OpenCharities

This text was generated using OCR and may contain errors. Check the original PDF to see the document submitted to the regulator.

2024-05-31-accounts

THE BRIDGE l• Q￿l•￿'sAw￿l lorVol￿￿ta1ySl￿l4tr YHE f¢# ¥QLUt41sN ¢#eup¢ FOR HEROES Trustees Annual Report & Financial Statement May 2024 Registered Charity: l 138136 Company Limited by Guarantee: 07096496

Content

Page No.

Chair of Trustees Report 1
Our Patrons 2
Our Impact 3
Who we are 6
Our main charitable activities 7
Our facilities 7
Our Volunteers 8
Working Together 9
Why we are needed 10
Recording, monitoring and assessment 10
Achievements & performances 11
Project Connect & Continuo 12
Project Nile & Welfare Support 13
Project Rainbow & Hot Spot 13
Project Activities 14
Project Interface 16
Timeline 23-24 17
Community Blue Plaque 19
VPPP East 20
Future Plans 23
Financial review 24
Where our money comes from 25
Financial Review (cont.) 27
Structure, governance and management 28
Administrative details 29
Declaration 30
Independent Examiners Report A
Statement of Financial Activity *1
Balance Sheet *2
Notes to the Financial Statements *3

The Chair of Trustees Report

It is my pleasure and privilege to extend a warm welcome to you all, in this, The Bridge for Heroes annual report. Thank you for reading this review of our work during the past year and I hope that you will be encouraged by the reports that illustrate the ever-changing services provided by this amazing charity. It is with great pleasure that I recommend to you this report, which sets out, for our supporters and the general public, our achievements and our future plans.

The author Neale Donald Walsch once wrote “ Life begins at the end of your comfort zone.” We have all experienced changes in the last 12 months, for some, this has been a challenge, for others the process has been relatively easy. Maybe we do not need to step out of our "comfort zones" but we may need to expand them. Change does not have to be our focus, i t’s the journey that matters, not the destination, so have fun along the way. To all of the staff, volunteers and beneficiaries, I would like to say, "Take time to appreciate the huge amount of courage it takes to do what you’re doing and approach it with a sense of fun and enjoyment." There will be further developments and changes to the services that The Bridge for Heroes will offer during the next year. We all need to learn to appreciate the opportunities that are opening up. The charity is strong and doing well, so we should all value the experiences we are having and all that we are discovering about ourselves. And don’t forget to celebrate your successes as you go.

In closing, I would like to emphasise my gratitude to those who give so much to support our Armed Forces Community. I would like to thank all the organisations who provided financial or specialist support; with their help we have continued to deliver our core services. This year has been amazing.

Finally, my sincere thanks go to all our staff, Trustees, volunteers, supporters and friends. Looking forward to the next year, God bless.

Steve Russell BCAo Chair of Trustees

The Bridge for Heroes Ltd Annual Report: May 2024

1

Our Patrons

The Lady Dannatt MBE HM Lord-Lieutenant of Norfolk

General The Lord Dannatt, GCB, CBE, MC, DL

Patron visit on 16[th] May 2024

General The Lord Dannatt in his capacity as both Patron and Deputy Lieutenant of Norfolk visited The Bridge for Heroes Drop-in Centre to present the Blue Plaque in recognition of our community work during the Covid pandemic, followed by an unveiling of our bespoke memorial board remembering volunteers and beneficiaries who have been involved in The Bridge for Heroes over the last 14 years, who have since passed away. Despite the rain, the event was well attended with guests, staff, volunteers and beneficiaries valuing the opportunity to remember loved ones and reflect on the difficulties faced during the pandemic.

The Bridge for Heroes Ltd Annual Report: May 2024

2

Our Impact

300 beneficiaries

Directly benefited from our services

144 new beneficiaries

Average of 112 beneficiaries were supported each month

Who are our Beneficiaries?

----- Start of picture text -----
HM Armed Forces Community (AFC)
——s
12% Navy
i 72% Veterans
Serving/
62% Army
3%
Reservists
SS] LZ
26% RAF
AIS re) 25%
AFC Family
Covering West Norfolk and beyond
Lincolnshire
72% West Norfolk
10% Norfolk
King’s Lynn
B= G d 11% Cambridgeshire
5% Lincolnshire
2% Out of Area
----- End of picture text -----

The Bridge for Heroes Ltd Annual Report: May 2024

3

Our Impact Welfare Support

| os 3750 1014 1014 1to1sessions i 7 Group sessions 114 265 1to1 Support Home Visits Calls

1012

68

IAG sessions Information, advice, and guidance

Hospital rospital visits visi 2286 Hot meals provided

Monthly Saturday Monthly Saturday OY/ Veterans Breakfast Veterans Breakfast Daily lunches Mon to Sat

Countless Countless @® Mon to Sat hot drinks hot drinks a Monthly Sunday Veterans Christmas Lunch ae. Monthly Sunday ~ Lunch Day Lunch For those who would otherwise be eating alone New transport service offering lifts to beneficiaries ME © = 0

eeeeeeeccrrrrrrrccrttCU The Bridge for Heroes Ltd Annual Report: May 2024 GS 4

Our Impact Activities Activities

2300 activity sessions

24 different activities

6000+ activity hours

Volunteering Volunteering Giving more than 27 Volunteers 3000 volunteering hours 2 36. Our volunteers have supported in a wide variety of roles including fundraising, supporting the day to day running of the Bridge ‘drop-in’ centre, providing peer to peer support, leading activities, running the air raid shelters, admin and much more …..

The Bridge for Heroes was awarded The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service in June 2020

The Bridge for Heroes Ltd Annual Report: May 2024 5 ~~CC~~ (‘C(‘(’.C(C#;Ccs

Who we are

The Bridge for Heroes is a charity dedicated to helping and supporting the Armed Forces Community (AFC) in the West Norfolk area and beyond. Our team of staff, volunteers and trustees are fully committed to ensure the needs of local veterans, reservists, serving personnel, widows, spouses/partners and family members receive person centred support whatever their issue may be.

We provide swift interventions and address individuals needs holistically, offering short-term and long-term support. This support is proactively achieved through one-to-one sessions, innovative group therapies, a wide range of activities, and local community events, alongside referring individuals and families to other organisations when required.

Our purpose, vision and mission

As set out in the objects contained in the company memorandum and articles of association, our charity’s purposes are:

‘The Organisation The Bridge for Heroes will advance any lawful charitable purpose (at the discretion of the Trustees) for the benefit of serving and former serving members of the armed forces of the crown and their dependents (the beneficiaries) in particular but not exclusively, by providing facilities for respite, rest and recuperation including accommodation, subsistence and group activities which promote the efficiency of serving personnel or which relieve other charitable needs of beneficiaries.’

Our Vision

The Bridge for Heroes’ vision is to provide members of the Armed Forces community with support and facilities which promote their overall health and well-being (in order for them to lead meaningful lives).

Our Mission

The Bridge for Heroes’ mission is to support members of the Armed Forces community (serving, veterans and their families) by providing companionship and comradeship alongside information, guidance and activities that promote mental health, physical health and well-being.

The Bridge for Heroes Ltd Annual Report: May 2024

6

Our main charitable activities

The Bridge for Heroes main areas of charitable activity are the provision of help and support through group sessions, peer-to-peer support, respite, activities, refreshments and meals. This holistic approach means that whatever the issue, our dedicated team of staff and volunteers are readily available to help and support our local Armed Forces Community (AFC). The Charity has a strong person-centred approach, actively listening to the needs and concerns of our beneficiaries and providing choices for the individual depending on their needs, likes, interests, fears or anxieties.

Our holistic approach provides support with:

Our main charitable activities have been offered free to the AFC at our two dedicated facilities, the Bridge ‘drop-in’ Centre and Nelson Activity Centre, Nelson House. We also continue to develop our outreach service focused on home and hospital visits.

Bridge ‘Drop-In’ Centre

Our main facility is based in the town centre of King’s Lynn offering a dropin service with everything from an informal drink and light lunch, with opportunities for a friendly chat with like-minded people who have been serving members of the AFC, to a more in-depth one to one talk with one of our Welfare Team. It is the hub of our services, open six days a week and run by staff and volunteers who listen, inform, refer and offer as much support as possible. The Centre focuses on providing a safe space where beneficiaries feel accepted and not judged, where people genuinely want to build on getting to know them as individuals and develop an understanding of what matters to them. We focus on providing the tools necessary to help beneficiaries help themselves and we also have a good referral system with other local organisations.

Bridge Activities Centre (June 2021 – June 2024)

Our Activity Centre based at Nelson House comprised of a variety of workshops and studio areas offering free activities for veterans and their families. All of the activities available promoted positive mental health and well-being and focused on reducing feelings of loneliness and isolation.

