DocuSign Envelope ID: 5858486C-F581-4B29-8262-389AF219191D
North London Action for the Homeless Trustees Report and Financial Statements - 31 March 2021
North London Action for the Homeless
Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2021
Company limited by guarantee. Registered in England and Wales No. 07178434. Registered Charity No. 1139024.
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DocuSign Envelope ID: 5858486C-F581-4B29-8262-389AF219191D
North London Action for the Homeless Trustees Report and Financial Statements - 31 March 2021
The objects of NLAH are to run a drop in centre that is open to all who are homeless or in need, within an ethos of service, respect and acceptance. We also run a wellbeing gardening project as an educational programme to increase the knowledge and skills of people to address food poverty where they learn to grow and cook different food. NLAH strives to influence policy and overcome barriers to accommodation and other services to which homeless and excluded people are entitled.
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North London Action for the Homeless Trustees Report and Financial Statements - 31 March 2021
Trustees Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2021
| Contents | Page |
|---|---|
| Reference and administrative information | 4 |
| Report of the trustees | 5 |
| Independent examiner’s report | 9 |
| Statement of financial activities | 11 |
| Balance sheet | 12 |
| Notes to the financial statements | 13 |
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DocuSign Envelope ID: 5858486C-F581-4B29-8262-389AF219191D
North London Action for the Homeless Trustees Report and Financial Statements - 31 March 2019
Trustees
Jessica Hodge (Chair) Conor Gibson (Vice Chair) Rupesh Raja (Treasurer) (appointed 25 January 2021) Elizabeth Barnes Anne Goldstein (resigned 26 January 2021)
Registered Office
St Paul’s Church West Hackney Stoke Newington Road London N16 7UY
Charity and Company Registration
Registered charity 1139024
Company limited by guarantee in England and Wales 07178434
Independent examiner
Kim D Hooper 132 Admirals Tower 8 Dowells Street London SE10 9GE
Banker
Unity Trust Bank plc Nine Brindleyplace 4 Oozells Square Birmingham B1 2HB
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DocuSign Envelope ID: 5858486C-F581-4B29-8262-389AF219191D
North London Action for the Homeless Trustees Report and Financial Statements - 31 March 2021
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES
Activities, Achievements and Performance
This year was immensely challenging for so many. As the UK and the world locked down, we were tremendously proud to have kept our doors open to some of the most in-need people in our local community, quickly adapting how we operated to ensure the safety of our guests, service users and staff.
We reviewed our offering of services in early March 2020 to consider how best we could support our community and stay safe with the spread of Covid. When the UK announced a lock down in late March 2020, we had already suspended our sit down meals in favour of take away meals, which enabled us to
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Adapt our twice weekly drop in sessions to safely provide more than 6,000 nutritious hot take away meals (in place of our sit down meals)
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Deliver 153 meals to those who were advised to shield
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Provide 2,000 food parcels with suitable shelf stable foods and toiletries
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Continue to be a venue for other organisations to offer support services such as health checks and vaccines
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Source compostable containers to reduce environmental impact of our take away meals
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Continue to provide advocacy and support to guests, in person and on the phone
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Provide access to showers and laundry for those unable to access these during lockdown
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Support more than 80 individuals that accessed our services for the first time
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Undertake a diversity and inclusivity survey across entire organisation, including service users, volunteers, staff and trustees
Our service is heavily reliant on our wonderful volunteers. During the first lockdown, we restricted the number of volunteers attending sessions to keep everyone as safe as possible. As restrictions eased and Covid-19 vaccines became available, our service benefited from involving more volunteers to deliver our sessions.
Due to lockdown restrictions, we suspended the Evering Road Wellbeing and Garden Project for much of the year and redirected the staff hours to the additional tasks required to run the drop in safely for all.
We were heartened by the tremendous local support we received during the pandemic, both generous financial support as well as donations of food and other items for distribution.
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North London Action for the Homeless Trustees Report and Financial Statements - 31 March 2021
Service User Survey 2020 Snapshot
Our annual survey of service users showed the following:
● Increase of female service users to 24% (2019: 13%)
● More Hackney based service users at 80% (2019: 69%)
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Increase in unemployed at 84% (2019: 72%); 0% identifying as employed (2019: 7%)
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Increase in respondents answering yes to mental health issues and long term illness/disabilities (2020: 63%, 2019: 40%)
● Decrease in rough sleepers (2020:6%, 2019: 25%). There has been a push to house more people with an increase in temporary accommodation / hostel following the Government’s ‘Everyone In’ programme during the pandemic.
Our plans for 2021-22
Plan and implement how our service will run following the end of lockdowns. Following discussions with our service users, we expect we will operate both an indoor dining and take away service. We believe this best caters for the different needs of our community.
