fletcher …………………………....… Employment & Education Support Worker Andrea Huxford ………………………………………………….............................………………………… Cook Sharon Jarman …………………………………………….…............………. Health Support Worker Adam Livermore…………………………………….…….......................…….……………………..... Cleaner Andrew Mayall .......................................................................................................... Cleaner Serena Mumby ………………………………………………......................………………... Administrator Lyn Noble ……………………………………………....…….…………........... Activities Support Worker Nikki Seaman .................................................................. Community Support Worker Nikki Seaman .... Trafficking, Exploitation & Modern Slavery Support Worker Matt Wild .............................................................................................................. Counsellor
TRUSTEES
Cllr Julie Reed………..……………………………….................……..…………………….. Chairperson Margaret Evans ……………………………………………..…...............……….… Vice Chairperson Ruth Chittenden .................................................................................Vice Chairperson Simon Batt ……………………………………………………..………................. Company Secretary
Peter Bell James Jellinek Paul Vollans Sheila Walshe
VOLUNTEERS
Kelly Bishop, Carol Burkill, Becky Clarvis, Bobby Croft, Emma Easton, Adie Gallagher, Jean Gray, Wendy Marshall, Kev Sowerby, Kath Terreros and Patricia Wards Claudia Smith (Haircuts for the Homeless), and Cheryl Gomez (Massage Therapy).
PEER VOLUNTEERS
John Allen, Sarah Doncaster, Ben Johnson, Claire King, Mark Peace, and Kian Williams.
CORPORATE VOLUNTEERS
Helen Duggan from Seafish Employees from Volker Rail Employees from Suez Employees from B&Q
OUR VISION, MISSION AND VALUES
VISION STATEMENT
‘Those experiencing homelessness are valued by society and provided with opportunities to move their lives forward’
MISSION STATEMENT
The Forge Project supports people on their journey out of homelessness towards healthier and safer lives. Working in North Lincolnshire we achieve this by:
Offering a safe and accepting community which builds self-confidence, resilience and wellbeing
Working with partners to offer opportunities to manage underlying challenges such as physical and mental health problems, drugs and alcohol, employment and financial independence, and sustaining a tenancy Providing food, toiletries, clothes and facilities to meet basic needs
VALUES
Respect
We are non-judgemental and compassionate. We treat everyone we work with as an individual; we take time to listen carefully to their needs accepting and valuing that they may be different to our own We deliver our service on an equal footing to all, treating people as we would like to be treated ourselves
Integrity
We are transparent, accountable and honest. We do what we say we will and take responsibility for our own actions; when we make mistakes or things go wrong, we apologise and learn
Community
We are welcoming and encourage positive relationships within and between service users, staff, volunteers, supporters and other service providers who comprise The Forge Project Family When issues do emerge, we are prepared to sit down and talk them through to resolve conflicts and difficulties
We stand alongside, and share the journeys, that our service users are experiencing
Empowerment
We provide opportunities for life long change and personal growth which enable service users to increase their independence and self-responsibility
We use a person-centred approach encouraging service users to recognise their own strengths and supporting them to build their skills, knowledge, confidence and resilience
Collaboration
THE FORGE PROJECT IMPACT
We work co-productively with our service users in the planning and delivering of support. This ensures ourREPORT 2022-2023 services meets service user’s needs in the most effective way
- We work as a team across The Forge Project, recognising and using each other’s strengths and supporting each other in difficult times
We believe better outcomes can be achieved for service users by organisations and agencies working together. This means we actively seek opportunities for The Forge Project to add value to other’s work and for partners who can add value to our work
THE FORGE PROJECT ANNUAL REPORT 2023-2024
The Impact of The Forge Project
Over the past year The Forge Project supported...
371 unique clients, Agencies provided support 299 times 8,335 points of contact 6,057 meals served 278 males attended 92 females attended During this time: I shower here 124 sleeping bags were given out daily 186 referrals to the Food Bank 630 items of clothing were given out 13 crisis parcels were given out 1,255 referrals into the night provision 60 securely housed 276 Accessed community services The Forge Project is somewhere I feel 96 Vulnerably safeguarded safe and there are 94 Supported with domestic abuse people here who listen 259 Supported with mental health issues 156 Supported with drug/alcohol issues 11 People becoming peer volunteers
Everyone deserves a place to call home
- 86 people into emergency and temporary accommodation 28 people into supported accommodation
31 people secured a rented home
The Forge Project staff continued to represent and advocate for service users at all the local multi-agency meetings throughout the year.
My sense of humour returns when I’m here
THE FORGE PROJECT ANNUAL REPORT 2023-2024
THE DAY CENTRE
Jo Laughton, Senior Project Worker - The past year has seen a significant increase in the needs of those attending our organisation. There has been an increase in homeless people and those rough sleeping and higher rates of people placed in temporary accommodation. People who have never been homeless before are finding themselves in this situation due to the cost-of-living crisis and their basic needs are more difficult to meet. Their situations are alien to them and they find their new social status upsetting, confusing and scary. It is difficult for them to settle into the environment within The Forge Project although we encourage a culture of acceptance. We build upon resilience and raise awareness of the risk of being exploited when they are in a vulnerable position..
The new way of working that we have developed with the I feel better after Support Workers in the Day Centre has worked extremely coming here well and has been beneficial for the service users. Each Support Worker has their own area of focus i.e. health/community, education/employment, afternoon activities.
We were also successful in a funding bid to the local Police and Crime Commissioner to employ a Modern Slavery, Trafficking and Exploitation Worker which further supports service users on their journey out of homelessness.
Case Study
A homeless woman (38yrs old) attended the Day Centre in mid-2023. She was living in a derelict caravan and suffering with poor mental health and really low self-esteem. We collaborated with the Homeless Outreach Team (HOT) from North Lincolnshire Council, and she was placed into temporary accommodation.
As her confidence in the staff team grew, we referred her into Supported Accommodation quite close to The Forge Project and she started to attend the afternoon sessions, discovering a lovely flair for art. She joined on the Volunteer Programme and attended weekly, achieving her Level 2 Certificate in Basic Food Hygiene. She now volunteers on an ad-hoc basis in the Kitchen and is looking to move into independent living in the future.
THE FORGE PROJECT ANNUAL REPORT 2023-2024
THE DAY CENTRE
Staff continue to be welcoming, supportive and non-judgemental. This ensures that service users feel safe to come to The Forge Project for support. Further expanding our staff team with different skills and evolving and adapting to deliver a holistic service to those who attend our centre. Understanding the underlying issues and the therapeutic element in our support has enabled us to work more effectively with service users.
