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2023-12-31-accounts

ANNUAL REPORT 2023

Building stronger, for a better future registered charity no. 1141343

Knighton Manor, Broad Chalke, Salisbury, Wiltshire SP5 5EB www.cressuk.org e: caroline.lamb@cressuk.org t: 01722 780789

CONTENTS

since 2010 CRESS has been helping the South Sudanese - create self sufficient, sustainable and ethical communities

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South Sudan
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Kajo Keji
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Mijale
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Moyo MOYO DISTRICT

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YUMBE
DISTRICT
Democratic
Republic of
Congo Imvepi Refugee
Settlement
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Arua
ARUA
DISTRICT
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Uganda
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VISION, MISSION & VALUES

Some of the 12 newly trained agriculture groups

CORE VALUES

Christian foundation drives how we operate and our values

drives how we Steady organic Based operate and our values growth taking on strong feedback and personal learning on the relationships in way Uganda and in UK Empower Unique key groups Most blend of such as projects development students, farmers, have sustainable and relief women and outcomes with clergy through the goal of them education becoming selfsupporting in time

Christian Relief Education Skills and Sustainability

VISION

Holistically transformed communities living selfsufficient lives

100% local staff. They know and love their people and will remain with them

MISSION

Strong financial accountability

Educate and train South Sudanese refugees and local Ugandans with the knowledge and skills to empower them to establish self-sustaining communities.

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ChARITAbLE ObjECTIVES

Purpose

The prevention and relief of poverty, suffering, distress and ill-health and the advancement of education, selfsufficiency, sustainability and Christian discipleship in Africa by providing grants, items and services in such ways and such places as the trustees see fit, which includes but is not limited to:

(a) improving educational opportunities and standards through sponsorship

(c) providing training and support for but not limited to agriculture;

(d) promoting community finance through the establishment of Savings Groups and the provision of loans, education and advice;

(e) equipping, training and supporting local clergy and lay church members

(b) improving primary health, trauma and maternal care through training and sponsorship, including the provision of a primary health care clinic;

“Before this training, I was blind, in the sense that I have not got such training.

Now my eyes were opened and I realised I was left behind. I am happy that now my family is benefiting from these trainings through the vegetables I grow. I am supporting my children in their education, feeding, and treatment through the vegetables. Thank God for CRESS and DOL for their wonderful support.”

Member of God’s Will agriculture group Imvepi point C.

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OUR wORk

Strategy 1 Strategy 2 Support Improve community educational church leaders opportunities & standards

Project 1 Project 2 Equip, train and Provide education support clergy in sponsorship order to improve the emotional wellbeing of their church Provide support to enable children to get quality education opportunities Providing bible study materials and classes

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Exams success for
candidates
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Loud speakers help
deliver news
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Continued learning for CRESS/DOL staff

Project 3 Support local bush schools

Jesus Film Screenings & outdoor ministry

Strategy 3 Improve Primary Health Care

Project 4 Provide a Primary Health Care Clinic Providing maternal care Diagnosis & treatment

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Outreach services
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Project 5 Trauma Training & CATT Counselling

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Trauma Awareness
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Helping young people
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Strategy 4 Vocational Skills Training

Project 6 Improve women’s hygiene Health & hygiene training & RUMPS

Project 7 Agricultural training & support

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Providing training
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Tools, seeds & advice
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Future Projects Baking, IT, tailoring, hairdressing, mechanics, electricians, builders etc

Strategy 4 Community Finance

Project 8 Savings Groups and provision of loans to enable business startups & growth Providing savings materials Training Community Business Facilitators

Support for savings groups Business advice for individuals

CATT Children’s Accelerated Trauma Therapy *RUMPS Reusable Menstrual Pads

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MESSAGE FROM ThE CEO

2023 was a big year in many ways. We started with the preparation teamwork that displayed huge support for CRESS in the Chalke Valley Churches Lent Project. The projected aimed to raise funds for the CRESS Agriculture programme, to provide for the startup costs and training for 10 of our Savings Groups to become confident, sustainable and successful farmers. In the end enough was raised for 12 groups to be started and we are so grateful to all those who ran events and donated and to the Chalke Valley Benefice for selecting us as beneficiary.

A landmark for CRESS’s Education Sponsorship was also reached this year when Godfrey, Bishop Joseph Aba’s son graduated. I wrote back to him saying “ The completion of your Bachelor Degree in Civil Engineering is a historic moment for CRESS - the reason is you were the first student to be sponsored when I returned home after my first visit to South Sudan in September 2009 - I remember so well seeing you in the class in Ebenezer School in Kajo Keji - you were sitting on a small stool with no desk and I am not sure if there were any books. ”

2023 saw Bishop Joseph visit the Chalke Valley and The Diocese of Blackburn and then to speak at the Alpha Leadership Conference with myself and Nicky Gumbel in London. It was inspiring to hear the Bishop talk about the situation of his people and his hopes for the future and for those people who have supported him and his ministry for many years to speak with him in person.

In November I made the return trip, my first since COVID, with Rev. Andrew Staley and,

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new legal Trustee, Anthony Belchambers. We were warmly welcomed in Arua by the office staff. From there we visited the Savings and Agriculture Groups in Imvepi and Mijale as well as the clinic in Mijale. I realised as we travelled deep into the bush areas how remote some of these communities are and they told me how the Savings and Agriculture Groups give them more than just a way to earn money, but a sense of community, hope and inspiration which was missing from their lives before. A huge benefit for all. I even met the deputy governor of the South Sudanese in Imvepi camp and she said that CRESS’ input had made the refugees no longer vulnerable.

