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2024-12-31-accounts

ANNUAL REPORT 2024

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

Revive Livelihood Group in Rhino Camp during a savings meeting

South Sudan

Mijale Moyo

Yumbe Palorinya Democratic Koboko Bidibidi Refugee SettlementRefugee Republic of Lobule Refugee Settlement Settlement Congo

Imvepi Refugee Settlement

Rhino Refugee Settlement

Arua

Uganda

Scale 0 Kilometers 20 2

VISION, MISSION & VALUES

Mary’s shop - CRESS provided her with a wheelchair and the knowledge and support to start her business

Christian foundation 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, women, have sustainable and relief farmers and outcomes with clergy through the goal of them education becoming selfsupporting in time

Christian Relief Education Skills and Sustainability

Holistically transformed communities living selfsuffi cient lives

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

Strong fi nancial accountability

Educate and train displaced people with the knowledge and skills to empower them to establish selfsustaining communities.

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CHARITABLE OBJECTIVES

Purpose

The prevention and relief of poverty, suff ering, distress and ill-health and the advancement of education, selfsuffi ciency, sustainability and Christian discipleship in Africa by providing grants, items and services in such ways and such places as the trustees see fi t, 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 fi nance 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;

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OUR WORK

Strategy 1 Strategy 2 Strategy 3 Strategy 4 Strategy 5 Sustainable and Promote Improve health Enable a Promote spirituality equitable access economic wealth and wellbeing functional & & moral integrity to nutritious food creation literate society Project 3 Project 5 Project 1 Project 2 Preventive Project 4 Community Climate Smart & Economic Community Holistic & Discipleship and Nutrition Sensitive Empowerment & Health Inclusive Evangelism Agriculture Wealth Creation Education

Tools, seeds & advice

Providing maternal care

Providing savings materials

Build clergy capacity for discipleship through trainings, discipleship materials and transport

Provide support to enable children to get quality education opportunities

Diagnosis & treatment

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Providing training and
ongoing advice
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Project 5.2 Child Evangelism and Discipleship

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Training Community
Process Facilitators
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Outreach services

Project 3.2 CATT*Counselling & Awareness

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Training Community
Process Facilitators
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Trauma Awareness
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Ongoing support for
savings groups
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Exams success for candidates

Training for volunteer youth workers

Helping young people

Good news clubs, 5 days’ clubs and school ministry

Advice for individuals

Continued learning for CRESS staff

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

MESSAGE FROM THE CEO

This has been an exciting year for CRESS and was the third time CRESS has had to completely re-form in Africa in its 16 year history.

From January discussions and actions took place to set up as a legal Indigenous Non Governmental Organisation (INGO) in Uganda. The services of the legal fi rm BNM Associates in Kampala were engaged to work with CRESS in the UK and the team in Uganda.

An Executive Board was established with Ugandan Nationals – Dr. Nicholas Kaylebara (Board Chair) from Compassion, Dr Resty Nanyonjo (Vice Chair) from MSF and Kevin Atimango (Finance Director) from World Vision and Vincent Lubang (Company Secretary) a Lawyer. They all agreed to be on the board and had met with the UK team in November 2023. Nicholas agreed to be board chairman.

The services of Eaglelite Consultants was engaged to support and carry out the interviews for the soon to be legally recognised CRESS AFRICA. Six professional staff were engaged and given contracts and they have taken the CRESS projects on, enhancing and adapting them to fi t the current needs.

CRESS AFRICA applied for and received permission to work initially in Rhino Camp. They combined the Agriculture and Savings Groups into their Livelihood Project. The Livelihood Project focuses on Community Savings and Credit Groups (CSCG) methodology, sustainable climate smart agriculture, mind set

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change, fi nancial literacy and entrepreneurship, and enhanced vocational skills. The work in Rhino camp started by training new Community Process Facilitators (CPFs). who mentor and encourage the groups. The CPFs are refugees themselves and live in the camps. Other NGOs bring in teams from Arua who do not speak the South Sudanese language or know the local land or communities. CRESS AFRICA is a refugee led indigenous NGO so the camp attendees have respect for CRESS AFRICA CPFs. When we visited in January 2025 we were delighted to see the fl edgling groups thriving and putting to practice the principles of mind set change and climate smart agriculture. CRESS AFRICA has also been able to continue helping to manage the more mature groups in Mijale and Imvepi. We have been delighted with the feedback and photos from groups like Friendly Group and Morjita Mixed Group. They have been inspired to work not only with their own small businesses and gardens, but as groups have set up businesses like shops, computer/internet access, grinding mills and furniture loan businesses.

