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2024-03-31-accounts

Annual Report JLink the visiting scheme 2023 1 2024

THE LINK VISITING SCHEME | ANNUAL REPORT 2023 / 2024 02

Contents

Contents
Introduction 3
What we do 4
Feedback 5
Highlights of 2023/24 6
Fundraising 8
Awards 10
Working in partnership 11
Volunteers 13
Organisational chart 14
Looking ahead 14
A message from our Chairman 15
Financial review 16
Trustees’ report 19
Reference and administrative details 20
Independent Examiner’s report 22
Financial statements 23

THE LINK VISITING SCHEME | ANNUAL REPORT 2023 / 2024 03

Introduction

The Link Visiting Scheme is dedicated to bringing vital, life-enhancing social connections to older people and volunteers in Wokingham Borough. During our 25th anniversary year, our focus was on managing the continued growth in demand for our services.

“Ill health and disability are the two key drivers of loneliness in all ages, especially older age. Delaying and preventing them is essential. The key areas are physical health, mental health, which is often under-recognised in older age and disability, which can make it physically difficult for people to engage socially” - Chris Whitty, Presentation Healthy Ageing Report to APPG Loneliness, 2024

Loneliness is seen by many as one of the largest public health concerns we face. Older people are especially vulnerable to loneliness and social isolation – and it can have a serious effect on health. Wokingham has an increasing older population and in 2023/24 we continued to offer life-changing support in our community.

As of the last census, there are 7,644 one-person households aged 66 and over in Wokingham Borough. This accounts for 47.2% of all 16,264 one-person households. Based on Britain-wide research by ONS undertaken in 2021/22:

As we move further away from the difficulties we encountered during the COVID-19 crisis, our commitment to providing a tailored, personalised service to our Link Friends remains unwavering.

However, the increasing complexity of inbound referrals due to the growing demands on social services has necessitated a shift in our operational approach. To address these complexities and ensure continued high-quality service, we have allocated more staff time and enhanced our volunteer training.

While this strategic shift impacts client numbers, it positions us to better serve our Link Friends with the care and attention they require.

THE LINK VISITING SCHEME | ANNUAL REPORT 2023 / 2024 04

What we do

others who are aware of our services.

The Link Visiting Scheme was founded 25 years ago to help reduce loneliness amongst older people and to bring generations together in friendship and shared experiences. Our organisation has expanded to reach the growing number of older people in our community. We are proud to deliver a broad range of community projects which improve the lives of the older population living in Wokingham Borough.

We promote well-being, independence, and a sense of belonging through regular volunteer visits and inclusive activities.

As we age, building and maintaining meaningful relationships, nurturing social connections, and seeking out positive interactions can become more difficult and, for some, almost impossible. This could be due to reduced physical and mental health, loss of confidence, bereavement, or simply a lack of transport.

In 2023/24, we matched 235 people with a Link volunteer who made contact with them, usually in person, at least once a week. This compares to 203 matches (‘link-up’s’) in 2022/23 and 174 in 2021/22.

We also provide opportunities for individuals to connect through a number of activities, such as a singing group, going to the pub for a ‘pie and pint’, bowls and chair yoga. We run long-term projects such as Link to Nature and Link Online. Once a month, we host our Community Kitchen, inviting Link Friends to come and have lunch with others. We even provide fun and support on Christmas Day.

We have seen the positive impact of friendship where we provide quality time, a listening ear and focused attention on individuals who so often feel invisible and forgotten.

Our core business is recruiting volunteers and matching them with people who need a friend – someone to see regularly. These individuals are referred to us via social services, churches and

Total no. people supported by The Link:

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Clients Volunteers Total
1400
1200
1000
800
600
400
200 1192 1182 1185 1310 1274
0
2019/20 2020/21 2021/22 2022/23 2023/24
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THE LINK VISITING SCHEME | ANNUAL REPORT 2023 / 2024 05

Feedback

Every six months, we ask our clients to rate our services. In 2023/24, we contacted 240 clients, and the ratings were as follows:

----- Start of picture text -----
Poor
0.4%
Good
19.2%
Excellent
80.4%
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Clients have also provided us with very positive feedback:

Mandy

“We also laugh a lot; I don’t laugh with anyone else like I laugh with her. We share a sense of

humour. We have so much in common. We were matched perfectly.”

Shilpa

"She comes every week and stays for about two hours. Sometimes, we stay at home, and sometimes, we go out for coffee. We have plenty to talk about! It's lovely to have someone to speak to. She finds the time to visit even though she is busy, and she is like a daughter to me”.

Brian

“He phones each Wednesday to check that all is well, and then he comes to visit and stays for about two hours. We get on well and talk about everything, especially birds and bird food, and he fills up the bird feeder. My volunteer is one of the best people I’ve ever met.”

Andrew

“Camilla visits on a Thursday afternoon, and I really enjoy them. We have lots in common and talk about football, puzzles, and crosswords. We swap recommendations for TV and film. My health is very up and down, and carers pop in the day. I’ve learnt to enjoy my own company, but I feel less left out now due to Camilla. She has made a big difference, and I would recommend The Link to anyone who is feeling lonely.”

William

“Jon phones me once a week, then calls in later in the week, and we usually go out for coffee. Jon's friendship is definitely a life changer.”

*Names changed to protect anonymity

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Highlights of 2023/24

Link Thursdays at All Saints Church

In September we were delighted to launch a new service – a community pop-up café in the newly refurbished town centre location of All Saints Church.

We wanted a community presence where, each week, anyone struggling with loneliness and isolation could enjoy a warm welcome, delicious refreshments, and have someone to talk to. We also provide information on community activities and organise speakers on a variety of subjects, including fire safety, wellbeing and making a will.

