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2021-12-31-accounts

Registered Charity No: 1144729

Reducing loneliness and isolation for vulnerable and older people in Clifton, Wilford and Silverdale

Good Companions Annual Report 2021

Sarah Cox, Lead Co-ordinator

Dee Stirland, CFP Co-ordinator Clare Ashton, Chairman, Management Committee

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INDEX
Background 3
Aims of Good Companions 3
Management Committee 4
Overview of 2021 5
Staffing 5
Volunteers 5-6
Recruitment 6-7
Training 7
Referrals 7-8
Friendship Groups 8-9
 Rivergreen Friendship Group 9
 Simone Gardens Friendship Group 9-10
 Parkgate Friendship Group 10
 Highbank Friendship Group 10-11
Home Visiting Scheme 11
Telephone Befriending 12
Outreach Support Service 12
Service User Feedback 13-15
Conclusion to the Service User Feedback 15
Marketing 15
Funding 16
Conclusion 16
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Background

Good Companions was established in December 2001 in response to a survey carried out within the Clifton, Wilford and Silverdale areas of Nottingham in 1999 by the Social Action Research Project. The survey identified many older people living alone and socially isolated due to lack of available support from family, friends, statutory or voluntary services. A Health Action Group was set up by the local Nottingham City Council Area Committee, which undertook further consultation with older local people, statutory services and other interested parties. As a consequence, a decision was taken to set up a Home Visiting scheme for these areas to address this unmet need and Good Companions was established. It was supported by an initial 3-year grant to fund a part-time co-ordinator and set up costs. The visiting scheme would arrange to meet with service users in their own homes on a regular basis for conversation, friendship, and support.

In 2003, the Visiting Scheme was supplemented by the formation of a weekly Friendship Group. This was in response to requests from service users themselves, as well as the recognition that older people would benefit from making new friends outside their own homes, increasing their independence, self-confidence, and social interaction, thus reducing their social isolation. The Group provided a regular meeting point at a venue where service users could socialise and enjoy interactive activities. This group, now referred to as the ‘Rivergreen Friendship Group’, was followed in 2009 by the ‘Lakehead Friendship Group’ following the request for visitors from several residents.

In 2018 (and later in 2021), Good Companions were successful in applying for funds from the People’s Health Trust, using money raised through the Health Lottery in the East Midlands. This was for a project, entitled the ‘Clifton Friendship Project’ (CFP), to set up 2 additional Friendship Groups with funds to cover set up costs and for a part-time co-ordinator for 2 years. The project requires service users to be involved in the design and delivery of the project and to develop stronger connections between people, enabling friendships between service users and improving their social networks. In August 2018, the ‘Parkgate Friendship Group’ was launched and the second, the ‘Highbank Friendship Group’ in January 2019.

When the Government introduced the lockdown in March 2020 due to the COVID 19 pandemic, all Friendship Groups and Home Visiting ceased and an Outreach Support Scheme was implemented which continued to June 2021. The Friendship Groups were gradually reopened, Home Visiting was recommenced, and Phone Befriending was continued for those service users who no longer required home visiting or attendance at a friendship group. Towards the end of the year, plans for a new Friendship group in Silverdale were implemented with a grant for 1 year from the Boots Charitable Trust.

Aims of Good Companions

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Management Committee 2021

Officers and Trustees

Members

The Management Committee met once during the year.

During 2020, in order to support the Management Committee during the pandemic, a Managers group was set up which met monthly. In addition, to further strengthen these arrangements and involve more volunteers, 4 subgroups were set up and met regularly via Zoom, as follows:

A WhatsApp group was also set up for all groups to facilitate communication.

All these groups continued throughout 2021 and on Zoom.

Good Companions is represented on other Committees, as follows:

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Over-view of 2021

Good Companions commenced 2021 still in lockdown, with all its’ activities replaced with an Outreach service, detailed elsewhere in this report. Once restrictions were lifted, our friendship groups were gradually reopened according to the availability of the venues from June onwards with the last reopening in August. Service users previously receiving Home Visiting were transitioned over to this service over a period of time although some still preferred to continue with phone befriending. In addition, social and fundraising events recommenced.