The other major change was in Christian Discipleship. CRESS AFRICA took the initiative to focus on a Child Evangelism Fellowship (CEF) programme of children’s clubs enabling children to develop a strong foundation in Christian faith. CRESS has also been pleased to be able to support Bishop Data and Rev Jacob Karaba and their communities. I am really pleased we have been able to continue to support the spiritual needs of the refugee community.

I am immensely proud of the new CRESS AFRICA and all they have taken on and achieved in their fi rst year, I look forward to our continued collaboration.

The CRESS AFRICA team and UK Visitors from CRESS in the offi ce garden in Arua

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Main photo: Grace after family spacing training in 2022. Right Grace with her goats. Left below: Grace’s Livelihood group at a share out meeting. Right below: Grace with her newly rendered house.

Meet Grace

While in South Sudan, Grace wasn’t engaged in any business and was farming for family food provision only. She hadn’t been involved in any Savings or Agriculture programmes before and hadn’t received training from community midwife services. She fl ed South Sudan in 2017 and became a refugee in northern Uganda. Most of the refugee community there lived under the $2 a day mark and lacked basic infrastructure and resources. It was impossible for the Ugandan government to address the basic needs of the 1.4 million South Sudanese refugees who fl ed to the area.

Grace was one of the refugees who joined a CRESS Savings and Agriculture Group and in 2019 she set herself up a business selling beans and groundnuts. She was living in a grass-thatched house with her husband and children. CRESS aims to educate and train South Sudanese refugees and local Ugandans with the knowledge and skills to empower them to establish self-sustaining communities so also off ers group members family spacing and other healthcare training for holistically transformed lives.

Now in 2025, with 10 in her household to provide for, she has built a house and bought two mattresses, she pays for her children’s education and needs, has 8 goats and a pig, which has just produced it’s fi rst piglets. Her other business is in buying and selling food items (beans, sesame, maize, cabbage, tomatoes, onions, coff ee, sorghum, cassava). Her average monthly savings are $28 and from the group her last share out was $325.

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ACHIEVEMENTS 2024

Livelihood Project 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. Liu Group with their grain grinding mill

SUPPORTING TOTAL SOCIAL FUNDS £8,633 81 USED FOR MEDICAL LIVELIHOOD GROUPS BILLS, SCHOOL FEES, SOCIAL SUPPORT & WITH 2,331 MEMBERS COMMUNITY IN 2024 EVENTS

MEMBERS AVERAGE IN BUSINESS SAVINGS PER GROUP WE SUPPORTED 1,140 INC. SMALL SHOPS, £2,048 CHARCOAL, VEG, THESE ARE USED 9 SALONS, HOTELS, FOR MEMBER CPFs (COMMUNITY MONEY LOANS PROCESS FACILITATORS) TO SUPPORT THE GROUPS GROUPS

INC. SMALL SHOPS, CHARCOAL, VEG, SALONS, HOTELS, MONEY GROUPS MEMBERS ARE ALL 79.9% FEMALE 1.45% HAVE A DISABILITY OR 9 HIV

CPFS TRAINED IN DATA COLLECTION & REPORTING, MINDSET CHANGE, ENTREPRENEURSHIP & FINANCIAL LITERACY

Happy Saving Group peeling groundnuts together

Kiden Annet with her sewing machine

Uba Betty is from Mijale and part of Hope Savings and Loans group . She is 50 years-old with 10 family members to support. She sells food items, such as tomatoes, maize, rice, beans, onions, etc. She makes of profi t of 60,000 UGX (~£13) per month towards her family’s wellbeing.