Despite launching at the beginning of the winter months, we have seen a growing number of people who regularly attend, not just Link Friends and volunteers, but others who want a coffee with friendly faces and some support. We usually have between 25 and 40 people each Thursday, and it’s become a highlight of our week!

One attendee told us: “I enjoy being with other people and meeting new people, and the helpers are really kind and always chat with you”. Another shared, “It's a wonderful way of meeting people”.

Celebrating 25 years

In October, we hosted a special event to celebrate our 25th anniversary. It brought together our team, voluntary sector partners, volunteers, Link Friends and fellow advocates who share our commitment to building connections that matter.

It was an inspiring and insightful event with passionate speakers. The keynote presenter was Professor Christina R Victor from Brunel University, renowned for her work on health inequalities, loneliness and the experience of later life within minority communities. We also heard from Matt Pope, Director of Adult Social Services at Wokingham Borough Council and David Hare, Executive Councillor and leader of the Health and Wellbeing Board, both shedding light on the council’s dedication to supporting older residents of the borough and their appreciation of our work.

Most of all, the event was a chance to thank everyone who has supported The Link Visiting Scheme in the past quarter century. Through the work of our charity, we’ve seen lives transformed, adding thousands of hours of friendship, laughter, and fun to people who had felt forgotten and invisible.

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Christmas

For the twelfth consecutive year, The Link Visiting Scheme’s Christmas programme was a resounding success, buoyed by the generosity of supporters and the tireless efforts of volunteers.

Our collective endeavours culminated in a remarkable fundraising total of £21,221, which meant we could make sure all our Link Friends were involved in Christmas festivities. There was an excellent response to our Kindness Tree campaign; we organised a Christmas special at our pop-up café (Link Thursdays); local schoolchildren crafted handmade cards and we held a party for 115 Link Friends and volunteers. On Christmas Day, we provided a sit-down meal for 50 Link Friends and delivered 65 meals to those unable to leave their homes.

“Thank you enormously for taking a meal to our Dad on Christmas Day, when we were not able to see him. He enjoyed it very much and also for the friendly interaction with the lady who brought it to his house and shared a Christmas cracker with him. It helped our family and also made the day so much better for him. He was sincerely grateful - and we were, too.” - Julie and Maureen (daughters)

“I’m so grateful to the Link for the care and kindness during a difficult, lonely time in my life. I am truly amazed by what you do. Thank you.” - Link Friend

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Fundraising

We were fortunate to receive generous donations from various organisations in 2023/24. The Statement of Financial Activities at the end of this report provides a full list of all those who have supported us financially.

Helen Bushell, Head of Regional Funding for London, the South East and East of England at The National Lottery Community Fund

“Thanks to the dedication of the team at The Link, and the money raised by National Lottery players, the Link to Nature project is helping older residents in Wokingham come together and reawaken their interest in nature. Our funding supports the development of communities that are more inclusive and environmentally sustainable. This project is a prime example of how reconnecting people with their natural environment goes hand in hand with improving wellbeing.”

Jennie Ellis, Regional Social Value Manager for Wates Residential

“Link Visiting are just a fantastic charity with a clear mission – to combat loneliness and help people, and their work transforms lives. This resonates with us, as indeed it should with everybody. We look forward to continuing our partnership together.”

Alison Deakin, Sales and Marketing Director for Cala Homes (Thames)

“People and communities have always been at the heart of what we do, and we’re proud to be able to donate over £1,600 to the Link Visiting Scheme as part of our Community Pledge in Finchampstead. “We’re really pleased that our donation will go towards supporting The Link’s Chair Yoga and Sing-along for the next year, helping to bring

members of the community together and combat loneliness, which can often affect people later in their lives."

We diversified our income streams and benefitted from a number of fundraising events, including:

Anyone who wants to donate to The Link can do so at www.linkvisiting.org/donations

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THE LINK VISITING SCHEME | ANNUAL REPORT 2023 / 2024 10

Awards

through supported gardening and wildlife-related past times.

Link to Nature

In 2023 our Link to Nature programme was a UK finalist in Britain in Bloom.

The project received an 'Outstanding' in the It's Your Neighbourhood Awards and we were thrilled to also be awarded a National Certificate of Distinction, which is given to projects that have done consistently well over time.

Funded by The National Lottery Community Fund and Wokingham Town Council, the programme is a way of improving the well-being of our clients. There is a wealth of research about how reconnecting with nature benefits our mental health by reducing anxiety, stress and depression. Gardening and other nature-related activities can also encourage mobility, improving physical health.

We provide a seasonal programme of naturebased activities where Link Friends and their volunteers can enjoy a common interest in nature

In spring we took part in the Big Garden Birdwatch with the RSPB to encourage engagement with wildlife. In summer we help Link Friends to reconnect with their gardens by growing flowers and vegetables. We provide nature-based indoor activities and crafts during the cooler winter months.

Through our close association with Wokingham Horticultural Association and Wokingham in Bloom, three volunteers from our Link to Nature project were also winners in the Wokingham Town Civic Awards.

Keeping in Touch

We were also very proud to be nominated for a prestigious MJ Award for Innovation in Partnerships for the Keeping In Touch project.

Funded and designed by Wokingham Borough Council, the Keeping in Touch project works alongside Age UK Berkshire and Berkshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust. This project supports older people facing life transitions and prevents possible crisis.

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Working in partnership

The Link works in partnership with a variety of local organisations to address the complex needs of the Borough’s elderly population. Together, we offer a more comprehensive and holistic approach to care and support. Phil Bell, CEO of Involve Community Services, explains: “The Link Visiting Scheme is a highly valued local charity that provides a lifeline of social contact for those older people living within the borough who are most isolated”.

