Support U
diversity matters
TRUSTEE REPORT
PERIOD ENDING 31"JANUARY 2023
1thparryN 07F(K70LAChattyWedin 1145334
## **SUPPORT U LTD Report of the Management Committee for the period ended 31 January 2023**
The Management Committee presents its directors’ report and financial statements for the period ended 31 January 2023.
## **Reference and Administratve Informaton**
**Charity Name:** Support U Ltd **Charity registration number:** 1145334 **Company registration number:** 07708702 **Registered Office and operational address:** 9 Greyfriars Road Reading, Berkshire. RG1 1NU **Management Committee** Mr A Stonehill-Brooks Chairperson Mr D Fender Trustee (Resigned 15[th ] Dec 2022) Mr T Harris Trustee Miss A Henley Trustee (Resigned 23[rd ] Jan 2023) Mr M Lawrence Trustee Miss Roxanne Potts Treasurer Mr William Goldsmith Trustee
**Independent Examiner** – Rachel Eden, Holy Brook Associates, Curious Lounge, 1st Floor, Pinnacle Building, Tudor Road, Reading, England, RG1 1NH.
**Bankers** – Barclays Bank PLC, 90-93 Broad Street, Reading RG1 2AP
- -- Metro Bank PLC, 201 Broad St, Reading, Berkshire RG1 7QA
Support U Ltd Company No: 07708702. A Charity registered in England and Wales No: 1145334
## **Structure, Governance and Management**
The organisation is a charitable company limited by guarantee, incorporated on 18 July 2011 and registered as a charity on 9 January 2012. The company was established under a Memorandum of Association which established the objects and powers of the charitable company and is governed under its Articles of Association. In the event of the company being wound up members are required to contribute an amount not exceeding £1.
All members of the Management Committee give their time voluntarily and receive no benefits from the charity.
The Management Committee has expanded to include new members to strengthen the governance and diversity model of the Charity but has also seen several resignations from long term trustees. The Committee still believes there are opportunities to diversify and expand the group and as such will secure an additional committee member in the next financial period focused on Inclusion and Belonging. The Charity continues to operate an open-ended Trustee recruitment program for new individuals to apply to join the Trustee Board, utilizing local advertisement methods (such as Reading Voluntary Action) and website-based advertisements.
When recruiting, potential Trustees are requested to complete an application form which is presented to the chair of trustees. The chair of trustees is permitted to scrutinise applications to ensure that the new trustees bring value and input to the Board for the benefit of the charity. If the application is approved, the trustee is invited to attend the next scheduled meeting to get a better understanding of the roles and responsibilities of a trustee before committing to the role. At this meeting, the candidate is provided with the Charity Commission’s CC3 “The Essential Trustee What you need to know” guide and talked through the main tasks completed by the Trustee Board. Every trustee is then given a formal induction by a member of the Trustees and is expected to complete E-Learning training sessions which include courses on Safeguarding and Management before commencing trustee duties. Furthermore, each trustee is required to attend a training course which covers the essential elements of the Trustee Role and is provided by our local authorityapproved provider.
## **Purpose and Aims**
Our charity’s purposes as set out in the objects contained in the company’s memorandum of association are to:
- The promotion of equality and diversity particularly in relation to lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender persons (in particular but not exclusively those residents in Reading) for the benefit of the public by:
- the elimination of discrimination on the grounds of gender or sexual orientation;
- advancing education and raising awareness in equality and diversity;
- promoting activities to foster understanding between people from diverse backgrounds;
- - cultivating a sentiment in favour of equality and diversity.
- To promote social inclusion for the public benefit by working with people in Reading who are socially excluded on the grounds of their sexual orientation or gender re-assignment to relieve the needs of such people and assist them to integrate into society.
- To relieve the charitable needs of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender persons (in particular but not exclusively those residents in Reading) by the provision of a centre to offer advice and support.
- The overall aim for the charity is to provide a safe place for people to discuss LGBT related issues and to offer opportunities to socialise with LGBT people.