Seeing the clinic staff made me realise how much like a family they have become, they clearly get on well and work very hard. They said they tend to get a lot of seriously ill patients whose lives they save, the patients come to the clinic when they have tried other places and they have failed to find healing. I met the two midwives Asaba, a lovely bubbly young girl, and Bethy who has worked with the clinic for years. Asaba goes into the camps every other month and might travel up to 40 km on the motorcycle to meet groups of pregnant women. She takes mosquito nets, mama kits and iron pills and encourages them to come to the clinic to deliver. If they live far they might come to the village a few days early. On the month she is not in the field she is helping Bethy so that Bethy does not have to get up every night as well as work in the day. Between them they have delivered a staggering 542 babies this year – 200 more than 2022

I also met the 9 CATT (Children’s Accelerated Trauma Therapy) counsellors at the clinic. Through their stories I see how much need there is for their services. I know we need to work to find more funds for this and the adult trauma work for 2024.

It was a very busy week, so wonderful to hear the positive stories for growth in the refugee population, but there is so much more that can be done.

Looking forward

Bishop Joseph’s vision for the future is to lead his people and diocese back to South Sudan. CRESS will not be able to follow them there, the UK Government and banking system will not allow us to as the country is too unstable. So at the end of 2023 we began to work to set up an indigenous NGO called CRESS Africa Foundation Limited. They will be delivering the agriculture and savings projects in Uganda going forward and will continue working with the refugee population who stay in the Arua and the refugee settlements. We are reviewing how we meet the growing need for medical services and are investigating moving to a larger premises. At the same time we updated our name to “Christian Relief Education Skills and Sustainability” and refined our charitable objectives. My thanks to the Trustees for all their extra support and work this year.

We wish the very best to the Diocese of Liwolo and thank them for their outstanding work during our long and successful partnership and we are looking forward to “Building stronger for a better future“ (CRESS Africa’s new strap line).

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I am Gire Lucy Songa, 27years old, living in Matu village 7.5 miles away from the clinic and it takes 2hours 30mins to get here. I would like to thank the staffs for the wonderful health services they offer, antenatal classes, free distribution of Mama kits, mosquito nets, iron pills, good scanning services and a clean place with maximum care given to me by the midwives.

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AChIEVEMENTS 2023

Savings Groups

Savings groups act like a community bank. Refugees put their money in and can then ask for loans for business or the needs of their family. They repay over time with interest. The groups also are encouraged to be involved in projects together to raise funds which are distributed yearly.

SAVINGS GROUPS ESTAbLIShED 76 INC.11 NEw IN wE 2023 SUPPORT 13 CbFs (COMMUNITY bASED FACILITATORS) whO SUPPORT ThE GROUPS

hOw ARE SAVINGS USED?

SAVINGS GROUPS TRAINED 1,669 MEMbERS bY SEP 2023 1,259 OF MEMbERS ARE FEMALE

• 114 members bought and started rearing pigs Before joining the group, Adede Grace (below centre) had limited knowledge of savings, group leadership or business. After saving for 4 cycles, she used her savings and profits from businesses (started with loans) to build a house.

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Lead CBF mentoring CBF on data collection
in Imvepi
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Adede Grace with her
goats
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Morjita Mixed C receiving
saving materials
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AGNES’S STORY

Agnes Ngonga: A 20-year-old married female with one child. Agnes is a member of the Emmanuel Loguwate Savings Group in Imvepi Refugee Settlement. She joined the Group this year and used the loans from the group to start a successful food items business, showcasing the rapid impact the programme can have.

Photo: Agnes with her group CBF at her stall

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AChIEVEMENTS

Agriculture

2023

The aim of our agriculture training is to equip learners with the skills of sustainable organic farming practices that will enable them to improve their families’ food security, nutrition and income.

A TOTAL SUPPORTED POPULATION OF ALMOST 11,000 LIVES* IMPACTED 4 POSITIVELY ThROUGh AGRICULTURAL GROUPS INCREASED ACCESS TO AN INCREASE OF VEGETAbLES 12 in 2023[8] 12 NEw GROUPS TRAINED OVER

TOTAL VEG VALUE PRODUCED bY PROjECT £200k

12 NEw GROUPS TRAINED 360 IN SUSTAINAbLE AGRICULTURE & VEG ALL 13 CbFS TRAINED IN SUSTAINAbLE ORGANIC AGRICULTURE, NATURAL MEDICINES AND AGROFORESTRY

IN 2023

1,360 REFUGEE FARMERS NOw TRAINED & SUPPLIED wITh ESSENTIAL INPUTS

Photo: Members of the groups doing successful business raising hands

ShARING SUCCESS

Conference meetings were conducted in Imvepi and Mijale at the start of the year and are used to evaluate the performance of agriculture groups, and to plan and prepare groups ready for the first planting season 2023.

TREE SEEDLING DISTRIbUTED 1,200 IN 2023 IN TOTAL NOw 7,000+ TREES

These conferences where all group members come together for shared testimonies of agriculture and savings achievements are now increasingly attended also by government representatives, local church leaders and other NGOs. This shows the success of the projects and the wider impact they are having on the community at large. This also indicates a growing confidence in group members to engage with local establishment to access information, support and extend influence.