Activities included art, bike maintenance, glass engraving, knitting and woodwork, along with off-site activities including walking, fishing, bowling and cycling. We welcomed other organisations and charities to also make use of the facility linking with Help for Heroes, Outside the Wire, and DMWS.

Despite the fantastic facilities and opportunities available at the BAC, usage from our existing beneficiaries and those linked to other organisations was lower than expected, with only a small number of our beneficiaries attending regularly. Over the three years of running our attempts to increase footfall did not result in a significant change and although our rental costs were low, staffing costs were significant and a decision was made that continuing to run the facility was unviable.

The Bridge for Heroes Ltd Annual Report: May 2024 7

Our Volunteers

Our Volunteers are crucial to all the work the Bridge for Heroes undertakes providing outstanding support right across our services, whether it is helping provide light lunches and refreshments at our ‘drop-in’ centre or providing invaluable befriending support to help reduce loneliness and isolation, leading one of our many activities, providing transport for our beneficiaries, gardening or helping run and maintain our facilities.

Many of our volunteers have lived experiences and are able to share their journey with the people we support and act as positive role models. We are immensely appreciative of the contributions made every day by our fantastic volunteering team and are constantly overwhelmed by the dedication and commitment that they all show.

It is important that our volunteers feel supported, rewarded and fulfilled in their volunteering role which enables them to continue their own personal development. Opportunities for training, learning new skills and using their knowledge and expertise are encouraged.

Thank you to our wonderful team of volunteers. Thank you to our wonderful team of volunteers. Thank you for being so generous with your time, skills and Thank you for being so generous with your time, skills and knowledge. You make a tangible difference to so many lives within knowledge. You make a tangible difference to so many lives within the Armed Forces Community the Armed Forces Community

The Bridge for Heroes Ltd Annual Report: May 2024 ;

8

Working together

There are many local organisations, agencies and charities that provide specific help and support in the areas our beneficiaries need to access. We recognise the importance of working closely together to provide a consistent, professional and clear support network that meets the holistic needs of our beneficiaries.

This reporting year, we have worked with:

We are members of Cobseo – The Confederation of Service Charities, Norfolk Safer Programme, Community Action Norfolk and ICO (Information Commissioner’s Office).

Support is also received from local businesses and organisations who offer their expertise, time and resources to help with the day-to-day running of the Charity. Develop and Promote has been supporting the Charity since it started, providing continuous support with IT, marketing and other general charitable activities. Nadler Group, Borough Council of King’s Lynn & West Norfolk provide ongoing support with various services, Nelson Developments Ltd, supported providing a facility to run our activities, and Crane Garden Buildings support our wood workshop.

We receive food from Tesco each week that would otherwise be put in landfill. This includes tinned, packaged and fresh food which we use to help provide daily meals for our beneficiaries. 4 Secure Self-Storage enables us to store a small amount of furniture and other large items to support our homeless and housing programme and activities.

The Bridge for Heroes Ltd Annual Report: May 2024 9 ~~i~~ eeeeeeeecrrrrrclclcrlrtrtCUGS

Why we are needed

  1. While the majority of those who serve make a successful transition to civilian life, a minority experience challenges which have an impact on their mental health and well-being. While these problems do not differ greatly from those of the average person, it is the complexity and severity of these problems that are markedly different.

  2. Data from and consultations with beneficiaries over the last 14 years highlights that many veterans and family members are impacted by feelings of isolation and loneliness through changes in their lives where they miss the family units and comradeship that military life provided.

  3. Many find it difficult to seek and ask for help as they think it is a sign of weakness, but it takes immense courage for an individual to do so. Long waits for initial medical and mental health appointments followed by, waiting lists once a referral has been made, online forms, and a lack of understanding of the available benefits can be very disheartening for anyone. These frustrations can add worry and stress to an already unsettled beneficiary and can trigger feelings of anger, depression, anxiety, hopelessness and in some cases suicidal thoughts.

While any member of society can be affected by changes in their social and economic situation, our beneficiaries are often less able to manage such changes without focused support and guidance

The Bridge for Heroes is needed because the Charity can:

This vital service has been delivered from the safe haven of the Bridge Centre providing the Armed Forces Community opportunity to:

Recording, monitoring and assessing

Our strong person-centred approach includes our beneficiary’s involvement with all decisions affecting them, and where each beneficiary is assessed and monitored throughout their time with us whether it is for short-term or long-term support.

We use CharityLogOne, a cloud-based case management system, our own in-house mental health and wellbeing scale gauge, alongside the Impact hub run by the Armed Forces Covenant.

This system is used to measure the beneficiaries’ mental health and current situation. From this information, the Charity can tailor its services to provide the best possible support for beneficiaries to make informed choices and gain the tools they need to improve their situation.

----- Start of picture text -----
Assessment
Monitoring Exploring
and review options
Beneficiary
Seeking &
Assessing
listening to
risks and
feedback
benefits
Delivering
support
and/or
referring
----- End of picture text -----

The Bridge for Heroes Ltd Annual Report: May 2024

10

Achievements and performances

Key to our achievements is the ability to collect reliable data and use it to demonstrate the Charity’s effectiveness and the value we deliver. Our case management system, CharityLog and the continuation of using the AFCFT impact measurement tool ensures that we have strong data that shows our value. Our amazing team of staff and volunteers have been able to provide the following support and help to our local Armed Forces Community.

Areas of help and support given:

Mental Health

Social Isolation & Loneliness Family & Relationships Independent Living Healthy Living Finance Housing & Homelessness Training & Employment Dependency & Addiction

Contact Method

----- Start of picture text -----
9%
2%
24%
3%
39%
23%
1-2-1 sessions Outreach
Group sessions Meals
1-2-1 Phone calls Activity sessions
----- End of picture text -----

Who we help by age range

----- Start of picture text -----
4% 3%
4%
4%
16%
7%
16%
28%
18%
Under 18 18-29 30-39
40-49 50-59 60-69
70-79 80-89 90+
----- End of picture text -----

Beneficiary Attendance

----- Start of picture text -----
3%
9%
10%
15%
22%
20%
21%
Sunday Monday Tuesday
Wednesday Thursday Friday
Saturday
----- End of picture text -----

The Bridge for Heroes Ltd Annual Report: May 2024 11

Achievements and performances (continued)

Project Connect

Grant funded by NAFC, RAFBFand RNRMC

NAFC -7.5k (Jun23-May24), RNRMC -£2.3k (Apr23-Mar24), RAFBF -£4k (Sept22-Aug23)

NORFOLK

Project Connect focused on

The grant funding enabled the charity to maintain and develop its core services and promote them to a wider audience through our social media platforms, blogs and advertising.

Project Continuo

Grant funded by Army Benevolent Funds The Army’s National Charity ABF TSC - £30k (Jun 23 - May 24)

This funding enabled the Charity to continue to provide vital help and support to the Army Community in the West Norfolk area, identifying and assisting those with hidden and compelling needs, and breaking the spell of loneliness and isolation by encouraging individuals to engage in the charity's varied range of services and activities.

We saw an increase in the number of the Army Community accessing our services and an improvement in their mental health from when they first joined the project. The Norfolk ITV News Anglia's Emily Knight reported on how the ABF’s grant has helped the Bridge for Heroes to support veterans and family members which was aired in March 2024.

https://www.itv.com/news/anglia/2024-03-24/how-charity-saved-falklands-veterans-life

The Bridge for Heroes Ltd Annual Report: May 2024 12

Achievements and performances (continued)

Project Nile

Grant funded by the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust AFCFT - £80k over two years (Feb 22-Jan 24)

The VPPP East Programme provided funds for staffing to coordinate a range of activities which promote positive mental health and well-being along with support with funding the overheads. Working with other VPPP projects has provided opportunities for networking and social prescribing. DMWS Welfare Officer Michelle Reynolds working within the QEH, King’s Lynn, has proved to be a vital link in reaching isolated veterans in a hospital setting.

Welfare Support

Grant funded by the Veterans’ Foundation VF - 20k (May 23 – Apr 24)

Our welfare support is a crucial part of the services we offer. Our Welfare Team run regular group sessions, provide one-to-one sessions, and offer regular home and hospital visits to those who require it. The funding from the Veteran’s Foundation ensured a consistent and quality service throughout this reporting period.

Project Rainbow

Grant funded by the Armed Forces Community Fund Trust AFCFT - 10k – (5K BFH, £5 Fighting with Pride) (Aug 23 – Mar 24) Working in partnership with Fighting in Pride we offered a number of workshops, made available to VPPP East projects and linked organisations to help make more charities, organisations and agencies aware of the impact of the pre-2000 ban, the Veterans Independent review, and what support is now available to veterans who served in the military, but who suffered substantial harm to their health, emotions or financially as a result of the ban.