In December we employed an Integrative Counsellor, after we realised that there was a need for therapeutic interventions to improve service users mental health, addressing any underlying issues or trauma they might have experienced. He is excited to have developed, in conjunction with UCNL, a service giving opportunity to counselling students to achieve clinical practice hours towards their qualifications.
I think I could manage a home on my own now. About time!
The staff have developed solid working relationships with all of our external agency partners who come into the day centre to hold satellite sessions for our service users.
Case Study
A 42yr old male with very long-standing substance misuse and homelessness issues, often lives locally in a tent and uses the Day Centre for support. He is so deeply entrenched in the cycle of homelessness-substances-crime-prison that he doesn’t often ask for help. He is exceptionally bright and enjoys quizzes and keeps himself updated with current affairs.
We worked with the Homeless Outreach Team (HOT) from North Lincolnshire Council and he was accepted for an Ongo tenancy on the Cold Weather project. We continued to support this man, along with the HOT staff and felt that this might be the right moment for him to achieve his full potential. However, missed appointments with his probation worker, support from HOT and also We are with you indicated that this client wasn’t coping very well. We offered him support to his appointments to help him get back on track but he declined every proposal.
He lost his tenancy and returned to prison and is once again caught in that same old cycle but attends The Forge Project daily for support. He knows that he isn’t judged here and we will always do our utmost to support him whether he is in a tenancy or declining all offers and living in a tent.
THE FORGE PROJECT ANNUAL REPORT 2023-2024
Working in partnership with other agencies
The Forge Project is now a ‘hub’ for all services to attend and provide a holistic assessment of needfor clients and a more immediate access to ‘wrap-around’ /multi-agency approach in an environment where they feel safe and trust. Each agency offers more specialist advice and support and the ability to access these services in one place, enables a quicker, more effective solution for our service users.
The Day Centre welcomes all external agencies that wish to meet their mutual clients here and some hold weekly surgeries. We are With You – the local drug and alcohol agency attend every week. A Mental Health Link Worker from North Lincolnshire MIND attended one morning per week, the local authority Outreach Workers attended once per week, Re:Set – a local organisation supporting working girls attended weekly, Blue Door – the local domestic abuse service has a worker who attended weekly.
The Hep C Trust attended on a regular basis offering Hep C testing and referrals for treatment where necessary and the Hep C Nurse from Scunthorpe General Hospital sees patients here. The local smoking cessation team have also attended our Day Centre.
“staff have a good understanding of domestic abuse and go above and beyond supporting as much as they possibly can”
The Blue Door
The dental nurses and dentist continue to attend our organisation monthly, offering dental inspections and treatment at the local community dental service.
The Community Mental Health Team meet mutual clients here as do Housing Related Support Workers, Social Prescribers, Probation Workers, Nacro Workers and Ongo Housing Workers.
Staff represent clients (both and online) at the Complex Case Panel, Re:Set meeting, A & E High Intensity User Meeting and the local Neighbourhood Action Team meetings.
Complimentary to our external partners, we have monthly visits from Cheryl to give hand massages to service users. This is something that they really find relaxing and there is always a queue for Cheryl, especially on the occasions that she does a morning of full back massages. We are also lucky enough to have two people offering their services for hairdressing. Claudia from Haircuts4Homeless comes when she has time and Steve offers a barbering service each month.
THE FORGE PROJECT ANNUAL REPORT 2023-2024
Working in partnership with other agencies
North Lincolnshire Council
This past year has seen significant and sustained change for the The Forge in expanding the work and services they offer to vulnerable people. This change has brought with it the benefits of working together with new professionals who are able to offer new insight and real-life changing support to those who need it the most.
The Forge Project has continued to support the work of statutory services and compliments this to broaden our offer, working collaboratively with our Changing Lives, Changing Futures partnership and jointly delivering on some excellent outcomes for people.
We continue to work towards an upcoming new Homeless and Rough Sleeper strategy in North Lincolnshire and we share, together The Forge the underlying principles of prevention, intervention, recovery and transparent and joined up systems.
James Jellinek Lead Officer – Housing & Homeless Prevention North Lincolnshire Council
North Lincolnshire Mind
Always striving to focus on positive mental wellbeing and service user empowerment, North Lincolnshire Mind has been working collaboratively with The Forge Project for a few years. Through this partnership we have provided mental health support to The Forge Project clients by linking them with local mental health services, providing wellbeing sessions and confidential listening service.
In the last year North Lincolnshire Mind have been present at the Forge every Thursday and we have delivered 34 confidential listening service sessions from August 2023 to July 2024.
My mental health is a work in progress. My anxiety is lower when I’m there
“They are unmatched in their approach. Their unique flexibility in terms of clients is the true strength of The Forge Project with staff supporting clients in every way they can”
THE FORGE PROJECT ANNUAL REPORT 2023-2024
Confidential Listening service sessions focused on client’s mental health, coping strategies, sometimes it was an opportunity for clients to explain the issues they are facing so that appropriate support and help could be sourced.
One of our services being referrals and signposting, we have referred people to variety of other organisations: Crisis Team, GP’s, our telephone support service, Polish speaking AA group and many more.
We have conducted full North Lincolnshire Mind initial assessment as well in order to book The Forge Project clients with our services. Group sessions, although not as popular as 1 to 1 service, provided The Forge Project clients with an opportunity to try relaxation techniques and learn other wellness tools to manage their mental health better.
Case Study
A young male who was already placed in temporary housing began to use the Day Centre regularly for food and support. He was withdrawn and reluctant to ask for anything initially but as time passed, he grew to trust the staff and engage well. He started to stay for the afternoon sessions and enjoy a bit of “banter” with other service users.
The Community Inclusion Nurses saw his as one of their first cases and discovered that he has Type 1 Diabetes and was quite poorly. We agreed that we would support him in this, providing food when he has no funds to support himself. The CINT now monitor his Diabetes and wellbeing 3 times each week and his health is far better.
Once his health was addressed, his confidence and self-esteem were much better and he has taken part in a budgeting course and also a woodwork course here ran by NLC Multiply project. He is now working towards independent living and using the skills he has learned whilst in afternoon sessions, and on the courses he has undertaken here.
I have done a budgeting course here and the staff helped me claim the right benefits and I’m now paying off my arrears
THE FORGE PROJECT ANNUAL REPORT 2023-2024
Community Inclusion Nursing Team
The past year has been one of continued change for The Forge Project and we have had several significant successes as a charity which has enabled us to expand on the work we do and the services we provide by attracting further funding and additional partnership working with both statutory and voluntary organisations.