Support U Ltd Company No: 07708702. A Charity registered in England and Wales No: 1145334
## **Ensuring our work delivers our aims**
Each year, we assess our goals, objectives, and actions. This evaluation examines our accomplishments and the results of our efforts over the past 12 months, gauging the effectiveness of key activities and the advantages they've provided to the specific groups we exist to support.
Moreover, this review guarantees the continued alignment of our goals, objectives, and activities with our stated mission. When evaluating our aims and objectives and charting our future initiatives, we consult the Charity Commission's general guidance on public benefit. Specifically, the Management Committee evaluates how planned activities will further the aims and objectives they've established.
## **Our Work**
The 2022-2023 period marked a significant milestone for our charity as we secured our first Government Grant in partnership with the Police Crime Commissioning (PCC) and the Ministry of Justice (MOJ) to provide support for victims of domestic abuse and sexual violence within the LGBT+ community.
This achievement required extensive training for our dedicated caseworkers and the establishment of robust mechanisms and frameworks to ensure the efficient operation of caseworkers, maintain reporting structures, and safeguard individuals facing domestic abuse situations. This journey has been an incredible transformation for our charity, enabling us to offer dedicated support in new areas.
In June 2022, Support U introduced our new service provision to the community and the wider Voluntary and Community Sector (VCS). During the quieter months of December and early January, our frontline team and administrative support staff realigned our service delivery. This restructuring included the introduction of a triage team responsible for handling incoming calls, online chats, and emails. This allowed our caseworkers to focus exclusively on client support, including the development of personalized plans and mental health assistance during challenging times.
In August 2022, Support U secured funding from The National Lottery to develop support mechanisms specifically for individuals identifying as LGBT+, people of colour, and refugees. This three-year project began with the recruitment of our first caseworker, who was tasked with understanding the unique needs of these communities. In the subsequent months, we embarked on a search for a project officer and a trustee to further support this initiative. They are now in place and working on the project.
Throughout the 2022/23 period, we responded to a total of 6,078 inquiries, consisting of 2,693 emails, chats, and social messages, as well as 3,836 phone calls. This represents an 11% increase compared to the previous year. The complexity and diversity of queries continued to grow, prompting us to invest in the training and development of our staff and volunteers, especially in emerging areas.
The establishment of the triage team resulted in a reduced waiting list for caseworkers, relieving the mental strain on our team members and enabling them to help more individuals without feeling overwhelmed.
Despite these changes, we maintained our core services, including peer-to-peer support groups, dedicated phone lines, chat, and email support, and counselling. We discontinued our befriending service due to decreased demand, which we attributed to its necessity during the COVID years to combat isolation. Similarly, we suspended 1:1 support for young people (13-18 years) due to the need for specialist caseworkers and limited capacity. However, we continued to offer youth groups for peer-to-peer support and provided referrals to appropriate services in the UK. We remain committed to seeking funding for supporting young people, schools, and parents in the upcoming financial year.
Our business and education service provisions were scaled back during this period as part of our ongoing efforts to enhance our future service delivery.
Support U Ltd Company No: 07708702. A Charity registered in England and Wales No: 1145334
In terms of governance, the trustee board concentrated on appointing specialized individuals with expertise lacking to diversify the board, with a particular focus on People of Colour. By the end of the year, we had added two new trustees, strengthening our leadership team.
We want to express our deep appreciation for the unwavering dedication of our volunteers and staff, without whom none of our services would be possible. We value the understanding and feedback from our service users as we adapt our services to support more people.
In conclusion, despite challenges, increasing client needs, and financial constraints, our trustee board remains impressed and immensely proud of the organization's achievements year after year. We remain committed to delivering best-in-class support to our service users.
## **Financial Review**
## **Financial Diversification and Operational Challenges:**
In the beginning of the year, our charity remained committed to diversifying our funding sources, recognizing the need to enhance our effectiveness in core operations. This became particularly crucial as we confronted uncertainties stemming from the ongoing pandemic and the escalating cost of living. Additionally, the increasing rental rates within the business sector presented challenges in securing new premises. To address these challenges, the board decided to invest in staff training focused on change management and mentoring.