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ACHIEVEMENTS Livelihood Project 2024 Agriculture

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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,
31 nutrition and income.
GROUPS TRAINED IN
WORKING
2024 IN SUSTAINABLE
WITH
AGRICULTURE WITH805 GROUPS 463
INDIVIDUALS WHO HAVE
MEMBERS WORKING
THEIR OWN GARDENS
FOR AGRICULTURE
2024
CPF training
TREE 158
SEEDLINGS VEGETABLE
DISTRIBUTED GARDENS IN
2024
2,465
IN 2024
IN TOTAL NOW
9,000+ TREES
Tree planting
in Rhino camp
2024
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In August, Community Process Facilitators (CPFs) from Rhino Camp, Mijale and Imvepi undertook a week of training. Climate resilience in agriculture is the ability of communities and farmers to adapt to climate change while maintaining or improving productivity. The training not only provided new information but also built on the existing skills/indigenous knowledge of the participants. The CPFs were also given training in how to train members of their livelihood groups in these practices.

2,465 fruit and fi rewood trees were delivered to 9 churches in Rhino Camp. They include grafted mango and orange trees, and soursop and calliandra saplings.

During distribution, training is given so that the tree seedlings get the best possible start and are protected from grazing animals and other damage. The trees have been planted in time for the upcoming rainy season.

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ACHIEVEMENTS

2024

Christian Discipleship

SCHOOL MINISTRY IN 2 SCHOOLS IN RHINO CAMP 25 BIBLES 339 HYMN CHILDREN 20 BOOKS REACHED VOLUNTEER YOUTH WORKERS WORK 13 GOOD NEWS CLUBS FOR CHILDREN SOME 992 CHILDREN CHILDREN GIVING REACHED THEIR LIVES TO 6,438 CHRIST

IN GOOD NEWS VOLUNTEER CLUBS, SUNDAY YOUTH WORKERS SCHOOLS & SCHOOL MINISTRIES 15 TRAINED TO RUN GOOD NEWS CLUBS

“I never knew how much God loved me until I started attending the good news club. I learnt that God created me special and wants a personal relationship with me and that I can get to know him better.

I felt so happy and peaceful when I invited Jesus into my heart. I can’t wait to tell my friends and family about God’s love and forgiveness” 11 year old girl’s response. Thank you for showing me the truth about God’s love. I am so happy.

Volunteer youth worker training

PROVIDED LOUD COUNSELLING HAILER REPAIRED & PRAYER Supporting Christian 1 FOR THE SICK & THOSE IN GOOD NEWS ISIN IMVEPI SO NEED ESTABLISHED Communities BROADCAST 2 FELLOWSHIP “I want to express my deepest gratitude for OVER GROUPS FOR WOMENYOUNG the Discipleship materials, Bibles, hymns, 38,000 and other resources you have generously IN IMVEPI RECEIVING DISCIPLESHIP AND provided. These gifts are an immense

“I want to express my deepest gratitude for the Discipleship materials, Bibles, hymns, and other resources you have generously provided. These gifts are an immense blessing for me and everyone who will benefi t from them as we seek to grow deeper in our faith and knowledge of God’s Word.”

52,000 REACHED IN TRAINED BIDIBIDI & HOST 26 READERSLAY COMMUNITY 95 EVANGELISTS 46 DELIVERED BIBLE STUDY MOTORCYCLES LEADERS 2 SO CLERGY CAN BIBLES TRAVEL IN THE 44 CAMPS HYMN BOOKS 56 FOR REFUGEES IN FORMED BIDIBIDI & IMVEPI CAMPS 53 BIBLE STUDY GROUPS

CRESS has been able to support communities in Bidi Bidi and Imvepi camps with materials, technology and transport support.

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ACHIEVEMENTS

2024

Clinic, CATT* & outreach

The new clinic we fund is in Koboko, Northern Uganda. Services have been opening throughout the year from April, maternal services in July, ultrasound scanning in August, fi eld midwife visits from November.

Asaba in the clinic scanning a mother and below 2 mothers with mosquito nets

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IN 2024
THE CLINIC SAW
1,718
ANTENATAL CLASSES BABIES DELIVERED
120 17
ULTRASOUND SCANS
75
RUMPS
TRAINING FOR
212
IN 2 SCHOOLS
RURAL
2024
ANTENATAL
SERVICES DELIVERED TO
50
PREGNANT REFUGEE
MOTHERS
IN NOV 24
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MIDWIFE SUPPORT FROM THE CLINIC

The clinic aims to promote awareness, understanding, and safe and healthy practice for mothers. Asaba, our Field Midwife travels many miles to reach women in their own remote homes and communities. With her teaching, she also gives out mosquito nets and ‘mama kits’, which contain necessary supplements for mothers’ health as well as everything they need for delivery and taking care of a newborn.