Staffing

The official base for Good Companions is the Clifton Cornerstone in Southchurch Drive, where our Co-ordinators are located on the first floor within the NCC Neighbourhood Team. However, most of the Co-ordinators’ time is spent in the local community or working from home.

Sarah Cox, in post as our Lead Co-ordinator since January 2020, increased her hours to 22 hours per week by the end of 2021. Her remit includes running the Rivergreen and Lakehead House (moved to Simone Gardens in August 2021) Friendship Groups and the Home Visiting Scheme, as well as being responsible for the recruitment and support of volunteers. Delia Stirland, in post since January 2020 as the Clifton Friendship Project Co-ordinator, increased her hours to 16 hours per week when we received a further grant for 2 years in July 2021 from the People’s Health Trust. Her remit includes running the Highbank and Parkgate Friendship groups and Phone Befriending.

Volunteers

By the end of 2021, 33 people (listed below) were volunteering with Good Companions. All volunteers supporting the Friendship Groups and the Home Visiting scheme have an Enhanced DBS, renewed every 3 years through Good Companions; this is apart from two volunteers who have been taken on as ‘casual volunteers’ supporting the Rivergreen Friendship Group once a month. This year, we were very fortunate to have welcomed ten new volunteers, their names underlined on the full list of volunteers below

Two of our long-standing volunteers ‘retired’ at our volunteers’ garden party in August 2021. These were Erika Palfrement and Ruth Spiller; their support of Good Companions over the years has been very much appreciated. One other volunteer left in 2021: Gerry Floyd.

In 2021, we recruited an additional 4 volunteers to join our team. These were: Marie Cooper, Esther Hepple, Jacky Holmes and Nita Jepson. We were very pleased to welcome them to the team.

Below is a list of 36 volunteers who supported Good Companions during 2021. The following key is relevant to our services:

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Clare ASHTON Esther HEPPLE - ** Deana BALL WOOD Jacky HOLMES Andrew BOWLER Ted KACZMAREK* Kevin BOWLES Nita JEPSON Allan BREETON George KING Christine BREETON Marie McGOLDRICK Lois BROUGH Ian MALCOM Lynne BUXTON Pam MATTS* ** Kevin CLARKE Erica PALFREMENT Marie COOPER Andrew PRICE Alma DAVIES Margaret REEVE Gerry FLOYD ** Andrew RULE Sue FOSTER Jeni SHERRATT Sarah HAMLYN Ruth SPILLER Sue HANDS Lisa SWAITHE Victoria HANN Doreen TUSON Sue HARVEY Christopher WALKER - *** ** Anna Marie HEMMING Kim WARD

Recruitment

We continued to advertise for new volunteers through a variety of mediums; including our Facebook page, inclusion in the ‘Do It’ and ‘Ask Lion’ web pages, and Nottingham Community Voluntary Service (NCVS) database for prospective volunteers. In addition, our promotional leaflet also invite those interested in volunteering to contact us. A request for potential new volunteers is also included in news articles that we write, for instance Clifton News (a monthly newssheet which is distributed to all households in Clifton). Good Companions are also extremely grateful for additional volunteers who join us to support at special events; these are generally found through wordof-mouth or through their historical support.

All prospective volunteers complete an application form and attend an informal interview with two people - usually the Lead Co-ordinator and CFP Coordinator. This gives an opportunity to ask questions. They are supported in their role with Good Companions by

Our support to volunteers had to be amended during the various ‘lockdowns’ of the COVID-19 pandemic. These changes included:

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Training

Our rolling training programme was planned for volunteers in 2021. This included:

As a small charity, Good Companions relies on the existing charity network to access training opportunities rather than always direct-funding training ourselves. Agencies that have provided training opportunities in previous years have included The Bridges Community Trust and NCVS.

Some training opportunities were available to us over the course of 2021 however these were all of an on-line nature rather than our preferred medium of face-to-face. Whilst we have supported and encouraged our volunteers to attend our own meetings via Zoom and participate in WhatsApp communication, we recognise that volunteers’ time is precious. There has been a feeling among volunteers and staff that there is a preference to retain volunteer morale and continue with our services, rather than attempt to oblige volunteers to attend online training in the isolation of their own homes whilst other activities might be more pressing.

It is our intention that a face-to-face training programme will be re-introduced in 2022.