## **Financial Stability and Cost Management:**
With the acquisition of new grants, along with anticipated funding beyond this report's end date, we were able to secure sufficient funding to maintain our current premises. Throughout the year, we exercised vigilance in managing core expenses. This approach allowed us to effectively control rent and maintenance costs while ensuring we met essential requirements. While our current setup represented a cost-effective interim solution, we recognize that it may not be sustainable in the long term. As such, addressing this issue will remain a top priority in the upcoming financial year, and we anticipate an increase in our buildingrelated costs.
## **Staffing and Wage Structure:**
Regarding staffing, we made personnel changes only when specific funding was secured for those roles. As the year concluded, we set a goal to enhance our wage structure in response to the cost-of-living crisis. We are committed to ensuring that all staff members earn above the Real Living Wage. This commitment will persist in our ongoing efforts to support our dedicated team and align with our mission.
In conclusion, while the past year presented financial and operational challenges, our charity remained resilient and adaptable. We managed to secure necessary funding, control costs, and support our staff through these challenges. Looking ahead, we are well-positioned to continue our mission with financial stability.
## **Principal Funding Sources: A Year in Review**
In the face of persistent challenges that emerged at the outset of the financial year, including the aftermath of COVID-19 and the escalating cost of living crisis, the charity has made significant strides in securing funding. Furthermore, there has been a modest increase in donations.
The enhanced support from these funding channels has necessitated additional investments to meet the growing demands and requirements of our expanded resources.
Support U Ltd Company No: 07708702. A Charity registered in England and Wales No: 1145334
This combination of factors has allowed the charity to achieve a key objective set by the board: the diversification and strengthening of our unrestricted funding sources. This strategic shift in our funding mix has enabled us to expand our offerings, including specialized services such as those related to domestic violence provisions.
## **Future Plans and Commitments**
In the upcoming periods, our charity remains committed to the path of diversifying our revenue streams and expanding our outreach to a broader spectrum of the LGBT+ community. Our primary aim for 2023/24 is to ensure that representation and resources are in place to make it abundantly clear that we are a safe and inclusive space for all.
We are actively working towards reducing our dependence on project grant funding, which has been a cornerstone of our financial support. As part of this strategy, we are exploring avenues to increase our business revenues, thereby enhancing our financial sustainability.
In tandem with these efforts, we are persistently scrutinizing our cost structure, carefully reviewing expenditures to ensure we can grow our impact at a sustainable pace. This fiscal prudence is essential for the longevity of our mission.
One ongoing challenge we are tackling is the search for new premises that align with the charity's operational needs. Thanks to the generosity of donations and our success in securing grants, we are now confident that we will find a suitable solution in the coming financial year. This move will provide the necessary foundation for our continued growth and service expansion.
In summary, our charity is resolute in its commitment to diversity, sustainability, and ensuring that all members of the LGBT+ community find a safe and supportive space within our organization. We look forward to the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead as we work toward a brighter and more inclusive future.
## **Reserves Policy**
Each year, the Management Committee continues to review our available funds and reserves to ensure sound financial planning within the organisation. Following the introduction of the Charity’s “Financial Expenditure” policy which incorporated several of our approaches, rules and policies on expenditure and commitments, the trustees have been reviewing the financial position of the charity in a more robust and comprehensible way whilst ensuring regular governance of the charity’s funds. This document also forms part of the onboarding process for all new employees, volunteers and trustees to ensure that we all operate in a consistent and proactive manner when it comes to use of funds and reserves. The Management Committee therefore examined the charity’s requirements for reserves considering the main risks to the organisation. It has established a policy whereby the unrestricted funds not committed or invested in tangible fixed assets held by the charity should be between 3 and 6 months of the core funding expenditure. Given that ongoing committed expenditure has increased in the last successive periods, the Management Committee have reviewed the reserves policy during this financial period up to £80,000. The reserves are needed to meet the working capital requirements of the charity and the Management Committee are confident that at this level they would be able to continue the current activities of the charity in the event of a significant drop in funding. In the short term the Management Committee continues to consider the extent to which existing activities and expenditure could be curtailed, should such circumstances arise.