Helen Brown, Commissioning Manager (Early Intervention & Prevention), Adult Services, Wokingham Borough Council said: “The Link Visiting Scheme is an integral part of the local community in the Wokingham borough. The work they do changes people’s lives and helps so many residents connect with their communities, enabling them to live full and meaningful lives. The staff and volunteers are all so dedicated, caring and professional, which contributes to the fantastic ethos and values The Link has. I am very proud to work with The Link, and we are very lucky to have them in Wokingham.”

We are part of several important initiatives in Wokingham:

The Friendship Alliance

Led by the Link Visiting Scheme, The Friendship Alliance collaborates with Involve Community Services, Age UK Berkshire, and Wokingham Volunteer Centre to combat loneliness and social isolation.

Funded by Wokingham Borough Council, the Alliance has made significant strides this year. Our objectives include promoting friendship activities, providing guidance and support, one-to-

one coaching for online access via Link Online, bolstering community organisations to continue to run and organising community events. Each partner leverages their expertise to achieve these goals.

Project Lead Jayne Streak produces a bi-weekly newsletter featuring over 600 activities reaching 431 subscribers - a 38% increase from the previous year. The Wokingham Borough hosts 55 ‘Friendship Tables’ in various venues, offering a warm welcome and connection opportunities.

Additionally, 95 local ‘Friendship Champions’ foster community spirit. This year, the Alliance held eight ‘Community Connect’ sessions attended by 78 individuals, showcasing local activities like ‘Sing For Yourself’, boccia, Knit and Natter groups, and lunch clubs. These sessions resulted in 125 referrals to community activities.

For 2024/25, our focus is on reducing social isolation in sheltered accommodation through coffee mornings and social events and empowering residents with better access to transport schemes, bus passes, and blue badges.

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Keeping in Touch

In 2023/34, the local authority funded a new project for us called Keeping in Touch. The aim is to engage with older people who have escalating needs. With the right service in place at the right time, we hope to work together to delay, reduce, and prevent the need for statutory services. This year, we made 255 signposts to organisations in the borough to prevent the risk of crisis.

“You have been a lifesaver. Without your support, I just wouldn’t have known what to do. With your help, I’ve been able to claim Attendance Allowance and have access to a hot meal delivery service. You’ve also put me in touch with Adult Social Care to ensure I have had the support of carers (including additional support following an operation to enable me to come home). I have no family to support me, and I don’t know what I would have done without your help. I wouldn’t have known about any of this, and I am very grateful.” - Link Friend, Keeping in Touch

along with Age UK Berkshire and Understanding Dementia, which delivers a varied programme of activities and support for people living with dementia and their carers. Our part is delivering our much-valued ‘Active Minds’ course for those in the beginning to middle stages of dementia. Through a small group format, we facilitate cognitive exercises that promote confidence, wellbeing, and connection with others.

“Active Minds has allowed B to have a space where he is B, not ‘B with dementia’. He is a valued member of the sessions. He feels safe and has met other people who really understand how he feels. He made friends with two of the other gentlemen on the course and they would sit and have their coffee together each week. Not only has the course helped B, but it has helped his wife, too. She was able to have two hours a week to have a coffee or do the shopping.” - Beth Holdway, Active Minds Facilitator

Social Isolation and Loneliness Action

Active Minds

We are members of the Dementia Partnership,

Group

We are members of the Public Health-led Social Isolation and Loneliness Group (SiL). Together with trusted partners in the voluntary sector and council departments, we tackle social isolation more broadly, such as how to engage men and those living in residential care and sheltered accommodation. Each partner uses their area of expertise to collaborate, share learnings and plan how to tackle different issues.

Voluntary Sector Action Group

We are key partners in the Voluntary Sector Action Group, a group formed during the COVID-19 pandemic. It is composed of key voluntary sector partners and decision-makers in Wokingham Borough Council and is led by Director of Public Health Ingrid Slade.

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Volunteers

We could not offer this life-changing help without our volunteers, who give up their time to improve the lives of others. We are always on the lookout for people to join us. In 2023/24, we have seen significant growth in demand for our services, and we urgently need more volunteers to continue this vital work.

In addition to directly impacting the lives of older people, volunteers often find that their work helps them feel more connected to the community.

way we are regularly trained to keep our safety knowledge fresh. I am very appreciative of your time doing the training for us. I am enjoying my visits with my Link Friend. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to do this meaningful job. This is an amazing organisation.“ -Xiaoxiao, volunteer.

“Just wanted to say a BIG thank you for organising the volunteers thank you evening. It was great to see so many people there. I met three new people and had a lovely evening chatting to them. One lady, in particular, is not long widowed and finding her feet and was really appreciative of the gettogether with like-minded people.” - Volunteer

We ensure all our volunteers receive appropriate training, are kept up-to-date with charity news and feel appreciated. We also hold regular social events for volunteers to get together and get to know one another.

“A big thank you to all the staff at The Link. You do an amazing job, and we volunteers feel so cared for and valued. It is wonderful.” - Volunteer

50000

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40000
30000 45,000 47,100 48,185
voluntary voluntary voluntary
20000 hours hours hours
10000
0
2022 2023 2024
----- End of picture text -----

This year, our volunteers provided a staggering 48,185 hours of service, transforming lives through quality time, focused attention, and mutual friendship.

As a direct result of our continued efforts to attract, support, and retain volunteers, we have grown our volunteer staff team. We have also focused on increasing our training offer, ensuring that over 150 volunteers received a safeguarding refresher session.

Volunteers are asked twice a year to rate how well-supported they feel. This year, our rating was 4.74 out of 5.

Here is some of the more detailed feedback we have also received:

“Thank you for the safeguarding session. It's very helpful to refresh our safety awareness. I like the

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Organisational chart 2024

Our team consists of 7 volunteers, 5 contractors and 15 staff of which 4 are managers.

