The Minehead Hope Centre Trust
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Trustees’ Annual Report for the period 1.4.23 — 31.3.24
Charity name: The Minehead Hope Centre Trust (TMHCT)
Charity registration number: 1143770 Charity’s Principal Address: Minehead Baptist Church Parks Lane, Minehead, Somerset, TA24 8BS
1. Names of the Trustees who manage the charity
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[NameOfficeCatherine (ifany) ‘| Date appointed
Horsfield |tsts—‘(tsSsSsSsSsSSSSS BB May 2018
Revd Paul McCabe 10 December 2019
[lanMclaren fT Sd 4 March 2019
|BeverleyMunseyElinor | «dL 4 October 2022
Nicholas | 20 June 2023
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2. Names of Project Workers
Jan Hazell-Jackson (until Dec 23) & Jason Howarth
3. Structure, Governance and Management
Type of governing document: Charitable Trust Deed
How is the charity constituted? Unincorporated association
Trustee selection methods: Trustees are appointed as and when required. Criteria for appointment of Trustees are specified in the Trust Deed, and appointments are made by a resolution of the Trustees passed at a special meeting, at which at least three Trustees must be present.
4. Objectives and Activities
Summary of the purposes of TMHCT as set out in its governing document
To show the love and compassion of Jesus Christ to all those with whom it comes into contact through:
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e Relieving the needs of people in Minehead and West Somerset who suffer from drug and/or alcohol abuse or homelessness and their consequences
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e Promoting social inclusion for the public benefit by relieving the needs of those people who are socially excluded and assisting them to integrate into society
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Summary of main activities in relation to these purposes for the public benefit
The Minehead Hope Centre Trust (TMHCT) runs a drop-in centre, locally known as The Hope Centre (THC), 2 days a week (Tuesdays and Fridays) to support those who are homeless, have problems associated with addictions, or are lonely or vulnerable in any way.
Our aim is to help clients to recover and live their lives to their full potential through appropriate support and advice, but starting by offering hospitality, friendship and hope. Most importantly, staff and volunteers provide a listening ear to understand a client’s needs and circumstances. We provide a hot meal, access to other facilities (eg showers, laundry, internet access, clothing), and where needed, emergency help, including tents and sleeping bags until accommodation is available.
At each session, clients can hear a short message of hope from a Christian perspective. Some clients choose not to engage with this but most choose to stay.
We work closely with other agencies in responding to clients’ needs, including the council's Rough Sleeping Outreach, the local police, the YMCA, SDAS (Somerset Drug and Alcohol Service), Citizens Advice, Second Step, NHS Homeless and Rough Sleeper Nursing Service and Mental Health treatment teams.
We have other activities such as arts/craft, games and quizzes within sessions to help encourage interaction.
On one Tuesday per month, some of the clients choose to go out from THC with a member of staff to participate in the North Hill Project, doing voluntary ground clearance work alongside Exmoor National Park staff.
The trustees have complied with their duty to have due regard to the commission's public benefit guidance when exercising any powers or duties to which the guidance is relevant.,
5. Achievements and Performance
5.1. Summary of main achievements
5.1.1. Use of centre
In the year April ’23 - March ’24, THC opened on 96 occasions, with a total of 1695 client attendances, making an average attendance per session of 18 clients. Over the period we Saw 71 people who came to THC for the first time.
Adults from various backgrounds attended, with an age range from early 20s to early 80s, with the majority being late 30s to early 60s. Approximately 75% were male, 25% female. The great majority were White British though some were of East European background. This probably reflected the approximate ethnic mix within West Somerset.
All our activities would not have been possible without the help of 24 volunteers who, on a rota basis, supported the part-time project workers during the year. Volunteer help has been crucial in a range of tasks and this aspect of the service was publicly recognised in 2022 when TMHCT received The Queen's Award for Voluntary Service (QAVS).
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5.1.2 Impact
It is difficult to describe the impact that we made purely in quantitative terms but we do know that THC has each week madea difference to the lives of those who visit us.
Those who were rough sleepers were grateful that we could give them emergency help e.g. sleeping bags, showers, clean clothes and food packs even if they had no cooking facilities. We provided information and internet access and helped them make calls to get them in contact with the Rough Sleeper Outreach workers from the Council. We were advocates for clients, for instance when the Council didn’t understand why ‘B’, in his anxiety, didn’t accept the first temporary accommodation they offered him. This led to the Council changing their stance and finding an alternative, much more appropriate housing.