Some on-line training has taken place attended by the Chair on behalf of Good Companions covering such topics as bid writing, falls prevention and finance and accounts.

Referral Statistics

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Number of referrals received by Good Companions
Referral submitted by 2019 2020 2021
Social Services 16 2 4
Community Connector (including social prescribing) 32 15 25
Nursing staff (including nursing social prescribing) 14 7 6
Relatives/self-referral 6 12 15
Good Companions volunteer 4 1 3
Other 5 4 6
Total: 77 41 59
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‘Social Services’ includes Social Care Reablement, Nottingham City Council Social care, Community Care Officers, Adult Safeguarding Team and other social workers

‘Nursing Services’ includes District Nurses, Social Prescribers, Occupational Therapists and Physiotherapists.

‘ Other ’ includes Age UK, Red Cross, Nottingham City Home scheme managers, hairdresser, support workers from various organisations, Parkgate Community Kitchen staff and other service users.

Outcome of referrals

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Outcome of referrals 2019 2020 2021
Friendship Group (pre-pandemic services, Jan-
40 11
March 2020)
Home Visiting Scheme (pre-pandemic servicesJan
16 6
–
March 2020)
Phone befriending (pandemic outreach support
- 12 6
– –
April Dec 2020, Jan May 2021)
Monthly newsletter parcel (pandemic outreach
- 12 2
– –
support April Dec 2020, Jan May 2021)
Friendship Group (post-pandemic services, June-
32
December 2021)
Home Visiting Scheme (post-pandemic services
9
–
(June December 2021)
Phone befriending (post-outreach support June –
0
Dec 2021)
Declined help/no response to initial contact 21 0 10
Total 77 41 59
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Referral by gender

Referral by gender
Gender 2019 2020 2021
Male 27 13 14
Female 50 28 45
Total 77 41 59

Friendship Groups

All of our four Friendship Groups follow a similar format:

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Taxi use for friendship group service users is booked via an account held with one of two local taxi firms (Southside Cars or NG11). Service users are charged a fee of £2.50p each-way for this service. The remainder of the taxi fee is then paid from general funds. Refreshments continue to be served at a nominal cost; whilst biscuits are provided by Good Companions, it is not unusual for service users to bring a cake to mark a special occasion.

The friendship groups transitioned their post-pandemic opening from March to June 2021. During the planning period for the groups’ re-opening, we took the opportunity to re-format the costs of the friendship groups in order to reflect some increases in pricing and also to standardise the provision across the four friendship groups. The costs for refreshments and a raffle ticket stayed the same at £1 each, and the bingo costs altered from £1 for 6 games of bingo (with prizes) to £2 for 4 games of bingo (with prizes).

People ceasing to attend a friendship group may be explained by their support needs increasing, using other services, moving into a care home, moving out of the area to be closer to family, their passing away, or feeling that the group simply isn’t for them anymore.

Rivergreen Friendship Group

The Rivergreen Friendship Group meets each Tuesday morning at the Rivergreen Methodist Church in Clifton, 10.00am to 12 noon. In 2021, the group re-opened after the pandemic on Tuesday 29[th] June and had the final session of the year on 14[th] December. The group was closed due to planning or annual leave on Tuesday 31[st] August. Good Companions liaises closely with the staff of the Methodist Church, and we have a very supportive working relationship.

Initially after re-opening, attendance at the friendship group was a little slow. This was due to some service users clearly articulating that, whilst they were happy that ‘the club’ had re-opened, they felt a little hesitant at mixing in groups again. For the first 12 weeks after re-opening, we operated a socially distanced room, with our usual pairs of tables being set 50cm apart with reduced numbers sat at each table; a hand sanitising station at the entrance and exit doors into the main hall, and all service users and volunteers wearing face masks.

By the end of 2021, the register for the Rivergreen Friendship Group contained 42 names, of which 29 regularly attended.

Simone Gardens Friendship Group

Before the pandemic, our Thursday morning friendship group met at the Lakehead House Independent Living Scheme in Clifton. Due to the offer from a local housing warden of a change of venue, the group moved to Simone Gardens Independent Living Scheme (also in Clifton) and re-opened in May 2021. The group opens for the same period – Thursday mornings, 10.00am to 12 noon.

The average weekly attendance at the group is 15 service users. In addition, one or two support worker always attend. Other family members often attend the group.