This has enabled our organisation to access life-changing services and opportunities that already exist locally but are often not available to our client group for varying reasons. The general health element was the missing piece to the jigsaw at The Forge Project The people who attend our service often experienced health inequalities and there was no direct pathway into primary health care services.
Through meetings with the Matron of the District Nursing Team, the Community Inclusion Nursing Team was developed through a partnership between the district nurses at Northern Lincolnshire and Goole NHS Foundation Trust and The Forge Project. It was formed to help those who don’t have regular access to health services due to their circumstances, including people sleeping rough, refugees, asylum seekers, those living in temporary accommodation and members of the travelling community.
From November 2023, the Community Inclusion Nursing Team have held clinics three mornings per week at The Forge Project, offering a range of services from health and wellbeing advice and support to managing long term conditions, to foot and wound care, continence care and immunisations. They can refer people into GP and hospital appointments if they need urgent care.
Case Study
A 33yr old male initially attended The Forge Project as a homeless individual. He had just lost an Ongo tenancy as he was being cuckooed and people were selling drugs from his flat so he had left it. We referred him into Supported Housing and he thrived in Anvil House, taking advantage of all of their support. He moved into independent living in his own tenancy, a good distance from his old flat where no-one knew him.
He presented back to The Forge Project asking to volunteer as he wanted to “give back” and help someone else in the way that he had benefitted. He began to volunteer in the kitchen and progressed to the Volunteer Programme. He is now a mainstay in the afternoon sessions and has taken on the responsibility for watering the garden and also maintaining the carpark too.
THE FORGE PROJECT ANNUAL REPORT 2023-2024
Health & Community Support Worker
I started my role as the Health and Community Worker in December. I support people to engage with their GP, Hospital and all other health / mental health services. This could be to arrange appointments, support service users to attend appointments, support with ordering medication etc. I attend the local Neighbourhood Action Team meetings and also the High Intensity Users of A&E.
The Community Inclusion Nursing Team attend The Forge Project three times each week and have treated service users for a wide range of health issues, they have referred them to GP’s, Hospital and local Pharmacies where necessary. They continue to work collaboratively with The Forge Project and Ashby Turn Primary Care Centre.
Modern Slavery, Trafficking and Exploitation Worker
On October 1st 2023 my role changed from the Community support worker to Modern Slavery, Trafficking and Exploitation worker. Since then, I have been training for my new role, attending meetings and conferences, and working directly with victims of exploitation at the Forge Project. I have been developing pathways for multi-agency approaches to tackle exploitation in North Lincolnshire. I have been working closely with Andrew Smith from The Wilberforce institute in Hull which has a well-established task force in relation to modern slavery. North Lincolnshire’s task force is still in development and I am fortunate to be involved in building this.
I attend highly confidential meetings that involve some service users at the Forge Project. Multi-agency risk assessment conferences (MARAC) and multi-agency tasking and coordination (MATAC). These meetings help identify victims or potential victims of exploitation, share information and intelligence, supporting some of the most vulnerable service users in a muti-agency approach. This also gives me the opportunity to help other members of staff risk assess clients, and trickle down any relevant training to my colleagues
THE FORGE PROJECT ANNUAL REPORT 2023-2024
Counsellor
Since joining the staff team in December I have been developing a mental wellbeing pathway for service users. There have been 137 clinical hours of therapy using bespoke 1:1 sessions, the initial session can happen as rapidly as 24 hours after registering with the project.
As lead Counsellor, I assess all clients to ensure we are providing the best possible assistance to achieve positive outcomes and develop coping skills and resilience. Service users receive high quality treatments and therapies tailored to them personally, both evolutionary and dynamic in nature, much like our service users lives.
I have mentored two students to enhance our service, this gives them professional experience and counts towards their clinical hours needed for qualification. They both bring unique elements to compliment the care we provide.
Monday afternoon sessions are usually a combination of edutainment and stealth group therapies (the group take time to discuss and be open regarding struggles and issues they have been facing within their group of peers). We have covered many subjects from Napoleon, philosophers and even the history of democracy! Often this gives insight into the quieter or newer service users and gives them a safe space to converse and share thoughts and feeling.
Future plans include wellbeing sessions, regular 1:1 confidential sessions with myself to support and monitor mental burnout or emotional fatigue. Staff that are well provide a far better experience for our clients and in turn reduce the risks of negative emotions or harms to themselves. I also am preparing a course on rational emotional behaviour.
Education/Employment Support Worker
Over the past year 1 have supported Individuals attending the Day Centre moving them towards employment. The people attending the Day Centre were facing many challenges, rough sleeping, chaotic lifestyles, substance misuse and alcohol misuse and mental health issues.
THE FORGE PROJECT ANNUAL REPORT 2023-2024
Some service users have been supported to attend Jobcentre and Re:Start appointments. This has not only helped to maintain their benefits but also updates their skill sets, updating their CV.'s, and gaining further qualifications, i.e. food hygiene certificates, CSCS cards and volunteering experience.
Support has been given to our cohort of Eastern Europeans and people from other countries to gain the legal status needed for them to have a right to work, right to rent and to claim benefits. Several of this cohort have been referred to tho English Speaking for Other Languages (ESOL) to assist with employability.
Many service users have successfully completed part of our Volunteer Programme - a course that imparts new skills and leads to Level 2 Food Hygiene certificate WE also have had clients undertaking Digital Literacy courses which help prevent digital poverty as many service users do not have access to technology.
Service users have attended an external Safeguarding course run by Safer Neighbourhoods and financial management courses run by the local authority Action Station Multiply Project.
Activities Support Worker
During the last year Trudy Norris FNIMH, MBACP – Herbalist and Counsellor, along with myself, have continued to educate our clients about various aspects of gardening. Our service users grew vegetables from seed such as climbing beans, Swiss chard and tomatoes. The service users were taught how to separate strawberry plants, these were re-potted and distributed to the local community through our community larder.
2024 was our first year of being able to appreciate how much the garden means to our project and the local community. The service users who do partake in the gardening activity have grown in confidence in various aspects of planting and general garden maintenance.
THE FORGE PROJECT ANNUAL REPORT 2023-2024
Our service users attended a four-week programme run by North Lincolnshire Council Action Station and were taught how to make wooden planters using sustainably sourced materials. The service users play pool & table tennis on a weekly basis The activity allows them to partake in healthy competition which in turn promotes enjoyment and a sense of well-being.