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Trustees
Partnerships Manager
Senior Fundraising Manager
Friendship Alliance (Senior Charity John Mallaghan (Chair), Tony Sweet, Laura (Senior Charity Officer)
Officer) Jayne Streak (FT) Mitchell, Gayle Manicom, Kuldip Athwal Liz McDaniel (30 hrs)
FA Admin
Sam Wood (30 hrs)
CEO
Marjie Walker (FT)
Core Services Manager Activity and Services Manager
(Charity Manager) (Charity Manager)
Karan Pollard (FT) Clare Randell (26 hrs)
Admin Finance Comms Specialist
Befriending Officers Keeping in Touch Laura Staves (FT) Nikki Thomas Megan Winter Events Activities + Events
Kate Austin (FT) Fiona Rycraft (FT) Ashley Kelvey (21 hrs) Beth Holloway (28 hrs)
Issy Noone (20 hrs) Claire Ford
Business Admin Data Analyst
Assessors Lydia Pugh (16hrs) Pam Forsythe Link Online
Volunteer Coordinator
Mandi Eagle Community Kitchen Stuart Taylor (20 hrs)
Lorraine Irwin (24 hrs) Margaret Wheelar Fiona Wright
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Looking ahead

The increase in the cost of living will continue to impact our organisation in 2024/25. Our costs have risen, and we have seen a drop in the number of people coming forward to volunteer. Fundraising is also more difficult in the current financial climate.

However, the need for our services is ever-increasing, and we are determined to rise to the challenge, working closely with our partners and those who support us to combat loneliness and isolation.

We are also working to ensure that people from all ethnicities know about and can access our services. We are nurturing relationships with organisations that can help us with this, and we are planning to reprint our literature in different languages.

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A message from our Chairman

The Link celebrated an extraordinary milestone this year – we are now 25 years old! As demand for our services continues to grow – we have doubled in size in the last four years alone – it is worth placing our current achievements in the context of those 25 years.

From our humble beginnings in Woodley Baptist Church in 1998, eventually becoming a charity in 2010 to the much-loved organisation we are today, we have always maintained the same focus: confronting the effects of loneliness and social isolation through celebrating friendship, enabling people to play an active part in the community again, and have fun!

As an active volunteer, I am constantly inspired and humbled by how much our Link Friends appreciate what we do for them and to see firsthand the smiles and laughter we spread around the local community every day. A quarter of a century after our founders recognised the scale of the problem of loneliness, I can honestly say it is a real privilege to play a part in helping us grow sustainably and continue to deliver quality services. Wokingham Borough is a better, kinder community for having The Link as part of it.

Our charity plays a huge role in helping delay, reduce, and avoid the need for many of the community's most vulnerable to require more expensive social services. On behalf of the trustees, I would like to thank all who have supported us in the last year, with particular thanks for the continuing support of our key strategic partner, Wokingham Borough Council.

Managing demand and growth will be our number

one challenge in the coming years, and I look forward to helping the team manage that growth without impacting on service quality and the outcomes we continue to deliver.

Being part of The Link family is special. Staff and volunteers get to experience directly the meaning, friendship, and fun we bring to the lives of our Link Friends. On behalf of the trustees, I want to offer huge thanks to our CEO, Marjie Walker and her team, and all our fantastic volunteers from the people who really matter—our Link Friends—for making a real difference.

2024 is the start of another 25 years of transforming thousands of lives in the community through friendship!

John Mallaghan

Chair of Trustees

THE LINK VISITING SCHEME | ANNUAL REPORT 2023 / 2024 16

Financial review

Overview

During 2023/24 our activities have continued to grow and, as a result, in the year ended 31 March 2024 the cost of our charitable activities increased significantly. Our total expenditure for 2023-24 was £484,904, an increase of 33% compared to £363,365 in the previous year.

Our income last year (excluding the Edward Gostling Fund endowment described below) was £483,985, an increase of 12% over £432,917 in 2022/23. The resulting small deficit for last year compared to a surplus in 2022/23 reflects the challenge we face to match short term fluctuations in income and expenditure. However, our closing reserves at 31 March 2024 reflect an overall satisfactory financial position despite the pressures felt by all in the current cost of living crisis.

Income

Total income for the year, excluding amounts we received on behalf of and for onward payment to other organisations, was £483,985 (2023: £432,917)

£432,917)
2024 2023
Donations £ 32,427 £48,141
Grants £426,065 £375,896
Fundraising activities £ 20,186 £7,810
Interest income and other £ 5,307 £1,070
Total £483,985 £432,917

We work very closely with Wokingham Borough Council (WBC) in providing our services to local residents. WBC continued to be our largest single source of funding, contributing around two thirds of our income from donations and grants, which is

unchanged from 2022/23.

We received donations and grants from a further 53 organisations (2023: 32 organisations) which reflects the significant efforts of our team to meet our fundraising target. We are most grateful for every single donation received, all of which go towards enabling us to continue our work. A list of donors can be found in Note 4. Our own fundraising events and activities contributed £20,186 (2023: £7,810).

The majority of our income continues to be classified as restricted, i.e. income which the donor directs should be applied to specific activities. This is particularly the case for most of our grant income. However, we should emphasise that our donors identify so completely with the aims of Link Visiting that in practice any restrictions can be accommodated within our core activities.

Expenditure

Our expenditure on charitable activities for 2023/24 increased significantly compared to last year and as seen in recent years the largest increase was in staff costs which rose by 26% to £347,953 from £276,724 in the previous year.

The key reasons for this increase were:

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Financial position and reserves

Net assets increased from £442,276 on 31st March 2023 to £541,357 on 31st March 2024. Cash resources at the end of our financial year increased from £462,757 to £570,176.

