CHRIST CHURCH ARMLEY COMMUNITY PROJECTS LIMITED Annual Report and Financial Statements For the period 1 April 2025 to 31 March 2026 Registered charity number 1137501 A company limited by guarantee number 06864933
CHRIST CHURCH ARMLEY COMMUNITY PROJECTS LIMITED
Annual Report and Financial Statements
For the period 1 April 2025 to 31 March 2026
Contents
| Contents | |
|---|---|
| Page | |
| Trustees’ Report | |
| Chair’s introduction | 1 |
| Reference and administrative information | 2 |
| History and governance | 3 |
| Charity objectives and public benefit | 4 |
| Key quantitative measures | 4 |
| Meeting Point |
5 |
| Financial review | 15 |
| Statement of trustees’ responsibilities | 16 |
| Independent examiner’s report | 17 |
| Financial statements | |
| Statement of financial activities | 18 |
| Balance sheet | 19 |
| Notes to the accounts | 20-23 |
CHRIST CHURCH ARMLEY COMMUNITY PROJECTS LIMITED
Trustees’ report for the period 1 April 2025 to 31 March 2026
Chair’s introduction
I am pleased to introduce the Trustees’ Annual Report and Financial Statements for 2025/26. The report sets out how Christ Church Armley Community Projects Limited (‘the Charity’) has fulfilled its charitable objectives during the past year through the Meeting Point project.
I am grateful for the support and wisdom of my fellow trustees and the valuable contribution to trustee meetings made by the Project Manager and the volunteer and beneficiary representatives.
Phil Arnold representatives. Co-Chair of
Directors After 12 years of faithful service with Meeting Point, Judith Shawlkowski retired form her role of Project worker with Meeting Point. I am delighted that the trustees appointed Carolyn Burke to take in this important role and to join Asiyeh Soork and Claire Hunt. Carolyn has brought a wealth of understanding from her work with refugees and asylum seekers in previous roles, and it’s been good to welcome her into the Meeting Point team. They have worked closely with volunteers to provide effective leadership and care for the beneficiaries who attend.
We’ve also had a change in the governance of Meeting Point, with Steve Appleton stepping down from his role as Chair after 12 years. Steve has overseen the governance during a time of significant expansion and development of Meeting Point. He has move into the role of Treasurer. Kath has stepped down in her role of Treasurer after 8 years. We’re very grateful for Kath’s tireless work on funding applications and financial oversight over the years. In July, we began with a new joint chair arrangement with Helen Radelaar and me taking on the role. Helen has worked tirelessly developing policies covering a range of areas and as line manager to Asiyeh and a regular volunteer at Meeting Point, has shown great commitment to the role.
Our staff and volunteer teams are diverse with each member bringing different skills, background experiences and perspectives to the work of Meeting Point. The sense of developing a strong working relationship between a committed group of volunteers from a range of backgrounds is one of the special things about Meeting Point. We’re so grateful for all the ways in which volunteers and staff work together to contribute in such an effective way to the work of Meeting Point without prejudice of judgement.
The trustees remain aware of our responsibilities as a charity to have full regard to public benefit in planning and delivering our activities. The Charity provides services without regard to race, religion, culture or gender or sexual orientation. As the vicar of Christ Church and chair, I would like to specifically mention our hosts, Christ Church Parochial Church Council, and the wider congregation for their longstanding support.
On behalf of the trustees, I wish to thank our funding partners and individual donors who give generously to enable our work to take place. The financial statements show the grant-making bodies that supported us during the year. I also wish to thank many other partners who regularly provide us with food and other items for distribution for refugees and asylum seekers.
The trustees have assessed the Charity’s finances for the year ahead and have reasonable grounds for considering that the Charity remains a going concern able to meet its financial liabilities as they fall due and able to continue core activities as planned.
In conclusion, the role of the charitable and voluntary sector in supporting refugees and asylum seekers remains vital and Meeting Point will continue to play a full part in supporting refugees and asylum seekers in Leeds.
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CHRIST CHURCH ARMLEY COMMUNITY PROJECTS LIMITED
Reference and administrative details of the Charity, its Trustees and Advisors
The Trustees during the financial year and up to and including the date the report was approved were:
| Name | Position | Notes | Dates | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Steve Appleton | Treasurer | Re-appointed July 2025 | ||
| Philip Arnold | Co-Chair | Christ Church PCC appointee | Appointed September 2020 | |
| Laurence Dilworth | Christ Church PCC appointee | Appointed December 2012 | ||
| Kathleen Hynes | Resigned March 2026 | |||
| Joyce Le Masurier | Re-appointed July 2025 | |||
| Philip Le Masurier | Christ Church PCC appointee | Appointed November 2009 | ||
| Anne McCaffrey | Appointed July 2025 | |||
| Helen Radelaar | Co-Chair | Appointed July 2023 | ||
| Ann Weir | Re-appointed June 2024 | |||
| Charity Number | 1137501 | Registered in England and Wales | ||
| Company Number | 06864933 | Registered in England and Wales | ||
| Registered Address | Working Address | Postal Address | Bankers | |
| 22 Hill End Crescent | Christ Church Upper Armley | CCACP Ltd | Unity Trust Bank plc | |
| LEEDS | Armley Ridge Road | 6 Armley Ridge Road Four Brindleyplace |
||
| LS12 3PW | LEEDS | LEEDS | BIRMINGHAM | |
| LS12 3LE | LS12 3NP | B1 2JB | ||
| Independent Examiner | Insurers | |||
| Simon Bostrom FCIE | Aviva Insurance Limited | |||
| West Yorkshire Community Accounting Service | CIO | Pitheavlis | ||
| Stringer House | PERTH | |||
| 34 Lupton Street | SCOTLAND | |||
| LEEDS | PH2 0NH | |||
| LS10 2QW |
Re-appointed July 2025 Appointed September 2020 Appointed December 2012 Resigned March 2026 Re-appointed July 2025 Appointed November 2009 Appointed July 2025 Appointed July 2023 Re-appointed June 2024
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CHRIST CHURCH ARMLEY COMMUNITY PROJECTS LIMITED
Brief history of the Meeting Point project
Meeting Point was set up by Christ Church in 2003 initially in partnership with the local Further Education College, to provide social support to asylum seeker and refugee students. The funding for this lasted only a few months, but Christ Church continued the drop-in on a voluntary basis.