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Good Companions liaises closely with the warden of the venue; we are not charged for use of the communal room. Simone Gardens’ and Lakehead House residents are encouraged to attend the group, by placing posters on the main corridor notice board, and leaflets posted through the mailboxes of individual flats.

Parkgate Friendship Group (Funded through People’s Health Trust) This group meets weekly on a Friday at the Parkgate Community Centre from 11am to 2pm during which service users enjoy social conversation over refreshments, games, and other organised activities. We have a close working relationship with staff and volunteers at the centre and as part of our collaborative activities, our service users can join other members of the public for a 3 course lunch prepared and served by staff and volunteers from the Parkgate Community Kitchen. This enables them to socialise over a meal and to meet up with other friends and family members who live in the area. Good Companions volunteers assist with the serving of hot meals in between the group’s activities on a Friday.

In 2021, the group re-opened after the pandemic on Friday 11[th] June and had the final session of the year on 17[th] December, when we closed for the Christmas holidays. All groups were closed due to planning/annual leave on the week beginning Monday 30[th] August.

For 2021, the average weekly attendance at the group was 19 service users, 3 volunteers and the Co-ordinator. The register for 2021 contained 39 names, of which 17 attend most weeks.

Whilst funding support has mainly come from the People’s Health Trust, the group generates income from service users through their paying for refreshments and for bingo etc which for the 27 weeks of attendance in 2021, amounted to a total of £2069. It continues to be a lively and very friendly group, participating in other activities organised by Good Companions, including fundraising and social events as well as trips and celebration parties.

Highbank Friendship Group (Funded through People’s Health Trust) The group meets weekly on Monday from10am to 12 noon at the Highbank Community Centre. Although the format follows that of the other 3 Friendship Groups, this group meets in the more relaxed bar area of the Community Centre, which creates quite a different atmosphere. The funding structure is the same as all other Good Companions’ Friendship Groups.

Post pandemic, the group met from 2[nd] August until 29[th] November 2021and shortly after the start, we changed the format to similar to that at Parkgate which allowed service users to have a hot meal in the middle of the day. Unfortunately, we were not able to provide as many group meetings at Highbank as at other groups as they opted not to reopen post pandemic until August 2021 and they also closed early for the Christmas break at the end of November. The average weekly attendance at the group was 17 service users, 3 volunteers, and the Co-ordinator. The register for 2021 contained 42 names, of which 16 regularly attend.

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Whilst we strive to provide and maintain a high level of uniformity across the groups, all of them have established their own identity, with some more lively than others depending on the service users who attend. This has been very positive as it gives people the opportunity to select a group that fits their personality and needs.

Home Visiting Scheme

Our Home Visiting Scheme provides a regular visit from a friendly face for people who are not easily able to leave their own home. Nine new referrals for the Scheme were received between June and December 2021.

Once a referral form is received, the Co-ordinator visits the potential new service user in order to assess their needs and to determine their interests and availability. Family are encouraged to attend this meeting as it allows for the Scheme to be explained and any questions answered. The Co-ordinator then will endeavour to make a match with a suitable volunteer; matches between service user and volunteer are made according to the interests/hobbies of the service users, their stated wish for a particular gender of volunteer, plus when they are available to meet with a volunteer – several referrals to the Scheme have regular hospital appointments or other necessary meetings.

There can be a time lapse before a match can be made and so the Scheme always has a waiting list. The usual expectation is that the volunteer will visit the service user once a week, for around one hour. Once a match is made the Co-ordinator will arrange an introductory meeting between the service user and volunteer; this is to support their first meeting and for the Home Visiting Agreement to be completed. The date of the first home visit is arranged during this meeting.

Volunteers complete a report each month which details the number of visits and the main discussion points but they are encouraged to report concerns to Co-ordinator immediately. The Co-ordinator contacts the Home Visiting Scheme volunteers once a month (by phone call, email or text) to discuss the service user they support and concerns are passed on as appropriate.

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No. of people receiving the Home Visiting Scheme in 2021
14
(since June 2021)
No. of volunteers providing the service 8
No. of visiting hours provided in total since (June 2021) 156
New referrals to the Scheme in 2021 9
No. of new referrals who commenced the Scheme: 7
Waiting list at December 2021: 4
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Telephone Befriending

As a result of our Outreach Service (see information below), we established a telephone befriending service for those service users, who felt unable to return to normal activities post pandemic, although the aim was to encourage them back into face to face and group activities as soon as possible.