The assets of the charity are currently held in current and deposit bank accounts. Should other opportunities arise to invest surplus funds then the trustees would consider these, and this matter remains under review. At the present time longer term investment is inappropriate.

The charity had a small net operational deficit for the year of £919 which has been deducted from total funds.

In February 2024 the charity received by deed of gift an endowment of £100,000 from The Edward Gostling Fund. Under the terms of the endowment the following apply:

This restriction on use of the endowment is

effective for the period of five years from receipt of the amount; thereafter the charity may use the income and remaining capital of the endowment for any purpose that furthers its charitable objects.

This amount is included in the charity’s reserves as The Edward Gostling Fund. In the year ended 31 March 2024 the charity made no transfer from this fund to its unrestricted reserves.

Unrestricted funds at 31 March 2024 are £525,173 (31 March 2023: £422,061). During last year the trustees decided that £75,000 of the designated funds of £150,000 (included in unrestricted funds) should be used for specific projects of an enduring nature. In the last financial year £48,748 was spent on such projects and this amount has been deducted from designated reserves as of 31 March 2024. The trustees have authorised use of the remaining designated reserves in the year ending 31 March 2025.

The trustees continue to monitor the charity’s requirements for reserves considering the main risks to the organisation, recognising the need to bridge the gap between the spending and receiving of income and to provide a contingency for emergencies and other unforeseen expenditure.

To help mitigate the risks faced from rapid growth in demand and costs, and the prevailing uncertainties in the economic outlook, trustees have resolved that our target is to maintain unrestricted reserves of 50% of our current annual budget; this may be varied if circumstances indicate this is appropriate.

At 31 March 2024, general funds were £323,921 which equates to 74% of expenditure incurred in the year then ended (excluding amounts incurred from the designated funds) and around 71% of our expenditure plans for 2024/25. This is higher than the trustees’ ongoing policy target of 50% but that policy also recognises that the actual level of reserves will be subject to short term fluctuation

THE LINK VISITING SCHEME | ANNUAL REPORT 2023 / 2024

18

according to circumstances. The trustees are satisfied that this level of funds is sufficient and appropriate to meet the charity’s on-going activities for the time being.

Risk management

The trustees are responsible for ensuring that The Link has in place a process to identify risks to which the charity is exposed, that those risks have been assessed and that there are systems in place to address those risks. The principal risks which The Link has to manage relate to continuity of funding, the availability of staff and volunteers to enable it to meet its objectives, and control of expenditure.

The trustees have given consideration to the major risks to which The Link is exposed and satisfied themselves that procedures are established in order to manage those risks.

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Trustees’ report

Statement of trustees’ responsibilities

The trustees are responsible for preparing the Trustees’ report and the Financial Statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (UK Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).

detection of fraud and other irregularities.

This report was approved by the trustees on 16 September 2024 and signed on their behalf by:

John Mallaghan Trustee

Antony Sweet Trustee

Company law applicable to charities in England and Wales requires the trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charity and of the incoming resources and application of resources of the charity for that period. In preparing these financial statements the trustees are required to:

The trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records that are sufficient to show and explain the charity’s transactions and disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charity and enable them to ensure that the Financial Statements comply with the Charities Act 2011, the Companies Act 2006, the Charity (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 and the provisions of the Trust Deed.

They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charity and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and

THE LINK VISITING SCHEME | ANNUAL REPORT 2023 / 2024 20

Reference and

administrative details

Governing document

Memorandum and Articles of Association dated 18 August 2010.

Principal activities

The Company’s principal activity is the provision of a befriending service for lonely, isolated, primarily elderly people who benefit from a regular home visit from one of the Company’s volunteers.

The Company assesses those clients that are referred to it from doctors, families and other care agencies, then recruits, DBS checks and trains volunteers from the Wokingham Borough and surrounding area, and matches up a volunteer (Befriender) and client (Link Friend), based on location, common interests and hobbies. A regular programme of reassessment is also undertaken.

Over 1,000 Link Friends have benefited from our services since the charity was established. We aim to give their lives more purpose and joy, enabling them to integrate into the community and build new, lasting friendships.

Public benefit

All our activities focus on combatting social isolation in the Wokingham Borough and surrounding area, and are undertaken to further our charitable purposes for the public benefit.

The outcomes that the Company aims to deliver through its services to benefit individuals, our communities, and the civic purse are to:

Our trustees

Mr John Mallaghan – Chairman (Appointed 16 June 2021)

Mrs A. Gayle Manicom (Appointed June 2018) Ms Laura Mitchell (Appointed 9 December 2020) Mr Kuldip Athwal (Appointed 23 October 2022) Mr Antony Sweet (Appointed 1 April 2023)

A trustee is also a director of the Company. Appointments and resignations of the above persons have been registered at Companies House and with the Charity Commission as appropriate.

The trustees confirm that the annual report and financial statements of the Company comply with the Companies Act 2006, the Charities Act 2011, the Charities Statement of Recommended Practice (FRS 102), FRS102 the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland and the Company’s Memorandum of Association.

Other information

Link Visiting Scheme Limited is a company limited by guarantee and registered in England and Wales number 07349468. Registered charity number - 1139248

THE LINK VISITING SCHEME | ANNUAL REPORT 2023 / 2024 21

The Company’s registered office and correspondence address is: Link Visiting Scheme, The Charity and Community Hub, Waterford House, Erftstadt Court, Wokingham, RG40 2YF

Independent examiner

K Gomes MAAT FCIE, Independent Examiners Limited, Unit 2 The Broadfields Business Centre, Delling Lane, Bosham, PO18 8NF

Company Secretary

Mr Kuldip Athwal

Bankers

The Co-operative Bank Plc, PO Box 200, Skelmersdale, WN8 6DG

The Charity Bank Limited, Fosse House, 182 High Street, Tonbridge, TN9 1BE.