Return to running our wellbeing gardening project twice a month.
Recruit additional trustees to the NLAH board, to ensure we have the skills required to support our future development.
Continue to review our diversity and inclusivity behaviours and monitoring.
Financial Review and Reserves Policy
NLAH continues to enjoy strong local support from charitable funds and trusts, businesses and individuals.
During 2020-21, NLAH received over £72,000 in donations from the community and local businesses. The generosity of our local community ensured we were able to focus on the service delivery through the Covid emergency, with a secure financial position.
NLAH also received £44,800 in grant funding from various charitable trusts. Details of our grant funding are shown in note 2 to the accounts.
A large numbers of individuals volunteer their time at the twice weekly drop in sessions, with an active pool of 80 volunteers. The charity is also grateful to all those local businesses and individuals who have supported it during the year by donating food or other items and services.
Expenditure increased during the year by almost £6,000 to £86,000 (7% increase). This was largely due to increase in staff costs, attributable to additional hours and wage increases.
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North London Action for the Homeless Trustees Report and Financial Statements - 31 March 2021
The charity aims to hold between three and six months running costs in reserve. £5,000 has been transferred from the Unrestricted Income Fund to the Reserve Fund, bringing the Reserve Fund balance to £45,000 in line with the increase in the expected ongoing cost base to delivery the service.
Structure, governance and management
North London Action for the Homeless (NLAH) has been supporting homeless and vulnerable people in Stoke Newington for 28 years. NLAH was formed by members of the local community in 1993 and held its first drop in session that year.
NLAH originally formed as an unincorporated charity, registration number 1032580. The present charity was incorporated in 2010 and on 31 March 2010 the activities of charity number 1032580 were transferred to it.
The Charity’s trustees are appointed by the board and stand for re-election by the Charity’s Members at the Annual General Meeting. The trustees meet on average every six weeks, together with Management Committee including staff and members.
On a day to day basis, NLAH is run by five part-time staff. The Co-Centre Managers have responsibility for overseeing the running of the drop in sessions (twice weekly) and the gardening Wellbeing project (which was suspended this year due to Covid-19, to redirect resources to the drop in). The Volunteer Co-Ordinator is responsible for the recruitment and management of the large number of volunteers, who are essential to the work of NLAH. The Cook oversees the running of the kitchen for the drop in sessions. NLAH also employs a Mental Health support worker for the Wellbeing project.
Fundraising
NLAH raises money from charitable trusts, a donation page on JustGiving and Virgin Giving and a small number of fundraising events. Companies or individuals can set up campaign pages on the JustGiving and Virgin Giving to raise funds on behalf of NLAH.
NLAH invites supporters to fundraising events. NLAH also promotes our annual Winter appeal on JustGiving and makes it known we are looking for particular food items or toiletries on our social media channels. NLAH does not contact individuals requesting donations.
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North London Action for the Homeless Trustees Report and Financial Statements - 31 March 2021
THANK YOU
We would like to say a huge thank you to all our supporters. Big or small, all of the assistance we receive is the reason we can keep our doors open to all those in need.
Here are some of the thank yous we would like to make.
For donating time and expertise
All of our drop in session volunteers Helena Smith for the redesign of the NLAH website Margot Broderick for undertaking an organisational review
For financial donations
Apex Clissold Park Tavern Dorothy Leiper - Wee King of Nowhere - short movie proceeds Elliott Building & Civil Engineering Howdens Joinery Irusu Candles Nisa Stores Palava UK Poetry Business, fundraising event to launch the book “It’s Not Personal’ St Pauls congregation Wolf and Moon Jewellery
For food and goods donations
Akendiz Supermarket Akdeniz Bakery Amhurt GoBalls Amurt UK Apex Castle Gibson City Pantry Clapton Girl School Frances Holland School Game Analytics Growing communities Food for Life (Hare Krishna) Hackney Council Raheel Nawaal Benevolence Fund Sai Baba Smol Stoke Newington Mutual Aid Covid Group St Paul’s Steiner School Twillio Zirve Continental
Jessica Hodge Chair 8 December 2021
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North London Action for the Homeless Trustees Report and Financial Statements - 31 March 2021
Independent examiner's report to the trustees of North London Action for the Homeless
I report on the accounts of the company for the year ended 31 March 2021, which are set out on pages 11 to 15.
This report is made solely to the trustees as a body, in accordance with the Charities Act 2011. My examination has been undertaken so that I might state to the trustees those matters I am required to state to them in an independent examiner's 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 trustees as a body, for my examination, for this report, or for the opinions I have formed.
Respective responsibilities of trustees and examiner
The trustees (who are also the directors of the company for the purposes of company law) are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. The trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year under section 144(2) of the Charities Act 2011 (the 2011 Act) and that an independent examination is needed.