“ I lost my child six months back and today I am three months pregnant. As being a mother of four children and all girls, I lost my baby boy because my husband thought I would produce another baby girl again and he refused to give me money for shopping items needed at hospital, so due to the fear I delivered at home and my baby died. I must say thank you so much CRESS and the clinic for this training and for giving us Mosquito nets, Mama kits, Iron pills and the deworming tablets. I really appreciate this training so much because it has helped and changed a lot in our lives as expectant mothers and I wish such trainings should continue like this“

PTSD & SUPPORT OUTREACH FOR 64 ORPHAN CHILDREN TRAUMA THERAPY 7 SOUTH SUDANESE PEOPLE CATT* TRAINED COUNSELLORS TO WORK WITH TRAUMATISED SUPPORTED REFUGEE 392 CHILDREN CHILDREN IN 2024

CATT*

Trained CATT* Counsellors to continue their valuable work de-traumatising child refugees, in rural Northern Uganda. Most of the young people helped are working their way through diffi culties brought on by child neglect, lack of basic needs, rape, defi lement, dropping out of school and suicide attempts.

A highly successful community awareness day on PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) and CATT was held, with good attendance and participation.

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**RUMPS Reusable Menstrual Pads

*CATT Children’s Accelerated Trauma Therapy

ACHIEVEMENTS 2024

Education Sponsorship

PRIMARY PRIMARY & SECONDARY LEAVERS EXAMS EDUCATION FOR TAKEN & PASSED 7 53 IN 2024 REFUGEE STUDENTS UGANDAN CERTIFICATES OF EDUCATION* TAKEN 5

CRESS CELEBRATES OUTSTANDING PLE 2024 RESULTS

Written by Scopas Murye - Education Offi cer We are excited to share the amazing success of our CRESS-sponsored pupils in the 2024 Primary Leaving Examinations (PLE)! These incredible young learners have shown us the power of hard work, determination, and the right support system.

Below: Nancy who needed a hearing aid to aid her midwifery studies.

Scopas has been visiting schools, collecting student report cards and keeping in touch with students. This means that if they are struggling can be helped with intervention strategies. A bursary fund has been set up to enable this.

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SUPPORTING
8
THROUGH FULL
TIME TERTIARY
EDUCATION
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These bright stars are a true testament to the transformative power of education. � A special thank you to all the generous individuals and stakeholders that support our mission. Your eff orts are making a lasting diff erence in these children’s lives and the broader community.

In 2024 students received coaching, medical and CATT support.

Evaline Poni graduated with top honours earning her Diploma in Nutrition and Clinical Dietetics.

Evaline has benefi ted from the Sponsorship program for the past 10 years since she started in 2015. She feels well-prepared to make a diff erence by supporting malnourished children and mothers in the community.

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PLE Primary Leaving Examination *UCE Uganda Certifi cate of Education equivalent to GCSEs

IMPACT 2024

CRESS’ 2024 strategy aims to help tackle the underlying causes of poverty and social injustice, as part of global eff orts to meet the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

In the Livelihood Groups trained in agriculture, vegetables are grown and excess harvest sold at the markets. This income, however small, helps families enormously and is used for school fees and vital medicines. Once 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 fi nancial security.

The 81 Livelihood Groups also help break the cycle of poverty

by delivering loans, money and skills training to their 2331 members, representing over 17000** within their households, which in turn provides them with fi nancial security and the ability to aff ord family needs.

We gave 212 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 its Livelihood groups and agriculture training. Our training focuses on sustainable climate smart

agriculture using organic regenerative practices such as composting, tree planting and soil conservation.

Planting fruit and other tree species for garden and fi eld protection to enhance the resilience of food security is part of our agriculture plan, with over 9000 trees now planted. The species mix includes quick maturing papaya, nutrient rich avocado and nitrogen fi xing calliandra. On older trees fruits are already maturing and improving nutrition especially during seasons of low food availability.