THE LINK VISITING SCHEME | ANNUAL REPORT 2023 / 2024 22

Independent Examiner’s report

Year ended 31st March 2024

I report to the charity trustees on my examination of the accounts of The Link Visiting Scheme for the year ended 31st March 2024 set out on pages 23 to 30.

Respective responsibilities of trustees

(directors) and examiner

As the trustees of The Link Visiting Scheme (and also its directors for the purposes of company law) you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 (“the 2006 Act”).

Having satisfied myself that the accounts of The Link Visiting Scheme are not required to be audited under Part 16 of the 2006 Act and are eligible for independent examination, I report in respect of my examination of your charity’s accounts as carried out under section 145 of the Charities Act 2011 (“the 2011 Act”). In carrying out my examination I have followed the Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145 (5) (b) of the 2011 Act.

Independent Examiner’s statement

Since The Link Visiting Scheme gross income exceeded £250,000 your examiner must be a member of a body listed in section 145 of the 2011 Act. I confirm that I am qualified to undertake the examination because I am a fellow member of the Association of Charity Independent Examiners, which is one of the listed bodies.

to believe:

  1. Accounting records were not kept in respect of The Link Visiting Scheme as required by section 386 of the 2006 Act; or

  2. The accounts do not accord with those records; or

  3. The accounts do not comply with the accounting requirements section 396 of the 2006 Act other than any requirement that the accounts give a true and fair view which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination; or

  4. The accounts have not been prepared in accordance with the methods and principles of the Statement of Recommended Practice for accounting and reporting by charities applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102).

I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.

K Gomes MAAT FCIE

Independent Examiners Limited Unit 2, The Broadfields Business Centre Delling Lane Bosham PO18 8NF

Signed:

Date: 16.9.24

I have completed my examination. I confirm that no matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause

THE LINK VISITNG SCHEME

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE FINANCIAL YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

Notes
Income and Endowments from:
Donations and Legacies
2a
Charitable Activities
2b
Investments
2c
Funding for Other Charities
2a(1)
TOTAL
Expenditure on:
Direct Costs
3a
Charitable Activities
3b
Funding Transferred to Other Charities
3a(1)
TOTAL
NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE)
NET MOVEMENT IN FUNDS
RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS:
Total Funds Brought Forward
TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD		 Unrestricted
Restricted
TOTAL
TOTAL
Funds
Funds
2024
2023
£
£
£
£
259,376
299,116
558,492
424,513
20,186
-
20,186
7,810
5,307
-
5,307
594
284,869
299,116
583,985
432,917
-
51,843
51,843
48,450
284,869
350,959
635,828
481,367
103,968
300,154
404,122
294,887
77,789
2,993
80,782
68,479
181,757
303,147
484,904
363,365
-
51,843
51,843
48,450
181,757
354,990
536,747
411,815
103,112
(4,031)
99,081
69,551
103,112
(4,031)
99,081
69,551
422,061
20,215
442,276
372,725
525,173
16,184
541,357
442,276

All of the organisation's operations are classed as continuing.

The notes on pages 25-30 form part of these financial statements.

23

THE LINK VISITNG SCHEME

BALANCE SHEET Company Registration Number :07349468 AS AT 31 March 2024

Note
Fixed Asset
Tangible assets
8
Current Asset
Debtors
9
Cash at bank and in hand
10
Total Current Assets
Creditors:amounts falling due within one year
11
NET CURRENT ASSES
TOTAL ASSETSless current liabilities
NET ASSETS
Funds
General Funds
5.3
Restricted Funds
5.4
Designated
5.1
Endowment Fund
5.2
Total Funds		 Unrestricted
R
Funds
£
553,992
553,992
28,819
525,173		 estricted
31-Mar-2431-Mar-23
Funds
Total
Totl
£
£
£
326
16,184
570,176
462,757
16,184
570,176
463,083
28,819
20,807
16,184
541,357
442,276
525,173 16,184
541,357
442,276
525,173
323,921
101,252
100 000		 16,184
541,357
442,276
323,921
272,061
16,184
16,184
20,215
101,252
150,000
100 000
525,173 16,184
541,357
442,276

The company's financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to companies subject to the small companies regime.

The Trustees consider that the company is entitled to exemption from the requirement to have an audit under the provisions of section 477 of the Companies Act 2006 ("the Act") and members have not required the company to obtain an audit for the year in question in accordance with section 476 of the Act.

The Trustees acknowledge their responsibilities for complying with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 with respect to accounting records and the preparation of financial statements.

The financial statements were approved and authorised for issue by the Trustees on signed on their behalf, by:

24

THE LINK VISITNG SCHEME

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

1.ACCOUNTING POLICIES

The principal accounting policies applied in the preparation of these financial statements are set out below. These policies have been consistently applied to all the years presented, unless otherwise stated.

Statement of compliance

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with 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) - (Charities SORP (FRS 102)), the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102). They also comply with the Companies Act 2006 and Charities Act 2011.

Basis of preparation

The Link Visiting Scheme meets the definition of a public benefit entity under FRS 102. Assets and liabilities are initially recognised at historical cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant accounting policy notes.

Going concern

The trustees consider that there are no material uncertainties about the charity's ability to continue as a going concern nor any significant areas of uncertainty that affect the carrying value of assets held by the charity.

Income and endowments

All income is recognised once the charity has entitlement to the income, it is probable that the income will be received and the amount of the income receivable can be measured reliably.

Donations and legacies

Donations are recognised when the charity has been notified in writing of both the amount and settlement date. In the event that a donation is subject to conditions that require a level of performance by the charity before the charity is entitled to the funds, the income is deferred and not recognised until either those conditions are fully met, or the fulfilment of those conditions is wholly within the control of the charity and it is probable that these conditions will be fulfilled in the reporting period.