There are good and bad people everywhere, but the bad ones behave better here and have a positive relationship with staff, volunteers, and peers
Service users also participated in arts/craft activity, using natural materials, such as wood, air-dry clay and stones. The activity allows the client to express themselves through creativity. A percentage of service users have not, or at all in some cases, had the opportunity to show how creative they are, in a very long time. The afternoon activities promote wellbeing, confidence, pride, team building, inclusivity and the opportunity to learn new skills and sometimes remember old skills that haven’t been used for a long time.
Afternoon Activities
We continue to offer afternoon activities three afternoons a week in a bid to help reduce social isolation, improve confidence and build on resilience. These sessions have included arts and crafts, gardening, art exhibition visit, baking, woodworking, and seasonal activities such as pumpkin carving.
At the forefront of our minds when arranging afternoon activities is the fun and engagement of our service users. We strive to provide activities which will encourage the service users to tap into their creative mind and have some fun. Activities such as pumpkin carving remain one of the favourite activities.
Baking is an activity favourite. Not only is this a great way of getting people to work together but it is great life skill for our service users to have under their belt. 93% of attendees reported that they felt less isolated as a result of the activity and 86% stated they would like to learn more
Our service users have really enjoyed gardening sessions and have been learning about fruit, vegetables and flowers and how to plant and maintain the garden throughout the year. The Part-time Worker leads the gardening project which provides opportunities for people to experience therapy through horticultural activities, helping to improve physical and mental health, communication and thinking skills and a sense of achievement and belonging.
THE FORGE PROJECT ANNUAL REPORT 2023-2024
Some of the people attending our project have experienced extreme trauma as children and working in the garden has enabled them to see first-hand the benefits of horticultural therapy on their mental health but also the long-term benefits of growing their own food, cooking and healthy eating will help to improve their physical health working towards a positive and healthier lifestyle.
The feedback received for these sessions has been extremely positive and 65% who attended the sessions reported an increase in confidence, 67% reported they were interested in learning more, and a whopping 76% reported an increase in morale.
One afternoon per week a games afternoon is held which improves mental health through physical activity. It gives the clients a sense of camaraderie and healthy competition and this has a ‘knock-on’ effect with other activities and the positive dynamics of the Day Centre.
Engaging with arts and crafts can provide service users with a creative outlet and a sense of community. It can increase confidence, self-esteem and social skills.
Multiply
In partnership with the Local Authority Action Station Multiply Project, the service users learned new DIY skills such as measuring, cutting and assembling. They learnt the importance of ‘measure twice, cut once’ and had a real sense of achievement when they had finished building the planters.
Staff always support me when I’m here
Feedback received following the woodworking sessions demonstrated that the activity was great for building confidence, reducing isolation, increasing morale, encouraging thought, increasing motivation, and receiving support from their peers. 90% of attendees said they would like to learn more.
THE FORGE PROJECT ANNUAL REPORT 2023-2024
Activity Facts and Figures
Baking sessions remained the most effective activity at 93% for reducing isolation as this activity meant that all attendees had to work in close proximity to each other
73% found that the wellbeing sessions encouraged thought and reflection
The most attended activity was the games afternoons where people can join together to play pool, table tennis or board games
Afternoon activity sessions were held throughout the year to improve confidence levels, increase morale and motivation, provide support from peers, reduce isolation associated with homelessness, whilst encouraging thought and motivating individuals to learn more.
Quiz sessions encouraged the most thought with 88% of attendees reporting that this made them use their brains and work together in their groups
70% of service users had a positive reaction to the garden with 80% of attendees finding the gardening sessions reduced their isolation, and 67% wanting to know more about gardening
The most successful activity with regards to achieving all of the outcomes was woodworking which averaged 97%, followed closely by baking at 81%, and 76% for arts and crafts
THE FORGE PROJECT ANNUAL REPORT 2023-2024
Volunteering
Throughout the year, our team of willing volunteers have worked tirelessly to support the homeless community. Our volunteers come from our local community and they bring with them their life experience and knowledge to the volunteer role. It is their time, skills and enthusiasm that enhance the supportive environment needed for all who attend our service.
B&Q Staff Volunteer Day
“Everyone was so friendly and upbeat and was an absolute pleasure to be around. You all worked tirelessly through the day, painting our offices and touching up the paint work throughout the building, building storage units and cabinets, and clearing the weeds from the car park.”
----- Start of picture text -----
I’ve been homeless
and I appreciate
the help I received
and I’d like to give
back
----- End of picture text -----
----- Start of picture text -----
We all just need a
helping hand
sometimes
----- End of picture text -----
Over the last year, volunteers worked a total of 4,157 hours saving us a total of £43,316 over the year!
Pictured here is our fantastic volunteer Bobby with her award which was presented by Tim Strawson, the High Sheriff of Lincolnshire, in recognition of her great and valuable services to the community.
----- Start of picture text -----
I find helping
people rewarding
----- End of picture text -----
THE FORGE PROJECT ANNUAL REPORT 2023-2024
Christmas at The Forge Project 2023
Christmas day ...
THE FORGE PROJECT ANNUAL REPORT 2023-2024
BOARD OF TRUSTEES' STATEMENT
The Forge Project Trustees are responsible to ensure that the Annual Report and Annual Financial Statements are prepared in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards. The Trustees can confirm that the report and accounts have been prepared in accordance with the above.
Our Trustees confirm that they have complied with the duty of Section 4 of the Charities Act 2006 and have due regard to the Charity Commission’s general guidance on public benefit. We have referred to the guidance in the Charity Commission’s general guidance when reviewing our aims and objectives and when planning future activities. In particular, the Trustees consider how planned activities will contribute to the aims and objectives they have set. To achieve our vision, we see it our mission to provide a varied service providing support and relief to homeless and other vulnerable adults who are in need, hardship or distress. They evaluate our impact, outputs and outcomes on a regular basis to ensure that The Forge Project is meeting the public benefit.
The Board of Trustees recognises its broader responsibilities towards communities, stakeholders, wider society and the environment and acts on them in a manner consistent with its purposes, values and available resources. The Trustees ensure that The Forge Project’s compliance abides by relevant legislation and regulation.
THE FORGE PROJECT ANNUAL REPORT 2023-2024
THE FORGE PROJECT FINANCIALS
Statement of Financial Activities
for the year ended 31st March 2024
Our full accounts are available on request.
THE FORGE PROJECT ANNUAL REPORT 2023-2024
COMMUNITY SUPPORT
We are indebted to so many individuals, volunteers, groups and organisations for their generosity and commitment – we could not support as many people as we do without you!