In the past year, we endeavoured to secure a permanent office space, but were unable to do so due to budget constraints, preventing us from meeting the current market demands. Our CEO has made extensive efforts to find a suitable location, yet we have still been unsuccessful. With the current premise contract due to expire and costs continuing to increase in the rental market we have allocated £60,000 beyond our
Support U Ltd Company No: 07708702. A Charity registered in England and Wales No: 1145334
reserves policy to fund refurbishments once we secure a premise. Additionally, we have then had to further utilise the remaining unreserved funds to procure essential resources that were no longer funded by TVPCC, that we know are crucial for our continued operations.
Financial Position at year end: £244,563
Approved on behalf of the trustees
_______________________ Roxanne Potts - Chairperson 4th October 2023
Support U Ltd Company No: 07708702. A Charity registered in England and Wales No: 1145334
## **SUPPORT U LIMITED**
## **STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES (incorporatng Income and Expenditure account) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 January 2023**
||**Note**|**Unrestricted**
**Funds**|**Restricted**
**Funds**|**Total 2023**|**Total 2022**|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|||**£**|**£**|**£**|**£**|
|**Income**||||||
|Donatons and Grants|2|126,892|116,355|243,247|230,523|
|Business Services Income|3|3,890|0|3,890|7,891|
|Supplementary Income|4|512|-|512|-|
|**Total Income**||**131,294**|**116,355**|**247,649**|**238,415**|
|**Expenditure**|5|**124,878**|**78,747**|**203,624**|**168,854**|
|**Net Income/(Expenditure)**||**6,416**|**37,608**|**44,024**|**69,560**|
|**Other Recognised gains and losses**||**0**|**0**|**0**|**0**|
|**Net movement in funds**||**6,416**|**37,608**|**44,024**|**69,560**|
|**Total funds brought forward**||**180,413**|**20,126**|**200,538**|**130,978**|
|**Total Funds carried forward**||**186,829**|**57,734**|**244,563**|**200,538**|
There are no recognised gains and losses other than those passing through the income and expenditure account. All income and expenditures are in respect of the charitable company’s continuing activities.
Support U Ltd Company No: 07708702. A Charity registered in England and Wales No: 1145334
## **SUPPORT U LIMITED**
## **BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31 JANUARY 2023**
||**Note**||**2023**||**2022**|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|||**£**|**£**|**£**|**£**|
|**Fixed Assets**||||||
|Tangible Assets|8||4,504||3,989|
||||4,504||3,989|
|**Current Assets**||||||
|Debtors|9|-||2,244||
|Bank and Cash||242,214||199,517||
|||242,214||201,761||
|**Creditors: amounts due within one year**|10|2,156||5,211||
|**Net Current Assets**|||240,059||196,550|
|Total assets less current liabilites|||244,563||200,538|
|**Creditors: Amounts falling due afer more than**||||||
||||-||-|
|**one year**||||||
|**Total Net Assets**|||**244,563**||**200,538**|
|Represented by:||||||
|**Restricted Funds**|11||57,733||20,125|
|**Unrestricted Funds**|||126,829||120,413|
|**Reserved Funding**|15||60,000||60,000|
|**Total Funds**|||**244,562**||**200,538**|
For the period ending 31 January 2023 the company was entitled to exemption from audit under section 477 of the Companies Act 2006. No member of the company has deposited a notice, pursuant to section 476, requiring an audit of these financial statements under the requirements of the Companies Act 2006.
The Trustees acknowledge their responsibilities for ensuring that the company keeps accounting records which comply with section 386 of the Act and for preparing financial statements that give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the company as at the end of its financial year and of its profit or loss for the financial year in accordance with the requirements of sections 394 and 395 and which otherwise comply with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 relating to accounts, so far as applicable to the company.
These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to companies subject to the small companies regime within Part 15 of the Companies Act 2006 and with the Financial Reporting Standards for Smaller Entities (effective April 2008).
The financial statements were approved by the trustees on 2[nd ] October 2023 and signed on their behalf
Roxanne Potts **Director and Trustee**
Support U Ltd Company No: 07708702. A Charity registered in England and Wales No: 1145334
**SUPPORT U LIMITED**
## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 31 JANUARY 2023**
## **1 Accounting Policies**
The principal accounting policies adopted, judgements and key sources of estimation and uncertainty in the preparation of the financial statements are as follows.