Selling excess fruit, vegetables and crop production provides income for all 2331 trained group members and their families. This provides increased food security for over 17000** individuals.

In 2024, CRESS funded a Healthcare Clinic in Koboko which treated 1718 refugees and poor Ugandans. Malaria, typhoid, peptic ulcers, intestinal and urinary tract infections were most commonly seen in in the clinic.

The ultrasound equipment provided a diagnosis for 75 patients. The clinic’s midwives helped safely deliver 17 babies and saw 170 mothers for antenatal clinics both in the clinic and in the refugee settlements.

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

Our CATT programme helped 392 children cope with diffi cult life situations.

Well-being is greatly improved by the Livelihood Groups. Members feel a huge sense of belonging and hope which was previously lacking.

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RUMPS Reusable Menstrual Pads *based on 8 per household

IMPACT 2024

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 8 students in tertiary education. 53 children have been supported to attend primary school and secondary level.

In 2024 CRESS has also supported two staff members to continue their education through night classes enabling them to fulfi l their potential.

Continuing training for our staff and volunteers this year has included our CPFs and Youth Workers who then pass their knowledge on in the local language to members of the Livelihood Groups and Good News Clubs.

79% registered Livelihood Groups members are female. They have been taught skills to improve their nutrition and fi nancial security, enabling them to increase levels of empowerment and equality to become a force for change in their communities. 1398 have been able to access loans from their groups and 937 women are engaged in business.

CRESS has supported women via the primary healthcare clinic outreach maternity services. Our fi eld midwife has delivered support and knowledge in the fi eld to pregnant women to keep them healthy during their pregnancy and birth and to help them consider child spacing in their families.

Through the 81 Livelihood Groups, CRESS has helped 1,030 group members to set up and develop their own businesses and others involve themselves in the group businesses.

Individual businesses vary from shop keeping to tailoring, making charcoal and food to growing food and they all generate their own income which they can then spend locally to improve their economy.

As a group, they can often build larger businesses, these include buying and renting grain grinding mills, hire of furniture, computer hire and larger shops.

CRESS has always seen good gender balance in its education sponsorship. Currently, 30 out of 61 of our sponsored students are female.

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14 YEARS OF CRESS

2010

2011

2014

2018 > Clinic accredited with Ugandan Health Authority >Agriculture training re-starts

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

2024

All in this report...

2013

2015

New clinic opened by CRESS team

2017

CRESS moves to Uganda - offi ce opens Arua > 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

542 babies delivered by clinic midwives

Total value of vegetables produced £200K

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MAKING A DIFFERENCE

COMMUNITY SUPPORT

CRESS was nominated by the archdeacons as one of the Diocesan projects for the Diocese of Blackburn for 2024 v 0 d c c l u i

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FINANCE

Income Total: £396,587

Expenditure Total: £348,160

1% fundraising events, merchandise and investment income

39% trusts & foundations 54% donations & gifts 6% gift aid

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4% raising
funds
8% support costs
88% Uganda programme costs
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Finance highlights of CRESS’ 2024 Accounts

Duro Betty from Morjita Mixed Savings and Loans Group B is 28 years old with 2 family members. Betty sells various products including vegetables.

She borrowed 150000 UGX, she makes 60,000 UGX per month. She is able to support her family buying healthy food, and she can pay for her children to go to school.

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STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES

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

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Strategic Objective Plans 2025-2030
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Strategic Objective Plans 2025-2030
Sustainable and
equitable access to
nutritious food		 • To increased household food and nutrition security,
measured by the number of meals eaten per household
per day, their dietary diversity and adequate quantity.
Benef ciary households should have adequate and
nutritious food for all household members at all times, this
should impact 54,000 individuals.
• Increase to 300 Livelihood Groups with 900 lead farmers
trained to support others in theirgroups.
Promote economic
wealth creation		 • To economically empower vulnerable women and youth
to increase household wealth and improve their market-
relevant skills for better economic opportunities.
• Increase to 300 Livelihood Groups benef tting 45,000
people.
•7,500 micro-enterprises beingestablished.
Improve health and
wellbeing		 • To improve quality of life and household work productivity
through ef ective preventive health practices and increased
knowledge of sexual and reproductive health.
Enable a functional
& literate society		 • To increase access to and retention in learning and training
opportunities.
• Increase to 100 children from vulnerable families having
sponsored education
•500 vulnerableyouths togain vocational skills training
Promote spirituality
& moral integrity		 • To nurture the spiritual and moral well-being of refugee and
host communities through holistic child evangelism and
community discipleship, empowering them to lead self-
suf cient and purpose-driven lives.
• 45,000 refugees and host community members nurtured in
spiritual and moral well-being through sharing of the word
of God
Diversify income
generation and
boost fundraising		 • To strengthen CRESS’s fundraising capacity.
• To continue improving on the Big Give success and raise
£20,000+ per year.
• To engage 2 volunteers to run fundraising events for CRESS
each year.