Legacy gifts are recognised on a case by case basis following the grant of probate when the administrator/executor for the estate has communicated in writing both the amount and settlement date. In the event that the gift is in the form of an asset other than cash or a financial asset traded on a recognised stock exchange, recognition is subject to the value of the gift being reliably measurable with a degree of reasonable accuracy and the title to the asset having been transferred to the charity.

Deferred income

Deferred income represents amounts received for future periods and is released to incoming resources in the period for which, it has been received. Such income is only deferred when:

Gift aid

Incoming resources from tax reclaims are included in the Statement of Financial Activities at the same time as the gift to which they relate.

Interest receivable

Interest on funds held on deposit is included when receivable and the amount can be measured reliably by the charity; this is normally upon notification of the interest paid or payable by the institution with whom the funds are deposited.

Expenditure

All expenditure is recognised once there is a legal or constructive obligation to that expenditure, it is probable settlement is required and the amount can be measured reliably. All costs are allocated to the applicable expenditure heading that aggregate similar costs to that category.

Charitable activities

Charitable expenditure comprises those costs incurred by the charity in the delivery of its activities and services for its beneficiaries. It includes both costs that can be allocated directly to such activities and those costs of an indirect nature necessary to support them.

Taxation

The charity is considered to pass the tests set out in Paragraph 1 Schedule 6 of the Finance Act 2010 and therefore it meets the definition of a charitable company for UK corporation tax purposes. Accordingly, the charity is potentially exempt from taxation in respect of income or capital gains received within categories covered by Chapter 3 Part 11 of the Corporation Tax Act 2010 or Section 256 of the Taxation of Chargeable Gains Act 1992, to the extent that such income or gains are applied exclusively to charitable purposes.

25

THE LINK VISITNG SCHEME

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

Tangible fixed assets

The company does not currently have any fixed assets.

Debtors

Trade and other debtors are recognised at the settlement amount after any trade discount offered. Prepayments are valued at the amount prepaid net of any trade discounts due.

Cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents comprise cash on hand and call deposits, and other short-term highly liquid investments that are readily convertible to a known amount of cash and are subject to an insignificant risk of change in value.

Liabilities

Liabilities are recognised when there is an obligation at the Balance sheet date as a result of a past event, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefit will be required in settlement, and the amount of the settlement can be estimated reliably.

Liabilities are recognised at the amount that the company anticipates it will pay to settle the debt or the amount it has received as advanced payments for the goods or services it must provide.

Pensions and other post retirement

The charity operates a defined contribution pension scheme which is a pension plan under which fixed contributions are paid into a pension fund and the charity has no legal or constructive obligation to pay further contributions even if the fund does not hold sufficient assets to pay all employees the benefits relating to employee service in the current and prior periods.

2. ANALYSIS OF INCOME
a) Donations and Legacies
Donations
Grants
4
The Edward Gostling Endowment Fund
5.2
a1) Grant Funding for Other Charities
5.4
b) Charitable Activities
Events
Fundraising
c) Investment Income
Interest Received
Funding transferred to Other Charities		 Unrestricted
Restricted
TOTAL
TOTAL
Funds
Funds
2024
2023
£
£
£
£
32,427
-
32,427
48,141
126,949
299,116
426,065
375,896
100,000
-
100,000
476
259,376
299,116
558,492
424,513
-
51,843
51,843
48,450
259,376
350,959
610,335
472,963
9,394
-
9,394
3,522
10,792
-
10,792
4,288
20,186
-
20,186
7,810
5,307
-
5,307
594
5,307
-
5,307
594

26

THE LINK VISITNG SCHEME

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

3. ANALYSIS OF EXPENDITURE
Note
a) Direct Costs
Cost of Fund Generation - Fund Raising
Cost of Providing Charitable Activities
5.4
Staff Costs
6
a1) Direct Costs
Funding transferred to Other Charities
5.4
b) Charitable Activities
Note
Accountancy and Consultancy Fees
DBS Checks
Independent examiner's fee
Insurance
Marketing costs
Office ,Computer Equipment & IT
5.4
Payroll Services
Post & stationery
Professional Memberships
Recruitment
Rent, Electricity & Cleaning
Social Events and Activities
Staff Training
Sundry Expenses
Travel & subsistence
Volunteer Training/Expenses		 Unrestricted
Restricted
TOTAL
TOTAL
Funds
Funds
2024
2023
£
£
£
£
3,023
-
3,023
1,462
26,424
26,722
53,146
16,701
74,521
273,432
347,953
276,724
103,968
300,154
404,122
294,887
-
51,843
51,843
48,450
103,968
351,997
455,965
343,337
Unrestricted
Restricted
TOTAL
TOTAL
Funds
Funds
2024
2023
£
£
£
£
13,856
-
13,856
13,540
769
-
769
728
2,400
-
2,400
2,040
2,202
-
2,202
1,527
8,174
-
8,174
4,692
17,586
2,993
20,579
18,894
588
-
588
313
6,836
-
6,836
7,667
188
-
188
219
-
-
-
299
5,952
-
5,952
5,434
2,695
-
2,695
3,447
3,512
-
3,512
1,495
2,415
-
2,415
987
8,159
-
8,159
6,232
2,457
-
2,457
965
77,789
2,993
80,782
68,479

27

THE LINK VISITNG SCHEME

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

4. Income from Grants and Donations

We acknowledge and extend a heartfelt thanks to the following organisations who kindly supported The Link Visiting Scheme during the year ended March 2024 :