We received the Pride in Veterans Standard from Fighting with Pride in October 2023 which is valid for a year. It highlights the commitment we have to work in partnership with Fighting with Pride to provide inclusive and welcoming support to LGBT+ Veterans, serving personnel and their families.

Project Hot Spot

Grant funded by the Norfolk Community Foundation NCF – 2k (Feb 24 – Mar 24)

We registered again as a Warm Hub, ensuring we provided a warm space, regular hot drinks and daily cooked healthy meals during the cold months to the Armed Forces Community.

This was supported by funding from the NCF over February and March, which enabled us to assist those affected by the rise in heating bills and/or cost of living crisis. During these two months, we served over 400 hot-cooked meals, supporting 139 veterans or family members. Portable radiators were a pleasant addition to those of our beneficiaries who needed extra warmth after coming in from the cold. Some of our knitting group also knitted

blankets for our beneficiairies, as well as the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in King’s Lynn and a local Dementia Care home to support the community in staying warm over the colder months.

The Bridge for Heroes Ltd Annual Report: May 2024 13

Achievements and performances (continued)

Project Activities

Grant funded by Norfolk Community Foundation & Norfolk Armed Forces Covenant Trust Fund

NCF -5k (Jun23-May24), NAFC -10k (Jun23-May24)

Funding from the NCF and NAFC enabled the continuation of all activities and an additional few through enabling resources to be replenished and support in providing lifts for those who were having difficulties with transport. This type of funding is vital to ensure all of our activities remain free for our beneficiaries.

Through the support of all the grant funding we received for the Activity Centre, we were able to deliver the following:

NORFOLK

Activity
~~—i——e~~		 Sessions
~~—i——e~~		 Average
hrs per
session
~~—i——e~~
Activitiesinc. glass engraving
~~—i——e~~		 123
~~—i——e~~		 1.0
~~—i——e~~
Art & Craft
~~—i——e~~		 510
~~—i——e~~		 4.0
~~—i——e~~
Bike Maintenance 167 2.0
Bowling 12 3.0
Cooking 40 1.4
Crochet
 33
~~ee~~
 2.8
~~ee~~
Cycling
~~———~~
 45
~~———~~
~~ee~~

~~nn~~		 2.2
~~———~~
~~ee~~

~~nn~~
Dog Therapy
~~———~~
~~En~~		 213
~~———~~
~~ee~~
~~En~~
~~nn~~		 2.2
~~———~~
~~ee~~
~~En~~
~~nn~~
Dominoes
~~En~~		 255
~~ee~~
~~En~~
~~nn~~		 0.6
~~ee~~
~~En~~
~~nn~~
Fishing 34 5.8
Gardening 32 2.2
Genealogy 4 1.5
Golf 13 1.7
IT Training 23
~~ee~~		 1.0
~~ee~~
Jigsaws/Games
~~a~~		 15
~~a~~
~~ee~~		 0.9
~~a~~
~~ee~~
Knitting
~~a~~		 137
~~a~~
~~ee ~~		 2.5
~~a~~
~~ee~~
Model Making 77 3.0
Photography 52 1.5
Quiz 147 1.2
Walking
~~ee~~		 93
~~ee~~
~~ee~~		 1.7
~~ee~~
Wheelchair activity
~~ee~~
~~—_NSCSSNSs‘RTSC‘C~~		 6
~~ee~~
~~ee~~
~~—_NSCSSNSs‘RTSC‘C~~		 3.2
~~ee~~
~~—_NSCSSNSs‘RTSC‘C~~
Woodwork
~~ee~~
~~—_NSCSSNSs‘RTSC‘C~~		 250
~~ee~~
~~ee~~
~~—_NSCSSNSs‘RTSC‘C~~		 3.5
~~ee~~
~~—_NSCSSNSs‘RTSC‘C~~

The Charity has been challenged by the lower than hoped numbers of beneficiaries, organisations and other charities accessing the Nelson Activity Centre to participate in our range of activities. Over the last few months, we took some of the activities over to the Bridge Centre where some of our beneficiaries feel more at ease. The feedback from 81% of our beneficiaries who had not wanted to engage in an activity at Nelson Activity Centre stated they would take part in an activity if it was held at the Bridge Centre or at a different venue. Reasons for this have varied but include the following:

Unable to encourage anymore users over this financial period has put a strain on the Charities finances The Trustees have therefore made the decision to close the activity centre going into the next financial year as the Centre was not deemed as being value for money, even with the considerable reductions given by Michelle Nadler (Director) and Vivienne Baroni (Financial Director) of Nelson House.

The Bridge for Heroes Ltd Annual Report: May 2024 14

Achievements and performances (continued)

Activities for Veterans and their families

eI

Funded by

----- Start of picture text -----
NORFOLK
----- End of picture text -----

The Bridge for Heroes Ltd Annual Report: May 2024

15

Achievements and performances (continued)

Project Interface

Grant funded by Armed Forces Covenant Fund AFCFT - £91k (Jan 23 - Dec 24)

----- Start of picture text -----
Families Open Day
----- End of picture text -----

Project Interface was developed from other projects we have carried out over the last few years and from feedback gained from our beneficiaries, partner organisations and from current research which highlighted that there are a number of groups within the Armed Forces Community that do not realise that the services and activities we offer are for them too. We began by connecting with as many Parish Council groups as we could to spread the word to our more rural areas of West Norfolk. Within a two-year plan, we have aimed to target particular groups including ex-service personnel who are still working, female veterans, reservists and their families and LGBTQ+ veterans, all of whom may not identify with the term veteran. Events, activities and focused support groups will be run that specifically cater for their needs, alongside learning more about how their needs can and do differ from other veteran groups.

We have held several focused events aimed at particular groups within the veteran’s community including a family day for working exservice personnel and an awareness event showcasing females who have served. We also ran evening sessions once a week to enable ex-personnel who work during the day to still access many of our activities and services.

Female Veteran Awareness Event

Intergenerational session

Female Veteran Awareness Event

----- Start of picture text -----
Reminiscing Session
----- End of picture text -----

The Bridge for Heroes Ltd Annual Report: May 2024

16

Achievements and performances (continued)

----- Start of picture text -----
ASDIC Conference, Leeds
2023
BR |Lad a7, Smithton Students Work Experience
June
AFC Families Open Day
BS= , \ ae ae
VPPP Project face to face meeting — ay Acid >
July
NHS Collaborative East of England Conference
@ : FA 8) a fa. |
YI |
=
Supporting RAF Marham Family Day
a yr
Supporting Norton Hill Charity Event
4 J Sh \ { Aug
= ieee =} og? THE BRIDGE FOR HEROES THE BRIDGE
bf e po ws is
"1 Ve
,
{
j e
National Arboretum Trip
EA fe
Sept Running the Kings Lynn Air Raid Shelter (ARS) on Heritage Day - September
= >
fay! 5 r pil
Oct
Remembrance Sunday
by iz Nov
+ Whitefriars Visiting the ARS in
October
wai ———
{ | ' 6 Kay
A
| : Se s Dec wr! Sr gat Seed ZA
AT = a \ i K
gt BE ay | ips a ais Ty
Christmas Fair Christmas Day Lunch
----- End of picture text -----

----- Start of picture text -----
NHS Collaborative East of England Conference
----- End of picture text -----

The Bridge for Heroes Ltd Annual Report: May 2024

17

Achievements and performances (continued)

----- Start of picture text -----
Volunteer Service Delivery
Training Day
----- End of picture text -----

----- Start of picture text -----
a
----- End of picture text -----

ITV filming of ABFTSC support

Women who severed Awareness Event

----- Start of picture text -----
Receiving the
Blue Plaque from
the Deputy
Lieutenant
General Richard
Dannatt in
recognition of our
community work
during the Covid
pandemic
----- End of picture text -----

----- Start of picture text -----
2024 RAF Marham Welfare Team visit
Jan a>. \j y me ‘io we
os 7, (i y
Feb
Mar PE Aguemtica tah! |-
Tey Pes
7 >
East Region Armed
a eee
Forces Conference, at
Newmarket Racecourse
=©
i&e j Ua] ¥ ty ; By: =
Apr
A lh aN ee
Green Park Centre,
Wicken Green Bingo
Mark Howard completed the
Marathon in a wheel chair
Our Patron General The Lord Dannatt unveiling our Memorial Board
May
----- End of picture text -----

The Bridge for Heroes Ltd Annual Report: May 2024

18

Achievements and performances (continued)

It is always an honour when Lord & Lady Dannatt visit the Bridge Centre as Patrons of our Charity, but it was also very humbling to be presented with the blue plaque, General The Lord ~The the Dannatt in his capacity as Deputy Lieutenant of Norfolk, given in recognition of our resilience throughout the Covid-19 crisis, in May 2024

Bridge for Heroes beneficiaries, volunteers and staff were invited to the presentation in which many were involved or required help and support during such an unprecedented time.