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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 eff ectively and effi ciently. 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.

2024 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 ) John K E Broadley, MA Oxon, CMG.

Specialist Volunteer Advisers

Agricultural Adviser

Olivia Jane Jones Jonathan Woolven South Sudan Adviser Namurye Jane Basa Volunteer Coordinator & Strategy Assistant Jamie Melville

ORGANISATION STRUCTURE

Founder & CEO

Caroline Lamb Trustees Volunteer Advisors Accountant Offi ce Manager UK Support Volunteers Jeremy Metcalfe (Chair) Olivia Jones Alan Murray Naomi Booth Stephanie Higgins Jonathan Cullis Jonathan Woolven Rosie Baxter-Brown Anthony Belchambers Jane Basa John Broadley Jane Guy DELIVERY PARTNERS

CRESS Africa Foundation Limited

Executive Director Isaac Soro

Trustees Projects Offi ce Support Staff Nicholas Kalyebara Livelihood Finance Driver Nanyonjo Resty Julious Abate Isaac Kwaje Eric Nelson Atimango Kevin Education & Discipleship Irene Abiko Security Guards Lubang Vincent Scopas Murye HR & Admin Cook/Cleaner CATT Amat Moses Juan Esther Lulu Emmanuel IT Field Workers Scopas Murye

Binary Medical Centre Edward Mika - Matthew Clinical Staff Offi ce Staff Support Staff Dr Baku Ivan Kenyi Dubek Susan Pascal Apangu Juan Rhoda Muki Batali Lodong Samuel Nsimentha Asaba Tela Simon Yangi Betty John Bosco

CPFs CATT Counsellors Volunteer Youth Workers Support Volunteers

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The Trustees confi rm that they have complied with the requirements of section 4 of the Charities Act 2011 to have due regard to the public benefi t guidance published by the Charity Commission for England and Wales. This Annual Report provides a summary of our main activities undertaken in 2024 demonstrating our charitable purpose for the public benefi t.

Risk Management

The Trustees have a risk register, important risks are discussed at trustee meetings. 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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CATT trauma training session
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Financial Overview

CRESS’ fi nancial 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 an increase in income overall to £396,587 (2023: £318,277).

Expenditure on the Uganda programme showed an increase over the previous year at £306,367 (2023: £247,168). Income and expenditure were both higher than usual due to a short term funding partnership with the Diocese of Blackburn which raised £31,693.

The charity achieved a small surplus of £2,117 on unrestricted funds with reserves carried forward of £55,580 providing a secure start to the new year. Restricted reserves grew by £46,310 to £138,406 which will ensure continuity of the Uganda programme well into 2025.

Reserves

CRESS understands that our

supporters want our resources to be used in the most effi cient and eff ective manner achieving maximum impact for our benefi ciaries. The Trustees aim to maintain unrestricted bank balances at a level which will provide suffi cient 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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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 Churchfi eld Road, Poole, Dorset BH15 2QP

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ANNUAL ACCOUNTS

CRESS For the year ended 31 December 2024

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 2024

Unrestricted Restricted 2024 2023
Funds Income
Funds
Incoming resources (Note 2)
Income and endowments
Donations and legacies 95,847 298,377 394,224 315,979
Other tradingactivities 2,003 - 2,003 2,298
Investments 360 - 360 -
Total income and endowments 98,210 298,377 396,587 318,277
Resources expended (Note 3)
Expenditure
Raisingfunds 14,035 - 14,035 23,905
Charitable activities 82,651 251,474 334,125 269,857
Total expenditure 96,686 251,474 348,160 293,762
Net income (expenditure) before transfers 1,524 46,903 48,427 24,515
Transfer of funds
Transfer of funds P&L 593 -593 - -
Net movement in funds 2,117 46,310 48,427 24,515
Reconciliation of funds
Total funds brought forward 53,463 92,096 145,559 121,044
Total funds carried forward 55,580 138,406 193,986 145,559