FAST GROwING wOODFUEL & FODDER TREES SEEDLINGS PLANTED 100 FOR 1st TIME IN 2023

TREE PLANTING

Photo: Packing fruit trees for delivery to group members

2023 saw a further 1200 fruit tree seedlings distributed to group members in Imvepi and Mijale. This brings the total fruit tree seedlings distributed by the project to over 7000. They include quick ripening papaya and nutrient rich avocado. Trees planted in the agriculture landscape are crucial for environmental protection and ameliorating the effects of climate change. Tree seedling distribution also included for the first time 100 seedlings of Calliandra a key nitrogen fixing fast growing tree important for woodfuel and fodder, and which again gives key sustainable services to the environment.

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*based on 8 per household

AChIEVEMENTS 2023

Christian Discipleship

LITURGICAL DAILY LOUD TRAINING FOR NEwS & SPEAkER ADVICE SYSTEMS IN REFUGEE 52 SETTLEMENTS IN MAY AS wELL AS SPIRITUAL SUPPORT 5

DISCIPLEShIP TRAINING FOR

NEw LICENSED 16 LAY READERS

PRAYER & MOThERS INTERCESSOR UNION 5 TRAINING FOR LEADERS 31 IN jULY

1 NEw IN 2023 wITh LOCAL COMMITTEES OVERSEEING NEwS REAChING 7,000+ REFUGEES & POOR UGANDANS

PARENTING IN FAITh TRAINING FOR hYMN bOOkS & LITURGICAL bIbLE 29 MATERIALS STUDY GROUPS FAMILIES IN ThREE PURChASED AND LOCATIONS SUPPORTED DISTRIbUTED bY DOL ENAbLING wORShIP 240 IN IMVEPI CAMP bIbLE & MIjALE STUDY bOOkS bUSh & TRAINING FOR 150 bIbLES FOR DIFFERENT FOR DEMOGRAPhICS 128

NEw EQUIPMENT & TENTS FOR 5 ENAbLING jESUS FILM

jESUS FILM ShOwN TO 2,269 REFUGEES IN 2023

YOUThS & SAVINGS bICYCLE FOR GROUP MEMbERS 1

PASTORS PASTORAL MINISTRY

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AChIEVEMENTS Clinic, CATT* & outreach 2023

The clinic we fund is in Mijale in rural Northern Uganda.

FUNDING PRIMARY hEALTh CARE CLINIC whICh hAS SEEN 6,946 SOUTh SUDANESE REFUGEES & POOR UGANDANS

RUMPS TRAINING

Refugee schoolgirls in Northern Uganda face many barriers to staying in education, one is the cost of sanitary wear. The inability to manage their periods in school means they miss school, fail their exams and then are destined for early marriage with no life prospects. CRESS offers RUMPS (reusable menstrual pads) training that is practical, the girls make their own pads using locally available materials and are given the gift of underwear and soap.

ULTRASOUND SCANS FOR LOCAL DIAGNOSIS OF EXPECTANT MOThERS SEEN IN 474 ThE CLINIC PATIENTS SAVING EACh PATIENT 50MILE ROUND TRIP 2,080 ANTENATAL CLASSES & ChECkUPS hYGIENE, FAMILY SPACING, MALARIA TRAINING & MOSQUITO MIDwIFERY NETS FOR SERVICES AT CLINIC DELIVERED 200 REFUGEE MOThERS FROM AGRICULTURE & 542 SAVING GROUPS IN bAbIES SAFELY IN IMVEPI & 2023 MIjALE

“This CRESS training is different from other trainings as I did not know all the materials that were needed, how to measure, how to cut, how to arrange, how to sew or even how to cater for it [after use], but since this [training] I can now train other fellow w omen and my fellow sisters who lack the knowledge. Other organisations have just given us already made pads without the knowledge, pants, soap and even refreshment food.”

RUMPS TRAINING FOR 216 in 2 SChOOLS 2023

MIDwIFE SUPPORT FROM ThE CLINIC

COMMUNITY EMOTIONAL hEALTh PROGRAMME RAISING AwARENESS FOR ChILDREN & ADULTS

The clinic continues its amazing work in supporting and guiding women in Mijale and the surrounding area. Pictured below is a group of mothers attending an antenatal health class led by community midwife Asaba.

In September Asaba supported 158 women in the community. She distributed over 120 mosquito nets and demonstrated correct usage.

TRAUMA ThERAPY 9 SOUTh SUDANESE PEOPLE CATT* TRAINED COUNSELLORS TO wORk wITh TRAUMATISED SUPPORTED REFUGEE 534 ChILDREN ChILDREN IN 2023

In addition, pregnant mothers were given mama kits to help them prepare for their new baby and reduce expenses. They also received necessary medication and supplements to ensure their very best health during pregnancy.

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*CATT Children’s Accelerated Trauma Therapy

AChIEVEMENTS 2023

PRIMARY PRIMARY & SECONDARY LEAVERS EXAMS EDUCATION FOR TAkEN & PASSED 5 49 IN 2023 REFUGEE STUDENTS

UGANDAN CERTIFICATES OF EDUCATION* TAkEN UGANDA ADVANCED CERTIFICATE OF 3 EDUCATION EXAMS TAkEN 2 SUPPORTING 1 12 2009 ThROUGh FULL TIME TERTIARY EDUCATION DIPLOMA IN ACCOUNTING AND FINANCE AND SUPPORTING 1 1 COMPLETED ThROUGh NIGhT SChOOL

bAChELOR DEGREE IN CIVIL ENGINEERING 1 COMPLETE EDUCATION SPONSORED SINCE 2009

YENSUk’S YEAR

Her parents wrote “ It is hard to imagine this support, but only to find this miraculous education support which is hard to get. Our daughter Yensuk is progressing very well. Her end of year results is too encouraging as her trend of results is going upward .“ She had 108 students in her new Primary 3 class. She started the year 44th and ended in 4th position. A huge improvement and on to P4 next year.