Instead of hindering or limiting the Charity, the pandemic strengthened and developed our services, enabling us to reach out further and in areas we had not previously been able to.

Meeting in gardens and open spaces, keeping our distance and wearing protective equipment enabled us to meet with many veterans who were having to self-isolate due to their age or health. We not only directly helped and supported veterans, widows and widowers, but provided reassurance and comfort to family members across the country who were unable to travel due to the zone restrictions, limitations on numbers who could meet together, and ‘support bubbles’.

Memories from the Covid-19 Pandemic

----- Start of picture text -----
Garden gatherings SS
oe) a set Y
Patoh ge
3 Sle
: ar a
Knitted doll keyrings
presented to staff at the QEH King’s Se ek F
et Lynn, in thanks for : o 4
their tireless work Fe s
----- End of picture text -----

----- Start of picture text -----
Home visits and deliveries
----- End of picture text -----

Mrs D Blake was awarded for walking 200 miles at 84

----- Start of picture text -----
“ee ) ©
Linking beneficiaries together as well as IT training
to enable novices to learn the art of zoom calling.
----- End of picture text -----

The Bridge for Heroes Ltd Annual Report: May 2024

19

Achievements and performances

Veterans’ Places, Pathways and People Programme East (VPPP-East)

Project Sunrise

AFCFT programme: Veterans’ Mental Health and Wellbeing Fund

Finances that were paid out to the projects were not put through the Bridge for Heroes Annual Accounts but were seen as money set in a holding accounting from the AFCFT.

Project Sunrise, managed by The Bridge for Heroes, has demonstrated sustained commitment and effective management throughout the two year in covering the East of England.

Program Overview

The Veterans' Pathways and Partnerships Program (VPPP) East aimed to:

  1. Provide veterans with safe, welcoming places in their local communities.

  2. Support veterans in accessing mental health support and tailored treatment pathways.

  3. Enhance the training and connectivity of staff and volunteers to better link veterans with broader support networks.

Project Management and Funding

Throughout the 2 years, we diligently managed the grant fund, disbursing funds to projects that aligned with their approved plans. The commitment to adherence to project plans has been instrumental in achieving our goals.

AFCFT VPPP - East ProgManagement Dec21-Jan24 £74,000
AFCFT VPPP Project Wide Reach Apr22-Mar24 £26,000
AFCFT VPPP interim Prog Management
Website, CRM, Marketing		 Feb24-Apr24 £13,037

Portfolio

We have collaborated with ten other charities within our portfolio, and established a cross-sector working

group that fosters the sharing of best practices and strengthens connections between organisations to minimise duplication.

to minimise duplication.
Combat Stress Eastern England 24hr helpline Feb22-Jan24 £60,000
Combat 2 Coffee Caseworker for Suffolk/North Essex Feb22-Jan24 £108,000
Companyof Makers Online creative learning Feb22-Jan24 £66,000
Defence Medical
Welfare Service		 Welfare Officer at QEH
King’s Lynn		 Feb22-Mar24 £90,000
SSAFA Local person-centred casework service with a
mental health dimension		 Feb22-Jan24 £50,000
Step Together
Volunteering		 Individual support to veterans with complex needs
through volunteering		 Feb22-Jan24 £64,000
The Bridge for Heroes Free activities for Veterans and their families which
promote positive mental health and wellbeing		 Feb22-Jan24 £80,852
Veterans Community
Network		 Peer welfare mentor Feb22-Mar24 £62,750
Veterans Norfolk Rework of veterans' website and retraining of
volunteer cohort		 Feb22-Jan24 £4,626
Walkingwith Wounded Head Start TherapyTraining Feb22-Jan23 £35,139
Warrior Programme Empowering Veterans and their families to build
mental strength		 Feb22-Jan24 £60,000

The Bridge for Heroes Ltd Annual Report: May 2024

20

The Bridge for Heroes Ltd Annual Report: May 2024 20

Achievements and performances

VPPP East continued

Mental Health Initiatives

The projects under VPPP East have consistently delivered positive outcomes in the mental health domain. Recognising the geographical challenges, we maintained monthly online group meetings, monthly reporting, and conducted workshops to foster collaboration across the region.

The focus of these projects provided veterans with safe spaces and facilitated access to mental health treatment and support. The team of staff and volunteers underwent comprehensive training to identify and address veterans' unique mental health needs arising from their service experiences. Online

training has been provided to all projects from our strategic partners. This was well received and learnings were implemented in day-to-day work.

Engagement with NHS England

We actively participated in a conference held by NHS England, showcasing the progress of the programme. Some projects had the opportunity to present their experiences and insights, further strengthening our collaborative efforts.

Stakeholder Relationships and Collaboration

A key aspect of our work involved building and nurturing relationships in the East of England. Our efforts aimed to facilitate seamless collaboration between statutory bodies and the voluntary sector, promoting a holistic approach to veteran support. In March 2024 we held a successful East Region Armed Forces Conference with 115 attendees and 10 speakers presenting different aspects of support and services available for the Armed Forces Community. An interactive workshop was held in the afternoon to discuss better ways of collaborating and working together in the future.

Project Viewpoint – Phase 1

Project Viewpoint, managed by The Bridge for Heroes, evolved from the successful Project Sunrise and will run as a multi-phased programme from April 2024 until March 2027. It will back projects that will increase support to a significant community of vulnerable veterans throughout the East of England Region and enable this support to be self-sustaining.

Programme Overview

The Veterans' Pathways and Partnerships Program (VPPP) East aims to:

The Bridge for Heroes Ltd Annual Report: May 2024

21

Achievements and performances

VPPP East continued

Phase 1

The Bridge for Heroes is managing the project's first phase, running from April 2024 to September 2024. This phase involves conducting a comprehensive consultation with the veteran community and ultimately producing a strategic plan identifying the needs of the veteran community and funding projects from charities to support these needs in line with the programme objectives.

During this phase, we have funded four of the original projects to continue the work they are doing in the veteran community, as well as assist in the consultation.

We have developed two online questionnaires, one for veterans and one for their families or carers, to submit their views on what support they are aware of, where they think improvements are needed and what barriers they feel are in place towards seeking mental health support. These questionnaires can be completed via the Positive Bridge Media website, set up for Project Sunrise, which has now been developed. The Bridge for Heroes and the funded projects have also carried out face to face meetings with the veteran community in order to gain their views. Two webinars and open discussions have also been held. The first was with an open invite to charities and the veteran community, with a poll held to gain their views. The second was with local authorities, to understand what they have in place regarding the Armed Forces Covenant, what needs assessments they have and what are their action plans. A similar webinar is planned for the NHS later in July.

Stakeholder Relationships and Collaboration

A key aspect of our work involves continually building and nurturing relationships in the East of England. We have now built contacts with most of the Local Authorities employees who are responsible for the Armed Forces Covenant and Darren Hickie attends regular meetings with the Armed Forces Covenant Boards. Darren is now also a member of the E-VPAC (East Veterans Pension Advisory Committee) who report directly to ministers for the East Region.

Our NHS contacts are building as we hope to expand on our involvement in this area following the webinar planned.

Combat 2 Coffee A mobile coffee van initiative that fosters
collaboration among organisations to
engage veterans and families, raising
awareness and consulting on veterans'
needs
Consultations		 Apr24-Sept24 £19,250
£3,000
Defence Medical Welfare Service Focusing on improving hospital access and
community support for veterans and families,
aiming to reduce emergency calls through better
referrals
Consultations		 May24-Oct24 £22,500
£2,000
The Bridge for Heroes Continue to provide activities in the
community
Consultations		 May24-Oct24 £14,400
£3,000
Veterans Community Network Focusing on suicide prevention, social
prescribing, and peer mentoring, with the
goal of expanding the model to other areas.
Consultations		 May24-Oct24 £4,800
£3,000

The Bridge for Heroes Ltd Annual Report: May 2024 22

Future Plans

The success of current services and activities alongside lessons learnt over the past few years helped shape the new Bridge for Heroes Strategy 2023-26. It was also formed through the guidance from the Cobseo Governance Practices Self-reporting tool in conjunction with their Aide Memoire, and the Veteran's Mental Health Awareness Standard self-assessment tool.

Our key focuses continue to:

This will include:

The Bridge for Heroes Ltd Annual Report: May 2024

23

Expenditure

Financial Review

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out in notes to the financial statements and comply with the charity's governing document, the Companies Act 2006 and “Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102)” (as amended for accounting periods commencing from 1 January 2016).