This consists of a small number of volunteers telephoning service users on a weekly or fortnightly basis to have a chat and check on their wellbeing. The number of service users who received a weekly call was 7 although there were 3 more who received calls less frequently at their request. They were looked after by 6 volunteers.

Outreach Support Service

Following the establishment of our ‘Outreach Service’ in March 2020 as an immediate response to the needs of service users during lockdown, we continued to provide this service well into 2021 when Government allowed the meeting of groups in public places again.

Under the guidance of the two Co-ordinators, volunteers continued to support our 120 service users and 30 volunteers with the following:

A newsletter parcel continued to be delivered to all volunteers and services users which allowed Good Companions to continuing supporting and remain in contact with everyone. As well as our newsletter, these included:

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Service User Feedback

As a requirement of our funding from People’s Health Trust, we provide annual feedback on the 2 groups they fund, Parkgate and Highbank. Although we had been in lockdown for a significant period of the funding, in July 2021,Good Companions undertook an audit of the opinions of users at the Parkgate Group only as the Highbank was still not open. The form was of simple format and was designed to establish the views on the Outreach service.

Figures relating to distribution of feedback forms, and their receipt

Number of forms distributed to service users 38 Number of completed forms received 17

- An over view of responses

1) Please tell us what you like about the group at Parkgate

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Welcoming Good range of activities Friendly atmosphere
Good Company Good company Nice staff & volunteers
Catching up with
Friendship Enjoy meeting people
friends
Involved in activities Everything Friendly
Very relaxing No pressure Easy going
2) Please tell us what you would change about the group at Parkgate
Not always a quiz Speed meet Nothing, its brilliant
Mix people up so they
don't always sit at the It’s a bit noisey at times Nothing
same table
3) Give us your ideas for new or different activities in the group at
Parkgate. This can be something every week, once a fortnight or
just occasionally. It can also be a visit from someone to talk about
something of interest.
Tai Chi every week Raffle with a fresh produce prize Card games
Occasional Film show with popcorn/ice
Crafts
speakers cream
Time to get to know people
Board games Musical activities/groups to visit
without activities
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Trips and Visits

Every year we organise a number of activities and trips with all the groups. These are a few of the things we have organised in the past, please tick if you would be interested in attending these again

Garden Centre 8 Pantomime 10
Boat tripon the Trent 12 Christmas Party 15
Afternoon Tea 13

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4) Tell us the places you would like to visit with the group. This can
be anything from a trip to a local pub or café for lunch to a day out
at a local stately home. However, it cannot be more than a
day trip and no more than a 1 hour drive from Clifton .
-
5 or more people 3 5 people Less than 3 people
Lunch at a local pub Theatre Zoo/City Farm/ Sanctuary
Lunch out Cinema Gypsy museum
Visit to a cafe/coffee shop Arboretum Dog Rescue
Coffee morning Wollaton Hall Newstead Abbey
Cherry Lane Garden
Dovecote Farm & Cafe Matlock
Centre
Go for a walk Highfields Crazy Golf Crich tramway museum
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Fundraising

All of the groups run by Good Companions are done so using funds from one of our supporters, collected in the group or raised at fundraising activities. We are always looking to see what activities you enjoyed or for new ideas.

Tell us the activities you have attended and what you thought about them

Attended and enjoyed all of them Afternoon tea (most popular)

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Do you have any ideas for fundraising activities
More raffles Picnic
Charity walk Jumble sale
Dance BBQ
Tombola Bring & Buy Sale
Cake Competition Weekly Lottery
Car Boot Sale
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Good Companions

The main aim of Good Companions is to reduce loneliness and isolation for vulnerable and older people in Clifton, Wilford and Silverdale.

Tell us what you think about the service you have received from us. Have we reduced loneliness and isolation for you?