Thank you to EVERYONE who offers support for our services including vital funds, their volunteer time, specialist services and essential items such as food and toiletries.
Some examples of the support we receive …….
Donations of food
Throughout the year our supporters regularly donate food to The Forge Project.
Pictured here is a donation of home grown vegetables from the staff at International Automotive Components who had been growing vegetables in their garden.
Support from schools
We receive regular support from local schools through through their amazing fundraising efforts which include food, clothing, toiletries and cash donations.
We attend local schools to raise awareness of The Forge Project and what we do for the homeless community. This increases the student’s knowledge and understanding and has the added benefit of encouraging further fundraising events and the collections of food, clothing and money.
THE FORGE PROJECT ANNUAL REPORT 2023-2024
Donations of money
Monetary donations come in through the year. Many from fundraising events in the workplace.
It is because of the continued generosity of people like these that we are able to continue to support the more vulnerable people in our community.
Donations of clothing
People continue to support The Forge Project through the donation of clothing, sleeping bags and toiletries. These donations arrive throughout the year and require sorting by our volunteers.
Items that we are unable to use are donated to local charities so that all items are utilised to obtain the greatest benefit.
Pictured here are students from John Leggott College who had been busy gathering clothing donations for us here at The Forge Project.
THE FORGE PROJECT ANNUAL REPORT 2023-2024
Harvest Festivals
On behalf of staff, volunteers and service users we would like to express our sincere thanks for the generous Harvest Festival donations which we have received from schools, churches and community groups.
Fundraising
THE FORGE PROJECT ANNUAL REPORT 2023-2024
HOW YOU CAN HELP
THE FORGE PROJECT ANNUAL REPORT 2023-2024
Thank you to our partners and to our grant funders for helping us to realise a better future!
The Forge Project Cottage Beck Road Scunthorpe North Lincolnshire DN16 1UB 01724 276742 www.theforgeproject.co.uk talktous.forgeproject@gmail.com
Charity Number: 1134325 A Company Limited by Guarantee in England and Wales: 05549681
KEEP IN TOUCH
THE FORGE PROJECT ANNUAL REPORT 2023-2024
Charity Number: 1134325 Company Number: 5549681
THE FORGE PROJECT Financial Statements for the year ended 31[st] March 2024
PHOENIX ACCOUNTANCY AND BUSINESS CONSULTANCY LIMITED
1
Charity Number: 1134325 Company Number: 5549681
THE FORGE PROJECT
Company information For the period ended
31[st] March 2024
DIRECTORS /TRUSTEES
Cllr Julie Reed Chairperson Margaret Evans Vice Chairperson – res Jan 2024 Ruth Chittenden Vice Chairperson Peter Bell Simon Batt Paul Vollans Sheila Walshe James Jellinek - app Sept 2023
COMPANY SECRETARY
Simon Batt
REGISTERED OFFICE
New Brumby Methodist Church Cottage Beck Road Scunthorpe North Lincolnshire DN16 1UB
REGISTERED COMPANY NUMBER 5549681 REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER 1134325 INDEPENDENT EXAMINER Katie Sauvage FCCA Phoenix Accountancy & Business Consultancy Ltd Morley’s Cottage Morley’s Yard BEVERLEY HU17 9BY
BANKERS
CAF Bank Ltd
25 Kings Hill Avenue Kings Hill, West Malling Kent ME19 4JQ
2
Charity Number: 1134325 Company Number: 5549681
THE FORGE PROJECT
Independent Examiner’s report to the trustees (directors) of The Forge Project.
I report on the accounts of The Forge Project for the twelve months ended 31[st] March 2024, which are set out on pages 7 to 15.
Respective responsibilities of trustees and examiner
The trustees (who are also the directors of the company for the purposes of company law) are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. The trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year under section 144(2) of the Charities Act 2011 (the 2011 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:
-
examine the accounts under section 145 of the 2011 Act;
-
to follow the procedures laid down in the general Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act; and
-
to state whether particular matters have come to my attention.
Basis of independent examiner's 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 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 you as 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.
Independent examiner's statement
In connection with my examination, no matter has come to my attention:
-
(1) which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in any material respect the requirements:
-
to keep accounting records in accordance with section 386 of the Companies Act 2006; and
-
to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records, comply with the accounting requirements of section 396 of the Companies Act 2006 and with the methods and principles of the Statement of Recommended Practice: Accounting and Reporting by Charities have been met;
Katie Sauvage FCCA Phoenix Accountancy & Business Consultancy Ltd Morley’s Cottage Morley’s Yard BEVERLEY HU17 9BY
Date:
3
Charity Number: 1134325 Company Number: 5549681
THE FORGE PROJECT Report of the Directors for the year ended 31[st] March 2024
The directors present their report with the financial statements of the company for the year ended 31[st] March 2024.
Objectives and principal activities
The Forge Project is a Registered Charity, the objectives of which are to develop, represent, and improve the quality of life for individuals, groups and communities, principally in the area of Scunthorpe.
Directors
The directors who served during the year were as follows:
Cllr Julie Reed Chair Margaret Evans Vice Chair – resigned January 2024 Peter Bell Simon Batt Paul Vollans Sheila Walshe Ruth Chittenden Vice Chair James Jellinek - appointed September 2023
The directors form the Board of Trustees of the charity. The members of the Board of Trustees are elected at the Annual General Meeting.
The company is limited by guarantee therefore none of the directors have an interest in share capital.
Statement of the Directors’ responsibilities
Company law requires the directors 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 excess of income over expenditure of the charitable company for that period. In preparing these financial statements, the directors are required to:
-
select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently
-
make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent
-
prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the company will continue to operate.
The Directors confirm that the accounts comply with the above requirements.
The Directors are responsible for keeping proper 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 company and hence for taking responsible steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.
4
Charity Number: 1134325 Company Number: 5549681
THE FORGE PROJECT
Report of the Directors (continued) for the period ended 31[st] March 2024
Corporate status
The company was incorporated as a private company limited by guarantee without share capital.
Organisation
As referred to above, the company is managed by the board of Trustees which is elected at the Annual General Meeting. The company delegates responsibility for the day-to-day running of the charitable company to the Project Manager reporting to the Chair. In total there are now 6 paid staff members working across the different sectors of housing, education and employment and health and 4 paid staff providing administration, catering and cleaning on part time hours.
For a detailed narrative on the Charity’s achievement and future plans please see the Trustees Annual Report (available to view on the Charity Commission Register at www.charitycommission.gov.uk).