Education Sponsorship

ChRISTINE’S EDUCATION

Christine is a 17 year old orphan whose education is supported by CRESS donors. In 2023 she took her Primary Leaver Exams. She is pictured above with Scopas who went, on behalf of the CRESS Education department, to attend the parents’ meeting for her. All the exam candidate were taken to Jinja for extra study and needed those fees paid. The study tour took place in July and the exams in November,

Being an orphan she had no one else to go to the meeting for her. She says to Scopas she never knows where she would be now without CRESS!

To her sponsor she wrote

“Am working so hard so that I secure good grade for secondary education. I would love to study in Arua for my secondary education.

I spend my holidays in Imvepi Refugee camp. I live with my elder brother’s wife. We grow small garden of vegetables like sukuma, cabbages and I enjoy them a lot as we use it to supplement with the small beans we receive from UN.

I want to become a medical doctor or a nurse when I finish school. I want to help my community with health care services.”

We have just found out that Christine has passed her PLE in third grade and therefore she is enrolling at Nyangilia Secondary School in Koboko. She hopes to continue her hard work, improve her grades and move to Usindi Secondary School in Arua next year.

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*UCE Uganda Certificate of Education equivalent to GCSEs

IMPACT 2023

CRESS’ 2023 strategy aims to help tackle the underlying causes of poverty and social injustice, as part of global efforts to meet the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

In the Agriculture Groups, 3/4 of the harvest from group gardens and 1/4 from individual gardens is sold. This income, however small, helps families enormously and is

used for school fees and vital medicines. Once these immediate expenses are met group members then usually start building/renovating their

houses, and start investing in their small businesses, which gives a level of financial security.

The 76 Savings Groups also help break the cycle of poverty by delivering loans and money

skills training to their 1669 members, representing over 10,000 within their households, which in turn provides them with financial security and the ability to afford an education, better nutrition, hygiene and health.

We gave 216 refugee young women RUMPS training means they can save money on costly disposable menstrual pads and they can continue their lives at school and work.

CRESS aims to increase food security through 46 Agriculture Groups by delivering training to new group members, to key community leaders and existing groups. Our training focuses on sustainable vegetable growing and agriculture using organic regenerative practices such as composting, tree planting and soil conservation.

Planting fruit and other tree species for garden and field protection to enhance the resilience of food security has been a big part of our agriculture plan, with over 7000 trees now planted. The species mix includes quick maturing papaya, nutrient rich avocado and nitrogen fixing calliandra. Some fruits are already maturing thus able to improve nutrition especially during hunger seasons of low food availability.

Selling excess fruit, vegetables and crop production provides income for all 1360 trained group members and their families. This provides increased food security for over 11000 individuals.

In 2023, CRESS’ Primary Healthcare Clinic treated 6,946 South Sudanese refuges and poor Ugandan people. Malaria, pneumonia and diarrhoea are mostly seen in children below 5 years and pregnant mothers. Peptic ulcers, brucellosis and typhoid including STIs and skin conditions were mostly seen in adults. Cases of malnutrition were seen in the clinic.

The ultrasound equipment provided a diagnosis for 474 patients. The clinic’s midwives helped safely deliver 542 babies and saw 2,080 mothers for antenatal clinics.

200 Mosquito nets were distributed and mothers trained in malaria prevention, family spacing, water ‐sanitation and hygiene.

Our CATT programme helped 396 children cope with difficult life situations.

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*RUMPS Reusable Menstrual Pads

IMPACT 2023

CRESS prefers to talk about our contribution to change, rather than claiming our work alone led to any given change.

*Education Response Plan for Refugees and Host Communities in Uganda (2018-2022) - www.edu-links.org

CRESS education sponsorship programme has supported young people in the refugee camps to access education including 12 students in tertiary education. 21 children have been supported to attend primary school and 28 at secondary level.

In 2023 CRESS has also supported two staff members to continue their education through night classes enabling them to fulfil their potential.

Continuing training for our staff this year has included Sustainable Organic Agriculture, Agroforestry and Natural Medicines for the CBFs and Apiculture/Bee Keeping training for our Agriculture Officers. This training will be passed on to members of the savings and agriculture groups.

CRESS has supported women via the primary healthcare clinic outreach services. 200 Refugee women have been taught malaria prevention and control, hygiene, sanitation

and family planning and given a treated mosquito net.

1259 of 1669 registered Agricultural and Savings Groups members, are female. They have been taught skills to improve their food and financial security, enabling them to increase levels of empowerment and equality to become a force for change in their communities. By September 210 businesses had been set up by women. CBFs reported “ women now peacefully co-exist with their husbands because of the support they are bringing to their homes through the agriculture program, [means] there are no more family disputes. “

Through the 70 Savings Groups and the 34 Agricultural Groups, CRESS has helped the group members to set up and develop their own businesses and group businesses, grow their own food and generate their own income.

CRESS has always seen good gender balance in its education sponsorship. Currently, 29 out of 61 of our sponsored students are female.