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BALANCE SHEET

CRESS As at 31 December 2024

2024 2023
Fixed assets
Tangible assets (Note 6) 65 87
Current assets
Debtors (Note7) 8,198 7,077
Cash at bank and in hand (Note9) 188,398 139,345
196,596 146,422
Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
Creditors (Note 8) 2,675 950
Net current assets (liabilities) 193,921 145,472
Total assets less current liabilities 193,986 145,559
Funds of the charity(Note 11)
Restricted funds 138,406 92,096
Unrestricted funds 55,580 53,463
Total funds 193,986 145,559

Approval

Signed on behalf of all the trustees

Jeremy Metcalfe Chair of Trustees

Date

27.03.25

26

NOTES to the Financial Statements As at 31 December 2024

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 benefi t entity as defi ned 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:

Off setting

There has been no off setting 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 specifi ed 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.

27

Notes to the Financial Statements

Year ended 31st December 2024

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 fi xed 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 specifi c 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 diff erences are included in the statement of fi nancial activities.

28

Notes to the Financial Statements Year ended 31st December 2024

Unrestricted
Funds		 Restricted
Income
Funds		 2024 2023
2. Analysis of income

Donations and legacies
Donations and gifts 67,359 145,965 213,324 164,090
Gift Aid 7,576 17,590 25,166 26,340
General grants provided by other
charities		 20,912 134,822 155,734 125,549
Total donations and legacies 95,847 298,377 394,224 315,979
Other trading activities
Events and merchandise 2,003 - 2,003 2,298
Total other trading activities 2,003 - 2,003 2,298
Income from investments
Interest income 360 - 360 -
Total income from investments 360 - 360 -
Total income 98,210 298,377 396,587 318,277
Total income in the previous year 109,341 208,936 - 318,277
Unrestricted
Funds		 Restricted
Income
Funds		 2024 2023
3. Analysis of expenditure

Raising funds
Expenditure on raising funds 14,035 - 14,035 23,905
Total raising funds 14,035 - 14,035 23,905
Charitable activities
Programme costs 54,893 251,474 306,367 247,168
Support costs 27,758 27,758 22,689
Total charitable activities 82,651 251,474 334,125 269,857
Total expenditure 96,686 251,474 348,160 293,762
Total expenditure in the previous year 99,904 193,858 - 293,762

29

Notes to the Financial Statements

Year ended 31st December 2024

Unrestricted
funds		 Restricted income
funds		 2024 2023
4. Programme costs
Agriculture 2,314 12,828 15,142 7,369
Big Give - 8,048 8,048
Bush Schools - 508 508
CATT training 659 2,521 3,180 3821
Christian discipleship 1,745 23,348 25,093 12714
Clinic equipment and running
cost		 13,022 7,075 20,097 10566
Clinic medicine - 4,415 4,415 4,779
Clinic health projects - 1,598 1,598 3,729
DoL Blackburn - 31,701 31,701
Education - 47,916 47,916 44,997
General of ce costs - 22,379 22,379 15,504
Lent project - 5,219 5,219 7,762
Livelihoods 10,111 10,111
Management Admin and staf
support costs		 34,118 34,118 28,490

Salaries		 - 73,488 73,488 93,813
Savingsgroups - 0 6,664
Travel 3,035 3,035 640
Vehicle maintenance - 319 319 6,320
Total 54,893 251,474 306,367 247,168
5. Support costs
Governance - - - 1,859
Of ce and accountancy support 11,810 - 11,810 11,961
IT software and consumables 3,135 - 3,135 3,462
Of ce expenses 347 - 347 474
International travel 12,311 - 12,311 3,138
Others 155 - 155 1,795
Total 27,758 - 27,758 22,689

