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North London Action for the Homeless Trustees Report and Financial Statements - 31 March 2024
North London Action for the Homeless
Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2024
Company limited by guarantee. Registered in England and Wales No. 07178434. Registered Charity No. 1139024.
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North London Action for the Homeless Trustees Report and Financial Statements - 31 March 2024
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.
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North London Action for the Homeless Trustees Report and Financial Statements - 31 March 2024
Trustees Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2024
| Contents | Page |
|---|---|
| Reference and administrative information | 4 |
| Report of the trustees | 5 |
| Independent examiner’s report | 9 |
| Statement of financial activities | 11 |
| Statement of financial position | 12 |
| Notes to the financial statements | 13 |
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North London Action for the Homeless Trustees Report and Financial Statements - 31 March 2024
Trustees
Jessica Hodge (Chair) Conor Gibson (Vice Chair) George Currie (Treasurer) Elizabeth Barnes Sarah Baker-White Jayne Doherty James Nguyen Ellen Tansey
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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North London Action for the Homeless Trustees Report and Financial Statements - 31 March 2024
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES
Activities, Achievements and Performance 2023-2024
In many ways it was North London Action for the Homeless (NLAH) service as usual throughout the year. We focused on delivery of the drop in meal sessions, together with our advocacy support, Wellbeing Gardening project and social activities. In other ways, the continued diminishing of support services (government or other local charity services) continues to impact our community and we are all adapting to how to navigate the effects of this, individually and collectively.
As an independent, small organisation, we try to fill the gaps that services don’t or can’t provide. The Co-Centre Managers spend a greater increasing proportion of their time providing one on one advocacy support to guests.
Key outputs from our service for the year ending 31 March 2024 include:
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More than 6,600 Meals (almost 500 more than previous year)
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Ran 16 gardening sessions (2 more than previous year)
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Provided support 198 times to our guests, such as providing letters of support for PIP claims, liaising with health care providers, acting as a care of address, arranging foodbank vouchers, and other referrals. The total number of one on one support is broadly in line with last year, however, we provided more support relating to longer term and more complex issues.
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Provided 25 food parcels with suitable shelf stable foods and toiletries. This about half the number of previous year, as is no longer core part of our service as it was during Covid pandemic.
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Continued to be a hub for other organisations to offer support services such as health checks; some of the organisations we partner regularly with are:
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Thames Reach - rough sleeping outreach
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Turning Point - a rough sleeper project
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Lawstop - who provide legal housing and immigration advice
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UCLH - Find and Treat Team
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Provided access to 813 hot showers (2023: 532), 270 laundry washes (2023: 212) and 253 haircuts (2023: 199) during drop in sessions.
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Ran 7 activities as part of our social isolation project, including a trip to Kew Gardens
Our plans for 2024-25
We plan to continue to run our four key services; twice weekly drop in sessions with meals, advocacy service, social activities and gardening project.
We plan to increase our capacity for laundry washes by installing a second washing machine and dryer at St Pauls. We currently have greater demand for this service than we can deliver.
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North London Action for the Homeless Trustees Report and Financial Statements - 31 March 2024
Financial Review and Reserves Policy
NLAH continues to enjoy strong local support from charitable funds and trusts, businesses and individuals.
During 2023-24, NLAH received over £29,000 in donations from the community and local businesses (2023: £40,000). The generosity of our local community ensured we were able to continue to focus on our service delivery supported by a secure financial position.
NLAH also received almost £78,000 in grant funding (2023: £56,000) from various charitable trusts. Details of our grant funding are shown in Note 2 to the accounts.
A large number 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 over £5,000 to £98,000. This was largely due to increase in staff costs.
The charity aims to hold six months running costs in reserve. There has been no change to the Reserve Fund over the period, maintained at £45,000, reflecting approximately six months of expenses.
Structure, governance and management
NLAH has been supporting homeless and vulnerable people in Stoke Newington for 31 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), volunteer recruitment and the gardening Wellbeing project. We have a Support worker that assists the Co-Centre managers with running the drop in sessions. The Cook oversees the running of the kitchen for the drop-in sessions. NLAH also employs a Mental Health support worker for the Wellbeing gardening project.