----- Start of picture text -----
£2,047 £49,957
£14,472
£176,314
£2,134
Bridge Centre Raising Funds
VPPP1 & 2.1 Outreach
Nelson Activities Centre
----- End of picture text -----

This part of the Trustees' Annual report comments on the key features of the annual accounts.

Money received - £218,383 Money spent - £244,924

We ended the year with £121,534 of which £39,498 was restricted for the completion of funded activities and projects in the next financial year.

We hold a separate account, where we manage the AFCFT grant-funded VPPP programme in which 11 projects received funding over a twoyear period until Feb 2024. This is a report-based programme where the money is released quarterly from the AFCFT on submission of quarterly reports. This is achieved through monthly reports submitted to the Bridge for Heroes from the 11 projects, (further detail on page 11).

----- Start of picture text -----
Income
----- End of picture text -----

----- Start of picture text -----
£838
£44,353 £852
£55,928
£116,412
Donations Charitable Activities Project Grants
VPPP1 & 2.1 Interest
----- End of picture text -----

Funding approach

Seeking grants has been the principal funding source this year due to the limited number of volunteers able to carry out street collections. We have, however, seen an increase in the number of donations made to the Charity via our Bridge Drop-in centre coming from individuals and local groups. We are registered with and follow the Fundraising Regulator's guidance.

A very small number of individuals continue to donate monthly through standing order arrangements.

99 pence of every pound you donated went on our charitable activities and support costs. Less than 1 pence went on raising funds.

The Bridge for Heroes Ltd Annual Report: May 2024 24

Where our money comes from

Over the financial year we were fortunate to secure funding from the following:

NORFOLK
RF051 AFCFT VPPP – East Project Nile Feb22-Jan24 £80,000 Completed
RF054 AFCFT VPPP Project Sunrise
Support		 Jun22-May24 £26,000 Completed
RF058 RAFBF Project Connect RAF Project Connect
RAF22		 Sept22-Aug23 £4,000 Completed
RF060 AFCFT Developing outreach to
specific veteran groups		 Project Interface Jan23-Dec24 £91,000 Ongoing
RF061 RNRMC Connecting Navy & Marine
veterans and their families		 Project Connect-
Navy23		 Apr23-Mar24 £2,300 Completed
RF062 Veterans’
Foundation		 Welfare staff Welfare Support May23-Apr24 £20,000 Completed
RF063 Cranes Runningcosts Unrestricted £4,000 Completed
RF064 NCF ConnectingOlder People Project Activities Jun23-May24 £5,000 Completed
RF065 ABF TSC Connecting Army veterans
and their families		 Project Continuo Jun23-May24 £30,000 Completed
RF066 NAFC Improve mental health and
wellbeing in the AFC		 Project Connect -
NAFC		 Jun23-May24 £10,000 Completed
RF067 AFCFT Connecting with
organisations and
beneficiaries within the
LGBT+ community		 Project Rainbow Aug23-Mar24 £5,000
(£5,000)		 Completed
RF068 Veterans’
Foundation		 Supporting over 60’s AFC Project Golden
Years		 Nov23-Oct24 £30,000 Ongoing
RF069 AFCFT VPPP interim VPPP Support Feb24-Mar24 £2,782 Completed
RF070 NCF Community Hot Spot during
the colder months		 Project HotSpot Feb24-Mar24 £2,000 Completed
RF071 AFCFT Staggered transition of
activities from NAC into the
community		 Activity support May24-Sept24 £14,400 Ongoing
RF072 Veterans
Norfolk		 Running costs Unrestricted £5,000 Ongoing
RF073 AFCFT VPPP2 VPPP2 phase1
Support		 May24-Oct24 £12,346 Ongoing
The Grant amounts stated may cross over more than one reporting year. This is only a summary of the total
amount we have or will receive

The Grant amounts stated may cross over more than one reporting year. This is only a summary of the total amount we have or will receive

We are extremely thankful and grateful for all the financial support which has W are extremely thankiul and gratetultor ali the financial SUDpPOrt WHICH fas been provided to help our peen provided to heip oul local Armed Forces Community local Armed Forces Community

Further information regarding how each grant has or is being spent can be found in this report's Achievements and Performance section.

The Bridge for Heroes Ltd Annual Report: May 2024

25

Where our money comes from (continued)

Mark Howard Three Peaks Challenge Over 1,300
Other donations via Just Giving £3,010
Knitted Dolls Led by Anne Johnson a group of 5 knitters have
knitted a variety of military soldier doll keyrings		 Over £1,500
King’s Coronation Windsor Road,KLStreet party £1,000
Mayors Charity From previous years'fundraising events £4,508
B&Q, KL Chosen Charity £385
Norfolk Masons Order of the Secret Monitor £1,050
Spiritualist ChurchSnettisham £641
Geoffrey Dicker Lodge-9013 £300
Norton Hill Railway Snettisham £500
West Norfolk Lottery Ticket and prize donations £179

Mark Howard, who served with the Household Cavalry in the Life Guard Regiment has been fundraising for us for =BF =a fh|si over 9 years. Due to injuries sustained to his legs, Mark has to rely on a wheelchair, but he has never allowed his ape : injuries to stop him from being active. He has completed over 80 challenges using my handcycle and wheelchair to raise money for the Bridge for Heroes as well as other charities, hoping to inspire others along the way.

These challenges have included riding

up to 100 miles on his handcycle all over the country, wheelchair marathons and half marathons and even swimming 2 miles in open water. Last year, he rode a handcycle in the sea on Christmas day! He became the first Wheelchair user to complete the ‘London Classics medal’ - London Marathon, Ride London, and Swim Serpentine - in the same year. Something he aims to do it again!

Last year Mark set himself the biggest challenge yet - to take on the National Three Peaks Challenge along with a support team of friends, family, and members of Hunstanton and District Round Table 615. This expedition has never been done before by a ‘wheelie’ and Mark had hoped to complete this in August 2024. He has a specially designed wheelchair for this event (funded by the Hunstanton and District Round Table.

However, in July 2024, Mark had a road accident whilst training which ruptured his shoulder preventing him from continuing with his strict training regime.

Despite this setback, Mark never takes long before he is back testing his endurance and stamina—if he can’t do something, he will find a way around it to make sure it happens.

Mark self-funds his challenges by selling woodwork, which is another interest of his, and aims, in the coming years to raise funds for the Bridge for Heroes, BLESMA (support to limbless veterans) and East Anglia Air Ambulance.

Mark has been supported by the Hunstanton Round Table who provided his yellow wheelchair to do the 3-peaks, the NHS for his black wheelchair, and the Artic 1 Foundation, Bruce Wake Trust, Household Cavalry and his own fundraising efforts for the bespoke handcycle.

The Bridge for Heroes Ltd Annual Report: May 2024

26

Financial Review (cont.)

We have plans to diversify our income streams to prioritise applications for multi-year funding where possible, as well as identify opportunities for unrestricted/core funding which provide greater flexibility.

Reserves Policy

The Trustees have examined the Charity’s requirements for reserves in light of the main risks to the organisation. It has established a policy whereby the unrestricted funds not committed or invested in tangible fixed assets held by the Charity should equate to a minimum of £54,000, approximately 3 months of essential running costs.

The financial reserves will enable the charity to meet future commitments and unforeseen expenses without a negative impact on its ability to deliver core services or develop the business in the manner planned. The trustees have agreed that any reserves accrued above the target amount will be used for the following purposes:

▪ To fund unexpected but necessary expenditures; and

▪ To fund shortfalls in income, when income does not reach expected levels

Investment Policy

The Charity has limited funds and minimal assets and has no investment policy at this time.

Budget Management

Our budget management system is being used effectively to assist the Charity in budget setting, reporting and monitoring, and was a baseline for our June 2022 to May 2023 budget.

Grantmaking

We do not permit our funds to be used for grants to charities, hospitals, schools or other funds, societies or institutions.

Under the AFCFT VPPP a portion of the grants we receive are allocated to other charities and organisations and are paid through us on the AFCFT behalf. We do not use our own funds to cover these grants.

Going Concern

The Trustees have a reasonable expectation that the Charity has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. For this reason, they continue to adopt the going concern basis in preparing the financial statements.

The Bridge for Heroes Ltd Annual Report: May 2024

27

Structure, governance and management

Status and objects

The Bridge for Heroes was registered under the Companies Act 1985 on 5[th] December 2009 as a company limited by guarantee and registered with the Charities Commission in England & Wales from 21[st] September 2010. Our governing document is a Memorandum and Articles of Association which dates from 2010.

Appointment, Induction, and Training

Directors of the company are also Charity Trustees for the purposes of charity law, and under the company’s Articles are known as members of the management committee. All new Trustees are approved by the Management Committee. New Trustees are sought through a number of different routes and from time-to-time trustee posts are advertised.