Achievements and Performance
Our annual report, attached to this, sets out our achievements in detail and we continue to work across all sections of community being the voice of those experiencing homelessness
Financial Review
The Charity is fully funded for the next 10 months and applications are underway to provide financial security beyond that.
Reserves policy
It is the aim of the Board of Trustees to retain in the order of three month’s core running costs in the unrestricted general fund, and we continue to achieve this.
Risks
The risks to which the company is exposed, as identified by the directors, have been reviewed and systems have been established to mitigate those risks.
Independent Examiner
The company falls under the audit and independent examination regime of the Charities Act 2011. This function has been carried out by Katie Sauvage FCCA of Phoenix Accountancy and Business Consultancy Limited.
Small companies provisions
The report of the directors has been prepared taking advantage of the small companies’ exemption of section 415A of the Companies Act 2006.
5
Charity Number: 1134325 Company Number: 5549681
THE FORGE PROJECT
Report of the Directors (continued) for the period ended 31[st] March 2024
Statement of Recommended Practice
This report has been prepared in accordance with the Statement of Recommended Practice: Accounting and Reporting by Charities (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2019) and in accordance with the special provisions of Part VII of the Companies Act 2006 relating to small entities.
By order of the Board
__ ______
Date
Julie Reed Chair
6
Charity Number: 1134325 Company Number: 5549681
THE FORGE PROJECT
Income and Expenditure Account for the year ended 31[st] March 2024
| Notes INCOME EXPENDITURE OPERATING SURPLUS 6 Interest receivable and similar income 7 SURPLUS/(DEFICIT) FOR THE YEARS RESERVES BROUGHT FORWARD 12 RESERVES CARRIED FORWARD 12 |
2024 £ 217,303 (223,836) (6,533) 2,352 (4,181) 256,312 252,131 |
2023 £ 261,636 (204,805) |
|---|---|---|
| 56,831 704 |
||
| 57,535 198,777 |
||
| 256,312 |
Total income (including interest) of 219,655 (2023: £262,340) comprises £49,318 (2023: £175,440) for unrestricted funds and £170,337 (2023: £86,196) for restricted funds. A detailed analysis of income by source is provided in the statement of financial activities.
The deficit for the year of £4,181 (2023: surplus of £57,535), comprises a deficit of £13,513 (2023: of £12,930) for unrestricted funds, a surplus of £9,332 (2023: of £47,545) for restricted funds before transfers, £0 (2023: £2,940) for designated funds, as shown in the statement of financial activities.
There are no recognised gains or losses other than those passing through the income and expenditure account.
The income and expenditure account has been prepared on the basis that the majority of operations are continuing operations.
The notes on pages 10 to 15 form part of these financial statements.
7
Charity Number: 1134325 Company Number: 5549681
THE FORGE PROJECT Statement of Financial Activities for the year ended 31[st] March 2024
| Note Income and endowments from Donations & legacies 3 Other trading activities 3 Income from Investments 7 Other income Income & endowments Expenditure on: Expenditure on raising funds 4 Expenditure on Charitable activities 4 Total expenditure Net income/(expenditure) Transfers between funds 12 Net movement in funds 12 Total funds brought forward Total funds carried forward 12 |
Unrestricted funds Designated funds Restricted income funds Total 2024 Unrestricted funds Designated funds Restricted income funds Total 2023 £ £ £ £ £ £ £ £ 45,846 - 170,337 216,183 86,196 - 175,440 261,636 1,120 - - 1,120 - - - - 2,352 - - 2,352 704 - - 704 - - - - - - - - 49,318 - 170,337 219,655 86,900 - 175,440 262,340 - - - - - - - - (62,173) - (161,663) (223,836) (73,970) (2,940) (127,895) (204,805) (62,173) - (161,663) (223,836) (73,970) (2,940) (127,895) (204,805) |
|---|---|
| (12,855) - 8,674 (4,181) 12,930 (2,940) 47,545 57,535 (658) - 658 - 7,335 (10,457) 3,122 - (13,513) - 9,332 (4,181) 20,265 (13,397) 50,667 57,535 |
|
| 85,681 - 170,631 256,312 65,416 13,397 119,964 198,777 72,168 - 179,963 252,131 85,681 - 170,631 256,312 |
The notes on pages 10 to 15 form part of these financial statements.
8
Charity Number: 1134325 Company Number: 5549681
THE FORGE PROJECT
Balance Sheet As at 31[st] March 2024
| Note Fixed assets Tangible assets 9 Current assets Cash & vouchers Bank Debtors 10 Total current assets Creditors: amounts falling due within one year 11 Net current assets/(liabilities) Total assets less current liabilities Funds of the Charity Unrestricted funds: 13 Designated funds: 13 Restricted income funds 13 Total funds 13 |
£ 325 126,799 3,013 |
Total 2024 £ 125,410 252,131 |
£ 3,184 127,784 10,710 |
Total 2023 £ 117,917 256,312 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 130,137 (3,416) |
141,678 (3,283) |
|||
| 126,721 | 138,395 | |||
| 72,168 - 179,963 252,131 |
85,681 - 170,631 256,312 |
For the year ending 31[st] March 2024 the company was entitled to exemption from audit under section 477 of the Companies Act 2006 relating to small companies.
Directors’ 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 preparation of accounts;
These accounts have been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to companies subject to the small companies’ regime and in accordance with the FRS 102 SORP.
The financial statements were approved by the Board on ___
_________Julie Reed, Chair
The notes on pages 10 to 15 form part of these financial statements.
9
Charity Number: 1134325 Company Number: 5549681
THE FORGE PROJECT
Notes to the financial statements for the year ended 31[st] March 2024
1. Accounting policies
1.1 Accounting Convention
The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention with items recognised at transaction value unless otherwise stated in relevant notes to these accounts. The accounts have been prepared in accordance with the Statement of Recommended Practice: Accounting and Reporting by Charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) issued on 16 July 2014 and with the Charities Act 2011.
1.2 Company status
The charity is a company limited by guarantee. The members of the company are the directors named on page 1.
1.3 Incoming resources
Grants received of a revenue nature are credited to Incoming Resources in the Statement of Financial Activities when the company is legally entitled to the income and the amount can be quantified with reasonable accuracy
Services provided, investment income and rents are accounted for on the accruals basis. Other income is accounted for when received. All income is shown gross with associated costs included in expenditure.
Grants received to fund the purchase of fixed assets are credited to the Statement of Financial Activities when the company is legally entitled to the income. The related expenditure is charged to Fixed Assets in the Balance Sheet.