Having satisfied myself that the charity is not subject to audit under company law and is eligible for independent examination, it is my responsibility to:
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examine the accounts under section 145 of the 2011 Act;
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to follow the procedures laid down in the general Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act; and
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to state whether particular matters have come to my attention.
Basis of independent examiner's report
My examination was carried out in accordance with the general Directions given by the Charity Commission. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts, and seeking explanations from you as trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit and consequently no opinion is given as to whether the accounts present a 'true and fair view' and the report is limited to those matters set out in the statement below.
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North London Action for the Homeless Trustees Report and Financial Statements - 31 March 2021
Independent examiner's statement
In connection with my examination, no matter has come to my attention:
(1) which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in any material respect the requirements:
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to keep accounting records in accordance with section 386 of the Companies Act 2006; and
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to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records, comply with the accounting requirements of section 396 of the Companies Act 2006 and with the methods and principles of the Statement of Recommended Practice: Accounting and Reporting by Charities
have not been met; or
(2) to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
Kim D Hooper 132 Admirals Tower 8 Dowells Street London SE10 9GE
Date: 25 January 2022
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North London Action for the Homeless Trustees Report and Financial Statements - 31 March 2021
Statement of Financial Activities for the year ended 31 March 2021
| Notes Incoming resources Grants 2 Donations & fundraising activities Total incoming resources Resources expended Drop In Centre running costs Wellbeing Programme running costs Advocacy Service running costs Accounting and governance costs Fundraising / publicity Total resources expended Net incoming / (outgoing) resources Transfer between funds Net movement in funds Total funds brought forward Total funds carried forward |
2021 2020 Unrestricted Restricted Total Total 3,000 41,800 44,800 43,400 71,685 1,200 72,885 33,447 |
|---|---|
| 74,685 43,000 117,685 76,847 |
|
| 37,278 36,408 73,686 55,957 3,228 0 3,228 17,647 7,098 0 7,098 3,998 1,608 0 1,608 1,517 436 0 436 1,069 |
|
| 49,648 36,408 86,056 80,188 |
|
| 25,037 6,592 31,629 (3,341) 0 0 0 0 |
|
| 25,037 6,592 31,629 (3,341) 50,496 18,183 68,679 72,020 |
|
| 75,533 24,775 100,308 68,679 |
The notes on pages 13 to 15 form part of these accounts.
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DocuSign Envelope ID: 5858486C-F581-4B29-8262-389AF219191D
North London Action for the Homeless Trustees Report and Financial Statements - 31 March 2021
Balance sheet as at 31 March 2021
| Notes | 2021 2020 |
|---|---|
| Total Total |
|
| Tangible fixed assets 5 |
0 0 |
| Current assets | |
| Cash at bank and in hand | 100,808 55,821 |
| Receivables | 0 15,000 |
| Creditors falling due within one year | |
| Creditors and accruals 6 |
500 2,142 |
| Net current assets | 100,308 68,679 |
| Net assets | 100,308 68,679 |
| Funds | |
| Restricted Income Funds 8 |
21,517 14,925 |
| Reserve Fund - Designated 8 |
45,000 40,000 |
| Unrestricted Income Funds - not designated 8 |
33,791 13,754 |
| 100,308 68,679 |
Audit Exemption Statement
For the year ended 31 March 2020 the company was entitled to exemption from audit under section 477 of the Companies Act 2006 relating to small companies.
Directors’ (who are also trustees of the charity) responsibilities:
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the members have not required the company to obtain an audit of its accounts for the year in question in accordance with section 476;
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the directors’ acknowledge their responsibilities for complying with the requirements of the Act with respect to accounting records and the preparation of the accounts;
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these accounts have been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to companies subject to the small companies regime.
Approved by the directors on 8 December 2021 and authorised for issue and signed for on their behalf by:
Jessica Hodge Chair
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DocuSign Envelope ID: 5858486C-F581-4B29-8262-389AF219191D
North London Action for the Homeless Trustees Report and Financial Statements - 31 March 2021
Notes to the Financial Statements
1 Accounting Policies
Basis of accounting
These accounts have been prepared under the historical cost convention and in accordance with the Charities Act 1993, applicable accounting standards and the Statement of Recommended Practice on Accounting and Reporting by Charities (the Charities SORP).
Grants
Grants are recognised in the Statement of Financial Activities (SoFA) on an accruals basis following the satisfaction of any pre-conditions.
Donations and other income
Donations and other income are recognised when receivable.