In 2004/05 grants were received to develop the project and employ staff. Meeting Point has always operated from its base at Christ Church, Upper Armley in West Leeds and now running for over 20 years.
The Charity assumed responsibility for Meeting Point on 1 January 2011. The ever-changing needs of the project have been identified by consultation with beneficiaries, community members and partner agencies and this continues to be the case for Meeting Point.
Structure and Governance
The Charity is a Company Limited by Guarantee and was incorporated on 31 March 2009 and registered as a charity on 16 August 2010. It is governed by a Memorandum as amended by special resolution at the Annual General Meeting on 16 November 2009 and by Articles of Association as amended by special resolutions at the Annual General Meetings on 1 November 2010 and on 27 June 2021. The liability of the members in the event of the Company being wound up is limited to a sum not exceeding £10.
Method of recruitment and appointment of trustees
The trustees of the Charity are also the directors for the purpose of company law and are appointed by the members at the Annual General Meeting (AGM). The Memorandum and Articles give the right to Christ Church Parochial Church Council to appoint four trustees. A third of the trustees, appointed by members, retires by rotation each year at the AGM and may offer themselves for re-election. Co-opted trustees retire at the next AGM and may seek election.
The Charity primarily recruits trustees by personal contact through the Charity’s ‘Meeting Point’ project and through Christ Church Upper Armley. New trustees receive guidance about their role and responsibilities as charity trustees and company directors.
All trustees give their time voluntarily and receive no remuneration or other benefits.
Management
The trustees met six times during the year to oversee the strategic direction of the Charity and to exercise stewardship and governance of Meeting Point, the Charity’s sole project. The trustees agreed in March 2020 that meetings could be held virtually using technology. Trustee meetings during the year have all been in-person.
The Project Manager, two beneficiaries’ representatives and one volunteer’s representative attend Board meetings as non-voting members to improve engagement and to ensure trustee decision-making is better informed. Staff are invited to attend trustee meetings.
The Project Manager has responsibility for the day-to-day management.
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Charity objectives and public benefit
Public Benefit
The Charity’s Objects
The Objects, as set out in the Memorandum and Articles of Association are:
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1) to develop the capacity and skills of the members of the socially and economically disadvantaged community of Armley and the surrounding area in such a way that they are better able to identify, and help meet, their needs and to participate more fully in society; and
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2) the provision of facilities for recreation or other leisure time occupation in Armley and the surrounding area with the object of improving the conditions of life of those persons who have need of such facilities by reason of their youth, age, infirmity or disablement, financial hardship or social or economic circumstances.
The Charity’s main activities
The trustees give serious consideration to the Charity Commission’s guidance on public benefit in planning and delivering the Charity’s activities. The trustees seek to fulfil the Charity’s objectives primarily through Meeting Point, a project working with refugees and asylum seekers.
Public benefit Statement
In setting our objectives and planning our activities the trustees have given serious consideration to the Charity Commission’s general guidance on public benefit. The Charity’s achievements and performance are set out in detail in the Meeting Point project report on pages 5 to 11.
The table below summarises key quantitative measures for the weekly drop-in, an important part of Meeting Point’s activities.
| Quantitative measures | 2025/26 | 2024/25 | 2023/24 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Beneficiary attendances at the drop-in |
5,161 | 5,505 | 4,917 |
| Food parcels distributed to beneficiaries |
3,825 | 3,882 | 3,619 |
| Hot meals or take-away meals provided to beneficiaries |
4,645 | 5,561 | 4,930 |
Safeguarding
The trustees are committed to the protection, prevention of harm and promotion of the wellbeing and development of children, young people, and vulnerable adults. The trustees reviewed and re-approved the policy for the Safeguarding of Children, Young People and Adults in March 2026. Safeguarding is a standing item on the agenda of all trustees’ meetings.
During the year one safeguarding issue relating to a beneficiary was referred to the relevant public authority in line with our safeguarding policy.
No matters required reporting to the Charity Commission under the serious incident reporting procedure.
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CHRIST CHURCH ARMLEY COMMUNITY PROJECTS LIMITED Project Manager’s report (Asiyeh Soork)
2025–26 was a very busy and significant year for Meeting Point, marked by important transitions and a renewed commitment to our values. We said goodbye to our long-standing Project Worker, Judith, who dedicated over ten years of service to Meeting Point. We are deeply grateful for her commitment and for the strong foundations she helped to build. During the year, we welcomed Carolyn as our new Project Worker. She has brought fresh perspective, energy, and new ideas, which have already strengthened our work and future direction.
Alongside this staff transition, we undertook a strategic review, including the development of a refreshed fundraising strategy with the support of an external expert. This process ensured that our activities remain closely aligned with our core values and long-term vision, while also strengthening our financial sustainability to continue supporting our service users.
We also strengthened our data management systems by introducing a new database, improving how we record, monitor, and evaluate our work. This development enhances accountability, strengthens reporting, and enables us to better understand and respond to the needs of the community we serve.
In addition, we improved our communications by launching a new Instagram page linked to our Facebook platform and updating our website. These developments help ensure that our partners, funders, and beneficiaries can easily access up-to-date information about our services and activities.
The external environment continued to evolve, bringing fresh challenges for refugees and people seeking asylum. Changes within the UK asylum system, ongoing backlogs, and wider policy reforms have created additional uncertainty for many of the individuals we support. Time-limited permission to remain for some newly recognised refugees, increased digitalisation of immigration processes, and delays in appeals and housing transitions have added complexity to people’s journeys toward stability.