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12 YEARS OF CRESS

2010

2011

2014

2018

2020

Supported refugees through COVID lockdown with food, PPE, home-schooling and Loud Speaker Project > Zoom for meetings with DOL & UK events

2022

Clinic oversaw eye health clinic & surgery > Pastor and youth conferences run by DoL >Fruit tree survey show 2,000 trees thriving >70 Savings groups with 2,094 members

2013

Women’s conference attended by 200 women in Kajo Keji led by 6 women from UK

2015

2017

War means many from Kajo Keji flee to Uganda > CRESS moves to Uganda - office opens Arua > May. Joseph Aba becomes Bishop of the newly created Diocese of Liwolo

CRESS makes Diocese of Liwolo their partner > Clinic opens in September in Mijale

2019

41 savings groups started with 1,041 members > Clinic did hygiene and RUMPS training, coordinated CATT Counsellors & saw 7862 patients > Bishop Joseph leads a student conference

2021

Savings groups now have 1,570 members. > 76 pastors included within our agriculture training in addition to 320 group members.

2023

All in this report...

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MAkING A DIFFERENCE

COMMUNITY SUPPORT v r o o d r t i o t

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FINANCE

Income Total: £318,277

Expenditure Total: £293,762

1% fundraising events and merchandise

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39% trusts &
foundations
52% donations
8% gift aid
& gifts
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8% raising
funds
8% support costs
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84% Uganda programme costs
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Finance highlights of CRESS’ 2023 Accounts

New loud hailer installed in Pingo

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STRATEGIC ObjECTIVES

The table below sets out our plans for the coming year:

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Strategic Objective Plans 2024
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Strategic Objective Plans 2024
Begin process of
community ownership
without UK for increased
sustainability		 • New indigenous NGO (non-governmental
organisation) to take over running CRESS projects in
Arua. Looking for partner for Christian Discipleship.
• Support new clinic with increased local ownership
• Invest clinic income into clinic running costs
• Work towards new poultry & garden projects to
support ofce & clinic including trialling growing
medicinal herbs for malaria
• Increase diversityof CRESS in UKgovernance board
Equip local Ugandans and
refugees to be income
secure for increased self-
sufciency		 • Create new Savings Group and Savings & Agriculture
Groups near the new clinic. Continue with support and
training
• RUMPS trainingfor schoolgirls
Improve and develop
training to boost livelihood
opportunities foryoung		 • Sponsored education, academic and vocational, both
to be valued
• RUMPS training
Build capacity and
capabilities of organisation
to deliver strategy		 • Improve current monitoring and supervisory
processes
• Develop and train CRESS staf & volunteers
• Further develop strategies, policies and budgets with
the new NGO
• Equipa new ofce for the NGO
Diversify income generation
and boost fundraising		 • Increase Regular Donors, Major Donors, Corporates,
Trust Funds
• Increase fund-raising events
• Recruit Ambassadors and volunteer fund-raisers
Improve health in
the community and
sustainability of clinic		 • Support new larger clinic
• Invest clinic income into clinic running costs
• Improve clinic inventory and fnance systems
• Continue to support CATT counselling and Adult
Trauma
• Trialling growing medicinal herbs for malaria in clinic
garden

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GOVERNANCE

Governance

CRESS is an unincorporated organisation. Its governing document is a trust deed dated 12th of April 2011, as amended by resolutions dated 23rd of January 2013 and 11th of November 2019.

CRESS recruits Trustees in the UK with the skills and experience to ensure the charity carries out its activities effectively and efficiently. New Trustees are appointed by existing Trustees.

The Trustees take an active interest in operational activities and remain informed through regular reports and three full Board meetings a year.

2023 Trustees

Chair of Trustees

Jeremy Metcalfe OBE

Trustees

Caroline Lamb MA Oxon. PGCE.

Dr Jonathan Cullis MA (Cantab) MBBS. MD. FRCP. FRCPath.

Dr Jane Guy MB,BS. MRCGP. DRCOG. Anthony Belchambers ( Inner Temple ) - appointed 28/09/2023

John K E Broadley, MA Oxon, CMG.

Specialist Volunteer Advisers

Education and Sponsorship

Janet Carlsson

Agricultural Adviser

Olivia Jane Jones South Sudan Adviser

Namurye Jane Basa

Volunteer Coordinator & Strategy Assistant Jamie Melville

ORGANISATION STRUCTURE

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Founder & CEO
Caroline Lamb
Trustees Volunteer Advisors Accountant Office Manager UK Charity Support Coordinator
Jeremy Metcalfe (Chair) Olivia Jones Alan Murray Naomi Booth Support Jamie Melville
Jonathan Cullis Janet Carlsson James Baker
Olivia Jones Namurye Jane Basa DELIVERY PARTNERS IN Stephanie Higgins Ambassadors Event
Claire Bourne Organisers
Anthony Belchambers UGANDA
John Broadley Rosie Baxter-Brown
Jane Guy Health & Clinic Diocese of Liwolo
Edward Mika Bishop Joseph Aba
Clinicians Security Guards Development Co-ordinator Diocesan Secretary Archdeacons
Candia Natal Kenyi Simaya Samuel Doa Alex Kenyi
Gerald Atama Lodiong Samuel
Yangi BethyKiden Reida Education Agriculture Microfinance Trauma Finance Logistics Discipleship Admin Asst
Nsimenta Asaba Samuel Doa Abate Julious Samuel Doa Healing Moses Marle Isaac Soro Joel Abate
FinanceMorris Daniel Dubek SusanCook Scopas Murye Yango Yunia Isaac Soro Charles KenyiGale ScopasCanon Isaac KwajeAccountantIrene Abiko Eric NelsonDriver Anda SimayaSecurity Guards Rina KojoCook
Ivan Kenyi
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Public Benefit

The Trustees confirm that they have complied with the requirements of section 4 of the Charities Act 2011 to have due regard to the public benefit guidance published by the Charity Commission for England and Wales. This Annual Report provides a summary of our main activities undertaken in 2023 demonstrating our charitable purpose for the public benefit.