This is a selection of some of the comments:

This is a selection of some of the comments:
I don't think I would have got through lockdown without the regular contact
from GC,you saved me, thankyou.		 BM
Thank you all for all your input ST
Wonderful BB

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The support throughout the pandemic was exceptional. The phonecalls and
gifts were lovely and much appreciated. It really gave me something to look
forward to.		 FMc
Personally I am not lonely or isolated as have family close by but I really look
forward to the weeklyoutings to Good Companions		 KB
Afternoon tea excellent and lovely for family and friends to attend and share
the occasion		 FM
We were very well looked after during lockdown and did not feel abandoned. MH

Conclusion to Service User Feedback

All of the feedback has again been very positive and we have received some lovely comments as well as some good suggestions for activities moving forward. It is interesting to note that there is still a strong feeling of concern about moving outside of familiar areas which has come across inthe suggestions of where to go for trips. Previously, service users had been a little more adventurous in their suggestions but it is noticeable that since Covid, the suggestions for outing has very definitely moved towards keeping close to home and re-establishing links with friends and the local community.

It was agreed that a full audit would be carried out later in the year to establish how people felt about returning to groups and other activities and obtain their views on what and how we are doing.

Marketing

Good Companions continues to retain a presence on the ‘Do It’ website via the Nottingham Council for Voluntary Services(NCVS) as well as on the NCC ‘Ask Lion’ and, as well as our own Good Companions Facebook, has regularly appeared on local Clifton, Silverdale and Wilford Facebook pages.

Our website has finally been updated, co-ordinated through the Social Media sub-group, who regularly update this site.

During and since the pandemic, the importance of highlighting the work of Good Companions was essential as a mean of reaching out to those who were even more lonely and isolated. Regular articles have been printed in our Clifton Local News, promoting our services, which resulted in several new referrals as well as volunteers. In addition, verbal reports on Good Companions have been given at meetings of the NCC Area 7 Committee, the Clifton, Wilford and Silverdale Community Partnership and the AFN Steering Group, held online via Zoom or Microsoft Teams. It has also been promoted during a virtual conference organised by the UK Network for Older People entitled ‘Decade for Healthy Ageing’ and at the AFN Ageing Well Day in Nottingham Market Square.

Following lockdown, our leaflets were made available at our friendship groups and social and fundraising events as well as being widely distributed throughout the local community. Leaflets were also provided at the venues where collection boxes are situated. Our banners were displayed where and when appropriate.

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Funding

Funding remains a constant area of concern for any organisation, particularly with the current financial climate and cuts to voluntary and social services. With the continuation of lockdowns at the beginning of 2021, the fundraising we were able to do ourselves was restricted. In addition, we lost the income generated from the Friendship Groups. To offset this, donations were requested from our service users who were very generous, an extra special Christmas raffle had been organised and additional collection tins were distributed to various businesses.

We are also grateful to those businesses in Clifton, prior to and after the lockdowns who regularly provided items for refreshments and raffle and bingo prizes for our Friendship Groups. Many businesses and voluntary organisations also contributed to our monthly parcels for service users and raffle prizes as part of our outreach service for which we are very thankful.

Our grants from the People’s Health Trust have supported the continuation of the Highbank and Parkgate Friendship groups and our Outreach service to the service users of those groups. With the help of our Honorary Fundraiser, Andrew Price, we were awarded a number of grants which have contributed to the general running costs of Good Companions, which have been much appreciated including the Thomas Farr Charity, the Co-op Central England, the Skerritt Trust, the Lord Barnaby’s Foundation, the Lady Hind Trust, and Sir John Eastwood Foundation. Further funds were raised through Aviva and the ASDA fund, and the Clifton Community & Family Support group raised funds through their online auction – which have been very gratefully received.

Once COVID restrictions were lifted, a number of planned fundraising events took place including an Afternoon tea on 17[th] July and a Quiz and Fish & Chip evening on 22[nd] September.

Conclusion

The past year has been very challenging with the continuation of the World pandemic and our Outreach Support Service during the first half of the year. However, with the reopening of our Friendship groups, and the resumption of our Home Visiting service and social and fundraising events, we look forward to a more ‘normal’ and stable period of time in the months to come.

The hard work and support of our Co-ordinators and volunteers, and many in our local community, has been overwhelming and very much appreciated by our service users. It has enabled Good Companions to continue to support so many people, many of whom have been affected by the increased loneliness and isolation experienced during lockdowns.