## **a Basis of preparation**
The accounts are prepared in accordance with the accounting regulations set out under the Charities Act 2011, and with Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice (SORP2015), issued by the Charity Commission; with the Companies Act 2006 and the Financial Reporting Standard 102. The charity meets the definition of a public benefit entity as defined by FRS 102.
Assets and liabilities are initially recognised at historical cost or transaction value, unless otherwise stated below. The trustees consider that there are no material uncertainties about the charity's ability to continue as a going concern.
## **b Funds**
Restricted funds are funds which must be used in accordance with specific restrictions imposed by the donor or the terms of a specific appeal. Expenditure which meets this criteria is drawn from the fund. Unrestricted funds are those funds which can be used for any purpose in furtherance of the charitable objects. Unrestricted funds include designated funds where the trustees have, at their discretion, temporarily set aside resources for a specific purpose.
## **c Income**
Income is included in the accounts once the charity has entitlement, the amount can be measured with sufficient reliability and there is the probability of receipt.
Earned income is included in the period in which the service is provided, if any performance conditions attached have been met or are fully within the control of the charity.
Donations are included when given, together with an estimate of the related gift aid due thereon. Donated services are included in the accounts when received at the value of the gift to the charity provided the value of the gift can be measure reliably. The equivalent amount is recognised as an expense under the appropriate category. Legacies are included when the date of probate is ascertained and the amount receivable can be reliably estimated. Income which is subject to conditions that the charity has yet to fulfil, or which is specifically for use in a future accounting period, is treated as deferred income.
## **d Expenditure**
Expenditure is included on an accruals basis when incurred, that is when a legal or constructive obligation arises, and includes related irrecoverable VAT. Future liabilities are included at the best estimate of the amount required to settle them. Future liabilities are included at the best estimate of the amount required to settle them.
## **e Pensions**
The charity makes contributions to an employer defined contribution scheme for eligible employees, which are included in the accounts when they become payable.
Support U Ltd Company No: 07708702. A Charity registered in England and Wales No: 1145334
## **SUPPORT U LIMITED**
## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 31 JANUARY 2023**
||Unrestricted|Restricted|Total|Total|
|---|---|---|---|---|
||Funds|Funds|2023|2022|
|**2. Donatons and Grants**|**£**|**£**|**£**|**£**|
|Grants:|||||
|Heritage Lotery Fund|-|-|-|5,698|
|Berkshire Healthcare NHS Foundaton Trust|40,000|-|40,000|2,000|
|University of Reading|-|-|-|4,410|
|People’s Health Trust||11,522|11,522|21,187|
|Reading Borough Council|-|-|-|27,143|
|Thames Valley Police/MOJ|-|43,418|43,418|42,980|
|LGBT Consortum/NET|-|-|-|75|
|Lloyds Bank Foundaton|2,250|-|2,250|29,999|
|Architectural Heritage Fund|-|-|-|7,941|
|The National Lotery Community Fund|-|57,915|57,915|-|
|Berkshire Community Foundaton|-|-|-|4,353|
|NHS Charites Together|-|3,500|3,500|3,500|
|Sovereign Housing|-|-|-|1,415|
|Department for Work and Pensions|8,384|-|8,384|5,022|
|Donatons:|||||
|Gifs in Kind: Software|60,677|-|60,677|60,015|
|Individual Donatons|15,581|-|15,581|14,785|
|Gif Aid|-|-|0|-|
||**126,892**|**116,355**|**243,247**|**230,523**|
|**3. Fees and Charges**|**£**|**£**|**£**|**£**|
|Training + Development Services|2,925|-|2,925|4,905|
|Consultancy|650|-|650|2,430|