Risk Management

The Trustees have a risk register, important risks are discussed at each trustee meeting. The register is reviewed annually.

Safeguarding

The Trustees believe that the welfare of children and vulnerable individuals is paramount. The charity operates within the framework of its safeguarding policy, which clearly states how incidents and allegations will be handled should they arise.

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Spinach being grown in Mijale
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Financial Overview

CRESS’ financial position is shown in the attached accounts.

Donations from regular supporters continued to be strong during the year and a number of one-off gifts from individuals and charitable trusts resulted in a small increase in income overall to £318,277 (2022: £314,389).

Expenditure on the Uganda programme showed an increase over the previous year at £247,168 (2021: £228,037) which was mainly driven by an increase in salary costs. Expenditure on fundraising services and management support reduced significantly compared to the previous year due to lack of funding for the personnel involved.

The charity achieved a small surplus of £4,368 on unrestricted funds with reserves carried forward of £53,463 providing a secure start to the new year. Restricted reserves grew by £20,147 to £92,096 which will ensure continuity of the Uganda programme well into 2024.

Reserves

CRESS understands that our supporters want our resources to be used in the most efficient and effective manner achieving maximum impact for our beneficiaries. The Trustees aim to maintain unrestricted bank balances at a level which will provide sufficient funds to ensure that charitable activities, support and governance costs are covered for 3 months. The Trustees believe that the scale of our current operations requires no change to the reserves policy. However, they will continue to review the situation as the charity develops.

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Rev. Jacob Karaba and his wife with their 3 year old mango tree
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ChARITY DETAILS

Charity

CRESS Christian Relief Education Skills and Sustainability

Registered Charity Number

1141343

Principal Address

Knighton Manor Farm, Knighton Road, Broad Chalke, Salisbury, Wiltshire, SP5 5EB

bankers

HSBC Bank Plc Blandford Forum

17 Market Place, Blandford Forum, Dorset, DT11 7AG

Independent Examiner

H Flint FCA

Mead House, High Road, Broad Chalke, Salisbury, Wiltshire, SP5 5EH

Accountant

Alan Murray

72 Churchfield Road, Poole, Dorset BH15 2QP

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ANNUAL ACCOUNTS

CRESS For the year ended 31 December 2023

Registered charity number: 1141343

CONTENTS

25-33 Statements of Financial Activities 34 Independent Examiners report to the Trustees 35 Statement of Trustee responsibilities

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STATEMENT of Financial Activities Year ended 31st December 2023

Unrestricted Restricted 2023 2022
Funds Income
Funds
Incoming resources (Note 2)
Income and endowments
Donations and legacies 108,203 207,776 315,979 311,341
Other tradingactivities 1,138 1,160 2,298 3,028
Investments - - - 20
Total income and endowments 109,341 208,936 318,277 314,389
Resources expended (Note3)
Expenditure
Raisingfunds 23,905 - 23,905 30,265
Charitable activities 75,999 193,858 269,857 262,590
Total expenditure 99,904 193,858 293,762 292,855
Net income (expenditure) before transfers 9,437 15,078 24,515 21,534
Transfer of funds
Transfer of funds P&L (5,069) 5,069 - -
Net movement in funds 4,368 20,147 24,515 21,534
Reconciliation of funds
Total funds brought forward 49,095 71,949 121,044 99,510
Total funds carried forward 53,463 92,096 145,559 121,044

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bALANCE ShEET CRESS As at 31 December 2023

2023 2022
Fixed assets
Tangible assets (Note 6) 87 116
Current assets
Debtors (Note7) 7,077 6,893
Cash at bank and in hand (Note9) 139,345 115,460
146,422 122,353
Creditors: amounts falling due within oneyear
Creditors (Note 8) 950 1,425
Net current assets (liabilities) 145,472 120,928
Total assets less current liabilities 145,559 121,044
Funds of the charity(Note 11)
Restricted funds 92,096 71,949
Unrestricted funds 53,463 49,095
Total funds 145,559 121,044

Approval

Signed on behalf of all the trustees

Jeremy Metcalfe Chair of Trustees

Date

19.03.24

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to the Financial Statements As at 31 December 2023

NOTES

1. Accounting Policies

Basis of accounting

These accounts have been prepared under the historical cost convention with items recognised at cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant notes to these accounts. The accounts have been prepared in accordance with:

The charity constitutes a public benefit entity as defined by FRS 102.

Going concern

The Trustees consider that there are no material uncertainties about the charity’s ability to continue as a going concern.

Income

Recognition of income

These are included in the Statement of Financial Activities (SoFA) when:

Offsetting

There has been no offsetting of assets and liabilities, or income and expenses, unless required or permitted by the FRS 102 SORP or FRS 102.

Grants and Donations

Grants and donations are only included in the SoFA when the general income recognition criteria are met.

The charity is not registered for VAT.