1.4 Resources expended
All expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis and has been classified under headings that aggregate costs related to the category. Where costs cannot be directly attributed to particular headings they have been allocated to activities on a basis consistent with the use of resources.
1.5 Tangible assets and depreciation
Tangible assets are stated at cost less depreciation, and are all now fully written down. Depreciation is provided at rates calculated to write off the cost less estimated residual value of each asset over its expected useful life (except as detailed below) on a straight lined basis as follows:
Equipment 10 years Furniture and Fixtures 10 years IT Equipment 10 years Leasehold Improvements 15 years
10
Charity Number: 1134325 Company Number: 5549681
THE FORGE PROJECT Notes to the Financial Statements for the year ended 31[st] March 2024
1.6 Fund accounting
Restricted funds are funds which are to be used in accordance with specific restrictions imposed by donors. Restricted funds are accounted for separately from each other and from the core funding of the company.
General funds are unrestricted funds which are available for use at the discretion of the trustees in the furtherance of the general objectives of the charity and which have not been designated for other purposes.
Designated funds comprise unrestricted funds that have been set aside by the directors for particular purposes. The aim and use of each designated fund is set out in the notes to the financial statements.
2 Income and Expenditure Account
The company is a registered charity and so achievements cannot be measured by normal commercial criteria. Accordingly, the Directors consider that it would be inappropriate to present a Profit and Loss Account in one of the formats set out by the Companies Act 2006. Therefore, as permitted by the Companies Act, in order to reflect the special nature of the company’s activities, the Directors are of the opinion that it would be more appropriate to present an Income and Expenditure Account.
3 Income and endowments
| Donations & legacies Grants Donations Gift Aid Total Other trading activities* |
Unrestricted Funds Restricted Funds Total 2024 Unrestricted Funds Restricted Funds Total 2023 £ £ £ £ £ £ 1,950 170,337 172,287 26,499 175,440 201,939 38,817 - 38,817 57,721 - 57,721 5,079 - 5,079 1,976 - 1,976 |
|---|---|
| 45,846 170,337 216,183 86,196 175,440 261,636 |
|
| 1,120 - 1,120 - - - |
- Included in unrestricted donations is £9,900 received from the Methodist Church. This has been received after the year end as the full rent of £10,000 has been paid.
11
Charity Number: 1134325 Company Number: 5549681
THE FORGE PROJECT Notes to the Financial Statements for the year ended 31[st] March 2024
4. Expenditure on
Analysis of total Expenditure on Charitable Activities
| Staff Costs including pension Rates and water Insurance Light and Heat Rent Bank Charges Telephone and Internet Stationery and Office Costs Sundries Cleaning and Maintenance Subscriptions Accountancy, book-keeping & I Exam fees General Food Travel Expenses Training Other Professional Services Activity costs Building fund repairs NLC Education fund expenses Gardening Depreciation Expenditure on Charitable Activities |
Unrestricted Funds £ Restricted Funds £ Total 2024 £ Unrestricted Funds £ Designated & Restricted Funds £ Total 2023 £ 29,208 133,281 162,489 37,389 104,223 141,612 1,330 524 1,854 368 - 368 1,663 - 1,663 1,571 - 1,571 - 9,066 9,066 2,016 5,711 7,727 10,000 - 10,000 10,000 - 10,000 55 - 55 91 - 91 565 405 970 1,061 - 1,061 1,540 - 1,540 1,383 - 1,383 - - - - - - 5,643 - 5,643 5,678 - 5,678 1,951 - 1,951 1,172 - 1,172 2,336 990 3,326 2,162 900 3,062 2,869 - 2,869 2,993 - 2,993 1,287 - 1,287 1,930 - 1,930 978 - 978 365 - 365 286 - 286 312 - 312 2,135 - 2,135 1,297 - 1,297 - - - - 2,940 2,940 - 482 482 - 467 467 , 6,452 6,452 3,905 7,316 11,221 327 10,463 10,790 277 9,278 9,555 |
|---|---|
| 62,173 161,663 223,836 73,970 130,835 204,805 |
12
Charity Number: 1134325 Company Number: 5549681
THE FORGE PROJECT Notes to the Financial Statements for the year ended 31[st] March 2024
| 5. Staff costs |
|||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2023 | ||||
| £ | £ | ||||
| Wages and salaries (inc Eers NI) | 158,127 | 137,784 | |||
| Pension (Employers Contribution) | 4,632 | 3,828 | |||
| 162,489 | 141,612 | ||||
| 6. Operating surplus | |||||
| The operating surplus is after charging: | 2024 | 2023 | |||
| £ | £ | ||||
| Independent Examination | 768 | 768 | |||
| Depreciation – owned assets | 10,790 | 9,555 | |||
| 7. Interest receivable and similar income | |||||
| 2024 | 2023 | ||||
| £ | £ | ||||
| Bank deposit account interest | 2,352 | 704 | |||
| 8. Taxation | |||||
| As a charity the company is exempt from Corporation Tax. | |||||
| 9. Tangible Fixed Assets |
|||||
| Improvements | Office | Plant & | Furniture | Total | |
| to Leasehold | Equipment | Machinery | & Fixtures | 2022 | |
| £ | £ | £ | £ | £ | |
| Cost | |||||
| At 1 April 2023 | 124,394 | 4,396 | 1,275 | 23,293 | 153,358 |
| Additions | 17,781 | 502 | - | - | 18,283 |
| Disposals | - | - | - | - | - |
| At 31 March 2024 | 142,175 | 4,898 | 1,275 | 23,293 | 171,641 |
| Depreciation | |||||
| At 1 April 2023 | 16,278 | 845 | 387 | 17,931 | 35,441 |
| Charge for the year | 9,478 | 488 | 126 | 698 | 10,790 |
| On Disposals | - | - | - | - | - |
| At 31 March 2024 | 25,756 | 1,333 | 513 | 18,629 | 46,231 |
| Net Book Value | |||||
| At 31 March 2024 | 116,419 | 3,565 | 762 | 4,664 | 125,410 |
| At 31 March 2023 | 108,116 | 3,551 | 888 | 5,362 | 117,917 |
The building improvements have been shown as Improvements to leasehold due to the nature of the expenditure. If there is and change in the lease the trustees will undertake an impairment review of the assets.