Attendance remained consistently high throughout the year, with sustained demand across all services and an increasing number of complex support cases. This year, individuals from 52 different nationalities accessed Meeting Point, reflecting the diversity and reach of our community. As a result, we saw growing need for support in navigating immigration systems, understanding rights and entitlements, accessing digital tools, and preparing for housing transitions following status decisions. While Meeting Point does not have the capacity to provide one-to-one
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advocacies for all beneficiaries, such as regulated legal advice or direct accommodation support, we have strengthened our role in offering clear information, practical assistance, and effective signposting and referrals to specialist organisations.
Our group work and additional services have continued to grow this year. In this report, you will read about the ongoing success of our English classes and Wednesday Group (formerly the Women’s Group), alongside developments within our Help Desk support. Through collaboration with trained students from our Pro Bono Community partner within the Digital Lab, we have strengthened our Help Desk provision by updating our signposting and referral resources and introducing more structured follow-up support for beneficiaries with complex needs. This additional capacity has enabled us to respond more effectively to individuals requiring guidance with referrals, appointments, and navigating external services.
Meeting Point remains open to all refugees and people seeking asylum, bringing together individuals at different stages of their journey in a safe and respectful environment. Throughout a year of internal change and external challenge, our priority has remained constant: to offer stability, dignity, and a safe community space for those rebuilding their lives.
This work continues to be made possible through the valued support of our funders, partners, and volunteers.
Volunteers:
As always , none of our work would be possible without the dedication and generosity of our volunteer team. We were delighted to host students on placement from university partners and a committed student from Pro Bono Community, whose contributions have added real value to our sessions and support services.
Our volunteers reflect the diversity of Meeting Point itself. They include both long-standing British volunteers and many individuals with lived experience of seeking sanctuary, who bring insight, empathy, cultural understanding, and valuable inhouse interpreting skills in the languages most needed. This blend of backgrounds strengthens our community and enriches the welcome we provide.
Over the course of the year, 65 volunteers were involved in Meeting Point, showing a slight increase from 60 volunteers last year. Just under half (31 of the 65) were also beneficiaries, bringing first-hand experience that deepens empathy and strengthens
peer support. At present, we have around 47 active volunteers; Each week, around 30 volunteers support our Monday and Wednesday sessions, helping to ensure that the project runs smoothly and remains warm, organised, and inclusive.
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This year, in line with our wider strategic development, we strengthened our volunteer systems and processes to improve efficiency, safeguarding, and reporting. We made our volunteer application form available online and accessible through our website, alongside introducing a simple digital sign-in and sign-out system. These improvements have strengthened record-keeping, compliance, and monitoring of volunteer hours. We have also developed a structured Volunteer Training Plan, focusing on safeguarding, health and safety, confidentiality, food hygiene, and awareness of the refugee and asylum context to enhance consistency, accountability, and volunteer confidence while maintaining our supportive culture.
Together, these improvements strengthen the sustainability of our volunteer programme and the quality of support we provide.
We are deeply thankful for our volunteers’ time, care, and commitment, they are truly at the heart of Meeting Point.
Words from Our Dedicated Volunteer Representative, Linda Petty
Meeting Point Volunteers report enjoying the experience. Key areas for volunteer work are the kitchen, providing a nourishing free meal, managing incoming food donations and preparing and dishing out food parcels, also managing donations of clothing and household items. We need to swap people in tasks so everyone can get a change of activity if they wish.
We’ve had several student volunteers on placement this year, from courses as varied as Nursing, Police training and the Law. Their contribution has been invaluable. Placement students have found the experience interesting and very useful in job applications. Many non-student volunteers find the experience helpful in developing skills and preparing for new careers in a new country. Opportunities for skills development are important. We should enquire about volunteers’ interests and development needs and continue to make good use of free courses such as LCC’s excellent ‘Migrant Access Training’ and Advice now's free training in ‘Housing Rights for Refugees’.
We have a volunteer attending Migrant Partnership quarterly operational meetings to keep in touch with Leeds-wide questions and issues.
Volunteers appreciate the friendly family atmosphere at Meeting Point as much as beneficiaries do. Volunteers are generally enthusiastic and enjoy the work.
A piece from our wonderful volunteer Lucy Holloway
It’s an honour to be a part of Meeting Point and I wish there were more organisations like it. Particularly at times like these, when hostility towards vulnerable people is becoming more and more open, it’s vital that places like Meeting Point exist: safe spaces, where people enduring some of the worst experiences possible can find, practical support, and perhaps most importantly, spend time with people in the same kind of situation they are in. It’s also wonderful to see the diverse group of volunteers do their utmost every week to provide as much as they can, even when numbers and donations are low.
The fact that so many of said volunteers are beneficiaries themselves reflects the good that Meeting Point does. Sad as it is that it has to exist, it’s a source of comfort that it does, and I hope it can continue to do the good it does for as long as is needed.
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Words from our dedicated beneficiaries Representative, Alesya Moisenko:
With continuous support of our working partners, we are providing a great deal of hot meals and food to share on the time of our drop ins. All our beneficiaries are great and for many of them is the only hot meal they can have in the week. Lots of thanks for support in the Ramadan month for providing hot meals to take home. Many thanks for providing such a safe and welcoming space to meet with friends, it truly feels like family, as many people have shared. A great appreciation for all the staff and volunteers for everything they do week by week to help such a big number of people and they need. Thank you for creating such a family environment.
Monday Provision:
Our Monday drop-in remains the core of Meeting Point’s weekly activity, a space where practical support and human connection come together. During each session, beneficiaries can access freshly prepared hot meals including vegetarian food, refreshments, food parcels, clothing, toiletries, period products, SIM cards, and essential household items. For those experiencing destitution or acute financial hardship, we provide hardship payments and bus tickets to reduce immediate barriers to safety and stability.
Between
April 2025 and March 2026, 653 beneficiaries (493 adults and 160 children) accessed the Monday drop-in, with a total of 5,161 attendances recorded across the year. We also welcomed 245 new clients (179 adults and 66 children), reflecting the continued need for accessible, front-line support.