|Other trading activities|315|-|315|556|
||**3,890**|**0**|**3,890**|**7,891**|
|**4. Supplementary Income**|**£**|**£**|**£**|**£**|
|Interest and Investments|53|-|53|-|
|Other Income|459|-|459|-|
||**512**|**0**|**512**|**0**|
Support U Ltd Company No: 07708702. A Charity registered in England and Wales No: 1145334
||**Unrestricted**|**Restricted**|**Total**|**Total**|
|---|---|---|---|---|
||**Funds**|**Funds**|**2023**|**2022**|
|**5. Expenditure**|**£**|**£**|**£**|**£**|
|Accountancy Fees|-|831|831|420|
|Activities Expenses|3,602|2,478|6,081|1,043|
|Advertsing & Marketng|1,460|603|2,064|1,719|
|Bank Charges and Interest|181|-|181|22|
|Business Rates|-|98|98|255|
|Cleaning & Waste Disposal|-|-|-|630|
|Company Filing Costs|13|50|63|48|
|Consultancy & Professional Fees|1,303|760|2,063|2,295|
|Consumables|-|-|-|230|
|Cost of Goods Sold|14|-|14|277|
|Depreciaton Expense|3,306|-|3,306|2,013|
|Direct Expenses|200|-|200|200|
|Employee Benefts & Pension|510|2,626|3,136|939|
|Employee Wages and Salaries|32,385|60,884|93,270|74,113|
|Fundraising Costs|75|-|75|1,320|
|Insurance|1,051|-|1,051|1,395|
|IT Software and Consumables|61,132|1,600|62,732|59,890|
|Ofce Statonery|96|44|140|39|
|Postage and Delivery|-|-|-|33|
|Rent|16,640|5,505|22,145|11,318|
|Repairs & Maintenance|905|-|905|525|
|Subscriptons|956|251|1,206|1,171|
|Subsistence|74|922|996|649|
|Telephone and Internet|60|855|915|1,884|
|Training|633|550|1,183|3,732|
|Travel|282|689|971|986|
|Utilities|-|-|-|1,708|
||**124,878**|**78,747**|**203,624**|**168,854**|
## **6. Staff Costs**
The charity had an average number of 5 (2022: 5) employees. No employee received employee benefits (excluding employer pension costs) of more than £60,000.
## **7. Trustee’s remuneration and expenses**
The trustees did not receive any remuneration during the year. No trustees received payment (2022 – one trustee: £615.72) in respect of reimbursement of various receipted expenditure incurred on behalf of the charity.
Support U Ltd Company No: 07708702. A Charity registered in England and Wales No: 1145334
## **8. Tangible Fixed Assets**
|**. Tangible Fixed Assets**||||
|---|---|---|---|
||**Computer**
**Equipment**|**Office**
**Equipment**|**Total**|
||**£**|**£**|**£**|
|Cost at 1 February 2022|7,020|1,523|8,543|
|Additons|3,821|-|3,821|
|Disposals|-|-|-|
|Cost at 31 January 2023|10,841|1,523|12,364|
|Depreciaton at 1 February 2022|4,470|85|4,555|
|Disposals|-|-|-|
|Charge for year|2,798|508|3,306|
|Depreciaton at 31 January 2023|7,268|592|7,861|
|Net Book Value at 31 January 2023|3,573|931|4,504|
|Net Book Value at 31 January 2022|2,550|1,439|3,989|
## **9. Debtors**
|**. Debtors**|||
|---|---|---|
||**2023**|**2022**|
||**£**|**£**|
|Fees due|-|2,244|
|VAT|-|-|
||-|2,244|
## **10. Creditors: Amounts falling due within one year**
|**0. Creditors: Amounts falling due within one year**|||
|---|---|---|
||**2023**|**2022**|
||**£**|**£**|
|Sundry creditors|2,436|4,749|
|Accruals|400|380|
|American Express|1,301|112|
|VAT|(1,982)|(29)|
||2,156|5,211|
## **11. Restricted Funds**
|**1. Restricted Funds**|||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
||||**Funds**|**Incoming**|**Resources**|**Funds**|
||**Note**||**01-Feb-22**|**Resources**|**Expended**|**31-Jan-23**|
||||**£**|**£**|**£**|**£**|
|NHS Charites Together||A|1,364|3,500|4,433|431|
|Active Communites||B|3,036|11,522|13,012|1,546|
|National Lottery Community Fund||C|-|57,915|2,158|55,757|
|Thames Valley Police/MOJ||D|15,725|43,418|59,143|-|
|Total|||20,125|116,355|78,747|57,733|
A. NHS Charities Together provided much needed funding during the Covid Crisis to sustain critical infrastructure related to our counselling and support provisions
- B. This fund is from People’s Health Trust and is used for the purposes of running our networking and social services to an expanded coverage area which includes our popular peer-to-peer support groups. This project is ongoing.