Every Trustee is made aware of their duties and responsibilities after they have been approved, through discussion with the Chair and CEO, by receiving materials from the Charity Commission and by undergoing induction training. Further training is available for specific roles and responsibilities. Training is provided as required and external training is available through our membership with Cobseo.

Risk Management

The Board discusses and assesses the risk to which the Charity is exposed. This risk management process is ongoing and members of the Senior Management Team, as appropriate, provide regular updates to the Board on a project-specific basis.

Where appropriate, systems or procedures have been established to mitigate the risks the Charity faces. Internal control risks are minimised by the implementation of procedures for authorisation of all transactions and projects.

Procedures are in place to ensure compliance with the health and safety of staff, volunteers, beneficiaries, and visitors. These procedures are periodically reviewed to ensure that they continue to meet the needs of the Charity.

How our activities deliver public benefit

Our main activities and who we try to help are outlined throughout this report. When considering what services and activities the Charity should provide, the Trustees refer to the guidance contained in the Charity Commission's general guidance on public benefit. The Trustees are satisfied that the current aims of the Charity are undertaken to further our charitable purposes for public benefit.

Organisational Structure

The Board of Trustees is currently comprised of 7 people, with a broad range of skills and professions, including legal, finance, health and safety, fundraising, adult learning, psychological well-being and marketing. Where possible they have met monthly and are responsible for the direction and policies of the Charity.

The staff team is managed by a small management team comprising the Chief Executive Officer, Project manager, Welfare Manager and Welfare Activities Officer. The welfare team consists of Charity Coordinators, Welfare Support Workers and an Administration and Finance Assistant. Staff pay and benefits are reviewed annually by the Trustees.

The paid staff oversee the roles, tasks, and responsibilities of our indispensable team of volunteers supporting the Charity’s activities. Volunteers support every area of the Charity and are vital in providing our full service.

The Charity is registered with the Information Commissioner’s Office and complies with all Data Protection legislation.

The Bridge for Heroes Ltd Annual Report: May 2024

28

Reference and administrative details

THE BRIDGE FOR HEROES LTD

Registered Charity No: 1138136 Registered Limited Company No: 07096496 Principal address: The Bridge for Heroes 52a South Clough Lane, King’s Lynn, Norfolk PE30 1SE Patrons The Lady Dannatt MBE HM Lord-Lieutenant General The Lord Dannatt, GCB, CBE, MC, DL Trustees and Directors Trustees who are also directors under company law, who served during the year and up to the date of this report were as follows: Chair Steve Russell BCAo Trustee-Directors Sharon Edwards BFP FCA Siobhan Vaughan (reappointed 13/12/23) Tim Wiskin Gary Alexander (retired 13/12/23) Lindsey Bavin Lindsey Wood (appointed 07/03/24) Nathan Johnson (appointed 07/03/24) Directors Helen Taylor MBE, CEO Andrew Pover, Welfare Manager Trustee Support Secretary Denise Walmsley Senior Management Team Helen Taylor MBE, CEO Andrew Pover, Welfare Manager Gregg Baker, Welfare Officer VPPP Project Manager Darren Hickie MAAT, VPPP Project Manager Bankers TSB 1 Tuesday Market Place, King’s Lynn, Norfolk, PE30 1JU Independent Examiner Stephenson Smart 22-26 King Street, King’s Lynn, Norfolk, PE30 1HJ

The Bridge for Heroes Ltd Annual Report: May 2024

29

Declaration

The Trustees (who are also directors of The Bridge for Heroes for the purposes of company law) are responsible for preparing the Trustees' report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).

Company law requires the Trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year. Under company law the Trustees must not approve the financial statements unless they are satisfied that they 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 that period. In preparing these financial statements, the Trustees are required to:

The Trustees are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that are sufficient to show and explain the charitable company's transactions and disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charitable company and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Companies Act 2006. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charitable company and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.

This report was approved by the Trustees on:

and signed on their behalf by:

Steve Russell Chair of Trustees

Date: 13[th] December, 2024

The Bridge for Heroes Ltd Annual Report: May 2024

30

Independent Examiner’s Report to the Trustees of The Bridge for Heroes Limited

I report to the trustees (who are also Directors for the purpose of company law) on my examination of the financial statements of The Bridge for Heroes Limited (‘the charitable company’) for the year ended 31 May 2024 which comprise the Statement of Financial Activities, the Balance Sheet and related notes.

This report is made solely to the charity’s trustees, as a body, in accordance with section 145 of the Charities Act 2011. My work has been undertaken so that I might state to the charity’s trustees those matters I am required to state to them in this report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, I do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the charity and the charity’s trustees as a body, for my work, for this report, or for the opinions I have formed.

Responsibilities and basis of report

As the trustees of charitable company you are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 (‘the 2006 Act’).

Having satisfied myself that the financial statements of the charitable company are not required to be audited under Part 16 of the Act and are eligible for independent examination, I report in respect of my examination of the charitable company’s financial statements carried out under section 145 of the Charities Act 2011 (‘the 2011 Act’) and in carrying out my examination I have followed all the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act.

An independent examination does not involve gathering all the evidence that would be required in an audit and consequently does not cover all the matters that an auditor considers in giving their opinion on the financial statements. The planning and conduct of an audit goes beyond the limited assurance that an independent examination can provide. Consequently I express no opinion as to whether the financial statements present a ‘true and fair’ view and my report is limited to those specific matters set out in the independent examiner’s statement.

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:

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 financial statements to be reached.

Claire Melton FCCA TEP Stephenson Smart 22 -26 King Street King’s Lynn Nprfolk PE30 1HJ

29 November 2024]

THE BRIDGE FOR HEROES LIMITED

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES INCLUDING INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MAY 2024

Unrestricted
Restricted
funds
funds
2024
2024
Notes
£
£
Income from:
Donations and legacies
3
39,353
5,000
Charitable activities
4
852
172,340
Investments
5
838
-
Total income
41,043
177,340
Expenditure on:
Raising funds
6
1,954
180
Charitable activities
7
43,291
199,499
Total expenditure
45,245
199,679
Net income/(expenditure) and
movement in funds
(4,202)
(22,339)
Reconciliation of funds:
Fund balances at 1 June 2023
86,238
61,837
Fund balances at 31 May
2024
82,036
39,498		 Total
Unrestricted
Restricted
funds
funds
2024
2023
2023
£
£
£
44,353
76,310
10,192
173,192
1,186
205,794
838
-
-
218,383
77,496
215,986
2,134
1,811
-
242,790
46,889
214,215
244,924
48,700
214,215
(26,541)
28,796
1,771
148,075
57,442
60,066
121,534
86,238
61,837		 Total
2023
£
86,502
206,980
-
293,482
1,811
261,104
262,915
30,567
117,508
148,075

The statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year. All income and expenditure derive from continuing activities.

THE BRIDGE FOR HEROES LIMITED BALANCE SHEET ASAT31 MAY2024 2024 2023 Notes Flxed assets Tangible assets 13 18,061 19,716 Current assets Debtors Cash at bank and in hand 14 2,652 143,623 3,943 211.530 146,275 215,473 Creditors: amounts falllng due wlthln one year 15 (42,802) (87,114) Net current asset8 103,473 128,359 Total assets less cuTh8nt Ilabllltles 121,534 148,075 Net assets •xcluding p•n8ion liabllity 121.534 148,075 The funds of the charlty R8Stricled Incomo funds Unrestricted funds 17 39,498 82.036 61,837 86,238 121,534 148.075 The Company is enii'tled to the exemption from the audit requirement contained in section 477 of the Companies Ad 2006, for the year ended 31 May 2024. The directors acknowledge their responsibilities for complying with the requirements ol the Companies Act 2006 with respect to accounting records and the preparation of financial statements. The members have not required the company to obtain an audit of its financial statements for the year in question in aGcordance wllh sectlon 476. Thès8 financial slatements have been prepared in accordance with the provi3i0ns applicable to companies subjecl to the small companies regime. The financial statements were approved by the trustees on ..J.3th .D.ecen4)ert. 201£ S Russell Trustee S Edwards Trustee Company registration number 07096496 (England And Wales)

THE BRIDGE FOR HEROES LIMITED

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MAY 2024

1 Accounting policies

Charity information

The Bridge for Heroes Limited is a private company limited by guarantee incorporated in England and Wales. The registered office is 52a South Clough Lane, King's Lynn, Norfolk, PE30 1SE.

1.1 Accounting convention

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the charity's [governing document], the Companies Act 2006, FRS 102 “The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland” (“FRS 102”) and the Charities SORP "Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102)" (effective 1 January 2019). The charity is a Public Benefit Entity as defined by FRS 102.