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Food insecurity remains a significant challenge within our community. Over the year, we distributed 3,825 food parcels and served 4,645 hot meals, alongside 2,456 period products. In addition, 454 hardship payments and 1,743 bus tickets were issued to support individuals attending English classes, experiencing destitution or navigating appointments.
Support through our Help Desk continues to play a central role in the Monday provision. This year, we supported more than 300 beneficiaries with advocacy, form-filling, digital access, and referrals to trusted partner organisations, including Leeds Baby Bank, Baby Basics, Leeds Northwest Foodbank, Manuel Bravo Project, Migrant Help, Housing Options, and many others.
Over the year, the Help Desk has developed a more structured and organised process, thanks to our key volunteers. With the additional capacity of trained students from our partner, Pro Bono Community, we have strengthened our ability to provide follow-up support for beneficiaries with complex or ongoing cases.
Looking ahead, the introduction of Microsoft SharePoint will further strengthen our internal resource system, enabling the Help Desk team to access up-to-date guidance and referral information efficiently. The introduction of our new database has already significantly improved Monday and Wednesday session systems, enhancing how we record attendance, manage registrations, and document the support provided by our Help Desk team, student volunteers, and partner organisations attending the drop-in.
Harvey, one of the Pro Bono community students, has now gone on to get a paid role alongside his studies.
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Specialist outreach partners continue to attend the drop-in, enabling beneficiaries to access expert advice within a familiar and trusted setting. This year, these included Advonet, Green Doctor, MESMAC, King’s Trust, Green Great Trust, and members of the Casework Team from the Office of the local MP. Their presence strengthens the range and depth of support available each week.
Our food provision continues to be generously supported by FareShare, Neighbourly, Costco redistribution schemes, regular donations from The Headingley Greengrocer, and members of the local community. Their ongoing generosity allows us to respond consistently to sustained levels of hardship.
Despite evolving external challenges and increasing case complexity, Monday remains a place of stability and reassurance, where individuals are not only supported practically but welcomed with dignity and respect.
Wednesday Group (formerly the Women’s Group)
This year brought a period of change and renewal for our Wednesday activities. The Women’s Group remains active through to the end of June, when we said a heartfelt goodbye to our Project Worker. We held a special farewell celebration to thank her for her dedication and the lasting impact she made on the women and families who attended the group over the years. Following Judith’s retirement, there was a short period without a project worker, and the Women’s Group was paused for six months. As a result, we were unable to run our traditional summer trip this year, although we did organise a visit to the Yorkshire Dales with 13 beneficiaries.
In November, we were pleased to welcome our new Project Worker, Carolyn Burke. Between November and December, we took time to review the group in line with our draft strategic review and to carefully plan for restarting sessions in January. This included a small get-together with volunteers, allowing Carolyn to get to know the team and hear about the many positive experiences of the group. We also held a storage clear-out and organisation day in January, ensuring we were well prepared to restart regular Wednesday activities.
Local Trips and Community Engagement
To make up for the absence of the summer trip, two local outings were organised in November and December, helping beneficiaries engage with their local community and build confidence in accessing nearby opportunities.
Leeds Industrial Museum at Armley Mills:
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In November, the group visited the Leeds Industrial Museum at Armley Mills, where beneficiaries took part in a guided tour, and a creative photography workshop delivered in partnership with The Highrise Project. The visit encouraged English practice, cultural exchange, and increased confidence in accessing local attractions, particularly after learning that refugees and asylum seekers can visit the museum free of charge.
Christmas Craft Workshop at St Bartholomew’s Church:
I n December, beneficiaries and volunteers attended a Christmas craft workshop at St Bartholomew’s Church in Armley. The afternoon included a tour, festive crafts, and shared refreshments, strengthening relationships with the local community, and leading to plans for a return visit in April 2026.
From Women’s Group to Wednesday Group
Following the pause in sessions and feedback from beneficiaries, we reviewed the structure of the Women’s Group and decided to try a more inclusive approach. Where there is no specific need for sessions to be women-only, we now open them to all genders. To reflect this change, the group has been renamed Wednesday Group .
Initial feedback suggests the change has been positive, with several sessions including male participants. We will continue gathering feedback to better understand the longer-term impact of this change.
Wednesday Group Sessions: January – March
From January to March, we delivered 10 Wednesday Group sessions, recording 103 attendances, and supporting 46 individual beneficiaries . During this period, we worked in partnership with six external organisations. Our focus has been on delivering high-quality sessions and building relationships, rather than prioritising high attendance numbers.
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Activities this year included:
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Women-only reproductive health sessions with MESMAC
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Music workshops with LUUMIC university students
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“How to get the support you need” session with Pro Bono Community
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Flu vaccination and energy advice session with Centre for Warmth and New Wortley Community Association
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Card making and painting sessions
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Green Doctor Energy ESOL session
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Six-week New Home, New Community parenting course delivered in partnership with Hawa Dal
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International Women’s Day toiletries distribution
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Sewing repairs
Working in partnership remains a key part of our Wednesday Group. By inviting external organisations to deliver information sessions and workshops, we connect beneficiaries with support beyond Meeting Point.
One volunteer, Shahin, shared the impact of a session delivered by Green Doctor:
This highlights how Wednesday Group sessions create lasting impact beyond the day itself: building knowledge, confidence, and access to essential services.
English Classes
The English classes have continued on Mondays, and they recommenced on Wednesdays in the New Year. The emphasis has always been on teaching functional language to enable daily communication for life in the UK and thus facilitate integration. Student numbers have continued to increase during the year, and we now routinely have 28-30 students on a Monday and 10-12 on a Wednesday. The teaching team on Monday now consists of 3 teachers. We are therefore able to run 3 classes.
In September we were lucky to acquire a new teacher (Rick). He has an English teaching qualification, and he takes a group on a Monday. He enjoys the classes as much as the students!
In November we also acquired a newly qualified teacher from the CES school in Leeds (Sophia). Sophia is very enthusiastic and enjoys taking a class on a Monday.