On a number of occasions, our Project Worker has been contacted, through our publicised mobile number, out of our usual opening times by an agency or a member of the public. Our staff was then able to provide more immediate assistance, eg a sleeping bag for that night to a person who was in distress.
Most of our clients did have a home but were vulnerable for other reasons. We saw how ‘M’ went througha time of frustration after the loss of his seasonal work followed by being falsely accused on local social media. When many in the community were abusive to him and didn’t want ‘MW’ near them, we still welcomed him and gave him opportunities to help at THC and lift his self-esteem. He appreciated our care for him, was keen to give back to THC and has become more positive month by month.
‘N’ couldn't return to his previous home after long spells in hospital. YMCA were able to give him a ground floor room in shared accommodation nearby and ‘N’ has enjoyed coming the short distance to THC each week and finding new hope again. THC has been a part of him rebuilding his confidence to live in his own place once again.
Over the year, eight different clients were able to join in the North Hill project with Exmoor National Park staff. Clients have made comments such as
- e ‘really enjoyed working together and giving back to the community’, e ‘enjoyed meeting others who| didn’t know, e ‘great to be in the open air, even if we did get wet’, e ‘never feel like going when | wake up but I’m always glad | did come when I’m here’, e ‘I’ve never used binoculars and watched birds before’
Between November and February, we had a musician come to a total of 8 sessions with a variety of musical instruments/song sheets/a turntable plus vinyl records to encourage clients to participate in playing, singing or choosing music together. Whilst a few clients enjoyed participating, our survey afterwards found that the majority were surprisingly ambivalent and some even irritated. We therefore won't do this again for a while but may try again in the future when there is a different mix of clients. We have kept a guitar that is available for clients to pick up and strum if they are interested.
There is often a lively banter between clients but we recognise that some of those who visit us don't want to talk much, if at all. However we have recognised that ‘K’ does like to read magazines if we leave them near where he sits and he will sometimes like to joinina particular board game. So we greet him, even if he never replies, and communicate our concern for him in any way we can.
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Clients will often talk about money problems in a general way and may need encouragement to approach DWP either online or at the Job Centre Plus. One client did finally tell us of the extent of debt he was in and the pressure he was under. We assisted him to self-refer to a debt-relief charity and, with their help, he has made good progress in sorting out his situation.
One client ‘J’ was living in Minehead and was with us for several months before getting a new job and moving to a different area. He later wrote to us: ‘When| arrived in Minehead, | found myself in a state of isolation, not knowing anyone and needing to rebuild my life. | was invited to go along to the Hope Centre. There was an environment where | felt comfortable and supported. Their dedication to providing meals for everyone...was not just kindness but showed commitment to fostering a sense of community...’
26 Clients attended the Christmas Lunch we held on 19 December and they appreciated the special food, entertainment and friendship they shared together. Some of them told us this was their Christmas.
During the year, THC staff have given three talks to outside local social groups. We know from the phone calls we receive that many local people are aware of THC and think of us when they have bedding or clothing that they think might help someone in need.
THC has a good reputation in the area but we need to be more intentional and effective through social media and other advertising, so that we get into contact sooner with those in neec. During this year THC has increasingly become a place where clients know they can expect to meet staff from the Council’s Rough Sleeping Outreach or the NHS Homeless and Rough Sleeper Nursing Service. Important conversations have happened that have meant that clients have then understood what they need to do in order to get accommodation or the treatment/ medication they need. A Case Manager from the Rough Sleeper Outreach recently wrote to us ‘Your support of ‘HD’ last week was yet more evidence of the significant impact the Hope Centre makes, often in such an unassuming way’
5.1.3 Other
During the last year we have arranged for various staff including volunteers to have training for Food Safety, Emergency First Aid and Safeguarding. We recognise that further ongoing training is needed and that is planned for 2024-25.
During the year we started a monthly prayer group for THC staff and volunteers to attend if they wished.
We were sad to lose one of our project workers who retired in Dec '23 after 5 years in post. Despite widespread advertising, we were unable to make a suitable appointment at that time, although the learning gained through this process helped inform subsequent attempts.
For several months, THC continued to run with our one remaining project worker and ‘hands on’ voluntary support of trustees, occasional sessional help from our recent retiree, and our faithful regular volunteers. The Trustees were grateful for the commitment and hard work of all involved in maintaining the service to our clients through this difficult period.