Thankfully, our funding position has been maintained thanks to all those involved but more will need to be done to ensure our income is continued for the future, particularly given the current financial pressures.

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Good Companions (Registered charity, number 1144729) Financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2021 Page Contents Trustees, annual report Independent examiner's report Receipts & payments account Statement of assets & liabilities Notes to the accounts capLUS LOMMUNI I Y ALCOUNTING

Good Companions Trustees, annual report for the year ended 31 December 2021 Full name Good Companions Registered charity number 1144729 Principal address Clifton Cornerstone Southchurch Drive Nottingham NG118EW Trustees Clare Ashton, Chairman Christine Breeton, Treasurer Independent examiner John O'Brien, employee of Community Accounting Plus, Units 1 & 2 North West, 41 Talbot Street, Nottingham, NG15GL Governance and management The charity is operated under the rules of its constitution adopted 0110112000 and most recently amended 0511012011. As set out in our governing document, membership is open to individuals over eighteen or organisations approved by the Trustees. Objectives and activities The relief of elderly persons, being over 60 years of age, and those below that age who have a need for such services, living in Nottingham and the surrounding area by such means as are recognised as charitable within the law of England and Wales as the trustees shall determine. Summary of the main activities undertaken for the public benefit Our main activities undertaken for the public benefit include.. 1. the provision of a befriending and visiting Servi￿., 2. the provision of advice, information and support for such persons and their carers- 3. the training of volunteers. Public benefit statement By reducing the isolation and loneliness of vulnerable and older people in Clifton, Wilford and Silverdale areas of Nottingham and the surrounding area which improves their health and wellbeing. The Trustees confirm that they have complied with the duty in section 17 of the Charities Act 2011 to have due regard to the Charity Commission's general guidance on public benefit, 'Charities and Public Benefit,.

Good Companions Summary of the main achievements during the period Due to the pandemic, the charities main activities - home visiting and organising meeting places for vulnerable and older people (friendship groups), organised by 2- part time CA)-ordinators and supported by volunteers- were curtailed in March 2020. These were replaced by an Outreach service which included regular telephone contact, assistance with shopping and medical supplies, and the hand delivery by volunteers and co-ordinators of a monthly pa￿1 containing a newsletter and a variety of theme based activities and treats. Communication with and be￿een co- ordinators and volunteers was maintsined via Zoom meetings and WhatsApp with a WhatsApp for seNice users to communicate with each other. Once restrictions were lifted, our friendship groups were gradually reopened according to the availability of venues from June 2021 onwards with the last opening in August. Referrals for our services continued to be re￿iVed throughout the period and followed up as well as the recruitment, support and organisatiorb of volunteers. Fundraising activities also continued throughout the period with raffles and donation appeals. and once restrictions were lifted by very successful social and fundraising events- aftemoon tea. a quiz and fish & chip supper, and 2 Chrtstmas parties, as well as the annual visit to the pantomime. Home visiting recommenced in the summer and phone befriending continued for some of those who no longer required home visiting or attendance at a friendship group. We are very grateful to all our grant funders, those who support us in the local community financially with donations or gifts in kind, attend our fundraising events or give of their time through a variety of volunteering activities as well as the invaluable hard work of our part-time co-ordinators, which enable us to make a real difference to the people of CSffton. Wilford and Silverdale. The charity's policy on reserves We maintain a designated reserve of £6,000 to provide cover should we be unable to attract grants or raise sufficent funds through fund raising activties. Signed on behalf of the charity's truslees.. Signed Clare Ashton, Trustee Date ZO2Z

Independent examiner's report to the trustees of Good Companions for the year ended 31 December 2021 I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of Good Companions (the charity) for the year ended 31 De￿rnber 2021. Responsibilities and basis of report As the trustees of the charity 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 the 2011 Act and in carrying out my examination I have followed all the 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 that no matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respect= accounting records were not kept in respect of the charity as required by section 130 of the Act., or 2. the accounts do not accord with those records. 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. Signed John O'Brien MSC, FCCA, FCIE Employee of Community Accounting Plus Date 0110712022