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We have two very helpful and capable teaching assistants. Linda and Helen are both regular MP volunteers who have kindly stepped in to help in the classes. I must also mention the volunteers who look after the preschool children who come along with their parents – the classes wouldn’t run without their support with the children.
The student group has been stable in the last year, and the regular students come from Afghanistan, Kurdistan (Iraq), Ukraine, with occasional students from Africa eg Eritrea, Ethiopia, Angola and Middle Eastern counties e.g. Yemen, Kuwait. At present the classes are designed for new to English and beginner level students. Students are making progress with confidence in speaking and listening and with basic alphabet knowledge and writing skills.
There is a plan to be able to provide 3 classes of different levels in the coming year. This will involve assessing the students and dividing them into appropriate classes. A simple language assessment will also show the impact of teaching.
Meeting Point Allotment
Under Alesya’s dedicated leadership and heartfelt care, our allotment project has continued successfully this year, bringing together volunteers and beneficiaries, including families with children. The allotment provides an opportunity to connect across cultures and backgrounds, with no barriers, while enjoying nature, fresh air, and learning new skills together.
Unfortunately, during the year, high winds destroyed our greenhouse. We adapted by starting seedlings at home and continuing to grow vegetables from seeds, ensuring the project could carry on. This challenge highlighted the strong sense of ownership and commitment among those involved.
Case studies
Finding Belonging Despite Uncertainty
Dispersal and housing issues continue to have a detrimental impact on people seeking asylum. Unstable living situations and frequent moves can be deeply destabilising and form part of a wider hostile environment that prevents people from building connections and forming community. Meeting Point actively works to counter this by creating a safe, welcoming place where people can belong.
One of our beneficiaries was recently dispersed to Leeds from another city and quickly found Meeting Point. They shared their appreciation, saying:
"This place is good. You give us gifts and food. Look at my bag, it's full! I love this place."
Shortly afterwards, they were informed that they would move again to another city. They told us they would try to find a way to continue coming to Meeting Point, as they would miss the community so much.
While we cannot control decisions around dispersal and housing, we supported them by providing a suitcase for their belongings and signposting them to local charities in the city they will soon move to.
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Although uncertainty continues, this support helps ensure that when they leave Leeds, they leave with practical help, connections, and the reassurance that they are not alone.
Mohammed’s Story (Name Changed)
Mohammed (name changed for confidentiality) has been coming to Meeting Point for 15 years, while he continues to wait for a decision on his asylum claim. Over this time, Meeting Point has become an important source of connection and support.
This year, Mohammed joined our trip to Leeds Industrial Museum, where he shared how meaningful it was to see the same brand of old-fashioned Singer sewing machine his aunt used in his home country, creating a powerful connection between past and present. He told us it was a great chance to “take experience from old things.”
When asked what he values most about Meeting Point, Mohammed spoke warmly about the volunteers:
"All of them, you can talk to them; they know you. They are very kind… Sometimes I have to push myself to laugh and joke, even if it is difficult. Before I was sick, but when I came, I felt better. [The volunteers] are so open-minded… you can joke with them and have relationship with them. They volunteer for this community; it makes a difference. They want to lift your spirits."
Previously, Mohammed attended the drop-in and occasional trips but had not been able to access midweek activities when they were women-only. Since the introduction of Wednesday Group, he has attended several sessions and particularly enjoyed sharing food and conversation. He told us he especially appreciated “the Moroccan food, which was real, fresh, because I didn't eat it for ages!”
Mohammed’s story highlights how small changes, such as opening sessions to all genders, can create meaningful new opportunities for connection, wellbeing, and belonging.
Looking Ahead
As we look to the year ahead, our focus remains simple: to continue offering a safe, welcoming and supportive space for refugees and people seeking asylum in Leeds.
We will build on the progress made this year, strengthening our partnerships, sustaining our services, and ensuring Meeting Point remains responsive to changing needs. In a challenging external environment, we are committed to maintaining stability, dignity and connection at the heart of everything we do.
We are deeply grateful to our volunteers, staff, trustees, partners and funders for their ongoing commitment, and to our beneficiaries for the trust they place in us each week.
Together, we move forward with hope.
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Financial Review
Our finances during the year 2025/26 were sufficient to provide our planned activities for refugees and asylum seekers at the Monday drop-in although the Wednesday Group was suspended for 6 months following the retirement of our Project Worker and the appointment of her replacement. Full Wednesday activities resumed in January 2026.
Incoming resources for 2025/26 totalled £113,416 which represents an increase of £25,640 on the previous year’s income of £87,776. This reflects improved success with applications to grant-making bodies. Our fundraising processes have been strengthened by support from fundraising professionals.
Expenditure for the year was £88,674 being a decrease of £3,445 from last year’s expenditure of £92,119. This reflects lower than budgeted staff costs due to a gap of 4 months between the retirement of the Project Worker and the appointment of her replacement. Expenditure on hardship payments of £15,476 remains a significant part of our programme which is covered by grants and donations received for the purpose.
Overall, there was a net surplus for the year of £24,742. At 31 March 2026 the Charity holds reserves totalling £84,546 of which £46,757 are restricted to be spent on specified purposes as described in Note 5 to the accounts. A further £37,789 are unrestricted to be spent at the trustees’ discretion. All the Charity’s year end liabilities are covered by available funds.
The trustees have assessed the level of reserves at year end and conclude that the Charity enters the new financial year with a healthy balance of restricted funds although funding applications will be necessary by early Summer to secure funds for the latter part of 2026/27.
The Charity continues to closely monitor its finances during the year and to manage the scale of its activities to ensure it can meet its liabilities as they fall due.
Reserves Policy
The reserves policy, approved by the Board January 2018, aims to maintain free reserves to cover between 3 and 9 months’ running costs to protect the Charity’s core activities from any short-term funding shortfall. In addition, the trustees have set aside free reserves to meet the estimated costs of staff redundancies and closure costs should they crystallise in future. This does not imply any expectation that staff will need to be made redundant but recognises that the funding environment means trustees should act prudently to ensure funds are available to fulfil all contractual liabilities.