Tax reclaims on donations and gifts

Gift Aid receivable is included in income when there is a valid declaration from the donor. Any Gift Aid amount recovered on a donation is considered to be part of that gift and is treated as an addition to the same fund as the initial donation unless the donor or the terms of the appeal have specified otherwise.

Donated goods

Donated goods are measured at fair value (the amount for which the asset could be exchanged) unless impractical to do so.

Support Costs

The charity has incurred expenditure on support costs.

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Notes to the Financial Statements

Year ended 31st December 2023

Income from interest, royalties and dividends

This is included in the accounts when receipt is probable and the amount receivable can be measured reliably.

Expenditure and liabilities

Liability recognition

Liabilities are recognised where it is more than likely than not that there is a legal or constructive obligation committing the charity to pay out resources and the amount of the obligation can be measured with reasonable certainty.

Governance and support costs

Support costs have been allocated between governance costs and other support. Governance costs comprise all costs involving public accountability of the charity and its compliance with regulation and good practice. Support costs include central functions.

Creditors

The charity has creditors which are measured at settlement amount less any trade discounts.

Assets

Tangible fixed assets for use by the charity

These are capitalised if they can be used for more than one year, and cost at least £1,000. They are valued at cost. The depreciation rates and methods used are as follows:

Account Method Rate
Equipment Reducing balance 25%

Debtors

Debtors (including trade debtors and loans receivable) are measured on initial recognition at settlement account after any trade discounts or amount advanced by the charity. Subsequently, they are measured at the cash or other consideration expected to be received.

Fund structure

Unrestricted income funds are general funds that are available for use at the trustees’ discretion in furtherance of the objectives of the charity.

Restricted income funds are those donated for use in a particular area or for specific purposes, the use of which is restricted to that area or purpose.

Transactions in foreign currency

Transactions in foreign currency are translated into the Charity’s functional currency at the spot rate applicable on the day of each transaction. Foreign currency balances in the balance sheet are translated at the rate applicable on the reporting date and exchange differences are included in the statement of financial activities.

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Notes to the Financial Statements Year ended 31st December 2023

Unrestricted
Funds		 Restricted
Income
Funds		 2023 2022
2. Analysis of income

Donations and legacies
Donations andgifts 69,486 94,604 164,090 150,843
Gift Aid 6,812 19,528 26,340 23,021
General grants provided by other
charities		 31,905 93,644 125,549 137,477
Total donations and legacies 108,203 207,776 315,979 311,341
Other tradingactivities
Events and merchandise 1,138 1,160 2,298 3,028
Total other tradingactivities 1,138 1,160 2,298 3,028
Income from investments
Interest income - - - 20
Total income from investments - - - 20
Total income 109,341 208,936 318,277 314,389
Total income in thepreviousyear 126,116 188,273 - 314,389
Unrestricted
Funds		 Restricted
Income
Funds		 2023 2022
3. Analysis of expenditure

Raisingfunds
Expenditure on raisingfunds 23,905 - 23,905 30,265
Total raisingfunds 23,905 - 23,905 30,265
Charitable activities
Programme costs 53,310 193,858 247,168 228,037
Support costs 22,689 - 22,689 34,553
Total charitable activities 75,999 193,858 269,857 262,590
Total expenditure 99,904 193,858 293,762 292,855
Total expenditure in thepreviousyear 122,360 170,495 - 292,855

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Notes to the Financial Statements Year ended 31st December 2023

Unrestricted
funds		 Restricted income
funds		 2023 2022
4. Programme costs
Agriculture - 7,369 7,369 6,841
CATT training 3,258 563 3,821 9,010
Christian discipleship 8,508 4,206 12,714 7,564
Clinic equipment and running
cost		 4,925 5,641 10,566 10,626
Clinic medicine 639 4,140 4,779 8,129
Clinic healthprojects - 3,729 3,729 9,115
Education - 44,997 44,997 49,284
General ofce costs - 15,504 15,504 4,754
Lent Project - 7,762 7,762 -
Management, admin & staf
support costs		 28,490 - 28,490 29,009
Salaries - 93,813 93,813 74,924
Savingsgroups 2,010 4,654 6,664 8,748
Support medicine - - - 2,363
Travel 640 - 640 1,058
Vehiclepurchases - - - 1,472
Vehicle maintenance 4,840 1,480 6,320 5,140
Total 53,310 193,858 247,168 228,037
5. Support costs
Governance 1,859 - 1,859 144
Ofce and accountancysupport 11,961 - 11,961 28,504
IT software and consumables 3,462 - 3,462 2,704
Printing postage and stationery 474 - 474 373
International travel 3,138 - 3,138 2,237
Others 1,795 - 1,795 591
Total 22,689 - 22,689 34,553

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Notes to the Financial Statements Year ended 31st December 2023

----- Start of picture text -----
6. Tangible fixed assets
Equipment Total
Cost
At 1 January 2023 650 650
At 31 December 2023 650 650
Depreciation
At 1 January 2023 534 534
Charge for year 29 29
At 31 December 2023 563 563
Net Book Value
At 31 December 2023 87 87
At 31 December 2022 116 116
Unrestricted Restricted
income income
funds funds 2023 2022
7. Debtors
-
Prepayments and accrued 7,077 7,077 6,893
income
8. Creditors
Accruals and deferred income 950 - 950 1425
9. Cash at bank and in hand 47,249 92,096 139,345 115,460
----- End of picture text -----