13
Charity Number: 1134325 Company Number: 5549681
THE FORGE PROJECT
Notes to the Financial Statements for the year ended 31[st] March 2024
| 10. Debtors Trade Debtors Accrued Income Prepayments 11. Creditors: Amounts falling due within one year Trade creditors PAYE & NIC Accruals Deferred income 12. Accumulated funds |
2024 2023 £ £ - - 3,013 9,900 - 810 |
|---|---|
| 3,013 10,710 |
|
2024 2023 £ £ 1,562 - - - 1,854 3,283 - - |
|
| 3,416 3,283 |
|
| Balance at 1 April 2023 Movement in funds for the year Transfers Balance at 31 March 2024 Fixed Assets Current Asset Creditors Balance at 31 March 2024 |
General Funds Designated Funds Restricted Funds Total 2024 £ £ £ £ 85,681 - 170,631 256,312 (12,855) - 8,674 (4,181) (658) - 658 - |
|---|---|
| 72,168 - 179,963 252,131 |
|
| General Funds Designated Funds Restricted Funds Total 2024 £ £ £ 2,280 - 123,130 125,410 73,304 - 56,833 130,137 (3,416) - - (3,416) |
|
| 72,168 - 179,963 252,131 |
14
Charity Number: 1134325 Company Number: 5549681
THE FORGE PROJECT
Notes to the Financial Statements for the year ended 31[st] March 2024
| 13.Restricted & Designated funds | 13.Restricted & Designated funds | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| B/fwd at | Incoming | Outgoing | Transfers | C/fwd at | |
| 1.4.23 | 31.3.24 | ||||
| Restricted Funds | £ | £ | £ | £ | £ |
| Big Lotto – Building Capacity | - | - | - | - | - |
| Albert Hunt Energy Fund | 7,000 | - | (3,745) | - | 3,255 |
| Community Support Fund | 6,673 | - | (6,738) | 65 | - |
| Health Tree Foundation – | 8,620 | - | (6,452) | - | 2,168 |
| Gardening | |||||
| Health Tree Foundation – | 5,291 | 11,236 | (10,787) | - | 5,740 |
| Health Support Fund | |||||
| Mental Health Support Fund | - | 25,000 | (4,202) | - | 20,798 |
| Modern Slavery Support | - | 20,000 | (7,422) | - | 12,578 |
| Fund | |||||
| National Lottery Fund | 12,313 | 85,111 | (87,858) | - | 9,566 |
| North Lincs Education Fund | 14,922 | 9,281 | (23,996) | 593 | 800 |
| Tribune Trust | - | 3,000 | - | - | 3,000 |
| Fixed Asset Funds | |||||
| Crime Reduction | 494 | - | (70) | - | 424 |
| Community Support Fund | 361 | - | (40) | - | 321 |
| Health Tree Foundation | 361 | - | (40) | - | 321 |
| National Lottery COVID Fund | 755 | - | (107) | - | 648 |
| North Lincs Education Fund | 1,082 | - | (120) | - | 962 |
| Building Improvement Fund | 112,759 | - | (8,901) | - | 103,857 |
| Solar Panel Fund | - | 16,709 | (1,185) | - | 15,524 |
| 170,631 | 170,337 | (161,663) | 658 | 179,963 |
A brief description of the above funds is provided in the Trustees Annual Report (available to view at www.charitycommission.gov.uk),
14. Contingent liabilities
There were no contingent liabilities.
15. Directors remuneration
No remuneration directly or indirectly out of the funds of the company was paid or payable for the year to any director or to any person or persons known to be connected with any of them.
There was no reimbursement of travel expenses made to directors in respect of the year (2023: £nil).
15
Charlty Number. 1134325 Company Number. 5549681 THE FORGE PROJECT Indep•ndent Ex•mln•e• r¢port to the tru•t•e• Idlr¢¢W•) of Th• Forg• Prvl•rt I r8POrt on tho accwnts of Th8 FiYO8 Prr48(1 tr tho t%¥• mtyrths en(knd 31# Mplth 2024. vknieh are sel oul on paoe$ 7 10 15. R•sp•ctlv• T•On•1b11tIM of tru•t•M •nd •xarnln•r Tho trustees Iwlso ere also the directors ol ihe ¢xrnpany frff the purposes of rmipany lawl are rest)onsTrb fty the preparation of the ac(x)unts. The trustoes C¢31der thal an audr( is nol required for this year under s8dion 14412) of the Ch¥ribes Act 2011 (the 2011 Act) and that an indepandent èxamiDatl(m Is r•dod. Havlng setisfied mysell that the th•ity i¥ not su4•ct to audit under oynpany baw and 1$ 81Sglbl• for in¢Jependenl examlnab'on,1118 my responlt41ty to.. •xamino th• accounts undw secoon 145 01 the 2011 Act.. to follow the w¢xadures18ld in the genar81 Dire46 olvw by the Chartty Crynmi88ion undor 88Gtion 14515){b) of the 2011 . to stale wh•ther 98llic41ar mauws hav• come to my a11gnliDn. 8asls of Ind•pend•nt ex8mlneVs rewt My èxamlnatlon was carrlad out In acCd31Th the fft Dtredions given by the Chartty Commi98ion. An oxamin8tK)n indudes a r8vi8w of the accountsnq ree<ds kopt by the chartty and o comp8rfson of the accounts prosented wtth th08e rectyds. tt a180 includ8s conslderalion of any unusual ttems or dIsdosur In the 8c¢owts, and soeklro expk8nations from you tTUStee3 GonGeming any such m•ttern. The procedures undertaken do not Provsde all the evldence thal would be required in an audt 8nd cortsequenlty no oplnkjn is 88 lo thelher Ihe 8ccounts present 8 Irue and falr #nd the roPTht Is Ilmilod to th060 matters sel out In th• •t•l•m•nt b•low Ind•p•nd•nt •x8fflln•f• •t•tem In connecty'on with my examinatic. no matter has (>Jne to my 8ttenticrf).' 11 } Kthich giv•• m• ros••blO Cau io beVe that in any materi81 rg•p•¢a tho roqulroments: lo k#p auntIng records In ac£<xdanco with s&on 380 01 the c1P8n18S Act 20. and to prepare accourrts wh1( 8¢ctyd the acclntInll rectrds. ct%npty th the 8CGwnting requirements ol secl]( 396 01 thè Cwipani88 AIA 2006 and *ith Ihe m9thodÈ And prineiplm of th• 8t•tam¢nt of Ree(Yrffionded Pradirn. kGwnUng •nd Reporting by Ch8rftl•s hay• b•en m•( Katle Sauvage FCCA Phoanix AccLxJnl8nry & Bun0 Ltd Modey'8 Collage Morfey'6 Yard BEVERLEY HU17 9BY Dat8". /,'/2(