The charity has taken advantage of the provisions in the SORP for charities not to prepare a Statement of Cash Flows.

The financial statements are prepared in sterling, which is the functional currency of the charity. Monetary amounts in these financial statements are rounded to the nearest £.

The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention. The principal accounting policies adopted are set out below.

1.2 Going concern

At the time of approving the financial statements, the trustees have a reasonable expectation that the charity has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. Thus the trustees continue to adopt the going concern basis of accounting in preparing the financial statements.

1.3 Charitable funds

Unrestricted funds are available for use at the discretion of the trustees in furtherance of their charitable objectives.

Restricted funds are subject to specific conditions by donors or grantors as to how they may be used. The purposes and uses of the restricted funds are set out in the notes to the financial statements.

1.4 Income

Income is recognised when the charity is legally entitled to it after any performance conditions have been met, the amounts can be measured reliably, and it is probable that income will be received.

Cash donations are recognised on receipt. Other donations are recognised once the charity has been notified of the donation, unless performance conditions require deferral of the amount. Income tax recoverable in relation to donations received under Gift Aid or deeds of covenant is recognised at the time of the donation.

Donated services and facilities are included in the SOFA when received at the value of the gift to the charity provided the value of the gift can be measured reliably. Donated services and facilities that are consumed immediately are recognised as income with an equivalent amount recognised as an expense under the appropriate heading in the SOFA.

Grants are only included in the SOFA when the general income recognition criteria has been met as detailed above, In the case of performance related grants, income must only be recognised to the extent that the charity has provided the specified goods or services as entitlement to the grant only occurs when the performance related conditions are met.

THE BRIDGE FOR HEROES LIMITED

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MAY 2024

1 Accounting policies

(Continued)

1.5 Expenditure

Liabilities are recognised where 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.

Support costs have been allocated between governance costs and other support. Governance costs comprise of all costs involving public accountability of the charity and its compliance with regulation and good practice. Support costs include central functions and have been allocated to activity cost categories on a basis consistent with the use of resources, eg allocating property costs by floor areas, or per capita, staff costs by the time spent and other costs by their usage.

1.6 Tangible fixed assets

Tangible fixed assets are initially measured at cost and subsequently measured at cost or valuation, net of depreciation and any impairment losses.

Depreciation is recognised so as to write off the cost or valuation of assets less their residual values over their useful lives on the following bases:

Fixtures, fittings and equipment 25% reducing balance Computers 25% reducing balance

The gain or loss arising on the disposal of an asset is determined as the difference between the sale proceeds and the carrying value of the asset, and is recognised in the statement of financial activities.

Tangible fixed assets are capitalised if they cost over £100 and can be used for more than one year.

1.7 Impairment of fixed assets

At each reporting end date, the charity reviews the carrying amounts of its tangible assets to determine whether there is any indication that those assets have suffered an impairment loss. If any such indication exists, the recoverable amount of the asset is estimated in order to determine the extent of the impairment loss (if any).

1.8 Cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents include cash in hand, deposits held at call with banks, other short-term liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less, and bank overdrafts. Bank overdrafts are shown within borrowings in current liabilities.

1.9 Financial instruments

The charity has elected to apply the provisions of Section 11 ‘Basic Financial Instruments’ and Section 12 ‘Other Financial Instruments Issues’ of FRS 102 to all of its financial instruments.

Financial instruments are recognised in the charity's balance sheet when the charity becomes party to the contractual provisions of the instrument.

Financial assets and liabilities are offset, with the net amounts presented in the financial statements, when there is a legally enforceable right to set off the recognised amounts and there is an intention to settle on a net basis or to realise the asset and settle the liability simultaneously.

THE BRIDGE FOR HEROES LIMITED

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MAY 2024

1 Accounting policies

(Continued)

Basic financial assets

Basic financial assets, which include debtors and cash and bank balances, are initially measured at transaction price including transaction costs and are subsequently carried at amortised cost using the effective interest method unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, where the transaction is measured at the present value of the future receipts discounted at a market rate of interest. Financial assets classified as receivable within one year are not amortised.

Basic financial liabilities

Basic financial liabilities, including creditors and bank loans are initially recognised at transaction price unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, where the debt instrument is measured at the present value of the future payments discounted at a market rate of interest. Financial liabilities classified as payable within one year are not amortised.

Debt instruments are subsequently carried at amortised cost, using the effective interest rate method.

Trade creditors are obligations to pay for goods or services that have been acquired in the ordinary course of operations from suppliers. Amounts payable are classified as current liabilities if payment is due within one year or less. If not, they are presented as non-current liabilities. Trade creditors are recognised initially at transaction price and subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method.

Derecognition of financial liabilities

Financial liabilities are derecognised when the charity’s contractual obligations expire or are discharged or cancelled.

1.10 Employee benefits

The cost of any unused holiday entitlement is recognised in the period in which the employee’s services are received.

Termination benefits are recognised immediately as an expense when the charity is demonstrably committed to terminate the employment of an employee or to provide termination benefits.

1.11 Retirement benefits

Payments to defined contribution retirement benefit schemes are charged as an expense as they fall due.

2 Critical accounting estimates and judgements

In the application of the charity’s accounting policies, the trustees are required to make judgements, estimates and assumptions about the carrying amount of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. The estimates and associated assumptions are based on historical experience and other factors that are considered to be relevant. Actual results may differ from these estimates.

The estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognised in the period in which the estimate is revised where the revision affects only that period, or in the period of the revision and future periods where the revision affects both current and future periods.

THE BRIDGE FOR HEROES LIMITED

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MAY 2024

3 Donations and legacies

Unrestricted
Restricted
funds
funds
2024
2024
£
£
Donations and gifts
36,759
5,000
Government grants
-
-
Donated assets
2,594
-
39,353
5,000		 Total
Unrestricted
Restricted
funds
funds
2024
2023
2023
£
£
£
41,759
71,969
4,000
-
4,341
6,192
2,594
-
-
44,353
76,310
10,192		 Total
2023
£
75,969
10,533
-
86,502

4 Charitable activities

Charitable activities
Charitable Charitable
Income Income
2024 2023
£ £
Donations from donated goods, and goods made by beneficiaries 852 1,186
Grants specifically for charitable activities 172,340 205,794
173,192 206,980
Analysis by fund
Unrestricted funds 852 1,186
Restricted funds 172,340 205,794
173,192 206,980

5 Income from investments

Unrestricted Unrestricted
funds funds
2024 2023
£ £
Interest receivable 838 -

THE BRIDGE FOR HEROES LIMITED

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MAY 2024

6
Expenditure on raising funds
Unrestricted
Restricted
funds
funds
2024
2024
£
£
Fundraising and publicity
Membership schemes
and social lotteries
-
-
Other fundraising costs
-
-
Support costs
1,954
180
1,954
180
7
Charitable activities
Bridge
Centre
Outreach Nelson
2024
2024
£
£
Staff costs
108,610
848
Rent, utility, building
insurance
21,550
-
Projects, services &
activities
7,507
738
Services & operation
5,000
-
Payroll processing
-
-
Training
-
-
Support costs
3,700
-
Repairs, maintenance
and equipment
259
-
Printing, postage and
stationery
779
-
Telephone
1,203
-
IT and website
618
-
Publicity
76
461
Other costs
-
-
Project management
11,392
-
160,694
2,047
Share of support costs
(see note 8)
14,827
-
Share of governance
costs (see note 8)
793
-
176,314
2,047
Analysis by fund
Unrestricted funds
41,097
141
Restricted funds
135,217
1,906
176,314
2,047		 Total
Unrestricted
Restricted
funds
funds
2024
2023
2023
£
£
£
-
251
-
-
80
-
2,134
1,480
-
2,134
1,811
-
Activity
Centre
VPPP
Total
2024
2024
2024
£
£
£
21,317
3,992
134,767
16,500
-
38,050
8,528
-
16,773
-
-
5,000
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
3,700
-
-
259
16
-
795
517
-
1,720
-
9,040
9,658
-
-
537
-
-
-
-
1,440
12,832
46,878
14,472
224,091
3,079
-
17,906
-
-
793
49,957
14,472
242,790
613
1,440
43,291
49,344
13,032
199,499
49,957
14,472
242,790		 Total
2023
£
251
80
1,480
1,811
Total
2023
£
113,994
39,089
11,604
-
588
246
1,694
732
772
1,584
11,653
-
265
44,139
226,360
34,011
733
261,104
46,889
214,215
261,104

THE BRIDGE FOR HEROES LIMITED

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MAY 2024

7 Charitable activities

(Continued)