Fundraising
NLAH raises money from charitable trusts, a donation page on JustGiving, Charities Aid Foundation, and a small number of fundraising events. Companies or individuals can set up campaign pages on the JustGiving website 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
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North London Action for the Homeless Trustees Report and Financial Statements - 31 March 2024
toiletries on our social media channels. NLAH does not contact individuals requesting donations.
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.
Thank you to our drop in session volunteers, whom are essential to providing a hot, 3 course meal to our service users twice every week.
For attending our sessions to provide services to our guests or accepting referrals Dual Diagnosis Rough Sleep Project (Turning Point)
Groundswell Hackney Migrant Centre Hackney Money Hub Hackney Winter Night Shelter Lawstop Rough Sleepers Mental Health Project (RAMPH) Thames Reach Outreach UCLH - Find and Treat team
For food and goods and financial donations
Akdeniz Castle Gibson Costa Dusty Knuckle Felix Food Project Francis Holland School Growing Communities Howdens Leila’s SHop L’epicerie Mactaggart Family & Partners Moveable Ink Mutual Aid Group (Stoke Newington) Rainbow Nursery / St Bartholomew Church Congregation Sai Baba Curry Soho Sandwich Company SoleShare St Paul’s Harvest Donations Team Lewis Foundation
OEE46DC8F 455413. Jessica Hodge Chair 31 January 2025
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North London Action for the Homeless Trustees Report and Financial Statements - 31 March 2024
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 2023, which are set out on pages 11 to 16.
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 2024
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.
binC1E7A6B738E8497...DocuSigned)) Hooperby:
Kim D Hooper 132 Admirals Tower 8 Dowells Street London SE10 9GE
Date:
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North London Action for the Homeless Trustees Report and Financial Statements - 31 March 2024
North London Action for the Homeless
Statement of Financial Activities for the year ended 31 March 2024
| Notes Incoming resources Grants 2 Donations and fundraising activities Total incoming resources Resources expended Drop In Centre running costs Advocacy Service running costs Wellbeing Programme running costs Social Isolation costs Accounting and governance costs Fundraising / publicity Depreciation 8 Total resources expended Net incoming / (outgoing) resources Transfer between funds Net movement in funds Total funds brought forward Total funds carried forward |
2024 2023 Unrestricted Restricted Total Total 40,000 37,788 77,788 55,974 28,768 0 28,768 39,935 |
|---|---|
| 68,768 37,788 106,556 95,909 |
|
| 37,770 37,788 75,558 71,314 13,364 0 13,36412,852 5,630 0 5,630 6,108 1,640 0 1,640 649 1,200 0 1,200 1,681 814 0 814 393 440 0 440 248 |
|
| 60,858 37,788 98,646 93,245 |
|
| 7,910 0 7,910 2,664 0 0 0 0 |
|
| 7,910 0 7,910 2,664 80,312 0 80,312 77,648 |
|
| 88,222 0 88,222 80,312 |
The notes on pages 12 to 15 form part of these accounts.
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North London Action for the Homeless Trustees Report and Financial Statements - 31 March 2024
North London Action for the Homeless Company Number: 07178434 Statement of Financial Position as at 31 March 2024
| Notes | 2024 | 2024 2023 |
|
|---|---|---|---|
| Total | Total Total |
||
| Tangible fixed assets | 9 | 632 | 632 1,072 |
| Current assets | |||
| Cash at bank and in hand | 88,590 | 88,590 81,467 |
|
| Total Current Assets | 88,590 | 88,590 81,467 |
|
| Creditors falling due within one year | |||
| Creditors and accruals | 5 | 1,000 | 1,000 2,227 |
| Net current assets | 87,590 | 87,590 79,240 |
|
| Net assets | 88,222 | 88,222 80,312 |
|
| Funds | |||
| Restricted Funds | 10 | 14,543 | 14,543 28,149 |
| Reserve Fund - Designated | 10 | 45,000 | 45,000 45,000 |
| Unrestricted Funds | 10 | 28,679 | 28,679 7,163 |
| 88,222 | 222 80,312 |
Audit Exemption Statement
For the year ended 31 March 2024 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 31 January 2025 and authorised for issue and signed for on their behalf by:
Jessica Hodge Chair
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North London Action for the Homeless Trustees Report and Financial Statements - 31 March 2024
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 Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102).
Grants
Grants are recognised in the Statement of Financial Activities (SoFA) as received following the satisfaction of any pre-conditions.