Gifts in kind
Much of the food used by the charity is donated by local businesses. No value is assigned to contributions of food or clothes donations passed onto service users, or the provision of the services of a health access worker and a hairdresser. Similarly, the contribution by volunteers is not recognised in the accounts. Other gifts in kind are valued at their value to the charity.
Expenditure
Expenditure is recognised on an accruals basis.
Allocation of expenditure
Expenditure is allocated directly to the appropriate fund, and where this is not possible costs are apportioned on the basis of time spent on the relevant activity.
Fixed assets
Expenditure on renewals, fixtures and fittings which exceeds £400 is capitalised. Provision for depreciation of capitalised fixed assets held for use by the charity is made at annual rates calculated to write down their cost over their useful lives.
Kitchen equipment three years Office equipment three years
Provisions
Where the charity has an obligation to transfer economic benefits but no liability has been recognised, a provision is raised in accordance with FRS 12.
Taxation
No provision for taxation is included in the accounts as the charity is entitled to exemption from tax afforded by Section 505 of the Income and Corporation Taxes Act 1988.
Funds structure
The charity has a single unrestricted income fund and some of the grants received are restricted to a particular purpose. Part of the unrestricted income fund has been designated by the Management Committee as a Reserve Fund. See note 9 for further details.
Cashflow
The charity qualifies as a small company and therefore, in accordance with FRS1, no cashflow statement is required.
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North London Action for the Homeless Trustees Report and Financial Statements - 31 March 2021
2. Grants
| . Grants | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 2021 | 2021 | 2020 | |
| Unrestricted | Restricted | Total | Total | |
| National Lottery Covid-19 Fund | 20,000 | 20,000 | ||
| Merchant Taylors' Company | 19,800 | 19,800 | 19,900 | |
| Hackney Parochial Charity (Covid-19) | 1,000 | 1,000 | ||
| South Hackney Parochial Charity | 1,000 | 1,000 | ||
| (Covid-19) | ||||
| Betty Messenger Foundation | 3,000 | 3,000 | ||
| West Hackney Parochial Charity | 15,000 | |||
| Street Smart | 5,000 | |||
| Hackney Council Recycling Rewards | 3,500 | |||
| Total | 3,000 | 41,800 | 44,800 | 43,400 |
3. Salary costs
During the year the charity employed five (2020: five) part-time employees. No employee earned more than £60,000 per annum.
Salary costs are allocated across the different activities of the charity.
4. Insurance
Public & employer's liability Insurance was purchased at a cost of £316 (2020: £238).
Trustees Indemnity insurance was purchased for £510 (2020: £376).
| 5. Creditors and accruals | 5. Creditors and accruals | |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 2020 |
||
| Accounting and governance costs | 500 1,500 |
|
| Payroll expenses | 0 356 |
|
| Accrued pension costs | 0 286 |
|
| Total | 500 2,142 |
6. Trustees remuneration and expenses
None of the trustees were remunerated directly or indirectly (2020: nil). During the year, no expenses were paid to trustees (2020: nil).
7. Contingencies and contractual commitments
In the opinion of the members of the management committee, as at 31.03.2021 there were no contingent liabilities and no contractual commitments (2020: nil). No assets are held under leases.
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DocuSign Envelope ID: 5858486C-F581-4B29-8262-389AF219191D
North London Action for the Homeless Trustees Report and Financial Statements - 31 March 2021
8. Funds
| Restricted Funds National Lottery Covid-19 Fund Merchant Taylors' Company Hackney Parochial Charity South Hackney Parochial Charity Donations & Fundraising Total Restricted Funds Reserve Fund - designated Unrestricted Income Funds Total Funds |
At 31/03/2020 Income Expenditure Transfers At 31/03/2021 £ £ £ £ £ - 20,000 (13,333) - 6,667 14,925 19,800 (19,875) - 14,850 - 1,000 (1,000) - - - 1,000 (1,000) - - - 1,200 (1,200) - - |
|---|---|
| 14,925 43,000 (36,408) 0 21,517 |
|
| 40,000 - - 5,000 45,000 13,754 74,685 (49,648) (5,000) 33,791 |
|
| 68,679 117,685 (86,056) 0 100,308 |
Details of the restricted grants were as follows:
National Lottery Covid-19 Fund
Purpose/service
Use of grant
Drop in service Dec 2020 – May 2021 Staff costs & rent costs
Merchant Taylors's Company Purpose/service Use of grant
Drop in service 2020 - 2022 Staff costs & running costs
Hackney Parochial Charity (Covid-19) Purpose/service Use of grant
Drop in service Running costs
South Hackney Parochial Charity (Covid-19) Purpose/service Drop in service Use of grant Running costs
The trustees have designated £45,000 as a Reserve Fund is held separately from other funds in line with the charity’s reserves policy to hold three to six months operating expenses in reserve.
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