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Notes to the Financial Statements Year ended 31st December 2023

11. Charity funds 11. Charity funds Balance at Income Expenditure Transfers Balance at
1 January
2023		 31 December
2023
Unrestricted funds
Contingency 18,899 - - - 18,899
General 21,115 68,975 (77,412) (9,863) 2,815
Designated funds
Vehicle replacement
fund		 2,488 1197 - - 3,685
Programme costs 6,593 39169 (22,492) 4,794 28,064
Total 49,095 109,341 (99,904) (5,069) 53,463
Restricted funds
Agriculture 2,742 7,645 (7,369) 1,000 4,018
BigGive - 3,938 - - 3,938
Bush schools fund 500 - - - 500
CATT training - 1,000 (563) - 437
Christian discipleship 3,005 12,260 (4,206) - 11,059
Clinic equipment and
running costs		 5,394 4,356 (5,641) - 4,109

Clinic medicine		 404 9,525 (4,140) - 5,789
Clinic healthprojects 3,770 - (3,729) - 41
DoL Blackburn - 1,206 - 1,206
Education 13,669 50,706 (44,997) - 19,378
General ofce costs in
Uganda		 10,206 12,017 (15,504) - 6,719
Lent Project - 15,253 (7,762) (2,500) 4,991
Salaries 29,317 80,325 (93,813) 7,069 22,898
Savingsgroups 1,742 8,636 (4,654) - 5,724
Travel 500 - - (500) -
Vehicle maintenance 700 2,069 (1,480) - 1,289
Total 71,949 208,936 (193,858) 5,069 92,096
Total funds 121,044 318,277 (293,762) - 145,559

Notes

The Designated Funds represent unrestricted income funds that have been provisionally set aside to provide for replacement vehicles for the operations in Uganda, and certain other salaries and expenses in the coming year in order to ensure continuity of essential coordinating services provided by the implementing partner agency.

The Restricted Income Funds represent grants and other donations that have been specifically raised for certain elements of the development programme in Uganda.

The Education fund includes a sponsorship programme covering fees and other educational expenses for a number of school and university students in the community.

The salaries fund includes grants and sponsorship for key staff and project coordinators in the Diocese of Liwolo.

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Notes to the Financial Statements Year ended 31st December 2023

Balance at Income Expenditure Transfers Balance at
1 January
2022		 31 December
2022
Unrestricted funds
Contingency 18,899 - - - 18,899
General 18,157 126,116 (122,360) (798) 21,115
Designated funds
Vehicle replacement fund
1,690		 - - 798 2,488
Programme costs 16,163 - - (9,569) 6,594
Total 54,909 126,116 (122,360) - 49,096
Restricted funds
Agriculture 4,776 4,080 (6,114) - 2,742
Bush schools fund 500 - - - 500
CATT training 15 2,925 (3,081) 141 -
Christian discipleship - 9,826 (6,821) - 3,005
Clinic equipment and
running costs		 2,100 5,290 (1,996) - 5,394

Clinic medicine		 5,673 2,860 (8,129) - 404
Clinichealthprojects 10,780 (7,175) 165 3,770
Education 13,726 49,227 (49,284) - 13,669
General ofce costs in
Uganda		 2,839 12,121 (4,754) - 10,206
RUMPS - womens' health 1,531 (1,940) 409 -
Salaries 13,195 83,549 (73,880) 6,452 29,316
Savingsgroups - 6,415 (4,673) - 1,742
Support medicine for staf
-		 - (1,590) 1,590 -
Travel 246 500 -1,058 812 500
Vehicle maintenance - 700 - - 700
Total 44,601 188,273 (170,495) - 71,948
Total funds 99,510 314,389 (292,855) - 121,044

12. Transactions with trustees and related parties

During the year six trustees made donations totalling £13,695 (2022: £21,184) towards the normal activities of the charity.

One trustee was reimbursed £4,408 (2022: £1,377) for expenses incurred on behalf of the charity in the implementation of its activities. No other trustees have received any expenses or benefits from the charity during the year.

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INDEPENDENT EXAMINER’S

Report to the Trustees of Christian Relief Education Skills and Sustainability CRESS For the year ended 31 December 2023

I report to the Trustees on my examination of the accounts of the above charity (Christian Relief Education Skills and Sustainability) for the year ended 31 December 2023 which are set out on pages 24 to 33,

Responsibilities and basis of report

As the Charity’s Trustees, you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 (“the Act”).

I report in respect of my examination of the Charity’s accounts carried out under section 145 of 2011 Act and in carrying out my examination, I have followed all applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Act.

Independent examiner’s statement

I have completed my examination. I confirm no material matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination which give me cause to believe that in, any material respect:

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

Henry Flint FCA

Mead House, High Road, Broad Chalke, Salisbury, Wiltshire, SP5 SEH

Date: 20.03.24

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STATEMENT

of Trustees’ Responsibilities

The Trustees are responsible for preparing the Trustees’ report and the financial statements in accordance with the United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice) and applicable law and regulations. The law applicable to charities 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 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 applicable Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations, and the provisions of the constitution. The Trustees are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charity and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.

Declaration

The Trustees declare that they have approved the Trustees’ report above.

Signed on behalf of the charity’s Trustees

Date: 19.03.24

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CRESS ChRISTIAN RELIEF EDUCATION SkILLS AND SUSTAINAbILITY

CRESS would like to thank all our supporters and donors for their support in 2023.

CRESS registered charity no. 1141343

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