Donations and other income
Donations and other income are recognised when received.
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 2024
2. Grants
| . Grants | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2024 | 2024 | 2023 | |
| Unrestricted | Restricted | Total | Total | |
| Investcorp | 15,000 | |||
| Hackney Parochial Charities | 15,974 | |||
| London Community Foundation | 10,000 | |||
| West Hackney Parochial Charity | 15000 | 15,000 | 15,000 | |
| Tides Foundation | 7,788 | 7,788 | ||
| National Lottery Community Organisations | ||||
| Cost of Living Fund | 15,000 | 15,000 | ||
| The Betty Messenger | 40,000 | 40,000 | ||
| **Total ** | 40,000 | 37,788 | 77,788 | 55,974 |
3. Salary costs
During the year the charity employed five (2023: five) part-time employees. No employee earned more than £60,000 per annum.
4. Insurance
Public & employer's liability Insurance was purchased at a cost of £325 (2023: £298).
Trustees Indemnity insurance was purchased for £284 (2023: £361).
5. Creditors and Accruals
| . Creditors and Accruals | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2023 | |
| Accounting and Governance Costs | 1,000 | 1,500 |
| Payroll Expenses | 0 | 132 |
| Pension Costs | 0 | 595 |
| Total | 1,000 | 2,227 |
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North London Action for the Homeless Trustees Report and Financial Statements - 31 March 2024
6. Trustees remuneration and expenses
None of the trustees were remunerated directly or indirectly (2023: nil). During the year, no expense reimbursements were paid to trustees (2023: nil).
7. Contingencies and contractual commitments
In the opinion of the members of the management committee, as at 31.03.2024 there were no contingent liabilities and no contractual commitments (2023: nil). No assets are held under leases.
8. Tangible Fixed Assets
| Cost At 1 April 2023 Additions At 31 March 2024 Depreciation At 1 April 2023 Charge for the year At 31 March 2023 Net Book Value At 31 March 2024 At 31 March 2023 |
Office Equipment £ 1072 0 |
|---|---|
| 1072 | |
| 248 440 |
|
| 688 | |
| 632 | |
| 1072 |
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North London Action for the Homeless Trustees Report and Financial Statements - 31 March 2024
| 9. Funds Restricted Funds Investcorp Hackney Parochial Charities London Community Foundation West Hackney Parochial Charity Tides Foundation National Lottery Community Organisations Cost of Living Fund Total Restricted Funds Unrestricted Funds The Betty Messenger Foundation Other Unrestricted Income Funds Total Unrestricted Funds Reserve Fund - designated Total Funds |
At At 31/03/2023 Income Expenditure Transfers 31/03/2024 £ £ £ £ £ 1,250 - (1,250) - - 10,649 - (10,649) - - 5,000 - (5,000) - - 11,250 15,000 (16,250) - 10,000 - 7,788 (3,245) 4,543 - 15,000 (15,000) - - |
|---|---|
| 28,149 37,788 (51,394) - 14,543 |
|
| - 40,000 (33,333) - 6,667 7,163 28,768 (13,919) - 22,012 |
|
| 7,163 68,768 (47,251) - 28,679 |
|
| 45,000 - - - 45,000 |
|
| 80,312 106,556 (98,646) - 88,222 |
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North London Action for the Homeless Trustees Report and Financial Statements - 31 March 2024
Details of the restricted grants were as follows:
West Hackney Parochial Charity Purpose/service Use of grant
Drop in service Dec 2023 – Dec 2024 Staff costs & rent costs
Tides Foundation (BlackRock) Purpose/service Drop in service Nov 2023 – Nov 2024 Use of grant Staff Costs & running cost
The National Lottery Community Organisations Cost of Living Fund Purpose/service Use of grant
Drop in & Advocacy services Aug 2023 – Feb 2024 Staff Costs & running costs
Investcorp Purpose/service Use of grant
Drop in service May 2022 – May 2023 Staff costs & running costs
Hackney Parochial Charity Purpose/service Use of grant
Drop in service Dec 2022 – Dec 2023 Staff Costs & running cost
London Community Foundation Purpose/service Use of grant
Drop in service Jan 2023 – Jun 2023 Staff Costs & running costs
The trustees have designated £45,000 as a Reserve Fund in line with the charity’s reserves policy to hold three to six months operating expenses in reserve.
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