30

Notes to the Financial Statements

Year ended 31st December 2024

----- Start of picture text -----
6. Tangible fi xed assets
Equipment Total
Cost
At 1 January 2024 650 650
At 31 December 2024 650 650
Depreciation
At 1 January 2024 563 563
Charge for year 22 22
At 31 December 2024 585 585
Net Book Value
At 31 December 2024 65 65
At 31 December 2023 87 87
Unrestricted Restricted
income income
funds funds 2024 2023
7. Debtors
-
Prepayments and accrued 8,198 8,198 7,077
income
8. Creditors
Accruals and deferred income 2,675 - 2,675 950
9. Cash at bank and in hand 49,992 138,406 188,398 139,345
----- End of picture text -----

31

Notes to the Financial Statements

Year ended 31st December 2024

11. Charity funds 11. Charity funds Balance at Income Expenditure Transfers Balance at
1 January
2024		 31 December
2024
Unrestricted funds
Contingency 18,899 - - - 18,899
General 2,815 79,216 (75,911) 1,194 7,314
Designated funds
Vehicle replacement
fund		 3,685 - - - 3,685
Programme costs 28,064 18,994 (20,775) (601) 25,682
Total 53,463 98,210 (96,686) 593 55,580
Restricted funds
Agriculture 4,018 8,626 (12,828) 184 -
Big Give 3,938 25,767 (8,048) (4,456) 17,201
Bush schools fund 500 - (508) 8 -
CATT training 437 2,450 (2,521) - 366
Christian discipleship 11,059 30,500 (23,348) - 18,211
Clinic equipment and
running costs		 4,109 35,348 (7,075) - 32,382

Clinic medicine		 5,789 - (4,415) - 1,374
Clinic health projects 41 6,690 (1,598) - 5,133
DoL Blackburn 1,206 30,487 (31,701) 8 -
Education 19,378 64,139 (47,916) - 35,601
General of ce costs in
Uganda		 6,719 21,159 (22,379) - 5,499
Lent project 4,991 - (5,219) 228 -
Livelihoods 20,699 (10,111) - 10,588
Salaries 22,898 52,512 (73,488) 3,435 5,357
Savings groups 5,724 - - - 5,724
Vehicle maintenance 1,289 - (319) - 970
Total 92,096 298,377 (251,474) (593) 138,406
Total funds 145,559 396,587 (348,160) - 193,986

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 specifi cally 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 CRESS Africa Foundation Limited.

32

Notes to the Financial Statements Year ended 31st December 2024

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		 1,197 - - 3,685
Programme costs 6,593 39,169 -22,492 4,794 28,064
Total 49,095 109,341 (99,904) - 53,463
Restricted funds
Agriculture 2,742 7,645 (7,369) 1000 4,018
Big Give - 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 health projects 3,770 - (3,729) - 41
Blackburn Diocese - 1,206 - - 1,206
Education 13,669 50,706 (44,997) - 19,378
General of ce 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
Savings groups 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) - 92,096
Total funds 121,044 318,277 (293,762) - 145,559

12. Transactions with trustees and related parties

During the year six trustees made donations totalling £14,568 (2023: £13,695) towards the normal activities of the charity.

One trustee was reimbursed £4,514 (2023: £4,408) for expenses incurred on behalf of the charity in the implementation of its activities. No other trustees have received any expenses or benefi ts from the charity during the year.

33

INDEPENDENT EXAMINER’S

Report to the Trustees of Christian Relief Education Skills and Sustainability CRESS

For the year ended 31 December 2024

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 2024 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 confi rm 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: 14.04.25

34

STATEMENT

of Trustees’ Responsibilities

The Trustees are responsible for preparing the Trustees’ report and the fi nancial 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 fi nancial statements for each fi nancial year which give a true and fair view of the state of aff airs of the charity and of the incoming resources and application of resources of the charity for that period. In preparing these fi nancial statements, the Trustees are required to:

The Trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records that disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the fi nancial position of the charity and enable them to ensure that the fi nancial 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: 14.04.25

35

CRESS CHRISTIAN RELIEF EDUCATION SKILLS AND SUSTAINABILITY

----- Start of picture text -----
CRESS would like to thank all our
supporters and donors for their support in 2024.
----- End of picture text -----

CRESS registered charity no. 1141343

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