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5.2. Fundraising
Following the ending of previous longer term grant funding, concerted fundraising efforts led to grants from other Trusts including: Avon & Somerset Police Community Trust, Garfield Weston Trust, Foyle Foundation, Yapp Charitable Foundation, Fairfield Charitable Trust, Yorkshire Building Society Charitable Foundation, W F Fabry Trust.
In addition, an increase in individual donations, and several special events boosted funds. The latter included a plant sale, Summer Concert and a Craft Fair. These events were also opportunities to raise the profile of The Hope Centre in the community, and we got some of the clients involved in helping.
The Trustees greatly appreciate the contributions received from all the above sources, without which the project may not have been able to continue. We are grateful too for the continued support ‘in kind’ from many local businesses, churches and other agencies, including West Somerset Food Cupboard, Greggs, Co-operative Food stores, Tesco and Morrisons.
6. Financial Review
6.1. Review of TMHCT’s financial position at 31 March ’24
The total cash in bank at 31.3.24 was £28,171, of which £453 is the remainder of a grant which is restricted funds as it was specified for use on the North Hill project
6.2 Statement on TMHCT’s policy on holding reserves
As we do not receive any statutory funding and are dependent on individual donations, events and funding from Trusts, our annual income can be unpredictable. The main financial risk to the charity is not raising sufficient funds to cover staff wages and other core costs. Holding reserves is therefore necessary and we hold a minimum of 3 months of anticipated expenditure in reserve to ensure stability in the service.
7. Other information
As at end of March 2024, Trustees had a growing awareness of the need for our service to develop, but also needed to have a stable staff group in order to progress other plans. Our priority was therefore to recruit a further Project Worker. As a Christian charity, we trusted that God would help us find the Project Worker we needed and this has happened. We will continue to seek God's guidance in our future direction.
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8. Declaration
The Trustees declare that they have approved the Trustees’ report above.
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April 2023-March 2024
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The Minehead Hope Centre Trust
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|INCOME|&|EXPENDITURE|Current|Year|Previous|Year|
|Income:|
|Donations|12,724|15,960|
|Grant Income|22,920|3,537|
|Special|Events|1,670|1,872|
|Other|Income|23|0|
|Regular|Donations GA|1,845|
|Gift|Aid|Repayments|845|0|
|Float|Repayments|150|
|Donations|to|PW's|272|
|Bank|interest|Received|393|93|
|TOTAL INCOME|40,842|21,462|
|Expenditure:|
|Catering|1,771|*|1,807|
|Event|Costs|0|8)|
|_|Pay|13,358|~|19,794|
|Rent|2,575.|2,400|
|Volunteer|Support|(Dave|van)|0|316|
|Client Support|492|“|325|
|North|Hill|Project|173|«|421|
|Night Shelter|83|325|
|Food|Resilience|Grant spend|(treated|as|Asset)|0|505|
|Mileage|447|~|353|
|Travel|costs,|subsistence|200|»|0|
|Photocopying|5°|6}|
|Office|costs,|stationery|etc|73|88|
|Mobile|Phone|138|~|133|
|Computer|repairs,|Web & Tech|30|“|12|
|Software|purchase|98|-|)|
|Small|Equipment|0|45|
|.|
|)|Miscellaneous|0|15|
|Training|Costs|483|-|10|
|Mileage,|training|element|0|16|
|Licences.|Subscriptions|0|48|
|Insurance|458|453|
|Accounts|check fee|0|0|
|Bank charges|61|72|
|Staff entertaining|210|0|
|Gifts|(clients & volunteers)|250|~|164|
|Disclosure &|Barring Service|157|188|
|Interview expenses|102|0|
|Miscellaneous|7|¢|15|
|TOTAL EXPENDITURE|21,221|27,490|
|Income|exceeds|expenditure|19,621|-6028|
|Current Account bank|balance @|31st|March|2024|6,030|741|@31/03/22|
|Gold account bank|balance @|3ist March|2024|22,143|7,810|@|31/03/22|
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, The MineheadHope Centre Trust
Independant Examination 2023
to
2024
on
cm
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Bank reconciliation
Banking with: CAF
Bank balance £741 CAF cash account
at 01/04/2023 £7,810 CAF gold account
£8,550 BANK TOTAL
INCOME
Donations + tax £15,859
Grants £22,920
Events £1,670
interest £393
£40,842
EXPENDITURE
Clients £2,519
PAYE £13,358
Workers’ expenses £1,735
Admin £515
rent £2,575
bamk charges £61
insurance £458
, £21,221
Cash Book balance £28,171
at 31/03/2024
Bank balance £6,029 CAF cash account
at 31/03/2024 £22,142 CAF gold account
£28,171 BANK TOTAL
Excess of income over expenditure £19,621
Petty Cash also listed: £100
Assets’: £780 computer
£412 freezer