For the year ended 31 May 2023

Staff costs
Rent, utility, building insurance
Projects, services & activities
Payroll processing
Training
Support costs
Repairs, maintenance and equipment
Printing, postage and stationery
Telephone
IT and website
Other costs
Project management
Share of support costs (see note 8)
Share of governance costs (see note 8)
Analysis by fund
Unrestricted funds
Restricted funds		 Bridge
Centre
Outreach
£
£
62,978
16,872
20,089
-
3,836
779
588
-
180
-
1,694
-
676
20
543
139
998
-
2,000
178
265
-
-
-
93,847
17,988
30,933
-
733
-
125,513
17,988
34,975
71
90,538
17,917
125,513
17,988		 Nelson
Activity
Centre
£
34,144
19,000
6,989
-
66
-
36
90
586
-
-
-
60,911
3,078
-
63,989
11,843
52,146
63,989		 VPPP
£
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
9,475
-
44,139
53,614
-
-
53,614
-
53,614
53,614		 Total
2023
£
113,994
39,089
11,604
588
246
1,694
732
772
1,584
11,653
265
44,139
226,360
34,011
733
261,104
46,889
214,215
261,104

THE BRIDGE FOR HEROES LIMITED

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MAY 2024

8 Support costs allocated to activities

Staff costs
Depreciation
Subscriptions
Fundraising
Governance costs
Analysed between:
Fundraising
Bridge Centre
Nelson Activty Centre
9
Net movement in funds
The net movement in funds is stated after charging/(crediting):
Depreciation of owned tangible fixed assets
Loss on disposal of tangible fixed assets		 2024
£
14,355
5,505
180
-
793
20,833
2,134
15,620
3,079
20,833
2024
£
4,219
1,286		 2023
£
27,765
5,984
257
1,485
733
36,224
1,480
31,666
3,078
36,224
2023
£
5,509
-

10 Trustees

Travel expenses totalling £0 (2023 - £49) were paid to trustees during the year.

11 Employees

The average monthly number of employees during the year was:

Charitable activities
Employment costs
Wages and salaries
Social security costs
Other pension costs		 2024
Number
10
2024
£
141,210
5,453
2,459
149,122		 2023
Number
5
2023
£
134,561
4,756
2,442
141,759

THE BRIDGE FOR HEROES LIMITED

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MAY 2024

11 Employees

(Continued)

There were no employees whose annual remuneration was more than £60,000.

Remuneration of key management personnel

The remuneration of key management personnel was as follows:

2024 2023
£ £
Aggregate compensation 47,043 42,848

12 Taxation

The charity is exempt from taxation on its activities because all its income is applied for charitable purposes.

13 Tangible fixed assets

Fixtures,
fittings and
equipment
Computers
£
£
Cost
At 1 June 2023
24,176
11,649
Additions
3,452
848
Disposals
(3,104)
(1,925)
At 31 May 2024
24,524
10,572
Depreciation and impairment
At 1 June 2023
10,902
5,207
Depreciation charged in the year
2,762
1,457
Eliminated in respect of disposals
(1,807)
(1,486)
At 31 May 2024
11,857
5,178
Carrying amount
At 31 May 2024
12,667
5,394
At 31 May 2023
13,273
6,443
14
Debtors
2024
Amounts falling due within one year:
£
Other debtors
2,652		 Total
£
35,825
4,300
(5,029)
35,096
16,109
4,219
(3,293)
17,035
18,061
19,716
2023
£
3,943

THE BRIDGE FOR HEROES LIMITED

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MAY 2024

15 Creditors: amounts falling due within one year

15
Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
Other taxation and social security
Other creditors (VPPP)
16
Retirement benefit schemes
Defined contribution schemes
Charge to profit or loss in respect of defined contribution schemes		 2024
£
1,843
40,959
42,802
2024
£
2,459		 2023
£
2,514
84,600
87,114
2023
£
2,442

The charity operates a defined contribution pension scheme for all qualifying employees. The assets of the scheme are held separately from those of the charity in an independently administered fund.

17 Restricted funds

The restricted funds of the charity comprise the unexpended balances of donations and grants held on trust subject to specific conditions by donors as to how they may be used.

Movement in funds Movement in funds Movement in funds Movement in funds
Balance at Incoming Resources Balance at Incoming Resources Balance at
1 June 2022 resources expended 1 June 2023 resources expended 31 May 2024
£ £ £ £ £ £ £
Fixed assets 891 - (222) 669 - (349) 320
Fund 30 5,335 1,750 (1,774) 5,311 - (1,402) 3,909
Fund 30A 290 - (73) 217 - (54) 163
Fund 25 374 - (68) 306 - (51) 255
Fund 31 142 - (36) 106 - (27) 79
Fund 34 450 - (115) 335 - (86) 249
Fund 36 97 - (24) 73 - (73) -
Fund 38 143 - (36) 107 - (107) -
Fund 43 1,686 1,750 (890) 2,546 - (905) 1,641
Fund 44 775 - (194) 581 - (145) 436
Fund 46 12,258 - (12,258) - - - -
Fund 47 4,136 500 (1,159) 3,477 - (869) 2,608
Fund 48 645 - (645) - - - -
Fund 49 1,836 - (303) 1,533 - (227) 1,306
Fund 50 - 34,154 (34,154) - - - -
Fund 51 1,508 40,000 (39,792) 1,716 27,524 (28,564) 676
Fund 52 28,500 - (19,460) 9,040 - (9,040) -
Fund 53 1,000 - (1,000) - - - -
Fund 54 - 16,156 (15,300) 856 10,400 (11,256) -
Fund 55 - 20,000 (20,000) - - - -
Fund 56 - 29,424 (29,086) 338 - (40) 298
Fund 57 - 6,193 (5,635) 558 - (102) 456
Fund 58 - 4,000 (3,000) 1,000 - (1,000) -

THE BRIDGE FOR HEROES LIMITED

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MAY 2024

17 Restricted funds

Restricted funds
Fund 59
Fund 60
Fund 61
Fund 62
Fund 63
Fund 64
Fund 65
Fund 66
Fund 67
Fund 68
Fund 69
Fund 70
Fund 71
Fund 72
Fund 73		 -
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
60,066		 8,950
(8,384)
21,726
(17,476)
2,383
(92)
20,000
(3,039)
4,000
-
5,000
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
215,986
(214,215)		 566
4,250
2,291
16,961
4,000
5,000
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
61,837		 (Continued)
-
(12)
554
43,452
(42,662)
5,040
-
(2,291)
-
-
(16,961)
-
-
(3,805)
195
-
(4,395)
605
30,000
(30,000)
-
10,000
(10,000)
-
10,000
(10,000)
-
30,000
(12,082)
17,918
2,782
(2,782)
-
2,000
(2,000)
-
2,400
(2,400)
-
5,000
(2,210)
2,790
3,782
(3,782)
-
177,340
(199,679)
39,498		 (Continued)
-
(12)
554
43,452
(42,662)
5,040
-
(2,291)
-
-
(16,961)
-
-
(3,805)
195
-
(4,395)
605
30,000
(30,000)
-
10,000
(10,000)
-
10,000
(10,000)
-
30,000
(12,082)
17,918
2,782
(2,782)
-
2,000
(2,000)
-
2,400
(2,400)
-
5,000
(2,210)
2,790
3,782
(3,782)
-
177,340
(199,679)
39,498
39,498

The purpose and restrictions placed on the various restricted funds are as follows:

THE BRIDGE FOR HEROES LIMITED

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MAY 2024

17 Restricted funds

(Continued)

More details about each current grant fund can be found in the TAR.

18 Unrestricted funds

The unrestricted funds of the charity comprise the unexpended balances of donations and grants which are not subject to specific conditions by donors and grantors as to how they may be used. These include designated funds which have been set aside out of unrestricted funds by the trustees for specific purposes.

At
General funds
Previous year:
At
General funds		 1 June
2023
Incoming
resources
Resources
expended
At 31 May
2024
£
£
£
£
86,238
41,043
(45,245)
82,036
1 June
2022
Incoming
resources
Resources
expended
At 31 May
2023
£
£
£
£
57,442
77,496
(48,700)
86,238

THE BRIDGE FOR HEROES LIMITED

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MAY 2024

19 Analysis of net assets between funds

Unrestricted
Restricted
funds
funds
2024
2024
£
£
At 31 May 2024:
Tangible assets
5,608
12,453
Current assets/(liabilities)
76,428
27,045
82,036
39,498
Unrestricted
Restricted
funds
funds
2023
2023
£
£
At 31 May 2023:
Tangible assets
3,526
16,190
Current assets/(liabilities)
82,712
45,647
86,238
61,837		 Total
2024
£
18,061
103,473
121,534
Total
2023
£
19,716
128,359
148,075

20 Related party transactions

There were no disclosable related party transactions during the year (2023 - none).