Support U Ltd Company No: 07708702. A Charity registered in England and Wales No: 1145334
- C. The National Lottery Community fund, Reaching Communities stream has provided strong financial support to enable the charity to build and resource provisions for LGBT+ People of Colour and Refugees. This project has started this year.
- D. Thames Valley Police (from MOJ) provided core funding costs for the direct setup and delivery of a specialist LGBT+ Domestic and Sexual Violence support service. This project has now ended, and all funds depleted.
## **12. Lease Commitments**
The charity has a lease for its premises with rent payable quarterly at the rate of £26,400 per annum on a rolling basis until September 2023.
## **13. Related Party Transactions**
There were no related party transactions during this year.
## **14. Volunteers**
The past financial year has seen a decline in people being able to volunteer, mostly due to the cost of living and the need to work and forfeit volunteering. Luckily the staff have been able to support the areas that once were primary volunteers. Our volunteers are used for supporting our key areas of work where it is mostly needed approximately 15 individuals. These volunteers donate their time to ensure our service users receive the care they need in the moment of need. With over 1,057 hours donated by the team they are the backbone to the charity's operations (market value of over £28,000). Without the kind donation of their time, the charity would be unable to provide its core services and support the public in the effective way it has done to date.
## **15. Reserved Funding**
The charity has been operating a specific targeted fundraising effort towards new space from which to operate in the mid to long term. This funding has been set aside as £60,000 towards the capital costs of a new space as we come to the end of our current leased premises, and although not restricted in nature, the purpose was defined for this specific funding objective.
Support U Ltd Company No: 07708702. A Charity registered in England and Wales No: 1145334
**Independent examiner's report on the accounts**
## **Section A Independent Examiner’s Report**
**Report to the trustees/** SUPPORT U LTD **members of On accounts for the year** 31 JANUARY 2023 **Charity no** 1145334 **ended Set out on pages** 1-3
**Respective** The charity's trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. **responsibilities of** The charity’s trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year **trustees and examiner** under section 144 of the Charities Act 2011 (the Charities Act) and that an independent examination is needed _._ It is my responsibility to:
- examine the accounts under section 145 of the Charities Act,
- to follow the procedures laid down in the general Directions given by the Charity Commission (under section 145(5)(b) of the Charities Act, and
- • to state whether particular matters have come to my attention.
- **Basis of independent** My examination was carried out in accordance with general Directions given **examiner’s statement** by the Charity Commission. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts, and seeking explanations from the trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit, and consequently no opinion is given as to whether the accounts present a ‘true and fair’ view and the report is limited to those matters set out in the statement below.
## **Independent examiner's statement**
In connection with my examination, no material matters have come to my attention which gives me cause to believe that in, any material respect,:
- the accounting records were not kept in accordance with section 130 of the Charities Act; or
- the accounts did not accord with the accounting records; or
- • the accounts did not comply with the applicable requirements concerning the form and content of accounts set out in the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 other than any requirement that the accounts give a ‘true and fair’ view which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination.
I have have come across no other matters other than that disclosed below 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.
**Date:** 30[th] October 2023
**Signed: Name:** Rachel Eden
1
**IER**
**December 2017**
**Relevant professional** Chartered Institute of Management Accountants **qualification(s) or body (if any):**
**Address:** Holy Brook Associates Curious Lounge, 1st Floor, Pinnacle Building, Tudor Road, Reading RG1 1NH
## **Section B Disclosure**
I was unable to fully verify the balances of two figures due to lack of documentation. However I came across no reason in my review of the available documentation gives me cause to believe that in, any material respect, these figures did not accord with the accounting records.
2
**IER**
**December 2017**
**Give here details of any items that the examiner wishes to disclose** .
3
**IER**
**December 2017**