52 Lives Arborfield and Newland Parish Council AspenTech Barkham Ladies Social Club Barkham Parish Council Cala Homes Thames and Legal & General Homes Co-op Local Community Fund Crowthorne Parish Council David Brownlow Charitable Foundation Earley Charity Earley Town Council Ecclesiastical Movement for Good Edmund Godson Charity Edward Gostling Fund Eight to the Fore Elise Pilkington Charitable Trust February Foundation Field Seymour Parkes Foundation Garfield Weston Foundation Grace Trust Haines Hill Charitable Trust Helen Robertson Charitable Trust Hurst Parish Council Invesco Cares Foundation Kings Church Wokingham Liberty Global Group McCarthy Stone Foundation Mobbs Memorial Trust Morris Beneficent Fund National Lottery Community Fund Newbury Building Society Persimmon Community Champions PKB Accountants Postcode Society Trust Rotary Club of Easthampstead Rotary Club of Loddon Vale Rotary Club of Reading Maiden Erlegh Rowan Bentall Charitable Trust Shanly Foundation Shinfield Parish Council Sir Jules Thorn Charitable Trust St. James's Place Foundation Swallowfield Parish Council Syder Foundation Twyford Parish Council Wargrave Parish Council Winnersh Parish Council Wokingham Lions Wokingham Borough Council Wokingham Town Council Wokingham Without Parish Council Woodley Town Council Woosehill Community Church Zebra Technologies

We would also like to thank our individual supporters and our supporters in-kind for their valuable contributions this year.

28

THE LINK VISITNG SCHEME

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued) FOR THE FINANCIAL YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

5.Fund Summary
Current year
5.1 Designated Funds
Designated Funds		 Balance
General
Balance
1.4.23
Income
Expenditure
Transfer
31.3.24
£
£
£
£
£
150,000
-
48,748
-
101,252
150,000
-
48,748
-
101,252

During the year ended 31 March 2024 the Trustees approved spending of £75,000 from the £150,000 designated fund which was a bequest received in 2017. The trustees have authorised use of the remaining designated reserves in the year ending 31 March 2025.

5.2 Endowment Fund
The Edward Gostling Fund		 Balance
General
Balance
1.4.23
Income
Expenditure
Transfer
31.3.24
£
£
£
£
£
100,000
-
-
100,000
-
100,000
-
-
100,000

In February 2024 the charity received by deed of gift an endowment of £100,000 from The Edward Gostling Foundation. Under the terms of the endowment the charity may:

· the amount it may apply from the income and capital of the endowment in any accounting year shall be limited to the amount (if any) by which its total annual expenditure would otherwise cause its level of reserves to fall beneath 6 months’ operating costs.

General Funds
Total Unrestricted
5.4 Restricted Funds
Christmas
Activities & Events
Community Kitchen
Friendship Groups
Link to Nature
Newsletter
Chair Yoga
Befriending
Computers
Friendship Alliance
Active Minds
Keeping in Touch
Total Restricted Funds
Total Funds 2024
5.3 General Funds		 Balance
General
Balance
1.4.23
Income
Expenditure
Transfer
31.3.24
£
£
£
£
£
272,061
184,869
133,009
-
323,921
272,061
184,869
133,009
-
323,921
422,061
284,869
181,757
-
525,173
Balance
General
Balance
1.4.23
Income
Expenditure
Transfer
31.3.24
£
£
£
£
£
5,088
14,200
12,286
-
7,002
-
2,520
2,070
-
450
2,521
5,111
5,620
-
2,012
1,200
-
1,200
-
-
8,603
8,375
16,978
-
-
-
800
800
-
-
-
5,212
5,212
-
-
2,803
133,181
129,264
-
6,720
-
2,193
2,193
-
-
-
127,490
127,490
-
-
-
15,877
15,877
-
-
-
36,000
36,000
-
-
20,215
350,959
354,990
-
16,184
442,276
635,828
536,747
-
541,357

29

THE LINK VISITNG SCHEME

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

FOR THE FINANCIAL YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

Prior Year
Designated Funds
General Funds
Total Unrestricted
Restricted Funds
Total Funds 2023		 Balance
General
Balance
1.4.22
Income
Expenditure
Transfer
31.3.23
£
£
£
£
£
150,000
-
-
-
150,000
103,673
178,825
10,436
-
272,061
253,673
178,825
10,436
-
422,061
119,052
302,542
401,380
-
20,214
372,725
481,367
411,816
-
442,276
6. STAFF COSTS AND NUMBERS
Gross Wages and Salaries
Employer's National Insurance Costs
Pension Contributions
The average number of persons employed during the year was as follows:		 2024
2023
£
£
314,170
254,352
26,262
16,892
7,521
5,481
347,953
276,724
16
12

The average number of persons employed during the year was as follows:

7. TRUSTEES' REMUNERATION AND EXPENSES

No trustee received any remuneration or fees in the current or preceding year. The daughter of the CEO received consultancy fees of £8,174 (2023: £4,692) for work in relation to website design, communications and marketing.

8. TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS

There are no tangible fixed assets. The Company expenses all individual capital items under £1000 in the period of purchase.

9. DEBTORS AND PREPAYMENTS
Debtors
10. CASH AT BANK AND IN HAND
Cash at bank and on hand
Total		 Unrestricted
Restricted
Total
Total
Fund
Fund
2024
2023
£
£
£
£
0
-
0
326
0
-
0
326
Unrestricted
Restricted
2024
2023
Fund
Fund
Total
£
£
£
£
£
553,992
16,184
570,176
462,757
553,992
16,184
570,176
462,757

11. CREDITORS AND ACCRUALS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR

YEAR
Deferred Income
Independent Exam
Other Taxation and Social Security		 Unrestricted
Restricted
Total
Total
Fund
Fund
2024
2023
£
£
£
£
20,371
-
20,371
13,375
2,100
-
2,100
2,040
6,348
-
6,348
5,392
28,819
-
28,819
20,807

30