Good Companions Receipts & payments account for the year ended 31 December 2021 2021 Total Funds Unrestrlcted Restrlcted Funds Funds Note Receipts Bank interest Fundraising Grants & donations Friendship Group income Sundry recei pts Totsl receipts 97 7095 6845 6470 403 20910 97 7095 34032 6470 403 48097 27187 27187 Payments Wages, Nl & pension Professional serwces Printing & stationery DBS&ID Events Hire costs Insurance Sundry payrnents Friendship group expenditure Total payments 2630 2540 23 49 721 1065 352 868 18454 21084 2540 713 49 1891 1400 352 1042 2760 31831 690 1170 335 174 2760 23583 8248 Net receiptsl(payments) Cash funds at startof this period Transfers be￿een funds Cash funds atend of this period 12662 20917 3604 11609 2256 12957 16266 32526 35835 48792

Good Companions statement of assets and liabilities at 31 December 2021 20 Cash assets Bank accounts Cash in hand 48417 375 48792 Oth8r monetary assets Debtors arml prepayments 595 595 Liabilities Creditors 696 (696 These financial statements are accepted on behalf of the charity by.. Signed Christine Breeton, Trustee Dated

Good Companions Notes to the accounts for the year ended 31 December 2021 1. Receipts & payments accounts Receipts and payments accounts contain a summary of money received and money spent during the period and a list of assets and liabilities at the end of the period. Usually, cash received and cash spent will include transactions through bank accounts and cash in hand. 2. Grants & donations Unrgidgd Rgictsd Totsl People's Healih Trust Boots UK Th)mas Fa￿ Charity Co-op Central England Skerritt Trnst Lord Barnabls Foundation Lady Hind Trust Sir John EaSt￿oOd Foundation Clifton Community & FS Group Amva ASDA FurKI AW Lymn Thomas Cullen Sundry donations 12087 4400 3000 2700 2000 2000 1000 12087 4400 3000 2700 2000 2000 1000 2000 750 637 300 280 50 2828 34032 2000 750 637 300 280 50 2828 6845 27187 3. Funds analysis Opening Receipts (Payments) Transfers balance Closing balan¢e Restricted funds Clifton Friendship Project 2018-2020 Clifton Friendship Project 2021 Silverdale Friendship Group Lead Co-ordinator salary Click Fund 4969 12713) (2256) (8594) 12087 5400 9700 3493 5400 2000 2064 12957 (7700) 4576 27187 123583) (2256) 6640 11609 Unrestricted funds General ReseNes 14917 6000 20917 20910 (8248) 2256 29835 6000 35835 20910 (8248) 2256

Good Companions The Click Fund contributes toward the group co-ordinator salaries. The transfer from the Clifton Friendship Project 2018-2020 fund to the General fund reflects the release of any restrictions on the use of these funds. 4. Debtors and prepayments Employment Allowance backdated claim Prepayment- Insurance 402 193 595 5. Creditors Independent examination fee Room hire Professional services 480 180 36 696 6. Trustees, remuneration Trustees re￿iVed no expenses, remuneration or benefits in this period. 7. Previous period comparison The previous period's figures have not been included for comparison because the layout used in the previous period was substantially different and does not lend itself to clear comparison. 8. Glossary of terms Creditors: These are amounts owed by the charity, but not paid during the accounting period. Debtors: These are amounts owed to the charity, but not received in the accounting period. Prepayments: These are services that the charity has paid for in advance, but not used during the accounting period. Restricted funds: These are funds given to the charity, subject to specific restrictions set by the donor, but still within the general objects of the charity.

Independent examinef s report to the trustees of Good Companions for the year ended 31 December 2021 I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of Good Companions (the charty) for the year ended 31 Decernber 2021. Re8ponsibilitie8 and basis of report As the trustees of the charity you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance wilh the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 (Ihe Act,). I report in respect of my examination of the charitls accounts carr￿d out under section 145 of the 2011 Act and in carrying out my examination I have followed all the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145{5)(b) of the Act. Independent examinerfs statement I have completed my examination. I confirm that no matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respect: 1. accounting records were not kept in respect of the chanty as required by section 130 of the Act", or 2. the accounts do not accord w5th those records. I have no cOn￿mS and have come across no other matters in connection wth the examination to vthich attentbon shoukl be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understsnding of the ac￿Unts to be reached. Signed John O'Brien MSC. FCCA. FCIE Employee of Communty Accounting Plus Date 0110712022