Unrestricted funds total £37,789 at 31 March 2026 which, after set aside of £3,000, represents 4.25 months’ worth of budgeted expenditure for the Charity’s core activities. This figure falls within the range adopted by the trustees. The trustees regularly monitor the level of reserves to comply with the reserves policy.
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CHRIST CHURCH ARMLEY COMMUNITY PROJECTS LIMITED Statement of Trustees’ Responsibilities
The individuals who were trustees at some point during the year ended 31 March 2026 are pictured below.
----- Start of picture text -----
Steve Appleton Laurence Dilworth Helen Radelaar
----- End of picture text -----
Rev Phil Ann Weir Philip le Masurier
Joyce Le Masurier Anne McCaffrey
The trustees (who are also the directors for the purpose of company law) are responsible for preparing the Trustees’ Report and Financial Statements in accordance with the applicable law and UK Accounting Standards.
Company law requires the trustees to prepare financial accounts for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charitable company and of the incoming resources and application of resources, including the income and expenditure of the charitable company for the year. In preparing these financial statements, the trustees are required to:
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select suitable accounting policies and apply them consistently;
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observe the methods and principles in the Charities SORP;
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make judgments and estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
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state whether applicable UK accounting standards have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the Financial Statements; and
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prepare the accounts on a going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the charitable company will continue in operation.
The trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records which disclose the reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charitable company and to enable them to ensure that the financial accounts comply with the Companies Act 2006. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the Charity and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.
This report has 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) (effective 1 January 2019) and in accordance with the special provisions of the Companies Act 2006 relating to small companies.
Signed on behalf of the Board of Trustees:
Signed : Phil Arnold (Co-Chair of Trustees)
Date : 17 June 2026
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CHRIST CHURCH ARMLEY COMMUNITY PROJECTS LIMITED
Independent examiner's report to the trustees of Christ Church Armley Community Projects Limited
I report to the charity trustees on my examination of the accounts of the charitable company for the year ended 31 March 2026, which are set out on pages 18 to 23.
Responsibilities and basis of report
As the charity's trustees of the charitable company (and also its directors for the purposes of company law) you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 ('the 2006 Act').
Having satisfied myself that the accounts of the charitable company are not required to be audited under Part 16 of the 2006 Act and are eligible for independent examination, I report in respect of my examination of your charity's accounts as carried out under section 145 of the Charities Act ('the 2011 Act'). In carrying out my examination I have followed the Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act.
Independent examiner's statement
I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respect:
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accounting records were not kept in respect of the company as required by section 386 of the 2006 Act; or
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the accounts do not accord with those records; or
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the accounts do not comply with the accounting requirements of section 396 of the 2006 Act other than any requirement that the accounts give a 'true and fair view' which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination; or
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the accounts have not been prepared in accordance with the methods and principles of the Statement of Recommended Practice for accounting and reporting by charities [applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102)].
I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
Simon Bostrom FCIE
29/06/2026
West Yorkshire Community Accountancy Service CIO
Stringer House 34 Lupton Street Leeds LS10 2QW
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CHRIST CHURCH ARMLEY COMMUNITY PROJECTS LIMITED
Statement of Financial Activities (including summary income and expenditure
account) for the period 1 April 2025 to 31 March 2026
| Notes 2025/26 2025/26 2025/26 2024/25 2024/25 2024/25 Unrestricted funds Restricted funds Total funds Unrestricted funds Restricted funds Total funds £ £ £ £ £ £ Incoming resources Grants & donations (2) 13,368 98,290 111,658 13,035 73,192 86,227 Fundraising 132 - 132 - 12 12 Interest Earned 1,626 - 1,626 1,537 - 1,537 Total incoming resources 15,126 98,290 113,416 14,572 73,204 87,776 Resources expended Staff costs (3) 10,241 34,561 44,802 15,493 28,077 43,570 Events & activities 578 9,845 10,423 733 16,566 17,299 Facilities & rent (4) 812 6,548 7,360 336 6,164 6,500 Office expenses 1,079 622 1,701 1,873 2,972 4,845 Hardship payments & expenses - 15,476 15,476 - 14,472 14,472 Professional services 6,092 - 6,092 2,821 - 2,821 Insurance 1,375 - 1,375 1,302 - 1,302 Training - 219 219 281 100 381 Volunteer expenses 51 452 503 165 60 225 Independent examination fee (12) 649 - 649 630 - 630 Advertising & publicity 74 - 74 74 - 74 Total resources expended 20,951 67,723 88,674 23,708 68,411 92,119 Net income/ (expenditure) (5,825) 30,567 24,742 (9,136) 4,793 (4,343) Fund balances brought forward 43,614 16,190 59,804 52,750 11,397 64,147 Fund balances ~~carried forward~~ (5) 37,789 46,757 84,546 43,614 16,190 59,804 |
Notes 2025/26 2025/26 2025/26 2024/25 2024/25 2024/25 Unrestricted funds Restricted funds Total funds Unrestricted funds Restricted funds Total funds £ £ £ £ £ £ Incoming resources Grants & donations (2) 13,368 98,290 111,658 13,035 73,192 86,227 Fundraising 132 - 132 - 12 12 Interest Earned 1,626 - 1,626 1,537 - 1,537 Total incoming resources 15,126 98,290 113,416 14,572 73,204 87,776 Resources expended Staff costs (3) 10,241 34,561 44,802 15,493 28,077 43,570 Events & activities 578 9,845 10,423 733 16,566 17,299 Facilities & rent (4) 812 6,548 7,360 336 6,164 6,500 Office expenses 1,079 622 1,701 1,873 2,972 4,845 Hardship payments & expenses - 15,476 15,476 - 14,472 14,472 Professional services 6,092 - 6,092 2,821 - 2,821 Insurance 1,375 - 1,375 1,302 - 1,302 Training - 219 219 281 100 381 Volunteer expenses 51 452 503 165 60 225 Independent examination fee (12) 649 - 649 630 - 630 Advertising & publicity 74 - 74 74 - 74 Total resources expended 20,951 67,723 88,674 23,708 68,411 92,119 Net income/ (expenditure) (5,825) 30,567 24,742 (9,136) 4,793 (4,343) Fund balances brought forward 43,614 16,190 59,804 52,750 11,397 64,147 Fund balances ~~carried forward~~ (5) 37,789 46,757 84,546 43,614 16,190 59,804 |