£1,292
Total assets: £29,463
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The Minehead Hope Centre Trust
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Balance Sheet
At 31st March 2024
Fixed Assets
Computer 780 Freezer 412 Current Assets Gold Bank Account 22,143 Petty Cash Account 100 Current Account 6,030 Total Current Assets 28,273 ’ Total Assets 29,465
™~
JEAN ARMIN MICB
31[st] May 2024
MEWS END COTTAGE 5 QUAY LANE SOMERSET TA24 5QU
arm1n_adm1n@btinternet.com
01643 703597
Ref. The Minehead Hope Centre Trust Minehead TA24 8BS
Dear Heather
The books presented to me are from April 2023 to March 2024. The annual income of your Trust for this tax year is over £25,000 and your Trustees have requested an Independent Examination of your accounts. Your Trust is entitled to exemption under section 144 of the Charities Act 2011 to have its financial statements for year ended 31 March 2024 audited.
My Independent Examination included a review of the online accounting records kept by the Trust on ‘Free Agent’ and a comparison of the physical accounts presented with those records. It also included consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts which may have required explanations from the Managing Trustees concerning any such matters.
Independent Examiner's Statement
In connection with my examination, no matters have come to my attention which give me reasonable cause to believe that the requirements to keep accounting records and to prepare accounts have not been met.
The contents of this letter and summary should be reported to your Trustees meeting.
Please note that an Independent Examination is no substitute for ongoing effective procedures to minimise / prevent losses due to error or corruption.
Yours sincerely,
Mrs Jean Armin MICB
Practice Licence Number 10366
THE MINEHEAD HOPE CENTRE TRUST
Independent Examination summary document
Daily bookkeeping has been undertaken by the named Bookkeeper Heather Swan reporting to the Trustees of The Minehead Hope Centre Trust.
My independent examination has indicated that:
Banking is with CAF Bank, online. The balance of the current account is kept at a level to meet ongoing costs, with additional capital held in a CAF Gold account. Transfers between the accounts are made as necessary.
The Trust’s accounts are recorded on Free Agent, an online bookkeeping programme which provides reports and analysis of income and expenditure. All the receipts and payments undertaken by the Trust have been properly recorded in the accounting records and correctly reconciled to the bank statements. Payments are made by Standing Order or online transfer. Where applicable, VAT has been correctly calculated.
Trust income is from grants, donations and subsequent Gift Aid claims. Gift Aid has been recorded throughout the year, with claims amounting to £845.21 received for the tax year.
There is no Petty Cash account other than small floats held by volunteers.
Minutes of Trustees’ meetings were made available which record funding decisions and forecasting.
The Trust operates within Minehead Baptist Church which covers building insurance and utilities. An annual insurance policy premium has been paid which covers the work of the Trust.
Rent is paid by the Trust, being £200 a month until December 2023 and £275 a month thereafter.
The Managing Trustees have fulfilled their responsibilities in accordance with their Charitable Trust Deed. All transactions appear to be in line with the aims of the Trust.
Two Project Workers are employed, with PAYE applied. No deductions are made for pension contributions.
Payments made to Trustees, employees and volunteers for expenses are accompanied by evidence of costs incurred.
Grants were received in the year amounting to £22,920. The restrictions applied to these grants have been noted to ensure they are used for their intended purposes.
Additional comments:
Online banking payments are initiated by the bookkeeper which triggers bank-generated emails to two authorised people for confirmation by one of them. Documents to support the payments are also emailed to them.
Details of online accounts, passwords for files and programmes etc are shared securely as necessary with other Trustees to ensure continuity.
The Annual Report for 2023 / 2024 will be completed for the Charity Commission prior to submission of the Annual return.
The Trustees are currently working together to fully document financial procedures and expect this to be approved at a trustee meeting in the next month or two.
The Trustees are provided with quarterly income & expenditure statements and an analysis of donations to enable ongoing financial control.
Report issued: 31[st] May 2024
Completed by Jean Armin