|---|---|
| Page18 |
CHRIST CHURCH ARMLEY COMMUNITY PROJECTS LIMITED
Balance Sheet as at 31 March 2026
| Notes | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 31 March 2026 | 31 March 2026 | 31 March 2026 | 31 March 2025 | ||
| Unrestricted funds |
Restricted funds |
Total funds | Total funds | ||
| £ | £ | £ | £ | ||
| Current assets | |||||
| Stock | (7) | - | 722 | 722 | 770 |
| Debtors and prepayments | (8) | 800 | 458 | 1,258 | 380 |
| Cash at bank and in hand | (9) | 40,092 | 48,248 | 88,340 | 63,077 |
| Total current assets | 40,892 | 49,428 | 90,320 | 64,227 | |
| Current liabilities:amounts | |||||
| falling due within one year | |||||
| Creditors and accruals | (10) | 3,103 | 2,671 | 5,774 | 4,423 |
| Total current liabilities | 3,103 | 2,671 | 5,774 | 4,423 | |
| Net current assets/(liabilities) | 37,789 | 46,757 | 84,546 | 59,804 | |
| Net assets | 37,789 | 46,757 | 84,546 | 59,804 | |
| Funds | |||||
| Unrestricted funds | 37,789 | - | 37,789 | 43,614 | |
| Restricted funds | (6) | - | 46,757 | 46,757 | 16,190 |
| Total funds | 37,789 | 46,757 | 84,546 | 59,804 |
For the year ending 31 March 2026 the charitable company was entitled to exemption from audit under section 477 of the Companies Act 2006 relating to small companies.
The members have not required the charitable company to obtain an audit of its accounts for the year in question in accordance with section 476. The trustees (who also the directors for the purposes of company law) 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 with the Financial Reporting Standard 102 (effective January 2019).
The financial statements, which include notes 1 to 12, were approved at a meeting of the trustees and signed on its behalf by:
Signed: Steve Appleton
Date: 17 June 2026
Treasurer
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CHRIST CHURCH ARMLEY COMMUNITY PROJECTS LIMITED
Notes to the accounts for the period 1 April 2025 to 31 March 2026
1. Accounting policies
Basis of accounting
These accounts have been prepared under the historical cost convention with items recognised at cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant notes to the 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 the Republic of Ireland (FRS102)(effective 1 January 2019) and with the Charities Act 2011.
The Charity constitutes a public benefit entity as defined by FRS102.
Going concern
The trustees have assessed the Charity's going concern and are satisfied that there are no material uncertainties about the Charity's ability to continue.
Incoming resources
All incoming resources are included in the Statement of Financial Activities (SOFA) when the Charity becomes entitled to the resources, the trustees are virtually certain they will receive the resources and the monetary value can be measured with sufficient reliability.
Grants and donations
Grants and donations are only included in the SOFA when the Charity has unconditional entitlement to the resources. Future instalments on multi-year grants are only recognised when the trustees are virtually certain that conditions for future payment have been satisfied.
Gifts in kind
The Charity receives gifts of food, second hand clothes, footwear and household items for use at the Meeting Point drop-in and for distribution to asylum seekers and refugees. As the fair value of donated items is nonmaterial they are not recognised in the financial statements.
The work of volunteers is not included in the financial statements.
Expenditure and liabilities
Expenditure is recognised on an accrual basis as a liability is incurred. Liabilities are recognised when it is more likely than not that there is a legal or constructive obligation committing the Charity to pay out resources and the amount of the obligation can be measured with reasonable certainty.
Employee benefits
Annual leave untaken at year end is recognised as a liability to the extent that it may be carried forward.
Leases
Rents under operating leases are charged on a straight-line basis over the lease term or to an earlier date if the lease can be determined without financial penalty.
Taxation
As a charity the organisation is generally exempt from income tax and capital gains tax but not from VAT. Irrecoverable VAT is included in the cost of those items to which it relates.
Tangible fixed assets
Tangible fixed assets costing more than £2,500 are capitalised and included at cost including any incidental acquisition expenses. Gifted assets are shown at the value to the Charity on receipt.
Stock
Stock is valued at the lower of cost and net realisable value.
Fund accounting
Unrestricted funds are available for use at the discretion of the trustees in furtherance of the general objectives of the Charity.
Restricted funds are subjected to restrictions on their expenditure imposed by the donor or grant making body.
Further explanation of the nature and purpose of each fund is included in Note 5 to the accounts.
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CHRIST CHURCH ARMLEY COMMUNITY PROJECTS LIMITED
| Notes to the accounts for the period 1 April 2025 to 31 March 2026 2 Grants and donations 2025/26 2025/26 2025/26 Unrestricted Restricted Total funds funds funds Meeting Point £ £ £ Postcode Neighbourhood Fund - 25,000 25,000 Awards 4 All (National Lottery) - 20,000 20,000 Unity in Poverty Action - 13,200 13,200 Garfield Weston Foundation - 10,000 10,000 The Wharfedale Foundation - 10,000 10,000 Brelms Trust - 6,000 6,000 Allen Lane Foundation - 5,000 5,000 Charles & Elsie Sykes Trust - 5,000 5,000 The Tilehouse Trust - 250 250 Neighbourly (Lidl) - 250 250 St. Robert's Pannel PCC 1,300 - 1,300 Leeds City Council (Leeds Migration Partnership) - - - Evan Cornish Foundation - - - Leeds Community Foundation (Digital Inclusion Fund) - - - Asda Community Foundation - - - Leeds City Council (MICE) - - - Other donations 12,068 3,590 15,658 Total grants and donations 13,368 98,290 111,658 |
2024/25 Total funds £ - - 14,200 - - - - - 1,000 - 1,427 34,006 10,000 9,897 600 200 14,897 |
|---|---|
| 86,227 |
3 Staff costs and numbers
| Gross salaries Pensions Total staff costs |
2025/26 2024/25 £ £ 43,542 42,318 1,260 1,252 44,802 43,570 |
|---|---|
Defined contribution pension scheme
Costs of the scheme to the charitable company for the year
----- Start of picture text -----
2025/26 2024/25
£ £
1,260 1,252
----- End of picture text -----
The number of employees analysed by activity and expressed as full time equivalents (FTE)
| Meeting Point Core administration Total |
2025/26 2024/25 FTE FTE 1.4 1.4 0.1 0.1 1.5 1.5 |
|---|---|
The average number of employees during the year was 3 (3 2024/25) being an average of 1.5 FTEs (1.5 2024/25). All employees were part-time for both 2025/26 and 2024/25.
There were no employees with emoluments above £60,000 (nil 2024/25).
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CHRIST CHURCH ARMLEY COMMUNITY PROJECTS LIMITED Notes to the accounts for the period 1 April 2025 to 31 March 2026
4 Operating leases
The charitable company uses part of Christ Church Upper Armley under licence from the Parochial Church Council (PCC) as a base for its activities. The agreement can be terminated by either party without penalty so no future commitments arise. The Charity paid £7,360 to the PCC (£6,500 2024/25) for the use of the building and provision of cleaning.
| 5 Restricted Funds Meeting Point: Allen Lane Foundation Awards 4 All (National Lottery) Asda Community Foundation Brelms Trust Charles & Elsie Sykes Trust Destitution Fund English Language Classes Fund Evan Cornish Foundation Garfield Weston Foundation Leeds City Council (Leeds Migration Partnership) Leeds Community Foundation (Digital Inclusion Fund) Neighbourly (Lidl) Postcode Neighbourhood Fund The Tilehouse Trust Unity in Poverty Action Wednesday's Group Fund (previously Women's Group) The Wharfedale Foundation Total Restricted Funds |
Balances Incoming Expended Balances 1 April 2025 resources resources 31 March 2026 £ £ £ £ - 5,000 (684) 4,316 - 20,000 (14,923) 5,077 600 - - 600 - 6,000 (3,740) 2,260 - 5,000 - 5,000 3,204 3,590 (5,309) 1,485 12 - (12) - 5,844 - (5,844) - - 10,000 (2,648) 7,352 270 - (270) - 4,282 - (4,282) - 434 250 (256) 428 - 25,000 (15,840) 9,160 - 250 - 250 500 13,200 (13,578) 122 1,044 - (337) 707 - 10,000 - 10,000 |
|---|---|
| 16,190 98,290 (67,723) 46,757 |
Restricted Fund
Purpose of restriction
Allen Lane Foundation Awards 4 All (National Lottery) Asda Community Foundation Brelms Trust Charles & Elsie Sykes Trust Destitution Fund English Language Classes Fund Evan Cornish Foundation Garfield Weston Foundation Leeds City Council (Leeds Migration Partnership) Leeds Community Foundation (Digital Inclusion Fund) Neighbourly (Lidl) Postcode Neighbourhood Fund The Tilehouse Trust Unity in Poverty Action Wednesday's Group Fund (previously Women's Group) The Wharfedale Foundation
For Project Worker salary For salaries For food For salaries For Project Worker salary
For hardship payments to asylum seekers and refugees For English language classes For salaries, rent and project costs For core costs
For salaries, rent and project costs For digital inclusion provision For food
For core costs For core costs
For provision of food and related costs For Wednesday Group work and activities For core costs
6 Stock
| Stock First West Yorkshire bus tickets Total |
31/03/2026 31/03/2025 £ £ 722 770 722 770 |
|---|---|
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CHRIST CHURCH ARMLEY COMMUNITY PROJECTS LIMITED
Notes to the accounts for the period 1 April 2025 to 31 March 2026
| 7 Debtors & Prepayments Debtors Prepayments Total |
31 March 2026 31 March 2025 £ £ 1,078 198 180 182 1,258 380 |
|---|---|
No debtors have been impaired and are expected to be fully settled within 12 months.
| 8 Cash at bank and in hand Unity Trust Bank Lloyds Bank Petty cash Total 9 Creditors and accruals Trade creditors Accruals Total |
31 March 2026 £ 87,804 441 95 88,340 31 March 2026 £ 1,800 3,974 5,774 |
31 March 2025 £ 62,626 346 105 |
|---|---|---|
| 63,077 | ||
| 31 March 2025 £ 920 3,503 |
||
| 4,423 |
10 Trustee remuneration, expenses and donations
No trustee received any remuneration or other benefits, either directly or indirectly, or any expenses during the year (nil 2024/25).
The total donations received from trustees during the year was £1,900 (£600 2024/25).
11 Related party transactions
Key management personnel
Employee benefits of the charitable company's key management personnel totalled £21,889 for the year (£16,945 2024/25). The Project Manager post is the key management personnel.
Other related party transations
Christ Church Upper Armley Parochial Church Council (the PCC) is a related party of the charitable company. Under the company's articles of association the PCC has the right to appoint 4 trustees out of a maximum of 12.
Reverend Phil Arnold is the chair of the PCC. Stephen Appleton was a member of the PCC until 30 June 2025.
The charitable company paid the PCC £7,360 for use of the church building (2024/25 £6,500). A further sum of £806 was paid to PCC as the holder of the contract with a third party provider for phone and internet services (£357 2024/25). The charitable company was the holder of the phone and internet contact until November 2024. The charitable company owed PCC nil at 31 March 2026 (£75.54 at 31 March 2025).
12 Independent examination
The estimated £649 fee payable to West Yorkshire Community Accounting Services (WYCAS)(£630 2024/25), as reported on the Statement of Financial Activities, relates solely to independent examination. The charitable company also paid WYCAS £350 during 2025/26 (£281 2024/25) for a licence to use QuickBooks Online.
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